Strangers Like Me (Keeper of the Lost Cities + Miraculous Ladybug Crossover)

Chapter 8

A/N: So, what was that? An eight month hiatus? Holy moley guys I'm so sorry! I've been so focused on a million other things (one of which was Making the Match) that I totally forgot about this story for quite some time. So here's an EXTRA long chapter to make up for it, plus a bit more plot development! ~Apurva

"So..." Alya asked with a curious smile. "How do you like Paris so far?"

"Oh, it's incredible!" Sophie replied, truly not having to feign enthusiasm. "I've wanted to visit here since I was a kid, and I'm so glad I can finally do it."

"It really is beautiful," Biana agreed. "Marinette showed us around yesterday and it's better than I could imagine, especially the Louvre."

"Really?" Alya raised her eyebrow at Marinette. "She never told me about showing you all around."

"Alya-" Marinette began.

"Don't blame her, it's our fault," Sophie assured. "We kept her so busy yesterday, helping us figure out all the logistics with the transfer program and all, she was barely able to breathe." She shot Marinette an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that."

Marinette smiled gratefully. "It's no problem." She turned to Alya. "Sophie and Biana are here as exchange students from San Diego, along with their friends Keefe, Fitz, and Dex. I personally asked Mr. Damocles to put them in classes where Adrien or I would be present to help them around, so they should have most of the same classes as us."

Alya grinned as Marinette passed Sophie and Biana their schedules. "You go girl! Sophie, Biana- did Marinette tell you about our school?"

Biana shook her head. "Not much, but Adrien told us quite a bit on our ride here. Especially about Chloe." She frowned at the blond girl who was already criticizing everyone who walked through the school doors.

"I'd stay away from her at all costs," Alya agreed, as Marinette nodded. "Not only is she rude, but can be a bit crazy..."

*~*~*~*

"ADRIKINS!"

Keefe, Fitz, and Dex stared as the blond girl, who Adrien had pointed out as Chloe, ran towards him and tackled him in a hug, knocking Nino to the side. Despite being clearly uncomfortable, Adrien let Chloe hang on for a few more moments before gently pushing her off.

"Guys this is Chloe, who I told you about on the way here," Adrien introduced, giving them a pointed look to wipe the frowns off of their faces.

"Right, uh... Nice to meet you, Chloe?" Fitz tried, turning to Keefe and Dex with pleading eyes.

Keefe managed a charming smile. "Adrien has told us a lot about you." Which was technically true, Fitz reasoned, just not necessarily that he told good things.

Chloe latched onto Adrien's arm and put on a falsely sweet smile. "Is that so, Adrikins?"

Nino rolled his eyes at the scene, visibly sighing when Alya beckoned them from the entrance of the school. "Sorry, Chloe, we should get going. Adrien needs to show Fitz, Dex, and Keefe around the school."

Chloe narrowed her eyes and looked between the boys. She must have deemed them safe since she frowned and relented, "Unbelievable! At least I'll see you at lunch, Adrien!"

Before the poor boy could respond, Nino had managed to drag him away towards Alya and Marinette.

"Sorry about that, guys," Adrien apologized. "We've been friends since childhood, so I don't want to really hurt her."

"Don't worry about it," Nino and Dex responded at the same time. They both grinned.

"Ready for your first day of school in Paris, dude?" Nino asked, clapping Dex on the shoulder while smiling at Keefe and Fitz.