Pavo (Miraculous Ladybug Fanfiction)

Jackpot

"In the classroom before the bell rings? That's a first," Alya joked.

"The usual morning mess, but at least I'm not late this time," Marinette smiled with a giggle.

I waited for her to have a seat before I spoke up, "Good morning! How was your guys' day yesterday?" 

Completely ignoring my question, Marinette squealed, "Oh Amélie, that reminds me! We are going to the movies after school today with the rest of our friends. Are you free?" 

I laughed at the girl's sudden enthusiasm, "Yes, but I have no idea how to get there. I can barely find my way back to my own house."

"No problem, one of us can walk you there. What's your address? We can see who's closest so that we can help you find your way around."

I gave them my address and Marinette smiled wildly when she found out she only lived a block over from my house. I honestly had no idea that Marinette lived above the bakery down the street. I asked her more about it and it turns out that her parents work there; I should visit sometime. I've been dying to have a macaroon ever since I got here.

Being labeled "the bully" at my old school never allowed me to make good friends since no one wanted to talk to me. I was usually left alone and everyone usually shunned me in fear of my reputation. Although, it had its perks: freedom, peace, authority, and personal space. With all of its upsides, I still wasn't satisfied. 

Ding.

         Dong.

I jumped out of my chair and slid down the stair railing as I flew across the hall to the front door. I attempted to unlock the door so swiftly that I accidentally missed the keyhole a few times. Finally turning the lock, I ripped the door open to greet the person on the other side.

"Ready to get your own personal tour of Paris?" Marinette giggled while posing with jazz hands.

"Born ready."

My stomach hurt from laughing as we both tripped over the same crack in the sidewalk. We were like synchronized divers, but less graceful and lacking a pool to break our fall. I couldn't remember the last time I had had this much fun. I saw Rose, Juleka, Myléne, and Alix, the girls Marinette had introduced me to at lunch the other day, waiting for us.

"Late as usual, what else is new?" Alix smiled as she jokingly pushed Marinette.

"I had to give Amélie the full tour of Paris on the way here," Marinette argued.

"I can't wait any longer, let's go!" Rose squeaked.

After the movie had ended, I headed home with Marinette. I was still smiling from the movies, but then I quickly remembered the puzzle that was waiting for me when I got back. Honestly, I never really forgot about it; it had been on my mind the whole day. Brainstorming all the possible things that could go wrong was quite time-consuming. I just prayed that I would be prepared for them when the time came.

Setting my alarm for two o'clock in the morning, I was all ready to go. I crossed my fingers that most of the city would be asleep by then. Clicking off the alarm, I swung myself out of bed. My parents still weren't home and wouldn't be home for a few more hours. Throwing on my black sweatshirt, my face was mostly covered by the shadows that the hood created. I threw my bag over my shoulder and I was off. I could feel my pulse throughout my entire body as I crept up behind the fortress I had scoped out yesterday. Moving to the power panel, I unlocked the padlock with my picks. It took some work, but I eventually popped it open. 

There's no rush. I've got all night.

I pulled and cut the wires with care. I wasn't looking to electrocute myself, especially with the type of wires attached to a house as big as this; it must use a lot of power. The mansion was already dark, so no one noticed when the disconnected cables cut the lights and security. Like a shadow, I walked around the building and climbed the gate with ease. I slipped across the yard and (being the melodramatic person I was) stepped in right through the front door with my head held high. I tiptoed into the closest room as I tried to quiet the rapid thumping of my heart. 

The door creaked a little, but not even a mouse stirred. Checking all the corners while making sure the room was clear, I fully stepped inside. There were beautiful paintings all over the walls and stone statues that cast shadows across the spotless floor. I guessed the paintings were of great value, but selling stolen paintings was tricky business. 

I'll admit; I'm not that practiced.

Studying a painting that depicted a beautiful woman, I debated if it was worth it to carry out and sell. Maybe if it wasn't that heavy I could carry it. It was about twice my size, but it was worth a shot. The only problem was that it didn't come off the wall, it seemed to open like a door.

Jackpot.

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