Late that night, tears begin to soak my satin pillowcase. Now it's just damp and a little uncomfortable.
After I came home a few hours ago, my mom took my phone, my computer, and my tablet, claiming she'll give them back once I've proven myself worthy of using them. Then she took away my freedom, saying I'm not allowed outside the apartment ever, unless we're all going somewhere together. And even then, I might have to stay home.
Which means I definitely won't be seeing Antoine any time soon. And I can't even text him, now that my mom has my phone.
I reach up to finger my Miraculous, which I still haven't taken off. At least I still have my powers—
My fingers brush against another hand, and I sit up in surprise. I turn and squint through the darkness to see a figure hovering near me, wearing a spotted jumpsuit. Behind them, my window swings open, letting in a gentle breeze.
My surprise quickly turns into anger as I realize what's happening. "Ladybug," I mutter. "You were trying to steal my Miraculous back, weren't you?"
"It's not yours, Tori. I need to know where all the Miraculous are at all times, so—"
"Well, you know it's with me, so we're good," I say, sliding out of bed. "And I'm pretty sure you're breaking and entering right now, so I'd suggest you leave before I call the police."
"They can't arrest me if they don't know my secret identity. Please, Tori," she pleads, extending a hand to me. "Just give me the earring, and I won't bother you anymore."
"You still don't understand," I sigh. "I need my Miraculous. I need these powers, Ladybug. Without them, I..." I'm no one.
"You're still Tori. And that should be enough."
"But it's not, that's what I'm saying. Just let me stay a part of your team, Ladybug. Let me have this one win."
Ladybug starts to respond, but then we hear movement from outside my door. In an instant, Ladybug launches herself out of my open window and lands on the next rooftop. We make eye contact, and I perfectly understand the message she's trying to convey: This isn't over.
Then she turns and flies away, and I slip back under my covers just as Jakob pokes his head into my room.
"Tori?" he whispers. "Were you just talking to someone?"
I hurl a pillow at his head, and he closes the door again.
I roll back over and place a protective hand over my Miraculous, knowing in my heart I'll never let anyone take it from me.
Ever.
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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...
