^ An AU where instead of Ladybug and Cat Noir it's Queen Bee and Saber-tooth. I totally made that up upon seeing this artwork btw idk if that's what the artist intended lol. But if Sabrina had the cat miraculous wouldn't Saber-tooth be a cool name?

.

[Chloe's POV]

It's the Sports Carnival today. Thankfully Marinette and Adrien had some sort of resolve at my party last night so our plan to ditch the carnival and go out with everyone still stands. I'm currently tapping away on my phone whilst I quickly scoff down a proper breakfast before mom comes to give me a health shake.

You added Super Bug Bestie and Adrikins to the chat, "Superheroes"

You: This is our "work" chat

Adrikins: Don't name it so obviously. Are you stupid?

Adrikins changed the group name to "Anthropomorphic Animals"

You: What are we, furries?

Adrikins: No...

Adrikins: Just a kemonomimi enthusiast

You: Weeb.

Adrikins: Fine, I'll change it

Adrikins changed the group name to "Cool Cat and friends"

You changed the group name to "Super Bug Besties and other"

Adrikins changed the group name to "Princess and her knight in shining leather...and pest"

You changed the group name to "Queen Bitch, Princess Sweetness and the mangy ally cat"

Super Bug Bestie: Do you mind? My notification bell is driving me crazy

Adrikins: Hahaha, sorry bugaboo x

You: This is a work chat, strictly professional

You: No flirting.

Super Bug Bestie: I agree. No flirting.

Adrikins: It's a hard habit to break. I apologise, Ms Marinette Dupain-Cheng who is strictly so and nothing more

You changed the group name to "Two girl-friends and the friend-zoned"

Adrikins changed the group name to "Two soulmates currently on break for understandable yet complicated and uncontrollable reasons and also their stupid friend who can't even admit she's craving a tomato more than a thirsty vegan"

You changed the group name to "Cute and innocent Lovesick Love-bugs and a Filthy Feline seriously never say that again I hate you"

Adrikins changed the group name to "Chloe creates a group chat just to attack me so rude I am offended"

Super Bug Bestie: Please stop.

Super Bug Bestie: Why do we need this chat anyway? We have communicators in costume

You: But what about when we're not transformed? As teammates, we should have special bonds and close relationships

You: That means we need a group chat to gossip. It's like friendship group 101

Adrikins: There are only three of us...

You: That's my ulterior motive for making this chat. It's like a little place to collect superheroes. Like when you fight a Pokémon and after defeating it you get to capture it in a ball and add it to my party or whatever, except I go through the hard work of investigating a superhero, exchange contacts details and add them to my group chat.

Super Bug Bestie: Chloe!!!

Super Bug Bestie: We told you no more sleuthing for secret identities!

Adrikins: You need to stop. This is an intervention.

Adrikins changed the group name to "Chloe's safe space"

You: Interventions require a bigger group, soz

Adrikins: No they don't

You: This is why we need the complete fam. Imagine how fun a group chat with all of us would be! Being apart of the superhero super spicy goss sesh is like the real rite of passage into the group.

You changed the group name to "Supers Spill Tea"

Super Bug Bestie: Speaking of scandals, have you guys called sick for today?

Adrikins: You literally wagged school just yesterday, how is today a scandal?

You: Salty...

Adrikins: I'm not salty! I'm just sayin that this is a nice day out with friends that we planned in advance on a day that we have no classes as opposed to leaving without notice during a school day with a thug

You: The tea has been spilt and it is bitter.

The contact number for "Adrikins" is no longer available.

You: Did you just block me?!!

Super Bug Bestie: Lila's not a thug, let's not be dramatic

Super Bug Bestie: Also Chloe is upset because you blocked her

You: Is Adrien still texting the groupchat? I can't see his messages. The salty little shit really did block me

Unknown changed the group name to "I don't need your commentary so I don't wonna see your messages anymore, also I'm not salty"

You changed the group name to "Breaking News: Up is down and left is right because apparently it's opposite day"

Unknown changed the group name to "Blocked."

You changed the group name to "You already blocked me"

Unknown changed the group name to "I'm blocking you from my life"

You changed the group name to "Super Salty"

Super Bug Bestie: Adrien just unblock Chloe so the two of you can shut up and take your shit to a private message

You: Isn't this fun? If only our whole team could participate in our cute little jests

Super Bug Bestie: We can jest when we see them on patrol

You: I don't need to know their identities to get their numbers

Super Bug Bestie: If you had their phone numbers you'd probably utilise the police force to locate them

You: I prefer to work things out on my own, I've learnt not to rely on Daddy's position so much

Super Bug Bestie: I'm proud of you but it's still a no. You're not working anything out this time

Super Bug Bestie: Also Adrien says he's hangry so he'll unblock you after breakfast

You changed the group name to "Don't salt your eggs and bacon just ask Adrien for some"

[Adrien's POV]

I frown in concentration as I pick at my hair carefully.

"You're taking even more forever than usual to do your hair." Plagg criticises. "Is it to impress Mari? Because no matter how good your hair is, you're not winning her back with that ugly mug."

Luckily my nose didn't swell or break and I don't have any scars or a black eye from when my lady punched me, most definitely because held back on me, but the skin under my eye on the side she had swung at is still noticeably red and puffy. Though, I suspect even without that Plagg would still make the same insulting remark.

"It should go down in a couple of days, it's no big deal." I mumble as I dab some makeup under my eye. "But man that hurt..."

For some reason, my heart flutters and my mouth stretches into a grin.

Plagg shakes his head. "Masochists."

"I'm not a masochist! I just find it funny. You have to admit, only Marinette would pull something like that." My face flushes bashfully as I reminisce. "Isn't she just amazing?"

"Ladybug knocks you about and you're head is still floating around in the clouds," Plagg taunts. "I don't blame her. If I had to look at that stupidly dazed expression, I'd want to punch it too."

"My god I love that girl..." I sigh, completely ignoring Plagg.

"What happened to being super salty?" Plagg asks provokingly.

"I'm not salty!" I snap. "And quit reading my messages!"

"Why is it that people use flavours to describe their moods? Like, who decided that cheesy should mean gushy and cliché? I love cheese but I hate romance, where is the justice?" Plagg complains.

"I would pretend to care about your issue but I haven't had breakfast yet so I'm kinda low on energy right now." I say.

"Now you know how I feel literally 24/7." Plagg replies. "By the way, I'm hungry give me camembert."

"It's in my mini-fridge where it always is," I wave my hand lazily to dismiss Plagg. "Get it yourself."

"Aaarrrgggggghhhhhh..." Plagg groans as he slowly floats over to my mini-fridge. "Fiiiiiiinnneeee!"

I roll my eyes and leave the room. He was literally two feet from the fridge and he can fly! I love Plagg and all but I forgot what it's like to be shut up alone with him. Usually we'd be with our love bugs...

I heave a glum sigh and trudge down the stairs. Dad is already sitting at the dining table with breakfast all set out, sipping his black coffee. As soon as I walk into the room his arm falls in shock, slamming his cup on the table and splashing coffee everywhere.

"Adrien! What on earth did you do to your face? Did you get in a fight? Did you think I wouldn't notice? I know what makeup looks like and I know what it's hiding! Do you have a black eye? Has it swollen? It better not have scarred! I know I let you take a break from photoshoots but modelling is still your job, you have to be considerate of that!" Dad lectures me. "I know you're upset but do you really have no impulse control without Marinette? Being heartbroken doesn't give you an excuse to be reckless! You still have to take care of yourself! Roughhousing isn't cool, do you understand me young man?"

"I didn't get in a fight. Well, okay I sorta did. Don't worry it won't swell or scar, I was shown mercy." I say as I slump down into my seat.

"Who punched you? I'll have a lawsuit ready!" Dad demands fiercely.

"Actually...i-it was Marinette..." I mumble sheepishly.

My dad immediately relaxes, his expression returning to it's usual calm as he eases back into his seat.

"Oh." He says simply, picking up his coffee once more. "Well in that case I'm sure you deserved it."

"Gee thanks for the support dad." I reply sarcastically.

Dad peers over his cup and raises an eyebrow. "Then, are you telling me Marinette was wrongfully violent?"

I sigh in defeat and snatch up my cutlery. "No, you're right, I deserved it."

Dad chuckles in amusement before sipping his coffee complacently. As I aggressively naw on my bacon I realise that maybe I am a little salty. For no good reason of course. I'm just a spoilt rich boy who isn't used to having such a rough time. I really miss my princess...

I take out my phone to unblock Chloe. As soon as I do so, she adds me into yet another group chat, this time for our normal school friends.

Chlo' added you into the chat, "High school Hoes" with Princess, Alino's Female Half, Alino's Male Half, Tomato Head and Sabrina

I always make jokes about Alya and Nino morphing into one entity so I changed their contact names to annoy them. Tomato head was actually what I named Nathaniel's contact when I didn't like him cuz he had a crush on Marinette, haha, I really am I salty person. It seems to have become an accepted nickname for him though, that's good. Sabrina's name looks a little out of place among all these other ridiculous ones but it's better than it was before. Originally it was "Chloe's minion"...

Chlo': Looks like Adrien finally unblocked me

Chlo': Speaking of drama, my mom's here so wish me luck with asking her permission to go out with you guys today

Alino's Female Half: Good luck girl

Alino's Male Half: See you on the other side, dudette

Sabrina: Good luck Chloe!

Tomato Head: I really hope you can come today :)

Princess: Just throw out Adrien's name, you'll be fine

Princess: But don't mention me

I click my tongue disapprovingly. I hate this. I hate Audrey. I hate everything right now, but I should probably help out Chloe. If I come to pick her up I doubt Audrey will have a problem.

"I'm gonna leave early so I can drop by Chloe's." I tell dad.

"Willingly entering Audrey's lair? How bold of you." He says. "I'll call Nathalie to arrange the car."

While my dad does that, I open my phone once more. I've just had an idea for our work chat name. Since Audrey dictates everything maybe we should let her name our league too.

[Chloe's POV]

Adrikins changed the group name to "Circus Freaks"

I tap my finger on the table as I stare at my phone screen. That is, until my mom places a frothy green smoothie in front of me. I quickly switch off my phone and put it away, smiling politely despite how not keen I am to drink this stupid shake. My eyes flicker to mom and then back down to my drink quite a few times before I finally work up the courage to raise my head and look at her fully.

"Hey, mom...how's it going with those superheroes?" I ask, fiddling with my glass nervously.

"Excellent." Mom answers with a smile.

I blink in surprise before replying hesitantly. "So...They're okay now?'

Mom laughs heartily. "God no! Don't worry honey, mommy won't let those filthy animals get away with messing with our family so quit looking so worried, it'll give you wrinkles."

"Ah..." My eyes shift in confusion as I force a pained smile.

"I've organised a huge press meeting tomorrow to announce their exile from Paris." Mom says, flicking her hair aside.

My heart lurches.

"What?!" I exclaim.

Mom looks startled by my sudden outburst. I should keep my cool but I just can't help it. She has already evicted Marinette from her home, she can't ban our team from Paris! I want to keep helping people. I want to keep having fun. Rena and Shelly, I don't know who they are...I'll never see them again.

"I gave them three days to hand over Queen Bee and tomorrow is their last. Honestly I'm a little disappointed that I didn't get to throw that nasty brat in jail but you know what they say, out of sight out of mind. So they better stay out of my sight." Mom spits sternly.

I feel gutted. I...I can't stop shaking. She's my mom. How could she? She's my mom. I thought she could change. My mind has gone blank, the words just spill from my mouth.

"You...You're seriously not going to change your mind? Have you even considered why Queen Bee confiscated the card? They're superheroes! Why do you hate them so much? Will nothing change your mind?" I say hysterically. "You're supposed to be a person just like me. Just like them. They're people! They have their own lives, their own friends and family. You don't care that they're heroes, you don't care that their people, you don't even care that they're your own citizens! What if they were your own friends, your own family? Then would you care?"

She can still change. She's my mom. She cares about me. She said she wants the best for me. She wouldn't hate me, right? Does she really hate me?

"You would care, wouldn't you? Wouldn't you?" I question desperately. "If a hero turned out to be someone you loved, you wouldn't hate them right? You couldn't. You couldn't hate someone that you care about."

"Chloe Bourgeois what is the matter with you?!" My mom roars.

My breath hitches and I draw back fearfully. My eyes are wide. My heart is pounding. I must look insane. To be honest, I think I am...

"I...I can't..." I say shakily. Tears blur my vision. I feel light headed all of a sudden. "I don't like you being like this...I can't keep it in anymore."

Mom raises her brows and puts a hand on her hip. "What? You don't agree with my methods? Do you have something to say about those freaks?!"

They aren't freaks. They're my family.

I clench my fists tightly to help keep the tears in, lifting my head to glare at my mother. "Yes, actually, I do have something to tell you!" I declare. "Those heroes aren't waste of time!" My voice just keeps rising. "And they don't need your approval!" I'm sick of keeping it in. "And I don't care what you think," I want to scream it out. "I AM PROUD TO BE—"

I'm interrupted by a loud bang. Adrien had barged into the room, the door swinging into the wall beside it. Butler Jean scurries after him hastily.

"I apologise madams, tried to get him to wait," Jean puffs. "But he is surprisingly nimble."

"For the thousandth time I don't give a damn about family affairs, I'm taking Chloe!" Adrien tells him aggressively.

"Sorry Adrikins but this time I'll have to disagree." Mom protests, clearly furious.

Nathalie strolls in next, crossing her arms coolly. "Quit acting like you're actually her mother, we can tell from all the screaming and crying just how good of a parent you are."

I quickly motion to wipe the tears from my eyes but Adrien grabs one of my hands firmly and pulls me away. "Sorry to leave you in this hellhole Nathalie but Chloe and I will be walking. She needs some fresh air."

I look back over my shoulder to see Nathalie standing strongly in the doorway to prevent mom from following us. She really is like a guard dog, but I'm grateful for that. I screw my eyes shut as my mom shouts down the hallway at me. Finally, we reach the elevator and the metal doors close off the sound.

Adrien exhales deeply and relaxes his tense grip on my hand. "Sorry Chlo'. I heard distressed yelling and thought you needed saving from your mom but maybe that was an important confrontation. Did she find out that we're hanging out with Marinette today?"

"N-No, she..." I lower my head painfully. "She told me that she's holding a press meeting tomorrow to officially exile us from Paris. The heroes, that is."

"What?" Adrien breathes. "Oh my god, we have to stop her."

I nod. "Don't worry, Adrien...I'll fix this. Please don't tell the others, especially Marinette. She has enough to deal with right now."

Adrien sighs through his nose. "Alright...I won't tell. But Chloe, please be careful. I-I know that I don't exactly like Audrey but I'd still feel bad if I ruined your relationship with your mother. You've already been through so much."

"Thankyou, Adrien." I say quietly.

I wrap my arms around myself, my shoulders tensed. Just what was I saying before? If Adrien hadn't come in...

I'm proud to be one of them, that's what I would have screamed in mom's face. How would she have reacted? Well, in an ideal scenario she would accept me and maybe even be proud of me, she would stop ridiculing the heroes and clear my name as Queen Bee. But it's more likely that she would be mad, possibly disgusted, and forbid me from ever being Queen Bee again. Though, in a way, that's giving up Queen Bee isn't it? That's what she wanted so maybe she'd show the other heroes mercy. I don't want to forfeit the team and lose my friends. I don't want to leave Pollen. I don't want to give back my miraculous. I don't want to terminate Queen bee. But...would my sacrifice fix the problem?

The elevator dings and opens up to the ground floor, pulling my from my thoughts. I shake my head to wake myself up. I don't want to think about this. I'm going to have a fun day with my friends.

[Narrator's POV]

New message from "High school Hoes"

Kitty: I've picked up Chloe, we're on our way to the mall now

"Marinette, you should hurry up or you'll be late." Tiki says, reading over Adrien's message.

Marinette is standing in front of her mirror with her mouth stretched wide open as she applies her mascara.

"Why do you make that face?" Tiki asks.

"I dunno it helps me concentrate." Marinette answers.

"It's unusual for you to wear makeup," Tiki says. "Are you trying to keep Adrien's eyes on you as Lila advised?"

"N-No..." Marinette lies, her cheeks turning red.

"Speaking of Lila, maybe you should invite her too. She likes skipping school, right?" Tiki proposes.

"Good idea Tiki!" Marinette smiles and picks up her phone.

.

Alya's phone suddenly blows up with notifications. She swipes it open to see a flood of messages in their group chat.

Mari: Can I bring a plus one?

Bumble Bitch: No.

Babe: Oh god

Sabrina: Not this again

Tomato Child: Pls no

Babe: It'S tImE tO sToP!

Golden Boy: It's gonna have to be a no from me.

Mari: :<

Mari: Lila's not that bad, you guys are just mean

Golden Boy: Are you sURE about that?

Babe: Lila is demon, you can't change my mind.

Mai: All women are queens!

Bumble Bitch: If she breathes

Bumble Bitch: SHE A THOT

Sabrina: I'm so confused

Tomato Child: They're communicating in cringey memes

Tomato Child: Sabrina doesn't understand meme humor guys

Sabrina: I do so

Tomato Child: You're like a facebook mom sharing outdated memes to be hip

Bumble Bitch: She dresses like a middle-aged mother too

Golden Boy: rip

Mai: Ouch.

Mai: Sabrina sweetie you better run some cold water over that burn

Babe: Someone call the fire brigade

Golden Boy: Clonath is cookin up a roast

Tomato Child: I'm sorry Sabrina, I can't stop laughing

Sabrina: It's the vest, isn't it?

Bumble Bitch: Yeah your closet is just filled with a million of the same sweater-vest.

Sabrina: No the checkers are different colors

Bumble Bitch: Omg we're buying you a new wardrobe today

Mai: Let her express herself Chloe

Tomato Child: Yes unleash your inner facebook mom, Sabrina

Sabrina: Thank you, I think sweater-vests are snazzy as well as practical

Bumble Bitch: You're right, Sabrina never change

Bumble Bitch: ily

Sabrina: ily 2

Bumble Bitch: ilysm

Babe: ilyamtlibnmtf

Bumble Bitch: wtf was that?

Babe: I love you all more than life itself but not more than food

Golden Boy: But food is life

Tomato Child: He's right, your claim just collapsed in on itself

Mai: Get called out.

Babe: Oof

Babe: You right

Sabrina: I don't think I've ever had this many messages in my entire life. How do you all type so fast?

Babe: By doing it not well without grammar but a lot of typos

Mai: Practice I guess

Golden Boy: I pretend that my fingers are running away from my problems

Bumble Bitch: Time is money and I have a lot of people to text

Tomato Child: I heard that humans will evolve to have thumbs as long as their other fingers, do you think that's true?

Babe: Yeah maybe double-jointed too to really get that screen access

Bumble Bitch: Ew I don't want slender man fingers

Golden Boy: Salad fingers

Sabrina: Why would the fingers be salad?

Mai: It's a reference to an animation series

Babe: Don't watch it, it gave me nightmares

Golden Boy: Everything gives you nightmares dude

Alya smiles tenderly as she types a response.

.

"Eating bacon pancakes every morning isn't healthy, Nino. You should at least try some of the herbal tea I gave you." Wayzz advices. "Nino are you even listening to me?"

Nino's eyes are glued to his phone screen, a chipper smile on his lips.

You: Don't watch it, it gave me nightmares

Adridude: Everything gives you nightmares dude

Als: Not a problem when I'm there to cuddle him <3

Bromato: Aw, that sounds nice

You: It is ;)

You: but I'm kinda embarrassed, I'm supposed to protect my girl from bad dreams

Ladybro: Love transcends gender roles

Adridude: It's true, I once wore a frilly pink dress for the sake of love

Adridude: PS I rocked it.

Chlo-bro: Very cute everyone but I'd prefer if this chat didn't turn into mush

Sabrona: Why is no one acknowledging a boy and a girl sharing a bed? O.o

Als: Don't worry Sabrina we were only joking, kinda

You: But not really

Ladybro: A couple of animals they are

Adridude: It's true, they've done it in a zoo cage

Sabrona: WHAT?!!!

Als: Hey it's not our fault LADYBUG locked us in a cage

Bromato: Wait does that mean you actually did do it in a zoo cage? I thought that was a joke

You: All we did was share a tender, PG rated moment. Don't twist the tale of our true love's kiss

"Come to think of it, I would really like to thank Marinette for getting us together." Nino says. "Although, she doesn't know that I know that she's Ladybug."

"Well if you take the secret to your grave like you're supposed to then you could leave her a note." Wayzz replies. "No, wait, that's too risky if someone else reads it. You can whisper it to her on your deathbed."

"What if she dies first?" Nino questions.

"Considering your diet...I seriously doubt it." Wayzz answers.

Nino frowns and goes back to his phone.

You: I would really like to thank Ladybug for giving me the opportunity to get closer to Alya. If it weren't for her, well, I can't even imagine life without Alya. I was seriously lucky that day

Ladybro: That's really sweet Nino :) But it wasn't all up to Ladybug. You and Alya are made for each other! I'm sure you'd get together inevitably

Nino smiles to himself. "I feel really good now. See, Wayzz, things don't have to be complicated."

"I still think the less hero talk the better..." Wayzz says tensely.

Sabrona: Following that logic, maybe you should thank Hawkmoth. Without his akumatized villains, there would be no Ladybug

Ladybro: That's an interesting point of view

You: I'm not thanking a supervillain for terrorising Paris, if anything I should thank the dude who gave Ladybug her miraculous

Sabrona: Someone gave Ladybug her miraculous? I didn't know that

Bromato: Woah! Someone's out there blessing people with superpowers? I wonder who it is

Ladybro: Yeah, I wonder too...How do you know that, Nino?

"Crap, I think I messed up." Nino mutters.

"Already?!" Wayzz shrieks.

You: I'm just guessing cuz like every superhero has some kind of master or sensei

You: I read a lot of comics...

Sabrona: Oh, so it hasn't actually been proven

Bromato: I got excited for a second there

Chlo-bro: Come on Nino, you can't compare comics to real life

Adridude: How could there be some kind of miraculous holder if they have existed for thousands of years? Remember the Egyptian scroll? I think the heroes are just special deities that come out when humanity needs them

Als: Yeah, if there was a way for me to become a superhero I would have found out by now hahaha

"You can chill Wayzz, I recovered from my slip-up." Nino sighs and rests his chin in his hand. "Alya would make a really good superhero..."

For some reason, Nino finds himself slipping into a daze as memories of Rena Rouge cloud his thoughts. The beautiful glow of her smooth, tan skin. The sunlight bouncing off her curly locks. The mischievous gleam in her hazel eyes when her red lips curl into a smirk. And the way she cocks an eyebrow challengingly as if she knows better than you. It's all so...familiar. But at the same time it feels distant in Nino's mind.

"Surely Marinette would recognise Alya's potential...But changing someone's life this drastically is a huge responsibility, she wouldn't just give it away to her best friend. Plus, if it were me, I wouldn't want to put Alya is danger. Then again, Adrien gave the bee miraculous to Chloe. But Marinette is more professional than Adrien. But even if she did put a lot of effort into searching for a candidate, Alya is still really impressive..." Nino ponders. "What do you think, Wayzz?"

"I don't care to comment on any of your queries," Wayzz says. "You should really stop thinking about this."

Nino rolls his eyes. "I'm not doing any harm just thinking about it."

"Perhaps thinking of Rena Rouge as your girlfriend is due to your subconscious guilt for finding her attractive." Wayzz says.

Nino shudders. "W-W-What? I don't find her attractive!" He denies defensively. "Wayzz, how could you suggest that? I'm in love with Alya and Alya is the only girl I will ever love! I have never ever been interested in anyone else. Ever! So I definitely don't think of Rena Rouge as my girlfriend. Yeah, no, I haven't even thought of that once. All I was saying is that Alya would make a better superhero than Rena, yeah! That's it."

"So you're not concerned with Rena Rouge's secret identity?" Wayzz asks sternly.

"Of course not! Like I care." Nino huffs.

.

"What if there really was some kind of guardian watching over us," Nathaniel says to himself as he strolls through the city. "It feels so mystical. I wonder how it feels be one of the chosen heroes..."

Nathaniel opens his phone to check the group chat. It's fun being in a group like this; he is really glad that Chloe got to be a part of it and even brought him in too.

Alya: Yeah, if there was a way for me to become a superhero I would have found out by now hahaha

Nino: You're right, I didn't think that through. Maybe the miraculous are passed down like family heirlooms, assuming the heroes are even people like us

Sabrina: They are awfully concerned with their secret identities so I would say they are people like us

Adrien: That could be a cover-up. A bit of reverse psychology, a misdirection

Nathaniel feels a little saddened by the idea of Queen Bee, his strange new friend, being from a different world than him.

You: But they aren't godlike at all, they seem very humane to me. They have their own unique personalities, thoughts and feelings. They care about little things only little humans like us would care about. They form bonds with people just like we do and get hurt like we do. They have insecurities and flaws, fears and doubts. That's what makes them so amazing. They are people just like us but they are still so brave and strong

Adrien: That was quite the essay

Nathaniel blushes with embarrassment and is about to apologise for getting carried away when another text comes.

Chlo': It was wonderful! Don't shame Nathaniel's beautiful words

Chlo': Nathan, you are even more miraculous than the heroes.

Nathaniel's blush deepens. His hands are so shaky he can't even type a response.

Adrien: I still think there is no way those superheroes could be human. Have you seen Cat Noir? That guy is flawless! His perfection and good looks and strength and of course coolness is nothing short of godly

Chlo': Oh shut up.

Alya: Surely a god would be more breathtaking, Cat Noir is kind of lame and goofy if you ask me

Chlo': And a god would be able to make people laugh easily. No one laughs at Cat Noir's joke

Adrien: I think Cat Noir is hilarious!

Alya: We never said he isn't hilarious, it's just that we're laughing at him not with him

Adrien: I get it, you think it's funny to gang up on Cat Noir, Ha Ha.

Alya: Yes we do :P

Adrien: You won't be having fun when you face god's wrath.

Alya: I'm not scared of Cat Noir's wrath, though we are in danger of laughing to death when faced with it

Adrien: Bully him all you want, lowly earthling. Luckily for you, gods are gracious and forgiving

Chlo': And also can't be caged in a friend-zone

Chlo': Looks like Cat Noir isn't a god then

Adrien: You little...

Adrien: Cat Noir is gonna put a curse on you!

Alya: What happened to being gracious and forgiving?

Adrien: A line was crossed!

Marinette: Now, now, children. Let's not be so harsh, I do hear that Ladybug laughs at Cat Noir's jokes and even if he's not a god, he is a very impressive superhero

Adrien: Alright, how about Ladybug? I'm sure that she's an angel <3

Adrien: Her compassion and wisdom is that of a goddess

Chlo': Is she an angel or a goddess? If you're gonna be a suck-up at least be consistent

Adrien: All I know is that her beauty is incomparable to any human

Sabrina: No wonder you like Marinette so much

Marinette: What do you mean??

Sabrina: Well, you kind of look alike to Ladybug

Nathaniel's eyelids flutter in alarm as a cluster of texts immediately fly in.

Nino: No she doesn't

Adrien: No she doesn't

Alya: No she doesn't

Chlo': No she doesn't

Marinette: No I don't

Sabrina: I think they seem similar in a distant relative way

Nino: Wow, racist much

Marinette: Yeah, Ladybug is totally Korean

Sabrina: You say I'm racist and you can't even tell Ladybug is of Chinese descent?

Marinette: Mmmmm...don't see it.

Sabrina: Well I didn't mean it like that anyway. I'm not sure why, they are just alike that's all. Shouldn't that be a compliment?

Alya: But Marinette and Ladybug are nothing alike

Chlo': Everyone agrees so you probably just need your glasses checked

Adrien: And I wouldn't like Marinette just because she is similar to Ladybug. Even if they were exactly alike, Mari is still her own person. Even if they are the same person, my love would go beyond an admiration for Ladybug!

Chlo': Yeah Adrien is just attracted to Asians because he's a weeb

Adrien: Not only is that totally offensive, it is also so not true!

Nino: There was that Kagami girl from fencing

Marinette: Who's Kagami?

Nino: Don't worry Mari, it was before Adrien was smart enough to realise his feelings for you and I totally handled it

Marinette: So if you hadn't talked him out of it Adrien would have dated her or something?

Adrien: No, I just thought she was good at fencing!

Marinette: Like how you think Ladybug is good at fighting?

Marinette: Oh no, Nino I don't look like Kagami do I?

Nino: Nah, don't worry. Her hair is similar though

Adrien: It's not! She doesn't even wear it in pigtails

Sabrina: So you're type isn't necessarily just Asian girls, you're a lolicon

Adrien: No!!!

Marinette: What's that?

Adrien: It's nothing, it doesn't matter. Listen everyone, my type is Marinette, okay?

Chlo': Earlier today you told me it was kemonomimi

Sabrina: No wonder you like Cat Noir so much

Marinette: What does that one mean?

Adrien: Stop!

Adrien: Is it pick on Adrien day or something?

Marinette: I just wonna know your type

Adrien: Allow me to spell it out

Adrien: Y

Adrien: O

Adrien: U

Nino: Aw shucks Adrien

Adrien: Not you!

"Nathaniel!"

Nathaniel looks up from his phone to see Chloe ahead waving at him. He jogs over to the meeting spot in front of the mall where she and Adrien are standing. Adrien's face is noticeably red from both anger and humiliation, though Nathaniel is more concerned with Chloe's expression. She is smiling at him but there is something troubling in her eyes.

"Everything okay?" Nathaniel asks.

"Yeah, Adrien's just embarrassed. Don't mind—" Chloe is cut off by the ringing of her phone. She frowns and, to Nathaniel's astonishment, presses the hang-up button instead of answering. "Don't mind him. He's super salty today."

"M'notsalty..." Adrien mumbles.

Nathaniel points to Chloe's phone nervously. "Chloe, you just rejected your mother's call. Is that really alright?"

Chloe smiles. "Yeah, my friends are more important."

Nathaniel's heart flutters. He bites his lip and nods awkwardly in an attempt to act casual.

"Oh thank goodness you're here, I was worried I would be the first one." Sabrina says as she arrives on scene. "I'm always too early to things."

"Hey Sabrina." Chloe greets friendlily.

Still too flustered to speak, Nathaniel gives another awkward nod. Chloe turns to Adrien crossly and elbows him.

"llosabrina..." He slurs lowly in response.

"Are you upset? I'm sorry if I made you appear shallow, Adrien." Sabrina apologises.

Adrien looks at the ground and scuffs his feet. "Itskay."

"He's not mad at anyone or anything. He's just sulking because Marinette might be mad at him." Chloe explains.

"I was always jealous of Adrien because I thought he was manly, but he's actually quite childish isn't he?" Nathaniel says honestly.

Nathaniel's words were spoken with curiosity and endearment so Adrien can hardly get mad but it really does feel like pick on Adrien day for him.

"Yeah, I am." Adrien sighs. "I can't deny that."

Chloe laughs, causing Adrien to frown.

"Super childish!" She mocks. "Even though he looks so seamless and sophisticated."

Nathaniel smiles. "In that, you are the same."

Chloe pauses, suddenly not so amused. Adrien pokes his tongue at her spitefully and she crosses her arms.

"Tch. Salty." Chloe murmurs.

"I'm not salty!" Adrien says. "Don't be childish, Chloe."

"You're childish!" Chloe replies.

Adrien hooks his arm around Chloe's neck. "You're more!"

Chloe squeals and flails her arms around in an attempt to hit Adrien. "Let go of me you salty little man-baby!"

"Stop calling me salty you, you infant-woman!" Adrien retaliates.

Alya and Nino come along holding hands and greet their civilised friends casually before paying any attention to Adrien and Chloe.

"Adrien stop harassing Chloe." Alya orders.

"Whatever, mom." Adrien says as he lets go of Chloe.

"Looks like we're just waiting on Marinette now." Sabrina says.

Alya shakes her head. "No matter what that girl is always late."

"Maybe she's not coming because she's mad at Adrien." Nino says.

"And whose fault would that be?" Adrien snaps.

Chloe fakes a cough. "Ehem-salty! Mhm."

Adrien stomps his foot on the ground in aggravation. "I am not salty!"

"Hiii!"

Everyone turns to see Marinette approaching them with one arm stretched up into the air to wave and the other looped around the elbow of Lila, who is trotting along reluctantly with her eyes looking anywhere but at the group.

"Hey Marinette, and, er, Lila. I didn't know you were coming." Nathaniel says with a polite smile.

"The more the merrier!" Alya says positively.

"Lila isn't very merry." Nino replies.

"This is our special day!" Chloe whines. "We said no plus one."

Lila reaches up to fiddle with her fringe. "Told you I shouldn't come..." She mumbles to Marinette.

"Lila isn't my plus one to this event, I just decided to come to the mall with her today instead." Marinette says smugly. "Of course, you're welcome to join us."

Though Chloe doesn't like to lose or grovel, she as well as everyone else want Marinette to be with them today.

"Fiiiine!" She groans.

Marinette grins. "Great! The more the merrier, as you say. I knew you all had fun while I wasn't looking last time."

"They kidnapped and tortured me." Lila says.

Chloe snickers. "Yeah that was pretty fun."

"I'll tell you a secret." Marinette leans in and whispers, "Lila told me that you guys are funny and interesting."

"I can hear you!" Lila says.

"But you don't deny it." Marinette replies.

"So what I find them strange and like to laugh at them," Lila says. "That's not a compliment."

"I think it was a compliment." Marinette protests.

Alya gives a strong thumbs-up. "We're gonna take it as a compliment."

Lila rolls her eyes. "Alright, whatever."

"Onwards!' Marinette cheers. "To the mysterious adventures and hidden treasures awaiting us in the grand shopping mall!"

The greatest treasure was not at all a mystery. Though they did some light window shopping along the way, the teenagers expectantly went straight to the food court.

Nino rubs his hands together hungrily. "Man I dunno what to get first."

"I'm gonna hit the vending machine." Nathaniel says.

Chloe's eyes briefly flicker up from her purse to acknowledge Nathaniel and then back down again but in that split second she had caught glimpse of someone else slinking along with him. Chloe's head snaps up in alarm to see Lila creeping up behind Nathaniel.

"Mmm...iced tea?" Nathaniel mutters as he inserts his coins.

Nathaniel is about to press his button of choice when another hand comes out of nowhere to press the Diet Cola option. The can tumbles out of the vending machine and Lila steps up to take it. Nathaniel turns to her with a hand on his hip.

"I saved your life." Lila says shortly as she cracks open her can of soda.

Nathaniel raises his brows. "The only nice thing you've ever done and you're using it as blackmail?"

"I wouldn't call it blackmail," Lila says. "More like leverage."

Nathaniel sighs and shakes his head. Lila lifts the can to her mouth but Chloe struts up to her and snatches it from her hands.

"Hey!" Lila says as Chloe throws the soda in the bin.

Chloe holds up her hand to silence Lila as she slots some coins into the vending machine. After purchasing a Diet Cola, Chloe shoves it into Lila's hands. Lila squints her eyes in confusion before shrugging and going back to drinking Cola leisurely.

"What was that?" Nathaniel questions.

"You shouldn't be buying things for just any girl," Chloe says. "Especially that girl, she'll take advantage of you."

Lila raises her can to Chloe. "You got me there."

Chloe puts in more money to get another drink, this time handing it to Nathaniel. "Here, for you too."

"Er, thanks." Nathaniel says.

Chloe smiles before walking back to the group.

"Didn't you want an iced tea?" Lila asks.

Nathaniel looks down at the bottle of chocolate milk in his hands. "Yeah." He answers simply before taking a large swig of the drink.

Lila smiles amusedly. "You don't even like chocolate milk do you?"

Nathaniel, who had his head tilted back whilst drinking, lowers his bottle and shakes his head with a wince. "No...Not at all." He gags. "Nope!"

"Why are you drinking it then?" Lila chuckles, despite knowing the answer.

Nathaniel swallows as if he has been caught red-handed for committing a crime. "...Because Chloe got it for me."

"That's sweet but not only does your girlfriend have to know your likes and dislikes, she also wants to know." Lila says. "So you should tell her."

"Chloe's not my—my g-girlfriend!" Nathaniel squeaks.

"I'll tellin ya, you're making a mistake here. What happens thirty years down the road when you two are married and she's giving you chocolate milk every morning for breakfast?" Lila continues.

Nathaniel remains silent, staring off into space with a rosy tinge across his cheeks.

Lila raises an eyebrow. "Are you getting flustered about the idea of her making you breakfast?"

"No!" Nathaniel says quickly before striding away hastily.

"Hopeless children..." Lila tisks as she follows after.

When Lila gets back to the group, Marinette smiles and holds out the ice-cream cone she had gotten.

"Try some!"

Lila peers at the ice-cream. "Wh...You...Do you have a spoon or something?"

"No. Is licking ice-cream too childish for you? Or do you just find sharing in general embarrassing?" Marinette says mockingly.

"As if I care. I'll just try some of your stupid ice-cream if it'll make you happy." Lila tucks her hair behind her ear and leans in to give the ice-cream a lick.

"Why do I feel like I'm watching an erotic display?" Nino murmurs, earning a punch in the arm from Alya.

"Nino...why?" Adrien whimpers weakly. "That should be me sharing ice-cream with Mari...."

"It tastes good." Lila says. "Will that make you stop pestering me?"

"You said you wanted to make me happy." Marinette replies.

"No, pretty sure it was to shut you up." Lila insists stubbornly.

Marinette giggles and begins slurping her ice-cream. Adrien grabs Nino.

"Ow, ow, ow!" Nino yelps. "Are your nails claws or something?"

"They shared saliva!" Adrien says in dismay. "My girlfriend just exchanged DNA and germs with Lila."

"Why do you sound so envious bout lickin' spit?" Nino replies.

"Says you! You're always tongue wrestling with Alya." Adrien says.

"Right, I see the importance of this now. If you kiss Marinette, you'll be kissing Lila too. Just think about that. Whenever you kiss Marinette, remember this moment and think of Lila." Nino taunts.

"Stop! Stop! Stop!" Adrien recoils in disgust. "Stop that! No!"

"Regardless, I have to point out that Marinette isn't even your girlfriend at the moment." Alya says.

Adrien flails his hands in frustration as if to ward of the couple. "You two aren't any help!"

Lila lightly bops the bottom of Marinette's ice-cream cone, smearing some of the dessert on her nose, and then laughs in her frowny face.

"Woah! Marinette really can get Lila to smile and laugh easily." Sabrina says.

"I don't think it counts if Lila is laughing at her own cruel jokes." Nathaniel replies.

"It doesn't count?!" Chloe repeats urgently.

Everyone looks at Chloe curiously, unsure as to what the significance of this is.

"Don't you remember? Nathaniel forfeited our competition to be an unbiased judge and he decrees that it doesn't count if Lila is laughing at someone in a mean manner." Chloe says wildly. "Well, the last time Adrien only won because he squealed like a little girl so Lila mocked him and laughed."

Alya gasps. "Which means the contest is still on!"

"Hey, my screams are extremely masculine." Adrien says, to no avail.

"This'll be an interesting environment to hold this competition in," Nino carries on. "Much more to work with in a shopping mall."

"Are you implying that..." Sabrina adjusts her glasses seriously. "The game is on."

"Precisely!" Chloe says fierily.

"You're on." Alya hisses. "Lila watch this!"

Alya turns and smacks the rest of Marinette's ice-cream into her face. Lila immediately stops laughing.

"Woah, woah, hey!" She says, quickly grabbing some napkins. "Marinette are you okay?"

Marinette nods. "Y-Yeah, I just...my makeup will be ruined."

"No, no, it won't if you just dab lightly." Lila says.

The others watch in astoundment as Lila cleans Marinette's face for her.

"That's weird, usually Lila loves laughing at the misfortune of others. I really thought I'd win easily with that. Sorry Marinette, I'll pay for your ice-cream." Alya says, fishing through her purse.

"What? Are you guys seriously doing that stupid contest again?" Lila nags. "Give it a rest, it was so annoying the first time!"

"Lila is a tough nut to crack." Nino says.

"I think she's just a nut." Chloe replies.

"Either way, impossible to read that's for sure." Nathaniel says.

"Why is it that you are all still talking as if I'm not here?" Lila grumbles.

"Well you love to reinforce the idea that you don't have any feelings anyway." Sabrina says.

"Babam!" Nino yells triumphantly.

Lila sneers, and that sneer remained plastered on her face no matter how hard the others tried to make her smile. That is, until Lila met the love that would melt her cold, cold heart.

"Oohh, look, a pet shop!" Marinette says excitedly. "Let's go in!"

Without waiting for a response from her friends, Marinette races into the store eagerly. She zips round to one cage after another but instantly stops dead in her tracks when she spots the kittens. Marinette lets out a long gasp as she crosses the store, somehow without losing her breath.

"Isn't he just the cutest?" She peeps in a squeaky voice.

Adrien throws his hands in the air behind Marinette. "Looking in the wrong direction!"

Marinette scoops up a tiny, black fluff ball with a pair of big, bright green eyes. She bites her lip to prevent herself from squealing as the kitty begins to purr.

Adrien feels a low rumble growing in his own throat, though it isn't the friendly kind.

"You're both adorable, let's get a picture of you two!" Lila says, holding up her phone.

Marinette and Lila stand by the kittens' cage, absorbed in their photoshoot.

"Are you kidding me?" Adrien says when both girls press their cheeks to either side of the black kitten to take a selfie. "Both of those girls used to like me and now I'm completely non-existent."

Chloe smacks Adrien over the head. "You're lucky Marinette isn't listening to you talking about wanting another girl's attention."

"Ack, no! I don't want Lila's attention, I want Marinette's attention and literally everyone else is getting it besides me. Including Lila!" Adrien complains.

Chloe looks at the girls and then back to Adrien. "You're jealous of that innocent little kitten too aren't you?"

"Looks at it's dumb little face, it can't even speak. It can't tell puns or compliment its lady. What's so great about it? Doesn't Mari realise she is neglecting her own little kitty..." Adrien mopes. "If only there was an insect cage here, I could show her what it feels like. Maybe they sell dead crickets for snake food or something."

"You're right, how could a cute little kitty possibly compete with you when it doesn't have the ability to compare Marinette to dead crickets." Chloe says sarcastically.

"Alright, I knowww! I know it's stupid." Adrien groans. "I'm being petty and bitter and childish but I can't help it, I miss her so muuuch!"

"You forgot salty." Chloe says.

Adrien huffs and storms off to a different part of the store where Nathaniel and Sabrina are standing.

"Wow! They really like me!"

Adrien looks over to see Marinette holding a bundle of kittens, each rubbing up against her and licking her. Adrien's pupils shrink to narrow slits as he stares from afar.

"He looks like he's about to start hissing." Sabrina says.

"Aha, yeah," Nathaniel strokes his chin with intrigue. "That sounds familiar..."

Marinette gently puts back all of the kittens. All except one, the tiny black one, which she keeps cuddled against her chest as she browses the shop. Adrien purses his lips, his eyes trailing her wherever she goes. Lila wanders around with her arms crossed until something fuzzy catches her eye. A bunny with copper fur wiggles its ears at her, striking her heart. Lila freezes, her arms falling to her side. Her eyes widen as she slowly approaches the cage. She falls to her knees and presses her hands against the glass, staring at the little rabbit with intense, unblinking eyes.

"Is she...trying to intimidate that bunny rabbit?" Nino asks in concern.

"She really is a fox." Alya jokes.

Marinette giggles. "Lila, do you like cute things like fluffy bunnies?"

Chloe grips Nathaniel's arm protectively.

Lila's eyelids flutter. She removes her hands from the glass and clears her throat. "No..."

Marinette smiles and shakes her head. The kitten in her arms reaches up and paws her chin with a small mew.

"What is it petit chaton?" Marinette says, planting a kiss on the kitten's head.

Adrien's jaw drops. Alya places a finger under his chin and closes his mouth.

"What's your deal? I thought you were fine just being by Marinette's side?"

"But I'm not by her side. I feel totally invisible." Adrien says. "What if in our time apart she has realised she doesn't love me anymore? Being with me has caused her so much trouble..."

"I can guarantee that is not true." Alya replies.

"But even before we dated we were closer than this. We'd hug and hold hands, talk and laugh. Ladybug and Cat Noir were best friends and they still couldn't resist flirting with each other." Adrien says.

Alya sighs. "That was before a particular threat entered your lives. Marinette's just being cautious."

Adrien's shoulders lift a bit as he realises something. "Ladybug and Cat Noir!"

"What?" Says Alya.

"Er, nothing, nothing, don't worry." Adrien replies.

Alya raises an eyebrow. Meanwhile, Lila is still discreetly staring at her love bunny when something unexpected happens.

"Hewwo~" Says a tiny voice.

Lila whips her head round looking for the source before it speaks again.

"I'm hewa. Over hewa!"

Lila's eyes slowly linger back to the bunny.

"Hewwo Wiwa!"

Lila gasps sharply, her eyes sparkling. "A-Are you...talking to me?"

The bunny wiggles its ears. Lila's mouth spreads into an agape smile as she waves at the bunny.

"AHA!" Nino shouts, jumping up from behind the cage.

Lila falls back in fright, now sitting sprawled on the floor as she stares at Nino in shock.

Nino laughs madly. "You smiled! I got her to smile!"

"Damn it!" Alya curses.

"I seriously lost again?" Chloe says.

Nino jumps around doing his celebratory dance. "Oh yeah! I win! I'm the best! I'm funny! I'm as adorable as a bunny!" He sings.

"Hold on," Sabrina cuts in. "She doesn't look like she's smiling."

Nino stops to look at Lila. She is still sitting on the ground, her cheeks flushed and her eyes watering. Nino flinches in alarm.

"L-Lila, you...you're sad? Are you disappointed that I'm not a bunny? I'm sorry." Nino says, his voice slightly panicked. "I didn't mean to deceive you—"

"A-As if I believed the bunny was really talking to me! I just...hurt myself when I fell down!" Lila lies, her face reddening.

"Oh, right, of course," Nino scrambles to help Lila up. "I'm sorry for startling you."

Lila stumbles to her feet and rips her hand away from Nino. She sniffs, dusts off her clothes, and gives the bunny one last look before walking away.

"Aw man," Nino says. "I won the competition so why do I feel like I'm her least favourite now?"

"Cheer up Nino!" Marinette replies, lifting her kitten to Nino's face.

Nino looks into the big, green eyes of the jet-black cat. "Chat Noir?"

"Well duh it's a black cat." Marinette says. "What'd you think it was?"

"No, I mean, it reminds me of the superhero Cat Noir." Nino pushes the kitten back towards Marinette. "Look into its eyes and tell me it doesn't remind you of him."

Marinette's cheeks turn red as she stares at the kitten. "...I-I've had enough of the pet store."

Marinette hands Nino the kitten and quickly paces away. Nino walks over to Adrien and Alya and holds up the kitten.

"Marinette seemed to take a liking to this one because it looks like Cat Noir."

"Well, I guess it is pretty adorable." Adrien flicks his hair. "I can see how Mari would be charmed by it now."

"So it reminded her of Cat Noir? Maybe we should name it Louis." Alya says mockingly.

"Alright you ruined it, put it away." Adrien says, waving his hand.

Once the teenagers sweep the mall to the end and back, the settle down in the food court once more.

"One chicken supreme wrap please." Chloe requests.

Lila steps up beside her with her hands rested behind her head. "Chloe, buy me a burger."

"Get your own." Chloe says.

"Alright," Lila turns away. "I'll go ask Nathaniel."

Chloe grabs Lila's wrist and pulls her back. "And a hamburger!"

Lila grins. "Thanks Chloe~"

"I don't wonna see that smug smile of yours if I'm not getting anything out of it now." Chloe says.

Chloe grabs their food tray and walks with Lila back to the table where the rest of their friends are sitting with their meals. Alya is scrolling on her phone, her eyebrows furrowed.

"What's up Als?" Asks Nino.

"My Ladyblog is flooded with concerned comments," Alya answers. "Apparently Audrey Bourgeois is holding a press conference tomorrow and there are rumours that Queen Bee will be unmasked."

"What? The heroes didn't really turn her in did they?" Nathaniel says worriedly.

Alya shakes her head. "Not that I know of."

Everyone looks to Chloe. She really didn't want her friends worrying...

"Mom doesn't have Queen Bee." She says briefly.

Alya leans forward. "So what's the press conference for?"

Chloe exhales as if debating what to say. "I...don't know."

"Bullshit." Alya says bluntly. "What's she doing?"

"I really don't know." Chloe replies.

"Adrien doesn't look guilty for nothing." Alya presses. "He's terrible at lying. Should I just ask him instead?"

Everyone's eyes shift to Adrien, who smiles nervously. Chloe frowns at him and crosses her arms.

"Look, it's Chloe's family business and I trust her." Adrien says.

"I trust her too, I just want to know." Alya replies.

Marinette puts a hand on Alya's shoulder. "Don't be so demanding. We're her friends, not reporters. This isn't an interrogation."

Nathaniel nods. "Right, don't pressure her. We'll find out tomorrow anyway."

"Hopefully not if I can stop it." Chloe says.

Alya places a hand on her chin as she thinks. "Tomorrow...is the third day. Audrey doesn't have Queen Bee...So, she must be going with her other option. Labelling the rest of the heroes as fugitives."

"What?" Nathaniel exclaims.

"How..." Chloe narrows her eyes sceptically as she surveys Alya. "How did you know about that?"

Alya's eyes flicker up to Chloe. She clears her throat and rests back in her chair with her arms crossed. "I know everything. It's my job."

Nathaniel lowers his head. "So it's really true..."

"What can be done about this...?" Marinette whispers solemnly.

Lila munches on her burger casually, looking at the tense expressions around the table. "There is a way to get out of this."

Everyone snaps their attention to Lila.

"Well, as much as I admire Queen Bee for sticking it to the man, the first thing would be to return the Mayor's credit card. Publically. So that she has witnesses and Audrey can't lie about it." Lila explains through a mouthful of food. "Then, she would have to resign from being a hero."

Chloe gulps. Of course, Adrien, Marinette, Alya and Nathaniel are all willing to protest but to her surprise, Nino jumps in to defend her before they can.

"Queen Bee can't resign! She won't resign!" He says strongly. "We need her!"

Lila waves her hand at Nino in annoyance. "Settle down and let me finish. She wouldn't be resigning permanently. She has to publically apologise to Audrey, somehow without vomiting no offense Chloe, return the Mayor's credit card and then apologise to the city of Paris for her sense of justice wavering and furthermore declare that she will be stepping down from her position. The city of Paris is on her side, Audrey lets it go because the Queen Bee that she hates so much has disappeared, and the heroes get away with it. Queen Bee's miraculous can be trusted to someone else and the hero rises once more."

"That is resigning permanently!" Nino argues. "You think it'll be the same? The power of a hero isn't just in the miraculous. Queen Bee is a valued member of our team!" Nino falters. "P-Paris's team! Of heroes! She's our hero!"

Lila holds up her hands in surrender. "Yeesh! I wasn't aware you were Queen Bee's number one fan. Calm down, I'm not personally attacking her, just stating a legitimate option. If you don't like it go yell at Audrey."

"It is better to have some sort of compromise than have Audrey get her way..." Sabrina says.

Chloe closes her eyes painfully. "Let's not talk about this. I'm supposed to be having a fun day out with you guys today, I'll have to deal with this when I get home."

"Alright!" Lila stands up from her seat and clamps a hand down on Chloe's shoulder. "Let's go see a movie."

.

.

.

Chloe takes a deep breath before slowly pushing open the door. She steps inside her home to find it empty. Her heart hammers her ribcage as she walks further in.

"H-Hello? Anybody home?" Chloe calls out.

Chloe hears hasty scrambling from nearby. She squints her eyes as she turns toward to the door to her father's home office. The door suddenly opens and her mother slips out, freezing at the sight of Chloe.

"D-Darling...Dear? You're home!" Audrey says, shutting the door behind her.

Chloe is curious as to why her mother was in that room but she is too scared to ask. She swallows the dry lump in her throat and licks her lips nervously before speaking.

"I-I'm sorry I didn't answer any of your calls."

"That's okay, I just, found some nice clothing sales nearby." Audrey says.

"Clothing sales?" Chloe repeats.

"Or not." Audrey says, shifting her attitude. "You should have answered!"

"R-Right, I'm sorry." Chloe takes a deep breath. "I...need to talk to you about tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Audrey says.

"The press conference to ban the heroes." Chloe clarifies.

"Right. I hate them." Audrey's mouth twists into a cruel smirk. "And I have the power to get rid of them."

Chloe's clenches her fists. "You can't!"

"I can and I will. After what Queen Bee did, no one will be on their side. This is my chance to get them out of my way." Audrey says calmly. "Nothing you say can stop me, Chloe, so go to your room."

Chloe reaches a shaky hand into her purse and brings out the Mayor's golden credit card. "It was me...Mom...So don't take it out on them. H-Hate me..." She says croakily, her eyes welling up with tears.

"I'm Queen Bee."