Future Tales of the Miraculous

Side Story - The Bee II

Chloé checked her watch. He was late. Annoyed, she huffed a sigh and continued tapping her foot on the ground. She felt the buzzing of her little bee kwami from her clutch bag, which Pollen often did to signal that she was hungry. Rolling her eyes, Chloé pulled out a tiny packet of honey, ripping the corner open with her teeth.

"This time, don't make such a mess; this bag is expensive!" She hissed as she lowered the packet into Pollen's grasp. The black eyed bee stared back at her inquisitively, then proceeded to squirt the sweet gooey liquid into her face, spilling a good amount all around her inside. Chloé moaned in disgust as she helplessly watched the tiny bee cover herself and the bag's lining with splotches of honey.

It wasn't much longer until she spotted Adrien quickly jogging across the busy street to join her at the small cafe's entrance. He greeted her with a quick smile, raking a hand through his golden hair, which was dampened with sweat from fencing practice. His heavy beathing accentuated the lean, muscular build under his equally damp and clingy white T-shirt.

"So.....how was Europe?" Adrien asked, motioning for them to take a seat outside after purchasing their hot beverages.

"Don't you So me, Adrien. You know why I called you here," Chloé snapped back, plopping down on the seat across from him.

"This is horrible! When did this...nightmare start? And of all people, Marinette?!?! What is she blackmailing you with, huh? When I'm done with her, she's going to regret ever messing with my Adrikins..."

"Chloe, stop." Adrien's warning cut through her ranting, causing the surprised debutante to pause.

"There's no blackmail. I like Marinette. A lot actually. And we've been together for a few months now."

As her cobalt eyes watched him, hurt and sadness flashed through them before darting down to her cappuccino.

"But why?" She quietly asked after a moment of silence. "Why did it have to be her?"

"Chloé, I get it; you've never liked Mari, but if you get to know her I'm sure..."

"You don't get it! What about us?"

"Us?"

Adrien frowned in confusion at her line of questioning. He knew Chloe didn't get along with most of his friends, but he would have never expected this reaction from her.

"All these years we've had together; you're my best friend in this whole world. Does that mean nothing to you?" She could feel the tears begin to pool in her eyes, which pleaded for Adrien to tell her that she the special girl in his life.

"Of course it does; you're like family to me. That will never change," Adrien reassured, gently squeezing her hand.

The words pierced Chloé, crushing her long held hope that he would eventually realize they belonged together.

"Do you ....love her?"

"Yes, I do. And I hope one day you can accept her," Adrien solemnly answered after considering the question for a minute.

"I...I've got to go. I just need some time alone right now."

Quickly wiping at her wet eyes, Chloe stood up abruptly and hastily escaped across the busy street.