Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

                Ladybug and her team ran across the city. The Akuma was spotted at Notre Dame, leaping to the rooftops. There wasn’t really a way to sneak up on them. Still, they tried. Circling around instead to surround them. 

                As they perched on the highest edges of the building, Ladybug got her first look at the Akuma. 

                The were blonde. Possibly male? His outfit was black, white, and blue. The design itself reminding her of a figure skater. Though she never knew a figure skater to wear thigh high boots.

                Except…. Something about this person did not feel like an Akuma. Ladybug was used to sensing Magic. Akumas always had a little bit of the same signature, thanks to Hawkmoth’s Magic being used to make them.

                This person had none of that.  

                “I don’t think that’s an Akuma,” Chat mused. 

                “Foreign Hero get lost?” Ladybug suggested. 

                “Oh shit!” Rena’s voice came from over the coms. “I recognize him! He’s a Hero from London! Lord Winter!”

                Ladybug hadn’t heard of him. Judging by Chat Noir’s expression, neither had he. Must be new? Oh. Yep. Rena was still rambling about him. Lord Winter and Lady Firefly were relatively new Heroes in London. They started showing up only a few months ago. 

                “What’s your plan?” Chat asked. 

                “I’ll go in,” Ladybug said, making sure everyone could hear her. “See what he wants. All of you be ready just in case we’re wrong. This could be still be an Akuma. Or he’s the real deal here to start a fight. Viperion, you’re on point in case things go really wrong.”

                After hearing Viperion set Second Chance, Ladybug swung down. Closer now, she could see that the guy was roughly her age. 

                “Hello,” Ladybug said. “You seem a long way from home.”

                “Sure am,” the Hero grinned. “You must be the wonderful Ladybug!”

                She frowned at him. He sounded…. Chipper. Too chipper. Wide smile worse than Chat when he told a particularly awful pun. She recognized that level of chipper. 

                “Drop the customer service voice, please,” Ladybug said. “It doesn’t fit you at all.”

                That grin dropped immediately. An amused smirk. More comfortable than the persona he’d given moments ago. Calm and, well. Cold. But not unkind. His gaze calculating, yet without malice. 

                “I don’t think I’ve called it that,” he said. “Firefly usually calls it the ‘you’re about to deck a reporter voice’.”

                “Been there,” Ladybug said. “So you’re Lord Winter, then? Any reason you’re in Paris?”

                “A few,” Lord Winter mused. “My civilian self is here on…. Business of sorts. Since I’m in town though, I have looked into your fight against Hawkmoth. And I had to suggest a potential lead.”

                “A lead on Hawkmoth?” she guessed. 

                “Perhaps,” he said. “I’m sure you’re narrowing down suspects as well, but may I suggest Gabriel Agreste?”

                Ladybug stiffened slightly. She could hear her team whisper in the communicators. Despite that, she considered it. Rethinking over some things. 

                “What’s your reasoning?” Ladybug asked. 

                “Because you want to know, or because you didn’t think of it?” Lord Winter asked. 

                “I want to know,” she replied. “We have considered Gabriel in the past, though at the time we had ruled him out when he was Akumatized. Now knowing that Hawkmoth has a partner, I’m willing to reopen the idea. However, our suspicions were based on circumstances you couldn't possibly know about. So where is your lead?”

                “Now who’s using the ‘customer service’ voice?” he teased. “As for your question, I was thinking of a few things. Firstly, what we know about Hawkmoth is that he is an adult male. Presumably of French origin, given the accent or lack thereof. He’s likely blonde, but your transformations do seem to mess with hair colors.”. 

                “That doesn’t narrow it down as much as you think,” she said. 

                “His schedule does,” he said. 

                “His schedule?” she asked. 

                “Akumas happen at all times,” he replied. “Midday, afternoon, night, early morning. Clearly, he either has no job at all, or has a job that is flexible enough for him to go off and Akumatize people. Especially as Akumas can last for a few hours at a time, which he is presumably transformed and in control of them for most if not all of that.”

                Ladybug nodded along. That was true. She was pretty sure they’ve commented on that before. 

                “Next, is isolation,” Lord Winter said. 

                “Isolation?” Ladybug raised an eyebrow. 

                “Of course,” he said. “In his few public appearances, Hawkmoth has seemed quite chatty. I would assume he is the same in hiding. Could you imagine living in some tiny apartment and hearing your neighbor on a monologue at all hours of the night?”

                That image was almost comical. She thought of how many times Alya’s neighbors complained about Ella and Etta’s playtime getting too loud. Hell, even when they had sleepovers at Le Grand Paris, they got noise complaints if they reacted too loudly to a show or movie. 

                “No one would hear someone like Gabriel Agreste monologuing,” Ladybug said. “Even if his son or the few staff are around, there are plenty of empty rooms.”

                “My point exactly,” Lord Winter nodded. “Now, the next point is access. Your ‘Miraculous’ are very strange things. I highly doubt that they would have ended up in some random shop without someone finding out what they were.”

                “No, that’s pretty impossible,” she admitted. “As soon as you pick it up, you can tell.”

                “So how did he come across them?” He asked. “I can think of a few things. Rich people of all sorts can find items of rare value and realize they’re Magic. A museum curator or archeologist could as well. In fact, wasn’t there something connected to your Magic that was recovered recently?”

                “A Sentimonster named Feast,” she said. 

                “And there was another Miraculous in a museum in America, correct?” he asked. 

                “Wouldn’t that point to more museum workers than a designer?” She asked. 

                Over coms, she could hear Bunnyx suck in a breath. Her dad fit a lot of boxes too, didn’t he?

                “There are many possibilities,” Lord Winter shrugged. “Each one a piece of the puzzle. Only one will fit all of them.”

                “But why Gabriel specifically?” she asked. 

                “Motive,” he said. “His wife is missing. Possibly dead. From what I’ve heard of your powers, it could help him with that.”

                “Not a guarantee,” she said. 

                She didn’t like the way his eyes flicked to her ears. Would he try himself? He might be another ‘Hero’, but who knew his morality or restraint when it came to such power. 

                “True, other people have their own motives,” Lord Winter admitted. “But given the…. Restraint that Hawkmoth shows, I would assume he has limits. Other villains have less issue killing people who get in their way. If you were against a villain such as the infamous Specter, you wouldn’t have survived.”

                This time she could hear Pigella’s anxiety. Yet Ladybug did her best not to show that the name meant anything. 

                He had a point though. 

                “Another factor is Mayura,” Lord Winter continued, unaware. “Of the men narrowed down, how many have a woman so close to him? Willing to be a villain with him, for the same goal? Nathalie Sancoeur wants Emilie back as much as he does.”

                Ladybug paused at that. Not that he wasn’t right but… To most people, Nathalie was invisible. She was just ‘the assistant’. How did he notice that Nathalie was much more than that?

                “It might be superficial,’ Lord Winter said. “But I also think that the butterfly and peacock motifs in his home are suspicious. One or the other would be fine, especially as the home has been like that for years. But both is a bit strange, don’t you think?”

                "Do you know what I think is a bit strange?" She countered. "How do you know so much about the Agrestes? Gabriel’s relationship with Nathalie and the inside layout of his home isn't exactly the most public information."

                Lord Winter paused at that. Though clearly surprised, he didn't panic.

                "I have…. Been researching," Lord Winter said. "And while I am in Paris, I will be looking for more proof and at a few other leads while I can. Anyhow, it's time to make my leave!"

                "Hey- wait!" She shouted.

                Lord Winter bolted. Ladybug tried to follow, but found herself slipping on the suddenly-frosted roof tiles. 

                Ouch! Faceplant. Of course. 

                "Any of you see where he went?" Ladybug asked. 

                "He kinda iced everyone," Talon reported. "Dick."

                "Want me to reset?" Viperion asked. 

                "No," Ladybug sighed. "We'll just have to keep an eye out. I think he's helpful, and he does have a point. Sorry, kitty." 

                "It's fine," Chat replied. "I made this decision the first time we thought that, and I'm sticking by it even more now. Even if he's right, I'm on your side, Bugaboo."

                Cue a round of "aw" from half the group, and a "get a room!" From the other half.

Chapter Text

                Adrien knocked before wheeling a food cart into Nathalie's room. 

                "Hey," Adrien grinned. "I know you're still doing everything you can for tonight, so I wanted to make sure you and father didn't forget to eat!"

                "Thank you, Adrien," Nathalie said. 

                She took one of the sandwiches, and Adrien decided to stay a moment. Sitting on the edge of the bed. 

                Nathalie was still getting tired a lot. That in itself was concerning. But for right now, it remained mostly manageable. As long as she kept from walking around too much, she could still do most of what she had been before.

                That was better. Adrien remembered his mother getting worse and worse. Nodding off mid-conversation. At least if Nathalie did get stubborn, she still knew her limits. She wouldn’t do something stupid. She wouldn’t think she’s fine, wander off to go shopping, forget her phone and disappear into the-

                “I’m sorry, Adrien,” Nathalie said. 

                “Hm? Oh, I’m fine!” Adrien lied. 

                “I know you would have liked to have more of your friends here,” she said. 

                “That’s not what-” he shook his head. “It’s fine. It’s Father’s party, not mine. I understand why I can’t.”

                “I am also sorry for Miss Rossi attending,” she said. “I know you don’t like her.”

                “It’s not that I don’t,” he said, glancing aside. “I just-”

                “Adrien,” she sighed. “You attempted to manipulate your father with the idea of a PR disaster to frame her in a bad light. Which is fortunate, as your father had been wanting to give her a job with you as a way to help you and a friend.”

                “Oh,” he said. “Any chance you can offer a different friend a modeling job? Because Juleka-”

                “You’re avoiding the question,” she said. “You don’t have to talk about it, but I know you well enough to know that you wouldn’t have warned your father against Miss Rossi if there weren’t a reason.”

                Adrien looked away again. Not where he had expected this to go. 

                “It’s complicated,” Adrien said. “But the tipping point is that I know she lies about people. Especially people who get in her way. I know Father is…. Skeptical of most of my friends. I didn’t want her saying things to him to try and hurt them, because that’s. That has more consequences than just disappointment when they find out what she did.”

                “Ah,” Nathalie said. “Please know that we would have taken that into account had you said so. And that even if you didn’t, we are aware that some things should be investigated before acting.”

                “True,” Adrien nodded. “Lila’s been better lately. Though partly because we’re all aware of what she’s doing. She shouldn’t be a problem.”

                “Just remember,” she said. “If Miss Rossi does try something against you or one of the other guests, now or later, you can talk to me or your father. We can handle it.”

                “Of course,” he said. “But I’m sixteen now. Almost seventeen. I should be able to handle some things myself!”

                Her expression was surprise for a moment. Then confusion. And a dawning realization. Adrien almost snickered at that, but decided to give her a bit of a break. 

                Just as Adrien got up, the door opened. His father walked in, and Adrien waved on the way out. 

                “I need to get dressed still anyway,” Adrien said. “And Father, please remember to take a break and eat something before the party!”

                As soon as the door closed, Nathalie dropped her head into her hands. 

                “He’s almost seventeen,” Nathalie said. 

                “What?” Gabriel asked. 

                “He’s almost seventeen,” she repeated. 

                Gabriel contemplated those words and realized that she was right. Adrien’s birthday was coming up soon. Seventeen…. Time flies far too fast. Though it did make several things lately make sense. Namely the fact that Adrien was becoming more responsible, and had been more inclined to not just go against him, but make good arguments when he did. Legitimate decision making rather than stubborn teen rebellion. 

                Deciding to put that crisis aside for later, he sat on the edge of Nathalie’s bed. She offered one of the sandwich halves to him, and he sighed as he took it. 

                “I’m having a difficult time without you, Nathalie,” Gabriel said. “I’ve finally realized how many people it would take to fill your shoes.”

                “You’re not thinking of canceling the party, are you?” Nathalie asked. 

                “No,” he replied. “It might not be up to par with our usual standard, but two of the loudest complainers are uninvited. I believe the rest will give us some of a break given your health and the fact that the party was canceled last year.”

                She only hummed at that, reaching for the tablet at her bedside. That gave him a moment to eat some of that sandwich. 

                “I’ve made a list of everything that has to get done tonight,” Nathalie said, handing it over. “I’ve done what I can from here, but the rest is up to you. I’ve made the instructions simple, and the most important things are highlighted in red.”

                “Thank you, Nathalie,” Gabriel replied. 

                “If I may,” she began. “Perhaps you could enlist Adrien to help with a few tasks. He is almost-”

                “Do not remind me,” he shook his head. 

                Gabriel scrolled through the list. Some of it were things he had already thought of and done. Others had completely slipped his mind. 

                Yet there was something else that didn’t slip his mind. He paused, listening outside. He wouldn’t want Adrien, The Gorilla, or any wandering caterers to walk in for this. 

                “I need you to do me one more favor tonight,” Gabriel said. 

                ‘Of course, sir,” Nathalie said. 

                Gabriel removed his tie. And through both the Butterfly and Peacock Miraculous, he could feel the flurry of emotions going through Nathalie. 

                The empathy cut itself off as he removed both, and held them out to her. 

                “Sir?” Nathalie asked. 

                “Tonight is important,” Gabriel said. “I cannot leave for an undetermined amount of time to Akumatize someone. I do not trust myself to keep to that if I feel a strong enough emotion. And with so many in the mansion, I don’t want someone to get too curious if I do give in. All I want is for you to watch after them, and remind me if I come asking.” 

                “I will,” she said, a slight smirk on her face. “For the record, I do believe you could show the restraint.”

                “I thought I was being overly cautious until you brought up Adrien’s age,” he said. “Seventeen… He had barely turned fifteen when Emilie…. And I haven’t made much progress, have I?”

                “Neither have the Heroes,” she replied. “But they have been forced to add more and more members to their Team. We are pushing them back.”

                “Glad to know you still count yourself in all of this,” he said. 

                “For you and Emile, I’d follow you into hell,” she replied. 

Chapter Text

                Everything was set up, and Adrien was standing beside his father to greet guests. Most had already arrived. Chloé, Zoé and Kagami were already waiting by the stairs. As was Lila, her mother obliviously grinning and going ‘oh look your classmates! You should stay with them!’. 

                Ignoring that awkwardness, Adrien turned back to the guests just in time to see his aunt and cousin. 

                “Welcome back!” Adrien greeted. 

                “What, no tackle hug?” Felix teased. 

                “I am being professional,” he said. “For now. I can always do that when you least expect it.”

                As Felix rolled his eyes and checked in on the tablet, Adrien couldn’t help but notice something… off about him. Like a shiver down his spine, yet somehow nonthreatening. 

                He wasn’t sure what it was, but he was sure that it was something new. 

                Adrien was pulled from his thoughts when Amelie hugged him. Seeing her again hurt. But he tried to keep it from shaking him. It wasn’t her fault that she looked identical to his mother. 

                Marinette brought him back when she hurried through the door. 

                “I am glad that you made it, Miss Dupain-Cheng,” Gabriel said. “I haven’t seen that design before. Is it one of your own?”

                “I er, yes,” Marinette stammered, smoothing out her dress. “Sorry. Thank you for the invitation!”

                “You’re welcome,” he said. “Though I did invite you for the networking opportunity, I do understand if you feel overwhelmed and would prefer to stay around Adrien and the rest of your friends in attendance.”

                “Thank you again then,” she said. “I won’t waste the opportunity, but I appreciate the break!”

                Adrien walked Marinette through the check-in process while Gabriel closed and locked the doors. All phones were turned into the roving robotic staff. And just in case, jamming devices were activated. 

                He could hear one of the older party-goers comment on how ‘those young people won’t last half an hour without their phones’, and he barely restrained an eyeroll. 

                He had warned Marinette about the lack of phones before, but they weren’t worried. Even without phones, their Miraculous still worked through the jammers. If an Akuma happened, one of the team could call and their Kwami would alert them to an incoming message. It would be fine. 

                Once everything was in place, Adrien led the group to his room.

                “Oh a climbing wall!” Zoé exclaimed. 

                Before Adrien could say anything else, she was already clambering up it. 

                “Zozo, you’re in a skirt,” Chloé replied. 

                “Hush,” Zoé retorted. “I have shorts on too!”

                She continued climbing, much to everyone’s amusement. 

                “Maybe next swap night she can have the monkey,” Marinette whispered. 

                “And give Kim the Eagle?” Adrien replied. 

                “Oh that’s a bad idea,” she said. “Shuffle night then.”

                “So,” Felix interrupted. “I see we’ve more than doubled our usual guests.”

                “Right!” Adrien said. “First, my girlfriend Marinette.”

                “Nice to meet you,” Mairnette said. 

                “A pleasure as well,” Felix said. “I’m sure Adrien has said plenty about me.”

                “A bit,” she admitted. 

                “And this is my other girlfriend Kagami!” Adrien said. 

                He pulled Kagami over while Felix processed that. 

                “What?” Felix asked. 

                “I am dating Marinette as well,” Kagami stated. “The three of us also have another partner, Luka. Though he is not attending this event.”

                “Okay…” he nodded, before pointing to Zoé. “And who is that?”

                “Keep up with the celebrity drama,” Chloé said. “That’s my sister Zoé.”

                “Half sisters because dear mother had an affair,” Zoé clarified. 

                “I beg your fucking pardon?!” Felix exclaimed. 

                “Then beg,” Lila replied. 

                They all snickered at Felix’s incredulous expression. Though it did turn into a glare. 

                “You can be snarky?!” Zoé gasped, now on the second floor. 

                “Guess we all lost the bet,” Chloé said. “You all can figure out who gets what money.”

                “If you split the money I can help rig it,” Lila shrugged. “Do you want me to cozy up to Felix and tell him how my best friend Ladybug would love to meet with Lady Firefly and Lord Winter? Which I promised I’d set up for her since I totally met them when I went on a trip to London last week and had tea with the Queen?”

                “Okay, I love snarky Lila better than fake sweet Lila!” Zoé said. 

                “I am surprised,” Kagami said. “You aren’t going to do that at all tonight?”

                “I’m not an idiot,” Lila glared. “I’m here with two people who know for sure that I’m not the ‘pretty little innocent exchange student’, two girls who hate me anyway, a girl I never got a read on because everyone kept me away from her, and last time I met Felix already didn’t go well, so who knows what else you told him in the meantime?”

                “Literally nothing,” Felix said. “Adrien hasn’t mentioned you since that day, though given you are allowed on premises, I hope you changed behavior because I will not tolerate it a second time.”

                That clearly annoyed her, but Felix was always…

                Oh. 

                That was what was different. Perhaps Adrien was just getting better at feeling certain Magic and seeing through disguises after everything that happened with his Team. But it seemed obvious. 

                And, if Adrien looked close, he could see a familiar necklace peeking out from Felix’s collar. Quickly hidden as he readjusted his tie. 

                “Don’t mind him,” Adrien grinned. “He’s always a little frosty.”

                "Is this because I refused to join your Mecha Strike tournament last Gala?” Felix asked. 

                “We can’t exactly do that this time,” Chloé said. “Well, we could. But working out brackets with an uneven number is hard.”

                “That’s fine,” Adrien grinned. “I have Mario Party Seven. That bad boy can handle eight players!”

                “Do you want a murder tonight?” Marinette sighed. 

                "Well our mom wasn't invited so murder is on the table," Zoé shrugged. 

                "Murder would be on the table if she were invited," Kagami countered.

                "Considering the only reason I'm still alive is because there are witnesses, I'll take your word for that," Lila said. 

                "Witnesses, lack of alibi, no proper way to dispose of a body-" Felix added. 

                "Not helping, thanks," she said. 

                "We're not going to put you on ice," Adrien said. "And not even just because we couldn't get away with it."

                "Yeah you're not at the "murder level"," Marinette shrugged. "At most I'd like to deck you but despite various threats you haven't done all that much."

                "Your friends adore me," Lila glared. "Even when you nearly got expelled they believed me over you!"

                "'Nearly' expelled because no one actually did believe you," Chloé pointed out. "And no one does now. Everyone knows what you did anyway. They even know that the whole "oh my lying disease acts up" thing is fake and you were just covering your ass."

                "Huh, now that I think about it," Marinette mused. "The only one in the dark is Nathaniel. Maybe Ivan depending on what Mylene has said."

                There was something in Lila's expression. A slight flicker of genuine fear in her eyes. 

                She brushed it off. Swallowed it down.

                "What's your plan with that bluff?" Lila glared. “Get me to think everyone’s on to me so I’ll let the facade drop?”

                “It’s not a bluff,” Marinette shrugged. “Honestly I hadn’t even thought of it but-”

                “But I’m a petty bitch,” Chloé said, flopping onto the couch. 

                “You’re also a devious little shit,” Lila said. “Not devious enough. I’m not an idiot. If ‘everyone knows’ then they wouldn’t sit idly by and listen to me. They’d be burning me at the stake.”

                “A little harsh, even for Akumas,” Kagami mused.

                “I’m not talking about Akumas,” she rolled her eyes. “People can be worse. All they want is to hear what they want to. And when you can’t do that, they get nasty. If your little classmates had ‘caught on’, they would spend their time getting their ‘revenge’ and calling it ‘justice’.”

                “They wouldn’t-” Adrien began. 

                “You know what?” Zoé said, sliding down from the balcony and locking arms with Lila. “I think I’m gonna go drag her downstairs for a drink, and then get to know the ‘snarky Lila’!”

                As she said, she pulled Lila across the room and out the door. Lila looked mildly annoyed, but she probably didn’t want to be here in the first place. 

                “Should we be worried about them?” Felix asked. 

                “Well it’s Zoé,” Adrien said. “Best thing we can do is to let it go.”

Chapter Text

                Entering the main party, it felt like flipping a switch.

                This was familiar. Not quite safe, but she knew how to make it safe. 

                Be seen, not heard. Polite, but only to those keeping to the same rules. Make connections so that mom and dad could have an easier time doing the same. Ignore words that hurt, that make you uncomfortable, if they are said by someone exceptional enough to be worth your time. 

                Zoé hated those galas. But she did as she was told. Never enough for her mother but… well. She learned that lesson a while ago. Her father still asked her to do the same things. 

                And she hated it. She was good at it, of course. Any actress worth their salt would be. But she still hated it. 

                She remembered a girl she saw at some of those galas. A beautiful redhead who did not play by the rules. She showed up in a fancy dress and old converse, paint still on her freckled cheek, and hair barely brushed. Made it clear she hated to be here, and said what she thought. Yet was still kind when not disrespected, and was even kind to the staff they were supposed to ignore.

                Zoé was told to stay away from her. That if they must talk, tell the girl how absolutely ridiculous her antics were. 

                And she did so. Despite jealousy being a pit in her stomach. Because that's what she always did. At events, at school. She was always 'Zoé Lee', despite not wanting to be. 

                She had been tired of that. So very tired. 

                The last gala, Zoé had run into her. And she didn't have the energy to say what she usually did. 

                The girl had stopped. Her eyes almost glowed. 

                "Your own freedom is almost found," the girl said. "Then it is you, who can help those still yet bound."

                And she had walked off. After that, Zoé found herself unwilling to pretend. Not unable, unwilling. 

                She refused to be that fake person. 

                Still. She didn’t quite want to engage with the adults talking business. So she grabbed a pair of drinks and pulled Lila close to the snack bar. 

                “Bet it’s kinda weird,” Zoé said, offering one of the glasses. “Going to school in a new country and all.”

                “For you maybe,” Lila said, taking the offer. “I’ve been to school in a few different countries.”

                “Like what?” she wondered. “I can guess Italy but where else?”

                “England,” she shrugged. “Germany. Achu. Not that you’ll believe that considering what the others said.”

                “So what, a different school every year?” she asked. 

                Lila didn’t answer that. Just taking a swig of her drink and staring into the crowd. 

                “It can be a fresh start,” Zoé said. “No one knows you, so you can be whoever you want. But you can also be you.”

                “That’s a joke,” Lila said. “No one wants ‘real’ anything. And don’t pretend you know anything about the ‘real me’ because you don’t know what the ‘real me’ is any more than the rest of them.”

                “No, I don’t,” she said. “But I know what happens when the mask breaks. You break their expectations, and they turn on you. Ridicule, mistrust, retaliation. And when they’re not throwing insults at you, you’re alone. When it’s time to move on, you’re grateful that you’ll never see them again.”

                Lila didn’t respond. She didn’t have to. Zoé knew she was right. 

                At least, she had been right. 

                “Sometimes people are like that,” Zoé said. “Sometimes they aren’t. This class you’re in now? They are different. They’re not perfect, but they give second chances.”

                “Sure they do,” Lila scoffed. 

                “I mean it,” she said. “They gave me a second chance.”

                “You didn’t do anything to them,” she countered. 

                “No, but I’ve done stuff to others,” she said. “And you know by now that my sister was worse than you for years, and now they’re friends. Do you really think you’re not worthy of the same thing?”

                “You’re optimistic,” she shrugged. “Doesn’t matter anyway. My mom will be transferred soon enough, and this whole city will just be another story for my new class.”

                “It doesn’t have to be,” she said. “You’ll graduate soon. You can choose somewhere to stay. Even if you leave next year, you could come back after that.”

                Once again, Lila didn’t answer. 

                Gabriel did not like galas. He was not a very…. Sociable person. He had to do this for business purposes, but it was always a headache and draining. 

                He felt that longing in his chest again. Emilie was the social butterfly of the two of them. A bit of a buffer between him and the others. Letting him catch his breath while she charmed the hell out of them. 

                He was tempted to make some excuse to leave for a while. 

                He was even more tempted to go back to Nathalie and take the Miraculous back. Maybe this time an Akuma would work. There had to be someone out there feeling sad or angry or- 

                No. Rein that in. That was the point of tonight. 

                He had lied slightly to Nathalie. Though this gala was important, and there was risk of a guest wandering somewhere they shouldn't and seeing him as Shadowmoth, that wasn't why he had done this. 

                It was an attempt at restraint. 

                Nooroo was right about what had happened with the Cesaire family. It was unnecessary. Gabriel knew he was beginning to slip. Become desperate. And the reminder of how old Adrien was getting didn't help that feeling. 

                It was easy to make excuses. To say that he was only bluffing with his threats and would never truly hurt them. He had only let their imaginations run wild and never gave any real threat. 

                Let their imaginations run a little too wild, if the phantom pain in his nose was any indication. 

                Yet he did not want to do something he would regret. He had to step back. Keep himself sane. Remind himself that as frustrating as it was, it would only be a matter of time. 

                He took a deep breath. Preparing to go back into the fray. Looking around, he tried to find a conversation to join. Or at least to interrupt and offer to play a good host. 

                However, listening in on the first pair he spotted, he was beginning to regret things. 

                Clearly the two hadn’t noticed him. And they were lucky that Gabriel couldn’t see their faces. 

                “Honestly, I don’t know how Gabriel just lets his kid do that.”

                “I know, right? Usually if you’re going to use your kid as a bargaining chip they’d have their affairs on the side.”

                “Oh? You think it’s just a deal?”

                “Come on. The Tsurugi girl? You know their parents have a deal.”

                “Hm, true. They don’t seem like the warmest people so it couldn’t be personality. Though honestly, the one kid has too much personality. What was the name? Coffin or something?”

                “Ugh don’t get me started. If I had kids, I wouldn’t let my kid anywhere near someone like that. Not to mention the whole…. Well. I suppose teenagers are rebellious. Anything to piss off daddy.”

                “Speaking of things that will ‘piss off daddy’, have you read anything about the other girl?”

                “No, but she looked familiar.”

                “An aspiring designer. Wonder how long it’ll be before they realizes she’s only using them for her career.”

                Gabriel wasn’t sure which part of him was more furious at the conversation. The part of him that, while far from a perfect parent, was still a damn parent. Or the part of him that still remembered the occasional ‘talks’ he had with his father-in-law years ago. 

                The only bright point is that he would enjoy the expression they made in a moment, once he got their attention and they realized he heard the whole conversation. 

                Right as he was stepping up, already preparing a glare to make them stammer and try to give excuses, he saw something in his peripheral vision. 

                It was only a flicker of something. But it was a familiar flicker. And a wave of energy over him.

                “Hello again, Gabriel,” Nathalie’s voice said in his mind. 

                “What are you doing?” Gabriel demanded, going back and trying not to draw attention. 

                “Though I appreciate your concern, I will be fine,” she replied. 

                He doubted that. With the way the Peacock had damaged her Magic, it would be, well, miraculous if she didn’t at least faint in the next few minutes. 

                “You said the party was important, and that’s true,” Nathalie continued. “But I had a thought. So many witnesses to see you here, and to see that you’re not the one Akumatizing someone. Even better if it’s you as the victim.”

                A good plan. Not what he had intended at all. But a good plan. Though he had shown his own restraint, he felt the resolve crumbling. 

                “Now then, my Collector,” Nathalie said. “Shall we give them a show?”

                He could hear the sly grin in her voice, and it sent a shiver down his spine. Hopefully she didn't read too much into that emotion. 

                “Yes ma’am.”

                “So,” Zoé said. “Adrien, huh?” 

                “What about him?” Lila asked. 

                “You kinda had a crush on him, right?” she asked. “I mean, figured no one really checked up on you since you’ve been rejected. Heartbreak can suck.”

                “I guess,” she said. 

                Zoé frowned at that. While Lila was still uncomfortable, this ‘uncomfortable’ didn’t seem as angry as the previous conversation made her. 

                She seemed more drawn in on herself and confused than standoffish. Was it guilt? No. Not quite. But something was off. And Zoé, curious as she is, would like to figure it out. 

                “I mean I get it,” Zoé said. “He’s pretty cute. Easy to fall for."

                “Of course he is, he’s a model,” Lila said. “He’s also a decent person. Good and kind and all that, even if he’s a bit naïve on things. Plus his financial situation means he could provide for a partner and potential children, and on that subject he seems capable of raising children. Honestly he is the perfect potential partner.”

                “That’s…. Technically true,” she said. “Not really romantic though.”

                “It’s peak romance,” she said. “The whole point of romance is to find a proper partner to raise a family with and those things to consider! I know you’ve never had to worry about prospects in that regard but really some people could do better.”

                Oh there was so much to unpack in that. Even Lila seemed to realize she had said too much. And Zoé did find the more ‘real’ Lila to be quite fascinating. Much better than the fake sweet she had seen before. 

                However….

                “Have you ever heard of the term ‘Aromantic’?” Zoé asked. 

                “Aro- what?” Lila shook her head. “Is this another thing about the Illuminati or whatever?”

                “While there are probably some members who are Aromantic,” she said, “I meant that in terms of romantic orientation and-”

                Zoé trailed off as she looked past Lila. Into the crowd. She saw a familiar shape over the host’s face. Before she could react, he was engulfed in purple and the screams began. 

                She bolted out of the room, earning the fury of the catering staff as she barreled past and knocked over the trays. Shouting apologies, she didn’t dare slow down. 

                Even when she slid a little too much taking a corner and slammed into the wall. Oof. 

                Finally making it back down the hall, she nearly kicked the door down. Getting everyone’s attention. 

                “Gabriel’s Akumatized,” Zoé said, slightly out of breath. 

                That got some reactions. Mostly Adrien being concerned, and everyone being concerned for him. Though she’d heard it had happened before, fighting your dad can’t be fun. 

                Felix, on the other hand… He looked ‘shook’ in a different direction. More outright shocked and confused than worried. 

                “Akumatized?!” Felix exclaimed. “He’s supposed to be Hawkmoth!”

                That caught everyone off guard. While there had been some suspicion, thanks to Lord Winter showing up, how did Felix…?

                Adrien did what he did a lot. Shook off or at least hid away the anxieties, and put on his usual persona of the Hero. Already stretching and ready for a battle. 

                “Plagg, Claws Out!”

                Everyone jumped, but mostly Felix who practically fell off the couch. He was also now connecting the dots on everyone else. Great.

                “Kitty I love you but if you wanted to tell your cousin I’d like if you discussed it first,” Marinette said. 

                “Sorry, buginette,” Chat grinned. “In that case, I’ll ask before I offer to let Lord Winter join in the fight.”

                He gave that grin at Felix. And the boy gave a glare only family could give. 

                Oh. 

                “First of all, fuck you,” Felix said. “Second of all, fuck you. Third of all, how did you know? Fourth of all, fuck you!”

                "Don't know if you noticed," Chat deadpanned. "But I have some experience with superheroes, identities, and Magic jewelry."

                “The goddamn boots,” Chloé groaned. “What is it with you and thigh high boots?!”

                “How soon we forget Queen Bee,” Kagami teased. 

                “Guys,” Marinette sighed. “Akuma. We’ll deal with that revelation later. Just transform.”

                Everyone did, in fact, transform. Talon took notice of how, while Lord Winter clearly had the same ‘magical girl transformation’ as the rest of them did, there wasn’t any phrases or even a Kwami attached. 

                Not powers from a Miraculous. Interesting, but not surprising. She was from New York. She’s seen all sorts of Magic, even from the sidelines. 

                Ladybug was already at the window. Guessing by the sounds, it seems that the Akuma had left the building. She opened her yoyo, making sure an alert was sent out directly to the team. 

                “We should wait for Carapace before engaging directly,” Ladybug said. 

                “Because we need Shell-ter?” Chat asked. “Or because he’s been waiting for an excuse to punch my dad in the face?”

                “Yes,” Arashi said. 

                Talon had to laugh at that. Since they were waiting a bit, she decided to get a little bit of stretching in before sprinting on rooftops. Arms above her head, leaning to one side then the other. 

                “Is your weapon a fucking gun?!” Lord Winter asked.

                “What?!” Chat exclaimed, whirling around so fast he nearly slipped over. 

                “Hm?” Talon said. “Oh! Yeah! Two actually”

                Under her jacket was a shoulder holster, from which she pulled two guns. Specifically, Desert Eagles.

                “How…. How in the world did you get guns?” Ladybug asked. 

                “The same way we all got weapons,” Arashi deadpanned. 

                “The Miraculous are ancient artifacts!” she exclaimed. “I am not a gun expert but those are definitely modern!”

                “The earliest known yoyo is only from 500 bce,” Honeybee pointed out.

                “And you have been spending too much time with Alix,” Chat said. 

                “This is not how I expected meeting the Heroes to go,” Lord Winter sighed. “I swear you people are worse than Firefly.”

Chapter Text

                Ladybug stood on the building. Really hoping The Collector didn’t throw his tablet their way. 

                It didn’t take long for the rest of the team to drop on the rooftop. 

                “Surprised you didn’t go in swinging,” Honeybee said. 

                “Tempting,” Carapace said. “Wanted to check on… uh. What’s….”

                “Hello, everyone,” Lord Winter deadpanned. 

                “I’m guessing we’ve come to an agreement?” Viperion asked. 

                “And that you’re here to apologize for icing everyone last night?” Wolfhound asked. 

                “Right, that,” Lord Winter said. “If I knew this was going to turn into more of a family event than it already was, I would have reconsidered.”

                And everyone else clicked in. Good. Though Ladybug would prefer more time to discuss this, it would be better to skip over the whole ‘can we trust him?’ thing. 

                Ladybug continued to survey the situation. A few ideas running through her head. She really didn’t want anyone to get caught by The Collector, so she needed to keep him of balance. 

                Opening her yoyo, she reached into its storage and pulled out a box of special macarons. A grin at Lord Winter as she chose the blue one. 

                “I think we could work with a change in terrain, don’t you think?” Ladybug asked. 

                “That can be arranged,” Lord Winter replied. 

                Ladybug popped the macaron in her mouth, the rest of the Team doing the same with their own powerups. Outfits gaining fur accents, some even going full ‘winter coat’ mode. 

                Lord Winter hopped off the roof first, ice appearing under him and creating a slide down. The Collector noticed him, but was caught off guard by the unfamiliar face. 

                He continued, going low and dragging his hand along the ground. From where he touched, ice spread over the street. 

                Ladybug hopped off next, the rest of the Team following her lead. Boots turning to skates and sliding down the same ice. 

                Ladybug had to wonder who would take the first-

                And there was Carapace’s shield hitting The Collector straight in the face, making him slide across the ice. 

                Rena hit next, her flute sending the Akuma back across. 

                Viperion got a good slap in with his lyre. 

                A strong punch in the stomach from Tigress sent him reeling. 

                Pigella took note from Viperion and hit with her tambourine. 

                Petite Souris grabbed the Akuma with her jumprope, swinging him around the ice and then letting him go flying. 

                Arashi thankfully used the hilt of her sword to deliver a blow instead of the blade. 

                Also thankfully, Talon kicked him across the street instead of using the guns. Ladybug made a mental note to check how those weapons worked. 

                Honeybee did the same as Petite Souris, swinging the Akuma around and around. 

                Bunnyx caught The Collector with her umbrella, hooking his ankle and making him faceplant into the ice. 

                Wolfhound then grabbed him and full on threw him across their little ‘ice rink’. 

                Roi Singe took a turn, batting The Collector up in the air. 

                Pegasus opened a portal, the other one being nearby. Keeping the Akuma in a loop. 

                As Ladybug watched him go past again and again, Chat skated up beside her.

                “Think we’re good?” Ladybug asked. 

                “You haven’t gotten a hit in yet,” Chat said. 

                “Neither have you,” she said. 

                “True,” he said. “Let’s let Lucky Charm decide then.”

                “Lucky Charm!”

                The item that dropped was a hockey stick. Apparently, Tikki says ‘get his ass!’. 

                “Together then?” Chat asked, readying his baton. 

                “On your lead, kitty,” Ladybug grinned. 

                He waited another moment, then nodded. Both leaped into the air, baton and stick knocking The Collector out of the portal loop and crashing him to the ground. The action must have been a final hit to his tablet as well, with the Butterfly being released. Ladybug wasted no time catching it. 

                “Bye bye, little Butterfly.”

                Everything went back to normal, including the Collector returning to just Gabriel. Of course, the man was already shaking off the whole incident. Pulling himself together. 

                Ladybug decided to take some pity, and helped him up. 

                “Are you okay, Mr. Agreste?” Ladybug asked. 

                “Yes,” Gabriel sighed, brushing off his suit. “I suppose I must have just been a bit overwhelmed. Thank you, Ladybug.”

                Ladybug turned to check on everyone else. The Team was already fielding questions regarding the Akuma. And especially questions regarding Lord Winter. 

                That was going to be something to discuss. She should probably talk with him, Alya and Chloé to put together a proper statement for what Lord Winter was doing in Paris helping with an Akuma. 

                “If I may,” Gabriel said, catching her attention once again. “There is something I would like to ask you. Though I don’t think it would be something you want to talk about in front of the press.”

                Ladybug debated that for a moment. A million scenarios running through her head. Despite her overall annoyance allowing a more direct asskicking of the Akuma, something in his voice convinced her to hear him out. 

                “Honeybee, can you take Mr. Agreste to rooftop C?” Ladybug asked. “I’ll follow in a moment. Want to recharge first.”

                “Want me to stick around or just drop him off?” Honeybee asked. 

                “You can go back to whatever you were doing,” she said. 

                Honeybee grabbed Gabriel and took off in one direction, Ladybug took off in another. A few streets away, she dropped into an alleyway and detransformed. 

                As she was handing Tikki a cookie, Viperion dropped down next to her. 

                “Did something happen?” Marinette asked. 

                “Not yet,” Viperion said. “I am setting a reset point, just in case. What do you think he wants to talk about?”

                “No idea,” Marinette shrugged. “But I have a feeling it’s not just an autograph. You worried?”

                “I’m still thinking about Lord Winter’s points,” he said. “Especially with it being Felix’s points. Even if Gabriel was just Akumatized, Mayura is still out there. She could Akumatize him to cover.”

                “True,” Marinette agreed. “I’ll be careful. Keep on the communicators for now.”

                She transformed again, kissing Viperion before heading back to the rooftops. 

                ‘Rooftop C’ was a building just a few over from the Agreste Mansion. Large enough for everyone to meet on, and a bit above other buildings. Ladybug and Chat had a whole system of rooftops and meeting points. ‘Rooftop A’ was the school. ‘Point B’ was the Eiffel Tower. Easier to say in front of others so they didn’t get ambushed. 

                Ladybug found Gabriel, alone as Honeybee had left. She tried to get a read on what he was thinking. He seemed…. Contemplative. 

                “Hi, again.” Ladybug said. “You wanted to ask me something?”

                “Yes,” Gabriel said. “I am trying to figure out exactly how to ask this. But there is a reason that Hawkmoth is after your Miraculous, am I correct?”

                Ladybug paused at that. Unsure exactly how to answer. 

                “There is a reason, yes,” Ladybug admitted. “But I do not feel comfortable discussing those details with a civilian.”

                “Understandable,” Gabriel nodded. “I had been wondering because… my wife…”

                Ah. 

                Oh. 

                Ladybug would be lying if that was the first time she thought of that subject. Both in general, but specifically with Emilie Agreste. 

                The Ladybug and Black Cat Miraculous were powerful. All of the Miraculous were powerful, really. Allowing Humans to channel the power of Gods. But those two were special. 

                Creation and Destruction. Life and Death. Luck in all forms. 

                And combined, that could make a Wish of nearly anything. Yet….

                She debated about lying to him. Telling him that no, there wasn’t a way to do what he was asking. She couldn’t bring herself to. Maybe don’t tell him everything, but enough. 

                “I’m sorry about your wife,” Ladybug said. “I only know what I saw in the news and all. But even our power could save her, it works on a system of Equivalent Exchange. If I were to save her from whatever her fate was, then someone else-”

                “I am familiar with the concept,” Gabriel said. 

                “Though I am sympathetic to your situation,” she said. “I am also sympathetic to whoever will be taken, and to their family. If we used the power we have to bring your wife back and trade someone for her, then their family will ask for our help. And the next and the next. That doesn’t even account for people who would ask for the same thing of saving someone else who is missing or sick or…. Well.”

                “You have a point,” he said. “I wouldn’t force you to make that decision. But what if….”

                He paused, absentmindedly playing with his wedding ring. 

                Ladybug knew there could be ways around that. If the Miraculous Wish let her choose a life for a life, maybe she could just go ‘eh. There’s some serial killer on death row let’s off him and bring her back’. Though honestly, she didn’t even know if it would allow her to do that. 

                Still. Making the choice like that was not something she felt comfortable making. Even in such a scenario with someone who ‘deserved it’, she was a teenage girl who didn’t want the death on her hands. And that she shouldn’t mess with the Universe like that, even if she could.

                She wondered if her resolve would crumble if she were in Gabriel’s position. 

                It was easy when there was a vague ‘oh you could save someone’ hypothetical. She could say she wouldn’t. That it’s not right. 

                This situation was a little harder. It was Adrien’s mother. She could save her. But there was still a disconnect. She never met Emilie. Only knew things said about her, or saw her in news interviews and in the movies she was in. 

                But Ladybug had to wonder. What if it was someone she loved? Adrien or Luka or Kagami. Or one of her friends. Her parents. 

                She wasn’t sure she would keep strong resolve in that scenario. But for now, she was at least somewhat prepared to. 

                “Would you agree,” Gabriel began. “Would you change your mind if I were to offer myself?”

                Ah. 

                Not where she expected. 

                Though it caught her off guard, it did solidify her decision. Gabriel might not be her favorite person, by a long shot, but the situation was more complicated than that. 

                “I wouldn’t do that,” Ladybug said. “I know you want her safe. I know that you think ‘I don’t care what happens to me as long as she’s okay’. But don’t you think she would feel the same? That, if you were the one missing, it would be her asking me to trade for you?”

                “She would,” Gabriel almost laughed at that. “She would probably do exactly what I’m doing.”

                “Exactly,” she said. “And just like how people miss her, they would miss you too. You have people who, for various reasons, want you around too.”

                “I know,” he said. “Thank you, Ladybug. For letting me ask.”

                “You’re welcome,” she said. “I’m sorry I couldn’t help. But I could at least offer to take you home before I head off?”

                He agreed to that. It wasn’t far, of course. But it was quicker than making him climb down on his own and walk back. 

                After dropping Gabriel at the front door, Ladybug swung off to another rooftop. She knew the group wouldn’t go far. Either rooftop D or Point B would be good options from here. 

                She did, in fact, find them on rooftop D. Most of the team was gathered around Lord Winter, who was laying on the rooftop and staring at the sky with a completely bewildered expression on his face.

                “What happened to him?” Ladybug asked. 

                “Well,” Rena said. “I started asking a bunch of questions about him and Lady Firefly. Then I brought up Bridgette, since Adrien sent a picture of her before and Lady Firefly looked similar so I asked and he just…..”

                “There is no way in hell,” Lord Winter said. “No way in motherfcuking hell.”

                “This is great,” Honeybee cackled. “I can’t believe ‘falling in love with your superhero partner without realizing she’s the civilian you’re also in love with’ runs in the family!”

                “I never claim to be a smart man,” Chat defended. 

                “Huh,” Tigress said. “I wonder if ‘your dad being accused of supervillainy’ also runs in the family.”

                “I sure hope so,” Lord Winter said. “If my ‘father’ is a supervillain then I have the jurisdiction to legally strangle him.”

                “I…. don’t think we have enough time to unpack that,” Pigella said. 

                “Time to adopt another kid,” Carapace sighed.

Chapter Text

                As soon as Ladybug dropped him off, Gabriel hurried through the halls. He tried to not rush, didn’t want to draw attention from the guests that were still coming back in. A few reassurances on the way didn’t hurt. 

                He opened the door to Nathalie’s room, closing it behind him. A sigh of relief to see she was still conscious. A bit shaky, but she didn’t knock herself out using the Butterfly. 

                “That was dangerous,” Gabriel said. 

                “I won’t get worse from a complete Miraculous,” Nathalie said.

                Deciding to not try and argue with her, knowing she was just as stubborn as he was, he sat on the edge of the bed. 

                The past few minutes running through his mind. He had expected as much, yet hearing it still exhausted him. 

                He debated about telling her what he talked about with Ladybug. It didn’t matter much. He had hoped to find a peaceful way out of all this, but there wasn’t. Ladybug was young, innocent, a bit too naïve. She couldn’t bring herself to make such a decision. 

                Gabriel was different. Though she had her points, he had gone over them long ago. He wasn’t opposed to such tactics. Even if it meant becoming what he had to, even if it meant trading himself, he would rather Emilie hate him as long as she was safe. 

                “Are you alright?” Nathalie asked. 

                “Just thinking about things,” Gabriel assured. 

                Somehow, she didn’t seem convinced. Now it was her turn to be contemplative. Usually Gabriel could have a better guess what she was thinking, but she still had the Butterfly Miraculous. 

                He should really ask for that back. Just wearing it wouldn’t drain her, but better safe than sorry. 

                “You know,” Nathalie said. “When you told me about the Butterfly’s Empathy powers, I assumed it was more targeted. That you could look for who was feeling what, or reach out and search for people feeling a certain way. Instead, you just know what everyone around you feels the entire time.”

                “It can be quite overwhelming,” Gabriel admitted. “Another reason I didn’t want to wear it tonight.”

                “You can tell what everyone around you feels,” she said. “Even if you try to block it out, months or years of interacting with someone, and I doubt you haven’t noticed how they feel.”

                Oh. 

                “More than that,” Nathalie continued. “Is that for all I felt, for all you seem to be ignoring, I find that you feel similar.”

                Hm. Perhaps he miscalculated in giving her the Butterfly. 

                There was a sense of guilt welling in his chest. And he knew that Nathalie could feel it as well. 

                “That was not something I wanted to address just yet,” Gabriel admitted. 

                “And when were you planning on doing it?” Nathalie countered. 

                He sighed, sliding closer. Leaning his head on her shoulder. She didn’t move away, but she didn’t quite relax. 

                “This was something I had talked with Emilie about,” Gabriel admitted. “How you felt. How she felt and I felt.”

                “Oh,” Nathalie said, her shoulders dropping slightly.

                “Then her health declined,” he said. “There were many things we put on hold. Things that are going to still be put on hold, until Emilie is back. Though I believe I know what her answer would be, I am not going to act on any of this until she can tell me herself.”

                “I wouldn’t want you to,” she agreed. “I want her back too. And I want you to know, that even if neither of you had returned my feelings, I would still be here. I would still help you bring her back.”

                “I know,” he said. “Despite your name, you’re not heartless.”

                “Though it is reassuring,” she said. “And I think given his own relationship, this shouldn’t confuse Adrien that much.”

                “He’s already fine with it,” he said. “Apparently, neither of us are subtle. Adrien has already given me the ‘it’s okay if you want to move on’ speech.”

                “And I bet you reacted completely calmly,” she smirked. 

                He didn’t bother responding. Just shook his head and took a few more moments of whatever you could call this before he had to go out and face the guests again.

                Lila sat in her room. Part of her wanted to go downstairs, to ask her mom to watch a movie since she was home and had time for once. 

                But her mom was being weird. Not bad. But distracted. Smiling at nothing. Humming occasionally. She seemed happy. In a way she hadn’t been since her dad…..

                Lila rolled over on her bed. Trying not to think about that. She already had plenty to think about. 

                If Marinette were to be believed, then the classmates knew about her lies. Yet they hadn’t done anything about it. And she insists that they won’t. 

                She was skeptical. She still couldn’t understand why they wouldn’t have retaliate if they knew, so they must not know. 

                But if they did. If she were telling the truth….

                Zoé’s conversation replayed in her mind. A fresh start. The real her. 

                Who even was the ‘real Lila’ anymore? Her whole personality felt like a persona. Even disregarding tales of hanging with Prince Ali of Achu or jamming with Jagged Stone. The ‘Lila’ that her classmates knew was sugary sweet, bright, social. 

                Things that Lila wasn’t sure she was. Because it was always an act. Part of the character she played. Hell, if she could guarantee that she’d still be in the same school by the end of the year, she might join the drama club with her skill. 

                Actually. Playing the role in Nino’s movie was fun. 

                It was sometimes fun just being with them. They still fawned over her but there wasn’t as much ‘story time’. They didn’t just ask her to tell them things, they told her things. Showed her things. 

                It was nice. And she knew it wouldn’t last. Either they’d find out the truth, or her mom would move again. 

                But maybe, while it lasted, she could pretend a little different. 

                Despite that, something else Zoé had said stuck in her head. What was it? Aromatic? No. Aromantic. 

                She wasn’t sure what that meant. And knowing Zoé so far, it was probably nothing. But she at least wanted to know what she was being asked about. 

                Grabbing her laptop, she decided it was time to research. 

                An hour of deep diving later, she was ready to either throw her laptop in frustration, or just cry with a feeling of ‘oh everything makes sense’. 

                “The fuck do you mean ‘sexual and romantic attraction are real’?!”

                Lord Winter was glad to see the rooftops of London again. Not that Paris hadn’t been beautiful, but this was home. It had a comfort to it. 

                “Hey, Win!” Lady Firefly dropped beside him. “So, a ‘super secret mission of the utmost importance’, huh?”

                “That was what you called it,” Winter replied. “I just said I had something to take care of.”

                “Hm,” she replied. “So, what was so important that meant you had to have fun with other Heroes without me, huh?”

                Winter was still thinking about what Rena Rouge had said. About what they all had said about things possibly being right in front of him. 

                Firefly reminded him far too much of Bridgette. Not just her appearance, but how she was. Boundless energy that he initially found exhausting, but was now endearing. Her joking dramatic tendencies. Even the way Firefly shortened his name to ‘Win’ was reminiscent of Bridgette’s ‘Fe’. 

                However, he wanted to be sure. 

                “In my defense,” Winter said. “I wasn’t going to join in the fight, just give them a tip on someone who might be a lead for them. But it turns out that being a Hero runs in the family.”

                “Really?” Firefly asked. “Wait, is it the cute catboy one?”

                “Yes,” he replied. 

                Oh dear. That spike of jealousy wasn’t good. Was it for Birdgette or Lady Firefly? Both, potentially. But if he was wrong and they weren’t the same person….

                An even bigger spike of jealousy as he remembered Firefly’s talks on their training sessions. Of a boy she keeps trying to ask out, but the idiot keeps mistaking it for group hangouts. If she were Bridgette, who would the guy be? 

                “Firefly,” Winter said. “Would you be up to a trade?”

                “What kind of trade?” Firefly asked. 

                “If I do something you want, then you have to answer one question honestly,” he said. 

                “Hm,” she mused. “Anything I want in trade?”

                “Anything,” he agreed. 

                “Even the song?” she said, a Cheshire grin on her face. 

                “Yes,” he sighed. 

                “Wow you’re serious!” she laughed. “Okay, let me get my phone set up to record!”

                Like Winter’s phone, hers seemed to exist in some kind of pocket dimension storage space. One of many perks to the powers gifted to them. 

                She fiddled with where exactly to place it to get the best angle of the two of them and whatever moves she might do to add to her song. 

                “Okay we’re recording!” Firefly said, practically bouncing back over. 

                Lord Winter gave a sigh, then gave in and started singing. 

                “I’m Mister White Christmas, I’m Mister Snow…”

                One song number later, and Firefly was giggling as she replayed the video. She kept pointing to little moments where he wasn’t scowling at the ordeal and going ‘see, Win! You’re having fun!”

                “Firefly, my question,” Winter reminded. 

                “Oh right!” Firefly said, simply willing the phone to disappear. “Go ahead! But if it’s about my love life, that’s still in the trash at the moment!”

                He looked at her. As straight on as he could. He wondered if he were really missing something in front of him, or if their powers had a similar ‘Glamour’ that his cousin’s did. 

                “Does the name ‘Bridgette Yuan’ mean anything to you?” Winter asked. 

                “Hm,” Firefly mused. “Off the top of my head? I think there was a girl with that name in that incident two weeks ago. You know the one at the school that was all ‘standard kids mystery’ in the end and you deemed ‘totally not worth the time of a Superhero’ but you showed up anyway?”

                And he almost believed that. Almost. 

                He had grown up around actors. He knew that they were the best liars. But he also knew how to spot their tells. Where the person ends and the performance begins. 

                "You are an awful liar," Winter said.

                "I'm a great liar when I want to be!" Firefly said. "Not that lying has anything to do with this."

                “Face it, my dear annoyance, you can’t hide anything from me,” he rolled his eyes. 

                Hm. Seems that Chloé was right. Watching the look of realization and the internal screaming as they recalled everything was very very fun. 

                Not that he would tell her that. He was still holding a grudge from that game of Mario Party when they were nine. Fuck Snowflake Lake. 

                “Oh my fucking god,” Firefly said. “Fe what the fuck?! I told you about my crush on you to your fucking face!!”

                “Wait, what?!”