Chapter Text
Chloé was not looking forward to school. Not that she usually did. But after this weekend….
In one day, everything had spiraled. One blow after another, culminating in an Akumatization that screwed over everyone involved on so many levels.
And to top it off, enough knowledge had leaked to the city that people speculated on it. They knew she had been the Akuma that revealed the rest of the Team’s identities. Most believed it was voluntary. Even her Teammates- former Teammates- had glared at her that day, blaming her.
Only she knew the truth.
At first she had tried to pretend it was all fine. As if she didn't spend all of yesterday huddled under the covers, going between sad and scared with no sleep whatsoever. So she tried to get dressed and put on her makeup and do her hair.
Her energy levels didn't let her. She wanted to go back under the covers. So her hair was loose and she had a hoodie instead of her usual jacket. That was fine though. Her usual outfit reminded her too much of Pollen.
Walking into the school, people thankfully didn't notice her. For the most part. She was nearly to class when someone spotted her, and that was all it took for whispers to start up.
She ignored it, pushing through. Not stopping, despite the burning feeling in her begging to correct their rumors.
The class wasn't much better. Not everyone was there, but there were several glares. She should be taking bets on which one confronts her first.
Of course it was Alya. Chloé's other choice was Kim, as both were the most confrontational. Alya was just also more hotheaded. Especially toward her.
"Don't," Chloé said.
That only seemed to make the girl even more furious.
"What?" Alya growled. "Can't face the fact that you fucked all of us over!? Just gonna hide behind your dad so you don't get-"
"Alya, chill a little," Nino said, putting a hand on his girlfriend's shoulder before continuing his glare. "She's right though. You can't just pretend you didn't just reveal everyone's identities!"
"We were Heroes," Kim groaned. "We were helping people!"
"And now we can't," Max sighed.
At that, Chloé let out a laugh. A bitter, almost maniacal laugh. As she stopped to look around at them, tilting her head and grinning far too wide in a way that made Alya back up, she couldn't help but let just a little bit of that burning anger come forth.
"Nothing will change," Chloé said. "Don't you know? Those rules only apply to me. I've accepted that truth in so many ways. Next time you see Ladybug, tell her to tell Pollen I said I was sorry."
She didn't wait for a response before walking past them. Thankfully they didn't push the issue. Whether they were agreeing or shocked, she didn't know.
Instead of heading to her usual seat, Chloé walked to the back. Usually she would make demands of what she wanted. But today, she was tired. So very very tired.
"Can I sit back here?" Chloé asked. "Just switch with me and Sabrina."
Juleka and Rose hesitated, but nodded. They moved their bags and Chloé slid into the seat. Everyone else was confused, but also reluctantly sat down.
Anyone coming in after gave a confused look to Rose and Juleka, then to Chloé in the back. They would then sit and whisper to their desk mate.
When Adrien walked in, he actually looked a little concerned. Though as he made his way to come up to her, Nino caught his arm. The two talked for a moment before Adrien began moving again, but Chloé just shot him a look. He backed down, understanding that she didn't want to discuss anything.
Sabrina came in soon after. She hesitated to follow her up, and oh boy did that hurt. Mylene slid out of her own seat, offering it before sitting next to Ivan. Another, more guilty, look to the back, and Sabrina sat down.
That was fine. Chloé wasn't up to talking today. It totally didn't add just a final sting at all.
Marinette was last to class. And surprisingly, her glare felt the worst. On top of the anger, there was disappointment.
Chloé didn't have to deal with that for long. Miss Bustier walked in and got their attention. She eyed the seat change but decided not to ask.
After that, she stopped registering anything people said. Still, she could imagine the whispers. What they were saying and texting.
All those emotions were coming back. Wanting to yell and scream. Wanting to not be here.
In the corner of her eye was movement. And when she realized what it was, a bit of fear leaked into her building rage.
No hesitation, she dropped a textbook onto the black Butterfly. Which unfortunately got everyone's attention and had them staring.
"Whoops," Chloé fake grinned. "Dropped my book!"
No one really seemed to believe that. But they thankfully went back to the lesson.
This was already exhausting. And Chloé didn't want to deal with any of it. Especially any more of those ridiculous Butterflies.
Clearing the area in front of her, she decided to rest her head in her arms and try to finally get some sleep.
Chloé woke up to someone gently shaking her arm. Blearily looking up, she found Miss Bustier and an empty classroom.
"Are you alright?" Miss Bustier asked.
"Tired," Chloé yawned. "What time is it?"
"Everyone left for lunch," she said. "You're welcome to stay in here, but you should eat something."
She nodded, but didn't feel like getting up at all. So she laid back down. Miss Bustier sighed, but walked back to her desk.
Chloé wasn't sure how long she had nodded off again, but she awoke to someone setting something down on her table. A sandwich?
Looking up, she saw a concerned Sabrina. For the first time in a few days, Chloé gave a genuine smile.
"I have to get back," Sabrina said. "But if you- if you need me…"
Chloé nodded, letting Sabrina leave. She gave her one last look from the doorway before going into the hall.
Chloé tried to focus on eating the sandwich. She knew she should eat. She had only grabbed a few snacks the last couple days, not a full meal. Never really felt hungry at all.
She managed to get the energy to unwrap it, but taking a bite was a different beast. She settled for tearing off small pieces to eat instead. Somehow that was easier. Calming in a way.
She ate most of it. Seems she was more hungry than she thought.
Checking the time, she found there was a while before anyone would be back from lunch. But for now, the hallways would likely be empty.
After reassuring Miss Bustier that she'd be back, Chloé walked out to the bathrooms. She just wanted to splash some water on her face. Maybe the cold would pick up some energy.
It did work a little. She at least felt like actually going back to class and trying to finish off the day instead of sneaking out and heading home.
"Hey."
Chloé jumped at the voice. She hadn't heard anyone come in. A glance in the mirror showed Juleka. Okay. Not the worst option. Chloé could attempt to not fuck this up like she did with everything else.
"I'm...glad you still feel safe in the bathroom with me after picture day," Chloé said.
Fuck. That was not a good one.
"Well, you were trying to be better?" Juleka offered.
Right. Yeah. Trying. She was trying. But what even is "better"? She's gotten so many conflicting messages on that.
"Um, I just wanted to say," Juleka began. "If you need somewhere to get a break from things, my place is open."
"You're… Trusting me to be at your home?" She raised an eyebrow. "Even after… Miracle Queen?"
"I'm trusting Luka," she said.
"Who?" She asked.
"My brother," she said. "The one who had the Snake Miraculous."
Oh. Chloé kinda remembered him from that day. But why in the world would he even think about trusting her after that?
"Your eyeliner is smudged," Juleka said.
"Fuck," Chloé said, looking back to the mirror. "This is supposed to be waterproof. Great."
Couldn't go back out like that. Her lack of energy was overpowered by the anxiety as she began rummaging through her purse. Makeup wipes got rid of the smudges fairly easily.
Yet when she tried to reapply, her hands kept shaking. Which wasn't good for eyeliner application. Damn it maybe she should've had more to eat.
She was on her third attempt at wiping it off and starting over when Juleka spoke up.
"Do you want me to help?" Juleka asked. "I'm pretty good with makeup."
That was also not something Chloé had expected. Well not the makeup part. Anyone who looked at Juleka would know she knew her way around makeup. But her offering like that? To anyone, much less Chloé?
Chloé wanted to snap and ask what her game was. Why would she offer that? As wary as she was though, she wasn’t up to questioning her motives.
“Fine,” Chloé sighed, handing her the eyeliner. “Just make sure to use both eyes while you’re working. And maybe help with some eyeshadow while you're at it.”
Juleka did tuck her hair behind her ear before getting to work. One hand was on Chloé’s cheek, keeping her steady. The other almost effortlessly working on her face.
She couldn’t help but notice that they were very close right now. And that Juleka was actually kinda pretty when she wasn’t hiding behind her hair. Damn it now was not the time for this!
Sometime between a few seconds and an eternity later, Juleka had moved away and handed the eyeliner back. Yet Chloé could still feel how warm the whole interaction was.
“W-We should get back to class,” Chloé said, changing the subject.
“Right,” Juleka nodded, letting her hair fall back as she checked the time. “You probably don’t want to get caught in the lunch rush.”
Chloé walked toward the door, yet stopped and hesitated before pushing it open. There were a million thoughts running through her mind, and she didn’t really know how to handle any of this.
But… maybe she could take a leap of faith and work by trial and error, instead of listening to conflicting messages.
“Thanks,” Chloé said. “For the makeup. And switching seats earlier. And- and sorry for the picture day thing.”
“You’re welcome,” Juleka said.
The rest of class had gone mostly the same as the first half. Though Chloé managed to stay conscious for most of it. Some of it.
Okay mostly just at the end because she knew she would have to bolt as soon as the bell rang to avoid more confrontation. And it worked. In moments she was in the car.
The driver went straight back to the hotel. And then there was the next hurdle: reporters.
They were camped out in the front. And Chloé already knew their questions from what had been speculated on the news the day before. What made her 'betray her teammates'.
As if she was the one who betrayed anyone. Hell, she was surprised that Ladybug herself hadn't incited a witch hunt. Though what the girl's plan was with that was something she could think on another time.
Thankfully, this was Le Grande Paris Hotel. They knew how to use side entrances to avoid paparazzi.
She easily slipped into the lobby. It was a little more simple to walk across to the elevator. Adults didn't pay much attention to kids. Her parents were at the front desk, having a heated conversation.
She didn't want to know what about. Instead heading up to her room. Though the elevator ride felt excruciatingly long, it was a relief to finally be in her room.
Then she remembered what a mess her room was. At first she'd only meant to throw out all Ladybug merchandise. Then it turned into turning the place upside down for anything that reminded her of the Hero.
Who knew she had so many things in that particular shade of red? Even other reds were starting to bother her. Maybe she'd redecorate.
Tossing her backpack and purse down, she grabbed pajamas and headed straight to the vanity. She didn't imagine doing much other than going to bed, maybe a Netflix binge.
As she went to wipe off the makeup, she took a moment to admire Juleka's work. It was a little heavier on the eyeliner than Chloé's usual look. And the eyeshadow was a more neutral color.
It was different. Not quite as "look at me" as the bright blue. Which honestly? She didn't want people looking at her lately. She wanted to be as low-key and hidden as possible.
Maybe she'd keep this look. Spice it up with different lipstick.
That brought her back to what happened in the bathroom. And now Chloé had more energy to question Juleka's motives.
Why was she… nice to her? It's not like she didn't have other options of people to be nice to. And she had no obligation to either. Was it just temporary entertainment? Was she trying to trick her? Was she just using her as a pawn?
None of it felt right. Then again, she never saw it coming before.
And with that thought, she was drained again. Damn it.
Knowing she should eat something, she grabbed a snack from the minibar area. Not the best but comforting.
Flopping onto her bed, she tried to relax. Cuddling different stuffed animals and hoping for the right feel.
She wished she could just go borrow Fang. But Jagged left yesterday morning. And who even knew if he still would let her or not. Probably used up all her "I'll be nice to you since my pet destroyed your property" points.
She must have fallen asleep at some point, because next thing she knew it was dark. And there was a figure next to her bed.
Panic started up, her heart hammering in her chest and all of her muscles stiffening up. Until she heard his voice.
"Sorry," her father's voice said. "I didn't mean to wake you. How are you doing?"
"Fine," Chloé muttered.
He was quiet. Probably knowing that wasn't entirely the truth. With a sigh, he set something on her nightstand.
"I got you something to cheer you up," he said. "You should open it in the morning. A nice way to start your day."
"Yeah," Chloé nodded. "See you in the morning."
"Love you, sweetheart," he said.
"You too," she said.
Though she was now wondering that as well. Why would he love her? The obligation of being a parent? That didn't stop…
She barely noticed as he left. Her gaze focused on the box on the nightstand.
Here in the dark, it's shape looked so familiar. There was no way it could be, but that octagonal shape caused an ache in her chest.
Grabbing the box, she turned on the light. She had to inspect it. She had to know.
Though even within the first few seconds, she knew it wasn't the box with Pollen's Miraculous.
The color and design was all wrong. Pollen's box had been black with intricate red designs. She remembered it changing the other day, but even then it had been a cherry wood with pink flowers. This was a rich mahogany, and it's design completely different from either. Honestly it looked more like it came out of Cardcaptors than the Miracle Box.
Some part of her broke a little. The part that had hoped against hope that somehow Pollen had been able to come back to her. But no.
Already this far, she decided she might as well look inside the box. At least to distract her from that.
Inside she found a ring. It was gold, the band sculpted in curves that almost looked like flame, curling around a flat surface. On the surface was some kind of paw print made of red gems.
As Chloé picked up the ring, it flashed bright red. The gems were gone and the metal had turned silver.
Hovering just above it was a creature. Reddish brown fur, small ears, and bright red eyes. A bear. Kwami.
"Nope," Chloé said, tucking the ring back in the box. "Clearly I'm dreaming about Kwamis now. I'm just going to go back to bed and wake up for real!"
"But- I- what?" The Kwami said. "How do you know-"
"Goodnight sweet apparition!" She said, turning the light out and pulling the covers over her head.