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

[nadenagi]

"Ah. Well, you did tell me you'd help," he said to Adrien, managing not to smile because he was so good an actor. He kept his voice quiet and his face neutral.

Even if inside he was smirking like the biggest troll ever.

[coccinelled]

I...y-yeah.

[Adrien can't really deny that? And, well. He may have feelings for Ladybug but since she said she had feelings for someone else, it made sense to try find someone himself? To try move on? And, really, he had been friends with Marinette for a while. Things were....well, perhaps had the potential to go somewhere? So he figured he may as well try? While. Obviously flustered, Marinette seemed to respond to the idea? He thinks?]

[nadenagi]

"I appreciate it. As you can see, she could use all the help she can get, some days." Warm utterly fake smile. Looks real though. Looks good.

Both Kwamis would notice something odd, though of course they can't exactly say as much. Tiki would recognize it however. A chara was nearby. A flick of something brightly coloured passed the window. Like someone walking past. Perfectly, or purrfectly normal.... until one remembered what floor MArinette's room is on...

Nagihiko acted perfectly as if he could not see it, of course.

Though just about then someone would be coming up the stairs. Nagihiko moved out of the way as the door opened to admit Marinette's mom, someone was waiting to speak to her downstairs.

[coccinelled]

[Marinette glances at the movement at the window, frowning slightly in confusion as her glancing catches Adrien's attention and he looks over to the window too. Though they were distracted with someone coming up to her room, with her mother entering and glancing to her instead. Marinette tilts her head in not necessarily having expected anyone else? Unless Alya or Nino did make it today after all? But she doesn't see why they wouldn't just come up if so to her room to join them. She apologizes to the other two boys and heads downstairs to see who it was.]

[chicklet]

Nagihiko glanced at Adrien, seeing him looking at the window, but waits to ask until Marinette has left. "What?" he asked, softly, quietly.

There was a young woman at the door in a poofy blue dress, her blond hair curled at the bottom, a hair clip off to one side. "I am looking for the manager of Kitty Section, would you be Marinette Dupain-Cheng?" she asked in flawless unaccented French. She was holding a briefcase and was clearly trying to look older than her appearance suggested. She was probably only about 17 or 18. Her smile looked older, though. It was, like the smiles of some adults, not as open as she might have wanted it to seem, it was almost professional, with only practice needed to bring it to that point. But professional in the competitive office sense, rather than customer service.

And to Tiki she would feel similar to how Yaya and the others felt.

[coccinelled]

Hm? Ah, y-yes. This is me. But who are you?

[This was something about their music? Marinette wasn't sure what to make of this. Not necessarily aware there were any issues or that they were that big or anything, really. It was mostly for fun. To let off steam. To express themselves. Maybe occasionally enter competitions but it wasn't necessarily something they were that serious about?

She's not sure she has seen this woman around before at such competitions or anything for her to necessarily be aware of the band? Unless she saw videos online or something? Maybe? She didn't look that much older than Marinette herself either.]

[chicklet]

"Hello, I represent a company over sees who manages a number of successful multinational musical groups. May I come in? I was asked to bring an offer to you."

[coccinelled]

An offer? From a company? Well, obviously I'd talk anything over with the others first before deciding anything. I guess as long as you're okay with that.

[Marinette just figures to put that out there. It isn't just her. Her friends deserve a say too, of course. She figures she could message Adrien or something if she had to to apologize and ask if they could reschedule for dance lessons with this. Tell him at least what was up. She steps to the side in letting the girl in properly if she was still willing though.]

[chicklet]

She bowed deeply, removed her shoes, and stepped in. "Yes, this could be Kitty Section's big break. Of course I should meet all of the members."

[coccinelled]

Big break? Really?

[She messages the group, letting them know someone was at her place to talk about the band at least. Whether or not they could make it right there and then, they at least deserved to know that much, as the other removes her shoes and enters properly. Marinette leads her to the lounge and gestures for her to have a seat, her parents sort of hovering a bit as her mother brings some snacks over at the table for them.]

[chicklet]

"Thank you," she said to the mother, then gave another smile to Marinette. "Shall we arrange a time, or would you like the basics now?"

[coccinelled]

It's fine. If you give me the basics I can message the others and we can figure our response for the next meeting with all of us? If that works?

[At least. She hopes it would? Really it makes sense she supposes in reaching out to one of them and then spreading the word to the others from talking to Marinette about whatever the plan was. The offer. She loves music, though she was more passionate about fashion and isn't as sure on if this is the best route if she wants to go and focus on her fashion and designs. Hadn't necessarily considered the band making it huge or anything. But of course she would support her friends.]

[chicklet]

"Very well. Easter is a company that is mostly based in Japan, but with branch offices around the world. Any member of the band who is of school age will be offered schooling in Japan including Japanese and English classes for anyone who knows them. The group would start touring once the band has songs that meets Easter's approval in all three languages. There would be two tours to start, a French tour to establish you as a French group all over again. And then a Japanese tour. If all goes well there will be world tours after, of course. And Easter will be paying for the band's lodging while in school in Japan as well as on while on tour, though you might have to do some smaller concerts local to where you will be housed and promotional work along side that schooling."

[coccinelled]

I -- um. Well, we know some English, we learn that in school. And Japanese is another language option. I only know a little of it myself. So we probably would need lessons? The tours -- that would probably depend on if our family is okay with it.

[She is unsure if Gabriel would be keen on that with Adrien or not. Given how protective he was. Let alone her own parents. They couldn't take off from the bakery too often. Marinette fidgets a little, nibbling on the offered snacks.]

[chicklet]

"Easter will be happy to work with all the parents involved of course, to show them the benefits of this learning experience..."

And there was that fake smile again.

[coccinelled]

It's not just up to me, no. So of course they'd have to be okay with it. If the others wanted to go for this, I mean.

[Easter seems vaguely familiar but by now it has been a bit since Marinette was last in Japan and all before she and the other boy showed up. Of course it might take a bit for her to realize what was going on. For now, she seems non-committal in not deciding anything without the others, let alone their parents approving of it or not as to whether this would go ahead.]

[chicklet]

"Of course. Talk to the others and get back to me." She handed over a business card. "My number while I am in Paris. Let's try to set up a meeting for Saturday?"

[coccinelled]

That might be best. In not being around school or after school with activities or stuff. I can see what they say. If they were keen to talk about it, I'll let you know.

[She reaches and takes the offered card, pocketing it. Thanking the other for coming and for the offer in any case seems polite. She doesn't outright rush the other out the door immediately, though she is mindful that Adrien in particular probably has a time limit on being here at her place.]

[chicklet]

"Wonderfull, I look forward to hearing from you." She smoothed her skirt, ten turned to Marinnette's mother. "On my way out, may I make a purchase, or is the shop not open?"

[coccinelled]

[Marinette gives a nod, making to stand and bring the plate to the kitchen on her way back upstairs to Adrien and their dance instructor. Well, and to see the girl out, of course. Sabine gives a nod that she could make a purchase if she wishes on the way out, asking if she had anything in particular in mind. As she helps serve, Marinette takes care of the dishes from her mother bringing them snacks.]

[chicklet]

Lulu made a rather large purchase, getting a number of different things, and then took her leave with her bag, polite and formal the whole time.

[coccinelled]

[Once she leaves, Marinette rushes upstairs, almost tripping in her haste and frantic panic. She messages the others briefly summing it all up before emerging back in her room proper to tell Adrien. She stammers, something about Paris? Their band? while sort of flailing a bit before he raises an eyebrow, exclaiming he only caught a few words of it, encouraging her to sit down and take a deep breath. At the least, he seems used to her flailing? Kind of?]

[nadenagi]

"I... appologize, my French is good enough to get around, mostly , but I could not follow that..." he glanced at Adrien, helplessly.

[coccinelled]

[Adrien gives a shrug, before trying to explain.]

Something about our band. Easter? What about it? That's not for a -- you don't mean the holiday, do you?

[Marinette shakes her head at that in answer. Nope. Not that Easter.]

And something about travel? Because of the band? Like a tour? I doubt my dad would let me go. Modeling is one thing but even with that I'm usually here while he goes off traveling. Let alone your family with the bakery.

[nadenagi]

"EASTER?!" You now have his full attention. "Was whoever came to speak to you either a blond teenage girl named Utau, hair in pigtails," as though Marinette wouldn't have recognized the singer who attacked them all, but Nadeshiko was there for that, not Nagihiko, "Or a tall slender teenager with short blue hair?"