Harsh Goodbyes & Butterflies {LadyNoir/Adriette}

Chapter 2

Noir

My alarm clock sounded, and I threw myself out of bed. I only just noticed the movement near the foot of my bed until I kicked my legs to the side and was met with something cold and unpleasant striking me in the face. My little companion, black as the night and scowling, floated inches from my nose, the only indication of humor a little smirk on his face. I showed him away - I'd yell at him for throwing cheese at me later, but for now - though I'd never admit it to him - I was a little relieved he did. It was getting harder and harder for me to get out of bed each morning.

Dressing myself was simple. Natalie, my father's secretary, had made it a habit of hers to lay out an outfit before she left for the night, so I just had to snatch it from my dresser and throw it on. I braced myself as I flicked the light switch on, groaning in pain as the light hit my eyes, the familiar stinging sensation of daylight making every fiber in my body complain. It was no secret after all these years that I much preferred darkness.

I walked to the bathroom, trying to be as quiet as possible since my father's room was right across the hall, and grabbed a washcloth without a glance at the mirror. I turned the tap on and winced as the stream brushed my forehead, trying to get every inch of my face with the least amount of water as possible. I swiped the towel across my face and grabbed a comb. My hair, despite the rumors, was pretty easy to style. A little brushing, a bit of gel, and a moment of shaking my head, and it was done. I sighed and turned, mentally preparing myself for the school day ahead, and was met with a flash of emerald before a small black object bumped me in the nose. I staggered back a little, steadying myself by grabbing the countertop behind me, and brushed off the second of shock, replacing it with my best frustrated look.

"Plagg," I murmured, letting my voice tremble in a sing-song fashion, daring him to come out.

The only indication of an answer was a little snicker from behind the tissue box.

"What's my darling kitty cat up to now?"

A slight hiss in reply.

My back was still turned to the direction of the sound, so I counted to three under my breath and spun around. I let my reflexes take control, tossed the tissue box aside, and grabbed hold of the little terror, who was squeaking and trying his best to claw himself out of my grip.

"Got you, you little terror! You know I have no time for this," I sighed dramatically, and then stuffed him not-so-delicately into the front pocket of my jeans. "Now behave," I commanded.

Only a grunt of discomfort.

I grinned a little, awakened by the battle and by the victory I'd snatched, and headed downstairs to the kitchen. Grabbing the usual banana and bagel that was set on the counter for me, I threw my bag over my shoulder and started towards the front door. Something moved in my pocket, and my little companion floated into my vision, sticking his tongue out at me before slipping into his usual spot in the backpack. I just laughed and opened the big wooden doors, this time breathing in the scent of early morning and relishing the crisp air. Then I started towards the limousine that awaited me.

My life was strange. For the most part, it was rather enjoyable - after getting used to fame and popularity, I'd learned to focus on the positive parts, and school was a breeze with the tutors my dad always hired - but it could be incredibly lonely at times. My best friend Nino accompanied me at school, which was nice because I'm sure I would get jumped by the nut job of a girl that was Mayor Bourgeois's daughter, but I constantly came home to a house of silence and discomfort. It had been a blessing the day Plagg came. He brought a little spice into the dreary world I lived in so often, and I was grateful, even when he pestered the hell out of me and drove me insane. He made the days a little less boring, and the silence a little more tolerable. Even in public, when he was forced to hide inside various bags and pockets, his presence helped my confidence a lot. I had no real family - sure, yes, I had a biological father, but he was much more like a boss than any member of a family I'd ever seen - and so Plagg became an essential part of my life. I enjoyed his quirks and sass and remarks because it was so different from anything I'd ever had. He made my life more colorful, and I loved that.