An AU starter with @modelbehxvior!
Fear illuminated the wide blue pools, the grey reflecting off her dilated pupils as it held aloft before her, threatening the open barrel towards her face. The demands were incredibly loud, enhanced by the terror that shot down her system as the man was insistent that she hand over her purse, her lips trembling, a mouse caught in the headlights, unable to move.
Walking alone had been a horrific idea, as well as taking the back alleyways to ensure she got home hastily. It was typical of her to do so, the backstreets vacant and abandoned most of the time, meaning she could sprint to the fabric shop and back under twenty minutes to throw herself back into her work. It never usually mattered the time of day or night, the generous shopkeep willing to stay open for her should she need it, but this particular night, the doors were clasped shut.
There was an inkling from the whispers the man had uttered to her, that the price for his ‘protection’ had been raised recently, and he would have to more careful. Seeing the lights off nearly cemented the notion in her head and Marinette had instead turned back, trying to think of other ways to complete the piece she had been concocting.
The lack of focus on her surroundings had been her downfall, and the man—much larger than herself and disheveled, clearly waning from use of substances—waved a gun at her, demanding the pink purse at her side. The way he had sprung up on her, and the loaded gun that aimed directly between her eyes, her voice died inside of her throat. No scream could form, no cry for help, the air barely able to pass her lips.
She was certain she was going to die, here and now.
Trembling hands tried to move, but to no avail, and the mugger was growing more impatient. His finger on the trigger, it was a loud sound that made Marinette shut her eyes tightly, wincing away from the oncoming shot that she was certain would be the very end of her life. But a moment passed, an eye slowly peeking open. A shade of black barred the sight she had expected, her gaze moving gradually up along the back of the person who had saved her.
Cat ears prodded out of blond locks and a realization made her stomach drop. A Miraculous user.