Dear Bugaboo

Until Next Time 1

{+}{+}{+}

Marinette carried out Tikki's suitcase from the guest room. Bluebell eyes glanced back into the room, seeing Celine and Sabine continue packing bags.

The end of the visit arrived. Tikki and Celine will be flying back to Italy tonight. Sometimes, it's sad to see the two redheads leave after getting used to seeing their faces around the house.

   "At least, I'll have fewer morning people bargaining into my room and rudely wake me up," the bluenette mused in her thoughts, heading towards the front door with Tikki's suitcase. Tikki sitting on the couch, preparing her dolls for the airplane ride.

   "Scrump, I'm going to put you in last since you've recently had surgery. Francois, I need you to take care of Scrump since you've been through the same eye surgery. Hey, Lotso! Watch your language, mister! Also, stop being a meanie!" Tikki talked to her dolls.

Marinette placed Tikki's suitcase in front of the open door, readying it to be taken downstairs. They've been working most of the morning packing while her uncle is downstairs, preparing the bakery to open. It's been a little messy but it's to be expected.

"Good morning, Marinette."

The bluenette stumbled back in fright, tripping over a small bag. She landed on her butt before turning towards the open door. Kagami and Luka stood at the doorway. Marinette blinked for a moment to process the two standing at the door before her eyes widened in surprise.

   "Wh-What are you two doing here and so early in the morning?" Marinette questioned. She's slightly uncomfortable, remembering the last time Kagami was here a few days ago...and the thing that happened.

The two Chengs explained everything to Kagami.

   The fencer didn't say a word the entire time and kept a straight face. Sabine and Marinette nervously waited for some sort of reaction or response. Suddenly, Kagami spoke up.

   "I have heard about Uncle Shan but I've never met him," Kagami admitted, "My dad used to tell me stories of his younger brother...but he never mentioned anything about a sister. How do I know this isn't a trick?"

   Sabine sighed, standing from her seat and disappearing into the back for a few minutes. She returned with a photograph and handed it over to Kagami.

   "This was the last picture taken before Mei died," the baker explained. Kagami stared down at the photo of her father, who she assumed was her Uncle Shan, and a pregnant teenage girl that's strikingly similar-looking to Marinette.

   "I remember this photo. My dad had it hidden away in his keepsake box," Kagami said, "He never told me who the girl was. I just assumed she was Shan's girlfriend or something."

   Kagami left a few minutes later, needing to leave before her mother realizes she is missing. She bowed in appreciation before walking out of the bakery.

   "So, I have another uncle you decided to keep from me," the bluenette spat.

   "I really was going to tell you about Poe, I swear," Sabine genuinely spoke, "I just wish I told you sooner before you knew about Kagami being your cousin."

   "Why?" Marinette asked, crossing her arms.

   "You see...Poe died a few years ago...from a drug addiction. Law enforcers found out that the guy he was dealing with was Slade. So, it's a bit of a complicated situation with Kagami's mom and the Chengs. If there was one thing we all agreed on, it was to keep all of this secret from you girls," Sabine explained, sadly.