NETi
NeTi au is from @rhub4rb Maribat (Daminette) from @ozmav
The songs NETi sings are Shameless & Easy by Camila Cabello.
Warning: This is 4K and has brief mentions of suicide in the "EXTRA".
The red carpet was full of journalists, fans, curious and bloggers. It was the night of the Paris Music Awards, where musicians like Jagged Stone and Clara Nigthingale competed for the biggest prize of the night.
But beyond expecting to see Jagged, there was also another buzz. One that could be bigger even than the prizes themselves and competitors.
NETi. The musical revelation of 2028, the sweetie of almost every artist (even non-artist), the girl who broke records and records in less than a year.
Someone who, despite all the explosive success, still kept her personal life private and secret identity. No one had found out who NETi was, and she had made it clear that she would only reveal herself at PMA. Then the mood was high.
At any moment the exclusive of the year would happen.
The red carpet had already passed some other important personalities, both from the music industry and the entertainment industry.
Even people from the fashion world was here.
People like Mayor Bourgeois and his family; Kagami and Tomoe Tsurugi; Luka Couffaine and his girlfriend Aurore Beauréal, TVi's new climate host; American tycoon Bruce Wayne with his wife Selina Kyle; the four Wayne heirs had also passed the red carpet. They were accompanied by their loved ones.
Among the four couples, Damian Wayne and his wife, Marinette Dupain-Cheng, stood out. Also known as MDC, a designer who had entered the fashion industry shaking the structures of everything.
The couple had dressed to impress. There was no doubt that these were original MDC.
Damian Wayne alone would not have attracted much attention had it not been for the red kufiyyah on his head. He was wearing a completely black suit, as was his tie. So, the highlight was all in his head.
Marinette Dupain-Cheng was her own show. With a front slit in her black dress, the highlight went to the upper torso. The gold and red details, the raised feathers, the tight belt at the waist. She made it clear where the inspiration for her outfit came from.
Their passage across the red carpet had been a blast. Everyone wanting a piece, an interview, a photo of the couple, as Wayne's family was famous for leaving their personal lives in private. Apart from what they purposely let others know, the rest was a complete mystery. So everyone was euphoric to get some of their attention.
A pleasant surprise on the red carpet had been the famous couple of reporters, Clark Kent and Lois Lane. They were accompanied by son Jonathan (another reporter in the family), who was holding hands with another sweetie from Paris, Adrien Agreste. All four with huge smiles on their faces.
When a more fearless reporter got an opportunity to interview them, she jumped at the question everyone was asking.
“Adrien, could you please tell us why you are holding hands with Jonathan Kent?” She waves the microphone at the model's face. All cameras facing them.
The blond looks at the brunette, who smiles and blinks mischievously, before returning to the reporter. He looks straight into the camera, a shitty smile on his lips.
"He's my boyfriend." And leaves. Waving to everyone, signing some posters and fan notebooks. The boyfriend firmly by his side, never failing to smile.
When all the guests had arrived and there was no one else to walk the red carpet, the rumors that it was possible that NETi would not actually appear began and that made everyone upset.
Until, well, notification of an official tweet from NETi.
NETi @NETiOfficial
Are you ready? Because I am!
#NETiatPMAs
And they all went crazy again.
She had passed without anyone noticing. Probably using the entrance to the paying audience to keep everyone expectant.
-
Nadja Chamack and her team were the ones covering the event inside. She was standing at the camera, waiting for the signal from Jean (the cameraman) so she could finally start talking live with viewers.
Some interviews had already been done, ready to air as the event unfolded and when Jean “ok” with his fingers, pointing at her, Nadja smiles.
“Good night, Paris!” She begins. “I am Nadja Chamack at a special event. The Paris Music Awards, or rather PMAs. Where our greatest talents come together in wonderful performances and awards are given to those who stand out!”
-
“I'm so happy for Lila!” Sabrina squeaks.
"My girl will be the highlight of the night." Alya brags and Nino laughs at his girlfriend.
"Too bad she won't walk the red carpet." Mylene sighs sadly. "It would have been a triumphant entrance."
"She already explained why, My." Ivan comforts the girl.
Nathaniel says nothing, but laughs at his friends.
Although they were busy with their careers, they had found time to gather to attend the PMAs. Watch when NETi-or rather, Lila, revealed herself to all of Paris.
Yes. They were proud to be friends with such a talented person as Lila. She could have time to be such a good friend! Even when her schedule was so tight being a humanitarian and now a successful artist. Besides being a model.
“And is Adrien Agreste there? Oh my gosh! Is Adrien Agreste holding hands with the famous American journalist Jonathan Samuel Kent?!” They were startled by the reporter's scream and went back to watching the live TV shoot.
They sigh in surprise.
"I didn't know Adrien knew Jonathan Kent!" Alya shouts.
"And who is Jonathan Kent?" Nathaniel asks.
She turns to him, a familiar fire in her eyes.
“He's just the youngest voted best journalist in the world!” She replies, hysteria in her tone. “Adrien Agreste will pay for hiding it from me!”
“Could you tell us why you are holding hands with Jonathan Kent?” The reporter asks, placing the microphone toward his face, waiting for an answer.
Adrien exchanges glances with Jonathan before turning to the camera, a mischievous smile on his face.
"He's my boyfriend." And keeps walking the red carpet.
The reporter is speechless, looking shocked. She shakes with the screams of the fans and goes back to interview other famous as they passed. Pretending the embarrassment had not happened.
In the living room of Nino's, everyone's mouth was open. Without understanding.
"Wait- Is Adrien gay?" Sabrina asks, looking at Nino.
He looks as lost as the rest of the room.
"He never said anything to me." He says. "I'm his best friend and he never told me!" The anger in his tone.
Alya feels sorry for her boyfriend, not knowing how to comfort him.
“Maybe he wanted to make a big revelation?” He says. "Do you know how he is-"
“It's MDC with Damian Wayne! Hey, MDC!”
Once again, their attention was diverted back to the TV and there was the camera focusing on a couple posing for the photos on the red carpet. Of the two people, one was recognizable.
"Marinette...?" Alya sighs, not believing what she saw.
The couple finish taking the pictures together and start posing alone, turning only to get a better angle for all photographers.
"These are Damian Al-Ghul Wayne and Marinette Dupain-Cheng." The reporter says, looking at the camera. “Damian, son and one of Bruce Wayne's heirs, came with his wife MDC, the newest successful designer in the fashion world. They are known for not being very open about their relationship, but it is obvious that the two love each other and make a powerful couple.” She blinks, wiggling her eyebrow.
“What-” Nino chokes.
“Look! They are coming. I'll try to get an exclusive for you!"She squeezes among other journalists, almost falling on the red carpet after tripping over someone's feet, but is saved by none other than Marinette.
Damian right behind her like a shadow, his face serious. The camera takes everything.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" The girl moans as she stands up. "I hurt you? Pardon. I'm very clumsy.” She doesn't even fake an act for the camera, nor does she notice Marinette's affectionate smile.
“It happens to the best of us, Manon. It's okay.” Marinette says, the flashes doing nothing to diminish her beauty and kindness. "Good to see you. You look beautiful."
The reporter-Manon straightens, her face red. She seemed to have forgotten she was live.
"Thanks. You look awesome too.” Coughing, straightening her clothes and hair, before turning to the camera again. “Would you mind giving a little interview? In the name of the old days when you took care of me.” Teases.
Marinette laughs, dyed red lips and flowing hair. Damian's expression softened at that.
"What I don't do for those puppy eyes, isn't it?!" Marinette plays with Manon, making the girl blush.
“So, could you tell us something about your relationship? I don't want to be invasive, but a lot of us are curious.” Manon says. “I know you've been together since you were fourteen, but a lot of people don't know that. There are plenty of rumors about you with Adrien Agreste and Luka Couffaine.” She extends the microphone to the designer, looking more professional than a few seconds ago.
Marinette rolls her eyes. This was clearly a subject she was fed up with.
“Like you said, we've been together since I was fourteen. Eight years of dating, one of marriage.” She responds, raising her left hand to display the gold ring with a huge blue diamond in the center. The sassy expression on her face. "About Adrien and Luka... Well, you got your answer when Adrien came in with Jon and Luka with Aurore."
Manon jumps when Marinette mentions Jonathan Kent. The eyes shining.
“Can you tell us something about Adrien and Jonathan? Like how long they've been together.” She asks. “Just for everyone to cry over from missing the start of such a good ship.”
The designer looks at Damian quickly, eyebrow raised, and he responds for her.
“We had to put up with them being gross for five years now.” Despite the laid-back affair and the funny speech, his voice was pure steel. "I don't understand why nobody noticed this before, it wasn't as if they were hiding."
Manon moans, upset. (She hadn't really seen it coming. Of course they had photos together on Instagram, funny tweets to each other, traveled together, but she was sure it was purely platonic.)
“FIVE YEARS?” Nino gets up from the couch, indignant. “FIVE YEARS AND I DIDN'T KNOW NOTHING. MARINETTE DID KNOW! EVEN DAMIAN WAYNE KNEW AND I, THE BEST FRIEND DIDNT!” He shouts in frustration.
"Marinette has been dating for almost ten years and I didn't know." Alya whispers, still not believing. "I was her best friend and she never told me."
"Guys..." Mylene mumbles, heartbroken for her friends.
“Thank you for giving us this interview, Mari! Hope to see you at family dinner on Thursday! You too, Damian.” Manon nods, a bright smile pasted on her face.
Marinette smiles, returning the wave with her hands and Damian with his head. They walk until they enter the theater, disappearing from camera view.
Other famous people were passing and being interviewed, but no one else was paying attention to it. They were more focused on understanding what had happened. Alya, especially, was the one that was most shaken, because she was a journalist (intern, but journalist) and was proud of it.
But here were things she didn't even realize. Things that were no secret, but that everyone seemed to know but her.
The break came and went, no one daring to say anything. Each trying to assimilate what had happened, when suddenly the cell phone of the six began to beep, signaling messages. Chat messages from former students of Ms. Bustier.
Sabrina was the one who got the phone first.
[Alix 8:40]: Hey, did you guys see Mari on tv? [Max 8:42]: Yes! She said she would show up with Damian. [Alix 8:42]: Dude. They were beautiful. [Kim 8:42]: Adrien had texted that he was nervous. [Max 8:44]: Nervous?! [Juleka 8:44]: I think it was because of Jon. [Rose 8:45]: They are both so cute! [Kim 8:46]: Damian was very funny with the question about them. [Juleka 8:46]: Luka said he's still complaining about both of them. [Rose 8:47]: He sent pictures!
Mylene looked up from her cell phone, confused.
“Does that mean they knew? I don’t understand."
"There's only one way to know." Ivan replies.
[Ivan 8:49]: Did you know? [Alya 8:50]: HOW DID YOU KNOW AND I DON’T?! [Nino 8:51]: Why would Adrien tell you and not me? [Sabrina 8:51]: Can you explain that? [Mylene 8:52]: I'm very disappointed with you. [Nathaniel 8:52]: Guys.
They waited for answers, seeing the "writing" balloon disappearing and appearing several times before a single answer appeared.
[Alix 8:55]: Shit. Wrong chat. Sorry guys.
After that she went offline, as did the other four.
"They just...?" Nathaniel muttered incredulously.
"What the hell is going on?!" Alya screams in frustration.
“-and awards are given to those who stand out!” Nadja Chamack's voice comes from the tv. “Now what everyone was expecting: NETi. The presentation of the latest music discovery will start anytime!”
"Oh my God! It's now.” Alya shouts, forgetting what had happened.
The stage light goes out, everyone screaming for NETi.
The screen turns on, starting a quick sequence of indistinguishable images before stopping on an empty avenue.
The camera begins to slowly approach a person standing in the middle of the street. The sound of the bass playing rhythmically. The camera focuses on the person dressed in white in the middle of the street.
NETi.
MDC.
Marinette Dupain-Cheng.
“What the hell is going on??” Ivan snorts, already annoyed by everything he has seen.
She walks slowly, powerful and barefoot. The sharp eyes. Her lips move and she whispers "Shameless" before the screen goes out and red lights take over the stage.
The audience screaming at the top of their lungs. The cameras filming the reactions of guests and fans, each one more surprised than the other.
Don't speak, no, don't try It's been a secret for the longest time
NETi's voice echoes through the theater, the audience calms down.
Don't run (oh), no, don't hide Been running from it for the longest time
The camera focuses on NETi standing on the stage, her hair loose and wild. It was not possible to distinguish the color of the dress she wore, but it was noticeable in certain parts of the fabric and had sleeves. The cleavage dropped to above the navel, details with flowers on the side of the ribs and a dangerous slit in the thigh.
She was still barefoot.
So many mornings, I woke up confused In my dreams, I do anything I want to you My emotions are naked, they're taking me out of my mind
She squats on stage, the slit in the dress giving wide mobility in her movements and the microphone was firmly in her right hand. The left arm resting on the bare thigh.
Right now, I'm shameles Screamin' my lungs out for ya Not afraid to face it I need you more than I want to Need you more than I want to
She closes her eyes, running a hand through her hair and pulling tightly. Showing despair.
Show me you're shameless Write it on my neck, why don't ya?
The hand goes down to the neck, showing that there was something written there.
Damian Wayne
The camera focuses on him standing next to his family, the Kents, Adrien, Luka and Aurore.
Jonathan and Jason tease him with pats on the back and malicious smiles. He just remains mesmerized by the presentation.
And I won't erase it I need you more than I want to I need you more than I want to
She opens her fierce eyes and stands up. The dancers come in, circling her, dancing to the powerful beat of the music.
No, uh, uh, don't wanna do this now No, uh, uh, don't wanna do this now No, uh, uh, don't wanna do this now No, uh, uh, don't wanna do this now
She swings the hips to the beat, the camera surrounding her with the dancers and she never looking away from the camera.
There's just inches in between us I want you to give in, I want you to give in, oh
The camera comes closer to her as to her face be the only thing in sight, before pulling away again.
There is tension in between us I just wanna give in And I don't care if I'm forgiven
She reaches the middle of the stage, where a microphone stand rested and the dancers leave. That's when the melody cuts off abruptly, before a softer one starts. More innocent.
NETi attaches the microphone to the stand and the lights brighten.
Her dress was lavender with purple accents.
(Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha)
The camera refocuses solely on her and she does not take her eyes off the lens.
You tell me that I'm complicated And that might be an understatement Anything else? (Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha)
She blinks at the camera. A sly smile on her face.
You tell me that I'm indecisive Fickle, but I try to hide it Anything else? (Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha)
NETi shrugs, demonstrating that she didn't care.
You tell me that I overthink 'Til I ruin a good thing Anything else? (Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha)
She tilts her head, daring. Never failing to look at the camera.
You tell me that you'd rather fight Than spend a single peaceful night With somebody else (ha-ha-ha-ha-ha)
The camera zooms out a bit to catch a full-length scene. The whole dark stage, just her lit up.
You really, really know me The future and the old me All of the mazes and the madness in my mind
The voice rises a little and she closes her eyes, feeling the letters.
You really, really love me You know me and you love me And it's the kind of thing I always hoped I'd find, yeah
A satisfied smile appears on her face and she squeezes the microphone in the hands.
Always thought I was hard to love 'Til you made it seem so easy, seem so easy
She dances along with the beat of the drums, the melody rocking her body. It was hard to take the eyes off.
Touch me 'til I find myself, in a feeling Tell me with your hands that you're never leaving (no)
She pulls her hair, showing once again, despair.
Always thought I was hard to love 'Til you made it seem so easy I never liked my crooked teeth You tell me they're you're favorite thing (mm-mmm) Anything else? (Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha)
The eyes back open and she smiles at the camera.
The stretch marks all around my thighs Kiss 'em 'til I change my mind About everything else (ha-ha-ha-ha-ha)
Her hands navigate the bare skin until they close around her waist in a single hug.
The camera returns to film Damian, capturing a rare smile from the man.
You really, really know me The future and the old me All of the mazes and the madness in my mind
She stares at the camera.
You really, really love me You know me and you love me (uh, huh) And it's the kind of thing I always hoped I'd find
She winks and the audience screams again in delirium.
All I know is you Heal me when I'm broken, heal me when I'm broken, oh
Eyes closed, she intones the voice.
All I know is you Saved me and you know it, saved me and you know it
The raw emotion in her expression and voice.
Always thought I was hard to love 'Til you made it seem so easy, seem so easy
The song ends and there is hysteria. Screams, applause. It is a mess.
NETi moves away from the microphone to take a breath before returning.
“Thank you, PMAs. That was amazing.”
She waves her hand at the audience, greeting everyone gratefully before having to leave the stage.
The camera goes back to Nadja Chamack who was the example of the confusion.
“Well, great day to know that my daughter's old nanny is a designer and a pop star.” She jokes blandly. “Now we are going to take a break and we will be back with Luka Couffaine's performance.”
The group of friends were sitting motionless. A hard lump to swallow stuck in their throats.
Sabrina is the first to speak.
"There has to be some explanation for that."
Nathaniel smiles weakly.
"Yes. Of course, there is.” But there is no conviction in his voice.
Alya quickly pulls out her phone, typing something and waiting.
“Al, what-” Nino is interrupted by Alya's hand spread out in a “stop” sign.
Her cell phone beeps and she chokes, her eyes teary.
"Alya, what happened?" Mylene asks, already desperate.
She doesn't answer, just passes her cellphone to her friends before leaving the room.
"I'll go after her." Nino says and leaves.
Mylene, Sabrina, Ivan and Nathaniel come together to see what had left their friend in that deplorable state, but they regret not long after.
[Alya 9:26]: Did you lie to me? [Lila 9:28]: ...I didn't lie. [Lila 9:28]: Just said what people wanted to hear.
Sabrina sighs, her eyes wide.
"Does that mean she-"
"Yes." Ivan whispers shaken.
Marinette and the others were right. They were blind.
Alya returns to the room next to Nino, eyes red and unrivaled fury.
She reaches for the phone and Mylene gives it back.
“She lied to me for years. Fool me all these years. If she thinks this is going to be it...” She says. "Then she better gets ready, because I'm going to destroy her life."
"And how do you intend to do that?" Nathaniel questions.
Alya stares at her friends.
“I have everything recorded. Everything. And I'll still look for more.” Growls. "She'll regret everything she did and said."
She would do not only for her, but also for Marinette.
Alya owed it to her former best friend.
It was the least she could do.
EXTRA:
“Earlier today, the Italian model Lila Alois Rossi, was arrested by the Parisian police. It is still unclear whether she will remain in prison here in Paris or be deported back to Italy, but we have had access to the prosecution and I tell you: there is no way she can escape it by just bailing.” Nadja Chamack was sitting in the armchair her studio. The expression was hard as stone.
"Along with the prosecution, irrevocable evidence was attached, giving no breach for Ms. Rossi to mount a defense."
Nadja's image is placed in the corner, highlighting the video of Lila Rossi being handcuffed in the police car to the police station.
The Italian had lost the healthy tone of her skin. Her pale lips and the obvious discomfort with the flashes. They didn't realize they would ever be able to see this: Lila Rossi hating the attention on her.
“Among accusations of defamation, there are also many about sexual harassment, blackmail, bullying and… accomplice of murder. Apparently, she was the reason for some suicides in the schools she studied, told no one and even encouraged the victims.”
Damian raises his eyebrow at the television, turning to Marinette and Adrien, sitting beside him on Chloe's couch.
“How do you think this happened?” He asks. He was right that Lila Rossi would get over after all these years of trying to knock her down.
Adrien tilts his head, thinking.
"Alya." Marinette doesn't even have to think before answering.
Adrien nods frantically.
"Certainly, Alya."
"She must have finally discovered Lila's lies and that's her way to get revenge." Marinette says.
"And raise a white flag for us." Adrien continues.
Damian turns his attention back to the TV. He was impressed by Césarie's work. She could be a decent reporter when she researched and checked her sources first.
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