Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“That is NOT how a lady should behave.” The voice dragged her across the corridor. She tried to tug her hand away but the voice’s grip was too strong, leaving her frantically helpless and shouting for help.

Not that anyone would be brave enough to help her.

“You are to stay in this room until I say you can leave!” The voice demanded, locking her up in that same dark room. Cold and alone.

She cried. At least, she tried to. This happened a lot for her to be hurt each time. She could even say that the darkness was her friend now. Slowly pulling her away… Reaching out to her… Calling her name…

“Chloe, come play with us instead.”

“Chloe.”

“Chloe.” She jumped, waking up from her nap. Her best friend was in front of her all worried. She rubbed her eyes, trying to make sense of her surroundings. She knew her hair was a mess so she quickly looked around for her phone. But before she found it, it was thrown at her direction instead.

“Someone’s on the phone.” Marinette said before packing up her stuff and getting ready to leave. “I have to go now, anyways. My dad’s expecting me to help around the bakery today. Bye!”

Chloe waved at her lazily, bringing the phone to her ears.

“Took you long enough.”

“What do you want, Adrien?”

A sigh. “Why do you always assume I want something when I call you?”

“Because you never call me for anything else, bitch.”

“Hm, no comment. Anyways, I’m joining you for school starting tomorrow so I hope you’ll be happy to show me around.”

She could already see him with his sheepish smile behind the phone.

“That’s tomorrow? Find another school I beg you.”

“Love the enthusiasm, Chloe. See you soon!”

He hung up.

Chloe let out a frustrated breath, dropping her head to the table. She and Marinette was supposed to study for their upcoming tests together but if anyone could describe her relationship with books, it would be a toxic relationship lacking healthy communication skills. And so she started packing her things to leave.

As she was about to leave the school premise, she heard an almost cry-like sound from the storage room. She contemplated whether to check it out or not, knowing she might not be able to confront a ghost.

She decided to leave.

Another sob.

Damn it.

“Is anyone here?” Chloe called out, slowly pushing the creaked door. Please don’t be a ghost. Please don’t be a ghost.

She let out a breath of relief.

“Juleka, are you alright?”

The girl lifted her head, unaware of Chloe’s presence. Her eyes widened before looking away in attempt of hiding her face. Chloe walked towards her with a worried expression, crouching down to be on her level. She was never good at comforting people.

“Do you want me to kill someone?” She tried to make it sound like a joke but Juleka didn’t move. Her eyes were still fixated on the ground, as if holding back her tears.

“You can cry if you want. I may not know my way around words but I can sit with you until you’re fine.”

Chloe could tell that Juleka wanted to argue with her, opening her mouth before closing them again. “I’m okay, Chloe. You can go home.”

Instead, she sat down beside her, leaning against the wall and taking out her phone. Juleka looked at her with annoyance at first, but slowly rested her head on her knees and letting out her unfinished sobs. It started with low sniffles as if still uncomfortable by Chloe’s company.

But then she was crying again.

Chloe didn’t move at all, leaving her to let it all out. She only offered back pats to remind Juleka that she wasn’t alone. Then, after at least ten minutes— Of course chloe would know since she has been awkwardly scrolling on her phone the whole time— Juleka finally stopped.

She wiped the remaining tears off her cheek and gazed up on the empty ceiling.

“Thank you.”

Chloe didn’t turn to her. She didn’t do anything.
To her, this wasn’t something deserved being thanked for. It was normal for people to cry and it was supposed to be normal for people to be by your side.

Chloe only let out a hum in response. She immediately stood up again and extended her hand towards Juleka. “Let’s go get ice cream.”

Juleka let out a breath, the tips of her lips forming a smile.

“Fine.”

“—She always does that, and there was also this one time where me and Marinette were at the bakery helping Sabine out, she suddenly started punching the dough like some sort of monster might jump out to kill her.”

Juleka laughed in response, hands pressed to her now-hurting stomach. Both Chloe and her were by the Seine enjoying their ice cream. It was a nice debrief after the storage room and Juleka was glad that Chloe didn’t even ask about what happened.

“You’re surprisingly easy to talk to.”

Chloe snorted. “No offense but you totally stole my line.”

Juleka licked the side of her cone before it dripped, giving Chloe a sideways glance. “Well, maybe we’re not that different.”

“Hm, I should dye my hair then.”

She grinned, returning her gaze back to the river in front of them. “Thanks again, Chloe. It’s just been a long day.”

Chloe shifted subtly before answering “I get it. Stuff happens.” She took her last bite, talking through her full mouth. “But I do have a question, though.”

Juleka raised her eyebrow.

“You were always with Rose, where was she today?”

Her smiled faltered just a little for Chloe to realise that it probably was a wrong question to ask.

“Doctor’s appointment and she didn’t want me to tag along. Says it’s routine.” From her response, Chloe could tell it wasn’t the sole reason she was in the storage room. Rose’s situation was hard and it could partially make her break but she wasn’t depressed about it.

“Can she get better?”

“Only luck can determine that, but she’s alright.”

Chloe nodded, leaning against the railing. Silence lingered between them just long enough when a phone started ringing. She knew it wasn’t hers since it wasn’t the Adrien ad, leaving Juleka to reach out into her pocket for her phone.

Chloe couldn’t hear who it was from where she was standing but It was probably a family member asking where she is. Juleka responded with a lot of hums and okays, resorting back to the girl Chloe thought she was. Once the phone call was over, she turned to Chloe and told her she needed to head back.

“Was that your mom?”

“Brother.” Juleka corrected. “I muted him earlier so I didn’t realise he texted but he’s coming to pick me up.”

Chloe never even knew Juleka had a brother but it didn’t surprise her knowing she was always with Marinette. And she definitely could not relate to sibling-talk, causing her to stifle in a chuckle. “Why did you mute him?”

“Annoying at times… but he’s still cool.”

Chloe mouthed an ‘oh’ as if totally understanding the feeling, slowly nodding her head instinctively. “I can walk you there.”

“Please, don’t. He’s picking me up with a bike.”

Chloe pressed her lips together to hold back a laugh, again. “Got it. I’ll just go the opposite direction. See you at school, Juleka!” She turned her heel and walked away, only then remembering to text her driver.

Her steps were slow, taking in the evening breeze. She walked along the river while scrolling through her unread texts.

              don’t forget to bring my history book – M

              can’t wait to see u tmrrw <<<333 – A

She was just about to send Adrien a picture of her with the middle finger when she bumped into someone. Her phone flew out of her grasps but it was caught just before it reached the ground. By that someone.

“Oh god, I am so sorry” Chloe blurted, hands clasping each other to appear more apologetic. “It’s definitely my fault—”

“Hey hey, it’s fine. Nobody got hurt.”

His voice was low and smooth, as if his voice itself could shield her from any problems. He was taller than her with his hair dyed and unlike Adrien, this person looked more laid-back with his choice of clothing and the piercings that lined his ears.

He handed her phone, coming back to her senses. “Oh, thanks.”

They stood there a second too long, the air quiet save for the crash of water hitting the walls nearby. Chloe cleared her throat. “Uh, I’m gonna go and you can continue with your walk, sorry again.” She smiled awkwardly.

“No worries.” He replied, his eyes still focusing on her, deep and warm?

What are you thinking, Chloe. Shut up.

Chloe quickened her steps when she saw her driver up ahead. She couldn’t help but glance over her shoulder to see the stranger once again, but he had already turned a corner.

Chapter Text

She was in the room again. She couldn’t remember the last time she was in there but she swore it was darker today. Her hands were bruised this time.

The voice did that to her. But it wasn’t the voice’s fault.

Every single time, it was always her fault. She didn’t behave enough. She was weak and unlady-like. She deserved the dark room.

“Chloe.”

The dark called her again. Not this time, she won’t be fooled.

“We’ll play with you, Chloe.”

No. I don’t want to play with you.

“Chloe.”

Her eyes flew open, chest rising and falling quick, adjusting to reality. Chloe brought both her palms to her face, wiping off the sweat on her face.

Another dream.

Chloe reached for her phone from the bedside only to see a message from her notification bar.

              good morning, miss bourgeois
              don’t forget me today :) – A

Chloe groaned. She just woke up and that was the first thing she saw. Don’t get confused, Chloe loved Adrien with all her heart. But he was still a pain to handle sometimes especially with his smug personality thinking the world revolves only around him.

Well, at least he’s further away from his emotionless father.

She got out of bed to get ready for school. Personally, the concept of school to Chloe was engaging. Chloe may not be one for excellent results like Marinette or Max but she wasn’t really a bad student either. Whenever she could, she’d join programmes and talks with Marinette, using her student time wisely.

“Good morning, Mademoiselle. Here are some waffles to-go. One is chocolate and the other is blueberry. Your favourite.”

“Thank you, Jean. Have a great day.”

“Oh my god. What are you guys doing?” Chloe asked, glancing between her two best friends. She had expected a slow warm-up since this overconfident persona of Adrien would be a menace around Marinette. However, seeing the two already having their first argument not even a step into school made her job easier.

Marinette cleared her throat and immediately dragged her to class, leaving Adrien to catch up behind them.

They slipped into class just as the bell rang, rushing to their seats. Mrs Bustier noticed an unfamiliar face in the doorway, gesturing him to enter. “You must be Adrien, come and introduce yourself to the class.”

The whole class bombarded him with questions about his modelling, his homeschool experience and other unimportant things. Well, everyone except Chloe and Marinette. But it wasn’t a bad thing as it gave her leeway to zone out.

For some reason, her mind was already somewhere else.

To the guy by the river.

How come I’ve never seen him around here? 

Before she could hover deeper into weird theories, she snapped back to reality, confused as to why that thought suddenly seeped into her mind. Class flew by quicker than she’d been focusing, her notes only filled with the first few minutes of Mrs Bustier’s lessons. She eyed her book once before slipping it back into her bag. About to leave, a pair of eyes were already looking at her. Joyously.

“Hey, Chloe. Could I sit lunch with you guys since I don’t really know anyone yet.” Adrien muttered, leaning on her desk. Chloe didn’t bother to look him in the eye and tried to search for Marinette instead.

“Of course.” She said before turning her head to face him. “Oh, but please stop whatever weird thing you two have going on.” Her eyes clearly looking back and forth towards Adrien and Marinette, who just appeared beside him.

“What?” Both of them exclaimed, eyes wide. Chloe knitted her brows together, clearly noticing their strange chemistry more than them. She reached for her phone and turned to leave, steps fast for food. Chloe heard Adrien saying something behind her but she wasn’t bothered enough to turn.

 She reached the cafeteria earlier than both of them, determined to get her lunch while it’s still hot.

Chloe licked her lips, admiring her hot pasta and cheesy garlic rolls that were worth waiting in line for before noticing Juleka and Rose entering the cafeteria. Rose was busy telling a story by the gesture of her hands with Juleka silently nodding beside her.

“Good afternoon, you two!” Chloe said, offering a kind smile.

“Hello, Chloe!” Rose waved back, returning the smile. “Are you eating alone today? Would you like to join us?”

If not for her question, Chloe wouldn’t even realise Adrien and Marinette hadn’t arrived yet. Dropping her shoulder, she shook her head. “It’s okay, Marinette will be here soon.” She turned towards Juleka. “Did you return home safe yesterday?”

She nodded in return. “My brother got lost, though. I had to make a detour.”

Why is it that every time Juleka mentioned her brother, it would always make her amused. It’s in the way she says it like he’s the biggest nerd. Before she could comment, she saw Marinette enter the cafeteria, both her hands closed to her ears while Adrien rambled about something she was clearly not interested in. In an attempt to save her friend, she plastered a smile towards the two girls.

“Oh, Marinette’s here already. Sorry to drag your lunchtime, Bye!”

“Bye, Chloe!” Rose replied, waving her hands cheerfully. She couldn’t wave back because of the tray she was holding but all she thought of was how Juleka was lucky to have the embodiment of joy as her friend. And Chloe understood how her always visiting the hospital would make her worry.

Class after that wasn’t helping her refocus at all. Sabrina, on the other hand, was nodding profusely beside her, successfully writing down every important information to the dot. She sighed, wishing something would happen. Days like this she'd rather sleep in and I don't know, write a blog, start a youtube channel or paint pictures. Not that she has ever painted before. Anything to distract her from learning.

Chloe closed her eyes for just a second before she noticed something off.

A rumble.

Followed by a deep roar.

Shit, what the hell was that?

It all happened to fast. The rock monster was headed straight towards them and if she didn’t move quick, it would definitely crush her too. Mrs Bustier quickly asked the class to evacuate the school premises and be careful. Though being careful was difficult at the moment with all the smashing happening around her. 

This was not what I wished for.

Chloe swiftly grabbed Sabrina by her arm and carefully pulled her towards the class door just before it could reach them. They coughed the debris away, hands close to their face. She couldn’t see anyone else because of the constant rumbling. Chloe could only hope everyone else made it out safe.

“EVERYONE, OUT!” Mrs Bustier yelled, ushering the students panickily at the entrance of the school. Chloe’s grip with Sabrina was still tight as they ran outside. Once they reached outside, she immediately started counting her classmates. She felt a pang of guilt overwhelming her knowing she didn’t look back earlier.

Chloe saw everyone that needed to be there except for four people. Kim, Ivan and two of her best friends.

“HAS ANYONE SEEN THEM?” Chloe shouted, panic starting to cloud her mind.

Most of them only saw Kim still in the classroom since he sits in the far back. Other than him, no one could pinpoint exactly where the other three went. She was just about to jump back in herself when another thunderous boom shook them all to the ground.

The monster tore itself through the wall, seemingly following another figure leaping from roof to roof, luring it somewhere else.

That was her call to save her friends on the inside. Chloe quickly got up to her feet and stormed in the wreckage which was her school just minutes ago.

“CHLOE! GET BACK HERE. IT’S DANGEROUS IN THERE.”

But she was already inside. Carefully, she scanned through the rubble for any survivors. There must be.

Not looking for long, she immediately caught sight of a guy in red. Kim.

“SOMEONE PLEASE HELP, KIM’S INJURED IN HERE!” She yelled just as the paramedics came rushing in with their equipment.

Marinette, Adrien, where are you?

“Excuse me, but there’s supposed to be two more of my friends.” She panted, hands clasp together out of fear. “They weren’t outside.”

“We’ll do our best, Miss. But you need to stay outside. It’s not safe in here.”

Chloe hesitated at first but she gave in. The professional would know what to do.
She was brought back outside by another rescue personnel, in which Mrs Bustier was quick to hold her.

“It’s alright, Chloe. Your friends are going to be fine.”

She could feel her tears in the back of her eye.

She wanted to cry as her teacher held her.

She wanted to cry but she couldn’t.

Chapter Text

Chloe’s driver had safely brought her home but her mind was full of what ifs. She couldn’t help but blame herself. She knew it couldn’t be her fault no matter how hard she thought but it didn’t help the situation either.

Adrien and Marinette could still be at the school.

All because I didn’t find them on time.
All because of me.

Adrien and Marinette could be injured,
because of me.

No.

“Nothing’s gonna happen to them.” She murmured, a lot to herself. I mean, she was fine so why wouldn’t they be? Right?

Chloe heard the news starting and she quickly raised the volume. Apparently, with the appearance of what the news called an ‘akumatised villain’, there was also mysterious superheroes that swooped in and saved the day.

Saved the day but couldn’t be bothered to check the civilians around them.

To take her mind off it, or at least Chloe tried to, she went to check up on her other classmates.

Nino had started off by sending a selfie to their group chat from the hospital. Chloe didn’t realise it earlier as she was panicking but apart from Kim, Nino had sprained his ankle running down the broken steps. Everyone else was doing fairly well if not for a little scratch here and there.

It finally caught up to her.

If the villain was taken down, it might’ve been long enough for someone at the school to find them.

She called Marinette.

“Hi Chlo—”

“DUPAIN-CHENG WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN, I’VE BEEN WORRIED SICK! AFTER THE ATTACK I TRIED TO FIND YOU AND YOU AND ADRIEN WERE GONE AND I WAS ALONE AND I THOUGHT YOU WERE ALONE AND—”

“Chloe, calm down. I’m fine. I’m sorry I didn’t call but I’m alright. My mom picked me up earlier and I couldn’t find you in time, too. I’m guessing you’ve made it back home safely?” Marinette interrupted, causing Chloe to be quite taken aback. She didn’t want to feel that way, but she had been worried about her the whole time only for her to already be at home?

“Yeah, I’m okay. Text me if you need anything, okay?”

“Thanks, Chloe.”

Marinette hung up first.

A breath of relief. She was worried for nothing.

Adrien.

Before she could call him, the hotel started rumbling again. She didn’t know if déjà vu could happen this quickly but it wasn’t something she wanted to reminisce upon. Especially not at that moment.

She blinked and she was already picked up.

She swore she’d been screaming but even her voice felt scared.

The rock monster was bringing her somewhere.

Chloe tried screaming again but it was no use. It was already climbing something.

The Eiffel Tower.

She fainted.

“HOLY SHIT. WHAT DID I EVER DO TO YOU? SOMEBODY HEEEEEEEEELP” Chloe yelled at the top of her lungs once she finally regained consciousness. “CATGIRL OR REDBOY WHATEVER YOUR NAMES ARE PLEASE HELP ME.”

Luckily, she didn’t have to wait long. Not a moment after, the heroes came.

The wind up there was too strong for her to feel relieved but her body was instantly relaxed at the sight of them. She whipped her head to into the monster’s eyes. “YOU’RE GOING DOWN, BITCH.”

In which it was a moment of utter ridicule and regret for the rock monster was not amused. It roared monstrously loud enough to make the signals from satellites disrupt.

Then, he threw Chloe off the tower.

“NO NO I DON’T WANNA DIE LIKE THIS.” Her scream tore through the air as she plummeted. The fall felt like forever. Gravity pulling her to the ground and her arms flailing around helplessly and her hair going everywhere and maybe this was her end—

“—Got you.”

Chloe gasped, wide-eyed and clinging to the line with everything she had. Her heart was still falling even if she wasn’t.

She was ushered immediately towards the policemen surrounding the tower. Her legs were walking on their own at that point as her mind was still spinning from the fall.

I’m safe.
Thank god.
What the fuck.

Behind her, Chloe could hear the heroes arguing with the police but she was completely drained. Once a paramedic got ahold of her, she passed out again from the shock.

Everything came back to her slowly. The smell of anticeptic filled the air in the bright white room. She was at the hospital. Her breath was slow as she pushed herself upright. Next to her was her dead phone and a glass of water, still untouched.

Seconds later, a nurse came into her room to see her zoning out. She offered Chloe a warm smile and assured her she was just fine before she went out again to inform a doctor.

Chloe swallowed hard and fell back on her pillow. Everything seems okay but she surely wasn’t. She had almost died.

A knock on the door broke her from her despondency.

“Miss Chloe Bourgeois, how are you feeling?” The doctor asked, a clipboard in his hand.

She only nodded, her exhaustion still plastered all over her face.

“You may experience light headaches going forward but thanks to Mister Bug, there were no serious damages to your body, only light scratches caused by the tight grip you were in.” He continued, pausing from time to time to observe her expression. “I suggest you rest here so we can monitor you closely, only until your condition gets better.

Before she could ask anything, the doctor turned his heel and left her room.

Messages started flooding her phone once she brought it back to life, from her friends, her father and even random reporters which she has no idea how they got her number. Her fingers scrolled through the messages and stopped on one. Marinette.

“—Oh thank god, Chloe are you okay? Where are you? I’ll come as soon as I can.”

Chloe looked around her and stopped at her injected hand. She didn’t want to worry anyone.

“I’m fine, Marinette. I couldn’t call you because my phone died but I’m already at home.” She lied. “The doctor said I just need to rest for a few days but I’ll be fine.”

“Really? I could come with hot pastries.”

The sound of hot pastries made her suddenly aware of her dry throat. But she really didn’t want to burden anyone by coming to see her.

“That sounds nice, Dupain-Cheng. But I think I’ll just sleep in early today if that’s okay?”

Marinette was silent at first but she quickly understood, wishing her recovery. Chloe hung up the phone and continued to lay down.

Slowly after, she fell asleep.

“GET BACK HERE, YOU PEST!” The voice called out. She was in a vacant room, shaking from the fear. Her eyes were wide and unmoving, afraid that one blink could betray her hiding spot.

Her hand was to her mouth, muffling out any whimper or cry. She was alone and she was scared.

But it didn’t take long before the door creaked open, exposing her weak body.

“There you are.” The voice tugged her wrist mercilessly and with the other hand, she could tell she was about to get slapped.

She braced herself and—

“NO.” Chloe woke up, startled and sweating as always. She tugged hard on the hospital blanket, not realising her knuckles had turned white. She let out a breath.

Will this ever stop?

Chapter Text

Chloe was down by the vending machine. She hadn’t eaten since she first woke up in the hospital and heavy food in general was not something she wanted to indulge in with a sore throat. She just needed a drink, and a walk.

Only the machine was not being nice to her.

She had already inserted the amount needed but it still wouldn’t give her her coffee. I mean, maybe she deserved it. Coffee with an empty stomach always made her feel weak. Chloe groaned, obviously not wanting to understand a vending machine’s decision in not allowing her to drink.

She was just about to kick the machine when another person stopped her.

“You’re fifty cents short.”

“What? No, I’m not—” Oh. Chloe sighed, fiddling through her pocket for any more change just as she heard a soft clink of a coin, throwing her off.

“Oh, thank you. I’ll pay you back later.” When she turned to see him, he was met by a familiar face smiling back at her, calm and casual.

Maybe it was the fluorescent light of the hospital. Or maybe because he was directly behind her, but Chloe swore he looked even better than before. She could probably recommend this person to Adrien so they can model together.

She blinked, realising she’d been staring too long.

“Uh—Sorry.” Chloe got out of the way. “You can give me your number and I can pay you back later?”

His eyes never left her as he tilted his head. “Is… this just a new way of asking for my number?”

Chloe’s cheeks got hot fast. With a frantic wave of dismissal, she looked away from him.

“What?! No, I just meant for the—”

He laughed, catching her off guard.

“I’m just kidding.” He muttered with a smile, “No worries, it’s on me. It’s just fifty cents, anyways.”

She only nodded in response, half-dazed, half-kind-of-bummed-she-didn’t-get-his-number. Chloe quickly bent down to grab her coffee, whispered a ‘thank you’ and left him.

She quickened her steps to her room, gripping her coffee tight in her hands. It was such a coincidence seeing him again. At a hospital at that. Wait. Was he sick too? Or injured because of the villain too?

But he wasn’t in a hospital gown, though.

Wait.

Oh my god, Chloe. Stop it.

She paced the room with the coffee still full to the brim. Not one sip taken. This person was taking up some of the space in Chloe’s head, acting both as a mystery and a distraction from sleeping. I mean, it wasn’t a lie. How could such a handsome man like him slip under her grasp this whole time living in Paris?

She cleared her throat.

Did I actually hit my head from falling earlier?

Sigh.

“I’m sorry.”

The morning sun seeped through the thin windows of her hospital room, waking her up from yet another uncomfortable sleep. She covered her eyes from the sun, just then noticing her wet cheeks from crying in her sleep. Chloe sighed.

Radiant~ Carefree~ Dreamy~ Adrien, the fragrance

Chloe picked up her phone.

“You didn’t skip school to avoid me, right?”

She scowled. “Excuse me? Please get a life.”

Adrien laughed in return before clearing his throat and sounding a little firm. “Marinette told me you needed to rest. Love you, Chloe. Don’t forget your meals and get your ass back here quickly.”

“Love me too. Thanks, Adrien.”

At the sound of meal, her stomach started to grumble. When was the last time she ate proper food anyway? With a new motivation to find a delicious breakfast, she slipped on her hospital slippers and walked down to the cafeteria.

The hospital was brimming with noise that morning, assuming it’s from the latest villain attack where anyone, anywhere could get hurt at any given time. Chloe let out a short breath thinking of how lucky she was to be saved. Her thoughts were swimming with various scenarios, not realising she had already arrived at the cafeteria.

It was a little too full for her liking. She checked her phone for the time and almost dropped it when she realised she’d slept in real good. Because it was already lunchtime. Chloe pressed her lips together and walked in the crowded cafeteria.

Only she saw another person there too.

“Rose?”

“Oh, Chloe! Are you okay? I saw the news yesterday. Are you hurt? Ivan was really sorry but he didn’t have any memory of it” Rose asked, all worried for her.

Chloe cocked her head, taking the seat in front of her. “Ivan? What’s wrong with him?”

Rose looked to the side before leaning forward. “Ivan was the rock monster that attacked the school.”

She blinked.
“Wait… that thing was Ivan?” Chloe said, resting her hands on the table.

Rose nodded, taking a sip from her juice. “We still don’t know what exactly happened but they said the news will cover it soon. Even he doesn’t remember anything.”

Chloe leaned back slowly, eyes narrowing just a little. “Huh.”

She eyed Rose’s meal before continuing, determined to change the topic. “Another checkup?”

“Not really, I just came for my pills. But they were serving chicken wraps today and I just couldn’t pass. But I’ll be leaving pretty soon. Juleka and her brother are going to pick me up.”

Not even a week has passed and the mention of Juleka’s brother was more than the amount of food shoved in her body. “Are you close with his brother?”

“To an extent, I guess. We’re in the same band together.” Hearing that caused Chloe to perk up just a little for Rose to notice. “…You have heard of our band, right? …Kitty Section?”

“Oh. OH, yes yes.” Chloe responded enthusiastically. “It’s just that since you guys wear masks, I only know those from our class.”

That was the only answer she could think of to divert Rose’s attention because the real truth is, Kitty Section’s songs were not her cup of tea. She never actually knew who in her classroom were apart of it except for Rose and Juleka. But obviously she couldn’t admit that.

“Hm, that makes sense.”

Phew.

“Can I join you while you wait for them?” She asked, trying to run again.

With a nod, Chloe grabbed herself a carton of apple juice and the hospital’s lunch for the day: Chicken Wraps.

Sitting back down, she licked her lips before tearing open the wrapper, causing Rose to burst out laughing. “You must’ve been so hungry and alone in this hospital.”

It seemed like a harmless joke but it stinged a little. But it wasn’t her fault, though. Chloe let out a forced chuckle before taking her first bite. The taste of the chicken was enough of a distraction for her as she took a sip of her juice.

“Oh, can you keep this a secret from the others?” Chloe said in between her bites, causing Rose to look at her all confused. “It’s really nothing, I just don’t want to make anyone worry.”

Chloe could tell Rose was contemplating between what to do as she reluctantly agreed. She was no psychic but seeing her expression like that meant that Rose had been doing it herself.

To not worry anyone.

A few minutes passed and Juleka finally came into view.

“You done?”

Rose left her chair almost immediately to give Juleka a tight squeeze. If Juleka was flustered, she didn’t show. Instead, she lifted her gaze to Chloe and narrowed her eyes jokingly.

“Heh. Hi, girl.”

Chloe wanted to ask Juleka to keep quiet but knowing her, she wouldn’t go around telling people where she was anyways, so she she settled on a warm smile and wave.

“Injured bad?” Juleka asked, casually slinging her arms around Rose.

Chloe shook her head, taking another bite from her wrap. “I’ll be fine. Oh, I’ll follow you out. Let’s go.”

“Don’t worry about us, Chloe. Enjoy your meal.”

“Mm, it’s okay. It’s not that far from the entrance, anyway.”

They both nodded in return, walking together towards the hospital entrance. Chloe was busy crumpling the chicken wrapper unaware of the car in front of her. Juleka patted her on the shoulder as a kind gesture before they left.

Chloe lifted her gaze and offered another smile.

Only to drop it shortly after.

“You.”

The person looked around before pointing towards himself. “Me?”

Chapter Text

It started with just a sprinkle, which already started to irritate her. Chloe hated the rain. Each patter she hears reminded her of footsteps sneaking up to her. The rain made her feel completely alone in the world, like if she just disappeared with it, no one would come find her.

She was on her way to the entrance, finally getting a pass at leaving the lonely hospital room. Jean was already waiting for her by the door, a paper bag with Marinette’s bakery logo on it in his hand.

“Waffle, Mademoiselle?”

“Thank you. Let’s get out of here before the rain gets worse.”

Jean only nodded, opening the car door for her.

It had been two days since Chloe found out about Juleka’s brother. She couldn’t decide whether it was supposed to be funny… or embarrassing, considering she’d been laughing at every story told of him, not knowing she’d also been secretly sneaking glances to see him more.

Twice.

Hm.

She was definitely embarrassed.

Chloe let out a breath, leaning her head against the car window as the smell of waffles filled the car. She was about to take a bite when a thunder erupted, causing her to shift uncomfortably and grip the paper bag tight in her hands. Her appetite wasn’t the problem. She just really hated the rain.

Chloe took out her earphones and plugged it to her phone, desperate to distract herself. She settled on a song and raised the volume to the max. Soon after, her eyes started to droop and the rhythm of the melody dulled the world around her, like a distant memory she didn’t want to revisit.

“I’m sorry, Chloe.” Another voice called out. “I promise to make it right.”

But Chloe wasn’t listening. She never listens. Why would you say sorry if you didn’t do anything wrong? She was the one who was always wrong.

Yet.

“I’m very sorry, Chloe.”

She woke up.
Another tear fell.

Somewhere along the journey, the rain had stopped pouring and the car finally reached a stop. Jean opened the door for her and handed her a handkerchief. When Chloe looked confused, he pointed towards his eye, seemingly noticing her crying.

Chloe gave him a weak smile, accepting the handkerchief and walking straight inside the hotel. She saw a paper bag on one of the counters and was about to ask the staff to put it aside when notifications started coming in.

She pulled out her phone only to notice a string of messages from her class group. Her thumb hovered above the screen, but her attention faltered when a sharp voice pierced through the lobby

“I booked for this suite weeks ago. How is it suddenly gone?” A guest complained, his voice unnecessarily loud. “My assistant has the booking date so you CANNOT tell me that the suite is unavailable.”

“Please calm down, sir—”

“CALM DOWN? THIS IS DEFINITELY YOUR FAULT!”

Chloe tilted her head, recognising the guest at an immediate glance. It was Jagged Stone. She was about to interfere in the situation, quickening her pace towards the guest but lastly halting her step when she saw someone else with his hands raised, trying to de-escalate the situation himself.

“Dad, it’s fine. There are still other suites.”

The singer turned to him as if he was his new victim to place the blame on.

But it never happened.

He sighed, trying to reason with the receptionist once more. “I’m sorry, Miss. It’s not that I don’t want other rooms but if I made a reservation to a specific room, isn’t it the hotel’s job to keep it for me?”

Before the lady at the counter could retort back, Chloe stepped in to fix the situation.

“You are absolutely right, sir. This is very unprofessional of us.” Jagged Stone turned his head around to look at her. She continued, already making her way to the back of the counter herself. “I’ll recheck for the booking under your name. If the room’s been given away, we’ll find the next best suite and offer a complimentary upgrade for the inconvenience.”

She bowed once offering a sincere apology.

Jagged eyed her once, noticing her casual clothes instead of a uniform. “And… you are?”

“Nobody special, this is just my home.” She offered him a soft smile before focusing back on the computer screen, not wanting to make eye-contact with Juleka’s brother.

The situation was eerily quiet than Chloe intended it to be, making her a little nervous as Jagged’s eyes narrowed her silently. It wasn’t a rare sight for the other staff to see her behind a counter since she often helped them whenever she had free time.

But the pressure of an agitated guest AND someone she found good-looking was patiently waiting for her decision on the matter.

Chloe cleared her throat. “Alright, Mr Stone. It seems there was a mix-up, your suite is all ready to go. Same room as always, sir. We apologise for the inconvenience.”

Jagged Stone sighed, shutting his eyes. “This better not happen again.”

After the whole suite problem, she gave an earful to the receptionists in charge to not make the same mistake again, especially to VIP’s who frequent the hotel. The lady thanked her for helping and Chloe dropped herself to one of the lobby’s lounge chairs, too lazy at that point to go up to her room.

A moment passed. Then, a soft clink.

She looked at the glass of apple juice set on the table in front of her, trailing her eyes from the hand that set it down to his familiar face.

Someone she’s been seeing a little too often lately.

“I didn’t know if you liked coffee so I figured juice would be the safer option.” He spoke, voice low and calm as usual. He sat in the chair across from her, immediately crossing his legs.

Chloe sat up straighter, unsure of what kind of situation this is supposed to be. “Are you stalking me?” She asked, although as the question left her mouth, she instantly regretted it.

His eyebrows perked up, surprised at the question before grimacing. “Are you sure it’s not you following me around? I mean, I did get to the hotel first.”

“Well.” She pressed her lips together. “I live here. You’re in my house.”

For a second, he looked like he was thinking of another remark before letting out a low chuckle. “Okay princess, you win.”

She didn’t feel like she won. In fact, she was pretty sure he knew she lost.

Chloe let out a breath through her nose and brushed an invisible speck off her lap, pretending the heat in her cheeks wasn’t real. “Whatever,” she muttered, leaning forward and resting her arms on her knees

“Anyways, we’ve already bumped into each other a few times now, but I still don’t know your name.” She muttered, tilting her head slightly.

He looked at her for a second too long before extending his hand for a handshake. “Luka.”

She hesitated but immediately returned his handshake, nodding. “I’m Chloe.”

“I know.”

“Huh?”

Luka offered a smile that she wouldn’t be surprise could cause a heart attack.

“I know who you are.”

Chapter Text

When Alix announced she was entering the rollerblading competition that weekend, the whole class promised to show up and cheer for her. To Chloe’s surprise, it was a big deal with a whole glass room on the side of the stadium save for sponsors, whom some she recognised, for the race.

The host had introduced the racers one by one, giving them their own moment to shine amongst their sea of supporters. The same happened when Alix was mentioned, making her whole class call her out like ravenous animals on the hunt.

Alix had specifically asked Chloe to hold onto her watch, a family heirloom given by her father just the day before the race. She had wanted to keep it but figured it could serve as a lucky charm on the special day itself.

Chloe kept in her pocket for safe-keeping and immediately joined the others.

“ALIX MY BEAUTIFUL CHAMPION LET’S FREAKIN GOOOOO!” Alya shouted through the crowd, earning a supportive eruption from other Alix supporters, complete with whistles and raised placards.

Adrien laughed at the sight, scanning the entire arena. “You’re gonna scare the competition away.”

“That’s the plan.” Alya muttered, suddenly dragging Adrien and Nino away. “Let’s get a drink before the race starts.

Chloe laughed at their behaviour, feeling oddly moved at their friendship. She reached the edge of the arena, hoping for a front view.
But her positivity was being poked at the second.

Because someone else behind her was clearly not having it

“What did you say?”

Chloe turned to see what was happening

“I asked why I should be here. Rollerblading’s whack.” Kim responded, crossing his arms.

Max tried to reason with him. It was either convincing him to stay or finally forcing him to leave if he was going to be a jerk the whole race. Chloe rolled her eyes at the situation.

What was so hard for him to stay at home if all this just made him bored?

“She’s not even that good, man.” He added, voice slightly louder, making those around them turn to his direction as well.

“That’s not nice, Kim.” Rose retorted, making her way towards the tall guy. He scoffed, obviously not taking her seriously.

“Whatever, Rose. No one cares what you think.”

Chloe stepped in between them, her palm facing Kim. “Can you just shut up for once?”

Kim’s eyes turned dark real quick. “We don’t need more heroes, princess. I know what you did.” He snarled, pushing Chloe further back with every word.

Chloe didn’t waver, eyes still burning through his. “And what the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“Stop framing others, Kim. We all know it was you.” Max interrupted. And for a second, even Chloe was starting to get confused. Kim scoffed, pushing past her with force.

She lost balance.
CRACK!
And fell.

If Kim was guilty, he didn’t show it.
But as he left the arena without a second glance, everyone around them knew he wasn’t in the least.

Juleka helped her up, saying something about curses and black magic or something. Chloe furrowed her eyebrows in anger, dusting off her clothes.

“What was he talking about?”

They looked at one another, expression unreadable and making her more nervous.
Max was the one who spoke first.

“Kim was being himself and insulting Ivan about something...” He started, glancing at Ivan to continue. “The whole thing was already a bad situation.”

“But then, someone found a letter in the trash with some vulgar words about Ivan. And… it was signed by you. We knew it wasn’t something you’d do but before we could prove it, Ivan…” He trailed off, hinting on the rock monster.

Chloe’s eyes widened in horror. She took a step back.

What.

Chloe’s head was spinning. “I almost died.”
I almost died because of a hoax.

“I’m really sorry, Chloe. We only knew it was Kim after I was saved. And—"

“—GUYS DID YOU SEE ME OUT THERE?” A voice exclaimed, her blades screeching through the floor making everyone turn to her.

Chloe’s eyes widened again, but for an entirely different reason.
The crack she heard earlier.
Her hand instinctively reached her pocket.

Alix’s watch.

“Alix…” Chloe murmured, taking out whatever was left attached. And when the shards bounced the light towards Alix. She stepped back.

“What…what is that, Chloe?”

Guilt covered her whole body.

“I’m so sorry”

Everyone was quick to defend her, holding Alix’s hand and putting the blame on Kim instead. But if anyone was noticing, she already wasn’t listening. And if anyone was noticing, they’d see the little butterfly going in her skates.

She stared at the broken pieces in Chloe’s hand.
And then, just a low whisper.

“Yes, hawkmoth.”

Everything else was a blur.

When Chloe was brought back from the effects of the Miraculous, she felt a heavy migraine creeping in her head, as if time and space itself tried to rip it apart. She cradled her head with both hands, trying to steady herself.

On the track in front of her, she could see Alix looking around the arena, confusion plastered all over her face.

Chloe was the first to run up to her, taking Alix’s hand in hers.

“I’m so sorry, Alix. I know you trusted me with the watch. I really didn’t mean to break it.”

Alix shook her head, guilt surprisingly playing a huge role. “No, Chloe, I didn’t listen to you earlier, I’m sorry as well. I know it wasn’t your fault.”

Alix reached from behind her, showing the watch all brand new and working. Chloe’s eyes widened in both surprise, relief washing over her. “How did you—”

“It was Mister Bug. He’d undone everything. So everything’s good, Chloe.”

Alix stood up, leaving her there.
Chloe just stared after her.

Is everything good?

If Mister Bug didn’t fix the watch and it was still broken, would Alix had forgiven her this easily?

Chloe should’ve felt happy for her. I mean, no harm had happened to the watch. It had already been fixed, good as new.

Then why does she still feel so bad?

She looked ahead at where her friends were all talking again, and decided to just leave. With everything that had happened, she needed a moment alone.

Chloe texted Marinette and told her she needed to be somewhere else.

Chloe saw her driver parked near the entrance but she didn’t feel like going home. Before anyone noticed, she slipped through another alley and walked away. The air was nice and breezy, flowing through her hair as if nothing bad had just happened.

It was quiet again.

Even with civilians taking their daily walk and jog, parents and their children stopping at shops to buy possibilities and oddities and tourists strolling around the city, Chloe felt the peace she never realised she needed.

She didn’t have a destination, she just didn’t want to go home just yet.
Suddenly, Chloe felt a poke on her shoulder.

She flinched, spinning around on instinct.

“Hello.” The voice exclaimed, hanging upside down from a lamp post.

“Oh… hello…” Chloe’s voice trailed to let her finish.

“Lady Noire.” The hero jumped down to face her properly. “Claw-ver name, right?”

Chloé blinked, unimpressed by the theatrical flip and exaggerated wink the hero gave.

“…Right,” she said dryly, eyeing the dramatic entrance. “Are you bored?”

“Nope. Entertaining the civilians is just what I do. It’s pretty pawsome of me.”

Chloé crossed her arms, one brow arching. “You remind me of someone I know. A little too much.”

Lady Noire jerked just a little for her to notice, immediately covering back. “Oh? You know another crime-fighting cat? I’d love to meet them.”

“No, you remind me of my very annoying friend.”

Chloe swore her eyes twitched. She stifled in a laugh. “The word annoying offends you?”

Lady Noire shook her head. “I’m not sure I like being compared to this annoying friend which whom I don’t know so let’s talk about you instead.”

The evening slowly came into view as the sun ahead of them shone brightly before setting. Lady Noire has not yet left her side nor does she look like she intends to.

“I’m sorry we didn’t check on you after Stoneheart.” Lady Noire muttered, her tone a little serious than before. “You were caught right in the middle of it.”

Chloe didn’t know what she was expecting but it wasn’t an apology. She gave Lady Noire a forced weak smile, shaking her head. “Pfft, it was nothing. I just got a little bruise from the grip… Hospital food really helped me rest—” She froze at her own words, brushing it off with another smile.

“You were… at the hospital?” Lady Noire interrupted, her grip on her baton suddenly a little tight.

Chloe glanced at her, noticing the tension. “Oh, please don’t worry. I was just resting there.”

Lady Noire nodded slowly, trying to accept her words before jumping back on her heels, tone bright again. “SO, since we’ve established SUCH a friendship, I hope you are reliable enough not to rat on my boss— I mean, partner for not patrolling. SEE YOU LATER. BYE!”

Before Chloe could do well, anything. She extended her baton and left her there.

Chapter Text

The time was exactly seven-thirty sharp and Chloe had yet to reach home. As the city lights started to light up around her, it made it harder for her to want to go home. Moments passed when she saw a little coffee shop around the corner, full of life and colours.

Thinking of food, which she hadn’t consumed since the arena, Chloe put her hands in her pocket and went in.

“You have got to be kidding me.”

“Hello, Miss Chloe.”

Luka was wearing something as simple as an oversized black hoodie with a black cap to match but he did not look simple at all. He looked like a poster boy you’d see on the cover of a magazine. She really needed him to replace Adrien.

“Is this also your coffee shop?” He asked sarcastically, raising his eyebrow.

Chloe sneered. “Luckily for you, I don’t own everything.”

Luka nodded, stepping aside for her to order. “After you.”

She pretended not to fluster but as much as her little head knew, she had already found him attractive from the first time they met. Chloe glanced over her shoulder after ordering, seeing him already somewhere amongst the other customers.

When her order was done, she scanned the café for anymore empty spots but to her luck, the only empty spot was the corner stage save for bands organising gigs. Before she could find one, a voice called out to her. Juleka.

“Chloe, you can join us!”

Hmmmmmm.

“Uhh… okay…”

Luka looked unbothered, one hand mindlessly scrolling through his phone while the other occasionally brought a coffee to his mouth. Juleka, on the other hand, was still wearing the same clothes from the competition earlier, reminding her of Alix.

“Were you hurt earlier?” Chloe asked, her eyebrows furrowed in worry. “It all happened too fast.”

Chloe didn’t know if it was her mind playing tricks on her but she thought she was Luka’s gaze shift to her. But when she looked back, he was already staring at his phone.

“No, yeah me and Rose got out of the way before she could attack us. Then, Mister Bug and Lady Noire came on time.”

Chloe nodded, thankful for the heroes and this time, actually meaning it.

They ended up staying a lot later than expected, constantly changing topics like their life depended on it. Chloe got a good laugh out of it, her eyes tearing up as the night slowly caved upon them. It was when they realised the store was almost empty that they decided to call it a night.

“Thanks for tonight, Juleka. I really needed to clear my mind after this morning.”

Juleka shrugged, walking out of the coffee shop. “No worries, it was fun.”

She looked around and let out a small confused sound. “I don’t see your driver, Chloe. How are you going home?”

It only hit her once the question was asked that her little side quest of walking away from home ended up this late. She was about to phone her driver when Juleka slowly took her phone away from her.

“Don’t bother, Luka can send you back.” Juleka said as she dialed a number in Chloe’s phone. “Here. Save it. It’s his number.”

Chloé blinked, watching as Juleka calmly handed her back the phone, Luka’s number now saved in her contacts.

“Wait, seriously?” she asked, half bewildered, half amused. “You’re just volunteering him like that?”

Juleka shrugged, unbothered. “He won’t say no.”

“I can hear you, you know,” Luka spoke up, eyes still on his phone.

Chloe quickly dismissed the idea. “It’s getting dark, what about you?”

“It’s at least twenty minutes to the hotel, but our house is just behind this store.”

“What.”

So she, in fact, did not help with the stalker allegations.

Luka casually past by her, swinging what Chloe assumed was his car keys, unlocking a red car that she was sure was classic and opened the car door.

“No pressure,” he said over his shoulder. “But it’s a long walk home in your shoes.”

Chloe glanced at Juleka who had already turned her back, only raising her hand for a wave.

The ride back home was silent, save for the sounds of gear shifting and tires turning at every corner. Chloe was leaning her head against the car window, admiring the night life outside. The warmth of the car heater mixed with the faint scent of rain and something woody—probably Luka’s cologne or whatever— made it a comfortable drive nonetheless.

She glanced to the driver beside her, who was focused on the road, one hand steady on the wheel, the other resting lazily near the gear stick. Then, unprompted, Luka lifted his hands off the gear stick and held it out for her to see his palms.

“You can hold my hand if you want.”

Heat rushed to her cheeks. “What?... No? Huh?” She was all over the place, confused and flustered clouding her mind. Luka only grinned wider beside her, eyes still on the road.

“I mean, you were busy looking at my hands.” He shrugged, turning another corner as if he hadn’t sent Chloe spiralling beside him.

“Are you alright now?” Luka asked all of a sudden.

“About earlier?” She turned to window again. “Nothing’s wrong with me. I wasn’t the one akumatised.”

“Doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt. You also just got out of the hospital, right?”

A quiet pause settled between them, knowing there was no use in denying what he said. Chloe stayed unmoving, staring out the window to pretend like the buildings she’s seen a thousand times was far more interesting than the conversation she was clearly not interested in anymore.

Thankfully, her phone started ringing so she had a distraction to run to.

“Oh thank god, Chloe. Where are you, dear?”

“Sorry, dad. I’m on my way home right now, I was having dinner with my friend.”

“I see. Alright, dear, call me if anything happens.”

She hummed in response, hanging up the phone.

“You didn’t tell anyone where you were?” Luka asked, his tone was casual but Chloe could sense a little concern in it too.

Chloe slipped her phone in her bag, shrugging nonchalantly. “I didn’t plan to stay out this long.”

“You still need to be careful next time. It’s dangerous for a girl to be alone in these busy streets”

Chloe turned to look at him, mildly offended. “Thank you, but I can take care of myself.”

Luka glanced at her, one hand still steady on the wheel. “I didn’t say you couldn’t,” he said evenly. “Doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone.”

She looked away first, lips pressed together. It wasn’t that his words were wrong but it was the very fact that he might be right.

“…Still sounded a little patronising, though” she muttered.

“I was trying for concerned.”

Chloé scoffed, but there was no real bite to it. “Yeah. Maybe dial it down a little less ‘dad energy’ next time.”

He smiled faintly. “Noted.”

They reached the hotel not long after, exchanging a proper thank you. Well, Chloe at least. Before Luka left, he rolled down his window, earning a raised brow from her.
“You have my number now. Call me if you need anything.”

She was glad he left immediately after because if he’d seen her flustered like a schoolgirl, she might’ve thrown herself straight in the middle of an ongoing traffic.

Chapter Text

“Are you ready, Miss Chloe Bourgeois… For the most amazing, wonderful and life-changing experience of your mortal life?

“I, Chloe Bourgeois, am ready.”

Chloe slipped into the floral bath robe and stepped into her personal heaven.

The Spa.

Chloe laid faced-down on the massage table which she missed dearly, immediately closing her eyes as she got ready for her day of relaxation. She’d been to the exact same spa for almost four years now, courtesy of her father’s wad of cash. But everyone there loved Chloe and treated her like their own sister.

“Okay, what’s new?” Chloe asked as she entered the room.

A girl about a year older than her perked up at the question.

“Mister Bug’s new.”

Chloe groaned, earning an offended gasp by most of the staff. She’d seen him before, sure, but he wasn’t that attractive. She as confident she’d have the same effect on people if she was given a superhero suit herself. Other than that, whenever Mister Bug came into thought, Chloe only remembered her almost falling flat on the ground

Diane, her spa therapist, came into the room a moment later, immediately turning on the TV.

“There was another attack just now.”

Chloe wasn’t bothered to change her position so she relied on her ears. The news reported yet another ‘akuma attack’ happening near The Louvre, simultaneously scaring those who were around.

“Thanks to Mister Bug and Lady Noire again, Paris is able to live more comfortably. Here we have both of them for an exclusive interview.”

Diane was towering over Chloe then, shoving her phone to Chloe’s face.

“Are you sure you don’t think Mister Bug’s fine?”

She finally opened her eyes to see the heroes. Chloe scoffed, sticking to her opinion.

“But Lady Noire’s suit would look pretty in me, don’t you think? I can definitely rock that for Halloween.”

“Yeah, you and every kid in Paris.”

She rolled her eyes, grabbing her own phone on the side table.

              Coming soon!!!!! – C

A few seconds later, Marinette replied.

              Okay bb – M

Chloe was about to turn her phone off when another notification caught her attention.

              You left this – ?
              *image*

She clicked on the image, knitting her eyebrows together before widening her eyes again at the picture.

“I LEFT MY PURSE?”

Now that she thought about it, she was too nervous to breath the same air as Luka, let alone be in the same car. Diane clapped her hands twice, grabbing her attention.

“YOU LEFT WHERE?”

“A MAN’S CAR.”

Everyone turned to look at her.

“YOU HAVE A— OH MY GOD CHLOE HAS A MAN.”

“NO HE’S NOT—” Chloe groaned louder this time, covering her head with a pillow.

This is going to be a long session.

Chloe barely made it out alive but she did not regret it as she felt her whole body rejuvenate magically like a dead phone brought to life.

She greeted Tom at the counter, making her usual dessert purchase before heading up to her best friend’s room.The familiar scent of flour and vanilla lingered in the stairwell as she climbed, balancing the dessert box carefully in one hand.

“Marinette, Chloe’s here.” Sabine called out, opening the door for her.

She fiddled in her pocket for her phone, suddenly remembering that she had yet to reply to Luka’s message

              7pm, same coffee shop? – C
              👌— L

Before Marinette got suspicious of her, she opened her gallery and shoved a picture of Lady Noire to her.

For Halloween.

She was definitely not texting a man.

Marinette’s room was a comfortable mess as always, with mannequins wearing every season of clothing and the floor becoming a fashion crime scene. Marinette herself was seated cross-legged on her chaise lounge, picking out fabric for her most-likely newest piece.

“Oh, I heard Jagged Stone’s at the hotel.”

“Pfft, tell me about it. Staffs says he always orders takeout through the room service call.”

Marinette let out an easy laugh, putting aside her choice of fabric.

“But Chloe Bourgeois.” Marinette added, her voice suddenly so close, it made her gulp. “I also heard you were at the hospital. My dad had an appointment and he spotted you there.”

Chloe froze, slowly turning her head to face her. “I can explain.”

Marinette was frowning but she could tell she was only worried as she scooted to the side, patting the spot beside her as an invitation to sit.

“Okay so explain.”

Chloe pouted a bit, eyes darting everywhere but on Marinette as a plea to let it slide. When the silence lingered a second longer indicating her desperation. She sighed.

“I just didn’t want to worry you, child.” Chloe murmured, caressing her best friend’s head like a cat.

“I can create like ten scenarios that’s better than that.”

Chloe shifted her body to face Marinette, mirroring her cross-legged position. “I’m telling the truth, Marinette. I’m just used to handling things on my own and it’s definitely not because I don’t trust you.”

She took both Marinette’s hands in hers before continuing. “What happened wasn’t your fault and I really wasn’t injured. Look at me. I’m fine. I just used the hospital bed to rest, babe.”

Marinette’s eyes were still narrowed, trying to convince herself if she was really telling the truth.

“Okay, fine.” She gave in. “…But a hospital is still a big deal. We literally could’ve gossiped on your hospital bed. You don’t need to hide it from me, Chloe.”

“I know,” Chloe murmured, her thumbs brushing lightly over Marinette’s knuckles. “I just… didn’t want you to see me like that. You know how feelings scare me.”

“Okay, I promise if you ever are in a situation where you need help, I will not overreact.” Marinette said, her hand raised as if to pledge. “But you need to promise that you will tell me if something happens.”

“Eh…”

“Chloe.”

Chloe laughed, wiping a fake tear. “Okay okay I promise.”

She thought for a second about something, her smile flattening into a line. Marinette saw it and knitted her eyebrows together. “What?”

Chloe glanced around the room, finding the courage in her to spill.

“There’s one more thing I’m kind of hiding from you…” She blurted, earning another look from Marinette.

“There’s this guy…”

“A GUY?”

Her seven o’clock appointment was pushed back a little as Kitty Section had a band meet-up for the next show, leaving Chloe to start on some unfinished homework at the café. With her headphones on, the background around her slowly faded into a low hum, replaced by her study playlist and her absolute concentration.

Time ticked by and it was almost eight. She checked her phone for any updates but nothing. Had she been ghosted? She sighed, placing her head down on the table to rest for a while.
Just for a while…

“Do you miss me, Chloe?”
“I miss you, Chloe.”
“I have something for you.”

The voice called her to the other room from the corners of her door.
Her feet moved on its own.

“I got you a present.” The voice said, smiling sweetly at her.
It was wrapped. She looked at the voice for a sign she could open it. When the voice nodded, she reached for it, tearing the wrapper.

It was a little yellow bear. She loved it.

“So you won’t be alone in the room anymore.”

She didn’t want to turn. Her hands instinctively gripped the bear tighter.

SLAM!

And she was left alone again.

“Chloe, are you okay?” A voice called her, it was distant but she heard it. It was distant but it was desperate.

Chloe woke up, still catching her breath as she took in her surroundings. Glasses clinking and chatters filling her ears again. She was back at the coffee shop.

And Luka was already in front of her, wearing a worried expression as his hands reached out.
To her.

She flinched a little, reflex. Sometimes the body remembers what the heart tries to throw away.

“Sorry,” she murmured, voice a little hoarse. She shook her head once, like it might clear the fog. “I didn’t mean to... do that.”

Luka didn’t answer right away, pulling back his wrist. His gaze held hers just a moment longer, trying to soothe her without making her feel cornered.

“You don’t have to apologise,” he finally spoke, his voice soft and reassuring. “But are you sure you’re okay? You were calling for your mom…a lot.”

She swallowed hard, the weight of everything suddenly coming to crash her. Before anything happened, she stood up, saying she has to leave.

“I can send you home.”

Chloe shook her head again, not looking his way. “My driver’s coming soon.”

She started packing her things, ready to leave.

“Can you just hand me my purse?”

Luka opened his mouth, then closed them again. Only moving to grab her purse and handing it over.

“Thank you.”

Her mind was ringing, a dull, static line in her ear but she walked off, heels clicking lightly against the floor, her shadow shrinking as she reached the door. She didn’t turn around.

But as her finger brushed against the door handle, she felt the world tilt. Her knees felt weak and folded itself like it didn’t remember how to balance her.

The next second happened fast.

And a pair of arms grabbed her just in time.

Chloe held on to his arm, trying to steady herself as they walked out of the coffee shop.

“Your driver’s not here yet. I’ll send you home.” Luka murmured under his breath, enough for her to hear.

She was too out of energy to argue as Luka opened the car door for her to enter.
So she got in.
And slept for the entire car ride.

She was awoken by the feeling of an unmoving car indicating they had arrived. Chloe sat up straighter as her eyes adjusted to her surroundings. Covering her face with both her hands from the fatigue and her embarrassment, she turned to face Luka.

“I really need to stop owing you.” Chloe laughed, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Luka only smiled, leaning back against the car seat. “It’s fine, Chloe. Go inside and rest.”

She nodded, forcing a smile.
“Goodnight, Luka.”

He returned the smile, softer even, making her heart skip a beat as his eyes met hers.
“Goodnight, princess.”

Chapter Text

“You coming?” Marinette asked, already slinging her bag.

Chloe stood up, taking out her laptop from her bag. “You can go home first, I need to speak with Professor Montalaing about the festivals banners.”

“Come on, Mrs Boulangerie. She doesn’t like us anymore.” Adrien said dramatically, pulling Marinette with her.

“HEY STOP LET GO OFF ME.”

Chloe stifled a laugh as she heard their bickering echoing behind her like background music. She shook her head, amused, then turned toward the art room.

By the time she stepped out a few minutes later, the conversation was already over. Professor Montalaing had simply gestured to the print files, her curt nod more than enough confirmation. No lecture, no sarcasm this time—just a quiet, surprising efficiency. Chloé would take it.

She exhaled, tucking her laptop back under her arm, walking out of school.

And nearly walking straight into Kim.

She let out a heavy breath, stepping aside to not start anything. But Kim tugged on her wrist, earning him a look.

“This is not how you apologise to people.”

Kim let her hand go, casually placing his hands in his pockets, not exactly looking at her. Chloe wanted more than anything to punch him then and there but the thought of people seeing her as the jerk irked her more than the Adrien the Fragrance ad.

“I think, both of us.” He paused, taking in a breath. “Could try something, you know?”

Chloe knitted her eyebrows together, confused by what he’s trying to say. When it finally clicked, her expression sour as if disgusted by even thinking about it.

“You—” She started, her voice breaking before becoming sharper and louder. “ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS RIGHT NOW?” She snapped, recoiling her body like the very idea of it left a bad taste in her mouth.

“I almost died because of you, asshole.”

“See? With your feistiness and my—” He gestured towards himself. “—We’d make a sick power couple.”

Her jaw was gone.
“YOU FRAMED ME.”

“Are you rejecting me right now?”

“WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK I’M DOING THEN?” Chloe’s voice was broken and raw, clenching her laptop tight as if more nonsense might make her insane

“Oh so you think you’re so much better—”

“Let’s leave it there.”

Only the voice didn’t come from her.
It came from behind her.

Suddenly, a hand was on her back, steadily dragging her away. He whispered a ‘let’s go’ and Chloe turned away from Kim without hesitation. They walked away together, his hands still firm against her back. However, Kim didn’t give up. He hastened forward, tugging back Chloe’s wrist.

“KIM, STOP. WHAT THE HELL?” She yelled, pulling her hand away.

“This isn’t funny, Chloe.”

“WHAT ABOUT THIS IS FUNNY, YOU BITCH?”

Luka gently stepped between them, his tone calm but firm. “That’s enough. She already said no.”

Kim looked enraged as he changed glances between the both of them before snickering. “You just think being pretty and rich makes your life easier, huh?”

The words hit her like a punch to a gut.

Luka didn’t let him finish, he reached for Chloe’s hand and pulled her away without a word, the grip firm but not forceful. Chloe followed, stunned into silence. She wanted to kill Kim. What the hell does he know about being her?

The words clung to her like smoke, bitter and unwelcome, burning more the longer they lingered.

Once they rounded a corner, Chloe tore apart from Luka’s hold.

“You didn’t have to do that, Luka.” Her eyebrows was furrowed, head lowered.

Luka blinked, looking a little hurt before countering. “He was talking shit—”

“And I could’ve handled it myself.”

They stared at each other intently, both their gaze trying to convince the other how they were right. Silence lingered between them instead, and as a moment passed. Luka let out a sharp exhale.

“You say you can handle it… But somehow, every time we meet, everything’s already gone bad for you.”

Chloe was definitely stung. Her lips quivered, trying to keep it in.

“You’re all the same.” She hissed, tightening her grip on her laptop and turning away from Luka, desperate to get back home.

And home she reached.
But not as fast her tears.

Chloe was curled up in her room for the rest of the evening, not wanting to eat or see anyone. The lights were all turned off, save for the city glow peeking in through the curtains. It had been so long since she felt this hurt.

No matter how hard she tried to think about it, it was all her fault anyway. She always tried to be stronger than anyone else but everything else had a way at always getting back to her. It was as if the world itself was against her.

A quiet knock on the door broke her thoughts, but she refused to answer it.

The door opened anyway, and she heard footsteps walking towards her bed.

“Chloe…” The voice called out, as if calling out to her in desperation not in comfort.

She sat upright almost immediately, shocked to hear the voice in so long.

“Dad?” She beamed, throwing her arms around him. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen you.”

Her father’s expression was full of guilt as she returned the hug, warm and tight. “I know, dear. Sorry can’t even seem to express my shame.”

“It’s okay, daddy. I know you’ve been busy.” Chloe said softly, pulling back from the embrace. Andre only smiled, caressing his daughter’s cheek and noticing her swollen face.

“What happened to you?” He asked, furrowing his eyebrows.

Chloe shook her head with a smile, trying not to further worry his father, especially since they don’t see each other often. It was always a quiet promise of hers to prove to her father that she was able to live independently. “I was just watching a sad movie.”

Her father didn’t push her although he was a little unconvinced. Instead, he smiled back, taking out a piece of paper from his coat pocket. “I’ve been thinking, Chloe.” He started, not staring at her.

“About your summer vacation—” He finally lifted his gaze to meet hers. “—Maybe I join you this time?”

Chloe’s eyes lit up instantly like a baby being given candy. “Really?”

Andre nodded once, earning a joyous squeal from his daughter and another, tighter, embrace. “This is the best news ever! We could go to the coast, or maybe the mountains—oh! What about Italy?”

Andre chuckled softly, ruffling her hair. “We’ll decide together.”

Then, for a fleeting second, his smile wavered. His eyes dropped to the floor, like there was something caught in his throat.

“Dad?” Chloe asked, tone quieter now. “Is everything okay?”

He looked up again, smile already back in place. “Ah, it’s nothing. Just… happy to see you smile again, that’s all.” As Chloe’s excitement continued, Andre only looked at her with an unreadable look, somewhere between admiration and sorrow. But he said nothing more.

Chapter Text

Juleka had asked Chloe to come over to her boat-house that weekend to help around with their practice. At first, she wanted to come up with any kind of logical excuse to not bump into Luka, but when Marinette texted her that she’d be coming too, she confirmed with Juleka that she would come.

Immediate regret.

Because the rain started pouring. And so the practice was cancelled.
And Marinette couldn’t reach them because her mother wouldn’t let her out of the house.

Anarka had invited everyone into the cozy cabin of the boat, the warm yellow lights flickering against the wood-panelled walls, giving the space a soft, rustic glow. Nino and Alya were already opening a new card game, betting on who would pay for their next lunch.

Juleka was helping her mother with the drinks, leaving Rose to chat away with Ivan and Mylene. Chloe settled on the couch, glancing around for a certain someone. When she was sure he wasn’t there, she finally relaxed, unaware she’d been so tense.

“Help yourself to some drinks, guys.” Juleka muttered under her breath, almost inaudible for the rest of them. Taking two glasses, she sat beside Chloe and passed a glass to her.

“My brother’s not here. He’s collecting our new equipment for the band.”

Chloe blinked, her hands wrapping awkwardly around the glass. “What? No… I wasn’t looking for him.” She looked away, sipping her drink.

“…Sure.” Juleka trailed, as Rose walked over to sit next to her. “Definitely not.”

“When did you two get so close?” Rose asked, her tone more a tease than normal, followed by an eager nod from Juleka who was obviously feigning innocence.

“What are you guys talking about?” Chloe tried to laugh it off, slapping her own knees out of ridicule. “We’re definitely not close.”

Her cheeks were getting red though she genuinely didn’t want it to. Her last conversation with Luka was not a memory she’d like to recall at that moment. He had come to save her from Kim and all she did was storm off without even thanking him.

“It’s funny you know. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him involve himself like that.” Juleka added, swirling the drink in her hand.

“Well then tell him—” Chloe whipped her head to face Juleka. “—Wait, does he tell you every single detail of his life?”

Juleka pressed her lips together before glancing at Rose. She set her drink on the table and crossed her legs on the couch, getting comfortable.

“I’m sorry you had to find out this way.” She started, making Chloe shift uncomfortably beside her. “But we saw everything, girl. Luka picked us up from school and he saw you and well you know the rest.”

Chloe shut her eyes, as if imagining death could bring it closer to her. Her face was redder than before, not out of fluster but out of sheer embarrassment. “Just kill me, Juleka.”

“I think you’re already dead.” She said candidly, patting Chloe’s back.

The rain finally stopped, giving everyone their cue to go home. Chloe was the only one left, being her fault for not notifying her driver earlier as she slipped on her coat and waited outside.

“You sure you don’t want us to send you home?” Sabrina called out, being the last one to leave before her. Chloe only shook her head and gave her a smile as the car drove away.

Her heels made soft clicks against the wet pavement as she moved to sit on the steps by the boathouse. The smell of damp wood, sea salt, and something vaguely metallic lingered in the air. She rested her chin in her palms, trying not to feel too sorry for herself.

“Forgot to call your driver again?”

Chloe jumped, throwing her purse in reflex. Luka caught it against his chest, wincing just a little as the strap hit his arm.

“Oh my god, I am so sorry.” She apologised, clasping her hands together. “But you really need to stop doing that. What if I was carrying something heavy?” She grabbed her purse back, checking if anything fell out.

He raised his arms in defense, letting out a low chuckle. “That was my fault.” Then, he turned to face her. “But you do look like you’re carrying something heavy already.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Her tone was unamused.

Luka didn’t answer right away. Instead, he glanced towards the wet pavement, the last of the rain dripping from the edge of the awning above them. When he looked back at her, his voice was quieter.

“I mean… sometimes the heaviest things aren’t what you carry in your hands.”

Chloe was silent beside him, not wanting to address anything. She wanted to strangle herself for not calling in her driver earlier. Anything else would be better than having this conversation. Luka didn’t say anything else for a while, letting the breeze around them do the talking for once.

“I know you don’t want to talk—”

“Then why are you still talking?” Chloe snapped, her eyes glassy and filled with anger. “Am I so pathetic in your eyes that you feel this need to fix me?” Her voice cracked at the end, but she held his gaze like a challenge.

“You don’t know me, Luka.” Her voice was tight, desperate to hold on to what’s left of her composure.

Luka took a step closer towards her, his eyes searched for hers, unwavering and open.
“Then tell me who you are, Chloe.”

There was no judgment in his tone. His voice was warm and inviting, the same voice she remembered the first time they met.
A voice that could help her fight any problem she was facing.

Chloe’s breath hitched. Her knuckles turned white as she clenched her fists.
Then,
 a single tear left her eye.
And silence filled the air.

A sudden honk shattered the moment, cutting through the silence like a slap. Chloe blinked, hastily wiping her tears as she lowered her head. Luka looked like he still had something to say, but she didn’t give him the chance. Her steps were quicker this time. She slipped into the car and shut the door behind her — leaving him behind without a word.

Chapter Text

The next few days came by quick. There wasn’t much drama that would make her head hurt and she was more than thankful for that. Chloe wanted to tell Marinette about Luka again but with everything that happened, opening up about him might make her physically ache.

She distracted herself by actually focusing in class, helping Nathaniel on the banner preparations for the annual community festival and helped her father with another dinner he liked to organise for stars from all over the world.

Every time she was reminded of this dinner, she always thought it unnecessary knowing their main goal is literally the festival. So why should they come early when the festival is only one day?

“Rich people.” Adrien once said, earning a lazy look from Chloe.

“We are rich people.”

“Rich-er people.”

Chloe’s eyes were bloodshot red looking like she cried blood herself as Adrien casually let himself in her room. She took a glance at the blonde with an eyebrow raised, ready to throw a pillow at him. No one was supposed to know that she cried to Paddington.

He was focused on his phone, laughing at what Chloe assumes is one of Nino’s memes. When he lifted his gaze to her, his smile immediately faltered.

“Shit, were you crying?”

Chloe rolled her eyes and covered herself with a blanket, uninterested in conversation. Knowing that did not stop the model, he sat on the edge of her bed, pulling the blanket forcefully.

“Oh my god, get out of my room.”

“I can’t, it’s too loud outside.”

She groaned, looking up at the ceiling. The dinner was tonight and she still wasn’t ready. Whatever excuse you tell her, she still wouldn’t understand why every famous person was so intrigued with a small school festival.

Everyone but her.

Thank god.

Chloe was just about to come up with another snarky remark but when she turned to face Adrien again, he was already laughing back at his phone.

Idiot.

Chloe pulled her knees close to her, letting the quiet settle between them. She contemplated on whether to ask him something, but the curiosity in her head was playing another dramatic soundtrack so she had to ask.

“Have you ever met Audrey?”

Adrien hummed in response, eyes still glued to his phone. “Your mom? …A few times when we were kids. But I don’t know, I never really liked her.”

Chloe’s eyes perked up as she let out a chuckle. “Why?”

Adrien stared at nothing, pondering on the question before shrugging. “She never seemed to like kids.”

“Really?”

“Isn’t she your mom? Why are you asking me?” He said, whipping his head to look at her before realising. “Wait, did you cry because of her?”

“What?” Chloe scoffed, a little offended. “Of course not—”

BUZZ.

Adrien’s phone buzzed, breaking their conversation. His shoulder dropped as his lips flattened into a line, already expecting the call.

“I hope you can get through whatever you have to get through. But now I, have to go and pretend I’m so excited to meet everyone.”

“Bye, Adrien.”

He gave her a sideways glance, hands already reaching for the door.

“Love you, Chloe. You better get ready soon before I drag your ass down myself.”

Chloe stuck out her tongue and re-covered herself with her blanket as he heard Adrien close the door behind him. She would do anything not to join them downstairs. It was one of those times where she couldn’t roam around the hotel freely without recognising others, or rather, people recognising her.

But just like every year, Chloe would meet her quota of meeting a few people before making an excuse and running away mid-party.

The dinner party was in full swing with glasses clinking, soft jazz filling the space, and conversations blooming under the warm golden lights. Chloe moved through the crowd with practiced grace, her smile flawless, her posture perfect.

 A few VIPs nodded in her direction as she greeted each one with just enough charm to leave a good impression but not enough to linger. Compliments came her way, a couple of backhanded ones too, but she handled them all like a true host, unbothered and radiant.

She had just finished exchanging pleasantries with a city councilman when a voice piped up beside her.

“Chloe!” A girl exclaimed, taking Chloe’s hands in hers. She was about a year or two younger than her, the tips of her hair dyed pink, wearing a satin pink dress that kissed her heels nicely. “I’m so excited to finally meet you!”

Chloe, being the professional she is, greeted her with the same energy, returning her handshake. “I don’t think we’ve ever met, what’s your name?”

The girl leaned in to whisper, in which Chloe complied hesitantly. “Zoe.” She glanced around the hall before continuing. “I can sense you’re already bored. Wanna run?”

That earned an intrigued look from Chloe, slowly nodding. With another quick glance, they both slipped through the crowd, looking unbelievably suspiscious as they eyed everyone going the opposite direction. When a lady raised her hand to call out to Chloe, Zoe pulled her hand as they slipped out, hand in hand.

Both of them laughed at their successful plan, the night being way more fun than what she planned.

“That was so mean, though.” Chloe muttered, but the smile on her face says otherwise.

Zoe crossed her arms, leaning against the wall. “Sometimes, mean is fine.”

Chloe let out a playful scoff. “You say that like it’s a good thing.”

“Well, at least I’m being honest to myself. It’s what my mother always told me.”

That made Chloe pause, thinking about her reply before she smiled, nodding.

The rest of the evening was filled with unexpected laughter with the two girls slipping through staff corridors, stealing macarons off abandoned trays, and even snapping blurry selfies in the garden’s fairy-lit archways. It was silly and childish and freeing in a way Chloe hadn’t let herself feel in years.

They were catching their breath by the side hallway when Chloe took a step back—right into someone.

“Oh, I’m sor—” Her words caught in her throat as she turned.

Standing there, impeccably dressed and utterly unimpressed, was her mother. Her eyes swept over the scene with a sharp chill that immediately drained the colour from Chloe’s face.

Her mother.

“Oh Cleo, I’ve been searching for you everywhere.” Without another word, Audrey pulled her into a hug, causing everyone around them to suddenly applaud for them affectionately. Her arms stiffened at her side, eyes still wide in horror. When Audrey pulled back, she noticed Zoe beside them and if all this wasn’t shocking enough, she caressed the girl’s cheek… almost… lovingly?

“Zoe, meet your sister Cleo.”

“Oh I already have, she’s the sweetest!” Zoe exclaimed, tugging her sides. Although now, Chloe didn’t feel free or fun or any of those things. She wanted to recoil and run away. Everything was dumped on her without warning and her mind was going blank.

Chloe didn’t even know if it was possible but the ringing in her ear got louder, as if mocking every decision she’s ever made as the other guests swarmed her space to congratulate the reunion.

In the crowd, she searched around her, looking for another pair of eyes.

Another round of applause filled the noisy hall as he walked in, breaking the crowd in disordered enjoyment.

“The happy family finally reunited once more!” Someone shouted, making Chloe turn to the entrance of the hall.

Reunited?

“Wait, what does that mean?” She asked the gentlemen beside her, trying to hold in her panic.

Audrey interrupted from behind her, causing a jolt of discomfort in her body. “Oh, silly girl, we’re moving back here!”

Chloe wanted to die. “What?”

“Of course, everything isn’t certain just yet. We still have our stuff everywhere in New York and oh Zoe could also join you at school…” Her voice faded as she turned back to the person at the entrance.

Her dad.

Chloe’s face was a desperate plea of ‘Please tell me this is all a lie’.

Her heart stopped beating there and then as her father slowly lowered his head, as if the weight of her question was too heavy to meet her eyes. Afraid. Ashamed. Silent.

She wanted to scream.
She wanted to shout at the stranger called her mom.

And she wanted to cry.
But she couldn’t. So she only left.

“I need to go.”

Chapter Text

At first, there was running. Lots and lots and lots of running. And then finally the running stopped.

Chapter Text

The sky was angry above her.

Or maybe it too was filled with the bitterness of the world. Maybe tonight, it too wanted to let it all out. Like it couldn’t hold it in anymore, spilling every ache it had carried in silence.

Chloe wanted to do that too.  She wanted to rip out the pain from her chest with her bare hands. She wanted to stab her heart, again and again, if it meant she could finally breathe.

But all she could do was drench herself in the tears of the above. Her dress was soaked, her hair a mess and her arms hung limp on her sides. And here she was. Of all places.

The door in front of her creaked open, and there he stood, half-shadowed by the dim light behind him.

“Chloe?” he said her name like a whisper, like saying it louder might shatter her.

Her lips parted, but no sound came out. Her throat was raw, her chest hollow from everything she couldn’t hold in. Rainwater slipped from her chin, mixing with the tears that hadn’t stopped since she left home. She lowered her head, embarrassed by the situation.

She looked nothing like the girl who always had the last word. She looked scared, and hurt and all the things she always tried to avoid.

“I didn’t know where else to go,” she finally breathed, her voice fragile and cracked open.

And then her knees buckled.

But he caught her. Like he always would.

Luka handed her a towel and a fresh set of clothes but by the size of it, she could tell it was his. Chloe was just about to tell him that she probably has the same size as Juleka when he interrupted her thoughts.

“Juleka’s at Rose so she locked her door. That’s all you get.”

She stayed still for a while, thinking if it was a good idea to argue with the person who just saved you from the rain. Chloe eyed the clothes and without another word, she went to the bathroom to change.

Chloe emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later, her hands still clutching the towel to dry her damp hair. She immediately caught Luka’s eyes, looking at her for a second too long before clearing his throat and dropping his gaze.

“You can have the bed. I can sleep on the couch.”

She didn’t answer. Her eyes flicked to the bed, then to him as he walked across the room, grabbing a blanket from the shelf before leaving her alone. She wanted to argue again, but no words seemed to come out of her mouth. She stood there in the door-way, still unsure of what she should do.

But then Luka pulled the blanket over himself, and she took it as an end of a conversation.

“YOU DARE TRY ME?” The voice yelled at her, pulling her by the wrist, a scene she’s been through a thousand times. And just like always, the dark room came into view.

Her yellow teddy bear was clutched tight in her hands as the voice threw her in as if more damage to her fragile body made the voice even more delighted.

“Do you want me to remind you what happens to little girls who don’t listen?”

She shook her head desperately. But it wasn’t enough.

The voice’s hand got close to her cheek, caressing it softly. And her hand was so close. It was too close. So she bit the voice’s hands as she ran out of the room.

“YOU LITTLE SCUM!” The voice ran after her.

“CHLOE BOURGEOIS, GET BACK HERE.”

She was fast, but the voice was faster.

“Got you.”

Chloe jolted upright, a choked breath ripping from her throat. Her heart thundered in her chest like it was trying to escape.

“Chloe.” Luka called her, his voice was quick and even as his hand slid to her back. “It’s okay, I’m right here.”

There was another ringing in her ear as she gripped the sheets tightly. Her other hand grabbing onto her chest to control her shaky breathing.

“It’s fine, Chloe. It was just a dream.”

But she wasn’t listening to him. Her eyes were locked ahead, wide and unfocused as her breath came in sharp bursts, chest heaving.

Luka reached for her arm and sat on the bed to search for her gaze. “Can you look at me?” He murmured, his voice was steady and safe.

There was hesitation, but slowly, her gaze dragged toward his. The moment their eyes met, something in her cracked again. A sob slipped out before she could catch it.

Luka didn’t hesitate this time. He reached out and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in without waiting for permission. And Chloe, too tired, too scared, only let him.

Her fingers twisted into the fabric of his shirt like it was the only solid thing she had left.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

She woke up to the sounds of the quiet rhythm of water meeting the side of the boathouse and for a second, she forgot where she was. Her mind was blank and her body was drained. All she knew at the moment was that she didn’t want to go home.

The sound of dishes clinking caught her off guard. Chloe stood up from the bed, walking slowly towards the door as if someone would find her and drag her back to the hotel if she was being loud.

“You’re up.” Luka remarked, voice gentle as to not startle her.

Chloe was still standing by the door, heat was slowly rising to her cheeks as she took sight of the guy in the kitchen. Luka was stirring his coffee, she assumed, with his sleeves rolled up looking like a fictional boy from one of those romance books Marinette always pestered her with.

“I made breakfast.” He added, gesturing Chloe to the empty seat by the counter. Chloe hesitated but his eyes didn’t leave hers so she finally walked over. She sat down as Luka slid another mug towards her. “Chamomile and blueberry waffles by yours truly.”

At the mention of blueberry waffles, Chloe’s eyes perked up just a little. It was her favourite but he couldn’t have known. Chloe finally lifted her head to look at him, offering a small smile before taking the first bite.

It was warm and sweet and everything she needed at the moment. Her teeth paused mid-chew as something heavy settled in her chest.

A tear slipped down before she could stop it.

She blinked quickly, trying to pretend it was nothing. But another tear fell and she just couldn’t stop it. Chloe sniffled, lowering her head.

Luka froze, immediately panicking. “Wait why? Is the waffle burnt?” He walked over to Chloe, crouching down to be at her eye-level. “Do you not like blueberry? I can make another one—”

“I’m sorry.” She mumbled, her voice was breathy as her hands flew to her cheeks to stop her tears.

Luka paused, the worry in his expression softening the moment he saw the way her shoulders trembled.

He didn’t say anything right away. Instead, he reached up gently and pulled her hands away from her face, his touch careful, like she might break.

“You don’t need to apologise, Chloe.” His voice was quieter as he spoke. “It’s okay to cry.”

Chloe’s eyes fluttered shut, a shaky breath escaping her. She didn’t have the words—not for the ache in her chest, not for the way his kindness made her feel like she was melting from the inside out.

Luka stayed crouch beside her until her sobs slowed down. Then, he tilted his head with a glint of tease as he brought the corner of his lips to a slight smirk.

“…Are my waffles really that good?”

Chloe let out a breath of laughter, caught off guard by his question.

“Were they supposed to be delicious?” She said, her hands flying back to her face to hide her expression.

His smile faltered immediately, searching her eyes again. “What does that mean…?” She looked away. “Chloe, what does that mean?”

Chloe stayed silent, avoiding his gaze with a smile that crinkled the corner of her eyes as he stood up, feeling betrayed. “Did you just insult my waffles?”

That was when Chloe finally laughed.

Once she was better, she continued to enjoy her breakfast, taking another bite. Her tears had stopped, but her eyes were still a little red. Luka leaned on the counter, watching her.

“You know school started, like, two hours ago?”

Chloe clicked her tongue, dropping the fork. “Can you just let me eat?”

Luka grinned wider, clearly satisfied.

Chapter Text

Chloe came to school the next day, not wanting to miss the preparations for the festival tomorrow night. It was another story of persuading Luka to send her back to the hotel that night, insisting that she was able to avoid whoever she was avoiding.

Chloe had yet to tell him the full story but she could assume that he might already put two and two together from the first time he’d seen her at the coffee shop and the latest nightmare incident in his own house.

Luckily, Chloe left his house just before she got caught by Juleka. Not only that, but she also knew that mornings were of grand shopping time for her mother, giving her enough space to leave her mother’s line of sight for the rest of the day.

“What’s your booth about?” Chloe asked, a clipboard in her hand.

Adrien was her partner for the day and they were in charge of the booths. It was always an easy task for Chloe since she’s also been learning about the managements of the hotel little by little. They stopped by a booth specifically set up for students from another school, checking to see if the outlets they’d be using were working.

“I wish I could join but I have a photoshoot tomorrow.” Adrien grimaced, taping the last number to the booth table for identification.

Chloe glanced sideways, staring at nothing. “Is it my mom’s?”

Adrien nodded, checking off one of their to-do lists. Chloe walked over to another booth, pretending to not care. “Well, you’re not missing out on anything. This festival’s just a low-budget circus. I could host a better party than this.”

“Not the mayor’s daughter for nothing.”

PANG!

A sound echoed the hallways, jerking both of them backwards. Not just them but everyone had their eyes set on Marinette walking out of the storage room. They glanced at one another before quickly catching up to her.

Adrien was about to call out to her when she opened the door to an empty classroom, causing Chloe to cover his mouth forcefully.

He pulled her hands off, confusion all over his face. “What was that for?” He hissed, eyes wide.

Chloe ignored him at first, setting off a timer before facing him. “She doesn’t like crying in front of people. Just let her get it all out first.” She explained, earning a hesitant nod from Adrien.

Before Chloe was enrolled into Francoise Dupont, she was initially set to move to New York with her mother, preventing her from going to school earlier.

The decision was suddenly changed at the last second with Andre begging her to let Chloe live in Paris. She never knew the reason back then but she could tell what it was now.

When she finally got a chance at school, Chloe noticed Kim was always picking on students and that included Marinette. She wanted to ignore her at first, thinking that drama would always lead to bad endings.

But one day when she caught Marinette sobbing alone in the gym locker room, her guilt overwhelmed her. If she didn’t try to stop Kim, then she was no better than him. And she never wanted to associate herself with someone like that.

Mrs Mendeleiev gave the students permission to leave early as the preparation were more than halfway done. If anything, they could always continue tomorrow morning before the festival started.

Though, at the moment, she’d contemplated on finishing everything herself as long as she didn’t need to go home. Chloe had made an appointment with her cosmetologist earlier but since the world was so set on seeing her miserable, even that was cancelled.

So she decided to face her fear.

Horror movies.

              Are you free…? – C

              ? – L

“You wanted to watch a horror movie…” Luka started, glancing sideways to the blonde beside him clutching a box of popcorn, smiling innocently. “…and you were scared to watch it alone?”

“I’m not scared. I accidentally bought an extra ticket.” She countered, already walking towards the cinema hall.

“And you thought of giving it to me?”

Chloe paused, clearing her throat. “Uhh no, I already asked Marinette but she was busy.”

A lie.

“Sure, princess.” Luka grinned, taking away the popcorn box from her. “Anyways, you know I won’t judge if you do admit you’re scared, right?”

“I’m not scared.”

Chloe, in fact, was scared. And she screamed the whole movie.

“Almost.” She corrected, storming out of the hall.

“Mhm, I believe you.”

“No because why would you willingly stay in a house where you know someone died there? They’re doing it to themselves.”

Luka laughed, secretly agreeing to her thoughts. “Well, maybe because—”

“Chloe!” Someone called, although her familiar voice only made Chloe want to run instead of turn her head. She braced herself and turned anyway, not wanting to cause a scene.

“I didn’t expect to see you here! What movie are you watching?” Her voice was shrill, or maybe it was because Chloe just couldn’t stand her.

“We’re actually just about to leave.” Chloe retorted quickly, pulling Luka away with her. “But enjoy the movie!”

But before she left, Zoe tugged on her wrist, a little too tight for her liking. “Chloe, wait.” Her expression was unreadable as she lowered her head. “I’m really sorry for not telling you earlier… about … everything. But I swear I didn’t mean to hurt you or anything. I always wanted a sister.”

Chloe was frozen for a while as she observed the girl in front of her.
Zoe was just a little younger than her. And as she glanced at her desperate fingers curling onto her coat, she didn’t see anyone dangerous. She just saw another girl from a broken family, stumbling through an aftermath just like her.

Chloe pulled away from her grip, not harsh, just firm. “I don’t know what you expected from me. But everything’s happening too fast.”

Zoe’s face fell, but she still nodded.

“I’m not angry at you, Zoe.” Chloe added, her voice was quiet and for a second, she was surprised as she realised, she actually meant it. “Just, give me some time.”

The girl lifted her face again, a little hopeful before offering a soft smile.

Chloe returned her smile, before turning her heel towards the door.

They had been driving for several minutes, the hum of the road filling the silence between them. Chloe sat curled in the passenger seat, arms crossed loosely, eyes fixed out the window. Her reflection in the glass looked calmer than she felt.

The silence stretched.

Finally, she spoke. “Are you not going to ask any questions?”

Luka kept his eyes on the road, his grip on the steering wheel steady. He shook his head in response, curling the side of his mouth a little for Chloe to notice. “You’ll tell me about it when you want to.”

She let out a thoughtful hum, as if she was the one about to ask a question. Luka noticed her staring, raising an eyebrow.

“Okay, so I’ll ask then.”

“Ask away.”

Chloe leaned back against the car seat, a finger tapping her chin mischievously before whipping her head to face him once again. “Why do you put up with me?”

“Because I like you.”

Her cheeks burned as if the heat had punched through her skin. Her eyes widened as the words sank in. “I DIDN’T MEAN— YOU— THAT’S NOT—”

Luka only shrugged as he hit the brakes, already arriving at the hotel.

“It’s not my fault. You asked.”

Chloe opened her mouth, only to close them again, words stuck in her throat.

Chapter Text

The festival looked vibrant with all the colourful booths trying to attract customers. The students were all busy with their own respective tasks so they didn’t really have time to enjoy the festival themselves.

Chloe was in charge of the guests, leaving her little to no room for rest since Adrien Agreste, the only child of Gabriel Agreste, the model, the golden blonde boy was too busy attending a photoshoot at the Eiffel Tower.

It was considerably one of the easiest jobs she could’ve gotten over anything else even if it was tiring. Greeting people with a smile would always make her feel better every time it was returned, and it was something she’d learned to do at the hotel too.

Overall, the festival was going great.

Before she arrived.

Chloe sighed, bracing herself.

“Oh, Cleo, dear, how delightful of you to wait for me by the door. Come, show me around your… school.” Audrey blurted, although the word ‘school’ felt like she’d rather visit the sewers instead of some wretched festival.

Chloe’s hands clenched into fists though it didn’t hold any force. Who the hell was Cleo anyway? Another daughter hidden somewhere in space? She lifted her gaze to look at her mother with the same smile she greeted with others.

“I’m sorry, mom but I can’t escort you around. I’m currently on duty.” She took a step back, giving her mother room to enter, not wanting to keep the conversation going.

Her mother eyed her once before letting out a loud cackle that shocked those nearby. Chloe’s discomfort was starting to show as the edge of her eyes twitched in annoyance.

“Nonsense, let the others do the work. What use is being rich if you still need to work yourself, am I right?” She let out another laugh, almost to Chloe but seeing as she wasn’t fazed, Audrey quickly cleared her throat, way of others’ opinion of her.

Chloe found out about this weakness years ago. Her mother would never act insolently in public.  But because of this weakness, coming out and mentioning abuse blatantly would only backfire, knowing the public would only doubt her claims saying her reputation exceeds her.

Are you sure, little girl?

There’s no way she’s done all that.

Where’s your proof?

Because she’s done it before.

“I’m sorry mom, but you’re gonna have to enjoy the festival alone.” Chloe muttered, her voice firm. “Maybe next time.”

Chloe noticed the slight agitation in her expression as her fists clenched at her side but it was only for a few seconds before she smiled sweetly and walked away. There was a lingering feeling to it but all Chloe could do was continue her job as guests swarmed the entrance.

The festival ended fairly well, considering no one raised their voice at a customer and Chloe didn’t raise her voice at a kid. Rose had kindly taken over her job for the last two hours giving her plenty of time to check out the festival with Marinette.

When the festival ended, Chloe was one of the few students who were given permission to leave school early as she and others had most of the day shift handled. Once she saw her driver parked outside, she immediately got in.

Without noticing there was someone else.

Chloe wanted to ignore her but her presence itself was making her blood boil.

“Cleo—”

“It’s Chloe.” She corrected, head already turning towards the window. Her voice was neither angry nor belittling but she could tell Audrey was uncomfortable from the silence that lingered.

It was unfair.
It was unfair to her.
Her mother had no right to be uncomfortable.

 Audrey called her out once again.

“Chloe…” Her voice was low this time. “I know we have history but that’s all in the past, dear.”

Chloe shut her eyes, not wanting to believe anything that comes out from that woman’s mouth. Only when a pair of hands grabbed hers did her eyes widen in shock.

“Please, forgive me, Chloe.”

Her eyes trembled, caught between disbelief and a fear too fragile to name. She must be dreaming. If it wasn’t for them being in a car, Chloe wouldn’t even hesitate to pull her hand back. Only this was not a situation she was expecting.

But it wasn’t long before they reached the hotel, and Chloe wasted no time to get out of the stuffy car. She wanted to walk away. But just as always, her mother was faster. She tugged her arm once again, tighter this time—

“YOU LITTLE SHIT”
She blinked hard, dragging herself back to the present. That wasn’t what was happening but she couldn’t see Audrey as someone else. Even as the phrase ‘I’m sorry’ left her mouth, all Chloe heard was the racking and the forceful hitting that filled her entire childhood.

And all she could see was the dark room.

“Please…” Chloe started, though her voice was breaking. “…If you’re really sorry, just let me go.”

Audrey’s face was unreadable, but eventually she let her hand go. Chloe clenched her fists and turned her heel, not looking back.

She forcefully dragged her feet back to her room, only a glimpse of a distant memory enough to drain her entire body.

Chloe wanted to cry.

But her bed caught her first, the soft pillows feeling like hard rocks instead, drifting her away.

And again, Chloe just couldn’t cry.

She was panting.
She was running.
She was crying.

She was finally successful in running away from the voice. She panted.

The voice was still going to find her soon if she didn’t hide.

Her eyes were getting blurry and her mind was clouded.
She was scared.

It wouldn’t be long before the voice found her, she knew that.
She knew she’d never escape the voice—

“CHLOE, WHERE ARE YOU?”

She quickly hid behind a couch.
And it was the first time she wasn’t caught.

A tear slipped through her eye.

Chloe’s hands flew to her head. It wasn’t ringing like it always was yet it still felt heavy. She looked around the room and only then realised she hadn’t changed her clothes yet.

Chloe reached for her phone.

3:22 AM

She sighed, bringing a hand down her face. Chloe tried sleeping again but it was already no use. She walked out of the room hoping to get some fresh air.

Once she stepped outside, a breeze flew through her, bringing chills all over her body. Her room was located on the highest floor of the hotel, only accessible through another elevator that the other guests aren’t aware of. There were three rooms on that same floor; hers, her butler’s room and her parents’ old room.

Ever since Audrey left them both six years ago, the room had become vacant for so long as Chloe’s father, the mayor, decided on a whim to buy a smaller house that was near his office. Chloe had no say in it then and she had no say in it now, where Audrey had taken that bedroom back like nothing happened.

Her steps followed the sharp breeze, seemingly drawn to the balcony.

She saw the door open and contemplated on going back to her room, not wanting to interact if it was her mother outside. Her pace quickened but not enough for a voice to notice her.

“Chloe?”

Chapter Text

Zoe was sitting with her knees close to her chest, staring up at the moon as Chloe carefully sat next to her. The girl always looked happy whenever Chloe saw her, but that day at the movies made her realise that she wasn’t the only one hiding away her feelings.

“Can’t sleep?”

Zoe was silent for a while, unmoving. But it was only a second before she straightened herself and turned to look at her, smiling softly.

“Nope, sometimes I just like waking up in the middle of the night to look at the sky.”

“That’s so weird.”

Zoe laughed in response, slowly turning the dead night into something more alive. Silence followed moments later, but it wasn’t uncomfortable or tense. Just two girls, who apparently were actually sisters, staring out into the open night of Paris.

“It’s so quiet here at night, totally different from where I was from.”

Chloe let out a breath, taking in the 'quiet'. “What’s New York like?”

Zoe looked at everything and nothing all at once, taking in the view in front of her.

“Loud. There was noise everywhere.” She whispered just enough for Chloe to hear. “But it was also very lonely. My father wasn’t really home much so I could do whatever I wanted at home.”

“What was your father like?”

Zoe shook her head slightly, as she leaned back against her hands. “I don’t know him that much. I mean, I guess he was in my life… but as soon as I acknowledged that, he was already gone.”

Chloe lowered her gaze, a little regretful of her question. “Sorry.”

Zoe noticed the slight shift in her tone and immediately waved her hands frantically. “Oh, don’t be. It was years ago anyway.”

“My mother—” Zoe stopped, her brows knitted together to piece her confusion. “Our… mother? Whatever. She raised me after my dad passed and that was basically it. Years passed but the loneliness never really left me, you know?”

Listening to Zoe talk about Audrey like that gave an unsettling feeling in her. The word ‘raised’ didn’t quite sound like her mother. But it didn’t seem like Zoe was scared of any version of her to tell the story differently.

Maybe her mother did raise her well.
Maybe Zoe was kind and bubbly because of that.
And maybe her mother did change.

But that only made her feel worse.

Because that meant she was never worth changing for.

“I want to throw a party.”

Marinette raised her brow as the blonde plopped into the seat in front of her, leaning back with her hands crossed.

“All of a sudden?” Marinette retorted, narrowing her eyes as if she could smell the ulterior motive.

It wasn’t actually all of a sudden, though. There were many reasons and one of them included her rage towards her mother. One could look at her and think she was crazy for throwing a party because of that.

But it was really simple. She spent that whole night caressing her clean body. And it took her years of long-sleeves and haunting nightmares to free herself from all those bruises, though mentally, she was still recovering.

But maybe with this party, she could tell herself everything would be better. Not just for her, but for everyone else too. It could be a less lonely start for Zoe, a new start for her and her mother even if a huge part of her didn’t want to forgive her just yet and to soothe Paris, a party for Mister Bug and Lady Noire. In honour of always being there for Paris.

“I really think we need the break, you know?”

Marinette looked away for a while as if contemplating her idea. Chloe was scared her own best friend would be against it but what was so wrong about a little party?

“Can I help with anything?”

Chloe smiled, nodding aggressively. “Even if you didn’t ask, I already have a whole list of pastries for the bakery.” She cocked her eyebrows smugly, earning an eye roll.

“Anyways, make yourself at home like you always do because…” Her voice trailed as she stood up to walk to her closet. “…I have plans with the party planner.”

“Oh my god, can you at least slow down.” Marinette groaned though it held no spite. “What’s the dress code? Retro? School uniforms?”

“School Uniforms? Ew, no way. What are you? Kindergarten?”

Marinette rolled her eyes. “Save some sass for the rest of us.”

Chloe only stuck her tongue out in response before leaving to change her clothes. She was feeling optimistic about this party. She knew it could not only distract her from things but if things fell into place, she might come to remember it for years to come.

Her hands reached for her phone and without hesitation, she called him.

Luka answered on the second ring.

“Hello, princess.”

She hated how it was so easy for him to get to her. Chloe cleared her throat immediately, wanting to invite Kitty Section to play at her party. It may not be her cup of tea, but others definitely would want to see them and anything that brings success to her impromptu event would make her happy.

 It was honestly be easier to call Juleka or Rose instead but a part of her wanted to talk to him again. It had only been two days since he ultimately confessed if that was what actually happened, but Chloe already missed seeing him. And she would admit that.

“Are you free this Saturday?” Chloe asked, yet as the words slipped out, she could vividly see his expression turning into a vile smirk that would definitely make her heart pump fast.

“Are you asking me out?”

And there it was.

“Haha sorry, no.” She said casually, ignoring her burning cheeks. “I’m hosting a party, and I think it would be amazing if Kitty Section could play….? But it’s totally fine if you guys aren’t free or whatever—”

“Sure.”

Chloe whipped her head to the side, excitement bubbling up inside her. “REALLY? CAN YOU— I mean, are you sure sure?”

Luka let out a soft laugh from the other end. “I’m sure sure, Chloe.”

She let out a breath of relief. “Thank you so much, I can’t wait to see you.” Chloe pulled away from her phone just before realising what she had said. Her eyes grew wide. “I MEANT UM TO SEE YOU GUYS PLAY HAHA BYE.”

She facepalmed herself and hung up the phone.

“You can put it over there, thank you.”

Chloe was busy the night before the party, convinced that if she didn’t see everything through herself, it wouldn’t be perfect.

She was opening the party to anyone who could attend and so she chose the biggest hall the hotel has to offer. The hall was set beautifully in gold and white, with roses surprising you in every crevice you could find. The stage was already decorated, save for the instrument set up that was supposed to happen—

“You’re a busy woman.”

—now.

Chloe turned around to face Luka, who unexpectedly was in a crisp blue linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbow.

“Nice of you to drop by. You told me someone else was handling the equipment.”

Luka gave her a teasing smile, his eyes not leaving hers. “I didn’t say the someone else would handle it alone.”

Chloe rolled her eyes, tired of his theatrics. Even if she secretly enjoyed his humour, it was annoying having to predict his every move and still not be able to catch up to it. She walked towards the stage, trying to go through every detail with Luka on when they should perform when her phone started ringing.

“Sorry, one second.”

There was only a moment of quiet listening before her eyebrows furrowed, and she was tense again. Luka caught her shift but only waited patiently as he observed her.

“What? You must be mistaken, sir. There must be— Yes, I understand what you’re saying—” Her  hand flew to her forehead, trying to keep her composure. Luka straightened himself and tilted his head as if to ask her what was wrong. “—yes, I can come right now.”

Chloe shut her eyes, her hand falling to her side in despair.

“Is everything okay?”

Chloe forcefully lifted her head to look at him as she let out a heavy breath. She wanted to throw a tantrum. She wanted to gouge her own eyes out. But she was too tired to even curse as she spoke. “Can you drive me to the police station? Zoe’s in trouble.”

Chapter Text

Chloe rushed inside to find her sister. When she found Zoe, she was hugging her knees in the corner of a cell. Even as she searched for her eyes, Zoe never bothered to look at her. Or maybe she was scared. Because that would mean the police had been right and she did just steal a bag.

Chloe settled everything that was needed and bailed her out.

“What were you thinking, Zoe?” Chloe yelled, darting towards Luka’s car. “I may not know who you were back in New York, but stealing? Come on. I thought you were better than that.”

Zoe was only silent, her head lowered the same as in the station. Chloe opened the car door for her and she got in without question, making her even more annoyed.

They reached the hotel and just as Zoe was when she came, she was quick to enter the hotel and not indulge in conversation. Even as Chloe called out to her, she only started running, earning a loud groan from Chloe.

Luka appeared next to her seconds later but when Chloe turned to look at him, his face was calm and he was offering her a warm smile. It always made her stomach turn inside knowing she melted every single time.

“Walk with me?”

Chloe gave him a suspicious look but she, of all people, knew that his charm was already working as she turned her heel towards the pavement.

“How’s life having a sister?” Luka asked teasingly.

Chloe scoffed, her hands clenching in her coat pocket. “Too soon, Luka.”

“No, I think you’re doing pretty well.” He nudged her slightly on the elbow. “You have that older-sister vibe,”

“Did you just call me old?”

“I called you responsible.”

She almost recoiled at the word, a hundred percent sure she was forced to pick up Zoe. “You’re making me sound nice. All I did was yelled at her.”

“That’s not all you did,” Luka said, his tone easy but steady. “You showed up for her. That counts for more than you think.”

Chloé’s brow furrowed. “Yeah, well… she didn’t exactly give me a choice.”

“Maybe not,” he agreed, “but you could’ve passed her to someone else and walked away.”

She opened her mouth, then shut it again, not having a snappy comeback anymore. They had only started walking for a while but the weather was nice enough to make her walk forever. Not to mention the handsome guy by her side, who, as she recalled almost every single second of the day, had nonchalantly confessed to her.

“I have a question.” She started, halting in her tracks.

Luka followed suit as he looked at her curiously, nodding once for her to continue.

“Have you ever been angry before?”

The question made him raise both his brows, obviously taken aback by it. “Angry?”

Chloe nodded. “Yeah, I mean you look like someone who would still smile if someone threw a chair at you. I want to know what that’s like.”

Luka stifled in a laugh, trying to hide his teeth before continuing his walk until they found a bench. Chloe was annoyed by his behaviour but couldn’t stop herself from following him.

He leaned back against the bench before turning his head to face her. Chloe was internally beating herself up for how good he looked being completely calm like that. She kept her composure though he’d by now noticed the tint on her cheeks were not from her blusher.

“Do you wanna know a secret?” Luka started, his voice almost whispering.

She nodded almost too fast as she placed her hands on the bench to look at him— to focus better on his story.

“I was angry almost every single day of my life.”

“Was?”

Luka stared ahead, silent at first. He looked like he was trying to piece words together to make it make sense. “My parents… they fought a lot, and I just never understood why they didn’t just leave each other.”

“And whenever they weren’t fighting, I was the one always throwing a fit. There wasn’t always a reason, but I just felt suffocated in that house.”

Chloe’s expression was full of concern as she intently listened to Luka’s story. It was wrong of her to assume but when she met Anarka for the first time, she always thought he was calm and kind because he was brought up differently than her.

Without realising, her hand reached for his. And it stayed there for a while as Luka continued his story.

“But…” His voice went a little higher. “…when I saw Juleka crying one day, it was like a part of me broke instead and I… just couldn’t see her like that. From that moment, I learned to keep it to myself more. I was still angry but… I didn’t want Juleka to worry”

Chloe squeezed his hand, trying to blink away the tears that was suddenly forming in her eyes. Luka looked at her in shock before grinning from ear to ear. “Are you crying?”

“No.” Chloe murmured, looking away. “It’s just that…you’ve grown up so well.”

Luka nudged her to make her look at him. “You’re doing amazing yourself, Chloe. I hope you know that.”

Chloé pressed her lips together, willing the sting in her eyes to disappear. Before she could retreat further, he leaned in just enough to gently brush away the tear clinging stubbornly to her cheek. His fingers were warm against her skin, and the simple gesture made her heart do an annoyingly unsteady skip.

“You’re getting comfortable crying in front of me.” Luka teased, earning a light smack from Chloe.

“This is your fault.”

“Mhm.”

A loud bump woke Chloe up with a startle. She had accidentally dozed off after all the planners, including Luka, went back home, convinced there was something missing with the room. She stifled in a yawn and decided to go back to her room.

The hotel was quiet now, save for the few guests at the counter for a late-night check-in. Chloe’s steps were slow as she walked towards the elevator, still droopy from her sleep when she heard a distant voice coming from the back of the kitchen.

She rubbed her eye forcefully, checking if she had finally started hallucinating when she heard it again

“…disgrace…you…” It was still distant but she heard the voice clearer. Chloe hastened her steps towards the kitchen storage and took a peek through the small window of the door.

Her pulse spiked, the fog of sleep evaporating instantly. Without thinking, she shoved the door open so hard it banged against the wall.

“MOM!”

The scene froze for a heartbeat — Audrey’s hand still raised, Zoe’s shoulders hunched as if bracing for another blow.

Chloé stepped forward, planting herself squarely between them. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Audrey’s perfectly lined eyes narrowed. “Chloé, this is none of your—”

“It’s exactly my business,” Chloé snapped, her voice sharp enough to cut the tension in the air. She could feel Zoe trembling just behind her, and that only made her stance firmer.

“This whole time, you were still the same.” The corner of Chloe’s lips twitching into a sneer. “I was right not to believe you even once. You’re the same monster you’ve always been.”

Her voice was surprisingly collected as she pulled Zoe with her, leaving their mother alone in that suffocating storage. Chloe may have handled years of physical torture, but knowing her mother mercilessly did that to others as well behind everyone’s back made her blood boil.

She hated her mother and she hated the voice that always followed her.

Her mother’s voice.

“Chloe…”

She wasn’t listening, the anger burning out every other noise around them. But Zoe was desperate, pulling her until she stopped and turned.

Zoe was crying.

Chloe finally snapped out of it and pulled her into a hug.

“I’m so sorry, Zoe.”

Silence followed moments later and it wasn’t uncomfortable or tense. Just two girls, who apparently were sisters, crying their hearts out in each other’s arm.

The party was a blast the next day and Chloe was firm about distracting herself from Audrey. She told Zoe to enjoy the party and she was more than grateful to see that she, in fact, was enjoying herself. Her classmates had found out about her and they were all friendly towards her, save for the embarrassing stories they’d tell whenever Chloe was busy rearranging the foods.

Chloe was distracted alright. Distracted on making everything perfect, not wanting any single negative thoughts in. She noticed Marinette around the hall eyeing her but only shrugged in response, feigning innocence as she silently rotated the macaroon plate.

Excluding her serious perfectionist issue, everything was going great.

Until Audrey arrived.

SPLASH!

Everyone including Chloe turned to the sound, noticing Audrey already drenched.

“I DEMAND COMPENSATION.”

It was the first time she had ever seen her mother this mad in public. But with everything going on right at this second, her mother was not going to ruin her party. She had to make sure of that.

“Mom, please. It was an accident—”

“FOOLS, THIS DRESS WAS WORTH MORE THAN ALL YOUR LIVES.”

“Mom—”

She pushed Chloe aside, her body slammed against one of the tables. Everyone was starting to get worried as they got up and left the hall. Chloe wanted to stop them but Audrey was still throwing a fit.

She saw Zoe trying to stop her this time but it was still no use.

Everyone was leaving.

“Wait, please. Don’t leave, everyone. Kitty Section hasn’t even played yet—” Her head was starting to ring again. “—There’s still games, please stay.”

But the only one’s there were her own classmates.

And that monster of a mother.

She wanted to cry.
She wanted to kill her.

“I can help you. Will you let me?”

“Yes, hawkmoth.”

Chapter Text

“YOU’RE JUST A WORTHLESS LITTLE GIRL WHO WILL NEVER ACHIEVE ANYTHING.”

“I’m sorry, Chloe.”

“No one would want a daughter like you.”

Stop.
Stop it.
STOP.

WHY AM I NEVER ENOUGH?

Why do you think my life is yours to break?

I never asked to be born.

“You’ll never be loved if you act like that, Chloe.”

Why?
What did I ever do?
WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY?

“Chloe.”

There was silence.

“Chloe…”

“Come play with us, Chloe.”

“We’ll be your friend forever.”

Really?

“Your mother has always treated you wrong. Your father was never there to see you. No one has ever saved you, Chloe. We can be your friend instead.”

Then you’ll leave me. Just like my mother. Just like my father.

“No, Chloe. We have always been with you. We never left. Just reach out your hand and be with us forever. We know you want to join us.”

She was crying. She didn’t know how she knew but she was crying. Everything was dark.

I’m scared.

“Then, let go, Chloe. And be with us.”

Beat.

What was that?

“Don’t worry, Chloe. We won’t hurt you.”

Boom.

The ringing started again. But it hurt this time. It was hurting her. It hurt. It hurt

It hurts.

“It’s okay, Chloe.”

IT HURTS.

“…Chloe.” A voice called out. She was sure of it this time. A real voice.

Her head was pounding. But she couldn’t see anything. It was dark.

“Chloe, I know you’re still in there.”

STOP. IT HURTS. YOU’RE HURTING ME. WHO ARE YOU?

“You can resist the akuma, Chloe. Everyone’s worried about you.”

EVERYONE LEFT ME.

“There are still people who care about you in there.”

THERE’S NO ONE HERE. IT’S DARK. EVERYONE LEAVES.

“You don’t need to carry the burden alone.”

BUT IT HURTS. IT HURTS. IT HURTS. IT HURTS.

“Don’t be foolish. They will only hurt you more If you don’t bring me back my miraculous.
” Resist the akuma, Chloe.”

The voices were overlapping, and her mind was screeching in pain. It was as if her own thoughts were being ripped out. All she wanted to do was cry and cry and cry. Why can’t anyone let her make decisions on her own?

“Doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone.”

What?

“You don’t need to hide it from me, Chloe.”

Marinette? Is that you?

I’m not going anywhere.

Luka.

Another beat.
And another.
And another. 

Her own heartbeat.

There are still people who love me.
And they will always be there for me.

“NO! THEY’LL ONLY ABANDON YOU.”

No, they won’t.

The chaos was over for everyone. And it was over for Chloe. Mister Bug had brought her back to her room right after he’d undone everything as Chloe had fainted immediately after she’d set herself free.

It was the first time anyone had ever resisted an akuma. And the heroes assumed it had to be draining. Lady Noire had told her butlers that she wasn’t injured physically, asking them to take care of her and let her rest before they left.

Marinette was there when Chloe woke up, pulling her into a tight squeeze that seemed like an attempt at murder.

“Okay, woman. Back off or you’ll kill her.” Adrien spoke, though did nothing to rip Marinette apart from her.

Marinette gave him a look before turning back to Chloe with a pout.

“I should’ve been there with you. None of this should’ve happened— I wouldn’t know what I’d do to myself if something happened to you.”

Marinette’s eyes were getting teary as she continued, sniffling in between her words. Chloe looked at her with her a mirrored frown, her eyes also starting to get blurry.

“I’m sorry, Marinette.” She cried out, hugging her back. “I’m sorry I always hide everything from you and I’m sorry I kept everything to myself. I just thought everything would be better with time but obviously that’s all a lie and I am obviously not okay and—

She continued crying.

And then Marinette was crying.

And so they hugged their emotions away.

Before they left, Chloe had told them honestly about what actually happened to her. She told them everything. Her mother. The hitting. The room.

It was hard and there was a lot of silence. But both Adrien and Marinette were patient with her as she poured her heart out. She could see Adrien’s fist clenching from time to time as she mentioned the dark room almost calling to her.

She didn’t blame him, though. They grew up together and whenever Adrien told Chloe about his father, she would listen willingly, not knowing she was also having problems of her own.

Marinette was worried but her expression was more controlled. But Chloe felt lighter after telling them. She felt better.

“Thank you.”

Adrien and Marinette glanced at each other before giving her another hug.

“I love you guys so much.”

“I love you too—”
“You do?”

They said in unison and Marinette smacked Adrien’s shoulder at his response.

Chloe laughed, easing them all.

It was only a few minutes since the two left when another knock was heard. The door creaked open.

“Marinette, I swear—”

Oh.

“Chloe?”

Her cheeks were getting hot as Chloe brought her knees close to her chest, instantly aware of them being alone in the same room.

“Are you okay?” Luka walked over to her fast, and Chloe saw he was sweating. His tone was serious. It was the most reaction she’d ever seen from him. Chloe sat up straighter, not wanting him to worry.

“Were you running?”

He took a glance at Chloe a second too long before scanning the room. He grabbed a chair and brought it to the side of the bed. It was such a small gesture, if it was even a gesture, but Chloe felt her heart beat even faster.

“Are you okay?” He asked again, his gaze unmoving from her eyes.

Chloe only nodded, her ability to speak gone out the window.

He ruffled his hair and again, it wasn’t like him to be so distraught. “What happened? Are you hurt anywhere?”

She shook her head slow. “I didn’t know what happened until after Lady Noire explained it to me.” Her breath hitched. “What I remembered was different from what happened.”

“What do you remember?”

“My mom.” She whispered, lowering her head a little. “She was shouting and—”

Luka’s hands reached for hers and she looked up to see him again.

“—I thought I was back there again.”

His thumbs were gently rubbing her palms, grounding her in a way she was thankful he was there. “You’re not… Because I’m here with you.”

Her breath caught at his words, the quiet conviction in them cutting through the chaos in her head. Without another word, she lunged forward and wrapped herself around him, burying her face in his chest. Luka stiffened in surprise, not expecting a hug.

But it wasn’t even seconds later when she felt him physically unlock around her as he let out a huge breath of air, returning the embrace. “You’re so full of emotions, huh?”

“That sounds like an insult, so I’m going to ignore it.

He chuckled under his breath as Chloe tightened her grip. His palm cradled the back of her head, brushing through her hair with quiet care.

“Can I ask you a question?” Luka asked, making her pull back to meet his eyes.

“That’s usually my line.”

He shook his head, feigning ignorance. “It’s mine right now.”

Chloe narrowed her eyes, secretly scared.

“Does this mean you like me back?”

The room was suddenly getting hotter by the second, painting her cheeks a shade of pink as her eyes darted to the side. She couldn’t move and if she was being honest, she didn’t want to move away from him anyway.

Luka tilted his head to follow her eyes but she did the same thing only to the other side.

Chloe clicked her tongue, annoyed as if it wasn’t already obvious. “If I didn’t, would I still be here like this?” She gestured to the very close distant between them.

Luka’s eyes softened instantly, his grin spreading slow, as if he wanted to savour every beat of silence between them. He leaned in, brushing a gentle kiss against her forehead, lingering just long enough for her breath to catch. “Good point.”

Chapter Text

 Chloe had spent the last few hours on her laptop, trying to find some inspiration on her next project, the annual dance at the end of summer vacation. Since she had been wonderfully exempted from going to school, Chloe decided working on something like this would help her calm down.

She was busy drafting her ideas to send to Nathaniel when a knock on the door made her jump.

I’m gonna die early at this point.

“Come in.”

Her door opened and Zoe walked in with her hands fiddling each other. Chloe put her laptop to the side and smiled her, gesturing to the empty spot beside her.

Zoe was hesitant at first but eventually plopped herself down. But her eyes were still fixated on the floor as she spoke.

“I’m really sorry, Chloe.”

Chloe understood where she was coming from as she placed a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. Though all of this was never her fault anyway.

Both her and Zoe knew whose fault it was.

“Were you scared to tell me?”

Zoe nodded, her hand instinctively moved towards her arm.

Bruises.

“I never knew what kind of mother she was to you so I didn’t want to ruin her for you if she changed.”

Chloe wanted to cry again. Not for herself. But for Zoe.

Even if she was already sixteen— No.

Either way, she was still young. No child, including herself should ever go through hell like that, especially when the people meant to protect them are the ones causing the pain.

“That’s brave of you to do so, but no more secrets, okay? You have to tell me if anything happens to you from now on.” Chloe was holding both Zoe’s hands in hers, squeezing them tight with every word. “We may have a shitty mother, but we don’t have to be shitty to each other.”

Zoe smiled as a tear slipped down her cheek. “Thank you, Chloe.”

Whenever Adrien came to visit her when they were little, she always insisted on being the stronger characters as they played together. The dragon. The knight. The hero. But she never wanted to play the weak. Not that she really gave Adrien a choice anyway.

But every single time they played together, she always felt happy when Adrien smiles with joy as she comes in to save him. As she watched Zoe cry in front of her, she couldn’t help but feel something change.

Zoe sniffled her nose, suddenly smirking. “You’re a little different than what Marinette told you the last time I saw her.”

She quirked her eyebrow, skeptical. “Did she call me an ugly beast who uses fake Gucci? Because I swear, I bought the ONLY bag available.”

Zoe burst out in laughter, not taking her seriously. “Marinette said you love helping others but you find it hard to put it into words.”

“Well, umm—” Chloe was quick to correct her but Zoe was quicker.

“I don’t think that, by the way.” She smiled, which Chloe was mildly offended because Zoe never knew who she helped anyway for her to accuse her of being lazy. What does she know about helping others?

“I think being around you feels like coming home. And no amount of words can ever equal the feeling of having you here.”

Chloe was frozen. The words settled over her like a blanket she didn’t know she needed, melting some of the tightness in her chest. Zoe didn’t know it maybe, but that was all she ever wanted to hear her whole life.

As Chloe predicted, Audrey had disappeared without a trace after the party incident though she must admit, ‘incident’ is very dramatic for a beverage spill. However, she did risk her reputation by yelling at the poor man that day, so laying low would be the necessary choice.

This isn’t the first time the world has seen her random combustions but the headlines will always— possibly paid— brush it off as her having a ‘bad day’.

She’d appear soon but for now, it was paradise again not having to accidentally stumble upon her in the hotel. Chloe was feeling better and she’d rather go to school anyways since there wasn’t anything better to do at home.

Nathaniel had greeted her by the school entrance, a little guilty as he told Chloe that the banners for the annual dance were not going as planned. Chloe let out a breath as she slung her arms over his shoulder and basically dragged them to the art room considering there was time left before class started.

The initial banner was apparently rejected by the professor, leaving them to start from scratch again. Chloe sighed.

“Sorry about that. I thought it would be a nice distraction after everything that happened.”

Chloe leaned back against her chair, crossing her arms. “No, it’s fine. This is good distraction.” She glanced around the art room, checking the time. “We’ll brainstorm later, let’s get to class.”

Nathaniel checked his phone briefly before turning back to Chloe. “It’s fine, Mrs. Bustier’s not coming to class. She has a meeting. I think it’s better if we find an idea right now.”

Chloe thought about it for a while before nodding. Nathaniel pulled a chair and sat across her, scrolling through his phone for inspirations. They worked in silence, only talking to share opinions. After they had pinned their ideas to three options, Chloe finally let out a breath of relief, proud of how much they managed to settle in a short time.

Nathaniel handed her an unopened water bottle and she took it.

“How are you doing?” He asked, opening his own bottle before taking a sip.

“Stressed. But I’m doing better and everyone’s been helpful so…” She let the words hang, mouth turning into a small smile. Nathaniel still looked worried and she was grateful to have yet another person concerned about her. “I’m really fine, Nathaniel. Thank you.”

They exchanged smiles before packing up and heading to their next class.

“Chloe, I think it’s time to use your superpower.” Marinette panted, face looking like she was about to kill someone. Or maybe she just did. Adrien was seen just a few steps behind her as if he was walking his dog.

“My… superpower?”

Marinette steadied herself almost immediately, that murderous look on her face gone in an instant as the Marinette Chloe knew came back.

“Can you…” She cleared her throat. “…kill Kim?”

And there it was back. Her murderous look.

“She meant get him expelled but sure, that works too.” Adrien added, as he took a quick glance at Marinette. Chloe narrowed her eyes at both of them as if seeing them together and not fighting was the weirdest thing that’s happened to her the whole week.

And she was literally akumatised.

“I think I’ve been away for too long, you both look… acquainted.” The word ‘acquainted’ was a harmless emphasis, just to mess with them. Just as she expected, both their bodies tensed like they were caught doing something wrong, and it made Chloe a little mischievous.

“Uh no, he just wouldn’t stop following me around.” Marinette retorted, gesturing to the blonde beside her.

“Excuse me? I follow ot her people too.”

Marinette shot him a confused look. “What is that even supposed to mean?”

Adrien walked over towards Chloe, gripping her arm as she pulled back, not wanting to include herself in their fight— that she started.

She just turned her heel towards the door, letting their bicker fade into the background. She noticed Juleka on the stairs, possibly waiting for Luka to pick her up. She was just about to wave to her when a crash made them both jerk back.

A small car had crashed into a tree, vacillating the drivers around them. But that wasn’t what Chloe noticed first. The car that crash, it had no driver.

That was when the akumatised villain arrived.

Chloe was quick to her feet as she helped Juleka up and dragged her back inside the school. She made eye-contact with Marinette and she nodded, helping those around her at once. Everyone around them disappeared once they were hit with the villains lazer, making it useless to run away from him. All they needed to do was hide.

Thankfully, Mister Bug came seconds after, shielding those around him with his yo-yo.

Juleka thanked her as they looked outside the window to observe the situation. It wasn’t long before she noticed a familiar red car parked on the side of the school.

“I can’t see him.”

Chloe shook her head. “He’s probably hiding somewhere. Mister Bug will handle it.”

The fight was slowly brought away from their line of sight once Lady Noire arrived, distracting the villain. They couldn’t see anything but from the way people outside were still running and screaming, it was certain the fight wasn’t over yet.

But she was certain Luka was nearby. So carefully, she stepped outside the school and looked around for him. Juleka followed closely behind her, not wanting to split up. But by the time they got close to the fight itself, the heroes had already stopped the villain, undoing every damage caused.

And there Luka was, shaking hands with Lady Noire.

She scoffed, nudging Juleka beside her.

Juleka caught sight of her brother as she let out a laugh, patting Chloe’s back like it was the most humorous thing she’s seen in years. Her laugh made Luka turned towards them, a little surprised to see them together.

Juleka still was laughing, taking in short breaths. “He’s looking at us like he’s been caught… HAHAHHAAHA.”

“We should’ve just stayed inside the school.”

Juleka placed her hands on Chloe’s shoulder, steadying herself. “Don’t worry about it. He’s loyal as hell.”

Her cheeks turned red as she saw Luka walking straight towards them. “He told you already?” Her voice came out a whisper, not wanting Luka to hear them.

Juleka only stifled in a laugh as she brought a finger to her mouth, signalling them to shut up.

“What are you guys doing here? Are you okay?” He glanced between the two girls, one still covering her flustered face and the other trying hard not to burst out laughing. “Are you hurt anywhere?”

Juleka slapped his back, winking secretly towards Chloe. “Let’s just go, you owe Chloe a coffee… or maybe a whole cake.”

Chloe mouthed a ‘what?’ as she whipped her head to look at her. Juleka only spoke with her eyes and Chloe immediately understood her scheme, playing along. “Hm, sure. Whatever.” She turned her head to the side, acting moody as she walked away.

Luka gave Juleka a look that was between a worried ‘what happened?” and a scared ‘did I do something wrong?’. Juleka didn’t help as she shook her head and clicked her tongue disappointedly, catching up to Chloe.

 Luka was left behind as his thoughts started racing through every possible scenario, trying to act calm but slowly losing his composure, not knowing the two girls were busy suppressing their giggles instead.

Chapter Text

They were in the same coffee shop as always.Chloe ordered a strawberry milkshake and blueberry waffles, insisting Juleka orders something of the same price as to not make her feel too guilty about it. They sat in silence for a while as Chloe tried hard keeping all her giddiness as the warm taste of honey and fruit swarmed her mouth.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Luka was tapping on his glass, fidgety than usual. Both the girls noticed it of course, being the source of his anxiety.

Chloe only nodded, taking another bite of her waffle. This little prank of theirs would not work if she looked into his eyes, afraid to suddenly laugh or conjure up a smile that he would immediately notice.

“You know, you’re very lucky.” Juleka started, not looking at anyone. “Most girls get jealous when you get googly-eyed with someone else.”

Chloe quickly sipped on her drink, trying not to laugh as she noticed Luka snapping her head towards his sister. “What? When?” He exchanged glances between the two until something clicked for him “Lady Noire? I didn’t even—”

Juleka burst out laughing as if on cue and Chloe did the same, covering her mouth as to not disrupt the other customers. Luka looked both confused and scared, wondering if it was a good idea telling his sister about them.

Before he could say anything, Chloe shoved a forkful of waffle in his mouth, forcing him to chew his way out of it. “Don’t talk when you chew, baby.”

“Gross, Chloe. You’re supposed to be on my side.”

“I am on your side.” She retorted with a grin on her smile, stealing a glance at Luka who was already looking at her. A phone rang interrupting their moment and Juleka answered her phone on the first ring.

The bell over the café door jingled faintly as Juleka slipped outside, leaving behind the quiet hum of conversations and the faint clink of cutlery. Luka finished chewing and immediately leaned forward, his expression suddenly turning serious.

“Were you actually jealous?” He asked, hands clasping each other a little too tight.

Chloe blinked, looking mildly offended at his accusation. She scoffed, shoving another bite down his throat.

It was a funny emotion, jealousy. If Chloe did admit she was jealous, it would be lying because it wasn’t something worth her time. Even if they did just started dating, if Luka was in any way interested in some other girl, then it would mean he just wasn’t for her.

Maybe Marinette would see her crying, but Chloe wouldn’t make it a tragedy.

“Would you love me if I was a bee?” She asked, though it really seemed like she was changing the topic.

Luka raised his brow, caught off guard by her question.

“Isn’t the question supposed to be a worm?”

“No way, they’re slimy and— WHY WOULD YOU BRING THEM UP?” Chloe shuddered, her hands instinctively moved to hug herself. Luka only laughed at her behaviour before responding to her question.

“Yes, I would still love you if you were a bee.”

She glared at him for a second before glancing away again. “Then I wouldn’t mind you talking to other girls if you still feed me well when I’m a bee.”

“You are jealous.”

Before Chloe could argue, Luka lifted his cup of coffee and took a sip, offering her a warm smile. “I like you, Chloe. Not ‘other girls’. Insect or not.”

Chloe scrunched her nose, strangely pleased by his answer. “Good, because I wasn’t planning on sharing anyway.”

“God, get a room.”

Both of them turned to look at Juleka as she wore a sour expression on her face before glancing back at one another, grinning from ear to ear.

Chloe got out of the car as they reached the hotel, Luka lingering by her side. She barely had time to adjust her bag before the revolving doors spun and her mother stepped out.

“Mom?” Chloe’s voice was a mixture of disbelief and chafe.

Audrey’s sunglasses slid down the bridge of her nose, her painted lips curving into a theatrical pout. “Cleo. Finally.” She was holding an empty glass in her hands and by the wobbly stance she’s in, it was clear she had been drinking. “The company told me to ‘lay low’ or whatever that meant but it’s just so tiring, you know?”

“Mom, you’re drunk. Get back inside.” Chloe tried to grab the glass from her but she only pulled back, looking annoyed.

“You… don’t tell me…what to do, Cleo.” Audrey slurred, swaying just enough to make Chloe’s stomach twist. Her mother’s lipstick was smudged, her perfect hair in disarray, but her chin still jutted high like she was standing on a runway.

“It’s Chloe.” Her voice wavered. She hated how small it sounded.

Audrey gave a dramatic flick of her wrist, almost spilling her drink. “Always correcting, always… trying so hard. You think you’re better than me, don’t you?”

Chloe rolled her eyes, already tired of her behaviour. Missing or not, she was still a lot to handle. “Mom, I don’t care about who’s better.”

Audrey’s lips parted in a sharp gasp, her face twisting at the dismissal. “How dare you—” Her arm lifted, a sudden jerky motion that made Chloe flinch before she could stop herself.

But Luka was already there. His hand shot out, firm but calm, catching Audrey’s wrist before it could go any further. “That’s enough,” he said, his voice low but unyielding. His usual gentleness was still there, but with a weight Chloe had never heard from him before.

Audrey snarled, her eyes wide with irritation. “And who the hell do you think you are?”

Luka let go of Audrey’s wrists as the hotel security finally stepped in, trying to reason with Audrey to not cause a scene. She was still trying to argue her way out of it but thanks to the alcohol kicking in, she followed without much drama.

“Please, take her to her room.” Chloe cut in, earning a nod from the officer as he firmly brought her back inside.

Chloe turned away from the hotel, hands flying to her forehead in an attempt at calming down. “I can never escape her, huh?” She muttered, her voice thinner than she meant it to be, her hands covering her face as if to block out the entire scene.

Luka’s hand found hers, gently tugging them down until she had no choice but to meet his eyes. “She doesn’t control you, Chloe.”

Her lips parted, ready with some sarcastic deflection, but the sincerity in his gaze made the words catch in her throat. For once, she didn’t feel like rolling her eyes or snapping back—she just felt… tired.

He opened his arms slightly, not pushing, only offering. Chloe hesitated for a heartbeat before stepping into him, pressing her forehead against his shoulder. His arms closed around her in quiet reassurance, steady and warm.

“Do you want me to stay or are you okay?”

Chloe pulled back just to see his face and he was quick to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Can’t I just say I’m okay and you stay anyway?”

Luka smiled, as always, reassuring her even in the worst situations. “Goodnight, princess.”

She frowned but still let him go. Luka got into his car and drove away and she hated to admit that his absence was already making her miss him. Chloe took out her phone as she walked inside the hotel, checking for any new messages, which she did have.

A few from her classmates, one from Adrien.

And one from her father.

              Hello, dear. Can we talk? – A

She sighed, sending him back a reply.

As much as she was absolutely mad at him, she had never actually given her father a chance to explain himself since… the dinner party. And she missed her father too.

Though Chloe rarely saw him anyway, she knew Andre always supported her in anything she does and all she needed was to listen to his reasons and maybe she could learn to support him too.

Chapter Text

“Dad?”

They were in his office this time, the clean white walls making it up for the unease in her heart. But since her father was a lot busier than usual, there was no time for them to meet elsewhere, like probably her room. So the office it was.

“Oh, Chloe. I’m glad you’re here.”

She faked a smile, walking towards the sofas before sitting cross-legged on one of them. Not office-like behaviour but nobody was around to see her anyway. Andre set two cups of coffee on the table in front of them and Chloe was quick to take a sip.

“How have you been feeling lately?” He asked, causing Chloe to pause mid-sip.

“I need your questions to be specific, dad. Otherwise, I won’t be able to answer them honestly.”

Andre let out a breath, mostly to himself. “I’m sorry, Chloe. For not telling you earlier—”

“—I don’t think you understand what you’ve done, dad.” She raised her voice unconsciously, sitting up straighter. “Did you know what even happened the last few weeks?”

Her father’s expression was unreadable. But from the constant excuse of being busy, she’d expect him to get a list of every event, down to the last detail. It has always been a bad habit of him to do that.

Pretending it wasn’t happening as a way to act like everything was normal, which Chloe never understood how that worked.

“I’m sorry—”

“STOP APOLOGISING.” She got up, her fists curled at her side. Andre was caught off guard by her tone, but quickly lowered his head in response.

Chloe sighed, sitting back down knowing yelling doesn’t get you anywhere. “Why is mom back?”

Andre was silent at first, still not looking at his daughter before answering. “Your mother… promised me. She said… she said she would change.”

Chloe scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief at how easy it had been for him to believe Audrey’s manipulative words. “How could you just trust her again? After everything that’s happened to us?” No matter how much time had passed, it would never be a topic she’d like to reminisce about.

But she was tired of pushing aside especially in front of her father.

“I have always been grateful for you, dad. When mom left, you were there for me, I know that.” Her tone was still firm, but the ache she felt inside was starting to hurt. “But all those years, where were you whenever I asked for help?.”

Her eyes were starting to blur from the tears forming. “How could you trust her so easily when I was the one she was hurting?”

“I—”

“Is there really no other reason why she’s back? I could even understand an economic proposition but if change is all, then maybe this is all your fault, dad.” Chloe was burning as her own words stumble out before she could think. “Did you even know what mom was doing the whole time? Did you know about Zoe?”

Andre finally lifted his head to look at her, but it didn’t matter anymore. His expression told her everything she said was already true and that made her furious. How stupid can you be to take back a woman who had betrayed you multiple ways?

“Chloe, I—”

“I can’t do this anymore, dad.” She stood up, ready to head towards the door. “I thought I’d understand after you explained, but this is lowering yourself too much. You’re supposed to be my dad, not her puppet.”

Adrien was in her room again, studying in the corner of her room, not wanting to get distracted. Chloe always thought it was ridiculous that he will never let you have the last laugh in any argument but turns completely silent whenever work needs to be done. Well, it also meant he wouldn’t be pestering her. Which was good.

But the sound of footsteps coming closer to her meant two things. Either he was done, or he was hungry.

“Can we order something?”

He was hungry.

A few moments later, they were already seated across each other, with a large box of pizza in front of them. Adrien was quick to grab a slice, wolfing it down as if he hadn’t eaten in years.

Chloe scoffed. “When’s the last time you ate real food?”

“I don’t know, I’m pissed with my dad again so I haven’t really been home.”

Chloe took a slice herself, only nodding in response. After she told him about Audrey, Adrien had been a lot more considerate of her. Not that he’s been mean to her before but his scale of being a jerk toned down a lot.

“How did the talk with your dad go? He returned, already taking another slice of pizza.

Chloe rolled her eyes. “Don’t get me started, his excuse of letting my mom come back was all because of…” She recoiled a little, as if thinking about it made her disgusted. “…love.”

Adrien sighed, staring at nothing. “Well, people do crazy things for love. How’s Zoe?”

“She’s okay, I asked her to stay in the guest room so she could lock the door if my mom ever tried to do anything.”

“That sounds like a horror movie.”

Her mouth flattened into a line, nodding once. “It is, but that’s what we always go through, Agreste.”

“Are you sure we can’t do anything about it, though? This feels…wrong, somehow.”

Chloe pondered on that thought, even though she knew she’d done it before. But that’s what happens when the rich get greedy and selfish. Money helps them and they get out alive and happy.

“I just want her to go away.” Her voice was lower this time, knowing it was hard for anyone to help, especially them with no power on their own.

Adrien only stared at her softly as he leaned back. His father was always hard on him, pressuring him to be better and do better and try better but he had never laid a finger on him. Even he, couldn’t understand how hard it was for Chloe.

He looked at her again with knitted eyebrows, earning a confused look from Chloe. “What?”

“Is that why you’ve always had those nightmares?”

Chloe was taken aback by his question, but she’d expected it sooner or later. When they were children and Gabriel was always busy with work (when is he not), Adrien always slept over at the hotel and crawling into her bed at night wasn’t something uncommon. He was always scared of the dark. Adrien must’ve heard Chloe talking in her sleep at least once.

“Yeah, every time.” She managed a weak smile, before suddenly disappearing into thought.

“Actually…” She started, turning to Adrien. “…It’s been so long since I’ve had one.”

Her expression was of realisation as if sleeping soundly at night was way weirder than jolting up in the middle of the night because of a stupid dream. “Oh my god, this is so weird.”

“Weird? Isn’t that a good thing?” Adrien muttered, talking through his chewing. “That means you’ve found something that helps you forget the past.”

Chloe froze, caught completely off guard. Her mind flickered unwillingly to Luka. To his steady presence, the way his arms had felt around her every single time she was tired. He would be there with her. And she felt safe with him.

It took Adrien only two seconds to notice the pink tint appearing on her cheek. His grin widened like he’d just spotted something shiny. “Hold on.” He leaned a little closer. “Wait a second… are you blushing?”

“Wh- what? Of course not.”

He let out a dramatic gasp, making Chloe jump a little. “IS THE CHLOE BOURGEOIS STUTTERING RIGHT NOW?”

“I DID NOT.”

Adrien was already beside her, practically on his knees and begging her to tell him. “Please, I swear I’ll do your homework for a week.”

“Stay away from my homework.”

He gasped again, his clean hand flying to his chest. “DOES MARINETTE KNOW ABOUT THIS?”

“Can you not be in my space?” She pushed him aside, walking over to the other side of the table before continuing. “Marinette knows… to an extent.”

“TO AN EXTENT? HOW FAR ARE YOU?”

“IT’S NOT LIKE THAT, YOU FREAK.” She threw a pillow at him this time, her face burning even hotter. Her hands reached for her phone and she quickly scrolled through her call logs, thumb stopping on one name before showing it to Adrien. “Drop it, or I’ll call Marinette myself.”

Adrien tilted his head, confusion taking over. “How is that supposed to be a threat?”

Chloe smirked, narrowing her eyes. “…And I’ll tell her you like her.”

Adrien dropped his hands to his side, still confused. “What? I don’t like Marinette.”

“Okay, then let’s drop it.”

“But that makes no sense. I don’t like her.”

Chloe had already let go of her phone, uninterested in listening to his obliviousness. She was sure he’d admit it soon. For now, at least the spotlight wasn’t on her anymore.

That night felt colder than usual. Chloe was sure she had closed the windows before but she was still shivering under her two layers of blankets.

Then, a rumble.

And sirens.

She jolted upright, looking around for any ghosts, though now as she thought about it, that would be even more scary if a ghost was lingering around her room. Thunders erupted outside, signalling a storm. She hated the rain, and she most definitely hated the storm.

Chloe got out of bed, walking over to her window. But as she peeked outside to see the dark purple sky, one thing was certain.

This wasn’t a normal storm.

Bolts of lightning shot down one after another, striking the streets, tearing into concrete, forcing sparks and smoke to rise in thick plumes.

Chloe staggered back from the window as another bolt slammed into a tree just outside the hotel gates, splitting it in two with a sickening crack. She pressed her hand against her chest, as if that could steady the way her heart tried to leap out of her ribs.

It wasn’t long after Zoe burst through her door, eyes wide. “Chloe, it’s an akuma.”

Another strike shot directly through the ceiling above them. The explosion of plaster and sparks sent both girls ducking instinctively to the floor, the deafening crash making Chloe’s ears ring. Dust rained down from the gaping hole, and for a split second, she swore she could see jagged black veins of energy crawling along the walls like cracks in glass.

Chloe quickly got up to her feet, running in Zoe’s direction and pulling her up and out of the room. Since it was the highest floor, it was the most exposed.

Their hands found one another in seconds as their pace quickened towards the emergency stairs. They were at least three steps down when Zoe suddenly froze, yanking them both back.

“Mom…” She gasped, breathless. “She’s still in her room.”

Chloe didn’t know what to react. Her face was confused, angry, in disbelief and every emotion the human could possibly feel all at once. “What?”

But Zoe looked disordered herself, like she was trying to convince herself as much as Chloe. Her eyes darted back and forth from Chloe to the hallway, tears forming in her eyes as another loud thunder made them both jump.

“I know it’s hard…” Zoe started again, a tear trickled down her cheek. “But if something happened to mom, I wouldn’t forgive myself. And I know you wouldn’t too.”

There was hesitation in Chloe’s eyes but Zoe’s words stabbed her, and she hated that more than anything.

She searched for Zoe’s eyes again and nodded, both of them breaking into a sprint back up the hallway. Their footsteps pounded against the shaking floor, the air thick with the smell of smoke and rain creeping in through shattered windows.

Chloe still wasn’t sure if this was a good idea or not but they were already running, and maybe Zoe was right. She would hate herself if something happened to her mother knowing she could’ve done something.

Chapter Text

Audrey looked lifeless on the ground, the floor covered in shards of glass from the broken window. Chloe was quick to rush forward, kneeling down beside her mother as she tried to wake her up. Zoe followed behind, shaking her mother as her eyes fluttered slowly.

Chloe’s eyes lit up. “We need to get her out of here.”

Zoe nodded, slipping her arms under Audrey’s shoulders while Chloe grabbed her by the wrists. Together, they hauled her up, struggling against her weight as the floor trembled with another deafening crash of thunder. The ceiling groaned above them, dust raining down with every step.

Everyone in Paris knew that the damage wouldn’t be for long thanks to Mister Bug, but for now, if they didn’t try to survive, someone would die.

“Mom, please wake up, we need you standing.” Zoe whispered.

They staggered toward the door, Audrey barely conscious, her weak murmurs drowned out by the storm tearing the sky apart.

The door suddenly burst open, and one of the butlers stumbled in, his face pale and blood ran down the side of his head from a fresh gash, but he didn’t slow. “Miss Chloe! Miss Zoe!” He rushed over without hesitation, sliding Audrey’s arm over his shoulder. With his help, her weight lifted off them just enough to let them move faster.

The three of them staggered into the hallway as the lights flickered, the entire building groaning like it might collapse.

“Keep going!” the butler shouted, guiding them toward the emergency exit. “Mister Bug and Lady Noire’s currently fighting with the villain, everything will get better soon.”

Somewhere outside, the sky got darker but the thunders stopped rumbling all together, as if waiting for the right moment to strike. They had to move quicker.

Audrey stirred weakly in their arms, her lashes fluttering against her pale cheeks. The silence outside was deafening. There was no thunder, no crack of lightning, only the faint rattle of glass and their ragged breaths echoing down the stairwell.

“Hey HEY, WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME?” Audrey’s voice was hoarse, confused, but her gaze darted wildly the moment she realised the state of her surroundings. “TAKE ME BACK TO MY ROOM THIS INSTANT.”

“Mom, now’s not the time,” Zoe said urgently, trying to steady her, but Audrey thrashed weakly against their hold, her panic draining what little strength they had left to keep moving.

Chloe gritted her teeth, her body getting hotter by the second. “Mom.” She wiped of the sweat accumulating down her forehead, scanning the stairs if it was safe for them to descend. “We need to go and find somewhere safe.”

But Audrey only crossed her arms, as if the damage around them was completely invisible to her. “This is so unlady-like of both of you. I raised you better than this.”

Chloe turned sharply, unable to believe what she’d just heard. “WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?” Her breaths were uneven, fists clenching at her side. “You have never raised us, not even for a second. LOOK AROUND YOU, MOM. CAN'T YOU AT LEAST SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW?”

She gestured to the shattered glass, the smoke curling through the cracks of the walls, the flickering lights above them. “We just saved you, and all you care about is your reputation up until the end. If not for Zoe, I would rather leave you to die. So stop acting like a mother when you’ve never been one.”

Chloe’s words hung in the air like shards of glass, sharp and impossible to take back. Audrey’s face twitched, stunned into silence, while Zoe stared between them, caught in the wreckage of something far worse than the akuma’s destruction.

And then—light. A golden shimmer rippled through the building, washing over broken glass, splintered walls, and smouldering smoke. The ceiling knitted itself back together, the chandelier rewound into place as if it had never fallen. The storm outside dissolved into clear skies.

The miraculous cure.

Audrey blinked, her surroundings flawless again, her reflection caught perfectly in a polished windowpane. She lifted her chin, as though everything Chloe had just screamed at her had been nothing but noise. “See? Overdramatic, as always.”

Zoe’s mouth fell open. “Mom—”

But Chloe couldn’t move. Her chest heaved, her nails dug crescents into her palms. The chaos was gone, but her words remained—burning, unfixable, louder than any thunder.

That whole night, Chloe laid in her bed, not getting a wink of sleep.

 “Are you hurt anywhere? I thought the heroes could undo any kind of damage?”

“No, I’m fine, I just have a small fever.” Marinette answered, coughing in between. Even through the phone, Chloe could tell she was really sick.

The agonisingly long night had left, making its way through the Monday morning with the news of Marinette having a fever. If her memory was extremely accurate, and it usually was, this would be the first time Marinette missed school.

“I’ll see you in two weeks, Chloe. Have fun at your trip!”

Oh.

Said ‘trip’ had definitely left Chloe’s mind the second she saw her mother that night at the party like what? Two weeks ago? It had been something she always looked forward to every summer vacation. Even if her father never joined her, it was still—

Her father had said he’d be joining her this year.

Because he was guilty of letting Audrey return.

“I don’t think I want to go this year.”

“What? Why? Is your mom going too?”

Chloe sat up straighter, as if that thought hadn’t even crossed her mind. “Hm, more reason to stay.” She leaned back against her chair, staring at an open desktop. She was in the art room again, waiting for Nathaniel. “I yelled at her yesterday.”

Marinette was silent behind the phone, letting her continue.

“Do you wanna know a secret?”

“If you tell me you hate your mom—”

“I hate my mom so much.”

A short laugh escaped them, slowly settling in back into silence before Marinette let out a breath.

“I think you should go.” Before Chloe could ask why, she continued. “I don’t think your mom’s coming and you told me yourself that you were happy your dad’s joining you this year. So, maybe do it for him.”

For a long moment, Chloe didn’t say anything. The silence stretched, filled only by the faint hum of her laptop. She pressed her lips together, staring at her reflection on the dark screen.

“But he lied to me.” Though as the words left her mouth, she realised it didn’t have that much emotion to it.

“He did.” Marinette said softly. “But right now, maybe he needs you just as much as you need him.”

Chloe hummed in response, annoyed that it made sense. She couldn’t shut his father out for long. As much as she thought about it, she didn’t want to lose both parents.

“Wait, but how do you know my mom’s not joining?”

“There’s an event by the time you’re leaving, her company just ordered from our bakery. You’re fine.”

She scoffed in return. “Couldn’t you have said that from the beginning?”

“Where’s the fun in that?”

Chloe was at the coffee shop again, her latte already half-empty. There weren’t a lot of customers as usual which got her to wonder if the villains had scared them away, locking themselves up in their homes. But then again, it was also a weekday so other people might just be busy at the moment.

Her thoughts flew to what Marinette said earlier, about her father. There must be at least something that would make her understand, even if the cost of understanding meant she’d see her father differently.

The bell at the door rang, indicating another customer. He scanned the café for someone familiar and immediately walked over once he saw her. He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, breaking her daydream.

“Hi.”

Chloe turned to look at him. “Have you eaten?”

Luka nodded slowly, noticing her eyes lit up suspiciously enough for him to not take a seat.

“Let’s go for a walk, I want to hold your hand.”

Luka opened his mouth, then smiled, only silently gesturing towards the door instead.

Chapter Text

“I’m going on a trip for two weeks… I think.”

“You… think?”

The sun was already beginning to set, covering the city in a golden hue. Their hands found each other naturally as they walked, not bothered about anything else.

“My dad’s coming too and I just don’t know if I want to see him.”

Luka’s thumb brushed her knuckles thoughtfully, the evening breeze flowing through them just nice. “That’s why you should go.”

Chloe scowled, glancing sideways. “That doesn’t make sense.”

Luka only shrugged in response, before halting them to a stop, not realising they had reached the Seine. Chloe eyed him back warily, trying to look serious.

“Do you love your dad?” Luka asked, earning a guilty look from Chloe.

She nodded hesitantly, not meeting his eyes. Luka squeezed her hands just a little, reminding her that he was still there. “Then, that’s your answer. Everyone makes mistakes, princess. But one thing I know about you is you’ll hurt yourself more if you let the silence between you grow without trying harder.”

Chloe’s throat tightened, letting his words sink in. He was right. Again.

“No offense, but sometimes I hate talking to you.”

Luka smirked, “You don’t hate me, you just hate listening to the truth.”

Chloe brought her free hand to his mouth, an attempt at silencing him. It was brief, but Luka locked their fingers together again, walking silently, save for the crash of water beside them.

Then, Chloe let out a heavy breath, finding his gaze. “Fine, I’ll go.”

Luka gave her a soft smile, ruffling her hair playfully, earning a light smack on his shoulder. He whispered a low ‘ow’ just loud enough for Chloe to hear and they both burst out laughing.

“Just to be clear, two weeks as in actual fourteen days or like more than a week but less than—”

“You make it sound like I’ll be gone for years.” Her hands were quick to wrap around his neck, holding on tight like it was the only thing in her life that wasn’t crazy. “I’ll miss you too, Luka.”

They lingered there, eyes locked, their gazes drifting almost unconsciously toward each other’s lips. For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath with them. Just as Chloé’s chest tightened in anticipation, a soft, unfamiliar cough cut through the moment.

 Juleka stood a few steps away, awkwardly shuffling, and Chloé’s face instantly turned red as she stumbled back from Luka, fumbling for words.

“HOW LONG WERE YOU STANDING THERE?”

“Long enough.”

Chloe smiled weakly. “GrEat.”

Luka just chuckled softly, looping an arm around her shoulders to steady her, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Are you sure you don’t want to come?”

Zoe shook her head, offering a smile. “I’ll keep mom in check. She’s too… unpredictable these days.”

Chloe glanced towards the hotel once again, silently agreeing. It wasn’t that she didn’t care about leaving Zoe, but between the two of them, Zoe was better at handling Audrey than she’d ever be. She did her last last-minute checks before hugging Zoe and leaving.

Andre was already waiting for her at the airport, though as she saw him, her head started contemplating whether this would be a good idea or not.

“Would you like help with your luggage, Mademoiselle?”

Her head whipped towards her butler, quickly shaking her head in response before entering the airport.

No turning back now, Chloe.

“Oh, Chloe. You’re here. Come on, the jet’s already waiting.” Her dad remarked.

She followed behind, keeping a safe distance between them. The silence lingered even inside the plane, both occupied with whatever distraction they could find. She tried texting at first, but as her phone signal got weaker, she got only fled more into boredom.

She was just about to doze off when someone cleared their throat beside her.

Her father again, of course.

“May I sit here?”

There was hesitation, but Chloe nodded. To say it was awkward was out of the picture. It was even worse than acting like she understood Marinette’s backstitch instructions. From time to time, she could tell Andre wanted to say something, stopping himself before the situation got uncomfortable.

Chloe spoke up first.

“We should definitely visit the mountains there, people say the views are to die for.”

Her father’s eyes lit up. “Oh, of course, dear. We should take a lot of pictures there.”

She smiled, not realising she actually meant it this time. For a moment, they were just another father and daughter, spending time together without a care in the world.

There were still other things to discuss, but both of them knew what they needed most right now was each other.

The awkwardness from earlier had settled into an easier flow, using their distractions earlier as the topic of conversation instead. Yes, she may have not been that close to her father, but they had never really been on bad terms the whole time Chloe grew up.

He had his flaws, but she had hers too.

Once they landed, they immediately started food hunting, convinced there was a restaurant nearby that could fill their empty stomachs. By the time they got to the place, Chloe was busy telling her father about the dance posters she was in charge of when someone interrupted them.

“Andre? Is that you?”

The man walked over from the entrance, looking excited to see her father. He was in a casual holiday fit, just like them and if Chloe wanted to guess, they looked like they were around the same age too.

“Oh my word, Roberte?” Andre let out a laugh before extending his hand for a handshake. “It’s been so long!”

“I heard you’re even mayor now, Andre.”

“Well, anything can happen in twenty years.”

“Wow, it’s been that long already, huh?”

Chloe glanced between the two of them, politely agreeing and nodding whenever they mentioned her in the conversation and by the friendly acts, they probably go way back. She couldn’t recall the last time her father met up with friends and always assumed he’d never had any.

It was nice to see him like that. Well, nice until he’d mention her.

“I hear Audrey’s back in Paris. You must’ve missed her so much while she was away. I could never be apart with my wife for that long.”

Chloe wanted to laugh. “Well, sometimes it’s always better to move on, right dad?”

The man wore a confused expression darting back and forth between the daughter and the father. He let out another laugh as if whatever left Chloe’s mouth was nothing but a joke.

“Oh, your daughter is quite the jokester. She doesn’t take after Audrey that’s for sure.” The man glanced at his watch and extended his hand towards her father once again, possibly to leave. “Well, I’ve got to go now. Send my regards to Audrey, will you? Though I don’t think she would remember me knowing how she is.”

Another laugh and at that point, it was starting to get on her nerve. This person was not only a friend of her father but he most likely knew her mother too.

The man finally left and Chloe was face to face again with the guilty father from earlier. But Chloe was already impatient.

“Who was that?”

Andre took a sip of his coffee, trying to avoid any eye-contact. “That was Roberte, we went to the same college.”

“Why was he confused when I said you had to move on? Isn’t that normal between divorced couples?” Chloe spat. She knew it was out of line of her but having her father lie to her again and again was only making her more irrational.

And she saw her father hesitate again. That meant she poked the right spot. “Did anyone know about you two or did you tell them that mom would be back?”

“Chloe, it’s—”

“No, I just want to know the truth. Did you love her so much you didn’t tell anyone that you were divorced or is it that—”

“CHLOE, THAT’S ENOUGH.”

Her mouth parted as her throat got dry. She quickly grabbed her purse and left the restaurant, desperate for a breath of fresh air, farther away from him.

She knew this was a bad idea.

Chapter Text

“It’s been one day and you’re already giving up? Am I really talking to Chloe Bourgeois right now?”

Chloe groaned into her cell, trying to annoy the girl on the phone. Marinette had called her first asking about what Adrien’s favourite dessert was, which had already piqued Chloe’s attention. Turns out, the blonde was sulking because of a misunderstanding.

She sighed. “I just can’t understand how my dad could love someone… like that.”

Room service had knocked on her door earlier, delivering her dinner which was obviously her father’s doing. Her dad never meant any harm even his actions were wrong in a lot of aspects, but to keep on loving someone that wouldn’t even give you the time of the day?

“My mom must’ve fed him a love potion or something.”

Marinette let out a laugh that made Chloe think she was crazy. “You do not get to laugh at me, Dupain-Cheng. Paris has been attacked by crazy-looking villains so is it really wrong for me to think that love potions do exist?”

“You have a point there.”

“Of course I do.”

“Okay, girl. Listen.” Marinette’s tone got serious real quick, making her furrow her eyebrows in curiosity. “I know you’re impatient and frankly, hot-headed too—”

“Wow, thank you.”

“No, I’m serious. I may not entirely understand how you feel right now but lashing out on your dad won’t fix anything.”

Chloe rolled her eyes, noticing the people around her always had a way of saying things she never wanted to confront. She let out a small huff. “Then what should I do?”

“Listen to what he has to say. And I mean like actually listen to his story.”

“But it doesn’t make sense—”

“Love doesn’t always make sense, Chloe. Maybe he stayed because he couldn’t let go of the memory of who she was.”

Who she was.

Their room was said to be the biggest suite in the hotel with three bedrooms and a huge balcony stretching out to a pool in the corner. The view was even better, the mountains were huge and they looked close, their dark silhouettes rising against a sky freckled with stars. It was a breath-taking sight.

Andre was already at the balcony, admiring the wonderful scenery in front of him with a cup of coffee when a low cough disrupted his thoughts. His eyes softened immediately at the sight of his daughter, gesturing her to take a seat in front of him.

The quiet accompanied them for a moment, both too scared to ruin a beautiful night.

Chloe observed his father whenever he turned to look at the mountains. There was a calm in his eyes as he looked out at the sight before him. His father rarely looked angry or in distress. There was always a quiet hope in his eyes, as if he still believed things could turn out for the better.

Maybe he stayed because he couldn’t let go of the memory of who she was.

Chloe lowered her head, gathering any courage left.

“I’m really sorry, dad.”

Andre turned, surprise softening into something gentler. He shook his head, voice low but steady. “You don’t have to be, dear. I should be the one saying sorry—for not being the father you deserved.”

Chloe’s chest tightened, the words cutting deeper than she expected. Her lips trembled, and she had to blink fast before tears betrayed her.

“And I’m sorry for your mother as well. I—” He looked away, perhaps also trying to keep his composure. “I always thought I was protecting her. But now I realise that all I’ve done was being selfish.”

Chloe pulled both her feet up on the chair, pulling her knees close to her chest. The thought of her father loving her mother enough like that made her chest ache again.

Her voice was almost a whisper when she spoke. “What was she like?”

And as if he was under a spell, his eyes lit up at her question, as if he was waiting forever for someone to ask.

“She was crazy.” He said, which only made Chloe tilt her head as if she wasn’t already crazy now. But the way her father said it, made her think maybe she was bold, which Chloe knew, she was.

“Your mother was never scared of anything. She would come to class with an extravagant outfit and left everyone talking about her. Either bad or good, she never seemed to care. She was inspiring and she was everything I was always scared of.”

How could a story make someone sound exactly the same, yet somehow so different?

“Did you fall in love with her because of that?”

Andre smiled, a little lost in thought. “Not really, at first.” He laughed. “One day, someone accused me of stealing some documents from the administration office. And to make things worse, my locker was full of the missing documents.”

It was another side of her father that she sadly had never taken the time to discover. At this point, Chloe was leaning forward, sitting cross-legged, invested in her father’s story.

“And you know what she did? She hired a private investigator herself and the case was closed with another student admitting to the faults.”

She hated to admit, but that Audrey was charismatic. She could imagine her mother’s face of pride when the real thief was caught.

“I was useless the whole time, while she was there solving the crime for me.” Andre took another sip of his coffee before glancing back at the mountains. “I never knew why she did that, I mean, I always thought she hated such a weak person like myself.”

“It was then where I made a promise to her that I would try harder and strive farther than anyone else. And she supported me, Chloe. She told me that succeeding after trying your best was far more fulfilling than others doing the job for you.”

Chloe let out a laugh. “Mom actually said that?”

“Why do you think her fashion empire has gotten so much fame? She works hard more than anyone.” Andre’s smile reached his eyes for a brief moment before he dropped it again. “I just wished she’d done the same to you.”

“I wished we both tried harder, for you.”

A tear slipped down his cheek.

“I was too busy trying to rise to the top that I didn’t realise she was struggling too. And before I knew it, it was too late. I was too busy blaming myself instead of setting things right… I’m sorry, Chloe.”

Chloé thought she’d be more furious at this, but instead there was only a strange stillness in her chest, as if she finally understood how much he had lost too.

These weren’t excuse for whatever they had done, but at least she finally saw the truth in his regret.

To her surprise, the next day was enjoyable.

Her father took her sightseeing through the little town nearby, pointing out tucked-away shops and old buildings like it wasn’t his first time here as well. They stopped for ice cream from a street vendor, wandered into a tiny bookstore that smelled like dust and ink, and even sat by a fountain just to watch people go about their day.

Chloe found herself laughing more than she expected, the weight between them loosening with every corner they turned.

She hadn’t expected that at all.

She always thought that she wouldn’t be able to listen to whatever explanation her father had.

Because she was scared.

She was scared she’d lose her father too.  

But after spending a whole day with him, she could tell he was scared of losing his daughter too. And that made her realise she didn’t want fear to take this away from her as well.

Chloe was back in her room, her window wide open to let in the night breeze. She plopped on her bed after showering, her hair still damp. She was just about to reach for her phone when it rang.

“I was just about to call you.”

“I knew you missed me already.”

Chloe scoffed, leaning herself against the bedframe. “Excuse me, aren’t you the one calling me right now?”

“Because I sensed you wanted to so I’m just saving your energy.”

“Haha.”

She could actually see his face grinning like a child behind the phone and that annoyed her a lot. But the smile on her face betrayed her.

“How’s the trip so far?”

Chloé’s eyes darted to the open window, where tall trees swayed gently against the night sky. She let the silence stretch, pretending to be occupied by the view. “I’m… having fun.”

Luka grimaced, causing Chloe to raise an eyebrow. “That means you won’t be cutting your trip short, right?”

She rolled her eyes, scoffing. “You miss me that much?”

“Yes.”

She sighed, trying to ignore the burn in her cheek. “You know, one day this won’t work on me anymore.”

He laughed a little before replying. “That means it’s working today, princess.”

They kept talking about little things, the weather, what she saw that day, what happened at home. The kind of conversation that felt almost ordinary, almost easy. And by the time they knew it, it was already late.

Chloe was telling him about how Adrien almost found out about him when—

BOOM!

Chloe sat up straighter, the smile slipping from her lips. It echoed almost from the end of Luka’s line.

“…Luka?”

But before he could answer, the call cut short, the screen flashing call ended in cold letters.

Chapter Text

She tried calling him again and again, then switching to Juleka but it was no use. They just wouldn’t pick up.

There was only little that she could do and it only made the situation worse when everyone wouldn’t answer her. Not Marinette. Not Adrien.

Her thumb scrolled past the list of names and stopped on Zoe.

Please answer.

One ring.

Two ring.

“…Chloe!” Zoe exclaimed, her voice cracking as a cough escaped her. “I can’t talk to you right now.” Another cough and she was talking to someone else too. “It’s another akuma.”

Zoe hung up.

Shit.

Chloe sprang to her feet, rushing into her father’s room before she even thought twice. But when she entered his room, she was surprised to see that he was already awake, standing by the window with a phone in hand, mid-conversation.

And it looked serious.

Andre whipped his head to look at Chloe and panic was setting in his face too.

“Chloe, pack your bags—”

“Is it serious? I mean, villains have been showing up a lot, right? This must be just temporary. The heroes will stop them… right?”

Andre hesitated, but he also looked hopeful. “We better hope so. But for now, I’m still the mayor and I need to do something.”

Chloe froze. It was the first time she actually saw him like this. She quickly snapped out of it and ran to her room, packing her bags. Her mind raced through a thousand scenarios, not understanding what they were capable of doing if they reached Paris. But her father looked like he knew something, so what other choice did she have?

They reached the airport without a moment to spare but the pilot in charge didn’t look ready.

“I’m afraid we won’t be able to fly right now.”

Andre’s jaw tightened, his voice strained with control. “No, there must be a way.”

“We’ve tried, sir. Paris is currently shrouded in dense, storm-like clouds. It would be inadvisable to proceed by air without knowing when they might strike.”

André drew in a sharp breath, and nodded once to the pilot. “Keep observing the situation, if the clouds remain dormant, we’ll move immediately, risk or not.”

Chloe was about to interrupt when her father pulled out his phone again, making another phone call. She wanted to know what was happening, but her father asked her to stay inside and as much as she wanted to, she couldn’t argue with him.

All she could do was call her friends time and time again until they answered.

Chloe was tired, but she couldn’t get herself to sleep. There were pictures being posted online from anonymous sources capturing the situation in Paris, and it was nothing like what’s happened before. The photos were all blurry but it was enough to scare her.

“Chloe, we have to go.”

It had been an hour of waiting for the sky to clear but imagine what an hour had done. The pilots said that it was still risky but they could try to manoeuvre farther away from the villain itself.

Andre had asked her earlier if she could stay here but that wasn’t an option for her. She wanted to go home. Her father wanted to argue but knew more than anyone how her daughter was when she set her mind on something.

It was a long flight.

Chloe’s father was occupied with his phone for the rest of the trip, pacing back and forth the aisle. She could only hear a little of the whole conversation but from the determination of her father, she was certain he had something in mind.

Once he was finally off, he sat right across from her just as the pilot said they’d be arriving soon.

A flash of purple caught Chloe’s eyes.

Paris.

The city stretched below, but it was nothing like the glittering skyline she knew. Streets once alive with chatter and horns now lay silent, littered with debris. Glass crunched beneath collapsed rooftops, with windows broken almost every building.

“Traces of movement near the Eiffel Tower, we’re open for landing near town hall, sir.” The pilot’s voice came through.

She scanned the city streets again but it wasn’t the destruction that scared her, it was the lack of people. Was everyone safe and hiding? Or did something happened already? Her chest tightened at the thought of it.

The aircraft tilted, descending carefully toward the ground. Chloé gripped the seatbelt a moment longer than necessary before finally releasing it.

The door slid open, and an officer in fatigues stepped forward, holding a tab in his hand. “Sir.”

André wasted no time. His jaw was set, his tone clipped. “Status of the civilians?”

The officer nodded quickly. “Most of the population has been moved into the bunkers around the city. Reinforcements have been made useful, sir.” He hesitated before adding, “There are still search teams out there, leading stragglers toward the nearest shelters and bringing in the injured.”

Chloe blinked, stepping forward before she noticed. “What bunkers?”

The officer exchanged a glance with Andre before nodding once, turning his heel. “This way.”

Her father’s hands were on her back now, gesturing for them to follow closely behind. “We always had this in case of an emergency, dear. I only requested to add more around the town.” Andre explained, as they walked towards a more underground-like area.

“Of course, when it was built, I never expected a supervillain would be the reason it needs to be used. But it’s always better to have a precautionary measure.”

They reached a door that was guarded by two soldiers with guns. One nod from Andre and the door opened. Chloe’s breath hitched.

The chamber inside was almost the size of the hotel with various tunnels that she assumed stretched throughout the city itself. And there everyone was, hurdled up with their own families with medical officers running around the place trying to take care of the injured.

“This is the biggest shelter we have but there are still others around Paris.” Her father spoke, his tone was still serious, not wanting to drop his guard. “Stay here for the time being, there are still other things I need to take care of.”

She thought about it and nodded, taking in the huge hall.

“Chloe!” A familiar voice called out.

Chloe’s eyes widened as she whipped her head towards the voice. Before she could think, her legs carried her forward. She rushed into her sister’s arms, holding her so tightly it almost knocked the breath out of them both. Relief hit her like a wave, and she buried her face against Zoé’s shoulder.

“Thank god, you’re okay.”

Zoe pulled back first, trying to steady herself. “Why are you here? How are you back?”

“Dad had to be here and I wouldn’t let him go alone.” She scanned around them and knitted her eyebrows. “Where’s mom?”

“She’s fine. Threw a fit about her room earlier, though.” Zoe dipped her head down, clearly tired. “But this is pretty cool, huh?” She gestured towards the bunker.

Chloe nodded slow, trying to distract her mind from other things. “By the size of this, it would’ve taken years to finish it. Dad must’ve proposed it early on being a mayor.”

Not only that, but it proved that his father was a good person to think of something like this. She was proud of him for that. Before her mind could drift further, she pulled her phone once again.

She was just about to call Luka again when Zoe interrupted her. “It’s no use, Chloe. There’s no signal in here. All we can do is just wait.”

Chloe let out a breath, dropping to a crouch. Zoé was quick to follow her down, settling beside her without hesitation. “It’s fine… Mister Bug and Lady Noire will stop the villain in no time.”

Chapter Text

The fight lasted for three hours.

And Chloe hadn’t slept a wink since she reached Paris. Mister Bug had undone all the damages as usual but the air felt different once they stepped out of the bunker. It felt… calmer. If that made sense.

Chloe was quick with her phone again just before she heard a voice shouting her name in the distance.

“CHLOE BOURGEOIS!”

“MARINETTE!” She called back, eyes widening when she spotted the girl pushing through the crowd.

“HOW DID YOU KNOW I WAS HERE?”

“I SAW YOU FROM—” Marinette suddenly froze, words catching in her throat. She immediately held her knees to catch her breath and only then did Chloe notice her arm was bleeding.

“Girl, you’re bleeding, we need to get you to a doctor.” Chloe gasped, quickly dragging Marinette to one of the nearby rescue trucks. An officer caught sight of her and rushed to tend her wounds.

Chloe leaned back against the truck, glancing back to Marinette. “Oh what were you about to say earlier? You saw me?”

Marinette suddenly sat up straighter, eyes wide before she brushed her off. “Noo, I was looking for my parents and I just saw you. That’s all.”

Chloe thought she was acting a little weird but thought it was only because of how tired she was. “I’m glad you’re fine.”

Marinette smiled, before dropping it once again, eyebrows knitted. “Wait, why are you here?”

Chloe only shrugged. “Stuff happened.” But as the words left her mouth, she remembered Luka again and quickly made up an excuse to find him.

“OH MY GOD, I FORGOT SOMETHING, I’LL CALL YOU BACK LATER.”

“WHAT? CHLOE— “ Marinette facepalmed herself, watching her friend run away until she was out of sight.

Chloe hailed a cab, her hands tight on the seat as she desperately asked the driver to speed up. Just as the thought slammed into her and she was about to make her phone call, it died on her miserably.

Well, it was honestly about time considering the amount of times she spammed call everyone during her flight.

Chloe pushed open the cab door before it had even fully stopped, her pulse hammering in her ears. She didn’t bother with pleasantries or paying attention to anything else—just slammed the door shut behind her and darted forward.

And then she saw him.

Luka stood just outside his house, phone pressed to his ear, his shoulders tense and his face carved with worry. He was pacing, as if anxiously waiting for someone to answer his call.

Her chest tightened, but then excitement surged through her all at once. “LUKA!” she shouted, her voice ringing out clear and desperate.

His head snapped up immediately, eyes widening in shock and confusion.

Chloe didn’t even think. She practically launched herself at him, arms looping tight around his neck. “Oh my god, I’m so glad you’re okay!” Her words tumbled out too fast, shaky with adrenaline, but her grin was unstoppable.

Luka laughed breathlessly against her hair, spinning her once before setting her back on her feet. “Why are you here?”

“Why am I here? Are you kidding?” She shot back, still gripping his shoulder tightly. “YOU SCARED ME SHITLESS WHEN THE PHONE CUT OFF LIKE THAT—

Her rant was cut short when Luka leaned in and kissed her, silencing the words right off her lips. It was sudden, firm, and full of the same fear and relief she felt, crashing into her all at once.

For a second she froze, eyes wide, but then she melted against him, clutching his shirt as if to anchor herself. The fury from earlier drained away, leaving only the dizzying rush of his mouth on hers.

 When they finally pulled away, both of their eyes met. Her hands were quick to cover her own face. “That is so not fair.”

Luka didn’t answer right away. He only brought her hands back down again, casually tucking a stray hair behind her ear. The simple touch made her freeze all over again, her heart beating violently.

“What’s not fair?” His voice was soft as his hands traced circles on her palm.

Chloe opened her mouth to argue, only to close them again, knitting her eyebrows in quiet acceptance.

“Nevermind.” She murmured, slipping closer until she was curled against his arm, clinging to it as though it could shield her from everything else. Her lashes fluttered shut, the heaviness of sleep tugging her down. “I’m too tired to argue with you.”

her weight was warm and certain against his side. Luka smiled faintly, tilting his head toward her. “Come on.” he said softly, his voice carrying a quiet fondness. “You’ll be more comfortable inside.”

Her nap lasted another three hours.

When Chloe woke up, she immediately called Adrien who, from the moment she got here, had not yet answered her calls. And he still wasn’t.

It took her almost 60 times before he answered.

“ADRIEN FUCKING AGRESTE WHERE WERE YOU, YOU LITTLE SHIT—

Luka had burst through the door, scared that something might have happened to Chloe and immediately calming down after seeing her sitting upright and cursing over the phone.

“—YOU’RE SO FRAGILE AND WEAK AND YOU COULD CRUMBLE ANY SECOND SO WHY COULDN’T YOU JUST ANSWER YOUR DAMN PHONE?”

Worried was an understatement. But at the same time, Luka wanted to laugh at the sight of Chloe lecturing someone she cared about… intensely…

Chloe took a deep breath, shutting her eyes in response and she started to calm down, letting the person behind the call explain himself, if Luka was observing the situation correctly.

She finally noticed Luka at the door and with a slight gesture of her hand, tapped a spot on the bed for him to sit. He smiled at her motion and walked over to the bed.

One of Chloe’s hands was gripped tight to the phone, still arguing with the person behind the phone while her other hand slid to Luka’s, tracing circles on his palm.

“Don’t ask me about her, idiot. You have her number, call her yourself.” Chloe remarked, immediately hanging up after.

“Someone had a nice sleep.” Luka started, letting her fingers toy with his hand.

Chloe pressed her lips together, glancing around his bed at how she absolutely conquered it. “Sorry, I was just really tired…”

Luka only shook his head. “Who was on the phone?”

“Adrien, we grew up together.” A soft yawn escaped her as she stretched lazily. “I’m always worried about him, it sucks.”

“Sounds like you just got a big heart.”

Chloe rolled her eyes, scooting closer to him. “Well, he just needs to start taking care of himself…” Her words trailed as she slid into his space, arms looping around his middle. She buried her face into his chest, holding on tightly. “…I’m already busy with someone else.”

Her words made Luka smile as he wrapped an arm around her, resting his chin lightly on her hair. “Wait, really? There’s someone else?”

Chloe tilted her head just enough to peek up at him, lips quirking into the smallest smirk. “Ugh, he’s the worst. He’s like tall and annoying and interrupts people when they’re talking…”

“Sounds problematic,” Luka murmured, looking down at her.

“Yeah,” she sighed dramatically, though the way she nuzzled closer betrayed her fondness. “Total headache. But I guess I can’t do anything about it now…”

His chest rumbled with a quiet laugh. “Guess you’re stuck with me then.”

She let out a soft hum, eyes slipping shut. “Mm. Worst decision I ever made.”

And yet her grip on him only tightened, so much that they didn’t even hear Juleka walking over to the room.

“Luka, I need to borrow your— GODDAMIT, CHLOE!”

Chloe peered to the side to look at her, sticking out her tongue in return.

Chapter Text

Chloe wanted to punch someone in the face.

She thought everything would be over and done but her mother just needed drama.

As always.

Her and Rose had agreed to sleep over at the Couffaine’s that night, almost a beg that they watch Clueless instead of any horror movie when Chloe’s butler called her to return back to the hotel.

And Jean almost never calls.

Luka had offered to drive her back and there was no hesitation before she got in the car. The whole ride, she tried to call Zoe but to no avail.

When she reached the hotel, she could see a few hotel staff loading up a car’s trunk. There were a few designer bags, and professional equipment and by the engraving seen on one of the luggages, it was definitely Audrey’s.

Just as she stepped out of the car, she saw her mother rushing out of the hotel with another luggage, heading towards the car in front of the hotel. She turned and noticed Chloe back.

“Ah, Chloe. Good to see you here.” She fished something from her handbag and shoved it in her face. “You got what you wanted, now I’m leaving.”

Chloe blinked at the file in her hand before taking it. “What’s this?”

“Divorce papers.” Audrey stated matter-of-factly, adjusting her sunglasses as if they weighed more than the news. “Your father didn’t want me to say anything when I got here but I only stayed to settle everything.”

“Wait no, I don’t understand, you told me you’re moving here.” Chloe mentioned, thinking back to the dinner party. “What about—”

“Chloe, I’m not trying to argue here, but I know that me being here hasn’t always been fun for you.” Audrey interrupted still impassive as ever, not even facing Chloe. “I won’t apologise for anything, though. I still think you should act more sophistic—”

Her words were cut short as she noticed Luka walking up to them, slowly recognising him from an earlier incident. Audrey looked like she was about to say something else but stopped herself instead.

“Anyways, congratulations, I’m officially out of your life.” Before Chloe could let everything sink in, her mother turned towards the hotel entrance and shouted. “ZOE, WE ARE GOING TO MISS OUR FLIGHT.”

That immediately made Chloe’s head snap. “You’re taking Zoe with you?”

A strange tightness coiled in her chest, her eyes flicking from her mother’s sharp stride to the hotel doors as if the ground had shifted beneath her. Relief pressed at the edges of her thoughts, but something heavier weighed it down, leaving her fingers curling uselessly at her sides.

Luka was quick to notice her unease, holding her clenched fists. “Are you okay, princess?” Her hands caught hold of his as they slowly relaxed, almost grounding her. But she still felt wrong.

Then, she saw Zoe carrying what looked like her own luggage, walking down the steps towards the car. But it wasn’t all Chloe saw.

She also saw her tight expression, as if waiting for someone to pull her back so that she didn’t need to leave.

So she could stay.

Chloe let go of Luka’s hands and rushed towards Zoe instead. She shook her head a few times before the words got out of her mouth.

“Stay.”

Zoe furrowed her eyebrows but couldn’t do anything as Chloe turned to face her mother once more.

“What are you on about?” Audrey muttered, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion and something of annoyance. “Zoe is coming with me.”

“No, I don’t want her to.” Chloe spat back, making sure Zoe doesn’t take another step towards Audrey. “I want her to stay—”

“—I DON’T CARE WHAT YOU WANT!” Audrey cut her, her fists already clenching on her side. Her steps quickened as she walked over towards them but before she could do anything a voice broke out from behind her.

“Let her choose herself.”

It didn’t take a scientist to figure out who that voice belonged to, but it was a shocking statement in of itself knowing who the voice belonged to.

“Andre?”
“Dad?”

They exclaimed simultaneously as Andre took a quick glance at Zoe and nodding, giving her the spotlight.

She was scared.

Of course she was scared.

All her life someone had altered it exactly how it was supposed to go, now the choice is all hers to make. But obviously she’d choose to be here right? Audrey had never treated her well. But then again, she always cared more about her than Chloe ever did. The air was thick all of a sudden, her mind racing through every what if—

“I want to stay.”

And suddenly everything was still.

Audrey exhaled a sharp breath as the absurdity whiffed through her mind before she snapped. She took a step closer to Zoe and her hand was raised in a quick motion.

She was about to slap her. “HOW DARE YOU—”

But before her hand could fall, another hand caught her wrist midair. Strong. Unyielding.

Audrey’s head whipped in shock and she was about to say something but Andre spoke first.

“No more, Audrey.” he said, his voice was every feeling all at once. It was guilt. It was rage. It was firm. “Stop hurting your own children and just leave quietly.”

For the first time in years, Audrey was silent. She yanked her hand free with a sharp scoff, clutching her handbag tighter as though it could restore her pride. Without another glance, she turned on her heel and stormed off towards the cab, her heels striking the pavement like gunfire.

The driver rushed to open the door for her, but just as she was about to slip inside, Chloe darted forward.

“Wait—” Her voice cracked as she grabbed the edge of the door. Audrey turned, startled, only to see Chloe’s eyes glistening.

“I forgive you.” She whispered, not wanting it to be a big deal. Chloe was certain no one around them heard her except for her mother.

The words hung in the air like something fragile, impossible. For a second, nothing mattered.

Audrey only stared. And for the briefest flicker, there was something in her face—an almost unrecognisable softness. But it vanished as quickly as it came.

With a sharp exhale, she pulled the door from Chloe’s grasp, slid inside, and shut it with a final, echoing thud.

The car pulled away, leaving Chloe standing there with her hand still outstretched. For a moment, she thought the words had slipped away into nothing, wasted on someone who would never care.

And yet, as the taillights disappeared down the street, her chest felt lighter than it had in years. Forgiving her didn’t fix anything, didn’t undo the past—but it loosened something inside her, something she hadn’t realised she’d been carrying all this time.

For once, her heart was at ease.

“Chloe.”

She turned.

“Zoe.”

Her hands were fast to wrap her sister. And it wasn’t uncomfortable or tense. Just two girls, who apparently were actually sisters, finally free.

They were free from their abusive mother.

“I’m sorry, dad. It must’ve been hard for you.”

They were in one of the hotel halls, sorting out any knots in their feelings. Zoe had just left them both, insisting both of them talk it out.

Andre shook his head, taking Chloe’s hands in his. “I should’ve settled this a long time ago. My daughter was in so much pain.”

Chloe could feel her eyes getting teary by the second, but she was determined not to break. After all, she survived all those years anyway. And that woman didn’t deserve any of her sympathy.

“The woman I fell in love with has been gone a long time, Chloe. All these years, I’ve been defending nothing but a memory.”

Then the tear slipped down her face unconsciously, betraying her thoughts.

Even in that moment, she just hoped that if parallel worlds exists, that Chloe Bourgeois would be a daughter of two loving parents that supported her and gave her the life she knew was now only a dream.

“I love you so much, Chloe. And I will always love you.”

And this time, Chloe smiled.

“I love you too, dad.”