Feathers In Veins

chapter 1

The air in Paris is just like I remember, the pigeons joyously being fed by the same tall man, the water creating a beautiful melody as it flows down each layer of the fountain. I stroll along the streets of Paris, breathing in the scenery, if I'm being completely honest, part of me is stalling. I've been waiting for this moment for 3 years...and now you're getting cold feet? NO! You can do this...you made a promise, he's waiting for you.

I make my way along the dock, scanning my surroundings in search for his boat. "Stella!" blonde hair, not him... "Hello Adrien." I smile completing his hug. "I'm so glad that you and Felix are here again." I know that smile..."I can't wait to hear all about her later ." I smile as confusion paints his face. "And I can't wait to ear all about him later." he smiles as he heads in the same direction as me, I guess we have the same destination.

After a short walk and nostalgic conversation, we reach the boat. I freeze at the stairs, my heart beating a thousand times faster. "Are you okay?" Adrien asks, I nod my head and take a deep breath...deep breaths Estella...It's going to be okay. I grip onto my sketchbook and I take a step onto the boat. Laughter fills the air, louder with each step. Purple hair, Juleka. "Juleka!" I run to her, pulling her into my arms. "Uhm... please let go...do I know you?" she's uncomfortable, shit. "I'm sorry, its me-" "Stella...?" she mumbles has her eyes widen. I nod my head happily before she pulls me into her arms again,

"I've missed you so much" I hug her tightly. I feel eyes all around us, "I'm sorry, how rude of me." I clear my throat and stand up straight. "My name is Estella, but you can call me Stella." I smile. "Oh how lovely to meet you!" Warm arms and a warmer sweeter voice to go with it, "Well hello there." Blonde hair, Pink shirt. "My name is Rose, any friend of Julekas is a friend of mine." she hugs me tight. "I'm Alya, this is Marinette and that's Nino, Ivan and Mylène." brown and orange hair says as the rest wave, each greeting differently.

Marinette...Bingo.

"D-do you know Adrien...?" she smiles, a tormented, awkward smile. I can't help but chuckle. "Yes," I offer her a hand, "don't worry, I believe I didn't introduce myself properly, Estella Fathom." I wink, where is he...? "F-Fathom?" blue hair, Adrien hasn't taken his eyes off her...it's definitely her.

"I'm really excited to be your friend, if you'll have me." I smile, making friends is a lot of work. She looks at my hand, smiles, then opens her arms and pulls me into a hug, I hate to feel this way but I feel really uncomfortable hugging all these new people...they mean well and I hate to be ungrateful, I don't know why it's like this for me...
Adrien's made a good choice though, he even seemed to get the guardian of the miraculous.

"Jullie..." I walk over to her, "Is Luka here...?" Her expression seems to change as she nods her head. "'I want to surprise him." I whisper to Juleka, "I'll be back, I'm going to find Ms. Couffaine" I smile as I venture the familiar halls of the ship. "Oh lord...Stella dear...? Is that you...?" A sweet, familiar voice warms my heart.

"Miss C..." I tear up as I run into her arms, she hugs me tight as I do the same. "My have you grown into a beautiful young lady!" she holds my hands, steps back and scans me head to toe. "I've missed you so much Miss C." my vision begins to blur, "Oh sweetie come here." I burry my head in her shoulder. "How is he?" I finally bring myself to ask. "You just missed him, he headed outside to practice with kitty section." she smiles as I pull out of the embrace. "I look forward to seeing you again soon Miss C." I smile brightly. "Go find him dear, I know how long you've been waiting." she winks at me, I can't help but chuckle.

I wonder the halls just a little more, trying to remember where his room is. After a brief few minutes I succeeded, this room...the memories... I open my sketchbook and page through searching for the loose letter and laminated artwork I've prepared for him. I place the pair on his bed and make my way back to the dock.

Two blonde, one dark blue, one orange, one brown, one purple, one rainbow, creased brows, sorrowful eyes...no Luka...? "Where's Luka?" I smile. "He's on the bridge..." says Alya, I believe her name is. "It was an absolute pleasure meeting you all, if you would excuse me, I have to go-" "Stella wait..." "I've been waiting for years Adrien, that's more than enough." I rush down the stairs and scan the entire harbor. I walk and turn continuously but- "Ella...?"

Luka.

I freeze, I'm unable to move at all, let alone talk. Wow...he's breathtaking... "Hey Luka..." I smile, still in disbelief that he's finally in front of me.

"Why are you here Estella."

Pieces of my heart fall like the leaves in autumn.