[Adrien's POV]

I feel as though the past is being dug up. Le Paon reappearing, Audrey returning to Paris, the true characters of both my father and Nathalie surfacing. There are so many stories woven into this intricate mystery, I haven't had a break from thinking. Why does it feel as though my mother is stuck right in the middle of all this even after her death?

"Well, I got the email address of the person who created the blog."

"And who does it belong to?"

"Haven't you guessed? Nathalie Sancoeur."

My mind definitely hasn't stopped racing all day since Alya told me that. I wonder if Nathalie knew Le Paon's identity; she probably found out the same way dad did. My dad's told me everything he knows but maybe Nathalie has more answers.

I take a deep breath and raise my hand to knock on Nathalie's office door.

"Come in."

I gulp down the dry lump in my throat and slowly step inside, shutting the door behind me. "H-Hello, I hope you're not busy."

Nathalie swivels her desk chair to face me. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Well..."

How am I supposed to bring this about? Isn't this a bit abrupt? Nathalie might be suspicious. But it is my mother, after all. Then again, my mom seems to be a sensitive subject. Should I just say it upfront? I should probably just say something, anything at least.

"Would you...talk to me about my mother?" I ask timidly.

Nathalie's tensed posture relaxes slightly as she places aside her tablet to give me her full attention. "Of course, Adrien." She says gently.

I take a seat in the chair on the other side of her desk. To be honest, I feel kind of awkward. Nathalie is always so emotionless but right now the atmosphere actually feels very tender. Her eyes aren't cold or absent, she is gazing at me softly as if really looking at me for the first time. It feels unfamiliar for me but I guess to her, I am her best friend's son.

"So...you chose to look after me for her, didn't you? For my mom...Zara." I begin.

"Of course, she was...my favourite person in the entire world. And she loved you more than anything, her beautiful son." Nathalie says with a sad smile. "I see so much of her in you, especially as you grow older and develop as a person. You're so much like her, Adrien."

My heart aches sorrowfully. I can't believe I've never known...this entire time Nathalie was watching out for me in her own way for my mother.

"And that doesn't bother you? I mean, doesn't it hurt...the constant reminder of her." I question.

Nathalie shakes her head. "No...it eases the pain, actually. Watching you grow up has been like getting to know her all over again. Being with you makes me feel like she's still here— especially when I see your eyes. It feels like I'm looking into her own, and I can sense her within you."

If I've learnt anything, it's that my mom isn't the angelic ideal I envisioned her as originally. She has made mistakes and false judgements, which is okay because even she is only human. I've already surpassed the boy who was constantly chasing his mother. In a way, that brings me closer to her.

"Thanks for telling me, Nathalie." I say.

"Serving you is the only thing I can do now that she is gone, Adrien," Nathalie replies. "It's nothing to be thankful for."

"Right..." I twiddle my fingers as I work up the courage to spit out the question I'm really dying to ask. "I was also wondering...if you could tell me anything about Le Paon?"

Nathalie's eyes instantly glaze over, her posture tensing up once more. I can feel her retracting into her usual self—a stone-faced stranger.

"No." Nathalie answers shortly.

"But—" I try.

"Le Paon is dead." Nathalie interrupts. "There is nothing to uncover."

With that, she picks up her tablet and continues working. I'm about to persist in arguing when I hear her utter a quiet whisper.

"Sorry, Adrien. Please...don't go looking for her."

I lower my eyes sadly and stand from my chair, excusing myself from the room without another word. I get it; it was too much to ask. Besides, everything Nathalie knows is probably on her blog anyway.

On my way out, I bump into my dad.

"Adrien, I was just on my way to notify Nathalie but I need to see you too." He says. "We're having dinner with the Bourgeois family tomorrow night, though the Mayor may be busy."

I recoil in repulsion. "Is Audrey coming too?"

"Of course. Our families were always close. Granted, they have both fallen apart over these last few years, but all the more reason to get together again." Dad says. "It is also important that we make up for the way Audrey was treated at our household this morning."

I immediately protest. "She was being a bi—"

"Adrien!" Dad says firmly. "I know Audrey said horrible things but sometimes you just have to deal with people, be an adult and get over it. She is ready to forgive Nathalie's aggression, please don't let her be more mature than you in this situation."

I growl irritably. "Fine! But I'm gonna be angry about it the entire time!" I snap before stomping away.

.

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[Chloe's POV]

"Why am I feeling so..." I slump over and make an exaggerated groan, "Blaaaahhh!"

"You had an exhausting day out yesterday." Pollen says with a sigh.

"Yeah..." I reply glumly. "I hope I'm going to school today. I really miss my friends..."

After getting dressed and ready, I make my way to the dining room.

"Honey, I've made breakfast!" My mom sings from in the kitchen.

Huh? Am I dreaming? Mom's making breakfast for me, just like I imagined. Maybe this day will be better!

I quickly sit down at the table, grinning excitedly as my mom emerges from the kitchen. My smile fades when she places a small, green smoothie in front of me.

"What is this?" I question.

"Breakfast." Mom answers. "It's a kale smoothie darling, don't you know what health looks like."

I slowly reach out to take the glass, forcing a pained smile as I gulp down the thick liquid. My mom smiles complacently and takes a seat beside me.

"Don't worry, I'll make you into the perfect public figure." She says. "I've already started organising your etiquette classes."

I suddenly stop drinking, looking at my mom urgently. "Am I going to school today?"

"Unfortunately, yes." Mom says drearily.

I let out a breath of relief and place my glass aside gently.

"To be honest, Gabriel and I had a little disagreement yesterday; all because of Zara and her dog." Mom says, rolling her eyes.

I lower my eyes sadly. I love Zara, she was like a mother to me...but if I said that, I don't think my current mom would like it.

"But not to worry, Gabey and I have been best friends since we were iddie biddie toddlers. He'll always adore me," Mom continues. "We're having dinner at his house tonight. It'll be a great opportunity to get used to being one big, perfect family, hm?"

"Ah, yeah, just like old times." I say, mustering up as much cheeriness as I can.

A while back I'd want nothing more than the tight little family of Adrien and I back together. My mother returning for me, Adrien and I growing closer, perhaps combining our success as the ultimate power couple and of course, me abusing the Mayor's power and enjoying the convenience of wealth. It all sounds so very...boring. Now that I've gotten the opportunity to grow as a person and to get to know so many other different people, that old ideal life of mine seems so small and shallow. But...following in my father's image and marrying Adrien is what my mom wants, isn't it?

No! I can't give up! Things can change. My life has changed. I've changed, I know I have. I just need to show that to mom. She's my mother, I'm sure she knows what's best for me.

"I better be off to school—Bye mom!" I say before grabbing my bag and rushing out.

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[Narrator's POV]

Chloe's mouth stretches into a smile as she sprints up the school steps and into the courtyard. She never thought she'd be in such a rush to get to school, she's just so keen to see everyone.

"Chloe!" Says a friendly voice.

Chloe spins around in response to her name to see Marinette waving at her.

"Hey," Marinette greets kindly. "How come you weren't at school yesterday?"

"My mom took me shopping!" Chloe tells Marinette excitedly.

"O-Oh, cool." Marinette says, forcing a smile. She doesn't quite get along with Audrey Bourgeois but she is glad that Chloe is happy. "So you're getting along then?"

Chloe flinches. "Uh, yeah...Yes! Of course, it was awesome!" She lies.

"Good for you Chloe." Marinette says genuinely.

"Chloe!" Shouts a not-so-friendly voice.

Chloe and Marinette turn to see Adrien stomping towards them.

"Could you kindly keep your mother out of my house!" Adrien yaps as he jabs a finger at Chloe's chest.

"Don't be like that!" Chloe snaps back, whacking Adrien's hand away. "She's my mom, Adrien. You gave me the second chance to change, the least you could do is offer her the same opportunity."

Marinette places a hand on Adrien's shoulder. "She does have a point, Adrien. Maybe Audrey just needs some time and adjustment."

Adrien sighs in defeat. "Fine. I'll behave for this family dinner and then we'll see how things go from there."

Chloe smiles and throws her arms around Adrien. "Thankyou..." She whispers.

Although, Chloe is sure that Audrey will just be admiring how perfect Adrien is the entire time; she can't help but feel anxious and even a little bit bitter.

"Hey!" Chloe exclaims, pushing apart from Adrien. "This is a family dinner—Marinette's family! You should be there too, Marinette."

"Me?" Marinette responds, a little nervous about the idea of dining with Audrey.

"Oh, please, please, please!" Chloe begs. "My mom really needs to meet you. She won't stop droning on about Adrien! I'm certain that she'll like you once she knows you. You have to come!"

Chloe pouts and looks up at Marinette with big, puppy-dog eyes. Marinette winces, trying her best to resist surrender.

"Oh...kay..." She says reluctantly.

"Yay!" Chloe squeals as she squeezes Marinette into a bone-crushing hug.

Adrien laughs at Marinette's terrified expression. "You're too kind, Mari. But at least it will be a lot more bearable with you there."

"Chloe!" The sweetest voice of them all calls out.

Chloe's heart flutters. She releases Marinette and turns around to see Nathaniel running up to her happily, his long, orange hair swaying and bouncing as he does so. His bright blue eyes are as vibrant and bubbly as ever; and how dearly had Chloe missed the warmth that fills her chest when he flashes that cute smile as his.

"You're here today, that's great!" Nathaniel says upon reaching her. "I was worried you had gotten ill again."

"Nathaniel!" Chloe says suddenly, clasping her hands on either side of Nathaniel's face.

"W-What?" Nathaniel startles, his voice mumbled from getting his cheeks squished.

Chloe stares at Nathaniel intensely, her eyes wild with passion and determination. "I want you to meet my parents." She states brazenly.

Marinette brings a hand up to her O-shaped mouth whilst Adrien clings onto her excitedly. This is quite the unexpected development.

Nathaniel shudders with both shock and confusion, his face turning red. "Huh?!"

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Spoiler Warning (Zombizou fangirling)

The new episode was so good! Chloe, aw, I love her. I hope she gets better soon. Her whole mother issues are falling into place like I thought.  Also, AH, Roseka is cannon. I mean, we all knew it would be but it's so nice to see a kids show actually displaying it. And OMG Nino is so cute! He's the best boyfriend, screw the love square XD

I've been hit with the feels after that ep.

P.S. sorry this chapter is kind of short, hoping to pick up my updates a bit more.