When Ladybug finally speaks, her voice is soft. "Chat Noir isn't my sidekick, he's my partner. He's as vital to every one of our plans as I am."
I scoff, forming my next argument—
"And Tori, for the record, I chose you to wield the Parrot Miraculous because I thought you could listen and focus, not talk and give orders. Now, give me your earring back." She paused. "Please."
I clench my fists, wondering how someone so arrogant was ever chosen to be a superhero. "No."
"What?"
"I said, no. Being a hero was the closest I've ever been to being... someone. Being important. And I'm not giving that up. Not yet." Maybe not ever.
"Tori, you have to—"
"I'm sorry Ladybug, but I'm done taking orders from you. Next time we meet, hopefully you'll understand why I'm doing this." Then I transform back into Pinion and take off, sailing in the direction of my apartment. I hear Ladybug calling my name, but I don't glance back—I just keep on gliding, soaking in the feeling of the wind ruffling my feathers.
When I get home, I dive through my open bedroom window and detransform, directing Lorri to the pocket of my sweatshirt and heading out into the kitchen of my apartment. My mom and brothers are already eating at the kitchen table, so I walk over and join them. They barely glance my way before continuing to dig into their spaghetti.
I say grace, then twirl some pasta around my fork.
"Tori," my mother greets slowly. "How nice of you to finally join us. I'm assuming you've finished your homework?"
I shake my head, not meeting her eye. "It's kind of difficult," I lie.
Jakob straightens in his seat. "I can help, if you need. I took French Lit as an elective a few years ago—"
"I don't need your help," I spit, still hearing Ladybug's words echo in my mind. I thought you could listen and focus, not talk and give orders.
She's just as bad as Lila, thinking she can recruit me to just be another one of her... minions. Thinking I'll just follow along, unquestioning and devoted.
"Tori," my mother says sharply, and I look up at her. "You should be grateful your brother wants to help you."
My other brothers have stopped eating to watch my mother give her second rebuke of the week.
Well, too bad for them, because I'm not staying long enough to hear it.
I push away from the table and grab my phone, starting toward the apartment door. "I'm not doing this again. I'll see you guys later." Then, as my mother yells at me to stop, I leave, slamming the door shut behind me.
YOU ARE READING
To Be a Hero | MLB
FanfictionWhen Tori Moreau-Stewart arrives in Paris, all she expects to do is practice her French, visit the Eiffel Tower, and maybe taste some macarons. What she doesn't expect are two superheroes flying around and saving the city almost every day. Even less...
