On Your Own || Miraculous Fanficition

02

C h l o e

I sighed as the charming boy in front of me found out. "Don't make a big deal out of it, m'kay? It's nothing... Really."

"Nothing?? What do you mean, nothing?!" He asked urgently, grabbing my hand and rubbing both of his against mine, warming my cold fingertips, generally showing affection through his angered appearance. I sighed and let a smile cross my face as I watched how concerned he was. "You care, huh?"

"Of course I do! Chloe, I've known you for so long; I know what you're going through and I know it's tough. But I also know that deep inside this sensitive, quiet girl is a strong one who can handle it. A girl who can go through shit and still be sassy and positive and fierce." His eyes sparkled with something I couldn't explain. "So do me a favor? Eat." He added sternly, yet playfully; lightening up the mood. He handed me an apple. I scrunched up my face as I remembered this morning, but I felt Belle poking my stomach from where she was hiding; inside my sweater pocket. I sighed as I grabbed the apple and took a bite; though through the corner of my eye, I saw his eyes light up and knew he cared. I definitely knew. I felt the hunger kick in and wanted more, though my stomach was screaming with pain. Yep. Serves me right for starving myself and living on two granola bars this past week.

After school I went to the café to wait for my hangout with Nathaniel. Speaking of which, in my last class, we exchanged numbers so that 'we could contact each other if something comes up'. Haha. Great excuse, Nathaniel. There haven't been many akumas in about 3 months or so, so Ladybug, the gang, and I usually patrol once every two weeks. When I'm transformed as Queen Bee, it doesn't feel like me anymore. I'm free. I'm stronger, not as lazy; I can go anywhere in a heartbeat and not break a sweat. It's like a dream. But as Chloe, none of that happens. I'm just... Me. I let my thoughts consume me and look at my phone. 3:23. I decide to order a coffee while I wait. It isn't as busy as before, so the line shortens fast and I'm already ordering before I know it. "Hello! What would you like today?" The cashier asked politely. I returned her smile kindly and replied, "Hello! I'll have a coffee, two creams and two sugars please."

"Peachy! That'll be $1.63, please!" I looked kindly at her and observed the young adult. She had long brown hair, that went down to her lower back, and she had bangs (of which it looked like) which were pinned back, revealing more of her face. Her eyes were cinnamon, sparkling as she looked at me. She wore a pastel pink long sleeve and black jeans, with her work apron on. "What's your name?" I asked, curiosity taking over.

"U-um... D-Dev.. Just Dev..." I smiled at the nervous girl and I noticed she was quite short. She looked about as old as a Freshman. I looked at her name tag and it printed a longer name, nine letters at least, which didn't make any sense. Though the first three letters were D E V. "Well, Dev, I just want to say your eyes are beautiful." There was a feeling deep inside that I felt whenever I gave someone a compliment. I usually don't socialize with anyone so I didn't feel this often; but it felt good to make someone feel loved. By observing her, she seemed pretty fragile; mentally and physically. She has a very small build and looks like she cries a lot. Hmmm. A younger me. "O-oh! Thanks so much!" Her eyes glittered with admiration as she watched me with wide cinnamon eyes. I took out a five dollar bill and laid it on the counter. "Keep the change." I said politely. "Oh and the name's Chloe."

"Thank you so much, Chloe!" She returned the smile, took the money and waved politely. Then, Dev handed me the coffee thoughtfully. "Thanks again!" She called after me as I walked away. I chose a table and took out my phone. 3:31. I hummed a tune as I waited for my date with the boy I like. I kept checking my phone over and over, the minutes feeling like centuries: 3:34; 3:37; 3:40; 3:46; 3:50; 4:12; 4:29. I tried to hold back my tears as I realized that he wasn't coming and I wasted time on him when he didn't even show up. I hadn't had any coffee yet and by now it was cold. "Are you waiting for someone?" Dev walked up to me slowly, without her apron on and with a coffee of her own in her hands. "M-m-maybe." I hiccuped. "You've been here for over an hour, Chloe. Are you sure?"