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“Didn’t I say you would need Queen Bee’s help again?” Chloe challenged from the doorway.
She tossed her ponytail behind her while she inspected her nails for non-existent chips.
“Not the time, Chloe,” Ladybug seethed, eying their surroundings. “What is this place anyway?”
“Contrary to what you might think, I’m not stupid. I knew people knowing who I was wouldn’t be safe.” She motioned to the luxurious space around them. “So, I had Daddy do some remodeling. It’s a safe room. No one knows it exists outside Daddy, Jean, and me. You’ll be safe here.”
“Thanks, Chlo. You’re a real saver, isn’t she, my Lady?”
Ladybug sighed, a soft smile playing at her lips as she regarded Chat Noir. “Yeah, she is.”
The heroine faced Chloe, her expression remaining soft. “We owe you for this.”
Perking up at this, Chloe dared to ask, “Am I getting Pollen back?”
“Chlo –” Chat started.
“Maybe,” Ladybug cut him. “I need time to think.”
Mollified for now, Chloe shrugged. “There’s plenty of that here. I can’t say the same for the rest of Paris.”
Ladybug’s attention diverted to their teammates, taking in their injuries from Chat’s torn suit to Rena’s limp arm and Carapace’s cracked shield. It was obvious they needed a chance to recoup and heal, but the akuma and its hunters had other ideas, rampaging through the city even as they stood within the small safe room.
“I can do this, Ladybug,” Chloe said in a quiet voice. “I know I can.”
Ladybug’s hand came up, stopping further treaties. Her brows drew together as she played out whatever scenarios her mind conjured, leaving Chloe frustrated yet hopeful.
The bounty on their heads from the latest akuma had to be weighing heavily on the team’s leader. Chloe could only imagine the stress that caused Ladybug though the spotted heroine rarely showed any of them her weaker side, outside Chat Noir anyway.
It must be nice to have someone she could depend upon so much, Chloe mused, watching the two. Even if Ladybug denied her feelings for Chat, it was clear they needed one another and relied on each other at a level she as Queen Bee and the others would never quite reach. While she might’ve been jealous of such a bond not so long ago, she shared a small part of that bond and would never forsake it for anything, including possible akumatization.
Ladybug’s gaze collided with hers, a determination straightening her stance. A slow grin spread across her features. She popped open her yoyo and plucked something from its depths.
“You have a plan?” Chloe almost forgot how to breathe.
Ladybug nodded. “I have a plan. It’s going to take your help, Queen Bee.”
“I’m ready.” She stood taller, prouder. “I won’t let you down, Ladybug.”
Taking Chloe’s hand in hers, Ladybug slipped a piece of paper into her waiting palm. The grin faltered for a brief moment before she grew determined once more.
“I know you won’t because you’re going to lead the akuma straight to us.”
“My Lady?”
“Ladybug, are you sure?”
“That’s insane, girl.”
Ladybug remained focused on Chloe. “I’m trusting you, Queen Bee, to do this.”
Chloe nodded, taking her leave from the room. Opening up the paper, she read the instructions and grinned. “Guess it’s time to really bring the party. Hope you’re ready for us, Hawk Moth.”