My Miraculous, UNLOCK! A PSL for a Ladybug in Japan.

[amu_chan]

After settling in, Tom and Sabine would have given Marinette a surprise gift, since they could tell that she hadn't fully wanted to come overseas on this trip. So once they were settled in they gave her an envelope. Inside was a concert ticket for the next night and some spending money to buy herself either something to wear for the concert, or cloth if she wanted to make something herself, since the air B&B they were staying at had a sewing machine. They would be at the concert too, since it was a strange city in a foreign country and all, but they assured her they would be sitting several rows back.

They totally weren't going so Tom could spy on if she was flirting with any Japanese boys, NOPE! Not at all. She can't prove it.

Anyway.

So she would be given an afternoon with some money and a map to wander if she wanted to, so long as she was home in time for dinner. There might have been threats that if she was late coming back for dinner they would spend the whole concert glued to her side, but that was probably a joke. Right?

It was cold outside, late December snows keeping some people indoors, so the streets weren't too crowded, but that made it that much easier to catch hints of conversations from the people who were out. Teenagers and kids were talking about school, and sports, and the upcoming concert which seemed to be a big deal. The two main acts were a boy band called Darts and a singer named Utau. There were subtle advertisements here and there, but at least one shop window had a pair of posters for them. Darts was all cookie cutter boy band, and on the young side. Nothing like the energy someone would get from a Jagged Stone poster. It looked like SAFE had been the key word for the design team.

The poster for Utau however....

The girl in the poster couldn't have been older than sixteen or seventeen, and the babydoll black dress and the blond pigtails should have made her look soft and safe as well. Should have made her look young, even with the tall heels she was wearing. But there was nothing comforting or cookie cutter about the poster of her. Everything from the look in her eyes to her stance seemed to act as a warning. Or maybe that was just because Mari knew Chloé. Just from the image she seemed to have all the attitude Chloé tried to have. But what held people going by was the expression on her face. The eyes. Where all the boys of Darts were smiling brightly at the camera, and thus the passer bye, her violet eyes held a challenge, her lips a slight down turn that might remind one of Gabriel Agreste at his more irritated. As though the photo shoot, or perhaps the audience, was a waste of her time.

In fact, some of the people passing by would comment, and Mari could hear them, about how she was so pretty, why wouldn't she smile, or about how her music was so good you almost didn't care that her poster looked like it hated you. A few guys starred dreamily at the poster, though.

One boy, maybe 19 or so, stopped near Mari, eyeing the poster for a moment, his eyes cool, his face blank, hands in his pockets. Unlike everyone else, he hadn't bothered with a winter coat, wearing an all black outfit with small silver crosses here and there. He had short dark blue hair and for some reason might aaaaaalmost remind her of Chat, though there was no logical reason for it. Tikki, however, would sense something from him. The boy didn't seem to notice Mari at all, however, and would turn and walk off again after only a moment, seeming bored.

And he wouldn't be the only one Tikki would sense something odd about. Not five minutes later, three girls would be passing, huddled in their jackets. Two of them looked about a year or two younger than Marinette, the third looked a year or two younger than that. The youngest looking one had brownish hair in pigtails that DID make her look younger, but the barrettes might have something to do with that. Big red bows. She was also bouncing a bit as she walked, and all her mannerisms made her seem young. Of the other two, one had shockingly pink hair with a red X hair barrette over one small lock that was pulled up over the rest, and bored seeming gold eyes. She was hunched into her black and red jacket against the cold. The third had long purple hair Juleka would have loved and kind eyes, along with small kind expressions. She moved with a gentle grace, small fluid motions, and her jacket was well tailored to her and looked very feminine in style and cut. Very well made. The other two were clearly wearing off the rack coats, hers looked custom designed for her.

The youngest was talking animatedly. "Are we going to Utau's concert this time too, do you think? Should we ask Kukai and Tadase at school tomorrow?"

"Do we have a choice, after last time?" The pink haired one grumbled.

"Hmmm," the purple haired one said. "We probably should go. Let's bring it up at the meeting, alright?"

She looked like she was about to say something then looked around, scowling. She stared at Marinette for a moment then looked past her, before turning to the purple haired girl. "Where are Ran and the others?"

"I think Kiseki said something about training, they'll be along." And with that the three kept walking.

But not only would Tikki sense something odd from those three, the pink haired one the most, but.... something the pink haired one was wearing or carrying under that coat and scarf, hidden from sight, was something that Tikki would feel like a wave of power. As if she had just eaten one of the macarons with an enhancement potion in it. Something that girl had with her would make Tikki feel strong and amped up... but it wasn't any feeling she'd recognize.

Comments

[coccinelled]

[Ladybug glances around once she has the lucky charm in figuring what it was and how to use it. It takes her a moment before she figures it out and manages to make use of it in a way to get Chat Noir to Cataclysm the tiara and get the akuma free. She calls out to Nagihiko and Chat to help and together they manage it, Chat Noir certainly relieved when he's finally thus back to normal, grinning as he does a fistbump with her.]

Thanks for the help. At least it looks like everyone's back to normal and okay. We'd better get going before we change back though.

[nadenagi]

Himself again he collapsed down where he was and nodded. "Yeah... thanks for the help..."

[coccinelled]

Just glad we made it and were able to stop it. As long as everyone is alright now.

[Ladybug says, helping the akuma victim to her feet again. She glances to check on everyone again before giving a wave and heading off, with Chat Noir close behind as they couldn't stay long before transforming back. And while some friends might be aware, their identities were not public knowledge so they had to keep it secret still.]

[nadenagi]

After they were gone, Nagihiko would be helping people and getting them back to an emotional center.

[coccinelled]

[It's only later that he sees them again. As Marinette and Adrien of course. She's later, rushing in and apologizing as she makes it to the bakery where the other two wait for her after school. Something about her tripping and helping someone on the way back from school? Which is probably how and why she got separated from Adrien somehow even though they both came from school? He'd just had to check with the teacher about something first and still got here earlier than her. Marinette takes an offered glass of water from her mother who at least seems rather used to Marinette's rushing and being late to things and her rambling. Adrien's expression almost fond as she drinks, after her talking of helping out. She was always doing that, for everyone, he thinks.]

[nadenagi]

"It's fine, take your time," he said with a warm but tired smile.

[coccinelled]

Sorry. Thanks.

[She downs the water quick enough at least. Taking a few minutes in catching her breath from rushing. After a moment she gives a nod and gestures for them to head up to her room. To let her parents get back onto it with their work. Marinette puts her bag on her bed out of the way, Adrien following suit in at least wanting it out of the way that they wouldn't knock the bags or step on them or something.]

Alright. I'm ready! I think.

[nadenagi]

He waited until they were upstairs, then paid for a special batch of pastries and asked them to be brought up whenever is convenient. Then he headed up after them.

[coccinelled]

[Marinette and Adrien aren't necessarily expecting the pastries. Well, that and Marinette gets plenty of them anyway, living with the bakery and all right downstairs. Adrien definitely lights up though and thanks the other for them, figuring if they eat them first and then focus on dancing after washing up afterwards? Or something to that effect. He and Marinette both take one once the other says he got them for everyone. Both reaching at once and accidentally touching, both a little sheepish and apologizing, rubbing at the back of their neck.]

[nadenagi]

MAgihiko totally wasn't hiding a smile. Nope.

"I'm a little tired today," he said sitting on the bed. "Just how often does Paris get attacked, anyhow?"

[coccinelled]

Thanks for the food. You didn't have to. I could easily have brought something up if you guys were hungry.

[She does literally live at the bakery and all. But still. Her parents would appreciate the business at least. Marinette gives a sympathetic look though, as she takes a bite of her pastry snack and Adrien gives a nod, considering the question for a moment and he chooses his food.]

Hm, often enough. It isn't like people stop having negative emotions for Papillon to take advantage of even if we know that's how he does it with akumatizing people. But it works out since we have Ladybug and Chat Noir to save us and fix things.

[nadenagi]

Nagihiko gave a small shy smile. "I wanted to do something nice... for my friends."

He considered the answers. "Is there any way for people to find and talk to them, when there isn't an emergency?"

[coccinelled]

Well, thank you. But ah....

[Marinette pauses, biting at her lower lip briefly as she has a mouthful of pastry. Adrien swallows his mouthful and chimes in for her. In trying to explain and still in a way that doesn't give away that he himself was Chat Noir.]

Ladybug and Chat Noir come to help if there's an emergency. I haven't seen them otherwise. I guess it's hard to ignore and not hear if there's an akuma attacking though. Why? I'm sure they already know you're grateful if you wanted to thank them. They save people all the time. They know we appreciate what they do here in Paris.

[nadenagi]

"What if someone wanted to offer them help?"

[coccinelled]

Help?

[Adrien raises an eyebrow at that, unsure how to respond. Telling him he was literally talking to Chat Noir would give things away, obviously. Marinette bites her lower lip, more familiar with the chara and all back home. What his sister was capable of. She isn't sure just how much his sister might have told him though, regarding her being Ladybug and all. Plus....Adrien was right there, so.]

Well things often happen at school with our class? Right Adrien? Maybe I could keep a note or something and give it to Ladybug? Next time she and Chat Noir come to school? But...how do you mean help?

[nadenagi]

His lips twitched into a small sad smile. "I'm fairly good at being a distraction, if nothing else. I... don't mind being bait, if it will help them save people faster. At least... while I am here."

[coccinelled]

Bait?

[Adrien was well aware on how he had tried to help out with the akuma earlier. Not that he could actually say that. He's unsure how comfortable he or Ladybug might be with that though and if she would agree to this idea or not. Probably not. Marinette seems to agree there as well, in her crossing her arms and biting her lip as she considers.]

I'm not sure if Ladybug would want to risk that. It's one thing for her and the others with the Miraculous to help out to protect everyone but. Unless you had one yourself that meant you were less likely to get hurt or something. She'd want you to be careful. To look after yourself. A-at least. From what I know of her. My friend Alya talks about Ladybug a lot with her blog and all.....

[nadenagi]

"Perhaps Alya is a good place to start then," he said quietly. "I may not be as good at somethings s my sister, but everyone who can help, should try to, right?"

[coccinelled]

I'm sure Alya would have said if she figured it out with Ladybug. But. It's worth a try? She might be able to figure getting a message out on her blog to Ladybug and Chat Noir to come see you at least.

[Marinette says, rubbing at the back of her neck with a shrug as she takes another bite of her pastry. Adrien gives a nod of agreement, in encouragement. At least that way he would have an excuse as Chat Noir to talk to him and not give away his identity? Right?]

[nadenagi]

"I will have to try that then. A shame she hasn't been able to come for dance lessons yet..."

[coccinelled]

Y-yeah. But I mean. If you hang around with us often enough while you're here, you'll meet her eventually.

[That was inevitable. Alya might sometimes be busy but not every second of the day. Of course eventually there would be a point she would be around and get to meet him. It was just that she was conveniently busy during the dance lessons in wanting Adrien to have some alone time with Marinette for once.]

[nadenagi]

"I would like that, so long as it happens soon. I am here for a while, but at some point we'll move on, and I'd like to help while I can."

[coccinelled]

I guess we'll see what they say. For now though. I think I've had enough pastry snacks. What dance were we learning today?

[Marinette asks, making Adrien quickly stuff the last of his pastry in his mouth before nodding and glancing to the other boy as well. Or at least. They assume they would be dancing again. Since they aren't sure on talking much more on Ladybug and Chat Noir in letting themselves be found out, least of all in front of each other.]

[nadenagi]

Nagihiko smiled slightly. "What style would you like to learn?"

[coccinelled]

I don't know much about dancing aside from knowing of the waltz and....tango? Or salsa?

[Marinette muses, giving a sheepish look and shrug. Adrien considers and shrugs as well. Not seeming too fussed as long as they got in some dancing at least. While the other was still here in Paris and all at least.]

I wouldn't mind learning something from Japan if there's any specific there? Any dances, I mean.