Archive of Our Own

“I can't believe I have to do this on my own.” Chloe whined. It was already late and it was getting cold. The only saving grace that she was allowed that day was that she brought a fantastic yellow jacket. She had picked it out to be flashy, she didn't think she would need it. Due to a series of unfortunate events she was walking over to the Dupain-Cheng bakery on the behest of her mother. “Not like she's even going to be there when I get back anyway.” Chloe mumbled to herself. “We have chefs at home.”

Chloe grabbed neckline of a kids shirt as they passed. “I mean they could cook something for her why do I have to go out and get it for her? Huh? Why?!” The kid ran away from her looking terrified, she didn't know why.

After a while she made arrived at her destination. She stood outside for a moment looking over the building. She didn't even know what her mom wanted her to get. The Duapin-Cheng's were some of the best bakers in all of Paris, so anything would work out.

Her focus changed, a mechanical shing from up above. Her eyes squinted and narrowed into the sky, looking for anything moving. An akuma wasn't expected any time soon, she didn't remember laying into anyone very hard today.

She spotted the black slim figure leap above her and onto the roof of the Dupain-cheng bakery, which also doubled as their home, Chloe remembered. She watched Chat, waiting for him to leap to the next roof. He never did. A cursory step back and a bit harder squinting made it clear Chat was leaning against the balcony, back to the streets.

“Doesn't Marinette,” Chloe asked herself.

Her eyes went wide and her legs started moving on their own. Chat Noir was talking to Marinette for, some reason? She didn't care for the cat, he was an annoyance that was always getting in the way of Ladybug, but he was still a superhero. What kind of business could Marinette have with him?

Sabine looked up from the counter as the doorbells tinkled. “Sorry but we're closed. Oh, hello Chloe.”

“Hello Mrs. Dupain-Cheng.” Chloe responded, looking behind Sabine for the door that could lead upstairs.

“Do you have another big order for us?” Sabine asked, a pen already in hand.

“Actually I'm here to see Marinette.” Chloe said.

“Oh, I'll go let her know you're here.”

“Actually it's not for business, it's last minute. Which door leads upstairs?” Chloe spoke with a more demanding voice, if she could just get what she wanted without having to bring up her father that would be nice. People knew who she was after all, how could they not? Bending to her whim should have been second nature by now for everyone in Paris.

Sabine hesitated but lead Chloe upstairs without much of a fuss.

Chloe wasn't even sure what she was going to say when she got up there. Interrogate Marinette and Chat for Ladybug details? Was she about to walk in on some massive secret about Chat that she could leverage for time with Ladybug? Wasn't like there was much you could do when you had a massive crush on a superhero that, maybe, thought you were annoying. Even Sabrina got upset with her at times.

Chloe had no idea what her plan was as she reached the top of the ladder, slammed open the door and yelled, “AHA!” causing Marinette to fall backwards in her chair and making Chat leap high enough for his head to hit the ceiling. “I knew something was going on!” She lied through her teeth.

“Chloe?!” Marinette yelled, shock written all over her face.

“Well, Well, Well, what do we have here?” Chloe said as she stood up and looked at the situation she walked in on. “Cheese? Cookies? And is that a cat toy?!” Chloe pointed to the mouse on a stick laying on the table.

“UH,” Marinette hid the toy behind her, “no?” Her senses came to her not a moment too soon. “What are you doing here?”

“The better question is, what is he doing here?” Chloe pointed at Chat, dramatic flair kicking in with a raised wrist and lowered finger.

“Modeling!” Chat shouted. “Yeah that's it, Marinette was, thinking about designing me and Ladybug new costumes, and needed my measurements.” Chloe crossed her arms, eyebrow raised. The gesture, if it could have spoken would have told Chat, I may be new to this situation but that excuse was one of the dumbest things I've ever heard and I hope you don't expect me to believe it, if you did, you can expect physical retaliation. He got the message. “What are you doing here?”

“I saw Chat jump onto your roof and he didn't happen to leave. I investigated, maybe I should be a detective.” Chloe said.

“Look Chloe,” Marinette started.

“Detectives have terrible taste in fashion though.” Chloe continued. “I could be the first fashionable detective. Oh but they work for the police though.”

“Chloe.” Marinette said slowly.

“Chat before you leave is there anyway you can contact Ladybug?” Chloe asked.

“Why am I leaving?” Chat asked.

“Can you get in contact with Ladybug?” Chloe asked again.

“No?” Chat answered.

“Then that's why you're leaving, bye.”

Chat was slack jawed as he looked from Chloe to Marinette.

“I think you should go kitty.” Marinette said before face palming.

“Kitty?” Chloe asked shocked. “Well, this is a surprise.”

Marinette mimed a zipping action over her lips and Chat left without a word. Just to make sure he didn't say anything that would embarrass them further.

Chloe watched Chat leap from balcony to building into the night. “So what does he call you?” Chloe turned back to Marinette. “Macaroon?”

“OH MY GOD WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE?!” Marinette yelled back at Chloe. “You already saw plenty to make me a laughing stock. What do you want? Favors? Free outfits? What could you possibly want Chloe?”

Chloe was quiet for a moment. She raised her hand to her chin to think of something. It wasn't like she could use this, the only one who might believe her was Sabrina. Who else would believe that Chat Noir, famous hero, was meeting up with Marinette? “I could go for some of those cookies.”

Marinette looked at Chloe, back at the cookies on the table beside her, and back to Chloe. “You can't be serious.” Chloe stared back. With a sigh Marinette swiveled and threw a hand in the air. “Grab a seat.” She said, defeated.

“Great, I worked up an appetite getting up here.” Chloe said as she threw her jacket onto Marinette's bed. “The stairs weren't an issue but that Ladder, if I have blisters it's your fault.”

“I'll take pride in that.” Marinette said. She slammed her desk drawer closed, table now clear of any books, drawings, or anything that could somehow be used against her. Chloe wasn't that smart but she was resourceful when it came to material and Marinette wasn't about to take chances. “You, really were hungry weren't you?” Marinette asked as she watched Chloe reach for what might have been her third.

“You wont believe this,” Chloe said through stuffed cheeks. “but this is the entire reason I'm here. “

“To eat my cookies?”

“You made these? They're almost as good as your parents.” Chloe said, leaning back in her chair, last bite of cookie still resting in her fingers. “I'm just here for sweets.”

“Don't you have,” Marinette started.

“Chefs?!” Chloe finished. “That's what I was saying. But for some reason mom told me to go out and get some. She's never home and the one time when she's home for dinner she tells me to go out. Can you believe that?” Chloe was almost yelling. She looked to Marinette for a response of some kind, reassurance would be nice right about now. All she got when she looked over was darting eyes. She was making an uncomfortable situation again. She even forgot who she was talking to. “Sabrina is on a trip. I haven't talked to anyone in a week.”

“Ah.” Marinette breathed in feigned understanding.

“You're not even listening to me are you?” Chloe asked.

“I'm listening, I'm listening.” Marinette nodded. “Your girlfriend is,”

“She's not my girlfriend.” Chloe corrected.

“Really? But with the dressing up in costumes together, I thought,” Marinette's voice trailed off.

“Oh my goddess no!” Chloe almost laughed. “No it really was just playing pretend. That video getting leaked almost ruined my life.”

“So you guys never?” Marinette asked.

“Nope.” Chloe said.

“Not even once?”

“Nope. Sabrina isn't even gay. If she was then it might have happened but she is straight as a pole.” Marinette started giggling, that was enough to make Chloe burst out laughing.

Marinette pinched herself inbetween her fake laughs, just to make sure she hadn't died and gone to some bizarre dimension where Chloe wasn't a total monster. Nope, still alive, Chloe is laughing with me, sort of, in my room and stealing my cookies. Chloe calmed down her laughing and said, “I actually can't believe it, you and Chat.” There it was.

“No, nuh uh, don't get that look.” Chloe said. “I mean it, I don't believe it. I have met Chat and he is just the worst. I know you have low standards but they can't be that low.”

Nope, dead, double dead. Marinette could hardly understand what she heard. If she heard correct, there was a Chloe brand backhanded compliment in there somewhere. “Thanks?” Maybe she could avoid a terrible situation if she just gave Chloe the answers she wanted. It wasn't much of a plan but it was the only idea that could get Chloe out as fast as possible. “You're right, I'm not dating him.”

“Fucking obviously.” Chloe said.

“He just shows up, eats my food, flirts, and leaves.” That was enough of an answer right?

“Boring!” Chloe bellowed. “I don't care about that, anyone could do that, I'm doing that. I'm more interested in Ladybug details, does she come by too? Ooh, does she know Chat comes here? Those two are fairly close, if Ladybug finds out she'll stop being so chummy with Chat.”

“If you want Ladybug details you're better off with Alya. She still runs the Ladyblog.” Marinette said.

“Is Alya getting visits from a superhero?” Chloe asked.

“I don't think so. But it's not like that matters, whenever Chat talks about Ladybug it's just compliments. Superficial things I couldn't care less about.”

“Can you box some of these up for me? I can pay if that's the problem.” Chloe said as she saw the upset look on Marinette's face.

Marinette took in a deep breath and gave herself a fake smile. It was always difficult to speak carefully around Chloe, one wrong move and she would be the subject of whatever thing Chloe could find to complain about. “It's getting late so,”

“I'm not sleeping on the couch.” Chloe said quickly. Marinette fought to catch up, Chloe was already up and walking around the room. “Do you have any nicer sheets? You'll understand if I don't want to sleep in a dirty bed.”

“That's not what I was going to say. Why would you assume my bed is dirty?”

“You don't expect me to walk in the rain do you? Hello, my hair would be ruined, it's bad enough walking here.” Chloe said, continuing to look around the room as she walked. Chloe took note of the skylight and floor panel. “Is this it?”

“Is what what, Chloe?” Marinette spat her name. Marinette debated the logistics of stabbing Chloe with her scissors. She came to the conclusion that Chloe wasn't worth her good scissors being ruined, but if she could find an old pair then maybe.

“Is this the whole floor? I don't see any doors aside from the closet.” Chloe said. “Seems like it would be a nightmare to sell this place. Was it cheap?”

“I wouldn't know, I've lived here my whole life. But it's Paris, is anything cheap?” Marinette said as she pulled a box out from under her bed. She opened it to find, to her disappointment, blankets and not the scissors she was hoping to find. “Why exactly do you care?”

“I was almost an architect.” Chloe answered. She let out a whistle as she said, “No support beams?”

“How were, you, almost an architect?” Marinette asked.

“Filled out my college application wrong.”

“You're joking?” Marinette said, an actual smile coming across her face. She tried thinking of something to say to make it funnier, clown college was one she always used to use back in the day. She would sound like she was the same as back then.

“I was supposed to be in acting class. But something went wrong and no one bothered to question me, which good for them, but it would have been nice for someone to have said something. I was in Architecture class for five weeks before any changes could be made.”

Marinette was giggling softly to herself as she imagined the confused Chloe, standing up and asking whatever it was they taught in architecture class had to do with acting. The thought was only interrupted by the fact she had no clue about architecture and compared to her, Chloe was a genius on the subject. Chloe could have not paid any attention in the class, she said changes were made anyway.

“I actually found it all quite interesting.” Marinette cringed at herself, Chloe was no longer only a jerk of an airhead. Chloe was now an airhead that was, maybe, smart at one thing and one thing only. “I was sent back because I was failing acting class. The teacher was clueless as to what real talent was anyway, they didn't deserve me. I tried telling him my father was the mayor but he wasn't having it and just failed me on everything.”

“And?” Marinette said hoping to keep Chloe talking about anything besides what was important.

“I failed that class too, I dropped out after that.” Chloe said. Marinette was relieved for a second to know that Chloe was no smarter than the day they graduated. She was just talking out of her ass about her room. If Chloe spent a week in a dressmaking course then she would leave feeling like she knew everything.

“The beds done.” Marinette announced. “You can go to sleep now.”

With a groan Chloe accepted the accommodations making Marinette even more irritated. It wasn't like Marinette offered, Chloe only begrudgingly accepting was more frustrating than if she refused. “I should kick you out you know. If I was any less nice then you and your hair would be out in the street by now.”

“I suppose.” Chloe said as she started undressing. “It's not very nice to point that out though. And my hair probably costs more than your bed I could probably sue you. Do you plan to stare?” Chloe teased, shaking as she unclipped her bra.

“I'm trying to make your head explode, is it working?” Marinette tightened her glare.

“No fun. Are you going to sleep too? Since you were in such a rush for me to.” Chloe asked as she made herself comfortable under the covers. They felt a lot like trash compared to what she was used to, thin and scratchy.

“I need to use the restroom.” Marinette said through gritted teeth as she grabbed her purse.

-

“What is her deal?” Marinette screamed as quietly as she could. “Totally normal evening, then she has to show up. She eats my food, dances around the fact that Chat was here, and now she's sleeping in my bed! She's probably going to hold Chat visiting over my head.”

“Marinette.” Tikki said, hands raised trying to calm Marinette down.

“And she tries to talk to me about her home? Why am I supposed to care about what goes on between her and her mom? Did she just forget she makes my life a hell on a regular basis?” Marinette yelled.

“Marinette.” Tikki said again.

“It was bad enough in high school, but she still makes akuma appear on a regular basis. I do my best to be nice to her but it's so much easier when I'm ladybug. I don't usually feel this angry at her behind the mask. I really am too nice.” Marinette groaned.

“Very humble Marinette.” Tikki said, some just some sarcasm. “But you're right, you didn't have to let her stay. Why did you?”

“You heard what she said, she clearly doesn't want to go home. If she did she wouldn't want to stay, here!” Marinette gestured to the house around her. “I don't like her but if she thinks this is better than her own home then I don't see how I would be a good person if I sent her home.”

“Well alright, she'll probably leave in the morning anyway without even saying thanks.” Tikki said.

“Probably, but to be honest, I just don't want her to be akumatized again.”

-

Chloe had not fallen asleep while Marinette was in the restroom. She had instead waited for Marinette to return just so she could talk about her schedule now that she was no longer in school. For some reason Chloe thought that Marinette would be super interested to know all about what she was doing these days even though she hadn't asked.

“And that was last Thursday. Last Friday I met up with Alix and Adrien. She's a lot taller now by the way.”

Marinette rubbed her temples as Chloe droned on. “I know how tall she is we're, wait, Adrien?” Marinette sat up awkwardly on her chaise. “Adrien was with Alix?”

“Do you still have a crush on Adrien?” Chloe laughed. “He's out of your league.” She said in a sing song voice.

“Kind of. It's hard to lose that crush when he comes into the store just to hang out. Alya, Nino, and him kind of made this place their usual hang out spot.” Marinette said.

“HA!” Chloe laughed. “So that's why his diet coach is always mad at him. You should refuse him service if he ever comes in again. It'd make his diet coach a very happy lady.”

“I'm not going to turn Adrien down. And besides it's not like it's any of your business, are you ever going to fall asleep?”

“Cut me some slack, these sheets aren't exactly name brand.” Chloe said. “It's not exactly the warmest either, I'd warm up a lot faster if someone were to,”

“Forget it.” Marinette said. “You chose to take your clothes off, if you're cold it's your fault. Now shut up and go to sleep.”

“No fun.”

-

Marinette woke to her phone buzzing on her desk. She launched out of her chaise to grab her phone. She didn't set an alarm which meant it was a message. She hoped it was another commission, she hadn't had one in a long time and she was starting to lose hope that she could make a career out of this. Her last dress order was over two months ago, which made her antsy. She was even thinking about asking Adrien to recommend her. She knew he already did whenever he had the chance but she didn't want to seem desperate.

Marinette opened her eyes to find she had gone in the wrong direction. Disoriented from sleeping somewhere she wasn't used to, she almost walked into a wall.

“It's Alya.”

Marinette turned to see Chloe sitting at her desk, her arm outstretched behind her passing Marinette's phone back to her. She held her own phone in her other hand. Marinette walked over to grab her phone, unsure what she was seeing. Chloe stayed over last night, was the first thing to come to mind. The second was questioning why Chloe was still, aside from her panties, naked. Marinette took her phone and as she answered she stole glances at Chloe's back.

“Hey Alya.” Chloe was more muscular than she had expected. Her loose hair fell over her shoulders and neck in the outline of a scarf. The women she usually worked with were skinny as a bone. They were toned sure, but only enough to fit into the size they wanted. If those women were hunched over like Chloe was now, their spines would poke out of their skin. Instead Chloe's back looked smooth, the only indents of her spine appearing above the waistline of her panties. “What's up?” Was she staring?

“I know we scheduled lunch for today, but could I come over a bit earlier? Something came up this afternoon.” Alya said over the phone. “There's going to be a trailer for a new show this afternoon and I have to have an article on it by two.”

“Uh,” Marinette looked at the clock. “What time were you thinking?”

“Hows ten?” Alya asked.

“Ten should be good.” Marinette said.

“I should be out of here by then.” Marinette froze as Chloe spoke loud enough for Alya to hear her over the phone. Her only hope was that Alya was away from the phone for some reason when Chloe said that. “Does your parents shop serve breakfast? I don't know when they're open.”

“Who was that?” Alya asked. “Was that who you're always busy with when I can't come over? I want details.”

“No it's, someone else.”

“I have a name.” Chloe shouted.

“Oh,” Marinette had never thought about plane ticket prices before. “My,” She could maybe afford to leave the country, she could get a job as a tailor in Switzerland. “God.” What would a good fake name be? She always like the idea of being named Chrysanthemum, being named after a flower seemed nice. “Is that Chloe?”

“No!”

“Yes!” Chloe shouted.

“What is Chloe Bourgeois doing there?” Marinette could feel the scolding in Alya's voice even over the phone. No doubt that investigative mind of Alya was already running with a hundred different theories to answer that question.

“She was just leaving!” Marinette said through gritted teeth as she turned back to look at Chloe who was now facing her, reclining against the desk.

“Can I put my clothes back on first?” Chloe shouted with one hand cupping the side of her mouth doing her best to make sure her voice carried through the phone.

“I'll talk to you later!” Marinette yelled as she hung up on Alya. “Why did you do that?!” She asked turning back to Chloe. She wished she hadn't. Chloe being almost on full display was almost a sight to behold. If she didn't know how much of a jerk Chloe was, or if she just wasn't mad at her in the moment, she might have been stunned. “You know what Alya is like! She probably thinks something happened between us now.”

“And that would be so terrible for you. Terrible for me sure but you should feel honored. Look I can stay and clear things up if you want. I was just having a little fun.” Chloe said. “I've been really bored since Sabrina left. This is very entertaining for me.”

“I'm surprised you didn't bolt out the door the moment you woke up. How long have you been up? What are you still doing here!?” Marinette yelled.

Chloe was quiet for a moment. “I don't have any plans today.”

-

Chloe was having a great morning so far, the highlight being watching Marinette squirm. So she was a massive bitch, it didn't really bother her much. And it was so entertaining tormenting Marinette. It had been too long since she saw her irritated face. The food being great was also a massive boon.

Marinette was very quick to get Chloe out of her bedroom. After the call Marinette practically dressed Chloe herself. Now she was sitting in her family kitchen as Mr. Dupain-Cheng prepared eggs and pancakes. It wasn't what she was used to but she had a feeling if she was snappy with Marinette's parents they would be much quicker to kick her out, maybe even without food. She was just going to have to grin and bear whatever cardboard they gave her.

“Good morning Marinette.” Mrs Dupain-Cheng said. Marinette looked like she was out of breath, not from running, but instead from stress. Chloe assumed she had tried to calm herself down by holding her breath, although that didn't make much sense. “You didn't tell me your, friend would be staying the night. You know I like to know about these things before they happen.”

“Sorry mom, it was last minute, I didn't know she was coming over.” Marinette apologized, staring at Chloe making sure the point got across she didn't like this either.

“Breakfast is great Mr. Cheng.” Chloe lied as Marinette sat across from her.

“Oh, thank you Chloe.” Mr. Dupain-Cheng answered, not expecting any compliments from the girl.

“In fact your cooking is just what we need at the party my father will be hosting at the end of the month.” Chloe said. “You'll be able to prepare something wouldn't you?”

“That would be fine. We've worked on shorter notices so we can certainly have an order ready.” Marinette's mom said. “Have your dad send a list of what he wants and we'll be sure to have it.”

“Glad to see you agree.” Marinette gritted her teeth, would it kill Chloe to say thank you? “And of course you're invited too Marinette.” Chloe said, catching Marinette off guard. She missed this feeling, teasing the dark haired girl until she exploded at her. And after what she walked in on last night, she could do this whenever she wanted. Marinette might not realize no one would believe her and the information was almost useless, but as long as she thought she had something things would be fine.

On the floor below the door rang from being opened. Chloe and Marinette both took note of it. As the steps came up the stairs a bright idea came to Chloe's head and she reached across the table to hold Marinette's hand. “What kind of friend would I be if I didn't?” Chloe said with a smirk. It felt disgusting calling Marinette a friend but the desired effect came. Marinette's face went red as Alya stood in the kitchen doorway.

“What in the world?” Alya said to herself, the gears in her brain coming to a halt. Marinette's mom decided it was time to grab her husband and leave. Chloe was about to pull her hand back when Marinette tensed and locked their hands together.

“Alya?” Marinette squeaked out. “This looks bad, but,” Marinette pulled her hand away and got to her feet. “she came here last night and I let her sleep over because she didn't want to walk in the rain. And she woke up before me and interrupted our call and she decided to stay for breakfast and plan an order with my parents for the end of the month she was just leaving after that. Weren't you?” Marinette asked with pleading eyes as she looked back at Chloe. Chloe shrugged.

“What about Adrien?” Alya yelled, taking Marinette back. “After all these years of trying to get you together with Adrien and you've been seeing Chloe behind my back? You could have told me.”

“Alya that is not at all what's happening.” Marinette defended.

“Yeah she's still got a massive crush on Adrien, she stayed up telling me about it.” Chloe interjected.

“Be quiet, I'll get to you.” Alya shot at Chloe before turning back to Marinette. “So for the past few years when you were too busy or had to flake it was all because of her?”

“No!”

“So there's more? Who else?” Alya demanded.

“No one!”

“You shouldn't lie.” Chloe said taking a bite of eggs. “Needs salt.”

“Who else?!” Alya yelled staring into Marinette's eyes.

“Joan of Arc.” Chloe said.

“What?” Alya asked looking back to Chloe.

“She's telling the truth. I really did just show up last night. I was going to let you go on because I thought it was funny but I feel insulted that you think I would sleep with Marinette. As if I would ever be that desperate.” Chloe said. “I don't think I'll ever sleep here again, her bed felt like it was going to fold in on me at any moment, I didn't think they sold beds second hand.”

“Thank you, Chloe.” Marinette breathed a sigh of relief, ignoring the insults Chloe tried to spew out. “See, I was telling you the truth.”

Alya took a seat and nursed her head, making use of breathing exercises to calm down. Chloe came to the conclusion Marinette tried to do that earlier and failed, resulting in her exhausted look from earlier. “Marinette, I'm sorry.”

“Hey it's alright, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me either.” Marinette said.

“No I should have let you explain before I started yelling. I should have started yelling after you explained things.” Alya said.

“I would prefer no yelling at all if I'm honest.” Marinette said.

“Nope, it's unavoidable. For instance,” Alya sat up in her chair focused again. “Why would you even let her stay?” Alya said, no longer yelling.

“And ruin my hair? As if anyone would be so cruel.” Chloe said.

“I could be.” Alya said. “I would have kicked you out if it meant picking you up and throwing you out the door. You happen to have a very punchable face.” Alya said. “So over the phone.” Alya questioned Marinette. “Why was she naked. Did you two really sleep together?”

“No!” Both girls yelled. Marinette in shock and Chloe with a laugh. “She just undressed to go to bed and hadn't gotten dressed by then.” Marinette answered.

“I'm a little insulted you wouldn't lie a little bit. Sleeping with me could be a status symbol, imagine all the networking you could do with that kind of rumor.” Chloe said.

“That's, not a bad idea.” Alya said to the surprise of the two other girls.

“Alya you cannot be thinking about,” Marinette started.

“I'm serious Mari, think about it, you haven't had a job in a while, this kind of thing could get your card into some very big peoples Rolodex.” Alya said. “And all the pieces for it are already here, the story is just a hop skip and a jump away from making you infamous.”

“No, no, no, stop. I'm not going to let you start a rumor I slept with Marinette when I didn't. I'm not going to ruin my image by turning me into some tramp that goes mattress hopping.” Chloe said. “Publish one word of anything like that and I will have you sued so hard even your children will be digging you out of poverty.”

“I'm with Chloe on this, I can't cheat my way to success.” Marinette said.

“That's your problem with this?” Chloe asked. “What about my image?”

“And besides that might just push Adrien away.” Marinette started when Alya put a hand on her shoulder.

“Girl it has been five years of you having a crush on Adrien. If you don't make a move soon I'm going to force you to start speed dating.” Alya said.

Chloe smirked. Marinette was rather pathetic, having a crush for that long and not doing anything about it? It was enough to make Chloe pity Marinette. She already knew a certain super hero in skin tight leather was showing up and flirting with her. If she could use this to keep her away from Adrien it would be perfect. “She actually has a date later this month.” Chloe said. Adri-kins was her friend, keeping the riffraff away was an act of kindness.

“You do?” Alya asked Marinette.

“She does.” Chloe said, stopping Marinette from answering. “I asked her to be my date to a party my father is hosting at the end of the month, and she accepted.”

Chloe enjoyed watching Marinette's jaw drop, the shock on her face was priceless. She was about to say something in defense when Chloe raised her hands to the back of her head and mimicked cat ears. The gesture was enough to close her mouth and brace for the questions that were about to come from Alya. The hopelessness that spread across Marinette's face as she faced the brunt of Alya's questions and trying to make excuses made the situation all the more sweeter.

-

Chloe would never admit it but Marinette was pretty, less pretty than herself of course. It just also worked out that Marinette looked her best with a scowl on her face. If anything Chloe was doing Marinette a favor, making sure she looked her best as often as possible. Chloe hadn't realized how much she missed doing this. She had to amuse herself somehow until Sabrina came back, Marinette was just a happy accident.

Chloe laughed to herself as she stared at her ceiling. She could ruin Marinette's life. All she would have to do is have Adri-kins show up to the party and the moment he sees her with Marinette, poof. Marinette would be forced to drop her crush or work up the courage to tell Adrien how she felt. She doubted Marinette could work up the courage if she still was keeping it a secret after five years. If anything she was doing Alya's job for her. Alya was Marinette's friend, she should be the one either forcing them together or bringing her friend to reality. Crushes usually didn't last that long anyway, it wasn't healthy.

Although, maybe she had gone too far. She was all for upsetting Marinette but maybe she had been a bit too cruel this morning, forcing Marinette to go as her date. She had left in the middle of Alya's questioning so she wouldn't see whatever happy resolution they came to. She just hoped it didn't result in yet another akuma. They seemed to happen all the time around her.

“I'm bored.” Chloe said to the empty room. The party was the only thing that was coming up. Sabrina was going to be away for two months so she was going to have to rely on Marinette for entertainment. Marinette already knew about her Larping, but something told Chloe her blackmail wasn't going to convince Marinette into a Chat costume. And not now that she knew they were close friends. How come she didn't get visits from Ladybug? And Marinette had plenty of friends. Alya, Nino, Adri-kins as much as she hated to admit it, Alix, the list was much larger but Chloe didn't bother to learn more. How come Marinette still had so many friends? Where were her friends? It wasn't fair.

-

Marinette was supposed to be designing, which she could do to her surprise. Sketching was supposed to be calming. This time was different, constantly erasing away trying to 'fix' her mistakes which kept happening over and over again.

“Fuck.” Marinette grunted as she flipped her pencil around and grabbed an eraser for the umpteenth time. She was just used to the same kind of model. Above five feet, never more than six feet, skinny, sometimes plus sized. She needed a reference.

Marinette was designing a dress for Chloe. She hadn't asked her to, but Marinette needed to do something. And Chloe would be reluctant but she would certainly commission one of her designs. After all it wasn't like she was going to go through this just for nothing. Her kindness could only go so far.

Sure she's had a few days to call Chloe and tell her to spin on it and leave her alone. But she couldn't. She couldn't believe herself but she had ogled Chloe when she was here. She hadn't seen Chloe in a long time and she was naked most of that morning. It wasn't like she looked that much different from when they were in school, but there were some differences. And when she tried to work up the courage to call Chloe all she could picture was her confidently sitting at her desk on full display. She was used to seeing shirtless guys, not shirtless girls, it was too much of a change! Just another one of Chloe's manipulation, why couldn't she have just insulted her like she used to, she could brush those off.

The tip of her pencil snapped.

She couldn't ask Chloe to strip again. No doubt Chloe would agree and tease her even more about that. But she needed to get someone toned to pose for her. “Chat!” Marinette screamed as she got to her feet. Tonight was one of their meet up nights. It was perfect. Purrfect. He and Chloe had the same height, and he was a tad muscular thanks to all the super hero work. What could Chloe be doing to look like that then?

A bit of cleaning up and baking cookies and Marinette was back at her notebook, designing but less focused on her mistakes. She would be able to fix them soon enough. Chloe was easy to design for, sleek and functional seemed to be what Chloe would like. Nothing that would look out of place, something professional and simple. Yellow, duh, but some black here and there just for her queen bee vibe. And, an open back was a must, it didn't cross her mind why that was a must.

Sure enough the rapping at her sky light came and she motioned for the kitty to come in.

“Evening Princess.” Chat said as he landed. “Hopefully Chloe didn't ruin blonde's for you?”

“Actually yes, I'm going to punch the next blonde I see.” Marinette said with a laugh. “You weren't offended I made you leave were you?” Marinette knew he wasn't, she saw him as Ladybug just yesterday and he was in high spirits.

“Not at all. My only regret was not eating faster.” Chat joked. “If I knew we were going to be interrupted I would have been more purr-pared. Not even a chuckle?”

“Sorry Chat, I'm just not in the mood for puns right now.” Marinette said as she focused on Chat's shoulders. “Actually kitty, could you turn around for me?”

“Of course.” Chat turned around and held his hands behind his back. “Is there a surprise for me? My eyes are shut.”

“No, and stop rocking, and take your hands apart, stop slouching, don't flex!” Marinette gave her orders and Chat followed suit. “Just, stay still. Yeah, you could work.” Marinette said to herself. “Okay kitty, I need your help with something.”

“Anything you need Princess.” Chat said with a smile.

“Take off your shirt.” Marinette clapped her hands and went to grab her sketchbook. “You have exactly the body I need.”

“I, um, I,” Chat stuttered. He hit himself in the chest and was able to speak after coughing. His face as red as a tomato. “Pardon?”

“Oh my god, Chat, stop being dramatic.” Marinette said as she pulled her chair over and sat down in front of Chat. “I need you to model for me, you happen to be very similar to someone I've been trying to design for.”

“Oh thank god.” Chat breathed out. “Not that I would be against the idea. I would be very flattered. I was just caught off guard. I wasn't prepared mentally if that's what you had meant. If you did mean that I wouldn't refuse it's just,”

“Very cute kitty, but don't get your hopes up.” Marinette said with a chuckle, Chat being flustered hadn't happened in a long time. It was a little mean but teasing the superhero's little crush on her was just so entertaining, even if that wasn't what she wanted to do.

Chat was relieved that the posing didn't go on for too long. He didn't even know his suit could come off which was a little embarrassing at first. A zipper was there the whole time for years and he never even noticed. He never needed to wash it and he was always busy in it so the topic of taking it off never came up. Marinette just needed a few reference poses and she was done. One with him standing straight up, one with his hip to the side with his arm dangling, a few more poses with slight differences, most of them from his back. He was a little upset he didn't get to show off his front, maybe get some swooning out of Marinette from his abs and chest, but alas.

“Perfect.” Marinette announced, completing the unscheduled modeling session. “All done.”

“Who's this lucky guy of yours you're designing for?” Chat asked. “Adrien again?”

“Please, you and him are nothing alike.” Marinette said. “Actually, I was trying to design some dresses for Chloe.”

“Chloe Bourgeois?” Chat asked.

“Yeah.”

“And you needed my back to do that?” Chat asked.

“Shocking I know but the girl is built. Here.” Marinette said opening to one her eraser smudged pages. “She's just got a different build from what I'm used to. It's upsetting but I need to work with diversity in my portfolio if I'm ever going to make it as a professional.”

“You have, quite a few of these.” Chat said flipping through pages.

“I know, the dresses for her are really simple but I just keep messing up for some reason. It would be a lot better to work on if the girl in question wasn't so antagonistic about everything. Every other sentence out of her mouth is an insult in some way.”

“Woah.” Chat said, blushing.

“What? See a good one?” Marinette grabbed the book back and saw what he was looking at. “Oh.” It was a rough sketch of Chloe, from what she could remember anyway. She had tried sketching it, hoping to use it as a reference. Chat was stunned from that though? Was Chat a prude? “What? Haven't you seen boobs before? At least online?”

“I will have you know that out of this costume I spend most of my time in a changing room. They get crowded so of course I have.” Chat defended himself.

“Sure you do kitty. Next you'll tell me you work with closely with Adrien. And have a direct line to Gabriel Agreste and know the mayor of the moon.” Marinette chuckled.

“I do too!” Chat said. “Better question! How do you know what Chloe looks like naked?” Chat asked, making Marinette's laughter die out. The sketch wasn't detailed enough to really be Chloe but outside of costume and his friend hanging out rather often and sleeping over he knew what she looked like.

“Remember how I said she can be so antagonistic?” Marinette groaned. “She decided she was going to stay the night, I didn't even offer she just said that's what she'd do. Then she starts stripping and trying to tease me. And then in the morning she just decides to sit around my room totally naked, in no rush to get dressed. She even tried getting me in trouble with Alya over the phone.” Marinette ranted. “And then after she gets dressed she tells me that I'm going as her date to a party at the end of this month! So now I gotta design something for her so I can get something worth my time out of this. If she's going to force me to go as her date then I'm at least going to get paid for it. God that makes me sound like an escort. And it would be a lot easier if she didn't make me so upset all the time, she makes it her job when she's around me.” Chat nodded along, naked Chloe, forced to be date, the little Chat in his head was taking notes. “Thanks to her I got chewed out by Alya that morning because Chloe made her think that we slept together.” BZZT.

Marinette stopped short and looked at her table where her phone lay vibrating. She held up a finger to Chat as she got up and reached for her phone. Who could be calling her now anyway? If it was Alya trying to catch her with Chloe because she still had suspicions she was going to be a little upset. But no it wasn't Alya and Marinette groaned when she read the caller ID.

-

Marinette waited outside her bakery as instructed. The air was warm and birds were chirping, all in all it could end up being a good day. She was asked, instructed, to come with Chloe shopping for a dress for the party. She tried to refuse but Chloe wasn't having any of it. She was able to get in that she wanted to make a dress for Chloe to which Chloe agreed on the condition that it was good enough for her.

There was a hope that Chloe would forget or just not pick her up, another call telling her it was all a joke. Just something to get her out of this.

Chloe did not forget, Marinette groaned at her luck, she was never lucky when she really needed to be. Chloe's yellow convertible came down the road with a skidding turn onto her road. Almost in the same moment the car came around the corner and was in front of Marinette almost blowing her away.

“Ready?” Chloe asked.

“No! I am not driving in that deathtrap with you!” Marinette yelled. “How fast were you even going?!”

“Who's to say. Now get in.” Chloe said. Marinette was about to protest more but Chloe gestured cat ears with her hand and shut Marinette up. Chloe couldn't help but laugh at Marinette's reaction. “Come on it's not like I'm holding a gun to your head.”

“I would almost prefer that.” Marinette said as she sat down next to Chloe. “Where exactly are we going again? You said you would take me shopping for a dress but you didn't exactly say where.”

“Does that really matter?” Chloe said. “We're going to a place that's too expensive for you so I'll be paying. I don't see how that really affects you. Speaking of which, can I see what you have?”

“I'm already in the car, you want to go back up to my room?” Marinette asked.

“Your designs, you brought them with you right? You always used to carry around a sketchbook or something.” Chloe said. “You wanted me to buy one from you didn't you?”

“Oh yeah I do, here.” Marinette took her sketchbook out of her purse and handed it over.

Chloe was surprised at how easy it was to get the sketchbook into her hands. She figured she might be able to use something in here against Marinette somehow. That and she had a genuine curiosity for what Marinette had made for her. She didn't expect her to do anything for her. She just expected Marinette would force herself to bear her until she was tired of messing with Marinette. But Marinette had put effort into something for her, it made her feel nice.

“There are a lot of designs in here.” Chloe said.

“I kind of make it my full time job to make designs when I'm not helping my parents.” Marinette said. “I've gotten a lot better and faster at it, it's a shame I haven't been picked up yet. If I did then I'd be able to actually make the dresses more often.”

“Why don't you?” Chloe asked.

“Working by commission at the moment. They give me the money for supplies along with my pay. And outside of that the materials have to come from me, and I don't make a whole lot working in a bakery part time.”

“That's great and all but,” Chloe said. “I meant there are a lot in here, where are the ones for me?” Chloe said handing the book over to Marinette.

“Oh sorry about that.” Marinette took the book and handed it back when she found the right page.

Chloe was shocked for a moment to see herself on the page. Well not herself herself, but it sure looked like her. Marinette was a much better artist than she used to be. The first page had her in a strapless dress with a, well Chloe didn't know. More than anything it looked more like a yellow wedding gown with a black belt and black sleeves. The next one had straps but with a large v-line on her back, the standout being frills along the shoulders. The next page was just an assortment of sketches of backs with plenty of eraser smudges. The next was, “Oh my.” Chloe smirked. “You drew this?”

“Which one is it?” Marinette asked, blushing when she looked over and saw that it was her sketch of naked Chloe. Did her lungs shrink? No they couldn't have. How could she have left that in? After Chat finding it she should have figured out to rip the page out, this was even worse than Chat finding it. At least with Chat, he's a third party. But now, ugh, the whole situation made her want to rip her tongue out so she couldn't say anything incriminating. “Oh that one, I uh, just, well I needed to do that.”

“You needed to draw that?” Chloe asked with a laugh as she flipped the page. “I'll be sure to remember that, I have your number after all.”

“No I mean, I needed it for reference, see, you're have a very unusual body and I,”

“What does that mean?” Chloe asked, offended at the insult. “Am I less attractive than the other models?”

Marinette was insulted herself at Chloe's sudden turn around in tone. She constantly insulted others but couldn't take it herself? What a hypocrite. Even then she still felt like she had to cater to the bitchy princess. “No! I didn't say that. You're just more, muscular than what I'm used to.”

“So you do think I'm attractive, don't you?” Chloe asked.

“What? Sure, fine, whatever.” Marinette was growing tired of this. The initial shame that she had when Chloe first saw her drawing of her had faded. The coldness of embarrassment warmed away by the natural miasma of irritation Chloe seemed to give off. “Why are you so muscular anyway? No offense.”

“None taken. I do boxing.” Chloe said.

“Boxing?” Now that was a shock.

“Oh it's not real boxing, I could never live if I got a black eye or something. No I just have a personal trainer who has me use a punching bag. She keeps trying to convince me to fight though.”

“Well I think you should too, a black eye would look good on you.” Marinette said. Chloe opened her mouth to quip back when Marinette continued. “You would figure out a way to make it work.”

Chloe didn't know what to say after that, it was an end to the conversation type of statement. She kept flipping through the shocking amount of pages Marinette had made for her. She didn't bother to bring up the ones of Chat posing even though she felt she could get some prime squirming out of Marinette over it. Did she really look like that? Could she look like that? Chloe asked herself as she looked at the drawings of herself in various dresses. She eventually reached the end and went back through them.

“I think I will commission you.” Chloe said. “As much as I hate to admit it, some of these are really good.”

“You really think so!” Marinette squealed. “That is such a relief, thank you.”

“Yeah yeah, don't get sappy on me. It will just be something nice to remember you by.” Chloe said much to Marinette's confusion. “You know, when you die of a broken heart when Adri-kins turns you down.”

“OH!” Marinette yelled. “You know Chloe, you're a real ass sometimes.” Marinette huffed and crossed her arms.

“Just like old times, but look.” Chloe handed the book back pointing at the drawing. “I'll take this one. I like the old school flapper look it has.”

“I'll get the details to you tonight then.” Marinette said as she shoved the book back into her bag. “Shopping then?”

“Yeah.” Chloe shifted her car into drive as they made their way down the road. Chloe cleared her throat. Chloe felt the need to keep talking, mainly she felt the need to thank Marinette for offering to make a dress for her. All she could really remember at the moment was the way Marinette had drawn her. She looked amazing, more amazing than she usually does. Chloe hadn't really looked at herself in the mirror just to look at herself in a long time. Only using the mirror for make up and hair. Slouched over staring didn't really show her what she looked like. But if she looked like the way Marinette drew her leaned back, she looked dominating. It gave her a whole new surge of confidence in her image. Not only was she powerful, she looked it too.

Was that how Marinette saw her? Someone strong, intimidating? A part of Chloe didn't want that. Marinette should fear her of course, that's what she was there for, to make Marinette suffer. But Chloe couldn't believe Marinette could see her that way. Marinette was supposed to be a coward, pathetic loser that shouldn't be able to measure up. Yet Marinette still was able to stand up to her, talk back to her, argue with her, even hurt her. Admirable sure, but irritating.

She was thinking about Marinette much more than she would have liked to and shook her head to get rid of the thoughts.

-

“And this,”

“Chloe.” Marinette said. Her arms were weighed down by the handful of dresses Chloe had dumped on her. All of them blue. She didn't like blue.

“This one, actually no, not your color.”

“Chloe.” Marinette said louder.

“Oh this one looks nice!” Chloe said pulling another dress from the rack.

“Chloe blue isn't my color.” Marinette yelled. She quickly covered her mouth and turned around to see the cashier at the front glaring at her. “My color is pink.” Marinette said, quieter this time.

“Really? I don't think so.” Chloe said smugly as she waited for the result. Sure enough Marinette's face reddened as Marinette tried not to yell again. Chloe laughed and said. “OH, now I see it. You're right, pink is your color.” Chloe was able to hold herself back from simply telling Marinette she was cute when she was angry.

“And you don't have to pick out the dress for me, I know what I'll look good in. It's kind of my job.” Marinette said.

“Fine fine, but I pick what you get. You're going to be with me all night so you need to look like proper eye candy.” Chloe said.

“Whatever.” Marinette said and handed back the stack of dresses to Chloe. “I don't like the idea of being, 'eye candy', but whatever gets you to be less frustrating.”

Marinette walked around the store for a bit wondering what she should wear. Probably something cheap so Chloe wouldn't make a fuss over the price, if that was possible. She wasn't sure how much Chloe was willing to spend on her but she didn't want to push it. Something cheap was her first priority just in case. Next up was actually looking good in whatever she picked. Final option was a middle ground.

First dress was up, it was sleek and unimpressive. It sure did look cheap too, she wasn't too sure but Marinette could swear Chloe could guess the price of something just from a glance. Something about growing up around luxury items that were always praised for costing a lot.

Marinette stepped out of the dressing room. It was a simple pink thing, two shoulder straps, neckline that stopped just under her collar bone, and an angled hem from her right knee to the middle of her left shin.

Lovely, beautiful, stunning, all the compliments came in from the suddenly attentive workers Chloe had somehow amassed while she was getting dressed. Someone must have recognized her and wanted her to buy something from them bad.

“Well you don't look bad.” Chloe spoke up from the seat in front of the dressing rooms. “But not good enough. Besides that if I'm with you while you're wearing that people will think I put a homeless person in a dress and called it a day, next!”

Her suspicions were proven right, Chloe could tell the price of things just from looking. Marinette went with dress number 3 next, might as well escalate in price.

When she walked out of the dressing room she was met with the same comments from the workers as last time. Somehow they weren't blowing up despite the angry glare that she saw Chloe shooting a them. Lazer vision was not a skill Chloe had. Her dress was a lot like the last one. The only difference was that the straps covered her shoulders and the hem of the dress had unsupported folds. She could do better in her room.

“It's an improvement.” Chloe said. “But anything would be an improvement after that last dress. I swear it made you look like you were fifty.” The tone of the workers changed and made an agreeing murmur.

Third times the charm Marinette told herself. Marinette was thankful that Chloe wasn't making this some sort of verbal maze. Chloe just told her what she thought of the dress, unlike Alya who would have gave her constant compliments throughout making it harder to pick a dress. The change from telling her what looked good and what looked bad was a welcome change.

Chloe waited patiently for Marinette to come out so she could make a decision and get away from the vultures of employees. They must have been hiding in the break room because she was sure there wasn't this many before. The second dress did look very good on Marinette, and so did the first, which was a problem. If Marinette was one of those people that could look good in anything it was going to be hard to pick anything out.

A click from across the room got her attention. Finally Marinette was coming out, hopefully she got something good and they could leave.

Chloe's eyes went wide and she felt her frustration fade when she saw Marinette. A pink dress with one strap with rolling folds over the shoulder with a corset waist. And the dress with a thin see through layer with something that sparkled over the solid layer underneath. It made her look like such a girl. Marinette never gave off 'girly' vibes before, she always seemed a tad bit too tough to pull it off. “A prom dress?” Chloe asked with cynicism, she couldn't let Marinette know she liked it right away. It was all about the battlefield, and she loved how Marinette looked in that dress.

“You don't like it?” Marinette asked, perplexed. She was sure Chloe would like this one, maybe not the price tag, but the dress?

“Well it's the best of the three, so lets get it.” Chloe said, fighting back the urge to just say that Marinette looked beautiful in it. “We've been here long enough anyway, we found what we came for, time to go.”

Marinette bit her tongue, something about that really irked her. Chloe didn't even bother to comment on her appearance that time. No insults, no compliments, not even an appraisal. Just, best of three, didn't cut it. Marinette knew she was good at this, she knew she looked good at it, so why was she getting upset at not getting Chloe's opinion. It wasn't like Chloe's opinion was ever something she cared about before.

From the dressing room to the register to the car it was all Marinette could think about. What does she think of it? Was she even going to get a comment on it? Chloe hadn't even looked her in the eyes since she came out of the dressing room.

“Hey.” Marinette spoke up, she didn't know why. She got a hum from Chloe in response. She kept her eyes on the road which Marinette was half grateful for. “What did you think of the dress? You didn't tell me what you thought about it.”

“Sure I did, it was the best one.” Chloe said.

“That doesn't tell me anything.” Marinette said. “If I had two molding cakes,”

“Yuck.”

“and one only had a spot of mold and the other was covered in it I wouldn't be like well the spot one is still good. It's just the one with the least mold and it's still going in the trash.”

“Why does your metaphor have to be about mold?” Chloe said, she mocked a retching noise laughing at herself. “Also are you comparing yourself to the mold in this situation or the cake?”

“I'm the cake, the mold is the dress.” Marinette explained.

“So what you're saying is you would look best naked?” Chloe laughed.

“NO! Look my metaphor doesn't have to make sense for it to make sense. Ugh.” Marinette rested her head in her hands. “I'm not making sense am I?”

“Sure you are.” Chloe said. “Although I might need to see you naked to make sure.” Another groan from Marinette. “Okay okay let's see if I can piggyback off your weird mold metaphor.”

“Please don't.” Marinette begged.

“So, the first dress was totally mold, no doubt about it. And the second dress was like, fondant? Does your parents bakery use fondant?” Chloe asked.

“No.”

“Good, I hate fondant, anyway so the second dress was like fondant.” Chloe said.

“I don't think the cake metaphor is working anymore.” Marinette said. “So you didn't like the second dress then?”

“No the dress was fine I just, it's like, meh, you know what I mean. It's better than the mold isn't it. So the second dress was fondant the first dress was mold and the one I bought you is like, strawberries and lemon cream?” Chloe said confused by what she was saying. “Why did you use a cake metaphor I don't know anything about cakes!”

“I said not to continue it but you just kept going.” Marinette protested. “So the dress is like strawberries and lemon cream what is that supposed to mean? Do you like those or is it just another fondant situation?”

“Ugh I hate this.” Chloe yelled. “It's a good dress alright, it's a great dress. Makes you look real pretty okay? And it doesn't make you look older than you are.” Chloe said in frustration. She wasn't supposed to be the one getting frustrated today that was Marinette's job. “What exactly do you want to hear? You know what you're talking about? You were right pink is your color I should have listened to you okay?”

“I just wanted a straight answer out of you.” Marinette said. “Instead of some kind of verbal gymnastics.”

“Well you got it. You looked very pretty in the dress and I liked the way you looked in it, better?” Chloe said.

“Yes.” Marinette said cheerfully. “That's exactly what I wanted to hear.”

-

“And then she called me pretty! She called me very pretty!” Marinette yelled at Alya. “And then she said nothing to me the whole way home. Aside from paying me for making her dress she said nothing. Did you know she always has around two thousand francs on her at all times? She lives in a completely separate dimension!”

“Hang on, can you go back to the part where she called you pretty? Chloe gave you a compliment?” Alya asked. “Chloe Bourgeois? That's newsworthy enough to put on my blog.”

“She's capable of giving compliments Alya.” Marinette said.

“Since when?” Alya shot back. “It seems like she's trying to woo you but that doesn't make any sense, she hates your guts.”

“I know that!” Marinette waved her hands around. “It's some kind of mind game, she's going to try and really hurt me soon and I think I know how. I've made a chart!” Marinette said, remembering what she had done the night before.

Marinette rushed over to her wall of Adrien and pulled down what previously was Adrien's schedule. She had torn it down the other year when she realized maybe having a detailed outline of where her crush goes at all times might have been a bit, much. Now it was a usually empty white board, except for now which now had notes scattered around with a tiny doodle of herself and Chloe. “See she knows I still have a thing for Adrien and she doesn't like me or that fact that I like Adrien but she also knows that me and Adrien aren't together yet so she thinks that she can still cut me out before I make my move so she's going to make me look like I'm into her so Adrien sees and thinks I'm exclusively into girls which I'm not but he wont know that when he sees me with Chloe and she'll think she'll have won because Adrien is too nice to try and date me once I'm with Chloe which I wont be it all makes sense!”

“Breath!” Alya rushed up and grabbed Marinette's shoulders as the girl took in a very deep breath. “Breath! I swear you're going to die one day because you'll forget how to breath properly. And it'll probably be ranting to me about something.”

“I, am, alright.” Marinette said through her breath's. “It makes sense, right?”

“I can see how it makes sense to you, yeah.” Alya said.

“What's that supposed, to mean?”

“Well it's just, very elaborate. I don't think that Chloe is smart enough for all that planning.” Alya said.

“She took architecture. She's smart enough to think of a lot of things.” Marinette said. “Especially things that will upset me.”

“She took architecture?” Alya asked, shocked by the new news about the former airhead.

“Well she didn't pass.” Marinette admitted.

“So what you're saying is, you think she's smart enough.” Alya asked.

“I don't know Alya, I'm scared. Chloe is scary and she's going to ruin things for me somehow, or change them in some way and I'm not ready!” Marinette sat down with Alya with her head in her hands. “I can tell things are changing and I'm not ready.”

“Marinette, nothings changing and you're gonna be fine. Chloe is going to take you to this party and the day after everything is going to be just the same as it always was. You and Adrien are going to blush at each other the next day and refuse to ask each other out because you're both so stubborn.”

“Chloe's the stubborn one.” Marinette whined. “She's not going to leave me alone ever again. You didn't see her face, she gets all this pleasure out of watching me squirm and I don't think she's going to give that up. If she decides to leave me alone it will be because Sabrina is back.”

“So you're afraid of Chloe staying around? I'm sure there are ways to avoid that. I'm sure the quiet treatment will work well, just don't give her anything for a long time and she'll probably forget about you.” Alya said.

“That's not the change I mean.” Marinette groaned. How could she verbalize what she was feeling right now? It was terrifying trying to imagine just the near future now, planning ahead was becoming stressful. Her own emotions wouldn't be honest with her and just bounced around her chest until she had a panic attack. “I'm afraid of change in general. I'm not afraid of Chloe sticking around, I'm not even afraid of Chloe even though I should be. It's just what her being around means. I just have this feeling that she's going to do something that's going to change everything and I don't care if it's a good or bad change I'm still scared of it.”

“Marinette.” Alya said bringing Marinette in for a hug. “I have been giving you pep talks for years now but I'm no therapist. But that fear is totally normal. You remember when Nino got an apartment with me? I was afraid he was going to ask to marry me soon after. But he still hasn't, and our lives aren't much different from before. Change doesn't come that quickly. You're gonna be fine and you probably wont even notice the change when it happens.”

“I know that.” Marinette moved away. “I just, I feel restless, I want it to get over with but I still just have to wait for it to happen.”

A BZZT from Marinette's phone caught both of their attentions, Alya moved to get it.

“I'll get it!” Marinette said as she followed close behind Alya. She tried to reach ahead and get her phone first but failed. “Alya please it might be from,”

“It's a message from Chloe.” Alya said and pushed Marinette away and held her by the face at arms length.

“Oh.” Marinette said, losing all urgency to reach the phone. “Never mind then.”

“Okay then, who did you think it was?” Alya asked, hands on her hips.

“No one, I swear, just an uh, a pen pal.” Marinette lied. Her fake smile gave her away and only caused Alya to get irritated.

“Is this, 'pen pal',” Alya said, making air quotes with her fingers, “the same reason I can't come over some nights or the reason you have to cancel on me sometimes?”

“Sure Alya, some pen pal of mine is much more important than you and I would rather chat with them than hang out with you, you're spot, I mean, dead right.” Marinette said, lacing each word with as much sarcasm as she could.

“One of these days I'm gonna get it out of you, you know?” Alya said.

“Yeah I know. So what's Chloe telling me this time?” Marinette asked.

“Well I haven't opened it yet, there's apparently four messages. And the preview says, 'Here's some reference material.'”

Alya tucked in on herself as the blue and pink blur descended on her, clawing and scratching for the phone. “Alya give me my phone, come on!”

“Well I'm not gonna now!” Alya said and stood up, throwing Marinette off of her. She ran around to the other side of the room and up the ladder, stopping halfway. “Ha! Try and get it now and you'll knock me off doing who knows how much physical harm! Wait,” Alya realized the foolishness of what position she'd put herself in, she could only hope Marinette still had the sense to not push her off the ladder.

“That's cheating!” Marinette yelled. Alya breathed a sigh of relief.

“Then tell me why I shouldn't see what Chloe sent you.” Alya teased, hovering her finger over the unopened messages. She scrolled over the notification. “She sent two attachments.” She teased.

“Alya!” Marinette groaned. “Chloe's just messing with me I'm sure.”

“Girl, what could she possibly send you over text to message you? She was with you like, all of the day the other day. Did she get some kind of blackmail on you?”

“I may have, told her she had a body type, I wasn't used to working with.” Marinette said ashamed. She looked at Alya who only looked back with eyes that said, go on. “And that message might be, some pictures she thinks will help me.”

“Oh my god.” Alya said.

“Please don't.” Marinette begged.

“She sent you her nudes?!” Alya almost screamed. Marinette was grateful that her skylight and balcony was closed, she did not need anyone outside hearing this.

“Maybe! I don't know you're kind of the one with my phone.” Marinette whined.

“Here, here.“ Alya got off the ladder and handed Marinette the phone, her hands were shaking in almost as much anticipation as Marinette's. “I'm gonna go over there, not looking, and you tell me if they are or not.” Alya had a creepy smile on her face that weirded Marinette out. Alya moved to the other side of the room and started muttering something to herself under her breath. Marinette heard her say something about a scandal before bringing her attention to the messages.

Sure enough, Chloe had sent her some provocative images of herself. Neither of which were very useful for reference material. One with her laying on her bed with a pose that showed off half her back and, Marinette couldn't help but notice, very flat butt. Marinette dedicated a whole second to noticing how she had never looked at Chloe but for some reason always thought she had a bigger butt. The second picture being the one meant to get a rise out of Marinette. It was a simple selfie with one arm outstretched holding the phone and the other supporting her boobs. The message afterwards said, hope you like them.

“Chloe.” Marinette said with a growl. Marinette was irritated with Chloe yet again, she accomplished her mission. Make Marinette upset, big whoop, it wasn't that hard. Marinette sent back a message reading, very funny, are you done? And tossed her phone away. Marinette had another thought, that those photos didn't look anything like how Chloe looked that morning.

“Are you done mumbling to yourself?” Marinette asked Alya.

“So, what's the story?” Alya asked, closing the distance. “Did she really send you nudes?”

“Unfortunately yes.” Marinette sighed. “She once again found a way to irritate me.”

“Marinette, Chloe Bourgeois sent you nudes.” Alya said sternly. “Chloe is a public figure, that makes you a scandal.”

“Alya what,”

Marinette tried to interject many times and failed. In the end she sat through Alya telling her about the potential pros and cons of making a story about this. In the end she decided against it because she didn't want to be the jerk to put Chloe's nudes online herself or frame her friend as some kind of secret concubine. Marinette only wished she reached that conclusion two hours before.

-

Adrien woke up that morning and felt like something big was going to happen that day. He didn't know what it was but he was filled with energy, and confidence. It wasn't until he was leaping across rooftops that he realized what he believed to be his destiny for that day. Every landing and leap only filled his chest with more and more fire until he was sure of what he was going to do.

Chloe had texted him earlier, reminding him of the party her father was having and that he should bring someone. Bring someone, it was the first time she had said that in a long time. And it got his gears turning, who did he know that he could bring? Of course there was only one answer, it wasn't like he exactly had all the free time in the world to meet new people. He was going to ask Marinette. But he couldn't unless she knew who she was. Sure he could ask her as Adrien, but he didn't like being Adrien, even though that was the version of him that Marinette had a crush on. No, he could only be with her the way he is as Chat Noir.

The window was open for him to leap through when he got to Marinette's home. He landed with a quiet thump against the floor and so many emotions rushed into him. All the times he had retreated to this room, all the times he came in to be greeted with open arms, all the laughs Marinette gave him when he failed the landing. He also thought of how long he came here knowing she was Ladybug.

Years of pining for both girls as Chat, it sounded funny in hindsight. He just couldn't bring himself to reveal that he knew, it would somehow, ruin the fun.

“Chat you okay?” Marinette waved a hand in front of his face, trying to snap him out of whatever daydream he was caught in.

Marinette was working on Chloe's dress, almost finished. She was still working on the sleeves and covering the brassiere when Chat landed in her room.

“Marinette.” Chat said, feeling his heart catch in his throat begging him to catch up to reality. “Would you like to go with me on a date?” Her face wrinkled in confusion, he hoped there wasn't also disgust mixed in. “I mean it, Chloe's father is hosting a party later this month and I'm invited and was asked to bring a date.”

“Chat hang on.” Marinette said, becoming overwhelm with a sense of dread. She had know Chat had a small crush on her, but he was supposed to be in love with her other half. How could he come to her civilian self first?

And she was tempted to say yes, Goddess she was tempted. After all it would be funny, walking into a party with Chat Noir on her arm, having the same kind of fun that they normally had but in anywhere else but her room. Adrien might get jealous and fight Chat for her. The potential for a fun time was there, but it was a terrible decision. Responsibility came first.

“Chat you know we can't. It's irresponsible to be seen with you. If Hawkmoth sees me with you I could become a target.” Marinette said.

“I don't have to be Chat.” Chat said taking a step closer to Marinette, she found herself taking a step back. “I can tell you who I am, under the mask.” He took another step forward.

No, no this wasn't right. Chat wasn't like this. He had his jokes and he had his serious moments but he wasn't this, scary around her. He wasn't listening to a word she said. He was just going to do what he wanted anyway.

“No, Chat, stop!” Marinette found herself yelling at him, hoping being louder would get him to snap out of it. “You have a secret identity for a reason and you can't reveal it to anyone, right? What if Hawkmoth finds out, or anyone else!”

“I trust you, Milady.” Chat said.

“Chat you can't, what?” Marinette looked down at her clothes to make sure she was still herself.

“Plagg, claws in.”

Marinette's eyes went wide as saucers as she looked up to watch Chat dissolve away and leave Adrien in his place. The blonde hair, green eyes, muscular figure of Adrien Agreste, right where Chat was a moment ago. For a moment, she wondered where he went, if he snuck out really quickly during this magic trick. It was no trick.

“Marinette Dupain-Cheng, will you be my date to Mr. Bourgeois' party?” Adrien asked.

“No.” Marinette covered her mouth. “No No No No No No.” She repeated the word again and again. She shut her eyes tight and punched her head yelling, “NO!” Jolting Adrien, he took a step back.

“YOU CAN'T BE ADRIEN!” Marinette yelled. “You're not allowed to be! You don't get to be!”

“Marinette?” Adrien said, he wasn't expecting this kind of reaction. In his mind whenever he played it he saw her falling in love with him, exclaiming that she loved both sides of him, that he loved both sides of her, that it was a perfect happy ending.

“Adrien doesn't, he doesn't do what you do!” Marinette yelled again, choking up and getting quieter. “He doesn't, he doesn't go around saving Paris. He doesn't save people while wearing leather. He doesn't have a weird obsession with cheese. He's normal. He's the one normal thing I was supposed to have.”

Adrien said nothing. He didn't know what to say. He never expected Marinette wouldn't love him back after she knew.

“How long have you known?” Marinette asked. Adrien said nothing and she turned to face him, she was crying now, she looked hurt. He couldn't believe he caused Marinette to look like this. He wanted nothing more than to run in and hug and comfort her, it's what, it's what worked in shows and movies wasn't it? He took a step forward, she slapped him.

“HOW LONG?!” Marinette demanded. “You called me Milady, how long have you known? A month? Two? Was it back during the Irressta fight?”

Adrien raised a hand to his cheek, it stung. How could he have been so stupid. He forced this, it wasn't romantic, he was high off what? Some kind of mid life crisis? A little boost of confidence from a good nights sleep? He was an idiot. He did some math in his head. “Three years.” He whispered.

“Three?!” Marinette yelled. Her eyes grew wide as she took a step back. “Three.” She said quieter.

“Marinette I wanted to tell you the moment I found out I just didn't-” Chat stepped forward to Marinette, arms pleading.

“Get out.” Marinette's hand returned to her mouth as she looked away.

“If you just let me explain I promise all this will be-”

“Get the hell out Chat!” Marinette yelled. “I want you out of my room, and I don't want to see you unless we're fighting an Akuma. Don't come to my parent's shop, don't try to reach me through Alya, I don't want to see you.” Marinette said, arms crossed, back to Chat. “I don't even want to hear you right now.”

Marinette kept her eyes clenched tight, she heard the closing thunk of the window as Chat left and she fell to her knees. Tikki rushed to her side in an instant, whispering nothings as she tried to sooth Marinette's sobs.

-

Marinette's hands tore through the paper like it was nothing, clawing at the wall more than aiming. Shreds of paper hanging from the walls in her aftermath. A desecration of a dead gods temple, she was in shock. Her only comfort was that it was over. No more pining, no more mystery, no more curiosity, no more interest, and no more wasting time.

That handsome piece of shit Adrien Agreste wasn't going to be a part of her life anymore. All of was tainted, those years of her life wanting nothing but him. She was never going to have anything to show for those years of her life. It wrenched in her gut like a knife as she tore down everything Agreste related that had burned into her walls. Ads, news clippings, magazine cut outs, posters, schedules, autographs, and a god damn fucking cereal box. Gods she was fucking stupid, this was how she spent her time? All while that fat cat danced around her like some kind of game.

“Marinette slow down you're going to hurt yourself!” Tikki pleaded, dodging stray paper shreds that Marinette threw behind her.

“Three years Tikki!” Marinette cried. “He was in my room for three years!” That wrenching in her stomach dug deeper. “I think I'm gonna be sick, get me a bucket.”

Tikki did as she was asked and brought a bucket up to Marinette. She heaved over it with a disgusting wet cough before the thump was heard.

Marinette was already crying, and the heat from the bile stung her face, only making her feel worse. She managed the sense to push the bucket away instead of hang over it.

“He knew I had a crush on him.” Marinette said. “Every time he came in the store and talked with me, he knew.”

“You knew Adrien liked you already.” Tikki reminded, stroking Marinette's hair.

“But that was different! He, he, came into my room nearly every week and saw this,” She gestured to the remains of the altar, “and he was fine with not telling me. I was just some kind of amusement for him. Ha, of course I was, just some kind of game. A sick joke for him to laugh at when he left. He must have got some twisted satisfaction out of it if he went so long without telling me.” Marinette could feel herself slipping. Whatever her mind had in place to keep her from losing everything it was starting to crack. It was all too much too fast, she could handle this but only slowly.

“I need to do something else, anything else, I need to get my mind off of this.” Marinette said, wiping her eyes. It didn't work, her throat hitched and the tears started flowing again. She waited for the wise and comforting words Tikki usually shared with her, just something to sort all this out and make her calm down. Tikki just kept stroking her hair. She fell asleep where she sat.

-

Marinette was angry, she could handle that. Marinette wasn't angry at her, that was less of an ideal situation. Sure it was nice seeing her upset and fuming over, whatever it was she was fuming about. But she wanted to be the source of that anger. Chloe was jealous.

Chloe had come over for a fitting. It was Marinette's suggestion, although now knowing what state she was in it became more of a demand, a plea, in hindsight. Marinette had barely even looked at her since she had shown up. She even tried making a show of herself when changing, nothing worked to get the dress makers attention. Sure she looked her in the eyes when she talked, sure she constantly had her eyes on her taking measurements and adjusting the dress, but she wasn't present. Marinette's eyes just glazed off of her like she wasn't even important.

The worst part was the directness that Marinette regarded her with, barely more than a hello and she was giving orders. She was crying earlier, that much was obvious from her voice.

“So is everything okay?” Chloe asked, freezing up after saying those words. She wasn't supposed to be concerned for Marinette she was just there to mess with her. She wasn't supposed to worry if Marinette was okay or not. Yet here she was, asking about how she was doing. Goddess could her emotions just stay in check for one day? “You're acting different today.”

“I'm fine.” Marinette said. She walked around Chloe, making sure the fabric looked okay on all sides. She was regretting making the dress yellow, it looked more like a loose blanket was hanging around Chloe. “Maybe it shouldn't be a flapper. If it was form fitting do you think it would still work? Maybe if I reverse the colors so that the lines don't show. Black dress, yellow fuzz maybe?” Marinette asked, looking only at the dress.

“As much as I would love to discuss what color the fuzz covering my cleavage should be, I asked you a question.” Chloe said.

“And I said I'm fine.” Marinette spat. “And when do you ask when I'm fine or not? Acting like you care doesn't suit you.”

“Now look here!” Chloe stamped her foot and turned around and jabbed a finger in Marinette's face. “I can be a lot bitchier about this and you know it. The thing is that you're in a bad mood and I don't want you making terrible decisions about the dress I'm going to wear because of it. How would that look? Oh Chloe, your dress is simply terrible, who designed it so I know never to get a dress from them. Oh it was fine before the dress maker had a bad day and ruined it.”

“It's not going to be ruined. It just didn't turn out as good as I thought it would.” Marinette returned her eyes to the dress.

“The dress looks amazing Marinette.” Chloe sighed.

“I doubt that, you're just saying that so that I don't make you look bad. Which, I could still do that on purpose, thanks for the idea.” Marinette said.

“You're modesty is a major turn off.” Chloe said. “Go ahead and take a step back, don't I look hot in this?” Chloe struck a pose with a hand on her hip and the other behind her head, leaned back, hips cocked forward, and a pout on her face to seal the deal. Marinette laughed at the display.

“It's not even finished, but yeah you do look good in it.” Marinette said. “And you're right, something happened and I'm still shook up over it. I'm probably going to be shook up over it for a long time. Something happened last night and, I don't know.” Marinette sighed. “I have other things to focus on, if I let it get me down then I might never recover.”

“Sounds like something big happened to you.” Chloe said. She damned her sympathy. “It wasn't me, right?” Chloe wanted to see Marinette in a lot of states. Downtrodden, defeated, frustrated, sad, angry? Sure. Beaten? Maybe in some fantasies. Broken? Never. Part of Marinette's appeal was that she was never broken by anything, always strong. She never wanted to see Marinette weak. And right now nearly ruining her dress that she ordered because of her bad mood seemed weak enough for concern.

Marinette turned away from Chloe. “Yes.” She turned back around, big smile on her face and batting at the air. “But it wasn't you're fault, you were just a minor part of it, I'm sure if you didn't then it would have gotten to him eventually.”

Chloe walked over and put her hands on Marinette's shoulders. “What are you talking about?” Marinette looked at the floor to hide her face from Chloe.

“Adrien asked me to go with him to the party.” Marinette said, she started to cry to the shock of Chloe. Wasn't that what Marinette wanted in the first place? Adrien was the end goal wasn't he? Surely Marinette had dreams of going on dates with him and growing up with him and the like. These were supposed to be tears of joy but then why was Marinette so upset?

Chloe hated the feeling of not understanding this. How could that lead to Marinette being upset? She should know Marinette and how she reacts. Was she just missing something big? Was the crush some fake thing Marinette had this whole time? No, Marinette had a crush on Adrien, she was certain, there was evidence. Evidence!

Chloe walked over to the light switch on the wall and flicked the furthest one. With all the lights turned on now she turned her attention to the far wall. She was surprised when all she saw was a normal wall, nothing on it save for the holes where nails used to be littering the wall like termites. Pictures of Adrien, notes, schedules, everything, gone.

“I just,” Marinette started, still crying. “I can't tell you what happened. Not because it's you, I can't tell anyone, but he's not at all who I thought he was.”

“Adrien Agreste?” Chloe scoffed, she knew her best friend. Adrien was an open book, he never had any secrets, and more important, “I know Adrien, he doesn't like hurting people.”

“I know he doesn't,”

“Then what did he do?” Chloe started shouting. “Heaven forbid I defend his character but what could he have done that made him less of the perfect guy in your eyes?”

“He didn't mean to!” Marinette cried. “I know he didn't mean to! Trust me I know! Adrien is the nicest guy I've ever met, he didn't mean to!”

All of Chloe's anger seeped away as her legs flung her across the room to support Marinette. She didn't know why she was doing this. Adrien was her friend, she should be defending him not comforting Marinette. But Marinette wasn't lying, she was a terrible liar so even if she told a lie it wouldn't matter but she wasn't lying now. She was really hurt, and by Adrien, as hard as it was to believe.

“He came here last night to ask me to the party. And he told me some things. That, he knew some things about me, some very personal things, for a very long time. Can you imagine that?” Marinette looked at Chloe. “Can you imagine someone coming up to you, and telling you they know the most private parts of your life, and that they've been around you for a long time knowing those things?”

“Hey,” She was not good at this. “It's gonna be okay.” someone else should be doing this. “He's not gonna hurt you.” Shouldn't Alya be doing this? One quick call and Marinette's real friend would be over in a hot second. Why did she think, real friend, with such venom? “Every things gonna be alright.” Was she really shh-ing Marinette right now? That was how comforting worked right? Sabrina comforted her plenty of times, no matter how fake her sympathy was she had to have picked up on something right? She held Marinette's head to her chest, rocked back and forth, and used her other hand to hug Marinette to her. “It's gonna be okay, I'm here now.” The dress was going to have tear stains.

-

Marinette's parents were saints, they had to be. And the sentiment wasn't just from the fact that this was the second time that they had prepared an extra plate for her at the breakfast table. No, somehow they found it in themselves to be nice to her despite what she had done to their daughter. Chloe would never deny it if they had asked her if she harmed Marinette in any way. She had, and was starting to regret it. Aside from maybe a slap or two when she was younger, each time somehow not being significant, she had never laid a hand on Marinette.

Tom and Sabine treated her nicely, which was not what Chloe had expected. Sure it might have been because she was the mayor's daughter, but she was choosing to ignore that little detail. The best part of their niceness was that they weren't talking to her much other than asking how she was doing and if she would be okay eating what they made. And it wasn't like she was going to turn them down. She would have them put in her kitchen if she could.

Despite all their kindness, they were staring at her. And she couldn't figure out why. Her hair was still perfect so it wasn't that. She had checked herself in the mirror for any new blemishes that might have arose before she came down, she was safe on that front. She wasn't chewing with her mouth open, she said please and thank you like a good little visitor was supposed to even though it pained her, and she refrained from making any comments about either of them or their daughter.

Chloe left her mind to wonder, growing more paranoid by the second. Couldn't those two just ask whatever was on their minds? Sabine approached, Chloe hoped that she would tell her what made them keep glancing back and staring at her.

Sabine sat down at the table and looked over at Chloe, a small blush growing on her face. “So,” She said with a strained smile. Finally she was going to say something, Chloe was going to go insane if it wasn't brought up soon. Chloe was ready to just start asking if they had a problem with her.

Chloe waited, and waited, staring at Sabine while her words seemed to catch in her throat.

“What my wife here means to say,” Marinette's father came over to speak on her mothers behalf. Chloe had to admit, they didn't look alike at all, opposites attract she supposed. “we're happy that Marinette is seeing someone.”

What?

“Thank you Tom.” Marinette's mom patted her husbands arm. Chloe's brain was still doing catch up trying to connect the dots. “I understand that you and Marinette have had some, let's say, negative interactions in the past.” She was asleep, that was the solution to the crazy sudden turn of events. “And while we don't fully understand you or what your intentions may be with our daughter.” Oh Goddess, Chloe had heard about conversations like this before. Why was her throat so tight? Why couldn't she let go of her fork? Was this what parents did to people? “We just don't want to see her get hurt.” This room sure did it's job pretty well. Plenty of space, which is the void between walls floors and ceiling and anywhere there wasn't an obstruction. Yeah, it sure does allow for the function of cooking, she assumed, she didn't know how to cook. Oh Goddess she was still talking. “But Marinette is very smart, and if she trusts you, then we wish you the best. I was hoping for grand babies though I will admit.”

“Do you think that did it?” Tom whispered to Sabine so Chloe wouldn't hear. In response Sabine just patted his arm and stood up and walked with him back to the stove. Their mission, to tease Chloe as payback for making their daughter upset so many times, was a success. They never discussed it out loud or else the plan would have had a better name.

Once those two left Chloe buried her head into her arms, laying face first on the table. Half thoughts tried making their way to the front of her mind but each one raced by leaving her a confused mess. She cursed her inability to focus on a single thought. The only thought that she was able to focus on was that she shouldn't have dropped out of architecture, she would be in school working with pens and rulers trying to make a plan for a museum or something. Instead she had all the free time in the world to be given an acceptance speech from the mother of someone she barely knew.

Chloe tried to think about the steps that might have led to this moment starting from last night. Her first thought, they didn't sleep together and all Marinette did was cry before falling asleep, waking up, changing clothes, and falling asleep again. She wouldn't have needed to wake up if Chloe wasn't still in the dress when she first fell asleep. They did, sleep together, in the fact that they were both in the same bed. Chloe refused to sleep on the chaise and she wasn't so stone hearted to make Marinette sleep on the chaise after bawling her eyes out.

Had those two come into the room before they woke up to wake Marinette up? It sounded weird but she didn't know enough about other families to rule it out. But also it didn't make sense since Chloe was the first one up and it was still breakfast time. Unless they were getting her up for breakfast. And even if they did come into the room early they wouldn't have seen much since Chloe decided not to strip since she would be sharing the bed with Marinette. Instead she was wearing a, tank, top.

One of Marinette's tank tops.

That was it! Chloe felt ashamed she hadn't realized it sooner. All this time of her brain learning nothing was turning into a pile of useless mush. They had seen her wearing Marinette's clothes and came to the conclusion they had slept together. How could she have been so stupid as to not change before coming down.

“Morning mom.” Marinette's voice brought Chloe's head out of her arms. Marinette was in for a treat and she would love to see her go through the same thing she just went through. After all it didn't make sense for her to suffer over a misunderstanding. That was the job of other people. “Morning Chloe.” Marinette said with a smile. The smile was short lived as her lips drew into a pensive line. “I'm sorry for telling you all that stuff last night.”

Chloe didn't say anything. Marinette was apologizing? For telling her the stuff she dug for? God damn how holier than thou can one girl be? Marinette just had to be perfect didn't she? It was frustrating.

“You don't have to apologize for anything.” Chloe said with a fake smile and cheery voice that seemed to throw Marinette off. “Sugar lips.” Chloe said, making sure to fill her voice with confidence while she kept her eyes on Marinette's parents. They seemed to flinch at hearing her call Marinette that. It told Chloe more than words could, they were lying. They were messing with her, and thought they could get away with it Scott free. *That was fine, she could commit.

Marinette seemed ready to burst a vein as she leaned over the table, wide eyed and teeth inseparable. “My parents are right there, are you crazy?”

“It's alright.” Chloe laughed. “They already gave me the talk, no need to be shy.”

“Talk?” Marinette asked. “What talk? Chloe what did they say?” Chloe smirked. “Mom!”

Marinette's mom jumped before turning around with a composed smile on her face. “Oh Sweetie, we were just saying how happy we were you finally had yourself a partner.”

She was good, Chloe thought, composed and an amazing actor. She could go the limit though, really make it awkward. This was a battlefield now and Chloe was going to leave victorious.

“Partner?” Marinette repeated, thinking for a moment before her face came to life. “Partner?!”

“I should get a manicure.” Chloe said loudly, looking over her fingernails. “Maybe file down the pointer and middle finger. What do you think Marinette should I get my ring finger filed down too?”

“OKAY THANKS A LOT FOR BREAKFAST I'M SURE IT WAS GREAT I JUST HAVE TO TAKE THIS PERSON BACK UPSTAIRS FOR A MOMENT PLEASE DON'T KILL ME.”

-

“What the FUCK was that?!” Marinette demanded. Chloe had already taken the tank top off on the way up. She needed to remember never to do that again, climbing a ladder with her boobs out did not make for a pleasant experience. She remembered where she put her clothes and started changing while Marinette talked. “Mom looked ready to kill me, or you. I would prefer if she killed you if I'm honest. Why would you even say that? What happened between you two?”

“Maybe she's jealous of you.” Chloe said.

“Just get dressed and get out. The next time I have to see you is at the party. I'll have your dress done well before then.” Marinette sighed. She was rubbing her head, trying not to think of any distractions. “And forget what I said last night. And, thank you.”

“What are you thanking me for?” Chloe asked.

“For not, taking advantage of me last night.” Marinette said, getting a gasp from Chloe.

“Marinette, I'm not some sexual freak, I wouldn't take advantage of,”

“Not like that.” Marinette interrupted. “I mean, in other ways. You were there last night and you had every opportunity to mock me or, something. I'm not sure, but you didn't try and hurt me.”

Chloe tried wrapping her head around what Marinette was saying. The important thing that Chloe clung onto was that Marinette was thanking her, for not being a dick. She really seemed like that awful of a person? Was she that awful?

“I changed my mind.” Chloe said, finishing tying the laces of her shoes.

“What?”

“About your dress.” Chloe said. “I've changed my mind. You would look,” Chloe paused and let out a huge breath that left a massive smile on her face as she remembered Marinette in the dress. “really good in it, but it would make you look like an idiot. It's just a small social party, not a big fancy dress type of event. Just, find something that looks good on you and wont make you look stupid.”

“But, wasn't it a lot of money?” Marinette asked.

“You can keep it.” Chloe said. “Use it for parts if nothing else. I have to go.” Chloe walked passed Marinette and down the ladder. Leaving Marinette alone.

Marinette was stunned and sat down with her thoughts about what just happened. Chloe had meant to embarrass her, that was obvious from day one, then why did she tell her not to? And what had made her so snappy when she left? Marinette thought about why Chloe would react like that before she remembered who she was talking to. Chloe wasn't that clever, she just wanted to hurt Marinette and something must have gone wrong. Of course Chloe would leave abruptly, of course Chloe wouldn't stay and let her talk about her feelings. Chloe was the type to-

Her thoughts were interrupted by the buzzing in her pocket.

ChloeQB: Sorry for storming out like that
ChloeQB: I'm having a lot of feelings atm and you don't need more baggage
ChloeQB: Just don't get akumatized okay?
ChloeQB: PS. Not going to say you're welcome because I was a decent human being

She didn't know what type of person Chloe was.

-

Chloe couldn't take it much longer, she liked Marinette, she knew she did. Her small little crush had become genuine. Marinette probably had this effect on everyone, that might have been why she had so many friends. To make things worse she didn't know what to do about it. Sure she could try dating Marinette but for all she knew Marinette was straight. Although, she never stated it, or mentioned anything about that, to her at least. She might be able to bring it up tonight at the party. Once she was done making sure everyone daddy had invited knew who she was. And she would have Marinette on her arm the whole time.

The image of that in Chloe's mind was much less mean now. Before she had imagined herself laughing at Marinette as she went around the party, laughing at Marinette's anguish and embarrassment in front of people who could have respected her. Now Chloe could see Marinette cracking at least a small smile while she hung off Chloe's arm. And instead of embarrassing Marinette, Chloe would be introducing her to potential customers. It was all just so much and Chloe didn't have the time to dive deep into fleshed out fantasies, especially not ones about that very night!

Chloe had Marinette's name put on the list and also checked who else would be coming. Some reporters, some business owners, some legal officials and two very important people would be showing up. Gabriel and Adrien Agreste would be there. She had called Marinette to tell her but she said she would be fine and would just avoid Adrien. Chloe hoped they could.

Chloe hadn't talked to Adrien since Marinette told her what happened. They had gone long stretches of not talking to each other, but this felt different. They were best friends, and she knew something big had happened to her friend and she hadn't even spoken to him about it. It was only a few days of knowing but saying anything at this point felt like it would be insulting.

Whatever was going on didn't matter though. The only thing that mattered to Chloe was that she looked great. Marinette was good at what she did, impressive even. She didn't know what to expect when she was in it before. There wasn't a mirror large enough for her to get a full view of herself. Luckily she happened to have a full body mirror herself. It took up very little space in her massive, lonely, empty room.

She looked herself over in the mirror, doing a few poses as she did. She had a scarf, thing, she wasn't sure what to call it, but she probably would just get tired of angling it around her all night while trying to be casual. So that would have to go. Marinette had talked her into changing the dress slightly from what it was before. The straps were gone. Chloe raised a fuss but Marinette was just so insistent on it that Chloe caved. Chloe suspected it had something to do with all those drawings of her back that were in the sketchbook. The dress itself was a bright yellow, of course, anyone who glanced at Chloe could tell her favorite color was yellow. The bodice was rimmed at the top with black fuzz similar to a Santa dress. In the sketch it looked a lot different, looking more like actual rounded fuzz. Marinette even made her sleeved gloves, black all the way except for the yellow fuzz that ended right over her biceps.

Chloe regretted telling Marinette no to her ideas when she was making adjustments. Maybe a tighter fitting dress would have looked even better on her. This was okay, amazing really, it was only a small gathering no need to blow everyone out of the water with how great she looked. Even though she would really like to, she would love it. Showing up in a dress that made her look like a god with the designer on her arm? Perfection.

Now all she had to do was wait. It was useless trying to walk around her house now, everyone was working. She might be able to find her dad but only for a few seconds before he was flung around the house making sure everything was in order. Chloe learned a long time ago, quickly after she graduated, that her screaming and tantrums weren't as accepted by the public eye. Now she had to actually be 'respectful' when she wanted something. It wasn't hard, just repeating what she wanted with a slightly deeper and slower voice worked wonders for intimidating her dad to get what she wanted. But it was so much more fun to scream and cry for it.

Chloe had begun walking around the place anyway, just to watch all the workers move and do their little dance for whatever it was they were being paid. Tables were being set up, the floor was being swept, chefs had their carts rolled out, and the butler was shouting orders at the wait staff. A glass flower vase caught her eyes in the middle of the commotion. Without thinking she started to make her way passed it. As she passed her hand was at most two inches away, ready to knock it over and make someone clean it up.

“Chloe, good timing.” Her hand lowered and rested on the table as she turned around to face her father. “I understand you invited the Dupain-Cheng girl? Hm?”

“Why yes, I did.” Chloe said proudly. “She even made this dress for me, don't I look stunning daddy?” Chloe did a twirl for show.

“She made this for you?” Her dad said, shocked by the idea. He sputtered for a moment, trying to get his thoughts back on track. “I'll be sure to thank her. Now there's something you need to do tonight with her. You must keep her away from Gabriel Agreste.”

“What?” Chloe was shocked by the request. Wasn't Marinette on good terms with Gabriel? Raising a hand to her chin Chloe realized Marinette hadn't mentioned anything like that. She only assumed so because of the previous good relations Marinette had with Adrien. Gabriel was a fashion designer himself wasn't he? And even with her connection through Adrien she still wasn't hired by him.

“I don't know all the details myself but Mr. Agreste does not like the girl. Something happened a while ago and, well like I said I don't know the details myself but be sure to keep her away.” Chloe's dad said, he was whisked away by another employee before she could get any more context. She could just ask Marinette about it later, even though she had a guess. It was probably something to do with Adrien, Marinette's life revolved around him for so long.

But it didn't now. Marinette no longer had anyone to make her obsession. Obsessing over Adrien was her hobby, and now all Marinette had was work. She saw it the other day, Marinette had a trash can full of pencils, all used up from designing in her sketchbook. Marinette was throwing herself into her work without anything to do for fun. It couldn't be good for her. Not that Chloe knew what it was like, but she suffered from the reverse of the situation, no work all free time, and she wasn't liking it anymore.

Chloe turned to find somewhere to stand around until people arrived and bumped into the table. She barked the orders to clean it up with a sour mood. She wanted to knock it over sure, but she wanted to knock it over on purpose, now she just felt like a klutz.

-

Marinette was among some of the first guests to arrive. Chloe was surprised to learn that Marinette walked a block to get there. She was less surprised to learn that she had tried parking out front but the valet turned her away because her car wasn't up to snuff. She would have a talk with whoever did that.

Marinette was by no means shocking in her appearance. She did as Chloe asked and simplified her dress. Having used the same big prom style dress Chloe had picked out for her, she cut off the outer layers of the dress, tightened it around the knees, and kept the spare fabric she cut out for a future project, Marinette had explained. The result was, an okay thing, clearly not Marinette's best work. Chloe had just figured Marinette would have something classy, she didn't think Marinette would actually have to make do. Some decent looking Frankenstein of a prom dress on top and a mermaid dress on the bottom.

Chloe thought about maybe offering to take Marinette up to her room to change into something better. She had a few cocktail dresses that might fit.

Instead, against what words in her throat wanted her to say, she said nothing. At worst Marinette would think she was insulting her skills. And at the best the roles would be reversed. Marinette would be changing in her room instead. Regardless Chloe wanted to speak with Marinette alone anyway. She had to tell Marinette before her crush rotted into something sick and vile after neglect. She could be sick and vile all she pleased, but feeling sick and vile was out of the question.

Marinette stayed close, the vision of her hanging of Chloe's arm didn't look like it would be coming to pass. Still, she felt a bit happy from the outcome.

At some point, Chloe wasn't sure when, it could have been any point in the last month, she got the idea into her head that this was going to be a real date. She had called it that from day one and presented it to Marinette as such, but it was never genuine. But as the night dragged on, guests arrived, Marinette stayed near so she would be Chloe's arm candy, but they hadn't spent any time together. And it didn't help that Marinette was much more comfortable than Chloe thought she would be, socializing fine and making connections with guests like it was no problem.

“And who are you wearing?” Chloe was asked.

“I'm wearing a Dupain-Cheng original, the designer is right here.” Chloe answered, presenting Marinette like a prize. But then they would go and talk to Marinette, leaving her behind. Why wouldn't they? Chloe thought. They all know who I am, they already know if I have anything they want, Marinette's the fresh meat.

Somehow Marinette managed to juggle three conversations at once, she looked crowded. Chloe wanted to pull her away and retreat to find a group where she would be the center of attention. It wouldn't be that hard, some of her daddies friends who liked her enough were here. She was about to do just that, pull Marinette away like she owned her already, when she was called herself.

“Chloe!” Adrien said, he must have gotten here recently, she didn't remember him arriving. At first her face lit up and she raised her arms to hug Adrien before remembering what had happened between him and Marinette. She froze and Adrien must have seen it, wincing like he was about to be punched. “Something wrong?”

“Adri-kins!” Chloe beamed. He was wearing a suit, nothing too fancy. But it was obvious it was something he didn't want to wear, Adrien had never quite liked suits. “Not between us, I don't think. Marinette told me what happened. Sorry I didn't call.” Chloe apologized.

“Marinette told you?” Adrien said in disbelief, his eyes trailing down. “That's the dress she was making for you right? You look great!” He said trying to change the subject. It didn't work. “She told you huh? Didn't know you two were that close.”

“Adrien, look I'd love to talk but,” Chloe whipped her head around to make sure Marinette didn't walk too far away from her. She didn't see her, had she already seen Adrien and made her escape? “she's here and I don't think she'd like to see you. She didn't tell me everything but,”

“She's here?” Adrien said, sudden desperation scaring Chloe. “Chloe I need to apologize to her, where is she?”

“Did you not hear me?” Chloe dropped her calm nice tone she was putting on. There had been a growing irritation since Marinette started talking to others but now Adrien, who hurt her somehow, wanted to talk to her? She wasn't going to allow that on what was supposed to be her night of tormenting Marinette. Her night of, whatever it was this was supposed to be. “I said she doesn't want to see you.” Chloe said sternly.

“Chloe, please, I need to talk to her. I can clear this up, I know I can.” Adrien said, looking around. “Just let me talk to her.” He said more as a demand as he started to walk past, eyes scanning the sparse crowd.

Insulted, Chloe grabbed Adrien's arm and flung him back to where he was and stuck her finger in his face like a dagger. “Don't talk to her, what part of that isn't getting through your thick skull? I don't know what exactly happened but you hurt her!”

“Which is why I need to apologize!” Adrien was scowling now, had he ever scowled at her before? No, he hadn't. “I love Marinette I need to make sure she understands that!”

“So what?” Chloe said.

“I don't have time for this.” Adrien said, and walked away.

That didn't just happen. That did not, just happen. Adrien Agreste just disregarded her like she wasn't worth his time. It stung, just a little bit, not enough to take priority over the sudden rage she felt. She grabbed a glass from a waiter as they passed and considered throwing the glass at the back of Adrien's head. She could see it now, the glass shattering, Adrien falling over, bleeding out. It was tempting, it didn't matter that they were friends for most of their lives Chloe demanded respect. Her muscles twitched, living out the motion despite staying still.

Chloe took a drink of the sparkling water. It was gross, she was thankful it wasn't alcoholic though. She didn't like the taste and she didn't like being drunk. And addiction was in her blood if her mother was anything to go by. Her daddy had made sure that none of the drinks would be alcoholic just so her mom wouldn't show up and embarrass them again.

Where's Marinette? The thought took back it's place in Chloe's mind and seemed to pound away at the front of her skull. The question repeating itself larger in her mind as she looked around. How was she distracted by the water? By Adrien? Adrien, Adrien was looking for Marinette too. Competition. Competition for what? She wasn't sure, but she wanted to win.

Chloe rushed past the small bundles of guests dressed in their simple tight fitting dresses that accomplished the bare minimum of pushing their tits up and men that needed no more effort than putting a tie on. These were people in positions of power of some kind, business owners, politicians, stock holders, lobbyists. No reporters as far as Chloe knew. This wasn't a major political party so at most maybe a couple journalists that would write some blurb about the guest list in the paper. Which was good. Chloe already had bad press about her before, but she managed to avoid reporters for the most part. The last thing she needed was another story going public about the demon daughter of the mayor and her outrage at a party, possibly drunk. The fact no liquor was served tonight wouldn't make a difference.

Marinette shouldn't have been that hard to find, she was one of the only people dressed creatively. Looking around at chest level wasn't going to work, she already looked like a pervert anyway. She was about to start pulling her hair out, if she found Adrien again before Marinette she was going to hit him.

“Let go of me!”

It was Marinette!

Chloe flung her head around looking for the source of the scream. Marinette was pretty loud, a pocket of guests stopped their chatter to turn their heads as well. Following their line of sight she could see Adrien pulling Marinette by the hand out of a throuple that looked away to try to continue talking.

Chloe marched over. Adrien was saying something, no doubt his idea of an apology. Marinette was trying to pull away. More words. Step, step, step, Chloe could only move so fast. Marinette pulled away again. More eyes turned on them. Adrien's hand shifted off Marinette's and onto her wrist. Chloe could make out what he was saying now.

“I didn't mean it like that! I loved you for years. I never meant to hurt you you know that! You hurt me too. We're even, just tell me what I need to do to” Adrien pleaded.

Adrien didn't see Chloe as she approached. Grabbed both their wrists and pulled them apart to the shock of Adrien. She thought maybe Marinette would cower behind her, gather her strength, and let Adrien have it, her own tirade. She didn't think Marinette would run upstairs. Only gathering more eyes. She turned left, her room was on the left side.

“I'm following her.” Adrien said, snatching his arm back.

“No you're not!” Chloe said. She couldn't tell if it was a good thing or not that she yelled enough that no one even turned to look at her when she raised her voice. Any eyes still watching the scene were watching Adrien Agreste. The boy any one of them might be able to capitalize on if there was a scandal of some kind. A story to sell.

“Chloe,” Adrien continued walked. Chloe stopped him after a few steps by planting herself right in front of him like a wall. She looked a bit like a wall, he thought. “It's complicated Chloe you need to trust me.”

“Adrien Agreste.” Chloe said, shocking him a little with her tone. “If you go up those stairs I will have you escorted out of the party.” She was trying to sound official, it came out more awkward than she hoped. She would much rather just scream at him to get out of her home, but this was a party and she would only look childish. Sabrina's father was there, she could follow through. Her normal bouncer was just the butler that would politely ask him to leave and nothing else. She hoped it wouldn't come to needing Sabrina's father. Pissed as she was Adrien was still her friend and didn't want to do that.

Adrien clenched his fists and took a breath in quick, his head darted around as he came to a decision. He didn't care about the party or what anyone of the stuck up guests thought of him. He took a step forward. He watched as Chloe's eyes grew wide, she would have to kick him out. Feeling smug he took his second step, ready to pass Chloe entirely when,

with a hard crash his face met the marble floor with a percussion that he doubted really was made from his face. Relying only on his instincts his body rolled with the impact and his arms launching him into the air, a back flip, a twirl, a land, and what felt like a million eyes on him. The ones most piercing was that of his friends. Her eyes weren't wide with shock, only displaying the hatred she suddenly had for him. If looks could kill. People were approaching him now, no doubt to ask about his athletic abilities, how long has he been training, what gymnastics does he do, what's his workout routine, what's his diet? Chloe muttered something to him before they arrived, something about needing to leave. He thanked Chloe, it would be an act of mercy. Marinette would have to wait.

Mr. Bourgeois was talking to Sabrina's father, making Chloe's plan of attack much easier.

“Daddy!” Chloe said.

“What now, Chloe?” Mr. Bourgeois sighed, turning away from Sabrina's father. He wished he could go one party without something happening to upset Chloe. Every couple of times that had resulted in an Akuma attack, he couldn't handle the stress if that kept up.

“I need Adrien kicked out!” She demanded.

“Adrien?” Mr. Bourgeois said. “Isn't he your friend?”

“Not at the moment. He refuses to leave my date alone.” Chloe said.

Her father tilted his head back, “Ah.” confirming to himself the relationship his daughter had with the girl. “I mean, yes, I see, right away. Roger, do you mind?”

“Not at all, sir!” The off duty policeman said. False professionalism making them both chuckle.

-

Chloe was ignoring the thought that was screaming at her to be noticed. She refused to acknowledge it for as long as she could. Even with her mind trailing back to Marinette that one thought kept coming up, like some puzzle piece that had clear signs of where it went. It would have to stay shelved for a while longer, she wasn't very fond of puzzles anyway. Why did she have to trip him?

Chloe didn't know for certain where Marinette had gone. She had seen her turn left when she ran away. There were plenty of rooms, even if she stayed awake all night looking she still might not find exactly which room Marinette entered. But she had a suspicion, Marinette was lucky after all. She reached the door of her bedroom and felt ridiculous for hesitating, it was her own room why wasn't she just walking in. instead she raised her hand and hit the door with her knuckles.

Feeling like a fool she turned to go back through the halls shouting for Marinette. She was only a handful of steps away when her bedroom door opened.

Chloe had never seen Marinette like this before. She wasn't nearly as bad as she was the night she was fitting her dress. Marinette's face looked like it was about to burst, Chloe would have been impressed at Marinette's fortitude if it wasn't for her wretched compassion.

“There's a million doors here how did you find my room?” Chloe asked.

“I looked for the most boring room in the building.” Marinette said. “Adrien isn't,”

“He's being escorted out.” Chloe said. “I don't know if he'll ever talk to me again.”

“I'm sorry.” Marinette said, shocking Chloe. “You two were, well, I'm going to be honest I have no clue how you two were even friends.”

“It's nothing.” Chloe said as she pushed the door open and walked passed Marinette. Her eyes went back and forth as she looked over her room. Her room was exactly how she left it a few hours ago. “Well?” Chloe asked, getting a confused response. “What did you do? You ran away, nothing looks broken, the blankets aren't even ruffled, what did you do?”

“What?” Marinette asked.

“You know.” Chloe threw her arms up, she quickly threw them back down to keep her dress from slipping. “Just what people do when they're upset. Break stuff, ruin, I don't know, something. Hit a wall?” Marinette laughed.

“Sorry to disappoint you but I didn't break any of your stuff. I don't do that.” Marinette said.

“Bull.” Chloe said. “You're Adrien wall was was clean the day after you broke up with him.”

“It wasn't a breakup.”

“Bull again. I know about how lovey dovey you two were with each other all the time. Even if it wasn't official it was something.” Chloe looked around again. “Seriously, you didn't even break a mirror?”

“None of this stuff is mine Chloe, why? Do you want me to break your stuff?” Marinette asked.

“Yes.” Chloe said, grabbing a yellow hairbrush off her vanity. “Come here.”

“Chloe, I am not going to break your stuff I wasn't serious.” Marinette said.

“You just haven't tried it yet.” Chloe said. She grabbed Marinette's hand and tugged her along the room. She stopped when they were about twenty feet away from her vanity. It was cheap and old and needed to be cleaned, cleaning she was too lazy these days to do, or even tell anyone to do anything about, it wouldn't be missed. New vanity on it's way, shipping confirmation confirmed, maybe an Italian mirror this time.

“Why are you making me do this?” Marinette groaned. This night was nothing like how she expected. She expected a night of Chloe teasing her and being bored. This was not at all what she had in mind.

Marinette let out a squeak as Chloe suddenly pulled Marinette close, her back to Chloe's hard stomach. A sudden shame of inadequacy came over her, working and living in a bakery didn't do her any favors. The height difference between them had never been more clear either.

“Because just breathing isn't good enough.” Chloe said. “Adrien hurt you, aren't you upset about it?”

“It's all right, I'll get over it.”

“I was afraid he was going to hit you. Here.” Chloe switched the brush into Marinette's hand.

“Adrien would never hit me!” Marinette yelled.

Marinette pulled away as she yelled but Chloe yanked her back and grabbed Marinette's arm holding the brush. She raised Marinette's arm until it was in front of her face. She hadn't looked at it yet, it stung a little, the idea of not looking at it and it wouldn't hurt. Her skin was soft, that was why. “Maybe.” Chloe said.

Chloe lifted Marinette's arm above her head, guiding the motions. The brush in Marinette's hand felt like lead. “I promise,” Chloe let go and put her arms around Marinette's waist and hovered her chin above Marinette's shoulder. “it'll feel good.”

Marinette pulled away saying, “Stop it!” Marinette was blushing. “Why are you acting like this?”

That blush was a thing to behold. Chloe locked the image of that face her her mind. The red cheeks, Marinette holding her elbows, and the ends of her mouth forcing themselves not to smile. Marinette was flustered. Chloe knew what that looked like, She used to always be that same way around Adrien.

“Just throw it!” Chloe said, louder than she thought she would.

“Is that it?” Marinette asked. “Is that how you plan to mess with me this time? I break one of your things and then I'm in debt to you is that it?”

“No!”

“Then what's going on?” Marinette's throat was getting dry now. She started pacing, in a while, she'd be ready to cry again. She didn't know if she would have the strength not to. “This whole month you were just bored and decided to take it out on me. Right? And the dates, the dresses, the other night, it's all so confusing. And then you try to help me get over Adrien, he's you're friend isn't he?”

“Marinette, I'm sorry,” Those words burned her mouth as they passed, “I really am. I know I put you through a lot of stuff and,” Chloe stumbled.

Chloe clenched her fists, she really needed to pop her neck. Why was it so hard to come up with words? Marinette did this all the time so why couldn't she do it too? It should be easy. She just needs to tell Marinette how she feels, they're all alone, there's no distractions, and it was the right time to do it. So why couldn't she just find the words?

“Chloe, I get that you like me.” Marinette said. “But I don't know what you want. Do you actually want me to like you back?”

“I, kind of thought you would.” Chloe said. “I only started liking you around around a week and a half ago. I just hadn't said anything because I thought if you didn't like girls and I came onto you, I'd be alone again.”

Marinette stopped pacing. “Is that what you would do?” Marinette asked. “If a friend said they liked you and you didn't like them, you'd drop them?”

“We aren't even friends Marinette!” Chloe yelled. “I don't have any friends. I have Sabrina and that's it! If it wasn't for her I'd be stuck in here!” Chloe could feel the tears running down her cheeks. She hadn't cried in a long time, it felt good. She swiped a wrist under her eye, there was a stain, great. At least the mirror wasn't broken yet she could check the damage before she went out. And she could see how pathetic she must look to Marinette right now. “I was jealous of Adrien, I'm jealous of Chat, and I'm jealous of you. I'm into you, I want to at least try and date you for real. I don't, want! To just hang out with you and be your friend.” She was throwing a tantrum again. It felt like the ship had already sailed so why not. It worked for small things, like allowances and expensive clothes, it worked on her dad. And as she learned before she dropped out, no one else.

“Hey, it's gonna be OK.” Marinette said softly, hugging Chloe and rocking back and forth, rhythmic patting on her back.

Great, Chloe thought, she's being coddled. How could this get any worse.

“Could you at least tell me if you like women?” Chloe asked.

Chloe felt pathetic in the moments after those words left her lips. Marinette just kept swaying and patting her backs. The thump thumps really adding to Chloe's embarrassment the longer she didn't get a response.

“I'm not sure what I like.” Marinette said. “I like...people.” She tested the word, tilting her head against Chloe's chest as she considered it. “Regardless of what they are. I think, I've always liked people. It's what's on the inside that counts.”

Chloe snickered. “My insides pretty rotten compared to Adrien's.”

“I wouldn't say that.” Marinette said.

Chloe's sadness had started to leave her and awkwardness had started to set in. Marinette was still swaying and hugging her. Was she supposed to hug back now? What was she supposed to do with her arms?

“Adrien is,” Marinette continued. “I always thought of him as being really kind. And he is. It was safe, liking him and him liking me back felt very safe. I don't think I'll ever feel that way around him again though. He's just an idiot.”

Chloe hugged back and started mimicking Marinette. Somehow they had ended up playing this terrible version of hot potato emotions edition. This time it was her turn to comfort Marinette again, just not the terrible way she did earlier.

“He's going to show up again you know.” Chloe said. “He looked deranged, and hurt too. I'm not saying that you should forgive him or anything but he thinks it's because of a misunderstanding.”

“I know he does. I don't know how to talk to him anymore though, I wish he'd stop trying.” Marinette said.

“I know you didn't want to tell me what happened, but can you tell me now?” Chloe asked.

Marinette was quiet for a moment, thinking. She buried her head closer to Chloe before speaking. “He, it was like he had a camera in my room.”

“Wait, What?!” Chloe pulled away and held Marinette by her arms.

“He didn't actually have a camera it's just an example.” Marinette said. “He just revealed that he knew a lot of things he really shouldn't have. Adrien couldn't have been in my room more than about five times but, oh, how do I say this. I can't tell you what he really told me. I can't tell anyone.” Marinette grabbed her mouth. “I'm never going to be able to talk about this with anyone.”

“Hey.” Chloe said. “It's alright, I won't ask anymore if it's that serious.” Chloe brought Marinette back in for a hug. “I'd like to see you again though.”

“Ask me again tomorrow.” Marinette said. “Can I use your bed tonight?”

“Of course.” Chloe said. “I've gotta fix my make up but I should probably head back out. Are you gonna be okay?” Chloe asked as they let go of each other. Chloe felt the sudden disconnection and wished they could go back to hugging.

Marinette assured Chloe that she would be fine. Chloe did her makeup as Marinette started to fall asleep behind her. If her vanity was broken she would have had an excuse to stay with Marinette, Chloe thought. Chloe stepped out of her room, closed the door behind her and made her way back to the party trying to get a hold of what happened.

She had a moment of weakness that was all. She meant to tell Marinette that she liked her, she had meant to do that for a few days now. But all the other stuff, being alone, breaking things, Marinette treated her like a child. She ruined it, her once chance and she ruined it. If Marinette did accept to go out with her now it would just be to appease that pathetic guilt trip she pulled. Marinette was just too nice to turn her down now that she whined about what would happen if Marinette turned her down.

It didn't matter. It didn't matter. Marinette was going through her own stuff too. And she's also not the kind of person to lie.

Chloe couldn't keep her mind from racing even as she made her way to the foyer and started talking with the guests. Marinette had talked to plenty of people, and how many had seen the incident with Adrien? Marinette was getting work from these people no doubt, would she still get that work now?

-

Chloe came back to her room two hours later. She hadn't wanted to stay out on the floor longer than she had to but she was hounded by people who made it their job to gossip. The little spat between her and Adrien had been seen by enough people who knew exactly who they were and questions came flying. It was torture. The worst questions were the ones that implied her and Adrien were an item despite her public status as a lesbian thanks to some unfortunate video leaks. Sure the leaks weren't sexual in any way and just her cosplaying, but they pinned her and it would be nice if they could stick to a story.

Marinette's dress was starting to come undone is some areas. The fluff around her chest wasn't kept up by any tension, that was left to the corset, and she could feel it start to fall. It was clear this dress wasn't made for long term use. Marinette probably used the cheaper stuff to make it to save money. On the one hand Chloe felt she should be upset that Marinette gave her a cheaply made dress, but on the other hand she was too tired.

Chloe walked away from the party standing tall and with a smile. When Chloe reached her room she skulked her way over to her vanity, again grateful it wasn't broken yet, and cleared her face of make up. She hated to ruin it, the make up was still looking good on her. She got undressed and tossed on a nice silk robe and headed for bed.

Marinette was still laying in the same spot on the bed Chloe had left her in before. Taking pity Chloe grabbed something from her dresser before going over to Marinette.

“Marinette.” Chloe patted Marinette's cheek. “Marinette, wake up for a moment.”

“Nooooo.” Marinette whined out as Chloe grabbed her by the shoulders and sat her up.

“You can't fall asleep in your dress, I'm pretty sure you'd get cut from that somehow.” Chloe said. She got Marinette awake enough to rest her head in her lap while Chloe unzipped the back. “Put this on.” Chloe tossed the sports bra she had taken from her dresser under Marinette's face. Marinette looked at if for a moment before understanding and tossing it on.

“Thanks.” Marinette muttered.

“legs up.” Chloe said and Marinette laid back and raised her legs over the side of the bed. Chloe tugged the dress off and let out a breath of air as she realized she could finally go to sleep now.

That was until her eyes picked up a faint glow of red on Marinette's head. Chloe leaned over and reached to take them off when Marinette's hands shot up and cupped her ears.

With a surprising burst of speed Marinette shot across the bed looking panicked.

“Marinette, I'm tired, just go to bed.” Chloe begged, a yawn followed after. “You gotta take your earrings off for bed.”

“I can't!” Marinette said. “I mean, it's fine, I sleep with them in all the time. They're like a dream catcher.” Marinette lied with a smile on her face.

“I have the same Ladybug brand earrings, I'm not going to steal them. But whatever.” Chloe said, and wormed her way into bed, her back turned to Marinette. “I'm too tired to argue with you. Just go to sleep.”

Marinette watched Chloe for a second before the startle of the situation faded and her tiredness returned. Marinette slipped under the covers and started to fall asleep. The only thing keeping her from falling asleep was the girl next to her. Over the course of a month the girl she thought Chloe had faded. It was still there, worn over time, but looked nothing like the way she did before. Her memory of school was leaving her, only shining through in specific moments when reminded. Marinette questioned if Chloe had always been, in a way, nice to her. Leaving only moments when she was awful to stick around. And if so, why did She remember Chloe that way?

Marinette thought she had the answer, laying there in bed with the girl. The memory of a mean Chloe was easy and comfortable. It gave her a villain she could triumph against in school. Someone who she thought also liked Adrien, or just, wanted to keep her away from Adrien. And for a moment it had seemed that her memory was correct. Chloe was an ass to her at first like she expected her to be. And maybe that really was how Chloe was, just an awful person. It would explain how she could be this alone with her status. Marinette wasn't sure if she was trying to find a solution, she only knew she was confused about who Chloe was and wasn't sure if she was willing to find out in case she was right.

Marinette fell asleep that night thinking to herself, with a sense of familiar wonder, what was Chloe's routine like?

-

over the past week Marinette found it easier and easier to draw in her sketchbook. She had gotten plenty of connections from the small party and more from the news of what happened with her and Adrien. She had a waiting list of orders she agreed to before she realized she might have been in over her head accepting so much. She hadn't felt bad about overcharging them since these women didn't even bat an eye at her prices. One of them, who was one who controlled her emotions the least, looked shocked at the cheapness Marinette offered. Marinette concluded that next time she would charge more up front, these people were rich after all.

All of this work made it very easy to distract herself from Chloe. Chloe had wormed her way into her thoughts at all hours of the day even when she was working. When she was going up the ladder to her room she thought about Chloe's hands, the softness of them contrasted with her strength. When Marinette leapt from building to building and avoided eye contact with Chat she remembered how Chloe came to help her. When Marinette used her phone it was all she could do not to call Chloe, she had nothing to talk to her about, it was terrible.

Chloe wanted an answer from her, about dating her. The only problem was that Marinette wasn't sure. She had a crush on Chloe, it would be obvious to Chloe when they met up again. And that shame and hesitation that she used to have around Adrien was now directed towards Chloe.

The only problem for Marinette was that Chloe wasn't a blank slate. Looking back, even with Chat in mind, Adrien was nothing. He had no hobbies she could really recall. All she could really remember about him was that he hated his father and he ate her food. Puns were in abundance, but that only made him obnoxious. What was there to him really? Nothing.

Chloe was someone though. Chloe was someone that had a personality. Chloe was vile at times, she was petty, she was narcissistic, she was rich, she was privileged, she didn't understand others, she teased Marinette, and she was loud. That didn't make her sound appealing on the outset but on thinking about it, Marinette liked that more than whatever Adrien was. When she hung out with Adrien there was a wall, it had always been up to her to talk or find something to do. Marinette didn't know why that was, if it was some mysterious thing that all men had, or just him. But Chloe had things to say, even if they were just to annoy her. Annoyance wasn't nothing though.

Marinette felt sorry for leaving Chloe without an answer. That morning after the party she had thanked Chloe for trying to help her and she said goodbye. Chloe had let her sleep, meaning that she woke up early and ate and had a long time to herself to think before Marinette did. The longer Marinette left Chloe without an answer the more the decision felt tougher to make.

Marinette wanted to call Alya about it again, this time to really talk about what the situation was. When she called Alya last it was to tell her that she was OK and the party went well. She thought about telling Alya then about Adrien being there and Chloe helping her, but it didn't seem right. Instead she told Alya about the guests and their dresses, about the little snacks and what Chloe's house was like. Some of that had been old news to Alya. She was a journalist and had been invited there a few times to get some kind of recording or story from someone. Oh of course, Marinette apologized.

Marinette was working on a dress when she got the courage to call Alya again. It was something simple and sad. A dress like all the others she saw at the party, one that would make the wearer look older while still saying that she was ready to take it off if the right person approached. It was red with a deep V back. It didn't actually matter what the quality of it was, it would look like all the others. The difference that mattered was that when the woman wearing this was approached she would be able to brag that she was wearing a Dupain-Cheng original. She would be praised for wearing an original and Marinette would get her name out there and elevated. That was, as long as it looked good.

Dating Chloe? Did she want that? Marinette wasn't sure but grabbed her phone and called Alya. She needed someone to talk to, over the phone would have to do. One buzz, two, three.

“Hey!” Alya's voice came from over the phone. A wave of calm came over Marinette from hearing her friends voice. It was a good thing she called, she had started to miss it. She sat at her desk facing the dress that stood in her work area and put her phone on speaker. “Is something up? I figured you would be off the grid for a while with your dresses.

“Hey Alya!” Marinette said. “Yeah I'm in the middle of one right now actually, I just felt like calling and seeing what's up.”

“Are you really that bored?” Alya laughed. “Nothings up. Some new movies, some new games, nothing looks good though. I did get some great pictures for the Ladyblog. It looks like ladybug isn't too happy with Chat these days.”

“Really?” Marinette feigned interest. She had to deal with her friends obsession with her alter ego for a long time. Her new development would only make it harder to bear.

The dress was the wrong red.

Her eyes went wide as she realized something she hadn't thought of before. Was there anyone else that knew? Could Alya know? Was that all the Ladyblog was? No. No she had to stop thinking like that. Adrien was going to ruin her life if she let herself think like that.

“Yeah. But other than that, nothings going on at the moment. Was there,” Alya's voice sounded knowing over the phone. “anything else, you wanted to talk about?”

“Screw you.” Alya laughed. Marinette hated being an open book sometimes. She wished she could be subtle, to initiate a conversation without her friend knowing there was something else. “It's about the party.”

“I knew it.” Alya said. “You barely even mentioned Chloe last time. Spill.”

“It's not about her.” Marinette said. “Okay it is, sort of, but not really. It's about Adrien. He was there at the party.” She held her breath for a second waiting for Alya's reaction. She didn't get one. “He was different at the party. He's usually really sweet and kind, and I think he was trying to be those things at the party too. But he kept getting in my face and he started begging me to forgive him. He kind of, ruined the whole night for me.”

“And um,” Marinette was rambling now. She wasn't really telling Alya what happened anymore. Instead she was telling Alya about the person she talked to for the rest of the night. About what she thought she thought of Chloe. About how she remembered her and about how she acted now. And about how she thought she was going to date Chloe. “Does it sound greedy? To date someone just so I get a sense of payoff?” She spent years obsession over Adrien, it would mean she wasted her life if she didn't get someone from all of it. It was what she thought really broke her heart when he revealed his identity, that she had wasted her time.

“Chloe?” Alya asked. The name was said with such revulsion that Marinette started to believe her memories again. That Maybe Chloe really was just that awful back then. “Marinette, you're going through a lot right now. And I know it wasn't official but you've in in the ship with one person for so long I think you forgot what other people are like.”

“Yeah, but I think I like Chloe.”

“And that's great!” Alya said. “Really, it's great that you're opening yourself up to the option of different people again. But I really think that if you do this you shouldn't just dive in headfirst. Look at what happened with Adrien.” Marinette winced. “Just go on a few dates with her and decide after those if you're willing to make this a thing. Please?”

“Sounds good.” Marinette said.

“I mean it!” Alya said more sternly. “The next time I'm over there I better not see a chart of Chloe's Schedule hanging on your wall. That was creepy from the beginning.” Marinette looked over to her whiteboard which read, Chloe's Schedule, in red marker lettering with a question mark underneath. “You already did, didn't you?” Alya said with a sigh.

“Noooooo.” Marinette said.

“Marinette!”

“I swear, I didn't make one. Not from lack of trying but she doesn't do anything. She's not in school, she doesn't have a job, she's avoided posting selfies since Sabrina left on her trip. She's basically stuck inside her room all day.” Marinette whined. “Sabrina gets back soon, so when she does Chloe might have a schedule.”

“At least wait until after the third date to make one.” Alya groaned.

Their conversation wrapped up soon after that with some uninterested comments about plans and food. Marinette only had to call Chloe. She could text her, that wouldn't be rude would it? Marinette dialed Chloe's number and listened to the ringing on the other end of the line.

That dress still needed work, it was supposed to be simple.

The buzz faded. “Hi, Chloe,” Marinette said. Chloe's high pitched greeting came through the other end. “I was wondering if you were free, tonight.” She hadn't really made a plan before calling. Tonight was just the soonest she would be free. A small chuckle came across that Marinette barely heard.

“Yes, I'm free. Did you have anywhere in mind?” Chloe asked. Marinette could tell Chloe was smiling.

“How about the park. Does ice cream sound good?” Marinette asked.

“Ice cream? Not dinner?”

“No I'm going to be working and eating at the same time. I'll be there after, around seven.”

And just like that Marinette had a date. Part of her couldn't believe it. It was that easy? This whole time? Adrien really was bad for her.

-

Chloe and Marinette met up at the park, got ice cream, and sat down across from each other. They found this nice spot under a tree that gave them shade and let them sit next to the fence where they could see the people walk by.

Chloe didn't know what to expect when Marinette showed up for their, date? It was a date, she decided. It had to be a date. Chloe didn't have any expectations for what Marinette would be like, imagining their time together only just moved away from the realm of hurting Marinette somehow. Marinette stuttered throughout their date so far, it was very irritating. Chloe was patient, she almost went off about it multiple times so far but managed to keep it in.

Chloe was carrying their conversation for the most part. She didn't have much to talk about in the first place and it was obvious they were about to reach a moment of awkward silence and one of them would suggest to go somewhere else. Chloe was breaking up the conversation by giving compliments to Marinette. It didn't feel right, complimenting Marinette. And for what? She was cute? Marinette wasn't even reacting to it anymore. “So that party made you pretty busy huh?” Chloe asked.

“Oh, yes.” Marinette said.

Marinette was confused. She wasn't sure how to act on a date, she hadn't been on any that were planned ahead of time before. All her previous dates were set up by either Alya or Nino and they were always spontaneous. And here she was on a real date and she wasn't sure what she was thinking. She felt she should at least have been more confident or had something to say.

Marinette was also worried that Chloe would notice she was faking. Her stuttering and blushing, she was forcing it. It wasn't that she didn't like Chloe, something was there sure, but she only had one way of displaying her emotions. Stuttering and blushing was what she did around Adrien, she didn't know any other way.

Marinette talked for a while about the dresses she would be working on, and for who. Chloe stopping her just to make a comment about the name she dropped. That one was a bitch. That one needs to eat less. She's a slut, did you know she once slept with-. And Marinette forgot her stuttering and blushing. Chloe didn't change the subject at all which was surprising. Marinette could tell she didn't care though, but let her talk anyway.

It only got easier and easier for Marinette to keep talking as Chloe just smiled and nodded. She was good at keeping eye contact. At a few points she raged at parts of the dresses they want and Chloe laughed.

Marinette could only think of how nice this is. She hadn't had a conversation like this that wasn't with Alya, and Alya was usually on her phone when she talked about this stuff. Adrien always stopped her to ask questions, which were fine, but he was always on a deadline or needed to leave soon after. She never got to just talk.

Marinette felt herself slow and saw how dark it had gotten outside. The shade the tree gave them wasn't even noticable anymore. Chloe had really let her talk for that long?

“I guess it's time we headed home. Sorry for talking so much, I got carried away.” Marinette said. She stood up and flung her purse around her shoulder. Chloe following her, letting a yawn escape.

“It's alright. Trust me, you aren't nearly as boring as a lecture about chin movements, or, foreheads.” Chloe said.

“Are you making those up?” Marinette said. They started walking to the park entrance together.

“I mentioned I took an acting class right?” Chloe asked. “The teacher was terrible and we had to watch these scenes slowed down as they explained frame by frame the emotion an actor was showing. It was awful.”

“Didn't you mention being in architecture too? Those weren't boring?” Marinette asked.

“Like, a little. But it was mostly hands on stuff.” Chloe said. “It's a lot of drawing, too much for me, I felt like I was gonna get carpal tunnel. Also made my hands dirty and I could not live with that.”

And then the silence fell. They had run out of things to say.

“This was fun!” Marinette said. “We should do this again.”

“Really?!” Chloe laughed. “I mean, sure.”

“I do have a question though.” Marinette said. “I'm new to this, dating thing. I'm probably not going to sleep with you anytime soon.”

Chloe dipped in to give Marinette a peck on the lips, so quick Marinette didn't even notice she'd been kissed until a second after it happened. “I could convince you. I don't mean to brag but I've gotten compliments.”

“About that.” Marinette said, forcing her panic to stay in her body. “The dressing up as Ladybug thing, that's not a sex thing is it? Like, you're not going to make me dress up as Ladybug or Chat are you?”

“Why? Were you considering it?” Chloe asked. They stopped walking and stood at the park gate. “Look, I don't expect you to put out on the first date and I'm not going to make you wear it unless you want to. I get enough teasing about that from Alix.”

“Alix? Oh yeah, you mentioned something about hanging out with her before. You two are friends?”

“Not really.” Chloe said. “She's invites me out to drink when she thinks she found someone for me to hook up with. And since she's the only one who invites me to things I just go.” Chloe watched Marinette's face as she processed what she said. “Alix is a lesbian. She does roller derby, I'm pretty sure sleeping with women is a requirement to participate.”

“That, makes sense.” Marinette lied, still sounding confused. “I could have sworn she was with,”

“Max was gay too.”

“Sorry, am I just blind?” Marinette yelled. “Are there any other gay people I didn't know were gay?”

“Got a mirror?”

They talked for a while before leaving. On the walk home Marinette pulled her phone out and saw she had gotten a few messages from Alya. Some wishing her luck and giving her advice with the last one being sent an hour ago asking how it went. Marinette felt like skipping. She wouldn't though.

Later that night Marinette was working in her sketchbook trying to figure out a way to make the dresses more personalized. The women she was working for had been so specific in what they wanted it gave her very little leeway with her current skill set. She'd find workarounds later but as it stood she didn't have the time or equipment to work her own Dupain-Cheng charm into the dresses.

It was so easy to get lost in drawing now, she wasn't an artist but she was good enough to know what she was doing. It was so easy in fact that she hadn't noticed the time and was forced into bed by Tikki close to midnight. She had spent so long at her table that she didn't bother changing and fell onto her bed to fall asleep.

Things were going to work out for her now. She could stop working in her parents bakery and make dresses full time if orders kept up. Her parents understood her passion and mentioned something about needing to hire another hand to help. After years of only being able to do it as a hobby she could do it as a career. It would have happened much sooner if it wasn't for a little incident she had with Gabriel Agreste.

The other year she had been at an event hosted by Gabriel and she managed to get a chance to talk to him one on one. Marinette had been overjoyed and gushing and gave him a pitch about her working for him. He knew her work, she had been in contests he hosted before, if he liked her stuff that should be it. He liked her work, and had agreed to hire her on one condition, that she stop interacting with Adrien. It had seemed like a joke at first neither of them laughed. Gabriel wanted them separated for good, cut all ties, delete phone number and any pictures she might have, forget Adrien existed. The proposition was so insane that Marinette blew up at him.

Maybe that was why she hadn't had any success in getting work, Marinette thought. Gabriel Agreste is maybe the most influential man in all of Paris. Her name could have been blacklisted from designing agencies. Maybe she could get in touch with him again. Tell him that she wants nothing to do with Adrien ever again and would be happy to cut ties. It might work.

-

It was the middle of the day but already Tikki was asleep. There was another Akuma earlier, one whose theme was nail polish. It was a rather pretty Akuma Marinette had to admit, the girl was talented. Before the fight started she thought it would be easy, but once the fight started and multicolor giant fingers and nails started coming through portals the Akuma created was where things got tricky, and a bit gross.

It was a horrifying sight watching a giant finger come from nowhere about to crush her like an ant. And at the same time it was also disgusting seeing all the details of a finger blown up to that size, the cuticles alone made her feel queasy. She hadn't even bothered to remember the name, she was just focused on getting the nailbrush the Akuma had been using to create these gross finger summoning portals. The task much harder than it would have been if Chat had cooperated with her.

Over the past three months Chat had stopped following her orders. Him revealing his identity changed more than what they wanted. Now more than ever she felt it was right to have kept their identities a secret. If not for their peace of mind then for the safety of Paris.

Gone was the flirtatious quips, gone was the unnecessary touches, and gone was the constant invasion of privacy and forced entering of her room. They had all seem playful before, even through her obvious discomfort and voiced scolding, it had always seemed innocent. She couldn't see it that way anymore.

At first she felt toyed with and insulted, and then the rest followed in waves. The realization that it was never cute came first. Her memories of their interactions being cast in a new light that made her shudder at the thought of how many times it had happened came second. The rest came like a flood. The forced hand holding. The un-consensual hugs. The time he carried her for longer than he needed to when he was 'saving' her. The dirty jokes. The fact that he fucking let himself into her fucking room. Panic attack after panic attack followed as she felt even more dirty from what, from who he was. She didn't know how it was affecting him, she didn't care. He didn't make himself worth caring about after it had happened.

The first few times an Akuma appeared after the reveal, Chat was clingy, trying to force her into having a conversation with him. But gradually he stopped and became silent. His silence turned to irritation. And he barely listened to her anymore.

It was clear to her now that he hadn't respected her. Maybe at some point at the start he did, but not anymore. The only thing keeping him as a team player was his infatuation for her.

Marinette was tempted from time to time to do what he did. Go over to the person she liked as Ladybug. She could see herself descending onto Chloe's balcony, Chloe opening the doors with a shocked expression, and inviting her in and she could watch Chloe fangirl over herself as a piece of entertainment. It was tempting, very tempting, Chloe was gorgeous and seeing her jumping up and down with excitement was something she very much wanted to see. It would be fun. And she would never do it.

It was another realization that she had made about Chat. She could see how it was tempting, she knew how fun it would be. But Chloe wasn't a toy she could use to get a little entertainment from every now and then. No one was. Chat's deception was nothing more than entertainment, no matter how much of a genuine friendship it had seemed to be it was all warped now.

Chloe was still an awful person, but in a way that Marinette didn't hate. Chloe would make fun of her from time to time and do her best to get a rise out of her. Like Chat she was using Marinette's emotions for entertainment. But Chloe wasn't being cruel when she did it. There was no hidden joke that she was the punchline for. Chloe was just incapable of being nice for extended periods of time. She was cruel, but at least she was honest.

Her honesty was actually what caused the Akuma attack in the first place.

Chloe had booked an appointment at the salon a week in advance for the date she had planned. She hadn't actually had a plan in mind and when Alix invited her and Marinette out to a club it was too late to cancel. There was no point in getting a nice manicure when she was going where no one would appreciate it, so Chloe was already a little irritated that she was going anyway. Which was of course her fault.

The Salon was late to open and the one person who was actually a professional in the salon was out that week which only irritated Chloe more. Instead a new hire worked on her and had messed up, no doubt from something Chloe had done, and received an earful so aggressive she had run away crying. Perfect fuel for Hawkmoth.

Now it was time for Marinette to pick out what to wear on her date to the 'club'. She had never been to a club before and didn't know what to wear. She had thought of asking Nino but she was afraid the conversation would drift towards Adrien. Those two were always close, no doubt Adrien had confided in him.