Miraculous AU -- Changer de Vie

Chapter 6: The Tales of Two Cheeses

~~ 🌸🌸 ~~

A bright, golden light blinds me as I open my eyes to a new day. I really wish my Father had gotten me blinds for the windows like I asked. I love the view, but the giant windows can get a little annoying this early.

I hop out of bed and head to the bathroom. As I'm getting ready, I run a mental checklist through my head. Today I have to talk to Adrien about the project at school and I have to go on patrol later. I really don't know what else I have. I'm sure my father's assistant Caline will tell me today at breakfast... when he fails to show up. Just like always.

I walk out of my room and down the giant marble stairs.

As I approach the dining room, I hear a deep voice say "It'll work, Caline. It has to. If not, what was all of this for?"

I didn't know what he was talking about, and I didn't care. Because he showed up. That's all I ever want, is to spend time with him. Since Mom died, I haven't had much family time. I don't even feel like we are a family anymore. Caline has been a better parent figure than my father, and she doesn't pay much attention to me either. Unless, god forbid I leave the house for anything other than school, fencing, or modeling. Then all eyes are on me.

I walk through the threshold leading to our dining room. Trying not to draw too much attention to myself. Afraid I might scare him off somehow.

"Good morning, my darling Marinette." My father said warmly.

"Good morning, father." I said in a light tone.

I sat down at the opposite end of the table. Right across from him.

"How did you sleep?" He asked.

"I slept fine." I said.

"Well, our chef created a delicious breakfast. Make sure you dig in before school." He said.

I think this is the most my father had spoken to me in weeks.

"Thank you, father." I said with a smile.

I lifted the round, metal lid hiding my food to reveal two eggs, sunny-side up, a croissant, and a medley of fruit. I looked up at my father before I started to dig in. This was surreal.

"Caline, make sure those sketches I marked up are ready to go out by this afternoon." He said to his assistant.

"Right away, Mr. Dupain." She said in her monotone voice as she left the room.

I stuffed my face with the croissant. It was good. But it didn't hold a candle to the Agreste's croissants.

"So, how's school going Marinette?" My father asked.

"Good. I'm getting straight A's, but I'm sure you already know that. We also have a new project we have to do. It's community service plans for the city, and the best ones will get enacted by the mayor. I have a really good partner too. I'm sure we'll win." I replied.

"Oh? Who's your partner?"

"Adrien! You know him. He's a very good friend of mine."

"Ahh, yes. The one who stormed into my house uninvited and demanded you go on your little school trip to New York a little over a year ago?"

I forgot about that.

"Yes. That one. He also helped me in more ways than you can imagine and gave me the lucky charm I always have with me."

"You mean the eye-sore on a red string?"

"It isn't an eye-sore, father. He's really a great guy once you get to know him. He always thinks of others and puts everyone else's needs above his own."

"I'll trust your judgement, Marinette. After all, you are 17. You're almost an adult. Just be careful."

"Yes, father. Also, I might have to hang out with him after school so we can work on this project. I'll let you know when."

"Yes, please do. You also better not miss your Chinese or fencing lessons..."

"Or photo shoots. Yes, I know." I interrupted.

"Okay. I have to get back to work, have a good day at school. I don't believe you have anything scheduled after school today. Make sure you're home by 5 if you decide to work on your project."

"Yes, father. Thank you."

I watched as he exited the room. I looked down at my phone. I still had 20 minutes before I had to be at school, but if I got there early I might be able to talk to Adrien about the project. Who am I kidding, he's always late.

"Any ideas on what to do for the next 20 minutes, Plagg?" I asked the kwami that was hidden in my bag.

"I say we relax, find a nice package of aged camembert, and eat to our hearts content." He replied.

"Are you always thinking with your stomach?"

"What else would I think with?"

"Whatever. I'm glad that I get to hang out with Adrien today. Other than Lila, he's my closest friend."

"Yea, and you secretly like him too."

"What? No."

"Marinette, you've been going to his house multiple times a month. It's pretty obvious."

"Yea, well Mister Bug hasn't been showing up much. He's been this way since he became guardian of the miracle box."

"Still, I love camembert with all of my heart, but I also enjoy a good brie from time to time. You can always love two things at once."

"I guess you're right, but I can't think about that right now, Plagg. Anyways, it's time for school."

I walk out into the hallway where Caline and Jean are waiting for me. We walk outside into the beautiful day and head down to the car. Jean drives out through the gates and towards the school. I'm caught in the back seat wondering if I do see Adrien as more than that. More than just a friend. I snap out of my trance as we pull up to the school. Lila is there waiting for me.

"Hey, girl." She said.

I closed the car door behind me.

"Hey, Lila." I replied.

"Something wrong?" She asked.

"Just thinking."

"About what?"

"Nothing. I'm just in my head about something."

"Well, Not that you asked, but I had a new idea for the lady blog. You see, I found a video of..."

I looked up from the floor and saw Adrien, I guess he was here early for once. He was standing there talking to Max. And for a moment... just a moment, I felt something that I had only felt for one other person. A feeling like my heart was glowing. My eyes widened.

Snap out of it.

I thought to myself. I let Plagg get into my head. But why was I feeling this? It's almost like talking about Adrien in that way triggered something in my head. Something that had been dormant for a while.

"Are you even listening?" Lila asked.

"No, sorry. I zoned out." I said

"Wow, you really do have a lot going on I guess. If you need to talk about it, I'm always here."

As she said that, a small feeling of disgust and detest rose inside of me. All of a sudden, nothing felt real. A surge of mixed emotions washed over me like a tsunami.

WHAT WAS HAPPENING?