Piper McLean (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
sweettalker) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
theshipyard2015-11-24 09:18 pm
sweettalker) wrote in theshipyard2015-11-24 09:18 pm
[Annabeth had tricked him. It was totally unfair and totally rude (and totally sneaky and clever, which suited Annabeth's style just fine), but she had tricked him. When Percy heard the word "California" and "trip" he immediately thought of a vacation. Gaea had been defeated. The seven had a little downtime before school started for all of them. A vacation was definitely in order.
But as it turned out when they turned up in Malibu it wasn't for a beach vacation as he had hoped. He couldn't help as he watched in brief disbelief as Annabeth marched up to the McLean Mansion like she truly belonged there (though, of course, he didn't realize it was Piper's house at all) and he quickly followed, grabbing her arm to stop her.
Too late. She knocked and Percy frowned, frown shifting to surprise the moment Jason Grace answered the door with a backpack instead. Annabeth took Percy's hand and smiled, leading him into the house to where Piper was also waiting.
Somehow the details were a little fuzzy as Percy listened to the two blondes explain to them that they had a quick quest to run and that they shouldn't be gone for more than a week, and it was only then, belatedly, that Percy realized that it wasn't a vacation. He was being dropped off to be babysat and while he didn't appreciate the implication he was a little more concerned about where Annabeth and Jason were going.
With promises of being careful and kisses exchanged, the blondes disappeared and left Percy and Piper to their own devices. He couldn't help but let his eyes roam the interior of the house, realizing it was probably as big as his entire apartment complex, before settling on Piper's face with a somewhat half-hearted grin.]
It's almost like they don't even trust us.
But as it turned out when they turned up in Malibu it wasn't for a beach vacation as he had hoped. He couldn't help as he watched in brief disbelief as Annabeth marched up to the McLean Mansion like she truly belonged there (though, of course, he didn't realize it was Piper's house at all) and he quickly followed, grabbing her arm to stop her.
Too late. She knocked and Percy frowned, frown shifting to surprise the moment Jason Grace answered the door with a backpack instead. Annabeth took Percy's hand and smiled, leading him into the house to where Piper was also waiting.
Somehow the details were a little fuzzy as Percy listened to the two blondes explain to them that they had a quick quest to run and that they shouldn't be gone for more than a week, and it was only then, belatedly, that Percy realized that it wasn't a vacation. He was being dropped off to be babysat and while he didn't appreciate the implication he was a little more concerned about where Annabeth and Jason were going.
With promises of being careful and kisses exchanged, the blondes disappeared and left Percy and Piper to their own devices. He couldn't help but let his eyes roam the interior of the house, realizing it was probably as big as his entire apartment complex, before settling on Piper's face with a somewhat half-hearted grin.]
It's almost like they don't even trust us.
[ Cat Noir decided to watch as Piper escorted her boyfriend back into the building. Just as a formality, of course. He’s pretty certain his Lady’s Miraculous healed over any serious, lasting injuries from the attack (as it usually did), but the whole ordeal seemed to affect these two a little differently than their usual Parisian victims, so he deemed the matter worthy of his extra attention.
(That, and he was procrastinating on going home to his father’s piano lesson, but that’s neither here nor there.)
Jason remembered being akumatized, for one. Cat can’t quite remember that ever happening before—not even with himself, when he’s been the victim an akuma. For two, well...frankly, it’s the first time Ladybug and he ever showed up after the victim was already subdued.
So that was...different.
It didn’t leave Cat much to do. He hadn’t used Cataclysm, so his Miraculous timer hadn’t started blinking to remind him to take his leave.
He certainly doesn’t expect to see either of them so soon (at least, not as Cat Noir), but when the door opens, he doesn’t even have a chance to hide.
Not that he really needed to. Why would he? The surprise wears off pretty quickly once he sees Piper; the way her hair falls perfectly over her shoulders when she turned...
He catches himself staring for a moment before he gives her a playful salute, accompanied by his usual charming smile. ]
Hello, again.
[ Out again so soon? he wants to ask, but even he’s not that nosy.
...Most of the time. ]
(That, and he was procrastinating on going home to his father’s piano lesson, but that’s neither here nor there.)
Jason remembered being akumatized, for one. Cat can’t quite remember that ever happening before—not even with himself, when he’s been the victim an akuma. For two, well...frankly, it’s the first time Ladybug and he ever showed up after the victim was already subdued.
So that was...different.
It didn’t leave Cat much to do. He hadn’t used Cataclysm, so his Miraculous timer hadn’t started blinking to remind him to take his leave.
He certainly doesn’t expect to see either of them so soon (at least, not as Cat Noir), but when the door opens, he doesn’t even have a chance to hide.
Not that he really needed to. Why would he? The surprise wears off pretty quickly once he sees Piper; the way her hair falls perfectly over her shoulders when she turned...
He catches himself staring for a moment before he gives her a playful salute, accompanied by his usual charming smile. ]
Hello, again.
[ Out again so soon? he wants to ask, but even he’s not that nosy.
...Most of the time. ]
[ For once, she'd been hoping that a fresh start would actually go WELL. For once, she was actually hopeful to start over at a new school. It wasn't like she was going to go out of her way to stand out and make friends, but it was the closest she'd ever come to actually getting what she really wanted: some form of a real relationship with her father, even if it was for the wrong reasons. Nothing new there. So why, then, when she was actually TRYING to be on good behavior, did everything else in the universe conspire to make her life weird?
No, you think that's an exaggeration, but really: First, she learned she was moving to Paris with her father. Piper was pretty sure that by the time she graduates (assuming she ever actually accumulated enough credits to do so) she will have traveled more of the country and more of the WORLD than any teenager her age.
She should have been thrilled, her father was actually paying attention to her for once! The only problem being that it was because he maybe suspected she was losing her mind a little, and honestly after the things she'd seen recently she wondered if he wasn't right.
Those girls back at her last private school, there had been something off about them, and then they'd picked a fight with her. She's still not sure if what she thinks happened actually happened or if she was experiencing some sort of fever dream from the concussion she'd suffered, but it had been the final straw for Tristan in a lot of ways.
If local private school was proving to be too much for her, maybe they should try something else. She'd feared the worst at first, that he'd finally be sending her off on her own, but apparently shaken by her recent experience he'd instead decided to keep her close and bring her with him to Paris, France. He was an international star, sure, but mildly less well known in other countries, so naturally, a move overseas, and France seemed as good a place as any.
Then, finding out that she could SOMEHOW already perfectly understand and speak French. Coupled with her weird power of persuasion and her recent ordeal with those catty girls who... apparently never existed...
Well, Piper wasn't eager to be labeled as full on crazy, so she'd quickly made up an excuse that she'd been studying it in secret for a while, and tried to fake being only passably fluent. Unfortunately the crazy just kept on coming. Some gorgeous, super model looking woman had turned up on their doorstep while her father was out, claiming to be- get this -her mother. Again, that should have been an amazing experience and instead it was just... awkward, and strange, and uncomfortable. There was some curiosity, of course, but suddenly having her intruding on their lives and being so affectionate, while also refusing to wait for her father to come back... that was just unsettling in the most literal sense of the word. Then there was that weird vibe that the woman gave off and-
"Your first day of school?! How exciting! Well we HAVE to get you a new wardrobe!"
"Wait, what-"
"And a make over!"
"Uh. No."
"And a HAIRCUT."
"Seriously!? WHO ARE YOU?!"
God, just thinking back on it made her head hurt. Finally she got answers as to who her mother was- or CLAIMED to be -and even SHE was convinced she was nuts after having met the woman.
Honestly, though, NONE of that would have topped waking up the next morning and finding herself changed.
So, yeah. A day spent being the center of everyone's attention in her new class, getting stares from almost everyone she walked by on the street, and being completely unable to do anything with the make up and hair- freaked out didn't really cover it. By the time she was done dealing with Chloe Bourgeois Piper was 100% done with the day.
She gave her legs a tired kick from where she was sitting on one of the highest platforms of the Eiffel Tower. Most romantic spot in maybe all of the world, and she'd come there to brood.
She huffed, shutting her eyes and leaning her head back to try to just enjoy the wind, let it calm her down. And hey, if it mussed up this stupid new hairdo, all the better. ]
No, you think that's an exaggeration, but really: First, she learned she was moving to Paris with her father. Piper was pretty sure that by the time she graduates (assuming she ever actually accumulated enough credits to do so) she will have traveled more of the country and more of the WORLD than any teenager her age.
She should have been thrilled, her father was actually paying attention to her for once! The only problem being that it was because he maybe suspected she was losing her mind a little, and honestly after the things she'd seen recently she wondered if he wasn't right.
Those girls back at her last private school, there had been something off about them, and then they'd picked a fight with her. She's still not sure if what she thinks happened actually happened or if she was experiencing some sort of fever dream from the concussion she'd suffered, but it had been the final straw for Tristan in a lot of ways.
If local private school was proving to be too much for her, maybe they should try something else. She'd feared the worst at first, that he'd finally be sending her off on her own, but apparently shaken by her recent experience he'd instead decided to keep her close and bring her with him to Paris, France. He was an international star, sure, but mildly less well known in other countries, so naturally, a move overseas, and France seemed as good a place as any.
Then, finding out that she could SOMEHOW already perfectly understand and speak French. Coupled with her weird power of persuasion and her recent ordeal with those catty girls who... apparently never existed...
Well, Piper wasn't eager to be labeled as full on crazy, so she'd quickly made up an excuse that she'd been studying it in secret for a while, and tried to fake being only passably fluent. Unfortunately the crazy just kept on coming. Some gorgeous, super model looking woman had turned up on their doorstep while her father was out, claiming to be- get this -her mother. Again, that should have been an amazing experience and instead it was just... awkward, and strange, and uncomfortable. There was some curiosity, of course, but suddenly having her intruding on their lives and being so affectionate, while also refusing to wait for her father to come back... that was just unsettling in the most literal sense of the word. Then there was that weird vibe that the woman gave off and-
"Your first day of school?! How exciting! Well we HAVE to get you a new wardrobe!"
"Wait, what-"
"And a make over!"
"Uh. No."
"And a HAIRCUT."
"Seriously!? WHO ARE YOU?!"
God, just thinking back on it made her head hurt. Finally she got answers as to who her mother was- or CLAIMED to be -and even SHE was convinced she was nuts after having met the woman.
Honestly, though, NONE of that would have topped waking up the next morning and finding herself changed.
So, yeah. A day spent being the center of everyone's attention in her new class, getting stares from almost everyone she walked by on the street, and being completely unable to do anything with the make up and hair- freaked out didn't really cover it. By the time she was done dealing with Chloe Bourgeois Piper was 100% done with the day.
She gave her legs a tired kick from where she was sitting on one of the highest platforms of the Eiffel Tower. Most romantic spot in maybe all of the world, and she'd come there to brood.
She huffed, shutting her eyes and leaning her head back to try to just enjoy the wind, let it calm her down. And hey, if it mussed up this stupid new hairdo, all the better. ]
Edited 2018-05-08 05:56 (UTC)
[ Being a demigod, Piper was used to all kinds of "strange". The new strange for them was waking up in the morning and NOT having to deal with any monster attacks, or quests, or favors for unsettled nymphs or dryads in the area who needed them to have a word with their rude neighbors.
They'd had a year and a half of relative peace after the Prophecy of Seven ended and while Piper was under no illusion that life would just magically settle into place, she did think maybe they were done with life-shaking developments.
She'd convinced Jason to take a bit of down time from doing the whole augur-slash-"spokesperson for the gods" bit, for just a small step back, go on vacation with she and her father to Paris. Seriously, a once in a lifetime kind of opportunity, even for world traveled demigods like themselves- no world ending quests looming overhead or anything! Instead, the compromise was to turn his attention to some of the minor gods he'd learned had relocated there in the last few centuries.
Fair enough, she'd take it.
Now, to be fair, Paris is everything she'd imagined it would be and more, because Jason is there with her. That alone made the trip worth any sort of weirdness they might encounter, but now she's not so sure what she's unintentionally gotten them into.
Sighing, Piper placed a kiss on Jason's forehead before stepping back and letting him settle in to rest. He needed to sleep if just for a little while, after being... what had those two called it? "Akumatized"? Yeah, what the hell was up with that, exactly?
Well, while Jason slept, she'd get some fresh air and maybe some answers. ]
And you were doing so well breaking that streak of yours, Sparky.
[ The smile is small, but no less warm as with one last touch- tucking some hair away from his face -Piper turned to head back downstairs and outside.
... And right onto Jason's balcony where Cat Noir was still perched.
Friggin superheroes. If Leo were here he'd never let them hear the end of it.
An eyebrow arches in surprise, but Piper quickly finds that she can't help but smile. They'd helped them out, gotten Jason back to normal, and really she couldn't even begin to try to describe how much of a relief that was, how much she'd appreciated their help. She was struck by the sudden urge to tease him by flicking that bell on his costume and calling him a "good kitty" as thanks, but- probably better not to risk offending him or making things awkward.
Still.
SO tempting. ]
I didn't expect you to stick around, not that I'm complaining... It was Cat Noir, right?
[ She shuts the door quietly behind her, mostly at least, leaving it cracked a bit so she'd be able to hear it if Jason stirred inside, or if there were some sign of trouble. After that though she strolled over to stand a few feet down the railing from the black clad hero. A boy, younger than both she and Jason if she had to guess. Not too young to be doing this kind of thing, considering demigods, but she wondered if that's what he was with those powers. ]
Thanks again for your help back there. You really helped us out.
They'd had a year and a half of relative peace after the Prophecy of Seven ended and while Piper was under no illusion that life would just magically settle into place, she did think maybe they were done with life-shaking developments.
She'd convinced Jason to take a bit of down time from doing the whole augur-slash-"spokesperson for the gods" bit, for just a small step back, go on vacation with she and her father to Paris. Seriously, a once in a lifetime kind of opportunity, even for world traveled demigods like themselves- no world ending quests looming overhead or anything! Instead, the compromise was to turn his attention to some of the minor gods he'd learned had relocated there in the last few centuries.
Fair enough, she'd take it.
Now, to be fair, Paris is everything she'd imagined it would be and more, because Jason is there with her. That alone made the trip worth any sort of weirdness they might encounter, but now she's not so sure what she's unintentionally gotten them into.
Sighing, Piper placed a kiss on Jason's forehead before stepping back and letting him settle in to rest. He needed to sleep if just for a little while, after being... what had those two called it? "Akumatized"? Yeah, what the hell was up with that, exactly?
Well, while Jason slept, she'd get some fresh air and maybe some answers. ]
And you were doing so well breaking that streak of yours, Sparky.
[ The smile is small, but no less warm as with one last touch- tucking some hair away from his face -Piper turned to head back downstairs and outside.
... And right onto Jason's balcony where Cat Noir was still perched.
Friggin superheroes. If Leo were here he'd never let them hear the end of it.
An eyebrow arches in surprise, but Piper quickly finds that she can't help but smile. They'd helped them out, gotten Jason back to normal, and really she couldn't even begin to try to describe how much of a relief that was, how much she'd appreciated their help. She was struck by the sudden urge to tease him by flicking that bell on his costume and calling him a "good kitty" as thanks, but- probably better not to risk offending him or making things awkward.
Still.
SO tempting. ]
I didn't expect you to stick around, not that I'm complaining... It was Cat Noir, right?
[ She shuts the door quietly behind her, mostly at least, leaving it cracked a bit so she'd be able to hear it if Jason stirred inside, or if there were some sign of trouble. After that though she strolled over to stand a few feet down the railing from the black clad hero. A boy, younger than both she and Jason if she had to guess. Not too young to be doing this kind of thing, considering demigods, but she wondered if that's what he was with those powers. ]
Thanks again for your help back there. You really helped us out.
[ “I can’t believe you waited in line,” Plagg said.
“What? Everybody has to wait in line. Besides, they let me through.”
“Yeah! After someone finally noticed who you were! Next time you gotta speak u—“
Adrien only barely allowed the sentence to be finished, shoving his friend deeper into his jacket and tugging it closed around his body. A satisfied smirk lights his face as he shook his head.
Meanwhile, the elevator he’s been riding rises higher and higher up the Eiffel Tower. ]
Should’ve just let me transform.
[ His voice was sing-song, and he hoped Plagg could hear it. ]
“What? Everybody has to wait in line. Besides, they let me through.”
“Yeah! After someone finally noticed who you were! Next time you gotta speak u—“
Adrien only barely allowed the sentence to be finished, shoving his friend deeper into his jacket and tugging it closed around his body. A satisfied smirk lights his face as he shook his head.
Meanwhile, the elevator he’s been riding rises higher and higher up the Eiffel Tower. ]
Should’ve just let me transform.
[ His voice was sing-song, and he hoped Plagg could hear it. ]
[ Why was it so important to him anyway, to find this new girl?
Maybe it was just hormones. She was undeniably pretty—everyone noticed. Nobody let him forget it.
Maybe it was Chloe. Maybe the way things ended between the two girls just...didn’t sit right with him, and he just wanted to make it right, even if Chloe didn’t.
Maybe he just remembers being the new kid, and he wanted to make things easier on her.
He thinks of a million and one reasons while he patiently waits for the elevator doors to open at the top, but all leave him once they do.
When he finally finds Piper, sitting alone way up there, he has to will himself to keep from staring—blinking once as he approaches, hand raised in greeting. ]
Uh, hi.
[ Just call him Smooth Operator, tbh. ]
How did you—?
[ —get up there?
Security doesn’t seem to bothering her, even a little. Though that really isn’t the point of Adrien following her... ]
Maybe it was just hormones. She was undeniably pretty—everyone noticed. Nobody let him forget it.
Maybe it was Chloe. Maybe the way things ended between the two girls just...didn’t sit right with him, and he just wanted to make it right, even if Chloe didn’t.
Maybe he just remembers being the new kid, and he wanted to make things easier on her.
He thinks of a million and one reasons while he patiently waits for the elevator doors to open at the top, but all leave him once they do.
When he finally finds Piper, sitting alone way up there, he has to will himself to keep from staring—blinking once as he approaches, hand raised in greeting. ]
Uh, hi.
[ Just call him Smooth Operator, tbh. ]
How did you—?
[ —get up there?
Security doesn’t seem to bothering her, even a little. Though that really isn’t the point of Adrien following her... ]
| | [ She can honestly say that she did NOT expect anyone to find her up here so quickly. It seems like she's barely been there for twenty minutes when a familiar voice calls out to her from below on the observation deck. Surprised, she glances down, then carefully gets a bit closer to the edge to peer over the side. Adrien Agreste, that boy she'd met a few days before school started. Why does she get the impression that his being here isn't a simple coincidence...? ] I climbed, of course. [ She isn't saying it that way to be a smartass, though the wording may make it sound like it, the tone is more amused than anything. ] ... You're not going to tell security, are you? [ She's incredibly mindful not to put too much emphasis on her asking, not wanting to make him do something- or NOT do something -against his will by accident. Kind of a strange feeling trying to AVOID getting into too much trouble for a change. She's got a fairly good thing going here, though, if she can just find her proverbial footing. She doesn't want to risk messing it up by making her father think she hasn't changed at all, isn't trying. The look she regards Adrien with is both curious and maybe a little skeptical. The next question is on the tip of her tongue but she holds it for now. It's still written all over her face, though. "Why did you follow me?" Her shifting eyes seem to be asking. Because, really, isn't he friends with that Chloe girl? The way she goes on about "Adrikens" this and literally throws herself all over the boy not only makes Piper want to gag, but makes her skin crawl, maybe in part put off because he doesn't seem to really object. She knows Chloe's type, can't stand it, but out of the entire class it's only Adrien that really doesn't seem to mind. So what's the deal, there? ] |
[ Cat beams, clearly pleased that she bothered to remember his name in all the chaos. The way she said it, he suspects that maybe it’s a little hard for her to take seriously; but Cat’s not a serious kind of guy, and her gratitude seemed no less genuine.
He takes it as an invitation, but only steps as far as the balcony, joining her. ]
Oh, I can’t take too much credit. Ladybug did most of the work this time around, but...I did want to make sure he was alright.
[ He peers over Piper’s shoulder to the door, then makes eye contact with her again in silent question. A cheeky grin lights his face. ]
It’s what Milady would expect of me.
He takes it as an invitation, but only steps as far as the balcony, joining her. ]
Oh, I can’t take too much credit. Ladybug did most of the work this time around, but...I did want to make sure he was alright.
[ He peers over Piper’s shoulder to the door, then makes eye contact with her again in silent question. A cheeky grin lights his face. ]
It’s what Milady would expect of me.
[ As if to answer her question, Adrien looks quietly to the left and to the right, making sure the coast is clear before he displays some of Cat Noir’s prowess by climbing to the deck himself.
He sits down next to her without breaking a sweat. ]
Nah. Then I’d have to leave too.
[ He smiles. ]
Is it okay if I join you?
He sits down next to her without breaking a sweat. ]
Nah. Then I’d have to leave too.
[ He smiles. ]
Is it okay if I join you?
[ Milady? Ah, he must be referring to Ladybug. So, were those two an item, or...? ]
He will be.
[ And that's what counts, right? She'd given him some Ambrosia when they were away from sight, just a small bit to be on the safe side. Now it was up to him to rest. Thankfully he didn't seem to carry over any of the injuries sustained from their fight, but she knew he'd be beating himself up about it later and was already trying to mentally prepare herself to talk him around.
Meanwhile, she's curious about their saviors and... apparently Paris' guardians. Here she'd thought it was just promotion for some kids show, all the talk and signs around town. ]
Jason is tough, probably the toughest guy I know. He just needs to rest, I think.
[ She could reassure Cat by telling him about the time he walked off getting struck by lightning, or recovered from a fatal cursed stab wound, or being clobbered any number of times on their journey to Rome- but for Jason's dignity's sake AND the sake... ]
You're not... you know... like us, are you?
He will be.
[ And that's what counts, right? She'd given him some Ambrosia when they were away from sight, just a small bit to be on the safe side. Now it was up to him to rest. Thankfully he didn't seem to carry over any of the injuries sustained from their fight, but she knew he'd be beating himself up about it later and was already trying to mentally prepare herself to talk him around.
Meanwhile, she's curious about their saviors and... apparently Paris' guardians. Here she'd thought it was just promotion for some kids show, all the talk and signs around town. ]
Jason is tough, probably the toughest guy I know. He just needs to rest, I think.
[ She could reassure Cat by telling him about the time he walked off getting struck by lightning, or recovered from a fatal cursed stab wound, or being clobbered any number of times on their journey to Rome- but for Jason's dignity's sake AND the sake... ]
You're not... you know... like us, are you?
| | [ That eyebrow arches a little higher at his response, but then he climbs up like he does this sort of thing for a living and Piper can't stop the laugh, making sure he has room beside her even if a little surprised. More than a little, honestly. She'd made a sort of snap judgement or two about him from their initial meeting and their day in class. Good kid, good grades, insanely popular for his good looks and charisma, and the object of every vapid girl's heart's desire. That last one wasn't a knock against him unless he encouraged it, but she still felt a little guilty for it. Not like he could help that, right? And she should know. Today has been the perfect example of what it must feel like to walk in someone like Adrien's shoes- if just in terms of attention. God that had been SO uncomfortable. Anyway, here he is, surpassing her expectations and demonstrating a rebellious side, maybe more, proving that appearances could be deceiving. She shakes her head to his question, leaning back on her hands a bit, trying to relax, but she's unsocialized and unsure, and it definitely shows in the way she sort of awkwardly tries to pretend not to be aware of the fact that the two of them are alone in probably the most romantic spot in the world, definitely Paris. ] So I get the feeling you didn't just drop by to take in the scenery. [ Not an accusation, really, but an observation, as she watches the city spread out before them, trying not to feel self conscious about being so close to such an attractive boy. Yeah, yeah, normally not a problem for her, but TODAY when she feels so uncomfortable in her own skin, it presents its own challenges. At least she'd been able to change her clothes. ] |
[ Well, he’s definitely glad she didn’t object. It would’ve been pretty mean of her to make him climb back down after all he took all that trouble to come up... Maybe that was just a little manipulative on his part.
Still, Adrien has her attention now (which he is enjoying far more than he should). Tearing himself away from the Paris skyline for a moment, he turns to meet Piper’s eyes, which are honestly just as captivating. ]
I, uh... Well...
[ Wow he forgets quick.
Why is he here? Why is he here with her, in a super romantic spot overlooking the city as if they’re on a date???
Then he remembers Ladybug. He imagines her scolding him...
He can always count on his Lady to bring him back down to Earth. Remembering makes him smile, though this is never an easy topic to bring up to anyone. ]
I wanted to apologize for Chloe.
Still, Adrien has her attention now (which he is enjoying far more than he should). Tearing himself away from the Paris skyline for a moment, he turns to meet Piper’s eyes, which are honestly just as captivating. ]
I, uh... Well...
[ Wow he forgets quick.
Why is he here? Why is he here with her, in a super romantic spot overlooking the city as if they’re on a date???
Then he remembers Ladybug. He imagines her scolding him...
He can always count on his Lady to bring him back down to Earth. Remembering makes him smile, though this is never an easy topic to bring up to anyone. ]
I wanted to apologize for Chloe.
[ Alas! He wishes they were an item. They’re not, so Jason and Piper will just have to do.
He quietly commits their names to memory again, since he realizes not everyone appreciates his affectionate nick names; but he doesn’t seem to understand Piper’s question. ]
Like you? Like...tough? [ to completely unnecessarily illustrate the point, he flexes one of his arms, demonstrating the fact that he is every bit the scrawny french kid model he is as Adrien. ] Because you are too, y’know. Not just Jason.
But I somehow doubt that’s what you mean.
He quietly commits their names to memory again, since he realizes not everyone appreciates his affectionate nick names; but he doesn’t seem to understand Piper’s question. ]
Like you? Like...tough? [ to completely unnecessarily illustrate the point, he flexes one of his arms, demonstrating the fact that he is every bit the scrawny french kid model he is as Adrien. ] Because you are too, y’know. Not just Jason.
But I somehow doubt that’s what you mean.
| | [ Something feels a little off about the whole situation, not necessarily bad, not even really all that awkward, but tense somehow. There's something hanging there between them in the air that Piper can't hope to put her finger on just then, but maybe as their conversation goes on. How long has it been since she's really had a normal conversation with a school mate? Adrien's nervousness is making HER feel nervous, or restless, but then something shifts and loosens up and the tension dissipates considerably, and he might see Piper's shoulders relax a little bit. Even though she doesn't know what that smile is about, just the fact that he seems more comfortable around her again does a lot to take the edge off. Her patience is finally rewarded when he explains. ] Oh... I see... [ It strikes several chords at once. The sentiment itself is sweet, and it's telling of many things that he feels like he even should, not least of all his character. Still, feeling self conscious at the memory she brings a hand up to rub at her own shoulder, feeling uneasy thinking back on it. ] I appreciate that... but you don't have to apologize for her. I'm used to her type. [ Though that never made it any more pleasant to deal with them. She certainly didn't expect an apology from Chloe. ] ... So you two are friends? [ She'll refrain from being too callous about her in front of him if that's the case. ] |
[ Adrien doesn’t outright say yes, but he nods, turning his gaze out to the skyline again. Maybe it’s easier for him not to commit to an answer one way or the other—but despite the negativity that follows her, he’s never denied being friends with Chloe Bourgeois.
He starts to swing his feet as he formulates how he should explain himself. ]
Before coming to this school, she was the only friend I ever knew.
[ Feel free to feel sorry for him— ]
I know she was nasty to you. She’s always like that, but she’ll come out of it. I know she will.
She just...needs a lot of help, and it’s not the kind she can get from her father.
[ Threatening to end their friendship seemed to work, but it’s not exactly something he wants to make a habit of...
Adrien sighs, like he’s tired of this, though he’s still smiling rather fondly despite everything. ]
He starts to swing his feet as he formulates how he should explain himself. ]
Before coming to this school, she was the only friend I ever knew.
[ Feel free to feel sorry for him— ]
I know she was nasty to you. She’s always like that, but she’ll come out of it. I know she will.
She just...needs a lot of help, and it’s not the kind she can get from her father.
[ Threatening to end their friendship seemed to work, but it’s not exactly something he wants to make a habit of...
Adrien sighs, like he’s tired of this, though he’s still smiling rather fondly despite everything. ]
[ He flexed, and Piper grinned. There wasn't anything flirtatious in his "showing off" or her response. Instead he just came across as kind of playful and pleasantly goofy. He reminded her of Leo, actually, and that immediately endeared him to her a little more without him even trying. This time she didn't resist the urge to lean, reaching over to flick at the bell on his neck- assuming he didn't pull back from the invasion of personal space. ]
Not quite, kitten. I meant...
[ She hesitates visibly for a moment. Jason might not approve of what she's about to do, but if there's anyone in Paris they could trust with a secret like this, aside from fellow demigods, it HAS to be superheroes who are already used to keeping secret identities, right? Besides, they're going to have questions, that much she could already sense by their confusion as they'd arrived, and Cat Noir's hanging back. They clearly weren't prepared to find them in the state they were in, with Jason already subdued and Piper none the worse for wear, aside from being worried of course. ]
...
[ Finally, she looked back over her shoulder to make sure no one was hanging by the door, or within earshot on a neighboring balcony, then shrugged a bit and turned so she could lean back against the rail, her hands clasping it behind her back as she watched Cat's reaction. ]
I meant you're actual superheroes, not demigods, right? I'm not gonna pretend to even begin to know where you got your powers from, but they aren't like any I've ever heard of or seen, and you don't seem like god-gods... So... actual super powered mortals? Right?
Not quite, kitten. I meant...
[ She hesitates visibly for a moment. Jason might not approve of what she's about to do, but if there's anyone in Paris they could trust with a secret like this, aside from fellow demigods, it HAS to be superheroes who are already used to keeping secret identities, right? Besides, they're going to have questions, that much she could already sense by their confusion as they'd arrived, and Cat Noir's hanging back. They clearly weren't prepared to find them in the state they were in, with Jason already subdued and Piper none the worse for wear, aside from being worried of course. ]
...
[ Finally, she looked back over her shoulder to make sure no one was hanging by the door, or within earshot on a neighboring balcony, then shrugged a bit and turned so she could lean back against the rail, her hands clasping it behind her back as she watched Cat's reaction. ]
I meant you're actual superheroes, not demigods, right? I'm not gonna pretend to even begin to know where you got your powers from, but they aren't like any I've ever heard of or seen, and you don't seem like god-gods... So... actual super powered mortals? Right?
[ Whether he realized it or not, he immediately struck a chord with Piper when he made that comment about Chloe's father, and Piper almost wishes he hadn't.
On the one hand, Chloe wasn't the only one who maybe had a troubled or distant relationship with her parental figures, but on the other, who was Piper to judge? The fact that even ONE person had faith in her where it was clear most of the other people around her didn't, if she tries to put herself in Chloe's ridiculously expensive shoes she supposes even a self-imposed isolation must be pretty lonely.
... Well... a different form of it, same thing, different methods. Damn it, Adrien, why are you making her think like this?
And she does feel for the guy, because he's actually going out of his way to be NICE, and that's just... something so absolutely bizarre to her she doesn't know where to start, and it's not like with the rest of the school or class, who only met her AFTER she'd been made up. He'd met her before, and he didn't seem to be acting any differently, yet.
She'd been silent for a while, but she finally gives a resigned sigh and flops over backwards, laying out beside him staring at her eyelids. Her tone is full of mock-exasperation. ]
That's playing dirty, making me feel bad for her, you know.
[ Yet she doesn't sound like she means it. ]
Alright... fine. I'll try to keep that in mind... {Plus, I know what it's like... not being able to count on your dad...}
[ It's said in English, and so softly that Adrien might wonder if he even heard it in the first place. It's punctuated by a soft exhale, and she's staring up at the clouds that she can see past the rising spire of metal above them. ]
If she's got someone like you that has that much faith in her there must be some good buried way... waaaaaaay down deep in there. Like... maybe buried in the earth's core.
[ Hey, he said it. It's fair game if HE acknowledges it. ]
On the one hand, Chloe wasn't the only one who maybe had a troubled or distant relationship with her parental figures, but on the other, who was Piper to judge? The fact that even ONE person had faith in her where it was clear most of the other people around her didn't, if she tries to put herself in Chloe's ridiculously expensive shoes she supposes even a self-imposed isolation must be pretty lonely.
... Well... a different form of it, same thing, different methods. Damn it, Adrien, why are you making her think like this?
And she does feel for the guy, because he's actually going out of his way to be NICE, and that's just... something so absolutely bizarre to her she doesn't know where to start, and it's not like with the rest of the school or class, who only met her AFTER she'd been made up. He'd met her before, and he didn't seem to be acting any differently, yet.
She'd been silent for a while, but she finally gives a resigned sigh and flops over backwards, laying out beside him staring at her eyelids. Her tone is full of mock-exasperation. ]
That's playing dirty, making me feel bad for her, you know.
[ Yet she doesn't sound like she means it. ]
Alright... fine. I'll try to keep that in mind... {Plus, I know what it's like... not being able to count on your dad...}
[ It's said in English, and so softly that Adrien might wonder if he even heard it in the first place. It's punctuated by a soft exhale, and she's staring up at the clouds that she can see past the rising spire of metal above them. ]
If she's got someone like you that has that much faith in her there must be some good buried way... waaaaaaay down deep in there. Like... maybe buried in the earth's core.
[ Hey, he said it. It's fair game if HE acknowledges it. ]
Edited 2018-05-09 05:00 (UTC)
[ ...YEAH. Yeah, he acknowledges it; can’t help but laugh because Piper’s probably right about how deeply the good in Chloe is buried. But it’s there, like some diamond in the rough.
Maybe he does have to play a little dirty to get there. He shrugs. ]
It counts for something.
[ To him, at least.
Briefly, he wonders if he might have heard something she whispered under her breath just now, but he decides not to question it. ]
For what it’s worth—she was probably a little jealous of you.
Maybe he does have to play a little dirty to get there. He shrugs. ]
It counts for something.
[ To him, at least.
Briefly, he wonders if he might have heard something she whispered under her breath just now, but he decides not to question it. ]
For what it’s worth—she was probably a little jealous of you.
[ Cat doesn’t even flinch when she reaches for his bell; though he can sense that she already regrets this line of questioning slightly. He watches, tilting his head with curiosity as she checked over her shoulder, and leaned in a little closer as she backed against the rail.
He’s next to her, facing the opposite direction, but leaning similarly, weight on his arms. He seems comfortable and not weirded out, for all that information was supposed to affect him.
Maybe he just doesn’t fully understand yet, though. ]
Definitely super powered. Definitely mortal.
[ Similarly, he’s really not sure how to handle his side of the explanation either. Even with Ladybug herself, they haven’t discussed much about their kwami or the origin of their powers.
Absent-mindedly, Cat fiddles with his Miraculous, tucked tightly around his finger in the form of a ring. ]
I don’t really know about demigods or God-gods, but anything is possible, don’t you think?
Cat worship isn’t entirely unheard of.
He’s next to her, facing the opposite direction, but leaning similarly, weight on his arms. He seems comfortable and not weirded out, for all that information was supposed to affect him.
Maybe he just doesn’t fully understand yet, though. ]
Definitely super powered. Definitely mortal.
[ Similarly, he’s really not sure how to handle his side of the explanation either. Even with Ladybug herself, they haven’t discussed much about their kwami or the origin of their powers.
Absent-mindedly, Cat fiddles with his Miraculous, tucked tightly around his finger in the form of a ring. ]
I don’t really know about demigods or God-gods, but anything is possible, don’t you think?
Cat worship isn’t entirely unheard of.
[ It's better than some of the girls she's known in the past, she has to concede that point as well, but keeps that to herself for several reasons.
She probably could have at least pretended not to know what Chloe would be jealous over, but the way that the girl fussed over Adrien Piper wouldn't be surprised if the reaction she'd gotten today was because Chloe felt Piper was encroaching on her "territory" or something. Knowing the likely reason doesn't make her any less embarrassed, especially with that line coming from him, because... yeah. She hadn't missed the way people were talking about the two of them today. A large part of why she's been so flustered all day is hearing people commenting on what a good looking couple they made. It was no wonder Chloe blew her lid. ]
Of me? Because of all the attention today? I'd have let her have it if I could. I didn't ask for this... makeover...
[ There's no way that is going to make any kind of sense, but you can't blame her for trying to be honest. ]
She probably could have at least pretended not to know what Chloe would be jealous over, but the way that the girl fussed over Adrien Piper wouldn't be surprised if the reaction she'd gotten today was because Chloe felt Piper was encroaching on her "territory" or something. Knowing the likely reason doesn't make her any less embarrassed, especially with that line coming from him, because... yeah. She hadn't missed the way people were talking about the two of them today. A large part of why she's been so flustered all day is hearing people commenting on what a good looking couple they made. It was no wonder Chloe blew her lid. ]
Of me? Because of all the attention today? I'd have let her have it if I could. I didn't ask for this... makeover...
[ There's no way that is going to make any kind of sense, but you can't blame her for trying to be honest. ]
[ Actually!! Actually, it explains a lot, if Adrien is perfectly honest, but he’s careful about saying so. His eyes light with recognition and he tilts his head, as if to get a better look at her. ]
Oh, so that’s what it is. I knew you looked different today, but I didn’t really wanna say anything, ‘cause—
Well...
[ He makes a vague sweeping gesture at all of Paris below them and figures she’d know what he meant.
That, plus, he’s a stupid boy, and hell if he’d know what to say anyway.
He trails off. ]
...You...don’t like it?
Oh, so that’s what it is. I knew you looked different today, but I didn’t really wanna say anything, ‘cause—
Well...
[ He makes a vague sweeping gesture at all of Paris below them and figures she’d know what he meant.
That, plus, he’s a stupid boy, and hell if he’d know what to say anyway.
He trails off. ]
...You...don’t like it?
Edited 2018-05-09 08:52 (UTC)
I'm... honestly not sure why I'm surprised that you're not surprised.
[ Piper admits, laughing shortly and shaking her head. ]
Touche. I hope you're not counting crazy cat ladies, though.
[ Okay, then, there's that she supposes. He's not freaked by the idea of demigods and myths. She does get serious again though, frowning as she thinks about how easily Jason had been manipulated. She has questions and she's hoping he's willing to give her answers, watching him thoughtfully. ]
So... would you mind telling me what that was all about? I've never seen anything quite like that before...
[ The closest she can compare it to is the Eidolons, and those guys had been bad news- bad news she'd rather not remember. This was different, though, maybe a little less sinister but no less unsettling. ]
What was the deal with the butterfly? How do people get... what, "akumatized", in the first place?
[ Piper admits, laughing shortly and shaking her head. ]
Touche. I hope you're not counting crazy cat ladies, though.
[ Okay, then, there's that she supposes. He's not freaked by the idea of demigods and myths. She does get serious again though, frowning as she thinks about how easily Jason had been manipulated. She has questions and she's hoping he's willing to give her answers, watching him thoughtfully. ]
So... would you mind telling me what that was all about? I've never seen anything quite like that before...
[ The closest she can compare it to is the Eidolons, and those guys had been bad news- bad news she'd rather not remember. This was different, though, maybe a little less sinister but no less unsettling. ]
What was the deal with the butterfly? How do people get... what, "akumatized", in the first place?
| | [ He earns some points for that, admitting that he hadn't planned to comment, though she's not really sure if his vague reasoning was her discomfort or uncertainty of how to approach the subject, or something else entirely. Considering for a moment, Piper shrugs a bit, trying to downplay said discomfort even now. ] Not really. Honestly I usually try to keep a low profile at school. I've been moving between schools since I could remember, so... [ She sighs, shutting her eyes again. ] I've never really made friends either. [ So, he could probably imagine how doing the social 180 of going from skulky loner to "center of everyone's attention" was a BIT disorienting. ] |
Edited (What the hell Chrome, stop eating my tags.) 2018-05-09 14:31 (UTC)
[ If only Ladybug was a crazy cat lady! Then his life when be perfect.
But, priorities.
He’s not exactly the best one for the job, but in addition to checking on Jason, he also has some gaps to fill in, he supposes. He stops playing with the ring to face her as he takes in her curiosity. ]
Right. She kinda ran off before she could explain, huh? Don’t take it personally. She gets that way when her Miraculous timer runs low.
[ He waves a hand and turns as if he’s trying to get comfortable, same cheeky grin on his face. His back is against the railing like Piper’s.
Where to begin? ]
Anyway, the butterfly is what we call the akuma. It’s what Hawk Moth uses to get into your head. He’s...this super villain who’s been after us for a while now.
His name gets thrown around almost as much as mine and Ladybug’s.
But, priorities.
He’s not exactly the best one for the job, but in addition to checking on Jason, he also has some gaps to fill in, he supposes. He stops playing with the ring to face her as he takes in her curiosity. ]
Right. She kinda ran off before she could explain, huh? Don’t take it personally. She gets that way when her Miraculous timer runs low.
[ He waves a hand and turns as if he’s trying to get comfortable, same cheeky grin on his face. His back is against the railing like Piper’s.
Where to begin? ]
Anyway, the butterfly is what we call the akuma. It’s what Hawk Moth uses to get into your head. He’s...this super villain who’s been after us for a while now.
His name gets thrown around almost as much as mine and Ladybug’s.
[ Ah... now where has he heard this story before?
Not that Adrien ever had the luxury of changing schools, mind you, but her words still resonate with him. He smiles sheepishly. ]
I had to beg my dad just to let me come to school.
[ and by beg, he means “literally sneak out, showing his dad how serious he was about it so he’d finally cave” but.
beg! “beg” is simpler. ]
There wasn’t anything low-profile about it...but it’s gotten me a ton of friends. It can probably do the same for you.
[ His tone is gentle. It really is hard for him to look away, once he’s met her eyes. ]
It can be different this time.
Not that Adrien ever had the luxury of changing schools, mind you, but her words still resonate with him. He smiles sheepishly. ]
I had to beg my dad just to let me come to school.
[ and by beg, he means “literally sneak out, showing his dad how serious he was about it so he’d finally cave” but.
beg! “beg” is simpler. ]
There wasn’t anything low-profile about it...but it’s gotten me a ton of friends. It can probably do the same for you.
[ His tone is gentle. It really is hard for him to look away, once he’s met her eyes. ]
It can be different this time.
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