Taking Flight - Chapter 21 - We Are Set For Take Off
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October 12th & 13th
“Marinette you were supposed to be at the school ten minutes ago,” Makzenie held her chin in her hands as Marinette panicked to get dressed. Makzenie couldn’t fight the quirk of her lips watching her sister jump around her room. Her legs dangled through the trapdoor as Marinette was half-on, half-off her bed.
“I know,” Marinette said, her voice in distress. She jumped down with glasses on her head, her hair loose and wild, and her usual purse hanging off her shoulder. Marinette tripped over nothing for the fifth time since waking up trying to get to her bags.
She didn’t need a lot but wanted to be occupied on the flight. She opened her purse and frowned when she was only met without her ticket in the small bag. She rushed to open her backpack, “No, no, no, no.”
“Ticket,” Makzenie held up the item with a smirk.
Duh, right, Marinette thought zipping her bag back up. She’d asked her to hold it for her so she didn’t lose or forget it last minute out the door.
“Thank you,” Marinette said back pack on and suitcase ready for the week.
“Always,” Makzenie hopped down to the stairs below her once Marinette had taken the ticket. Once it was safely in her purse she lowered the suitcase down to Makzenie. Marinette gave a quick hug to her and kiss on the head, “Bye.”
Marinette rushed down the stairs, letting the suitcase thump loudly behind her. Damn their tenants, she was late.
Marinette stopped for a second and opened the door to the bakery, “Food please.”
Her parents and aunt looked at her in surprise. Tom jumped to grab a paper bag and tongs while Bridget blue-screened for a moment as she believed Marinette had already left. Sabine’s face was calm with a small smile at her daughter.
“Luka rode by with Juleka almost twenty minutes ago,” Sabine stated as Tom rolled up the paper bag.
“Thank you, I love you, bye,” Marinette rushed out as she let the door shut behind her and rushed out of the mix-use building. Makzenie entered from the door joining the family in watching Marinette run around the front of the bakery.
“Think she’ll make it,” Sabine’s question directed at her husband.
“At this point, I don’t know, I want to hope so,” Tom headed to the back to check on the ovens.
“I think she will,” Makzenie’s voice was overall monotonous.
Bridget leaned against the counter, “I thought I was helping her.”
Makzenie snorted unimpressed, “You aren’t as good as you-”
Makzenie’s words were dead on her lips as the bus drove by with Luka and Marinette right behind it.
“Oh sweetheart,” Sabine murmured covering her mouth. Her daughter never ceased to amuse her.
Outside Luka and Marinette passed the bakery, Luka trying his best to get to keep up with the bus. He could see the class starting to stand up and speak to the people in the front. Hopefully, they could get the bus to stop for them.
Behind him Marinette was panicking, part of her brain was terrified the glasses would fall off her face, but the rational part of her mind was reminding her that the magic wouldn’t let them be lost so easily. Alya had been trying to call prior to the bus taking off but Marinette had opted to ignore it to focusing on getting to the school.
The bus sped faster as more traffic came around them.
“We aren’t gonna catch up to the bus,” Marinette rested her head against Luka’s back in defeat.
“Don’t be so sure,” Luka stood on his bike and leaned forward.
Marinette’s face heated up at Luka’s sureness. She took a deep breath as she struggled to hold on, Luka pushed on chasing the bus.
Inside the bus students of Mde. Bustier and Mendeleïev’s classes were desperately trying to get the bus driver to pull over.
“Class, class please,” Mde. Mendeleïev tried to calm them down. “Let me handle it.” The teacher sighed before turning to the bus driver, “Would you please just pull over for a moment so our student can get on?”
“Sorry Madame I am not allowed to-”
Mendeleïev’s eyes squinted in irritation and she grabbed the bus driver's shoulder, “You will pull over this bus otherwise you can lose your license, and your bus company can lose dependability as respected transport of Paris.”
“As if,” the bus driver started but was interrupted by Mendeleïev again.
“You do not care for your vehicle and that is evident by the stains and food I’ve spotted stuck to your floors, one of your brake lights is currently out, and you struggled to get the door open,” Olga shot out in rapid succession. She saw the bus driver’s face pale as she listed them off, “So either you can pull over and let that poor boy catch a break, or let a girl lose out on an opportunity and I can call your employer on your behavior before reporting your company to the city.”
The bus driver's grip on the steering wheel tightened, “On it Madame.”
Olga Mendeleïev sat back down with a tight smile, “Thank you, I appreciate your understanding.”
The bus driver hummed in agreement as they pulled over and opened the door.
“I’m so sorry Mde. Mendeleïev,” Marinette started immediately but was cut off by the teacher.
“I don’t need to hear it Miss Dupain-Cheng,” Her face was grim as she got up. “Let’s get your suitcase put in the storage compartment.” She faced the bus driver with her hand out, “May I have the key?”
“I am not allow-”
“Well then I suppose I will call your-” Olga started but was met with the key being handed to her and the bus driver saying, “Here, here.”
She nodded before turning to the girl and getting her luggage into the storage. Marinette kissed Luka and ran onto the bus. Olga looked over at Luka who was smiling and waving at Mde. Bustier’s class.
“Thank you for ensuring Miss Dupain-Cheng did not miss out, M. Couffaine.”
She did not wait for a response as she boarded the bus once more and returned the key, “I appreciate your cooperation.”
“Don’t mention it,” the bus driver said not looking her in the eyes. The driver closed the door and continued to the airport.
——-
The class started boarding the plane.
Adrien’s bodyguard looked worse for wear, as his skin was unusually pale and his hands were visibly shaking. Adrien kept a comforting hand on his arm as they made their way through the line.
“Just focus on breathing and listening to the coaching audios we found for you. Once you’ve zoned into it I’m sure you’ll be just fine,” Adrien reassured him. Adrien looked forward as it came his turn, “Okay Gorilla?”
Gorilla grunted as he and Adrien showed their tickets and ID. Adrien thanked the woman and Gorilla nodded to her.
“I get what you’re saying but just focus on getting in the zone and everything, and let yourself fall asleep too. It’s supposed to be a long flight,” Adrien stated as he looked at his seat number.
They walked down the aisle and Gorilla made a grumbling noise. Adrien was facing their seats and turned his face to look at him with a raised eyebrow.
“Just breathe, we will fly smoothly to and from New York,” Adrien promised.
The two put the large carry-on up and Gorilla immediately secured himself into his seat and put his headphones in. Adrien felt bad that he was being forced to ride the plane, but his father had required his bodyguard to come with him or there would be no trip. Gorilla had known how much this trip meant to Adrien and so he was pushing through for the boy.
Adrien put his carry-on up in the storage compartment above. Basically everyone was already seated so he didn’t miss Marinette slowly making her way down the aisle.
“Hey Marinette,” he said making his way to her. “What’s your seat number?”
Marinette looked startled but gave a small smile and flipped her ticket for him to see, “32B.”
“That’s great,” he smiled, “You’re sitting next to me.”
“Oh,” Marinette blinked in surprise.
Alya leaned over Rose’s seat and smirked at Marinette, “That’s awesome Marinette! Go sit next to your friend, and you two can enjoy a nice looong flight together.”
Rose raised her eyebrows at Alya, which spoke volumes…if Alya had been looking at her. Alya was looking straight at Marinette. Adrien’s brows came together as he glanced at Rose confused, he didn’t miss the strange tone in Alya’s voice.
Marinette raised her chin, “Of course,” Marinette gave a similar expression back to Alya, “he’s my friend. Who doesn’t want to sit with their friend?”
Adrien chose to ignore whatever jabbing match was happening between Alya and Marinette. He was just glad Marinette called him his friend; he smiled, pointing at her suitcase.
“Is it okay if I help with your suitcase?”
“Oh you don’t have to,” Marinette tried to say.
“I insist,” he said before taking the suitcase from Marinette.
Marinette hummed and followed him. She repeated a mantra to herself that Adrien didn’t pay attention to. Adrien put her suitcase up on the overhead storage, he turned to Marinette who appeared to be spacing out staring intently at the air.
Adrien waved his hand in front of her eyes with an unsure smile, she gave a small jump back from him and gave a sheepish smile.
“Sorry,” her face reddened.
Adrien gave an unsure smile, “Are you okay?”
“Oh yeah, yeah,” Marinette smiled and leaned back on her heels. “Great even. Just hot in here is all?”
Adrien held back his confused frown, noting she spoke it in question. He slid into the seating spot and turned on the fans as Marinette sat down, he was quick to join her, “Is that better?”
“Yep.” The word came out chipped, but after a deep breath, Marinette smiled at him. “Yes,” her voice back to her usual soft tone, “That’s much better. Thank you, Adrien.”
Adrien beamed, “Of course. It’s what friends are for.”
Marinette nodded a bit overexaggeratedly, “Yes, exactly!”
Adrien opened his mouth to say something but their attention was taken by Alix exclaiming, “Chloé? Seriously.”
“Yeah,” Chloé voiced the same amount of displeasure. “I’m here, everyone can thank my father.”
Adrien’s brows came down. She only called André father when she was mad at him. He’d been noting all the differences she’d made, but since Hawkmoth she’d been brimming with pride over her father.
He squinted at her, trying to pick her apart from his seat. Even when she was mad she’d kept calling him daddy, so what had happened?
His stomach twisted. André wasn’t a terrible father. Chloé had all the freedom in her hands. Where had the man drawn a line?
He watched as her eyes flickered from Sabrina to Nino, to him and Marinette. He raised his eyebrows, but she looked away.
“Naturally he put me away from you all, so you don’t have to worry about me being around,” Chloé said just loud enough for them to hear.
Chloé heard them start to murmur as she turned to go to first class, Adrien stopped watching as he comforted Gorilla and Marinette stopped when she noticed. Sabrina was the only one left of the four she had glanced at as Alya had of course taken her boyfriend’s attention.
She ignored all of it as a flight attendant led her to her seat, and she nodded in thanks. She was quick to try and get comfortable but her leg wouldn’t stop bouncing.
Chloé pulled her phone out, swiping around without any intent. Finally, she opened her calendar and looked at the week she had to look forward to. She smiled at the little dot set for four days from now.
Four days and she’d be meeting her.
It’s just four days. Seven days away from Paris. New York shouldn’t be that bad.
——-
Everyone was resting, some having fallen asleep while doing activities. Like Marinette and Adrien who had been playing on his portable gaming console.
The controller in Marinette’s hands started to slide from her grasp making her jolt awake, tightening her grip on the plastic and pressing herself against her seat. She swallowed staring at the controller.
Everyone is safe. The Kwami are safe. Her friends are safe. Her family is safe. She’s fine.
Marinette allowed herself to calm down from the sudden adrenaline rush. She didn’t need to jump into a fight. She didn’t need to right now. She wasn’t needed right now.
Tikki’s flipper gave her comforting rubs on her hand. Marinette blinked back the tears that had gathered, and she smiled gratefully at her friend. She whispered with a raspy voice, “Thank you Tikki.”
She took the hand that Tikki had been rubbing and wiped the tears that had spilled. As the teen took a deep breath she looked to her shoulder, Adrien’s head was resting on it. Marinette smiled and didn’t notice her light blush as she took him in.
During the flight, Adrien had been so expressive and pulled on his hair in frustration over their friendly game as each round he lost. At least until they changed to a more peaceful game. So his hair was practically every which way, it made him look soft paired with his sleeping face.
Marinette made a small laugh, her face pure content.
His hair was soft between her fingers, he leaned into her hand. The feeling of leather ears against her suit made her retract her hand much faster than she’d brought it up. Marinette set the controller in the pocket of the seat in front of her before gently but quickly transferring his head to Gorilla’s bicep.
Marinette rubbed her sweaty hands against her pants, she glanced at him once more. She leaned over and grabbed the controller from his hands, the controller was practically out of his hands already, and she put it with hers. She straightened and headed for the bathroom.
Marinette frowned as she washed her hands.
It’s ridiculous.
She added more soap.
She’s being a terrible friend and girlfriend.
She scrubbed between her fingers.
Luka may have said for her to figure out her feelings, but that was not what he meant.
She scraped the limited amount of dirt from under her nails.
She is Guardian now.
She started scrubbing with her nails.
It wouldn’t be wrong to know.
She looked at her reflection.
But it would make everything so much more complicated.
“Marinette,” Tikki pushed her forearm.
Marinette looked down at her hands. The back of her hands were red from her scrubbing. She let the cool water run over her hands. She needed to get a handle on herself.
Suddenly the plane shook with turbulence splashing water and paper towels from the bin onto her.
“Oh Kwami,” Marinette whined as she scrabbled to turn the faucet off. She looked at herself, lip shaking, wet, and covered in used paper towels. All she felt like doing now was crying.
She couldn’t get it right, she didn’t know what she was doing, she…She was doing this alone.
Marinette grimaced as she pulled the paper towels off, and she pulled fresh ones to pat down the wet spots on her clothes. As soon as she got the wettest part to be more of a damp she opened the bathroom door and brought some extra paper towels.
She didn't want to hog the bathroom from anyone else who would need it.
Marinette sighed as she patted down the spots on her pants. The girl kept up her rapid blinking, it was all she could do to try and calm herself. She huffed; firmly pressed her lips together; looking out the window she took a deep breath.
The light shades of orange, pink, and red came through the clouds. Oh how dearly she wished to be on the other side, suit on and hair free. Finally, she could breathe smoothly, blink normally, and loosen her grip on the paper towels.
Her lips lifted the slightest bit. A moment for herself.
“Whoa,” a voice said softly. “It’s beautiful isn't it?”
Marinette squeaked and jumped back at the sudden presence, which made her bump into said new presence. She turned her head to find Adrien behind her, her eyes widened and she squawked out, “Sorry.”
Marinette was quick to cover her mouth, repeating in a much quieter level, “Sorry.”
She could melt from the acid in her stomach with the way her body heated up from her core out. Almost wished she would just melt into a puddle of human flesh goop.
“You’re okay, I shouldn't have snuck up on you Marinette. I’m sorry,” Adrien’s voice was a balance between a whisper and a speaking voice. He took a step back from the shorter girl to take a better look at her, “How did this happen to you? I’ll help.”
Adrien took a paper towel from her hand and started helping dry her shirt further. Marinette was able to get a quiet thank you out while Adrien helped dry her with paper towels.
Adrien opened his mouth to reply but glanced up to find her with glassy eyes and a pout on her face. He looked back at her shirt and continued to try and be of help, “My, uh, my father told me. Everything you did, that is. I’ve been meaning to thank you.”
Marinette paused to look at the blond, “But you already said thank you.”
Adiren shook his head as he focused on the task, “I mean just you. If you hadn’t gone and convinced my father then I wouldn’t be enjoying a sunrise with you. You’re amazing, you do things even when it seems impossible.”
Marinette stared at Adrien wide-eyed, not noticing her cheeks heating up as he continued, “You believed it and you did it! You’re willing to take a chance on anything or anyone, even when no one else is. You’re special,” he looked her in the eyes, “You’ve got something.”
Adrien’s glance quickly noticed a paper towel on top of her head.
“Something?” Marinette asked, her voice still quiet.
Adrien grimaced as he reached up, “Yeah, right here.” He held the piece between them, “In your hair.”
Marinette felt her entire face go red as she grabbed the item and quickly faced away from the model. Adrien frowned, not sure what to do. He tapped his fingers on his leg, he looked over to the sunset and he smiled.
“I do mean it,” he started. “I’m thankful for what you did,” he looked over to Marinette and she was facing him and the sunrise again, “for managing to convince my father. You’re truly an extraordinary person Marinette.”
He brought Marinette into a side hug, the girl tensed, “Oh, sure thing. Don’t mention it,” Marinette took a deep breath and let herself relax. She returned the side hug and smiled at him, “Like I said, it’s what friends are for.”
They were not given long to look at the sunrise before a thud was heard that made the plane shake. Marinette and Adrien fell, with Adrien ensuring Marinette landed on him instead of the ground. Marinette blinked, eyes wide, and pulled herself up while Adrien groaned.
“Are you okay,” Marinette exclaimed, not caring about being quiet anymore.
Adrien huffed, “Yeah. I’ll be fine.” He said thanks after Marinette helped him up.
Marinette turned to the seating of the plane in time to see Alya gasp before exclaiming, “It’s Techno-Pirate, he’s a supervillain,” she rushed to pull out her phone, “he goes after technology!”
Marinette stumbled toward the window to look out the window. She kneaded her lip as two heroes flew in and Alya was loudly giving exposition to anyone who would listen. Marinette felt her head spin as she watched the villain throw bombs that the Majestia redirected.
The girl didn’t notice Adrien right behind her watching as best he could, with a similar look of uncertainty. He fiddled with his ring, while two others joined the fight. He took a step back not realizing at the same time Marinette did too.
They watched as the heroes got the villain cuffed and towed him out.
“Oh, wow,” Marinette breathed out, “that happened so fast.”
“Yeah,” Adrien produced a nervous laugh, “guess it’s easier when it’s not magic.”
“Yeah,” Marinette said quietly when the American heroes were out of view. Marinette barely heard Tikki whimper, but it made her look at her Kwami. Marinette gave an unsure smile as she gave a comforting rub on her head.
Under Adrien’s overcoat, Plagg shuffled and gave Adrien a squeeze.
——-
The buses to the school residence were abuzz with excitement from the villain's attack, all of them and the one Uncanny Valley was interested in were no different. She listened as a Ladybug talked to Rena Rouge and Chat Noir spoke to Carapace.
An intrigued smile placed itself on her lips as her eyes lit up, “Interesting.”
Over the communications she heard Sparrow, “The Little Croissants are en route.”
“I’ll head over to the nest then,” Mercury informed, the sound of his speed coming through with it.
“Good,” Knightowl stated, “Don’t leave them unsupervised.”
“Roger that,” Sparrow affirmed.
“Understood Head Host,” Mercury called over, eliciting a barely audible groan from Sparrow. Uncanny Valley giggles as she landed on top of the residential building. She let her human disguise wash over herself before opening the door to the stairwell.
Aeon could almost literally feel her excitement humming in her body. The Android peeked her head in the common room before making her way to the lobby where many of her peers were already welcoming the Parisians. She joined Allan who was already there, as expected, and her sister came from the kitchen with a bag of chips. As she should have expected, Aeon smiled and bumped her sister on the hip,
“Isn’t this fun?”
Jess raised her eyebrows, “We’re babysitting.”
“Oh come on Jess,” Allan leaned forward to see her better from the other side of Aeon, “it’s more than that. We’re here to help them relax, and we get to hang with other teen heroes. How often have we even hung out during my time in the U.S.? Much less than your time with Aeon.”
Jess pursed her lips, he had a point…and she was very excited to potentially hang out with other heroes her age. It just would be cool to have actually met with any of them as heroes, or to know the identities of the leaders like her sister.
Jess surveyed the group, quickly picking out the previous holders, “I just feel like there’s more we could be doing.”
“There’s more than one way to be a hero Jess,” Allan said while Aeon X-rayed the students.
“Huh,” Aeon quietly huffed out.
“What is it?” Jess said, looking away from Allan.
“Nearly all of the students have several healed fractures, and scar tissue under layers of normal skin,” she held her chin in hand with the help of holding her elbow.
Allan hummed and opened his mouth to speak but was distracted by his classmate walking up to the redhead talking to another of her classmates. He smiled as the girl turned red after her friend whispered something in her ear.
He raised his eyebrow when he realized it was the fox-themed hero.
Allan’s attention shifted when Aeon giggled, he followed her line of sight to the automatic doors. Two students were possibly arguing…no banter, it was banter. The girl had her hand on her hip gesturing at the doors in frustration. The blond boy didn’t appear to be trying to cover his laughter behind his hand very well.
“You hear them,” he whispered to Aeon. She nodded eagerly, “Oh yes, they are quite entertaining. From the sounds of it, this is not their first time struggling with automatic doors.”
“Babysitters,” Jess grumbled under her breath.
Allan almost lost balance with Claude suddenly jumping and hooking his arm around his shoulders.
” Bonjour friends from afar,” Claude exclaimed in poor French, with a thick accent at the start. Allan sighed, that was another part of this, the American students practicing French and the French students practicing English.
“We look forward to this week of connections,” Claude continued making some of the students laugh, and earning a wider smile out of him. A thud sounded making the French students laugh again, the group of four looked over to see the girl finally in the lobby but on top of a suitcase, and the blonde on the ground next to her laughing uncontrollably.
Aeon along with some of the French students went to help the pair up.
One of the French teachers clapped in the air and began giving instructions making many of the students grumble. The students began to get their itinerary for the week, but Aeon noticed one of the students keeping her distance from the rest. Aeon nudged the two heroes when she got back to them and nodded at the blonde.
“Bee,” she whispered.
Claude was oblivious to the cryptic conversation as he grinned manically, “This is gonna be so fun.”
Allan barked a laugh and poked Jess, “It sure will be.”
Jess gave a huffed laugh and shook her head, “Sure.”
——-
Marinette and Alya made their way down the hallway.
“It’s so great we ended up in the same quarter’s group,” Marinette said smiling brightly.
“And it looks like we’re also in the same groups for most of the week too.” Alya grabbed the door handle as she said, “But this is the best part, that same room.”
Alya pushed the door open just for her smile to fall away.
“Yeah, I know,” Alix said, sitting at the window seal.
Marinette frowned as Alya grumbled, “As Chloe.”
Chloe lifted her head from her pillow to see the two girls, immediately groaning, “Kubdel, Cesar’s, and Dupain-Cheng. I can’t believe this.”
“Neither can I,” Alya seethed as she marched to the bed across the room from her. Leaving Marinette to look between the two beds in front of her. But Alix hopped off the window seal, “Don’t worry. You can sleep next to your bestie, I'll be next to the serpent.”
“Don’t call her that,” Marinette said, frowning. Disappointment was slowly seeping into her expression at Alix. Who simply looked away from her.
“Whatever,” Chloe said, ”I won’t do anything.”
Alya scoffed, “We can’t take your word for it.”
“Then don’t,” Chloe glared at her before burying her face in her pillows once more.
Marinette sighed and started setting up her items along with Alya. All the girls couldn’t help to glance at Chloe every once in a while, as she just… lay there. She had been strange for quite some time. Marinette saw it to be a good strange though. Alya on the other certainly didn’t, and Alix seemed to not quite know how to act.
“So did you see the boy who was flirting with Sabrina,” Alya asked, a smug tone ringing in the room.
“Oh no I didn’t,” Marinette tilted her head at her friend. She couldn’t help but glance at the blonde once more.
“Well he informed us that they’re, the class, is having a little hangout-party type thing on the roof tonight, and invited us to join if we’re up to it,” Alya grinned.
“Seriously,” Alix said, landing on Marinette’s bed for the week.
“You know I am, I wouldn’t kid,” Alya's grin seemed to widen in size.
“Well how about we try to get introduced to some of them before joining random rooftop parties,” Marinette said in a teasing tone. “Besides, today we get to relax with all of them. Then it’s classes with them, or out in the city. They’re gonna have us busy after this.”
Alix groaned, “You’re right girl.”
Chloe’s phone went off and the girls all jumped in surprise as Chloe landed on the floor after grabbing her phone. Chloe glanced up at them wide-eyed, slowly pulled herself onto her bed, and simply said, “It’s important.”
All of them just blinked at her as she turned away from them and started typing rapidly.
Alix tapped both the girls and pointed to the door, once they were in the hall together Alix sighed, “She’s been weird right? It’s not just me.”
“I mean, I guess,” Alya said, and looked down the hall. “But she isn’t gonna stay that way for long. She’ll be back to tormenting everyone soon enough.”
Marinette frowned, “Come on Alya, do you really think that?”
“Well,” Alya drew her brows together, “yeah. She hasn’t shown any real development.”
Marinette’s face turned into bewilderment, “What do you mean? She, she literally has distanced herself from the class, from Sabrina. Sabrina, who has for years done everything for her, who she has had by her side for longer. You may not have been around for their start but she hasn’t ever been without Sabrina for long.”
Alya squinted at Marinette, “Trust me, girls like that? Lessons don’t stick.”
“Trust me,” Marinette pleaded, “something has hit her. Deep. This isn’t the usual Chloe.”
Alix gave Alya a look and nodded toward Marinette, “I have to say I’m leaning more to Netta on this one. I mean think you’re both right, but this isn’t the same as those few times.”
Alya tossed her hair to one side and ran her fingers through it, “Sure, whatever you say.”
Marinette tightly closed her mouth, and her nose itched. She looked from her best friend to Alix; Alix just flashed a confused and deep frown. Marinette swallowed and decided to focus on getting back to the common room.
———
Allan sat back next to Claude, who was keeping up conversation with the French students. As well as one could with multiple people taking the time to practice one language as others practiced another.
Allan couldn’t help but glance at the blonde next to the boy…Nino…yeah, Nino. The blonde next to Nino, Adrien Agreste. Biggest, and one of the youngest models for his reach, models in Europe.
He knew Aeon would know who he was, with her database and untamed interest in the world.
Jess on the other hand didn’t recognize the name, though he couldn’t blame her, she usually dealt with situations within the North American Hemisphere. Not to mention Allan had already asked if she recognised him, obviously she hadn’t been to a function with him present. Then again, Barbara Keyens didn’t bring her daughter with her to social events and Gabriel Agreste didn’t bring his son too often either, let alone go out by himself much.
So when he explained the simple significance to Jess she just didn’t seem to grasp the importance of this. It’s fine though, it doesn’t matter anyway.
He’s in America, not London. It’s fine. He is not in London.
“Hey man,” Claude shook Allan’s arm, taking the teen from his thought train. Allan lowered his voice, “You good? You’re spacin’ again.”
Allan laughed, with hopes of getting rid of his new mood, in embarrassment, “Yeah, sorry. Just thinking of home.”
“Oh wow you’re not American,” Nino asked, he shook his head, “Dude you hadn’t spoken the whole time. I probably would have thought you were if you hadn’t spoken up.”
Allan shrugged with a small smile, “You caught me.” He laughed before continuing, “I’m from England; I’m an exchange student.”
“I have a cousin who lives in England,” the blond model said with enthusiasm.
Allan did his best to hold back a smirk, “You’re joking.”
“No,” he shook his head, it made his hair look halfway on its way to being unruly.
“You never said you had a cousin before,” one of the French students spoke up. A girl with colored braids, Allan noted how she seemed…hurt by not knowing this.
“Oh well it never came up,” the model stated simply. Allan let the conversation become a drone in the background as he noticed more of the French students coming back to the common room.
——-
Allegra wished to relax on a bed, but alas her best friend was adamant they mingle and that perhaps right now was the time for her to advise her designer friend. Allegra allowed the weather girl to drag her from their temporary quarters to the conjugating space.
“Oh come on Al,” she said, squeezing her hand. “This is amazing, you only get so many chances like this.”
“Depending on certain facts I do agree, but Aurora please consider my plans and your current career path we’re to have plenty.” Allegra blinked triedly, not to mention she had gone to a few places outside of Europe on family trips already, but she felt that if she brought that up it would dampen her mood.
“Oh please Al,” Aurora had that slight high tone before she went on to gush, Allegra smiled to herself just before it started, “The gala is hardly going to be a common occurrence for me. I’m only a few months away from sixteen, I’m sure they just wanted me to fill in. I don’t have enough experience. I only got this opportunity because of Alec being aware of my pieces Alya allowed on her blog.”
Allegra squeezed the blonde’s hand, “And he found value in it. I have no doubt he read what you wrote and brought it to the coordinators.”
“If you think so,” Aurora said quietly as they came up behind Alix, Alya, and Marinette and came behind them into the common room. Aurora shook Allegra’s hand and pulled her forward, “Marinette!”
The girl turned at her name and a smile gave way, “Hi,” she made a waving motion to her two other friends to go. She turned back to the blonds, “How was the flight for you two?”
“Oh great, aside from the seats. They could have been more way more comfortable,” Aurora supplied with an annoyed expression. She pulled Allegra forward making the girl stumble a bit, “This is my friend I was telling you about, Allegra. I usually call her Al though-“
“Which I prefer not being called,” Allegra flatly stated.
“But that’s not the important part,” Aurora said with a laugh. “You really need to be given financial and business advice.”
Allegra sighed, “From what I understand you have experience both in your parents and personal business?”
“Yes,” the girl nodded firmly, even raising her head a bit. “I even help with paperwork for my parents as they help me with mine. Ordering and spending compared to pricing, and finding what’s fair without a loss.”
A pleased smile formed on the blonde’s face, “Really, then I don’t see why I need to be a consultant here. You have all you need.”
Aurora groaned, “She’s not charging me is the issue.”
Allegra glanced between the two, “Well I’m sure she’s taken into account her current balance compared to previous or even recent projects. Between the materials and the time that is taken.”
“It really depends on the project and the circumstances,” Marinette shrugged.
Allegra raised an eyebrow, “What kind?”
“Oh well if it’s a commission through my business then it is time, materials, and supplies. If it’s a request from someone I have little to no history with it’s about the same,” Marinette smiled as she continued, “As for friends and others I am very close to I may play with what I am having them pay based on how time-consuming or strenuous the project may be.”
“But Aurora has commissioned and requested plenty of items and pieces from me that the time and supplies billed from those past projects should cover a dress at this point,” Marinette looked over at Aurora, “Especially for a fancy event.”
“Are you sure,” Aurora all but pouted to her friend.
“Yes,” Marinette elongated the word before leaning forward, “Besides you are a long-standing customer, it’s perfectly fine if I let you go free or with a discount.”
Aurora frowned, “You’re being too nice.”
“No I’m not,” Marinette said, pulling Aurora into a hug.
Allegra with her hands clasped in front of her said, “Well I do believe you know what you’re doing, I would like to see how you manage though.”
Marinette pulled away from Aurora, “I would be fine with showing you the formula I came up with,” Marinette then tilted her head with a teasing tone, “but I’d like to get to know you first before sharing my secrets.”
Allegra grinned at the girl, “Oh that’s not something I’m against I promise.”
“Aww,” Aurora exclaimed, while still teary-eyed, “I knew you two would get along.”
“Oh Aurora,” Allegra sighed before taking her turn pulling the weather girl in for a hug.
“I’m happy when my plans work out,” Aurora nonsensically spoke into the girl's shoulder as Allegra motioned to Marinette to go ahead to the socializing groups.
Marinette hesitantly waved at her before going to join a group of teens. Allegra watched her rub the back of her neck before finding a group she probably found to be the most comfortable for her.
“Are you good now,” Allegra pulled back to look at her best friend.
Aurora smiled with a nervous laugh, “Yes, just excited and a bit tired.”
“We can do all the socializing they want us to later,” Allegra glanced back at the masses, “We can rest up before joining them for their rooftop party.”
Aurora’s mouth dropped, “Rooftop party?”
Allegra couldn't help the laugh she had, “Yeah, one of the boys told me. He was very enthusiastic about us joining them.”
“Was he cute,” the weather girl grinned as they got back to the stairs.
Allegra looked back at the group that had some of Bustier’s students, spotting the boy, “I suppose.”
——
Huang stood on a chimney looking over the skyline of his sister’s neighborhood. Though he stood a few buildings down.
The sun had set some time ago, and without the sun had become much chillier. That had the man glad he’d worn a coat, while his younger sister sat on the roof below him rubbing her arms.
He smiled, the image of her one autumn morning waiting for the bus. She was about eleven or so, with long gloves, and being the little tween girl she was, had insisted on getting the rainbow fingerless ones. She ditched the thick coat in the shed before running to the bus stop, only in a thin zip-up and jeans.
Huang took off his coat, and slid down the chimney, he set the coat around his sister. Unlike her tween self, she smiled up at him, “Thank you.”
“Anytime,” he said, sitting down next to her. With his head against the chimney he lazily watched for the duo with his sister. He let his arms rest on his knees.
“Y’know,” Bridget started, Huang looked over to see her eyes closed. “I’ve been meaning to ask, why did you give me your summoning spell?”
Huang’s hands grasped his sleeves. He looked straight ahead, not wanting to see it again. He tried to speak, “I, uh.”
His grip tightened as he brought his head down. The feeling of his sister leaning against him made him swallow.
“Something bad,” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Huang only turned his head, facing her, letting it rest on his arms, and his voice was pained, “Yeah. Something bad.”
She didn't press, she hummed.
The man rolled the fabric between his fingers. The consideration of sharing more rolling his mind. He cleared his throat and brought his head back up, “Right after we had Alan, before your birthday, um.” He closed his eyes. “I was still studying under Elvira’s grandmother, and she encouraged seeing forward, and despite my,”
He squinted into the sky, “dislike for such use of my magic, I did as she asked.”
Bridget took his hand, she closed her eyes, and she focused on breathing as she listened.
“And I saw you, surrounded-” his voice cracked- “and I couldn't handle that. She insisted it was something meant to be, but I couldn't stand it.”
Bridget couldn't quite make the picture in her mind, but she could figure she’d found something that had him scared. Something that, from his knowledge, she would not stop.
He wrapped his arms around her, “I didn't want you to go chasing magic with a way to get me to come help you.”
Bridget took a deep breath and wrapped an arm around her brother, and squeezed him close.
“I’ll be sure to call,” she promised.
“You better,” he whispered with a laugh.
“I’m better at calling than Xia,” she pulled away, a smile on her face at his further laughter.
He nodded, “That is true.”
Bridget leaned away, trying to get good eye contact, “Do you want to go rest? I can watch for them.”
“No.” His voice was firm, he stood up. “We will wait for them together.”
“Okay,” she followed him up, pulling her arms through the coat’s sleeves.
It was another dozen or so minutes before they spotted something, moving from roof to roof. Huang brought himself back up on the chimney, his movement clearly brought the figure’s attention to them. His sister straightened, realizing it was neither the Cat or Ladybug Holder.
The figure landed in front of them. They were adorned in green armor, with red accents and straps, and as Huang looked it over, saw how it resembled traditional Samurai armor. He could only see the users eyes, as they sported the face armor with colors of dark red and green. He believed the piece was known as a menpō.
Though the suit still appeared to have the skintight spandex-like base layer that all the jewels seemed to give its’ users. And the user's limbs had more modern layers of protection than the body and face, and a shield sat on their back.
Bridget raised her chin as she took in the user, “Are you a new holder of the Miraculi?”
The user raised their eyebrows, “Yes-” she spoke after a beat-“Ladybug has asked me to assist her.”
“Is there an Akuma,” Bridget asked, her feet shifting.
The holder frowned, at least it seemed like she did, “No, just patrol.”
Bridget let out a breath of relief, she stood with a spine of steel, “Then could you alert Ladybug and Chat Noir that we would like to help them?”
The user narrowed her eyes, “And who would you be?”
Bridget pulled out her lanyard that she had clipped inside her pants pocket. She held it out for the user to take, “I am an agent of the Justice League, usually I am in America but I am primarily an assistant to Wonder Woman and her other allies. I was sent here under her instruction to investigate the city prior to her return.
“Though it would appear that quite a bit has happened in her absence.” Bridget paused when she looked up to eye them for a moment, Bridget wanted to shack herself in the head. But Bridget was professional as they came, “And this is my associate—” Bridget had to paused, to take that next breath. They’d talked about this, these kids need to trust them—“that happens to be my brother, Huang, a magic user not unlike yourselves.”
The Miraculous holder had taken the ID, inspecting it with suspicion. It wasn’t a well-known part of the organisation, but the League ran on more than just protection, justice, and respect. It was a fully funded and multifaceted network across the world, or as many places as they were welcomed. By State or Hero.
The hero finally looked up to them as she handed the ID back.
“What type of magic,” her voice still held an edge.
Huang bowed his head, “I promise I don't try to be vague as I say; A bit of everything. I study many forms of magic, but can only practice free range ones.”
The user’s head tilted back, eyes holding him in consideration, “And what classifies as free range.”
Huang smiled, she wasn't turning them away, “Well, religion-based ones are harder to practice as most require your devotion to them, and that is time-consuming. Then there are spell types, and—”
“And we could be here all night,” Bridget interrupted, and she gave a smile to the young woman before her. “So, you may not trust us, but we’d like to help as much as we can.
“We need to talk to Ladybug and Cat Noir, aside from the already apparent danger; there is the probably things will get worse if they don't get guidance with the powers they’ve been given.”
The holder turned away from them, neither of them could tell what was going on her head.
“And that you’ve been given,” Huang spoke up. He shook his head, “This could become a delicate situation if not given the proper treatment.”
The holder sighed, she glanced back them, “I, I believe you, but unfortunately neither of them are in Paris at the moment.”
Bridget’s heart dropped before it started to speed up in her chest, “They,” she took a breath, “they left?”
Huang rubbed his face, “Where could they possibly have gone?”
“Ladybug only gave me instructions, but you have to realize,” the holder’s voice raised, she caught her words taking a breath. She held their gaze, “We have lives, do you not? Are simply at the surrender of serving others?”
Bridget’s mouth was sealed shut with that, but Huang frowned, feeling guilt for how his words may have sounded to this young girl.
“Our apologies,” he bowed his head once again. “Of course there are things that come up in civilian life that make a hero's all the more difficult to accomplish.”
The holder looked him over before saying, “I will notify them of your offered assistance. I am sure they’ll want to meet.”
“Thank you,” Huang couldn't help the full amount of sincerity that bled throughout his voice. “And what is your name?”
She held her head high, “Barikēdo, Temporary Holder of the Turtle.”
“Well it was an honor to meet you,” Huang bowed his head, mainly to hide his smile at the name.
“Thank you for your time,” Bridget said quietly.
Without a word the holder left them.
——-
Marinette rocked on her feet. Alya was typing on her phone as the two of them waited at their room, and Chloé was lying down in her bed. Marinette still found herself uncomfortable with how Alya had spoken about the other girl, but was choosing to ignore it till the trip was over.
She truly just wanted to enjoy this, this small break.
Well, enjoy as much as she could with them trying to sneak around the building to the party the American students were throwing for them. A little welcoming event not required by their teachers.
Marinette could feel her anxiety flickering in her chest, waiting for Nino and Adrien to get to them. Alix had already headed up, and Marinette would have gone with her if Alya hadn’t insisted they wait for the two. She started to wish she’d just gone up.
Marinette glanced at the fire escape, she could always try that way.
A light knock sounded, stopping her from attempting the journey. Marinette smiled as Alya opened the door, bouncing in place, making her own nerves apparent.
“Hey,” Alya’s voice giddy and breathy as she greeted her boyfriend.
“Hey,” the boy grinned, leaning against the doorway. While he may have sounded chill, his bouncing leg gave away his nerves. Marinette covered her smirk behind her hand, knowing he was not nearly as adventurous as the girl they had come to enjoy.
Adrien poked his head on Nino's shoulder, “Hey.”
That made Alya clear her throat and grab Nino’s hand, she glanced back at Marinette, “Let’s go.”
Marinette couldn't help looking back at the girl in their room as she shut the door, as she turned she bumped into Adrien.
“Sorry,” he whispered. They followed Alya and Nino, he huffed before asking, “How is she? From what you can tell.”
Marinette blinked, and frowned. How would she describe Chloé?
“Uh, she is not unlike,” she waved her hand around, “sequestered? Very much keeping to herself. I don't know what exactly to make of her at the moment.”
Adrien hummed, “Maybe we should-”
A door handle started to turn, Marinette’s eyes widened knowing whose its was. She grabbed Adrien’s hand at the same time Alya pulled Nino to the end of the hall. Adrien and her had taken a slower pace, so Marinette grabbed the closed door handle and pulled her and the blond in.
They crashed into the wall adjacent to the door as they closed it. They held their breath hearing Mde. Mendeleïev's voice in the hall. When her door shut they let themselves breath again and Marinette pulled away from Adrien, whom she had squished against the wall.
“Sorry,” she barely got the word out as he chuckled.
“It’s okay, quick thinkin’ Mars,” Adrien grinned down at her. Marinette beamed at him, a voice cut their moment short,
“Do you two lovebirds usually burst into random rooms or is this a special occasion?”
Marinette jumped and Adrien rubbed the back of his neck.
“Huh,” Marinette’s brain needed a moment to process the words that were spoken, into French.
“Jess,” the girl next to the “Jess” hissed at her, “be nice.”
“We’re so sorry,” Adrien got out, in his amazing English.
Marinette’s brain kicked into overdrive, “Uh, Hi-i,” she took a deep breath. Please, words, she begged. “My name is Marinette, and this is my, uh, good friend Adrien!” Adrien gave a wave. “As he said, we’re very sorry.”
“Oh it’s okay,” the second girl who spoke reassured them.
“You looking for the party?” Jess asked, with a lot of raised eyebrow.
“Yes,” Adrien gave a sheepish smile.
The girl sighed as pulled herself up, guitar in hand, “Come on, we were getting ready to head there anyway.”
“Oh, thank you,” Marinette smiled.
“Yeah, thank you,” Adrien echoed.
The second girl followed, whispering something to Jess. Jess scoffed, and Marinette couldn't make out what she was saying. She caught the words “meddling,” “babysitting,” and “to watch.”
Marinette frowned as they followed the two girls up the stairwell. Adrien tapped her arm, “What’s up?”
Marinette shrugged, glancing back at the two girls. Her arms suddenly felt tight as she eyed the two. “I- I’m not sure.”
Adrien hummed, continuing to walk next to her. Marinette smiled, it was pleasant. Their silence, it…it was familiar. She looked over at him, but had to take her eyes away. She didn't want to think about that right now. She’d just enjoy this moment.
The quiet was taken as they went through the door to the roof. Music, lights, snacks, all latched themselves to their senses.
“Wow,” she heard Adrien say. Right, she thought looking at him. He hasn't gotten to do much outside of what his father allows. Marinette looked around till she found the group of kids they had talked to earlier, she grabbed his hand dragging him over. Though he had no issue with that.
“Hi,” Marinette fought nerves and made her voice clear. “Claude and Delmar, right?”
“Yes,” Claude grinned, he leaned on her shoulder. “And you didn't introduce yourself earlier.”
Marinette’s face went red, she opened her mouth to introduce herself but Adrien spoke up, “Her name is Marinette. She doesn't like being leaned on.”
Marinette looked to her other side, eyes wide. Did she tell him that? Or did she tell-
“If she doesn't like it she’ll tell me,” the American said, bummed out, but he got off of her shoulder. He put his hands in the air and shrugged, “Didn't mean to put myself on your girlfriend.”
“Girlfriend?” Marinette squeaked. She shook her head, “You’re mistaken-”
“We’re not,” Adrien started at the same time.
“We’re friends,” Marinette said sweetly.
“Okay,” Claude frowned, “I shouldn't have assumed, I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay,” Marinette said, unsure. Maybe they should have gone to a different group.
“Uh,” the other teen spoke up. “Did your friend happen to come up with you? The one in the plaid skirt and cute bob?”
Marinette gave a wobbly smile, “No sorry. She might still be in her room.”
“Oh,” the teen deflated. “Well, happy you guys were able to join us.”
“Barely,” Marinette joked.
Claude attempted to start another conversation with the two, and Delmar gave a thought or two before leaving to search for the cute redhead. After talking to a few of the gathering teens Delmar found himself heading to the fire escape. He squinted as he thought, he was sure he’d see which room she’d gone in, one with the fire escape to the window.
He hadn't been trying to take note of it, it just happened he was following one of his friends who was chatting up another French student.
Delmar swallowed as he made his way down the steps, his chest hammering on. He recalled a conversation from a few days ago. Was he really taking his friend’s advice to heart?
He was turning the corner when he noticed plaid, he almost slipped down the metal stairs as he pulled himself to a stop. There she was, lying on the bed, arm covering her face. His hand shook as he knocked on the window, and found himself wincing as she jumped from the noise.
He gave a smile, albeit nervous, and waved. She eyed him up and down before rounding the bed and opening the window.
“What, what are you doing?” she raised her eyebrows as she brought her arms down.
“Uh.” Woooow, wonderful answer, he cleared his throat, “I’m your escort, the party’s well on its way.”
She blinked as though it were a strange and nonsensical idea. Perhaps it was. Maybe it was out of her comfort zone and Delmar had ruined a chance at as little as friendship. He felt his smile falter as he watched the thoughts fly by in her eyes.
Sabrina folded her arms around herself and felt an unsure frown form as she leaned against the window seal.
She didn't usually go to parties, and less so without Chloé. Though, most of the ones she had gone to were through Chloé. Chloé had said they needed to grow without depending on one another, and the other girls in class had been insisting that she pick what she wanted.
She met the boy’s gaze, eyes so full of uncertainty. It felt like a reflection of herself. She gave a timid smile, “I like the idea of that.”
“Oh yeah,” he gave a big ol’ grin as he spoke, “Only the best one you’ll have this side of the East River.”
Sabrina couldn't help the quiet chuckle that came out, when let her eyes open back up his hand was out. She swallowed, her dad would totally kill her…but he wasn't here. She gave him a content smile as she let him help her into the fire escape.
She followed him up the steps, she couldn't help glancing to the window as they passed it. She froze midstep. There she was. Chloé. Lying stomach down on the bed, texting. She couldn't see who, but did it matter?
“Hey,” Delmar called down, stopping at the next turn, “You good?”
She tore her eyes from her best— her former friend? She pulled a smile onto her face, “Yeah, sorry. I thought I heard something.”
“These old things make so much noise,” Delmar shrugged, “but it was probably someone below.”
Sabrina nodded to herself as she pulled herself forward with the handrail. Maybe, everyone was right. They needed space, to grow, to learn.
Sabrina felt herself become lighter for the first time in weeks as she brought herself to the roof.
“So let me give you the tour,” He stated, before the admittance, “We hide a lot of stuff up here.”
Sabrina smirked as she raised her eyebrows, “Whatever could you all be hiding up here?”
Alya eyed the two as they walked past, a satisfied smile resting on her face. Good, she thought as she took a sip of her juice. They’d been having a hard time getting Sabrina to do things on her own accord, nice to see she had thought about if she wanted to be here.
“Hey what’s that,” her boyfriend asked beside her. Adjusting his glasses placement, looking in the sky.
“Is it a bird?” Marinette asked, with her head tilted.
“Is it a plane?” Adrien asked, squinting and leaning forward.
It took Alya a moment but oh when it clicked, that familiar silhouette, she murmured into her drink, “Hell yeah.”
“Oh yeah,” another teen hollered from across the roof.
“Hot Dog Dan,” Delmar cheered.
“Who?” Marinette asked with a laugh. Somewhat bewildered.
“Girl it’s Hot Dog Dan,” Alya bumped her hip against her and made her way toward the cart with everyone else. “Didn't I tell you about him?”
Marinette faced squinched up as she tried to recall, the name certainly sounded familiar. Jess came up next to her, hand on her hip, “Hmm, looks like he’s patrolling solo tonight.”
“Does he have others he goes with,” Adrien asked, his curiosity in its purest form.
Jess nodded, “Usually Ketchup Boy and Mustard Justice.” She paused before gesturing toward the hero with her chin, “You should hurry if you wanna try one of his magic hotdogs.”
“Magic,” Marinette and Adrien quietly said at the same time as they made their way to the hot dog stand. Alya encouraged Sabrina to try hers; she'd been pulled forward by Delmar to get her first try. Marinette couldn't help her mouth dropping as Sabrina’s bob turned into a Victorian’s dream.
“Careful Mars, you’ll catch flies,” Adrien grinned down at her. That made Marinette snap her mouth shut, “Only cause I’m next to you.”
Adrien’s mouth gaped and he put a hand on his chest, “Now that was just foul Marinette.”
“I’m not the one with branded cologne that has a hint of stinky cheese in mass production,” she grinned, her cheeks all the more round from her enjoyment. It almost hurt her to smile.
Adrien squinted at her as they moved forward, “And how would you know that?”
Marinette’s face went red, composure gone, “I- Well, uh. You see—”
Thankfully for her, they finally made it up to the cart where the hero announced, “Sorry this is my last hot dog.”
“Oh,” Adrien frowned. After taking it he held toward her, “Here Marinette. You have it.”
“No Adrien, you can have it, all yours.” Marinette tried to push it back.
“But—”
“I insist. What kind of friend would I be?”
“Mars take it,” Adrien frowned.
“Oh C’mon,” Nino stomped forward, grabbing the hotdog. “Just split it like Alya and I did.”
He ripped it in half and set it back in the tray. He immediately turned back to join his girlfriend, where he not so subtly complained about the back and forth. As the answer was so obvious.
Adrien felt his face heat up in embarrassment, as usual Nino giving him the simple solution he couldn't quite see. He held out the paper tray and grabbed one half, and Marinette took it with a small smile. Her cheeks pink, she must be just as embarrassed as him at the situation.
“Same time?” She motioned with the dog.
“Ready,” he smiled.
“Always,” she grinned, and it felt so familiar.
After finishing the first bite they started to float, Adrien's eyes widened as he watched the ground get farther away. He found himself dropping his hot dog when he reached over to help a frantic Marinette, who had dropped within seconds of the float.
He’d grabbed her by the forearm, once she settled upright he dragged his hand so they were attached there. Hand in hand.
“Woah,” Marinette breathed out, looking down and around. And pulling her hand away.
“Yeah,” Adrien let out, the same amazement in his voice, “nothing like those Akuma ones.”
Adrien caught her having a shiver at the thought of them.
“You could say that away,” her voice shook but when he looked over at her she still was looking around in amazement. They slowly came to a stop, and they both looked up. The moon in full view, and a few stars could just barely be made out with all the light pollution around.
Adrien blinked when that familiar melody started to play from below, he glanced down to see Jess talking to Alya as she played her guitar.
“Hey,” he got Marinette’s attention, he grinned, “that’s the song we danced to at Chloé’s parties.”
Marinette paused, taking a moment to listen. Her hearing certainly was as good as his, with the enhancement from the Cat Miraculous. Not that she would know that.
“Huh,” she smiled to herself before meeting his eyes again, “it is.”
“That was real fun,” he said, remembering the quiet moments where they whispered about the party. Getting the others’ idea of Chloé, of getting to see each away from school.
She laughed fondly, “Yeah, it was.”
Her eyes looked back down to the party below, a content smile as she did. The moon and surrounding lights reflecting off of her, her dark hair almost looked like stars were shining on them. Adrien had to fight with his lungs to take a breath as he put his hand out.
“Would you do me the honor?”
He had to stop Princess from coming off his tongue, because for the first time he wasn't Chat Noir but he didn't feel like Adrien Agreste. He…felt like he was just Adrien.
Marinette looked up at him, her cheeks still held that light pink. She blinked at him before giggling and shaking her head, “I suppose I could spare you a dance tonight.”
His eyes widened at the return of her teasing tone, but relaxed when she took his hand. He smiled as they danced to their song.
As the two danced another couple fist pumped.
“This is going so well,” Alya whispered before shivering.
“Where’s your coat?” Nino frowned, looking at his girlfriend.
“I left it down in our room. I didn't really think I’d need it,” she gave a sheepish smile.
Nino grinned, “It’s the beginning of October, and you lived here before Paris.” He raised an eyebrow, “You wanted to steal another hoodie.”
Alya smirked and glanced away, “Maybe.”
Nino sighed, he gave a kiss to her temple, “I’m gonna go get your coat from your room because yours has the fire escape access.”
Alya huffed, “Unfair.”
“I know,” he murmured, lips against her temple still.
As he pulled away she said, “Beware the witch.”
Nino swallowed and gave a nervous smile, “Sure will babe.”
Nino was careful as he made his way down the metal contraption. The steep steps were certainly not a comfort to behold. As he came to the correct room he saw the blond, he slowly opened the window. She jumped at the sound.
She looked like a deer in headlights, but when she realized who it was she relaxed.
“Hey Nino,” she greeted before turning back to her phone.
He slowly brought himself in, unsure, “Hey.”
He didn't want to be too comfortable, but it was the first time in years she’d said his first name. He tilted his head considering it, it really only took one throw-up session for her to be friendly huh?
He made his way over to Alya’s bed, pretty clear with her jacket in the headboard. He picked it up, he could see her face once more by her phone light. She had the lightest bags under eyes, she’d need to get on her sleep schedule soon it seemed.
He paused before passing her, “How have you been?”
She paused her typing.
He started to fiddle with the jacket, “He hasn't tried again has he? If he does, you could, y'know, reach out after.”
He felt his throat tightened. This had been eating him up since it happened. Chloé hadn't been the most forthcoming with information after throwing up. She just started crying, ugly crying.
She looked up at him, and he felt nine years old again. Found her crying in a corner. Asking why she put gum in Marinette’s hair.
Except for once it had nothing to do with Marinette, and all to do with Chloé.
Chloé turned off her phone and set it aside, taking a deep breath.
“No, he hasn't tried anything. Thankfully. It’s so hard to, to refuse…him,” she looked up at him. “I don't know, the magic it…it,” she put her head between her knees. “It isn't safe for me.”
Nino felt his blood rush, “What do you mean?”
When she looked at him she had tears in her eyes, “When he, he tries to get me to accept it’s like it’s more than him telling me to. Like an itch that will be solved by accepting the akumtization.”
Nino frowned, “You mean to fix your issue, right?”
“No,” her voice cracked. She shook her head, “Like I need it. Like I won’t function without it.”
The way her voice said that last sentence sent a shiver down Nino’s spine. He felt himself take a breath, he needed to get back to Alya.
He swallowed, “Look I can't promise I will have a solution, if I can talk to Ladybug maybe she can help, but please,” he gave his old friend a hard look, “reach out. You need to stop isolating yourself. You’ve been doing it for years, and it needs to stop. And pushing Sabrina away and not having anyone else is worse.
“I promise we would love to help you,” he adjusted his grip on the jacket and took a step toward the window. “I’ll do what I can to see about getting you help, but outside of that, makes an effort as a person. It doesn't have to be with the class.”
He crawled back out, not bothering to look at her as he closed the window. When he got back up, his best bud was laughing it up with Marinette and some others. His smile came back, and a goofy one made its way on him when he found his girlfriend.
“According to reports from last night, the Mechanic has once again broken out of Kryptarium Prison late last night. Early this morning Warden Noble confirmed these reports and stated it happened during a prison riot, which allowed the Mechanic along with a few others to escape. Some sources came out saying that was false information and that the Mechanic “practically walked out of his cell.” Warden Noble has not spoken up about these claims, and does not appear to be-“
The rest of the reporter's words seemed to meld together as Lloyd yawned and stopped listening to the woman on the screen. His eyes ended up drifting to his bowl, he blinked at it.
It truly was too early for anything of the sort. At least it was Friday; Fridays and Saturdays -had become New Ninjago City’s unspoken half days. It wasn’t perfect but nearly everyone was working on and off the clock to get the city back to its previous condition. The Ninja seemed to be spending more hours building, transporting, and coordinating than to be training. Wu didn’t seem to mind though, once everything had settled maybe they could relax before getting back to training.
“Lloyd!” Pixal smiled at the blond upon entering the room, “Good morning, I expected you to sleep in today along with some of the other boys.”
“Mornin’ Pix,” another yawn forced its’ way out of him. “I just,” he paused, “There’s things to do, much of Ninjago still needs repairing.” Lloyd gave a tired smile to the nindroid, making hers fall.
“Lloyd, I know that recent events were, quite noxious.” Her words came out unsure, unable to come up with a way to confront this. “But you still need to take care of yourself, you need to sleep more. It helps to heal.”
At some point Pixal’s eyes, as if with a mind of their own, had gravitated to his eyebags. Slowly she looked down his figure, her memory showing what scars lay hidden. When Lloyd stiffened her eyes shot back to his, but he was not looking at her. He instead was staring down at his cereal again, a meal that wouldn’t sustain him for long.
“Lloyd I only mean to be of help. I don’t only say this as your teammate but as your friend. You must-”
“I know,” he snapped. His jaw clenched as he grabbed his bowl, gripping at the object like it was his lifeline. Perhaps it was for this moment. For this beat in time it shall serve him as that.
“Pix I know. I’ll get there.” He swallowed, his throat thick while he looked at the counter, “There’s only so much I can handle doing.”
He didn’t like this, he didn’t like it when they tried to bring it up. He didn’t like it when it felt like they waited till they could corner him for the conversation. Every part of him was tight, ready to jump.
Logically he knew they did it out of concern. They’d never try to hurt him, they were his family…and yet the rest of him became defensive at times.
Lloyd didn’t know how long he stared at the counter, but it couldn’t have been very long. Even if it felt like hours until he felt her arms hold him in a hug. It was a bit awkward, but Pixal didn’t do much physical comfort. She used her words, and more often than not it did the trick. Now was a not moment, and so she was trying the other approach.
Lloyd sighed as he relaxed in the attempt of comfort from his friend. That spring in him uncoiling, loosening as he calmed.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have snapped at you. You don’t deserve that,” Lloyd spoke into her shoulder. While she usually had a chill about her due to her metal exterior her body was warm. Also hummed not only from her mechanical elements but with her life, the low humming allowed Lloyd to melt into her comfort.
“Please do not apologize Lloyd,” she gave a gentle squeeze, “I hold no grievance against you. I should be the one apologizing, you can heal on your time.”
Lloyd gave a squeeze back, “You’re just trying to help.”
“And I shouldn’t be pushing you,” she stated simply with a slightly pointed look when they pulled away. Lloyd frowned at her while she smiled back, “You’re not gonna let me have this one are you?”
“Absolutely right, you’re always so perceptive,” her smile formed into a grin. Lloyd groaned before turning back to his bowl of cereal. It truly was his lifeline in this moment, cereal never teased him or gave him a fight.
“My only friend,” he whispered to a spoon of cereal just before eating it.
Pixal laughed behind him as she started making coffee, “I wonder what your beloved coffee will think. An affair perhaps?”
Lloyd spun at the accusation, he spoke with a dramatic finger in the air as he declared, “Coffee is my only love and cereal is my friend.”
“I don’t know if your coffee will feel the same sentiment,” Pixal continued, her voice immersed with amusement. It felt like a blanket swept the room leaving them with a far more comfortable air than the previous moment.
Soon enough the deep hum of the coffee maker took its own hold in the space and the light drops of the dark liquid came down. A smooth tempo reached the area, the TV set saying words that Lloyd didn’t bother to catch and Pixal seemed to be bored by. Each drop of coffee awaited eagerly by the blond.
They certainly had other things on the horizon; that was never forgotten. Not truly.
Right now though, they could pretend to forget.
⚜️
“We really appreciate the help you ninja have been giving recently,” Chi, a construction worker, smiled at Lloyd. A knot formed in the ninja’s stomach, a tug of uncomfort never failing to be known.
“We’re just trying to help, like you said,” Lloyd stacked another cement block on the pallet; keeping words down. His guilt, his anger, the never-ending anxiety, the stifled storm of those fervors.
“You guys don’t need to though,” the guy pressed on. His tone may have been airy and full of a form of astonishment, all it did was make the preexisting knot twist and pull down. Lloyd’s feet became light and ready suddenly, but he made his heels touch the ground again.
“It’s just our duty.” The words sounded forced to even Lloyd’s ears, but Chi didn’t seem to notice. If he did he either didn’t show it, or it didn’t affect him like it would others. Instead he continued, “Like you guys could’ve let us be taken over by them, but you didn’t. And now you could’ve left us to rebuild on our own, now you’re here.”
“Look,” Lloyd straightened, pausing his action in moving the blocks. Chi stopped mid-move to make eye contact.
While the guy may have been older than the ninja, he still had a hopeful innocence in his eyes. How that was intact after everything that's played out may remain a mystery, even in death.
Lloyd sighed, “I get you’re just trying to say thank you, and, stuff, but please stop. I’d rather focus on this; not…not that.”
Lloyd’s lips became tight waiting for the response, his stomach became tight in a new form as nausea made a light wave.
Chi blinked before his face spread in a smile, “Of course! Can do.”
Lloyd could have sighed in relief if he didn’t immediately go back to stacking. Lloyd smiled back at the worker and nodded just seconds before continuing the task. His stomach calmed, his feet slowly went back to something he didn’t pay much attention to, and the tightness in his arms went away just barely slower than it took for him to finally notice them.
With each pallet filled and another worker coming with a forklift to carry it to the current section that needed them to continue.
Lloyd wiped sweat off his forehead, while it was a nice Friday you couldn’t help but hope for a breeze to come by.
“Here,” Chi held out a water bottle to Lloyd. Lloyd gave thanks before downing the bottle. Chi shrugged, “The least I can do. Would you like to join the crew in getting lunch at the food court? You know the one near the harbor?”
“Ah, maybe next time? I got another site I’m going to help for the rest of the day,” Lloyd frowned, rubbing his hand on his forearm.
“Of course man, just don’t overwork yourself.” Chi’s face only held a lighthearted smile. Chi waved goodbye while jogging away from Lloyd.
Lloyd sighed and pushed himself up, he did have another place to work of course.
⚜️
“Lloyd I do hope you don’t mind me visiting my father before we head back to the Monastery,” Pixal spoke as Lloyd buckled up. The sound of rain after a long sun accompanied day grew a bit louder as the rain came down harder.
Lloyd turned to Pixal, “I don’t, go right ahead Pix.”
Pixal allowed Lloyd free range over the stereo, while she had her preferences she didn’t mind allowing another to choose. Lloyd just flipped from station to station, nothing felt right, it didn’t relax him.
He eventually left the nob to rest while he leaned back in his seat. The radio became background noise and the almost invisible hum of the vehicle helped his breath even. The lights passed by like shooting stars but were a Borealis as they shined on the window and were caught by raindrops.
A small smile came to his lips as he listened to the rain and watched droplets slide on by with the lights around. While his eyes felt heavy he did not let them close, and soon enough Pixal was pulling into a free spot and turning the engine off.
“Would you like to join me? I believe Zane should be here with Jay,” Pixal asked once she had double-checked her person and vehicle. Lloyd shifted in his seat, he’d rather not go in but he didn’t have anything to occupy him.
He nodded, joining her on making their way to one of the lower floors, ones that a person needed clearance for. Naturally Pixal had access to everything, having originally been Borg's assistant. That she had stopped per se, but she had been allowed to do as she wished. And if Lloyd was being honest, he didn't know what he, or their team, ever would have done if Pixal hadn't joined.
The elevator made a ding as it reached its destination. Lloyd followed Pixal down the hallway mindlessly surveying the path. Every few meters was another door to another lab or workstation, sometimes it wasn't even one of those two.
Lloyd wasn't aware of every part of Borg Tower, Pixal on the other hand was. More by design and from her father's insistence than out of personal want. Nonetheless, Pixal found it useful, and Lloyd had no problem following her through the building without truly knowing the destination. His mind still had him take note of details.
The smell of alcohol and other sanitary materials was strong, his nose picking up the faintest traces of citrus as they slowly faded. Someone having done their rounds of cleaning down here recently. The cold smell of metal was one that Lloyd's nose needed no help catching.
But as they made their way down the hall, while he still looked at every door and listened for every creak or the light draft, Lloyd still hung on the smell of wet dirt from the potted plants at the elevator. The sweetness of greenery resting in the impounding piece.
Pixal opened one of the many doors, the inside of the room having far more for it than the empty hallway it was deprived of. Having a wide floor space with multiple islands around usually in an equiangular form. However, this room seemed to be vacant of most of the materials than the rest of the rooms in this hall usually have.
Borg sat facing a fairly large screen, reading the items on the screen. The screen was filled with numbers and letters that Lloyd couldn’t quite make out.
“Pixal! My dear, it's wonderful to see you,” Borg exclaimed when he turned his head to see who had entered the room. He started to turn his wheelchair, “And Lloyd, I am happy to see you well.”
“Same to you,” Lloyd gave a small smile. He followed a few steps behind the nindroid.
“Hello Father,” Pixal nodded as she made her way over to give him a hug.
“Hey Lloyd!” Jay called coming out from behind a wall with Zane in tow. Lloyd gave them a wider smile; Pixal hugged Zane before speaking to the inventor. Jay bumped Lloyd, his easy grin making the blondes less strained, “How was work?”
“Meh,” Lloyd shrugged, “Same as last week. Mostly heavy lifting.” Lloyd held his arms crossed, looking from Jay to the screens Pixal was pointing at as Borg spoke very boisterously and animatedly.
“Perhaps you should take tomorrow off with Nya. I am sure she would enjoy some company while the rest of us are out,” Zane brought Lloyd’s attention back from the blueprints and lists. The nindroid while he held a neutral expression still had a look of worry, his eyebrows slightly drawn as he observed his teammate. His lips also held in a slight pinch.
It was doubtful that the elemental master was aware of it.
“I’ll,” he paused, “I’ll think about it.” Lloyd shifted his stance, his heels growing sore from the constant pressure. That wasn’t something that happened often, but it was the first time in the last few weeks that it really became a cause for some irritation to the experienced ninja. “So what have you guys been up to here?”
Jay opened his mouth to answer when the door to the workroom was opened by an exceedingly lively man.
“Cyrus!” the man cried in delight, his gray-stripped hair seeming to wave as he took each step. He held a dazzling full toothed smile and a light in his eyes. “Wonderful, I was hoping I could see you for a moment.”
“Ah, Hello Mr. Gauthier,” Borg turned his wheelchair around. “I am quite busy as of recently. Maybe I could see you in the morning? Before everyone is started for the day?”
“Of course I can, I just wanted to make sure you’d be there,” the bright man went straight past the three ninja. Whether out of pursuit of his goal or seeing them as unimportant wasn’t clear.
Lloyd and Jay shared a before looking back at the older man. Pixal was having a difficult time keeping her face neutral if her thin mouth and the creases between her brows were anything to go by. Her gaze on the man held only barely contained distaste as she held her head a few centimeters higher than she normally would.
“And you have your assistant here, wonderful! It can ensure you’re at my housewarming party!” Mr. Gauthier gave a wide smile with a small clapping of his hands. Borg now held his own mouth in a thin smile as he looked at the older man before him. Obviously he wasn’t the only one to notice the chosen wording.
Lloyd was sure he wasn’t the only one to catch Pixal taking a breath, while she didn’t have lungs, she still had a nose that could for the most part function like a regular nose. As she exhaled her face was set in exhaustion and a knowing look in her eye as she looked at the man.
Besides Lloyd, Zane had a clear frown on his face, and Jay shuffled obviously uncomfortable with the man.
Whether the man didn’t notice or care, Lloyd couldn’t tell. Borg though still carried on, “Yes well I can assure you that I will not forget, and that Pixal is not my assistant as she once was. She still helps me but for the most part she does as she likes.”
Mr. Gauthier kept his wide smile and made a wave of his hand, “Of course! You can’t harbor all your creations to yourself. It must have its own form of curiosity about the world.” The man had a laugh before finally looking over Pixal as if she were a shiny toy, “I see the color scheme has extended as well as a change in wardrobe.”
Pixal crossed her arms over the dark blue zip-up she had on. It was one of her work sweaters, the workspaces were commonly cold if she was not using any heated tools or self-heating regulations. It was better to not keep some places at not quite room temp. One of those rooms or workspaces was one of her frequents. She brought her lips into a polite smile.
“Yes, I have grown accustomed to choosing my own attire. Thank you for taking a notice,” while Pixal’s voice came out in a light and polite tone, there was a slight bite in the back she usually didn’t have.
Now he had to just be ignoring the enmitous energy in the air. At this point it should be noticeable, but that did not seem to be the case. The man simply smiled proudly as he spoke more repugnant lines,
“Of course, my father always said I had an eye to notice prizes.”
The entirety of Zane tensed the longer this man smiled, the temperature of the air around the nindroid slowly dropping. If a dispute was to come from this it was lost as the man put himself on another path. That being from the moment he spotted the Ninja, more specifically Lloyd.
Goosebumps rose on Lloyd’s arm suddenly, the room hadn't been very frigid. His legs felt very heavy as the excitement blossomed on Mr. Gauthier. It felt as though a lion was ready to sink its’ teeth into its’ newly cornered zebra.
“Lloyd Garmadon!” Mr. Gauthier cried and spread his arms out. His mouth formed a hungry grin that seemed to go from ear to ear.
Lloyd cringed but gave a smile. A poor one but gave one in the name of being polite, much to his own dismay. And his stomach felt like it was dropping as the older man stalked over to him.
“That’s my name,” he gave a nod, scared of where this was going.
“Yes, yes! With all the work you and your team have been doing perhaps it would be best if all took a night to relax,” Mr. Gauthier now held a much more casual grin as he eyed the blond. “Why don’t you come to my housewarming party! You can bring along anyone you like, I’m sure Cyrus’s assistant can give you the information,” the man spoke very flamboyantly, “Oh it would be wonderful to have you!”
Lloyd’s lips were in a strained smile as he said, “I’m sure it would be great.”
“Wonderful!” Mr. Gauthier made strides toward the door, “Remember it’s a black-tie event! It’s at six on Monday!”
“Of course Mr. Gauthier,” Borg smiled a more joyous one as the man made his way over to the door.
“How many times do I need to tell you Cyrus? Just call me Hisa,” Mr. Gauthier squinted at the inventor.
“Yes, yes, now shouldn’t best be going?” Borg tapped his fingers on his armrests while Mr. Gauthier stood at the door frame.
“Right, right, of course! My apologies, I will be going,” Mr. Gauthier waved before slipping from the room.
A collective group sigh came out once they were sure he wasn’t coming back.
“Well, that sure was…” Jay started trailing off still staring at the door in bafflement.
“Some, something?” Lloyd filled in.
Jay nodded, “Yeah, something.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t expect him to stop by today,” Borg’s shoulders slumped as he rubbed his face. He looked up when he felt Pixal’s hand on his shoulder, “It is okay Father. We both know he does not like to plan ahead, he is not something we could really foresee.”
Borg smiled up at his daughter, “Yes, but perhaps I should have given a warning. He has been talking with me more often, or at least trying to.”
Pixel squeezed his shoulder and he squeezed her hand back.
“It is fine Father, I promise.”
Borg sighed, “If you say so.” The genius looked at the ninja and gave a firm half smile, “You don’t have to go, I can just tell him you got caught up on ninja things or with helping Ninjago.”
Jay and Lloyd gave thankful smiles and the three said in almost unison, “Thank you.”
Borg nodded before giving a clap of his hands, “Well, I shouldn’t keep you waiting, now should I? You should be heading back to the Monastery and resting.” The inventor's tone was almost scolding if not for the joking tone. The ninjas smiled and said their farewells and Pixal conversed with her father before joining the three in their transport.
The drive to the Monastery took just over an hour due to the group getting food from Chen’s Noodle Shop. Lloyd and Jay had passed out on the way, the group found that they weren’t the only ones who had brought food home. Kai and Cole had brought other dishes from Chen’s Noodle Shop and another restaurant.
As the Ninja finished their plates and the yawn passed around the room they headed to bed, saying their goodnights and wishing pleasant dreams. Lloyd had been ready to pass out on the couch even after his shower, but once he was dressed and laid for bed he just stared at his ceiling.
The sound of his own breathing while steady and soothing to his own ears, did not help him to submit to exhaustion. His body felt heavy but his mind so light; even as thoughts he didn’t want to dwell on swept by.
He swallowed still staring at his ceiling. The silence steadily became louder, and even what noises of nature below the Monastery didn’t help the heavy air surrounding the blond. Finally, the ninja tossed his blankets up and made his way through the hall of the sanctuary. The moonlight came through windows gently lighting his path.
The quiet felt more eerie than it had in his room, but Lloyd preferred it. As he made his way down the hall he frowned, it truly was stupid. He had no reason to actually take the offer, but maybe it wouldn’t be so bad.
That or it would be very bad.
He made his way downstairs knowing he would find her up late working on another project of sorts. She may not like what he asked but she would not judge, she understood everyone had their reasons. Sometimes there wasn’t an answer.
People were so complicated… weren’t they…
Lloyd found Pixal standing over a table tinkering with something Lloyd couldn’t figure out.
“Hey Pix?” Lloyd came closer and Pixal turned with clear surprise.
“Lloyd? What are you doing up?” Pixal looked him over not seeing anything wrong.
“Well I could ask you the same thing, now couldn’t I?” Lloyd asked with a cheeky smile. Pixal sighed and glanced back at her late-night project then looked back at Lloyd, “Did I not ask you a question Lloyd?” The samurai raised an eyebrow at the ninja, who pouted for a moment before looking down at the table. He subconsciously fidgeted with his sleeve.
“I was wondering when that guy’s party was?” Lloyd glanced up at her before looking back down.
Pixal observed him and thought her words over carefully, “Lloyd you do not have to worry if this request will upset me. You can choose what you would like to do,” Pixal smiled at him when he finally looked up at her. “I am happy you decided to go out for something that’s not work.”
Lloyd shrugged looking at the tools surrounding his friend’s project, he lifted his chin toward the piece, “What are you working on?”
“Just a small part for something much bigger,” Pixal smiled picking up the intricate piece. “Still have a few things to finalize but I thought I’d get a jump on some other parts of it.”
Lloyd opened his mouth to ask her more but instead, a yawn came out. Pixal gave a knowing smile to him, “It is late Lloyd.”
“Yeah,” Lloyd pushed himself from the table and waved at the nindroid. “Goodnight Pix.”
“Goodnight Lloyd,” Pixal nodded and turned back to her project.
❗️ Mentions and/or Implications of Destroyed Property, Death, and Obsessive People
Ninjago City was always a place of hussle and bussle, it was so easy for a number of things to happen. Like perhaps dropping your purse, your phone, a bracelet might slide off during your rush. At least that’s how you rationalize it, but everyone has the more plausible answer lingering in the back of their heads.
Theift.
It’s more common in the city than people would like to admit, but with all the other stuff the city has been under threat from they knew better than to throw a fit on petty thievery. Although, they made their own exceptions.
A woman let out a groan of frustration as she noticed her wrist bare. Not even five feet away from her a young woman walked through the crowd, big headphones on, hands in her sweater’s pockets fiddling with a bead bracelet.
Usually she wouldn’t get small stuff like this, but she’d been itching for some more jewelry. Jewelry sold so easily, with all the “big men” trying to please whatever poor woman or other who thought it was worth staying with them. Dating or marrying them had their perks, they recognized that, and Falin recognized it was the perfect stream of cash a long time ago.
After another ten feet she pulled the bracelet out, spinning it around in time to the music playing. Her face smug with a knowing glint in her eye, an all too familiar giddiness tingled throughout her. Sliding the beauty into her satchel she got in line at a burger truck.
“Ken!” The foot truck operator welcomed when she pulled her headphones down, “What will I do ya for?”
Falin winced at the name, not noticeable to someone like Jake, but she still grinned back at the older man. “My usual?”
“Right on it!” Jake disappeared, it was hard to see inside but Falin could hear him make his way loudly in his truck.
“Oh! Can you get me a soda and some fries on the side?” Falin called in, pulling herself to her tippy toes.
“Hungry today are we?” Jake laughed as he poked his head back out. Falin shrugged, “Works been a little extra with, well everything.”
“Oh I get that,” Jake said with his boastful voice, never failing to be heard. That was for certain. “I’ll tell you! You want a tray or?”
“No tray today, just the plate.” Falin chipped up as she hauling herself up. She held herself on the low serving table, her core tight and her arm flexed under her sweater. It was good to keep up, with her main housing destroyed last month with all her training equipment she only had the destroyed parts of the city and late night runs. Not completely ideal.
“Whatever floats your fancy K!” Jake put a small container of fries on the plate, and soda next to it. Trying to stay aware of his customers added weight. He raised his eyebrow at her, “Sweetheart I don’t know how you do that so easily.” He turned away to tend to the stove, “I can hold a lot but not myself.”
Falin could hear his head shake more than she could see it, she smiled and gave what could almost be considered a shrug. Both of which he could not see at this time, but that mattered little. “It’s all practice and build up my guy. I have just enough time to stay like this.”
Jake let out a hum in agreement before Falin continued, “Besides, with how much this city has going on.” Falin rolled her eyes with a blow of air, “Yeesh, I’ll die if I can’t run and jump my way through it.”
“Thank the First Spinjitzu Master, you're able to get out of these things well enough. He knows it’s hard for anyone to survive these tyrants.” Jake took the patty off the burner and set it on a bun, “Ketchup, mayo, tomato, and onion?”
Falin grinned, “You should know you don’t need to ask.”
“Just want to make sure you haven’t been brainwashed,” Jake joked, rubbing the buns together to spread the condomens.
“Like Greenie?” Falin snorted as she dropped herself back to the ground. She raised her arms above her head and leaned back in a stretch.
“He was possessed is what happened.” Jake corrected gently while laying some tomatoes on the bottom bun.
“Right,” Falin said. “I mean of course the Legendary Green Ninja wouldn’t turn evil on his own.”
“Come on Kenny,” Jake said, setting the patty and onions on. Falin shivered and started making gagging noises, “Not Kenny, anything but Kenny. It sounds so weird! It hits so wrong.”
“My bad,” Jake shook his head. “Fifteen Yen.”
Falin brought out her coin bag with an eyebrow raised, and gave the food vender the amount for her food, “It’s usually at least twenty.”
“I’m not trying to suck everyone dry. If I could afford it like the Chen gal, it would be free, but I can’t.” Jake frowned, as he leaned out his serving window. His face was deep with layers of guilt, guilt that in actuality was far from necessary.
“It’s nice she’s doing that,” Falin shrugged as she observed her fries, not very interested in talking about Skylor. “But that’s why I come to you, you still need to make money.”
Jake shook his head, “You should head to her noodle stands instead. I don’t want to suck you dry,” he held a joking tone but Falin didn’t miss the nervousness in his voice.
“I’m not going to, and you’re not sucking me dry. I have more than enough to take care of myself and pay you without going broke. You know how I am,” Falin opened her soda. “It’s not like Skylor can keep that up forever anyway.”
It was Jake’s turn to shrug, “It’s still better than I can do.”
“Jake, you’re doing better than most,” Falin said before lifting her drink up. “Thanks again, see you later!”
Jake waved goodbye, no sooner did he turn to a couple who lined up as Falin became one with the sea of people. She quickly grew annoyed she didn’t pull her headphones back up, she loved hearing the city from afar. Being right in it drove her crazy.
It took a bit longer to find a good table to sit at, today there was a lot more people in the outdoor food court than usual. But it was fine, no one would be paying mind to her, a young girl simply enjoying a meal out, or whoever came today, a friend who happened to spot her.
It should be obvious to those who knew to look, new or old, she was free. She had her food to her right and her laptop, she adjusted her tabs before grabbing her notepad. List of what she currently needed to get, five mostly planned out. She had three others lined up and that needed planning.
The Mechanic wanted broken out, pretty simple, she’d just do the usual. Make it look like he did on his own, which isn’t hard when they’re stupid enough to let him keep his changeable prosthetic arm. Then again, while it was a weapon it was still technically a prosthetic, they might not even be allowed to take it off. Inmate rights and all that. Unless the Mechanic made it to where they couldn’t figure out how to take it off.
That was set for two nights' time. A few guys wanted some jewels from a group currently hiding out on the Mountain of a Million Steps. As long as she didn’t set anything or anyone off it should be done in a pinch. A chick who came all the way from Jamanakai Village wanted a necklace that was stolen from her family a few decades ago.
Falin looked over the plans again, she had a busy two weeks ahead of herself.
Falin felt a person take a seat in front of her, she spared a glance before setting down her pen and giving a wide grin. She never thought she’d get to have this person in front of herself, let alone for work. But maybe it was bound to happen.
“Did the food vendor put something in my fries or is Ronin sitting with me?” Falin asked, leaning back as the grin fully spread across her face. Excitement and amusement heated up in her stomach, a special concoction of nervousness of its own swirled around and spread throughout her body.
“You’re the Hanzo?” the man’s brows were down, his confusion not only evident but pleasing to see. Falin loved when someone came to her only to be hit with this shock. She never asked for the underworld of Ninjago to keep her anonymous at such lengths, but she can’t say she was disappointed when she got this every other time.
“Whom is I,” Falin smiled with a nod, falling easily into The Hanzo.
Ronin frowned at her sentence, obviously being uprooted from whatever image he’d had more and more. Having observed the area for the last few hours, quite literally everyone having someone sitting with them, before the girl came along. Alone, her empty seat an invitation to any who dared.
“What? Do I not live to your foolish expectations?” The Hanzo started typing on her device. Seemingly paying little mind to the man in front of her. “One shouldn’t live with expectations that are so easy to be crushed.”
Ronin simply watched the young lady, his curiosity and wariness unmistakeable. Her demeanor certainly different on many levels from how he’s seen her interact with the food vendor not too far. Ronin should have known better than to assume so much about The Hanzo, but the only thing that really bugged him was just how young she was.
Even with all the crap happening she shouldn’t have ended up in this work, in this position. How long had she been doing this? How did she end up here? Those would all be interesting questions had she been older. The questions were more like horror shows.
“Do you have a request? If not I’d like you to leave instead of gawking; it stops the others,” she spoke aloud in a sugar tone, he looked to see her glaring up at him. Her face smoothed over before matching her previous tone of sweetness.
“I do,” Ronin admitted after another few seconds of looking her over. He pulled out a photograph, face down, the back written over, “Everything you need to know should be written down. Money isn’t a problem, I get it pretty easy.”
The Hanzo laugh as she read over the writing, she flipped the photo over, “How much of that is from hussiling in your shop?” Ronin grimaced, making The Hanzo bark a laugh, “I’m only teasing.”
The Hanzo flipped the photo back to the written side, she glanced up at Ronin eyebrows raised, “You know it might not even be there? That place got plenty raided when the Princess brought him back. Even now, the construction workers can barely get anything done without someone crashing into pliage for valuables or angry citizens undoing their work.”
The Hanzo’s face looked bored on the topic, but there was a glint that Ronin wouldn’t have caught if he hadn’t been holding contact at the exact moment she brought it up. Her own anger and frustration making its way through in the way she held her eyes half lidded in her supposed “boredom”. The slight turn of her mouth you’d think she was uncomfortable in the situation, but it held more so a distaste if you really looked at it. Her brows down, the most clear on her almost perfect mask, irritation.
“I’m well aware,” Ronin frowned. He shrugged as if it didn’t bother him, “In the end even if it isn’t you still get paid. You’re getting the better end of the deal.”
Just by the way he made slight movements with his fingers with poorly held jittering, and his leg shifting every so often. An anxiousness so easy for even the girl beneath that was The Hanzo could pick out like an onion sticking out of her burger.
She stopped watching the man and looked back at the photograph, it was an old one. The color barely there, from a camera that came out between the early ages of the rising technological advancements and when Borg sent them sky rocketing into it. The bottom edge suffering from being caught aflame long ago, and a stain diagonal to it.
Falin fought the urge to nauge at her lip, an impractical habit that never seemed to fade. One that might one day cost her if at the wrong moment with the wrong people.
She looked back at the older man that sat before her, leaned forward and said three simple words, “I’ll do it.”
It was far too easy to see the relief in his eyes and that he fought to keep a smile down. Falin faught her own as she thought, this man was too easy to read for a former con man and hussler. Then again, perhaps it was just the old man getting soft, especially after being around the Ninja.
“Of course,” Falin could even hear the smile. “And your price? How much?” He sounded so eager, like a child ready to do a chore for a piece of candy or a new videogame.
“Actually,” Falin leaned back looking over at the instructions on the back of the photo, “I have something else in mind. For someone like you?” A dry laugh came out, one easily drowned in the crowd around them. Perhaps even a corvid would have trouble tracking where exactly to follow the sound in such a lively place. “You have roads I don’t have access to and can’t so easily risk being put into the light trying to slip through.”
Ronin felt a hole slowly form in his stomach, and the look of the Hanzo was giving showed she knew.
“Where exactly are you going with this,” he asked, but the edge in his voice gave that he had a few ideas already.
“You’re friends with the Ninja? Don’t they have a little personal library?” The Hanzo blinked with a small imploring smile and gave a wave of her hand as though she was talking about going to the cinemas for a new showing.
“You want me to steal something for you,” it wasn’t a question, the sentence fell off like it burned his tongue. It almost even felt like it even, it wasn’t something he hadn’t done but it wasn’t…he didn’t anymore.
“That is not what I said,” that same bitter sweetness resurfacing. “Although I doubt it’s something you haven’t already done in the past.” Ronin gave a frown to the young woman, eyeing her; she certainly wasn’t wrong, he could say that much.
“What I want you to do,” she continued, “is retrieve something for me, and give them a gift.”
Her words did not come with any sort of bitter aftertaste, no malice. Her voice came out as if she was stating a simple fact or opinion. Her words didn’t seem to be held like some double edged sword, they weren’t weapons not for this instinsie as they had felt to pierce Ronin for the entirety of this conversation.
Ronin’s mouth formed a thin line as he considered, whatever it is she wanted he’d look for it and if it was dangerous he’d back out. He could always get himself, considering the facts she had stated. He could just wait for a group to go in with and look for it himself.
Yeah, it was a solid plan. No one would have to know, and he won’t out her.
He nodded, “What exactly do you want me to get?”
“I want you to find a scroll, or book with this on it,” she reached in her sweater pulling a chain up, she held the circular item on it between her thumb and her fore finger. She removed her finger to show a star enclosed with a circle.
Ronin stared at the necklace accessory before looking back at her face, “Okay. I get you something with that on it, you look for my item, and if you can’t find it?”
“You find me something that old wizard gots in his library with this,” she gestured to the necklace again, “on it, it’s half my pay. To ensure you know I’m in, and the rest for when I actually accomplish retrieving what it is you desire,” she said it like it was so simple. Which it kinda was. “If you can’t pay me my price I don’t do it. But considering you’re willing to still compensate me even if I don’t find yours, what I want you to do is add something to their library.”
She held a smile at him tucking her necklace back into her sweater; her eyes a bit too bright in young excitement. Her voice lost some of the menacing layers of controlling this deal and slowly bleed into a light coy like style. There was an air of hope lightly seeping out of her with each second.
“You’re,” Ronin hesitated, eyeing her, “you’re not some crazy fan of theirs are you?”
And far quicker than she let herself slip she recoiled in pure disgust, a reaction so quick it was practically instinctual. At least that was cleared up for Ronin before she even opened her mouth, and a reminder of she was just a kid, no matter what bad or good she was doing.
“No, I-“ her sudden stammering would have made anyone think quite the opposite if not for her complete disgust on her face. Some of which soon enough translated in every understable word. “Just. No.”
“Okay, okay,” Ronin put his hands up in surrender. “Just making sure, you won’t believe how many crazy fans have tried to get me to sneak them into their rooms.”
If it was possible she looked even more disgusted, some color even drained from her face this time, or at least that was noticeable.
“People, people do that? They ask that?”
Ronin didn’t know whether to laugh at the girl or pity her. She truly was just a kid, with the hard looks and harsh but carefully chosen words gone she looked and sounded much younger. She didn’t sound like a criminal struggling to survive and thriving in controlling a conversation, she was just another youngen still learning about the world. Maybe no one had asked be to snuck into a place yet so the thought hadn’t crossed her mind.
Even if she did it more than anyone around her age should be.
Ronin shook his head as she still looked at him flabbergasted and horrified, “As long as you’re not trying to get me to put a love letter with your phone number, home address, and a lock of your hair to one of them we will have a smooth agreement.”
“Has someone really asked you that,” she leaned back not in the sly knowing way she had before but in a I might get sick if I’m too close to you way.
“Not all in one thing, but yes,” Ronin leaned back with a smirk. Suddenly it wasn’t too bad, this was not the experience he had been imagining or preparing for, but it was far more enjoyable.
Both of them were reeling in this, but in completely opposite ways.
“Back on track,” Ronin cleared his throat when her eyes had wandered to her soda. Her eyes snapped back up and back straightened, “Yep, yes. Of course.”
She gave a poor attempt at a grin, it coming out pained. She clearly was going to stuck on that idea for a long while, and Ronin didn’t know if really felt bad.
“We have a deal,” the girl asked once she cleared her throat. Ronin smiled with a nod, “Yes we do.”
“Good,” she nodded, “meet me on the building of 33rd and Green at eleven when you have anything. If I am not there I am currently doing a job,” She explained to Ronin, with each word her face cooled and her back wasn’t stiff but was still straight with a sureness. “Once I have whatever it is you get for me,” she lifted the slip between her fingers, “I will retrieve your prize. In the end whether I find it or not, I will give you a scroll to put with their library.”
She raised her eyebrows at him in question, “Kapeesh?”
Ronin was taken aback, for a moment she made him forget she was a very young person. She wasn’t like Jean or anyone else in this world of dark intentions, because at the end of the day she was still a kid.
“Yeah,” Ronin laughed, “kapeesh.”
She looked at him for a moment before she nodded. She wrote down something on her notepad before sliding the photo between pages she was nowhere close to. She closed her laptop as she packed.
“Did you just get here?” Ronin frowned as she performed her task.
“Yes, well I have many things to do and places to be. Time is not something that waits for me, and I came here late anyway. So thank you for your patroenship and…” she paused her movement, “enlightening me on the people of this city.” She gave an uneasy smile, “Now if you’ll be off then so will I.”
Ronin stretched before bringing himself up, “Sounds good.”
Falin pulled her bag over her shoulder, as she picked her food she noticed he was still at the table holding his hand out.
“What?”
“It’s called a handshake,” his tone not giving a thing, at least not anything that she could pick up on. She looked between his hand and him, she grabbed his hand finally giving it a fairly firm shake.
“And a piece of advice, kid,” Ronin started before she pulled back.
“Advice,” she scoffed looking at him.
“Yeah advice,” Ronin shrugged, she gave a tired look. “Find a way out, there’s better things to do than to steal.”
She looked him over again, and studied his face looking for a motive. Looking for the other meaning in those words, but there was nothing. It was strange to say the least.
“See ya,” she said before pulling her headphones up. Before he could say anything, she was lost in an ever moving crowd.
Ronin sighed before making himself lost in the sea of bodies himself.
Any criminal would be a fool not to take advantage of the disarray of Ninjago City after the Ninja defeated the traitor princess. Petty thieves are no different, well this thief wasn’t a petty one. This one was skilled, it was a talent of quietly making their way anywhere. And for the right price for your desired item, they would get it for you with few questions.
That’s what the back alleys said at least, the Hanzo was well-known in the criminal underworld. Not many knew the Hanzo personally; The Hanzo kept his identity under tight wraps. Rumors swirl effortlessly of who did and didn’t; among those rumors were just rumors, but even rumors have a layer of truth to them.
Ronin usually did his own work, but this one needed to be done with the only evidence being it was taken. The only reason anyone knew about the Hanzo was through recommendations and bragging of those who got what they wanted without the NCPD on their tails. Ronin didn’t want to end up in Kryptarium Prison for this one, and he didn’t need the Ninja scolding him because the city was trying to rebuild and decided to follow the “trends” of his peers.
One of the quiet gangs he had sold a few…particular items to, had the Hanzo get some extra cash for them recently. Which meant they were his best route to the Hanzo.
“He is ready for you Ronin,” the lackie that led him spoke as he widened the door for Ronin to enter. The room was lit by some dull light bulbs on a chandelier above the long table. At the head of the table was the gang leader with a fireplace lit behind him, giving an eerie lighting to the man sitting in the seat. The walls surrounding them were barren of windows but adored with torches, that served to light the room more so than the chandelier. The beautiful object acting more as decoration than as substance.
“Jean,” Ronin grinned at the younger man. “How long has it been?”
“What is your business Ronin?”
Ronin sighed, how can someone so dramatic be so unentertaining?
“Well, I’ve caught on about a thief that gets anything without a spec of evidence. You’re one of the few who don’t want me dead that has most recently gotten his services, there isn’t a chance you could tell me how to get him would you?” Ronin kept a suitable smile on his face.
Jean let out a groan, “Yes I could.” He paused, looking Ronin over for a moment, “For a small price.” Ronin suppressed his own groan at the idea of having to pay for such smal- well the information was more invaluable really. Considering the Hanzo’s level in a skill he had plenty of years of experience in.
“And what would this small price be?” Ronin's head tilted with the inquiry.
“Any chance you have some of that sleepers leaves from the old geezer on you,” Jean raised his eyebrow, a smirk was barely kept at bay from the gang leader. Ronin instinctively covered a lower pocket on his jacket, he frowned at the action and cursed under his breath when he realized he had done. A too-wide smile spread on Jean’s face, “Good, set it on the table and I’ll tell you how to contact the Hanzo.”
Ronin considered it, he could find another person, but there weren’t many who would ask for such a small price, let alone let him live long enough to ask. And it would be too much of a risk to ask someone who got in contact pre the latest Ninjago crisis. The Hanzo for all his skills, wouldn't be so foolish to not change his form of contact.
Ronin’s jaw tensed before slapping the bag of leaves onto the table. Jean’s chin lifted in the victory, “Good. The Hanzo sits at coffee shops or other public spaces, this month it’s the food truck court near the harbor.” Ronin’s eyebrows rose, he’s been there not too long ago. To think he could have found him on his own. “The Hanzo does it to plan their current list of clients,” Jean continued. “And to line up new ones. They have a few rules.”
“Rules,” Ronin’s eyes narrowed. “What kind?”
“One: You don’t draw attention,” Ronin snorted but Jean frowned at him, “do whatever so no one can tell, the Hanzo would prefer not getting outed in any way. Two: If you can’t pay the price set it won’t be done. Usually money, half the next visit, the rest when the Hanzo tells you they got what you want.” Ronin nodded, shouldn’t be hard. “Three,” Jean leaned forward, “this is more of a warning we pass around, under no circumstances can you back out, tip off someone, set the Hanzo up, anything.”
Ronin’s brows came down, “Why? What happens?”
Jean looked at his right hand man, the man made his way to the end of the table and grabbed the bag of sleepers leaves. Jean pointed a finger at one of the men stationed at the door Ronin had come through. Jean’s right hand took a leaf out and handed it to the man, the man frowned at the leaf before putting it in his mouth and started chewing the gray plant fiber. No sooner did the man pass out, the leaves were quickest when ingested right from the source. It took longer with drinks or putting in a meal, but doing the other ways was more common as it was easier to inconspicuous.
Jean smiled before turning back to Ronin while his right made his way back to hand him the bag.
“You’re taken out,” Jean stated with a shrug as some of his goons dragged the unconscious man out of the room.
“Define “taken out,”” Ronin’s mouth became thin.
“The Hanzo uproots you, takes whatever and the rest is given to the authorities, your enemies, any type of information, piles the evidence, and in the end comes for the final blow all her own.”
Ronin let the information set in, there’s no way Jean could be serious. But…
“The Leather Strings?” Jean nodded at the question. “Mariot?” Jean leaned back and raised an eyebrow, “What do you think?” Ronin frowned, “I think that if you’re telling the truth and not over dramatizing this Hanzo, then perhaps he really is one to worry about.”
“Good,” Jean said after shifting in his seat, “Don’t double cross the Hanzo, not even your ninja pals wouldn’t be able to help you if you did. And they’ve helped out of a few already, but the Hanzo won't stop till their path has reached its full marks.” Ronin just frowned at the low level gang leader, now he couldn’t tell if Jean was just being his theatrical self or if this was a moment of Jean being in pure range of the story he told.
“Get out before I decide to hand you to the Crane,” Jean hissed out, his irritation more than evident.
“Don’t need to tell me twice,” Ronin said before making his way out. The same lackie from before opening the door for him to leave. Ronin made haste, if didn’t want to draw attention like the Hanzo’s rule then he needed to get himself cleaned up. Ronin didn’t follow laws, and rules almost as much, but in the underworld of Ninjago sometimes their rules were how you survived.
Following the aftermath of the Ninja defeating the likes of an evil resurrected Garmadon, the Sons of Garmadon and their traitorous Princess, Ninjago City is rebuilding. Not all are fortunate, but they're making due. And so is the rest of the criminal underworld of Ninjago, a part that knows how to stay out of the light.
Down the line The Hanzo is called upon for more than their usual job.
The Ninja need help in a world they’ve only seen the surface of on occasion.
May the clouds be in their favor, because if not soon enough everyone will be in one man’s pocket.
Marinette took a breath of the sky’s air, her eyes slowly shutting. She allowed herself to relax and lied back. Tikki’s wings seemed to almost pound as she took them around the archipelago.
This section didn’t have much besides old storage and empty harbors. It had been so long since they had used these lands. Perhaps she should bring up at the next meeting to start moving some of their people back to this area. It was no good if it wasn’t upkept.
“Marin!”
Her mouth twitched up just before spreading into a smile. She brought herself back up with a stretch.
“What is it,” she called out, turning toward her friend. “Find anything interesting?”
On a Deadly Nadder her partner brought himself next to her. He shook his head, “Nah, haven’t found anything aside from vacancy.”
Marinette sighed. They’ll just need to reestablish their tribes in this area, they can’t risk it being taken.
“But,” he paused, waiting for her to give her attention back to him. He smiled at her as he petted Ghost, “I was thinking, let’s get some practice in?”
She grinned and shifted her position, “Now that’s something interesting.”
Duke shook his head, doing the same, “Oh dear.”
When their eyes met Duke couldn’t help but grin himself, “Alright, on three. One, T—“
Tikki shot down toward the island, no doubt by Marinette’s request. Duke gripped his saddle with a huff and urged Ghost to catch up.
With her head start Marinette weaved between all the streets, not that there were many. Tikki made sharp turns around the area before going to round the island.
Marinette turned back to see Duke far enough away to make her smug but close enough to almost make out his face. The Deadly Nadder’s pale scales reflecting the sunlight on his rider. If it weren’t for their race at hand she’d slow down to get a better view of her betrothed.
Marinette looked back at the route her friend was taking and glanced to her right, another island not too far. With her and Tikki dictating the race’s route she thought she’d have a bit more fun with it.
“Tikki eastward,” she called over the speed of her dragon.
Tikki let out an excited howl as she leaned into a spin toward the island. As they approached its outskirts Marinette called out again, “Through it.”
With her hands against the back of her neck she felt the vibrations from Tikki’s throat. Marinette giggled as her dragon zig zagged through the sparse woods. They did have to rise as it got thicker and it couldn’t allow for the dragon’s full being.
Marinette found herself with an idea, it was practice, might as well practice more than their flight maneuvers. She drummed her fingers in a pattern on Tikki’s neck.
She was quick to comply, pulling her wings in as she rolled in the sky forward. But when she went to change direction the wind caught her wings in a way she hadn’t anticipated.
The move caused the Stormcutter to lose her sense of balance and made her tumble through the air. Marinette’s harness came undone while her dragon struggled to get herself sorted, and launched the rider off.
Marinette barreled into a large patch of brush. The young woman cried out as she landed on her shoulder. She groaned as she brought herself up on her good arm, her breath labored in her ears. Her face and arms stung.
She looked around, the brush around her wasn’t not a pleasant sight aside from knowing that being so thick and tall had helped with her tumble. Marinette grunted as she brought herself up, the bushes scraping against her.
She glared at the thorns and pointy branches.
Marinette took a deep breath before bushing through the rather unpleasant brush.
She could hear Duke calling out for her, but she couldn’t quite make out what he was trying to say. Though she could take a gander.
“Over here, in the brush,” She called out. A few steps she was out, and scratched up. She looked around as large cedars surrounded her, old man’s beard hanging off the branches, and moss climbing over nearly every piece of wood.
”Marinette,” Duke called out, just as Tikki rushed up to her rider. Tikki circled the young woman, sniffing and eyeing her. She let out a low howling sound, a regretful sound.
“Oh my girl,” Marinette reached up with her right arm but winced and lowered it back down when she found she couldn’t bring it up to her dragon. She switched to her good arm and pet her, trying to reassure her, “I’m only a little banged up. It’s not your fault, I shouldn’t have had us do that one out of the training ring.”
Duke ran up behind her, “Marinette,” he took in her state and started assessing her injuries. “Can’t say you don’t know how to take a fall.”
Marinette raised her eyebrows at him, certainly not impressed. He only ignored her look as he continued, “I can get you cleaned up and we should be good to go.”
Duke guided her to sit down and motioned for Ghost to get closer, the dragon complied, laying down next to grant him access to the saddle’s pouches strapped to him. The rider did not waste a moment. Pulling out wrappings and vials and various medical items.
Marinette stopped watching, looking at her dragon who sat hunched behind Ghost. Her eyes were wide as her head hung low, and her wings were pulled in tightly. Marinette tried to smile at her,
“Tikki come here.”
Despite her sweet tone the dragon lowered herself to the ground watching as Duke cleaned up her good arm. Marinette forced herself to focus on breathing and her loyal friend. She’d really been just trying to ignore the thorns being pulled out.
“Oh Sweetie please,” Marinette tried again. “You didn’t mean to fling me off. Look, it's just some thorns, this is nothing.”
Tikki’s eyes looked up to her face, still not sure. Marinette nodded to come over, “Please. It’s not as bad as you think.”
The Stormcutter was slow to get us and round her fellow dragon. Her head tilted as she came closer, inspecting the state of Marinette’s arms. Red with irritation and streaked with pink lines. She couldn’t help the whine looking at the viking’s arms.
While Duke got started on the poor arm, Marinette brought her thornfree arm, giving a rubbed to the underside of her dragon’s head.
“See?” She cooed at her, “Not too bad. It’ll heal up girl.”
Marinette sucked in as Duke felt her upper arm.
“Sorry dear,” he winced with his words. He turned back the injury, “Looks like it’s starting to swell, we’ll have to get you back to the village as soon as I get the rest of your arm cleaned up.”
Marinette sighed, “Great.”
Duke shook his head, “Yes, it’s quite the tragedy.”
The young woman gave a mocking scoff and tightly held her lips together. She would not be laughing, thank you very much.
As she pet Tikki—who had relaxed, laying down and holding her head up to still be in reach for chin scratches—she looked back to Duke. The worry lines made her chest tighten and her stomach spin, the gentle pats with the cloth between pulling thorns and inspecting her arm were just everything .
She let her head tilt to the left as she watched him spend minutes with each section as he made his way up. Marinette’s face relaxed as his eyes seemed to trace every scratch. His fingers following the scars of closed wounds, he remembered everyone, including the ones that hadn’t left scars.
He found himself in a lull as he looked at the map of history that was her arm. How couldn’t he when it made his heart race and his throat tighten. It just never seemed to get easier.
Marinette leaned forward, gently using her free hand to guide Duke’s face up. She tilted her head down to catch his eye. Her smile was small but sweet in his eyes, a silent sigh came out between his lips as he looked at her.
Marinette leaned closer, closing the gap with a kiss. When she pulled away, Duke followed, making her laugh softly. She rested her forehead against his and pressed her lips together with giddy. Remembering a conversation from a few weeks ago.
“Why don’t we come here,” she asked, her voice clear in its low volume.
“What,” Duke laughed as he asked.
“I mean we wanted to have our own place,” she continued. She messed with the end of her skirt, “We like the area. I really don’t see any of the houses next to that old harbor to be anything we’d like, so why don’t build it.”
She pulled her face away, “Smaller than over there, close enough to get supplies by boat if we had to. Plenty of room for Tikki and Ghost, and even to build anything we want. This whole area could be ours.” She swallowed, her hand firmly shook his arm, “Don’t tell me you haven’t been having a hard time seeing us back in the village, so close to everyone? It’s been getting crowded. Why else would they send us all the way out here?
”It is a good area to reestablish, but right here,” her voice became soft, pleading. “I see us here.”
Duke sighed, he squeezed the hand he held before setting down the cleaning cloth to take the other. He brought her hand up, pressing a kiss.
”You’re right,” he laughed, shaking his head, “I don’t see us there. I’d love to build our life here,” he kissed her on the cheek, “wherever you want it to be.
”Though I’d like to finish getting you patched up,” he kissed her temple and returned to work. Marinette watched him with a big goofy smile.
writing is so funny because i could write nonstop for 9hrs and then hit a block where im like "how do i transition between this moment and the next?" and then i just dont touch it for 6 months
Zoé hid behind her father, her small hands gripping his pant legs. She peaked up at the strange man speaking to her father.
She didn’t like it here, her father was always talking to someone and he didn't like leaving her alone so she was left to follow after him. Not that she didn't want to leave her father, she just…didn't want to be there.
Zoé hid behind her father when the man looked at her.
“She is a shy one,” the man said.
Zoé was quick to move her body behind her father’s leg and tug his pant leg over to hide. Her father’s large hand was quick to land on the top of her head; comforting; supporting her through her unease.
“Yes, well once she's comfortable she’ll talk your ear off,” her father's voice was that proud tone that always made her peak at whoever he was talking to and smile at them. The man smiled back but it didn't make Zoé feel better, she frowned and looked up at her father.
“Come over sometime Christopher, I’m sure she’ll get comfortable,” the man said.
Her father’s head moved the slightest bit and his eyes narrowed, Zoé remembers this look, her dad was mad. He didn't like showing those emotions here, she knew that and that's one of the reasons she didn't like coming to these. Her dad couldn't be there, just her strange father.
Though he wasn't the same strange as this man.
“I don’t believe I can anytime soon,” her dad’s voice was cool and low. His voice made her look at the man in front of them with suspicion. Her father’s hand was gentle against her face as he spoke, “When were we on a first-name basis?”
The man started to stumble on his words, it made the Lee’s frowns deepen. Her father hummed before turning to her, “How about we go find my friend, he said he’d be here.”
Zoé lit up, bringing herself up to her tip-toes, and pulled on her father’s pants to help her go higher. It was almost like she was trying to tell a secret, “Yes please.”
Christopher picked her up with a fast swing making his daughter squeal, he carried her around the gala. Zoé didn’t pay much attention to the people her father was talking to, she was searching for her father’s friend, he was tall and smiled alot. She didn’t care about him though, his son was far more fun to follow when he got away from his dad.
It was one of the few reasons she enjoyed going to these.
Zoé patted her father gently on the shoulder and quietly asked him to set her down. She had spotted the tall friend. Her father set her down, and Zoé stood there for a moment trying to look between people’s legs. Then she made her way across the room, most people didn’t notice her, and those who did simply ignored her.
That was another reason she didn’t like coming, she was usually ignored. The adults weren’t like her dad and his friends, they were more like her mother. Dismissive.
Zoé frowned and came to a stop. She was sure her dad’s friend was in this direction, so why hadn’t she found him? Zoé spun around, making her dress swish, trying to refind the man. She’ll…she’ll just go back to dad.
Zoé went back the way she thought she came from, but was once again confused when she didn’t find the man she was searching for. She pressed her lips together hard like her eyebrows, the movement she held made her cheeks pinch out.
“Dad,” Zoé’s voice was quiet. Some people spared her a glance before looking around for barely a second. Zoé made her way past people, trying to find either of the men. She gave a call for her father every-so-often, to no avil…
She really didn’t want to cry, these people wouldn’t do anything to help her, they’d just give her mean looks. Zoé could feel her tears start despite herself, she looked between the seas of legs before and spotted a table. She pushed and slipped between the adults around her till she reached her destination, and pulled the cloth up so she may sit on the other side.
Quiet hiccups came from her lips and she pulled her legs up. The last time she’d been separated from her father like this it hadn’t been fun. Zoé swallowed, her throat thick and her eyes wet. She didn’t know what to do, the thought played over and over as she kept her head buried in her arms.
She felt someone tap her and fell on her side as she scrambled to turn to the source. A boy with dark hair and blue eyes.
Her lip quivered and she gripped the daisy’s of her skirt.
The boy opened his mouth but she beat him to it with, “I’m sorry.” Then the little blond was trying to leave the table but he took a half step, well slide, in her way but she made it past him.
To run. Where? Who knew, because she slid on her butt and he fell on his face. She looked behind her as he let go of her dress and brought himself up rubbing his nose.
“Why would you do that?” she was baffled, it was rude and he surely must have known better!
Instead of answering he asked his own question, “Why are you crying?”
Zoé blinked in surprise then looked down at her skirt, playing with the flowers, “I lost my dad.”
When she looked up at him again they just stared at each other for a minute. The only sounds being the party beyond the cloth and Zoé’s sniffles.
“What does he look like?” the boy’s eyebrows were drawn down.
“Uhh, dark hair and he’s in a suit,” she described. The boy looked down at himself before looking at her with a frown, “That’s not me, I promise.”
Zoé stared at him for a moment before cracking a smile as she laughed. It was ridiculous, the thought was purely ludacris and brought her to a giggling fit. She shook her head in agreement, “You are not my father.”
The boy smiled back and stated, “I can help you find him.”
Zoé’s smile fell and looked at the table cloth, “There’s a lot of people out there.”
He offered his hand, “And I’ve seen enough of them to know who isn’t your dad.”
Zoé carefully took it and let him guild her out from under the table. She rubbed at her face, when she looked to the boy she saw him already scanning the faces of the men around them.
“What’s your name,” she asked, and also started looking at the adults around them trying to see her father in the gathering.
“Tim,” he smiled at her. “What’s yours?”
“Zoé,” she answered, not helping the smile on her face. She grabbed his hand and dragged him behind her, “My dad isn’t over here.”
Together they wondered about the party, Zoé looking for her father and denying whatever man Tim pointed to. Eventually Zoé spotted not her father but the boy she liked to follow. She pulled Tim with her as she shouted, “Dick!”
Neither of the children noticed the heads that whipped in her direction before spotting the boy she ran to. Dick turned around at hearing his name, a relieved smile appeared on his face.
“Oh Zoé you gave us a scare,” the teenager laughed as Zoé let go of Tim so she could hug the older boy. Tim hung back, staring at the two. Dick looked at the boy with a raised eyebrow, “Who’s this you got with you?”
“Tim,” she replied with a bright smile. “He was helping me find Dad!”
“That so? Your dad got Bruce and I to help find you.”
“Really,” she asked still hugging Dick’s leg.
“Yeah, let’s get you back to him before he loses his head huh?” Dick asked to which Zoé nodded. Zoé turned to Tim and grabbed his hand, “Let’s go.”
Tim stumbled from the girl pulling him along but kept up. Their footsteps were small pats on the clean floor. It didn’t take long for Dick to lead them to Zoe’s father.
“Dad,” she exclaimed, rushing up to him, she’d let go of Tim’s hand in the excitement. The man turned around and picked her up with relief. Christphor kissed his daughter's head and murmured into her hair, “Don’t do that again sweetheart.”
Tim stood there watching. Not sure what he should do. He turned to leave but Zoé said his name.
“He tried to help me find you, but I saw Dick and he got us to you.” Zoé smiled before looking at Tim. The man directed his smile to the small boy, “Really? Well that’s very nice of him isn’t it?”
Zoé nodded at her father with a big smile and her irritated eyes.
Tim fidgaded with a button and Dick stood next to him with a meaningful grin, and held a hand up, “Good job kid.”
Tim stared at the hand wide eyed. He slowly put his hand on the teenages hand. Dick laughed and gave a quick high-five before talking to Christoppher. Dick left after getting a high-five from the little girl.
Which left Tim under the eyes of the man and his daughter.
The man kneeled down and set his daughter to her own feet as he asked, “So how about you? Let’s get you to your parents huh?”
”Okay,” Tim said quietly. The man held both their hands as they searched for Tim’s parents through the gala.
Bruce is always prepared, even for the event of his death. Sadly he has friends prepared for those plans, but his family is not.
Zoé Lee finds herself on both sides for that event, she’s read his careful instructions, signed the papers, and now here she is. She didn't think she’d be here so soon.
-
For The Birds & Bees week 2025, March 9th’s prompt: Robin. This fic wouldn't have come to fruition if the Maribat Menagerie hadn't hosted it!
The manner hadn’t been so quiet in such a long time, the thought was a blade that dug into Alfred’s chest with a twist. He had yet to look himself in the mirror for the first time since the news. He could feel his exhaust in his eyelids, his regrets rotating in his stomach, and his grief in his hands.
Everything he did, everything he touched, everything, he felt it in his hands. Hands that once held a grieving child as he too grieved, hands that once would shake from the feeling but he’d made firm for that boy. Now they were firm, the boy was gone, leaving him a line of children to be firm for.
He swallowed as he stared at his hands, still, steady, firm. Firm, but heavy in his lap.
He took one over the top of the sheets of the boy’s bed. He’d only made them the day before, right now they should have been unmade with the boy healing in it.
He choked on an erupting sob.
No.
Not now, now he needed to make arrangements. See the boys. Needed to call people.
He did not get up. Clutching the sheets as he used his other hand to hold his face. His hand slowly became wet.
Four. That was four now.
A sobbed shook him heavily.
“Oh Thomas,” he rasped out, “Martha, forgive me.”
When Alfred finally got up it wasn’t with steady hands.
—
Chloé Bourgeois sat at her desk, with a frown of distaste. How was she going to explain to her sister she was not going to make it premiere tomorrow if she didn’t get this figured out in time.
The woman groaned when her phone rang again.
She blinked when she read the caller ID. She took a deep breath before answering the line.
“Hello, this is Chloé,” she answered, wondering who would be on the other end.
“Madame Bourgeois, good evening. It is Alfred Pennyworth,” the older man's accent rang clear to the woman.
“Alfie,” Chloé all but squealed in excitement, “It’s been quite sometime since one of you Gotham boys called.” The woman ignored the feeling in her stomach as she asked, “What is the occasion?”
“I,” his voice wavered, “I call bearing horrible news, and worse request.”
Chloé swallowed as she turned from her desk, “What has happened Alfred?”
“Bruce, he,” his breathing hitched, “he has passed, in battle.”
Chloé opened her mouth, only to let out a breath. It was a secure line, she knew that he wouldn’t have been so blunt with it if it weren’t.
“You’re..sure,” her voice was quiet.
“Clark doesn’t hear him,” his voice becoming void with the statement.
Chloé looked to the ceiling as she blinked repeatedly. She nodded as she asked, words so familiar to her tounge, “What do I need to do?”
—
Alya stood on the rooftop of the TVi building, loose hair tickled her face as she looked out. She hadn’t done this in a very long time, years. Years ago she’d done it, and weeks before that out of fun. But the last time had been life or death, the world.
This time it was a matter of the heart.
She cleared her throat, “Kal.”
She waited patiently. It wasn't as nearly as late in Metropolis as it was in Paris but she knew he’d need a moment to even be able to get here.
A few minutes passed before a red-eyed, flanneled wearing man was in front of her. Alya swallowed, the pit in her stomach suddenly became a void, “Oh.”
She gently took the floating super’s hands, “You can’t hear him.”
His eyes weren’t looking at her as he shook his head. Not a word.
Alya squeezed his hands, “They’re staging the boat right now.”
Nothing.
“I break the news in the morning,” She continued. Her eyes watered, “Everyone is a mess to make it perfect. Adrien is sticking right next to girls, they’re taking it the hardest.” She nodded to herself, “Keep having to talk them out of booking flights to Gotham,” she laughed as tears ran down her cheeks.
Alya sniffed, “They’re great at hiding it though,” she looked out at the horizon, “They’re probably going on the water right now. Nothing people love reading more than rich people and their dumb boats.”
Clark hummed in agreement as he lowered himself.
“Lois asked if it was you,” he whispered.
Alya let out a wet laugh, “She knows me well.”
“She knows all of us well.” he said before pulling the woman into a hug. “She said to give you a hug, you’d need one.”
The reporter’s laughter turned into sobbing in the man’s arms. She held onto his shirt tightly, she shook her head.
“He can’t be gone,” Alya barely got out in her sobs. Clark rubbed circles on her back as she rambled on, “He helped me fix what I did during the first one. He funded relief for the second one.”
“Alya,” Clark struggled to come up with something. He just hugged her a little tighter, wishing he’d brought Lois with him when she’d offered. He flew his friend home as he whispered, “I’m sorry Alya.”
—
Kagami gripped the railing tightly, she hated this. She hated when they lost a warrior. A friend.
In Paris it’s revealed when the hero has fallen, and they are honored, all their secrets no more.
Bruce deserved more.
Kagami understood he could not. Not when it brought those he was close to in more danger. Looking out at the water her hand drifted up to her necklace, her fingers resting on the jewel.
Longg appeared next to her, didn’t say anything. Simply floating by her side watching the water.
They choose to ignore the footsteps that came up behind them. A pause. They were joined at the railing.
“It’s time,” Marinette whispered.
“Indeed it is,” Kagami sighed.
Neither woman moved. Longg lowered to the railing and sat on it, waiting.
“I don’t wish to do this,” the woman finally admitted. “It feels like I’ll be letting him go.”
Marinette smiled, “He’ll be back.”
Kagami huffed, “Alix?”
“No,” Marinette stated amused. “No one in their world stays dead for long.”
“No one in theirs, but in ours the dead stay that. Dead.” Kagami shook her head, “I know that but he’s never, it’s never been him. I am going to do this, but I fear when…ever he’s back then the next time I’ll expect his return.
“I feel like a bad person,” Kagami rubbed her face. “I don’t want him to come back just for that. I’ll expect it.”
Marinette looked at the sky, “I get what you mean. It’s one of the reasons I hated how Adrien handled Akumas. I was scared one day I couldn’t get him back.”
Kagami glanced at Marinette, she rubbed the gold of the Monkey Miraculi. It had been half a decade now, and the holder's sacrifice still hung over the Guardian like a cloud.
Kagami held her friend at her wrist and gave a reassuring squeeze, “We all did what we could. You did everything you could, and he did what he believed was needed. And now we do what we can and what is needed.”
Marinette nodded before putting the Miraculi back on, turning back into a pink headband. She took Kagami’s hand and squeezed it, “Bring the storm.”
Kagami nodded as Marinette walked off, “Longg.”
The Kwami raised up with a solemn smile.
“Bring the storm.”
—
Zoé had really hoped another decade would pass before she’d be here, under these circumstances that is. She gripped the steering wheel; just sat in the vehicle. She really hoped it wouldn’t be till much later, when his kids were all off doing their own things. Without the need of this house.
Slowly she rested her head against the steering wheel and let out a mild frustration. She loosened her grip and slowly straightened; unbuckling she almost considered turning back, but…the papers were signed. This was it, that was the feeling that seemed to vibrate in her chest as she shut the car door.
She held onto her key fob, on finger through the key ring, as she made her way up the old steps. Her steps were small taps on the stone to the front door. The woman took a deep breath and rung the bell. She was barely eye-level with the man, and her heart tightened seeing those tired eyes; she knew she should have flown here immediately.
“Oh Alfie,” Zoé let herself the rest of the way in. She closed the door with her foot as she pulled Alfred into a hug. It had been awhile, but he felt lighter in her arms.
She wanted to kick herself, should have flown straight here, even skip all the paperwork.
“Zoé my dear, please, you’ll scratch the door,” Alfred chidded, without his usual fire.
“That’s the least of this place’s worries,” Zoé held the man a little closer, tighter. When she pulled she let him help her get her coat off. Zoé slid her key into her purse and pulled back over her shoulder. She followed after the butler into the manor, not that she needed to but…it felt nice. Nice to follow again.
“So,” Zoé spoke slowly, “how are they doing?”
Alfred lost his pace, but fixed his mis-step without much trouble. He took a quiet breath before answering, “As well as they can I suppose. Distraught, confused, and, and lost really.”
Zoé nodded, of course that was to be expected. She swallowed, “I know I need to speak to the youngests about, about the circumstances but what about his daughter or Dick?”
“Miss Cass has taken to staying home most nights rather than going out to support her brothers,” Alfred informed, his voice becoming more gravely. “Master Dick came to manner soon following the, the event. He isn’t fairing better.
“But he and Miss Cass appear to be helping Master Damian through this…originally distant time.” Alfred stopped his pace, waited for Zoé to join him in the spot. Zoé waited patiently for him to speak. “As for Master Tim, prior to, Master Bruce’s passing, he had lost a few teammates, friends, I- “
Alfred took a breath and closed his eyes for a moment, he cleared his throat, “I am worried for him in this state, it has barely been even two years his father has passed. He is a resilient boy, but I don’t know how much more he can lose.”
Zoé took the man’s hands, “I promise, you aren’t losing another one. I will help them as much as they’ll allow me to.”
Alfred did his best to fight tears, “That won’t be easy, those two will fight you on that.”
“I can start with Dick, I can fight him all week into taking care of himself,” Zoé joked, knowing she wouldn’t get anything from the man. “Dick knows me, if they see him opening up to me and trusting me maybe it’ll help,” she was quick to continue when his mouth opened once more, “Maybe. I don’t expect for them to 180, and,” she rubbed his hands, “it’s grief. It isn’t easy to get through that.”
Zoé paused, mulling over potential comforts for the man. Perhaps she should have reached out to Julia, well no, Zoé knew better. Julia would not be a solution, Chloé was closer to a solution than pulling the Englishwoman into this.
Zoé closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
“And you need the help through this as much as them,” Zoé finally stated. She sighed, “I didn’t just come here for them, because of Bruce. I came here for you. You’re one good reason to be here, and,” she shook her head, “I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to go through this again, alone. I remember last time, Dad was worried about you and Bruce.
“This time it’s me, and I’m worried about you and these kids. Dad wouldn’t drop everything to help you,” she shrugged, “he thought he couldn’t, but I can. Bruce knew that, so here I am.”
Alfred did his best to blink back the tears, oh, he didn’t know if he could go into that room now. He couldn’t help thinking back to when she’d visit regularly after…
After Jason.
“Oh Alfie,” Zoé pulled him into another hug. Quietly she patted his shoulder, “How about you guide me the rest of the way and after I’ve spoken to the kids I’ll come find you.”
Alfred spook his head, “No.” He cleared his throat, “No, I will stay. I’d rather be there for them and you. This will be hard,” He pulled away from the woman, “but we must all face this together.”
Zoé didn’t hide her uncertainty, but she knew better. There would be no changing Alfred’s decision.
“Fine then,” she was just above a whisper, “if you insist.”
“I do,” Alfred raised himself straighter. Pulling himself back together, but there was no hiding the red of his eyes. Never would he be able to hide the pain they held.
“Then let’s go.” Zoé nodded, more to herself. The nerves only felt more fried as they made their way down the halls, glancing at each door feeling more and more unprepared.
When Alfred finally stopped and put his hand to the door she knew.
“Are you ready,” Alfred asked quietly.
She wasn’t.
“Yes,” she nodded. So he opened the door, and her heart tripled in pace. Then it plumped when she saw the kids. Taking each of them in, she would do her best. She wasn’t Bruce, but then again, she wouldn’t try to be if she could help it.
“Hello,” she took a deep breath. She could barely keep herself together as she carefully stated, “I’m Zoé Lee. Bruce made me your guardian in the event of his passing, and owner of Wayne Manor until my own passing. I hope we can make this arrangement work not just for him, but for yourselves and Gotham.”
She couldn’t look Dick in the eye when he stood up, and found herself bewildered when he hugged her.
“Thank you Zo,” he whispered to her in the hug.
She swallowed and returned the hug, and sighed. She’d been scared he’d try to run her off, now she felt ridiculous, and she almost laughed. She should have known better.
Dick wasn’t quite Bruce, she didn’t have to worry about him demanding control.
She could only hope his siblings would be able to open up to her being here too.
her eyes drifted to his lips, a look in her eyes that always said, “a poem is there.”
they’d always flicker back up to his eyes to see if he’d caught her but she was quick to look back at his lips. when he wasn’t paying attention his lips would part slightly and a rushed breath was taken.
half-lidded eyes would shift to her and this time she’s the one who doesn’t catch the glance, and those glances whisper, “if only you’d read me,”
he takes in her face as she is, a work that could have only been sculpted by Prometheus himself. he leans closer ignoring her widening eyes and reaches out slowly.
moving hair from her face, with hands that pause on the side of her face to breathe out, “i’d let you in.”
she swallows and leans in, she takes his hand away…a mournful action, “might that be a dance with tragedy?”
his lips press tightly as though not to speak, but that stated, “perhaps a twirl with at forked path.”
she leans away, casting her gaze to the side, “i wouldn’t tempt a fate,”
a squeeze of the hand before she lets it fall away, “that might take you farther from me.”
torn. his heart twists, staring at her knowing she would leave once more. he swallowed, he reached out, a beg, “please.”
she raises with closed eyes, “you already know how this ends.”
he reaches again, and once more she puts space. once more, and he falls as she picks up her coat.
“we know how this ends.”
“god, please,” his pushes himself up, watching her reach the door, “love me. love me despite the fate.”
she almost lets herself look at him longer than a second before finally making out, “Goodbye Tim.”
she closes the door behind herself and leans against it, “i can’t bear seeing you end.”
he’s standing on the other side, barely a step away. his breathing shallow, “why won’t you take the shot.”
he crouched down, holding his face, “even if you’re the arrow that will strike.”
“Just stay,” he rasps out, but she’s already down the hall.
“Kiley I’m putting them in as fast as I can,” Bryce grumbled, but not truly annoyed. He carefully slid and wove the stems of the flowers into the teens' hair. Bryce glanced up at their other co-worker, who was preparing for opening, like they were supposed to be, “Chloé how about you help me put these daisies in.”
Chloé looked over at the young man, he couldn't be more than a few years older than her. She smiled at the little daisies that spotted throughout his hair, “I think you’re supposed to be wiping down the tables.”
“I am,” he gave a pointed glare at Kiley, “but someone won’t let me.”
“Free will is a thing,” her voice not hiding how smug she was.
“She has a point,” Chloé chidded, as she opened a cupboard. She knew it was pointless to actually get him to work when they had Kiley, so she just liked to pick on him.
“Why am I the only one in trouble,” he exclaimed.
“Because she’s a teenager and you’re an adult,” Chloé made it a point to stop doing her task and stare at him. “You’re supposed to be the role model.”
“No, my job is to be here for at least five hours and not screw up,” he argued. Kiley pinched his arm, causing him to tug on her hair. They both glared at each other before Bryce turned back to Chloé, “And to help her enjoy her job.”
Kiley hummed in agreement. Chloé turned away before rolling her eyes.
“We should do your hair Chloé,” Kiley smiled, pressing her lips tightly in excitement. “Please Chlo, we’ll be quick. It’s not like there isn’t always something to do.”
Chloé frowned as she turned back to them, “That’s exactly why you should get back to helping.”
Bryce let the girl know he was finished as Chloé spoke. Kiley stood up, “Please, I still have all these.”
The red head showed a bundle of the flowers in their hair. Chloé looked between the handful and the teens face, who was making a pleading expression. Chloé pursed her lips together, not showing her considering.
She was late out of the apartment this morning so she just threw her hair in a ponytail, which she usually avoided, and rushed over to the Talon. Chloé sighed, and with a half-hearted frown stated, “Fine.”
Kiley did a little dance before pulling Chloé to sit on the stool she previously occupied, immediately getting to work. With the help of Bryce they had the young woman’s hair braided and flowered, during which Chloé tapped her foot impatiently through the whole process.
“Done,” Kiley exclaimed before jumping the fading blond with a hug. Chloé held back the desire of throwing the girl off of her. Bryce snickered but was quick to move away from the two when Chloé started glaring at him intently.
“You look so pretty,” Kiley gushed, giving a tight squeeze before finally letting go of the young woman. Finally free Chloé let her shoulders relax and slapped her knees as she brought herself up, “Alrighty then. Let’s get to work.”
Now with all of them focused on work they made sure all the tables and counters spaces were properly sanitized and stocked up. Open sign on and curtains drawn open. In no time at all people slowly started to make their way in, regulars on their way to work, the friend groups getting their morning cups for the day ahead, and so on.
After handing the cup tray to the group Chloé smiled, “Have a great day.”
“You too,” one of the guys said, giving a polite smile.
“Love your guys’ hair today,” one of the girls said before running off with the group.
Chloé didn’t have time to fend off the flush from the compliment when two tall dark haired semi-regulars came to the register.
“Hello, what can I get for you today,” she greeted them with a bright smile, still happy from the compliment.
“Hi,” the woman smiled as she got to it, “I was wondering if your espresso machine was fixed yet, or not?”
“Oh it is,” Chloé nodded. “What would you like?”
“A medium cappiano and a large black coffee please,” Larissa stated with a firm nod. She glanced at her little brother and smirked, she bumped him with her hip, “What about you buddy?”
“Oh uh, a black coffee with,” he paused, struggling to form words.
“This much?” the barista did a pouring motion. Larissa raised her eyebrows, watching her brother carefully.
A wide, embarrassed, smile grew on his face, “Yes, exactly.”
The barista smiled, “I’ll get right on it.” She handed them a receipt and pointed to a spot for them to wait.
Though Larissa didn’t have much care for the waiting part, it was wonderful her brother was here. She smirked as she watched him nervously tap his fingers on the table and watched the workers station. The reporter couldn’t help herself as she leaned forward resting her chin on her fist.
Jon had a doopy smile watching the baristas interact, a smile that made Larissa want to ruffle his hair.
Instead she said, “So,” to get his attention, “A barista?” She held back a laugh as his face reddened. She could stop…but why should she?
“You realize how,” she snickered, “how adorable that is right? Seriously Lisa is going to love this. She might move back to Kansas for this.”
Jon frowned in disgust, “You’re not going to tell her.”
“She’d figure it out. Just because she didn’t become a journalist doesn’t mean she can’t put it together,” Larissa grinned at her brother.
“I know,” Jon grumbled, sinking in his seat. He did in fact know that; his sisters were great for this, and he had some catching up to do.
Larissa chulked, “So what are you gonna do?”
“What,” Jon looked up at her in confusion.
“You know,” she said with a teasing tone. “Are you gonna get the girl?”
Jon swallowed, “Well I, uh, I don’t- I didn’t, I-“
Larissa gave a throaty laugh, “I thought you were a Lane.”
“I am,” he protested angrily, but that seemed to amuse his sister more. She dramatically sighed and shook her head, “You’re another sad Kent man.”
Jon covered his face with a groan, “You aren’t funny.”
“I’m hilarious, actually,” she preened.
“Order number: 67,” a voice politely interrupted them. Larissa took her two cups with a smile, “Thank you. Have a good one.”
“You too,” she said as Jon got up.
“Thank you,” he rushed out. “Your hair looks super pretty.”
“Thank you,” the barista smiled, her eyes squinting from the expression. Her cheeks became red as well.
“Really Jon,” Larissa said at a level that only brother could hear. “Super?”
That made him suck in a breath, he pulled cash out of his pocket not checking what he’d grabbed, and chucked it at the table they’d been waiting at. He rushed past the young woman and pulled his sister out of the establishment.
Jon practically shoved her into the truck after opening the door for her. He sped around to the driver’s side and started it. After a minute of driving from the coffee house Larissa was having a hard time containing her laughter.
“Will you stop it,” Jon stressed every word. “It was bad, I know.”
“Oh I know. It’s just,” Larissa smiled at him as he stopped at the red light. “You forgot your drink when you tipped her.”
Jon let his head rest on the steering wheel. Honking at everyone.
Smallville didn’t have much go on in its’ borders, at least they could say that before the meteor shower nearly five decades ago. Since then there had only been…chaos as a simple way of putting it.
It had calmed down though, Metropolis now got to suffer at the hands of all the “mysterious circumstances.” Though they knew more of the truth now than when that had all started.
Stores had closed, new ones opened, people had died, moved, so on and so forth. One thing that had stayed, surprisingly, was The Talon. That old movie theater turned coffee shop by Lana Lang and Lex Luthor.
See Zoé’s father had been a very close friend of Oliver Queen, prior to the reveal, and will was. So when the Kent Farm was used for close friends and family events, Christopher was invited, and eventually he started bringing his daughter.
Zoé fell in love with the town as much as she loved New York, so after all the Paris mayhem, she brought her sister to the town. It was perfect for the reforming diva, no one knew her, at least they didn’t know her face.
Slowly but surely Chloé fell in love with it too. It was drastically different, but it wasn’t…it wasn’t bad.
And you know what’s handy about briefly being a hero? Being light on your feet, yeah, she’s had practice since she started helping Marinette’s family but despite being a small town they sure had a lot of people come through.
And this young man was one she’d seen plenty of times, but was the first she’d interacted with him. He hadn't been in a while according to her co-worker.
“Hey, can I get a black coffee with this much creamer,” he moved his hand in a quick pouring motion. “I have no idea how to say how much, but do you see? I have no idea how else to tell you, I’m so sorry.”
Chloé kept her composure, pretty well, considering anytime she overheard him overexplaining orders to her co-workers she let herself have a quiet laugh. Her lips were firmly pressed in a polite smile as she nodded.
“It’s okay, I assure you. I’ll do that-” she did the quick pouring motion “-much in your cup.”
His expression was a wonderful mixture of embarrassment and relief. He gave a smile to her that made his glasses raise a little, her polite smile slightly enlarged at the movement.
“Will that be all?” she asked looking between the register and him.
“Oh yeah an, a, well is that machine working again yet or not?” he pointed to the clearly unplugged espresso machine. “My sister said it was broken and so he hasn't been coming in because of it and so he doesn't actually know if you’ve gotten it fixed.”
Chloé almost sighed, almost.
“I’m sorry to say, but it's still broken and we haven't been able to fix it ourselves. We’re currently waiting on a guy to come in. Is there something else I can get for you or will that be all?”
The guy puffed his cheeks out, making his glasses move again. He blew the air out looking at the food display instead, “It’s okay. Can I just get a muffin with it too, please?”
“Right on it,” Chloé nodded.
Barely a minute and she was handing him a to-go cup and a muffin in a paper bag.
“That’ll be 12.99,” she said as he opened his wallet. He paused for a moment glancing at her.
“I didn't tell you which creamer to use,” his words were slow.
“You’re in here at least 3 times a week,” Chloé raised an eyebrow. “I don't usually serve you but I’ve caught your order.”
He blinked before ducking his head and slapping a bill on the counter and grabbing his order, “Thank-you, I-don't-need-a-receipt, keep-the-change.”
Chloé, not that she’d admit it, jumped at him running off after slapping the counter. She picked up the bill. A 20, she smiled to herself as she put that into the register and greeted the next customer.
Outside Jon Kent threw the paper bag at his older sister, and buckled up.
“Jesus dude,” the young woman grumbled as she started the truck. “The machine still broke?”
“Yeah,” Jon’s voice was a little too high. His sister glanced at him but decided not to say anything.
“That sucks. Guess I’ll just have to go to old Beanery,” Larissa said, not practically liking the idea. She pulled out into traffic as she continued, “That place always sucks to go into. Oh you’re Clark’s daughter? You’re Chloe’s niece?” Her voice went comically high-pitched before dropping back to her regular voice, “How about you mind your business, you’re like 70.”
That made Jon snort, “Which is why I like Metropolis, or flying to Gotham. Usually don't get that spiel.”
“Pft, I wish,” Larissa murmured, but she knew her brother heard her perfectly clearly.
“The barista says they’re having a guy come in to fix it soon,” Jon said quickly. Larissa raised an eyebrow at him, making him continue, “Since you didn't seem to be listening.”
“You know I don't like listening in,” she frowned.
“Lara, my point is, we can avoid the Beanery a little longer,” he grinned at his sister.
Larissa looked over at him, holding back a smirk, “Okay.”
The next time she glanced at him her smirk was well-placed on her, as her brother smiled as he drank his coffee.
snowghoul
theartofmadeline
