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]

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.

[nadenagi]

"Sure, I could teach you a Kabuki fan dance, if you want. It is more traditional than modern, but fascinating."

[coccinelled]

Kabuki? Uh, sure. Worth a try?

[She gives a shrug, Adrien does too in agreeing to give it a go at least. If it isn't their thing they could try a different sort of dance so it isn't that big a deal? At least, they don't think so. May as well give it a try in something different to the likely usual dancing around Paris or that was generally more popular.]

[nadenagi]

"Alright. Let me go get some fans. You two okay to hang out without me till I get back?" he asked with a small smile.

[coccinelled]

Sure. You go get whatever we need.

[Marinette was not entirely unused to being alone with Adrien. That doesn't mean it wouldn't be a little awkward perhaps? This time they don't have the video game or such to distract them. Adrien for his part seems more casual about it, as he waves the other off, reaching for a drink and sipping.

By the time the other rejoins them, Marinette is spluttering, bright red as Adrien holds the note he was given the previous time.]

[nadenagi]

He came back about fifteen minutes later with a small duffle bag and looked between them. "Is... everything alright?" he asked, seeming concerned.

Huge secret troll is a huge secret troll. Who thinks it took them long enough.

[coccinelled]

I -- um?

[Marinette's still all flustered and stammering. Adrien is better off but still kind of red in the face himself a little, as he glances and turns at hearing the other return, wanting to reassure the other that things were okay, he flails his hands a little. Well. Less so than Marinette does.]

Hm? Ah. Y-yeah. Course.


[He pockets the paper, offering to help bring in the bag if necessary.]

[nadenagi]

The bag was small enough that he didn't need help. "Did...I miss something? I almost feel as though I am suddenly intruding..."

[coccinelled]

That....well....

[Marinette stammers, almost? Seeming to get redder if possible as Adrien admits he showed the note to her and all. Adrien still seems more casual about it, withdrawing his hand and help from the bag and letting the other boy take care of it if he can manage on his own. He glances from Marinette to the other boy briefly, though Marinette doesn't expand on what Adrien said, probably because she's still a little flustered and all to really add anything herself.]

[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.]