Emotional Support [Complete]

S1 E1: The Pilot

The sun passed over the sky much faster than Marinette had anticipated. Another day wasted, making no progress whatsoever on finding the perfect birthday present for her mother. It was in a week and she was running out of time. Marinette frowned at the windows displaying various items that would make great gifts, but were all out of her price range.

"I'm sure you'll find something soon, Marinette," Tikki encouraged her disheartened holder.

Something bright red was caught in the kwami's peripheral vision. It was a traditional Chinese qipao, red printed with gold flowers, sparkling in contrast of the darkening sky around them.

"Marinette," Tikki, once gaining the pigtailed girl's attention, pointed to a small shop on the end of the street. "Look!"

Marinette pressed her hands and face into the glass as Tikki settled on her head, giggling at the dazzled look on her owner's face.

"Oh, Tikki, my mom would love that!" Marinette squealed and looked around. The shopping area was like a ghost town since it had gotten so late. Most of the stores had closed, however, it seemed this store was open for another ten minutes. Maybe her luck was turning around. She opened her purse. "Hide, Tikki. Let's go in before it closes."

Marinette stepped in, admiring all the gorgeously handmade gowns and suits. It only took her seconds to recognize the distinct work of Gabriel Agreste. Then, she remembered that the designer was releasing a new line of cheongsams for the Chinese New Year coming up soon. Marinette sighed, knowing that if the dress was an original Agreste design, it was far out of her price range. She lifted the tag only to confirm the notion.

"No way!" Marinette yanked on her pigtails in frustration. "There's just no way I can pay for this!"

"How much is it?" Tikki asked, before her eyes widened at the tag Marinette held in front of her. "Oh my!"

Marinette pouted, letting the tag go as she slumped her shoulders in defeat. "I can't raise five hundred euros in a week! Even if I babysat every night, I'd only get like twenty bucks for each kid. It won't be nearly enough."