Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

If you told Alix this is how her first day back at school would go, she'd give you Kim's title of World's Biggest Moron.

Let's rewind a bit.

--------

"You're up early," Alim Kubdel, Alix's father, observed, as he steps out of his room.

Alix nods, briefly looking up from the pancakes she made. "Yep. Felt like a good breakfast for the first day of school. Made some for you and Jalil, too."

Alim smiles. "Thank you, Alix."

Alix doesn't cook often. Sure, she can fix herself a sandwich or snack, but her making actual meals is a rarity. Sometimes, though, when she's too hyped up to sleep in, she'll get up early to make breakfast for her family.

After she finishes eating, she gets up and washes her plate, sitting it on the dish rack to dry.

"I'm off to school," She announces, as she puts on her skates, lacing them up. "See you this afternoon, Dad."

"Have a good day," Her father calls over as she bolts out of the house, skating through the Louvre.

"What's gotten her so excited?" Jalil, who had just entered the kitchen, asks.

"I have no clue," Alim shakes his head fondly.

---------

On the way to school, Rose and Juleka ran into Alix, who was skating there. She slowed down, rolling next to them with a smile.

"Hey, Alix!" Rose greeted enthusiastically. Juleka gave a small wave from beside her.

"Hey, PB. Hey, Marceline," Alix shoots them both a teasing grin.

"Really?" Juleka rolls her eyes, a small smile on her lips. Her voice was quiet. Not just from her being shy. She just genuinely didn't know how to be louder, with her speech impediment. "An Adventure Time reference? You really are a dork, huh, Dwarf?"

Alix gasps in mock-offense, before her and Juleka break into fits of laughter.

Rose looks at them with an amused smile. She loved to see her best friend's relationship with Alix. It was such a unique friendship.

Rose and Juleka met when they were barely out of diapers. Juleka's mom, Anarka Couffaine, went to a parent help class. Her twin children, Juleka and Luka, were a handful. Juleka, mostly, if you can believe it.

She was still shy, but she was a Mama's Girl. Followed Anarka everywhere. She still does, if it's only her and Anarka home. Rose found it cute.

So, Anarka signed up to learn how to be a single mom. She hates the government, but for her kids? She'd do anything.

That's where Rose met her best friend.

By the end of the first day, Rose had a shadow. Juleka had practically latched onto her the second Rose complimented her eyes. Her beautiful copper eyes.

Rose could look into Juleka's eyes all day, and never get tired of it-. Wait, she's getting off track.

Besides, if she's gonna think about Juleka, she has to think about Alix and Chloé, too. Both of them have blue eyes, but they're so different.

Alix's eyes were kind, but still sharp. Like she was analyzing the conversation. Like she was giving you her full attention, and more.

Chloé was different. Her eyes were always judging. Like she was digging into your soul to find flaws and insecurities you didn't even recognize in yourself. But Rose never missed the way they'd sparkle when she was happy. Especially when she could be herself with Juleka, Rose, and Alix. It was nice.

People are shocked to know that Rose Lavillant and Chloé Bourgeois are friends. But, they are. And Rose adores her friends.

As they approached the school, Alix reluctantly removes her skates, and puts on her shoes.

As she stands next to Juleka and Alix, Rose notices a man struggling to stand up, his cane out of reach. Alix seems to notice as well, and she stands up.

Rose and Alix approach the man, Rose helping him up and Alix giving him his cane.

"Are you okay, sir?" Rose asks.

"I am fine. Thank you for the assistance, both of you." The man takes his cane, and starts walking away with a final, kind nod.

The girls look at each other, before making their way up the stairs and into the school. They keep walking, until they get to their classroom.

When they get there, and open the door, Rose can't help but chuckle fondly.

"Look! Adrien's going to be here soon, so why don't you sit over there with the new girl?!" Chloé yells at Marinette, pointing at a new girl in the front row.

"Who's Adrien?" Marinette asks.

"Can you believe she doesn't know who Adrien is? What rock have you been living under?" Chloé mocks.

Alix crosses her arms next to Rose, and clears her throat. Chloé turns and looks at them, her eyes lighting up in that way the girls loved seeing. Despite that, Alix still fixes her with a stern look. "Chlo..." She starts.

Rose places a hand on Alix's arm for a second, before taking a step towards Chloé. She tilts her head, and Alix, Juleka, and Chloé can all feel their hearts melt at her puppy-like pout. "Chloé, what did we say about demanding...?"

Chloé sighs, before turning to Marinette.

"Marinette? Can you please go sit with the new girl, so I can sit there? I really want to sit next to Adrien." She asks, a bit hesitant.

"No. I'm staying right here, Chloé."

Chloé is about to argue, before Alix steps forward. "Don't, Chloé." She warns.

"But, I asked nicely!"

"Doesn't mean she has to listen," Juleka chimes in quietly. Chloé just sighs.

"Fine," She concedes reluctantly. Rose walks up next to her, wrapping her in a side hug.

"Don't worry, Chloé!" She smiles, looking at the new girl. "Hey, can you sit with Marinette, and let Chloé and Sabrina sit there?" As the girl nods, Rose grins. "See, now you can sit across the isle from Adrien."

Chloé just chuckles. "Thanks, Rosie." It's a nickname Chloé gave Rose as kids. It kinda just stuck on, and never left.

Suddenly, everyone was looking at them like they had all 4 grown two extra heads. Kim is the first to speak up.

"I kinda forget you four are friends sometimes."

Alix raises an eyebrow at him. "You would forget that, huh?"

They all made their way to their seats. Chloé in the front with Sabrina, Rose and Juleka in one of the back rows, and Alix with Mylene in one of the middle rows.

As Ms. Bustier walks in, and begins class, Chloé seems to be growing increasingly upset. Alix pulls out her phone.

---

The Girls™:

Sk8rGrl: So, when's Adrien getting here, Chlo?

Rich Bitch: I don't think he's coming. I think Uncle Gabriel said no.

Sk8rGrl: Of course he did.
Sk8rGrl: I'm sorry, Chlo. I know you were excited.

Rich Bitch: It's fine. I expected it, tbh.

Hot Topic: gorls, grt off ir pgomes.

Sk8rGrl: I think we're texting too much in class, if I can read "I'm Typing This Without Looking At My Phone".
Sk8rGrl: But ur right, Jules. Maybe we can have a sleepover tonight, if that'll make you feel better, Chlo?

Rich Bitch: Yea. That sounds nice. You can come to the hotel after school, if you want. All 3 of you.

LiteralAngel™: Sounds fun, Chlo! We'll be there!

Sk8rGrl: 🙂‍↕️

Hot Topic: 👍

---

The girls put away their phones, looking up just in time to see Ivan being sent to the principal's office. Huh, how did they miss him getting in trouble?

Minutes later, a stone monster with an awfully familiar voice bursts through the wall. On instinct, Rose drops to the ground, dragging Juleka with her. She watches as, with heavy steps, Stoneheart approaches Kim, hitting a panicked Chloé out of the way.

Panic fills Rose as she watches Chloé hit the wall. It only rises as Juleka rushes over and picks her up, no longer behind cover.

"Everyone, get home!" Alix orders, rushing to the door. Rose watches as Juleka runs out, Chloé in her arms. Everyone else leaves, but Rose remains frozen. Until Alix runs past Stoneheart, and grabs her hand. Dragging her behind, Alix runs out of the school. "Go, Rose! I'll meet you back at Chloé's after this is over!" Rose reluctantly nods, rushing off to her house.

She runs inside, locking the door like that would help, and rushes to her room.

At the same time, Alix enters the Louvre, and makes her way to her home inside the museum. She runs to her room, and turns on the news.

Both notice the black and red boxes on their desks.

Curiously, they both grab their boxes.

"Huh? Did Dad get me something?" Alix wonders.

"What's this? Mom's at work, so where'd this come from?" Rose questions.

As Rose opens her box, a green light floats around her, before revealing a small black cat thing.

"What are you...?"

"I'm Plagg, your Kwami!" The little cat-... Kwami? answers.

At the same time, Alix opens her box, revealing a small red and black thing.

"Cool..." She mutters. "What are you?"

"I'm Tikki, the Kwami of Creation!" Tikki answers.

The introductions were short, and within minutes, Alix is swinging through Paris with a fucking yo-yo.

Until she's hit by a flying, screaming person. Who sounds oddly familiar.

Standing up from where she landed on the ground, she looks down at the figure. For just a moment, she just sees Rose, before she blinks, and there the costume is.

"Rose?" She questions.

Rose looks up at her, taking the hand Alix offered her. "How... Do you recognize me? Plagg told me people can't. Something about Glamour?"

Alix chuckles nervously. "Glamour doesn't... Exactly apply to me? I'm kinda able to see through magic. It's a whole thing, and I'll explain once we're done here."

Rose studies her. The outfit is new. Red jacket, with a black undershirt. Black pants with red accents along the pockets. The hood on the jacket was red with black spots. Her shoes were black, and red socks were slightly visible under them.

The outfit gave nothing away, but looking up at the girl's face, she recognized her instantly. Despite the black mask, Rose would recognize those sharp, but kind, blue eyes anywhere. And that pink hair, which is now pulled back into a small ponytail.

"Alix?!" She realizes.

Alix chuckles. "Yes. But, right now? I'm Scarlet Scarab."

Oh, right. Code names.

"You picked a name yet, Rosie?"

Rose thinks for a moment.

"Kitty Noire." She decides proudly, looking at Alix in confusion at the resulting choke she lets out. "What's wrong, Scarab?"

"I love it." Scarlet Scarab deadpans in a higher-pitched voice than usual.

Kitty Noire chuckles. "So, what's the game plan?"

"We kick ass," Scarab responds. "Jules isn't the only one who can punch someone."

"I love that plan."

With that, Scarab swings off towards the stadium, Kitty behind her.

It's not hard to spot the giant rock monster terrorizing Kim. The Akuma was not subtle, was it?

Looking around, Scarab sees the new girl. Alya, was it?

She was very stupidly recording the scene, so Scarab ignored her. "Kitty!" She calls out, looking at her partner. "Ready to go save a meathead?"

"With you? Always," Kitty responds with a teasing grin.

Scarab ignores the heat in her cheeks at the flirting, as she swings into the fight. Dammit, Rose. She thinks.

"Hey! Stop picking on people smaller than you!" She orders.

"You mean you?!" Stoneheart roars, trying to smack Scarab out of the way. Scarab dodged and swung around, fighting to keep him from turning on Kitty Noire and hurting her.

"Lucky charm!" She calls, as a red and black movie case lands in her hand. She looks at it, but it's empty. Unable to figure it out yet, she just taunts Stoneheart more. "C'mon! That all you got, Dwayne?!" She challenges, making Stoneheart pause.

"Who's Dwayne?" He questions.

"The Rock? Dwayne Johnson? Oh my goodness, have you never seen WWE, or Jumanji?" As Stoneheart shakes his head, Alix continues desperately. "Moana? Fast and Furious?"

What was once an attempt at distraction has turned into a pure offense. Kitty found it incredibly amusing.

She watches as Ivan just... Drops his paper. Assuming that's where the Akuma is, Kitty calls a quiet Cataclysm, and destroys it.

Scarab catches the butterfly with a look of pure confusion, purifying it.

"See you around, little guy." She smiles, as she releases it.

She throws the movie case. "Miraculous Scarab!" She watches as everything's repaired, before having a thought.

She turns to look at Ivan. "Ivan? Please tell me you know who Dwayne Johnson is." As he shakes his head, she sighs and looks at Kitty Noire. "I've been failed, Kitty."

"Drama queen," Kitty laughs. "You don't even like WWE."

"The Rock transcends WWE, though! He hasn't even watched F&F!"

Kitty rolls her eyes. "Dork."

"Wait..." Ivan looks at Scarab. "How do you know my name?"

She's saved by Kitty picking up the paper. "'You don't even have the guts to tell Mylene you love her.'" She reads, before cooing. "Aww! You should totally tell her! I'm sure she likes you back!"

"I don't know... I'm not good with words."

Scarab chimes in. "You don't even have to talk. You can write a song, a poem, or you can ask your friends to help you do something nice for her."

Ivan looks up her and nods. The girls smile reassuringly at him, before looking up as Alya approaches.

Honestly? Scarab could say she had been paying attention to the questions Alya was asking. But she'd be lying.

Now that there was no monster running around, she's finally had time to take in Kitty's outfit.

It was a black jacket with a gray undershirt. Her shoes were black with black laces. Her socks were thigh-highs that end right under her black, frilly combat skirt. Her eyes, usually a mesmerizing blue, were now heterochromic. One beautiful blue, and one a gorgeous emerald green. Her mask was black, and she had a cute hood over her blonde hair. The hood had cat ears on it, that actually twitched with every emotion. A black belt acted like a makeshift tail. Her entire outfit had purple and gold accents, and Alix fought to hold back a laugh as she realizes who Rose was probably thinking about during her transformation.

Suddenly, her earrings beeped, down to one spot. "Oh, gotta go! I'm on a time limit!" She looks at Kitty. "Shall we, Kitty?"

"Yep. Let's go." Kitty nods.

"Wait!" Alya calls. "What is your name?" She looks at Scarab.

"Oh. I'm Scarlet Scarab." Scarab says calmly, turning to leave.

Honestly, she always thought being a hero would be dope. But now? The best part is getting to be a hero with one of her best friends by her side.

-----

The girls make their way to an alley near Chloé's hotel, and make their way inside. They go up to Chloé's room, and are tackled into a hug by both Chloé and Juleka.

"You're okay! We were so worried!" Chloé held on tightest.

"We're fine, Chlo." Alix reassures, before looking at Juleka. "Are you two? You hit the wall pretty hard, Chloé."

"I'm okay." Chloé sighs quietly, melting into the three girls. Before yelping as Rose picks her up.

"Movie night!" She announces, carrying Chloé to the couch. Following Rose's lead, Alix picks up Juleka and does the same.

Honestly, none of them remember the movie. Some rom-com Rose put on. But, they all fell asleep within 2 minutes of the opening credits.

-----

The next day at school was interesting. Adrien got to come, some people avoided Ivan, and Alya had made a blog about the heroes.

"I call it, 'The ScarabBlog'. After Scarlet Scarab. She's the coolest. So aloof, but you can tell she's kind."

"What about Kitty Noire?" Alix questions from across the class. Alya turns to look at her.

"Well, sure, Kitty's cool. But, she's no Scarab. It's like comparing Sparrow to Night Owl."

"Except, they're a team. They're not hero and sidekick, or leader and lackey. They're a team. And personally?"

Alix pauses, glancing back at Rose with a small smile.

"I think Kitty's pretty damn cool."

Alya seems to pause at that. "You're right. But, even so, I can't change the name. 'Scarab and Kitty Blog' doesn't sound as cool."

"Maybe make a second section for Kitty? Like an entire page for Kitty content?"

Alya nodded. "Good idea. I'll start on that once I get home."

As Ms. Bustier starts the lesson, Alix zones out, reaching down to pet Tikki in her backpack. I know I can't tell Juleka and Chloé, according to the rules. But, when have I ever followed pointless rules? Besides, who's gonna stop me? We have no adult supervision.

I'll ask for Rose's opinion later. We're a team, after all.

She pulls her phone out of her pocket as she feels it vibrate.

---

Sk8rGrl ---> LiteralAngel™:

LiteralAngel™: Thank you for defending me, 'Lix. Even if she didn't mean anything by it, it hurts that some people already see me as just a sidekick.

Sk8rGrl: Always, Rosie. :)
Sk8rGrl: If she says it again, tho?

LiteralAngel™: Mhm?

Sk8rGrl: I'm clocking her.

LiteralAngel™: Fuck yeah.

---

Alix had her phone taken away for the day when Ms. Bustier noticed her, but it was all made worth it by the quiet giggle Rose let out behind her at the threat.

Chapter Text

"I have a question."

Rose looks up at Alix from her spot on the bed. "What is it, 'Lix?"

The two girls are currently in Rose's room, waiting for Juleka and Chloé to arrive for a sleepover.

"Do we tell Jules and Chlo? Y'know, about our Miraculous?"

Before Rose can answer, Tikki and Plagg fly into view.

"No!" They yell in unison.

"That's a horrible idea! Just because you know each other's identities, doesn't mean Juleka and Chloé should know!" Plagg crosses his arms.

"But, how will we explain running off during Akumas? We don't like lying to them," Alix raises an eyebrow.

"Rose lies to her parents," Plagg counters.

"And you lie to yours, Alix," Tikki adds.

"That's different," Alix protests. "I've never been one to open up to dad and Jalil."

"And I love my mom, but we're not that close. She's busy working," Rose adds. "It's why I never worry about her seeing you, Plagg.'

Alix walks over to the bed, her expression softening. She lays next to Rose, looking at her.

"Has she even checked on you, since finding out there's a literal villain on the loose?"

"She's been..." Rose trails off.

"Busy?" Alix finishes.

Rose nods.

"Rose, I love you, but this is getting real damn close to emotional negligence from her."

Rose's eyes close a little, as she shakes her head. "No, it's fine. She's working hard to provide for us."

"You can't keep making excuses for her, Rosie." Alix reaches up, caressing Rose's cheek gently. "She's absent. And even if she is working, it doesn't mean you can't be hurt by it."

"I know, 'Lix." She leans against Alix's hand, her eyes still closed.

Neither of them register their Kwamis hiding. Nor do they register Juleka and Chloé entering the room.

Until Chloé lays down behind Rose, seemingly already understanding it's a 'Bad Parent Moment™'.

Juleka takes a minute to register the atmosphere, before laying down next to Alix.

"What's wrong, Rose?" Chloé tilts her head.

"Her mom hasn't even asked how she's doing with the literal supervillain, running around and turning upset people into villains using butterflies."

Rose chuckles at the description.

"Why is that all we know? We don't even know if they have a name." Juleka chuckles.

"Who cares?" Chloé rolls her eyes. "They're ridiculous..."

"Utterly ridiculous."

"Utterly ridiculous."

"Utterly ridiculous."

"Utterly ridiculous."

The 3 girls speak in unison with Chloé, before they all start laughing.

How do her friends always know how to cheer her up?

Suddenly, Chloé's phone buzzes. She pulls it out of her pocket, with a mumbled complaint about the shallow pockets of women's pants.

As Chloé opens her phone, Alix glances at Rose. Upon seeing her improved mood, Alix smiles.

"Oh, right, I forgot about this." Chloé speaks, looking at her phone.

"What's up, Chlo?" Juleka raises an eyebrow.

"Sabrina asked me to vote for Aurore for the weather girl of the KIDZ+ news channel. And the winner is about to be announced."

Alix sits up, resting her chin on Chloé's shoulder to watch the video.

"This is the moment we've been waiting for! The viewers at home have made their decision, and the new KIDZ+ weather girl is... Mireille!"

Alix winces as she sees the vote difference. Even more so when Alec speaks again.

"Man, she crushed you, eh? Better luck next time!"

Rose glances at Alix. They both know what's about to happen.

As Aurore leaves the studio, Alec speaks again, and Alix face-palms.

"What's the big deal? You only lost by half a million votes!"

Alix stands up and storms out of the room, Rose following her.

"So. Wanna get a headstart on getting to her, before she's akumatized?" Alix asks with a sigh.

Rose sighs as well, and nods. "As much as I'd like to have faith here, we're not allowed to be upset in this city anymore."

"I mean, at least we might find out who the asshole is forcing people to commit crimes is?"

"We will. Even if not today, some other day. Then we can clock them."

Alix smiles at Rose. "You're right. Let's go."

They each run to a separate room.

"Tikki, Spots On!"

"Plagg, Claws Out!"

After transforming, they jump out the windows, heading to the KIDZ+ TV station. There, they find a very emo, Mary Poppins looking Aurore, currently freezing Paris in a fit of rage.

At least she looks cool? Scarlet Scarab thinks. She turns to see Kitty Noire texting someone on her baton.

"Who are you texting, Kitty?"

"Chloé. Telling her that you and I went for a walk, because you got mad at how Alec was acting."

"Oh, right. We kinda need an alibi, huh?"

"Yep." Kitty looks at Scarab. "Ready to go?"

"Let's go." Scarab nods.

Jumping into battle with Kitty was easy. Maybe it was the 10 years they had been friends, or maybe it was their Miraculous. Either way, they were like a machine together.

However, their friendship brought out a very protective side of Scarab. So, when Stormy Weather burned the cat hero? Like, really bad?

Oh, all Hell broke loose.

It was honestly terrifying how easily she saw red when Kitty was injured. Especially after Tikki explained that, while it would heal lethal injuries on the heroes, the Miraculous Cure wouldn't even numb minor injuries. Including third degree burns from literal lava burning through Kitty's shirt and jacket. The costume would be fine, but Rose would have a hard time explaining the burn on her stomach.

Getting the parasol after that was easy. And when the butterfly was released from the object, suddenly a whole group of them had appeared.

"Scarlet Scarab. I am Hawkmoth. Give me your Miraculous, and your friend's Miraculous, and no one will be hurt again."

"Kill yourself." Scarab growls. "Or better yet? Show yourself, so I can KILL YOU MYSELF!" She yells, fury burning beneath her gaze.

The anger fades as she feels Kitty grab her hand. Focusing on the mission at hand, she captures the butterflies, and releases them.

"See you around, little guys."

She throws her lucky charm in the air— When had she used that?— and yelled in a strained voice:

"Miraculous Scarab!"

-----

Getting home after that was a challenge. Mainly because Alix insisted on carrying Rose home. Once they made it to Rose's place, they found Chloé and Juleka asleep on the bed.

Despite Rose's protests, she lets Alix take care of her burn. The cool aloe vera felt amazing on the burnt flesh.

Alix finishes patching Rose up, and they sit there for a moment.

"I think we need to tell them," Alix announces quietly. "I know the rules say not to, but if my powers can't fix injuries like this, I don't want to have to lie to them every time one of us gets hurt."

"I agree," Rose nods.

"We'll tell them as soon as we're able to."

With that, the girls join Juleka and Chloé in Rose's bed, Alix keeping a gentle hand on the shirt over Rose's burn, trying to keep the burn and fabric from rubbing together.

Once Rose relaxed enough to sleep, Alix did the same, dozing off a few minutes later.

Chapter Text

"Hey, Jules. You seen Chloé anywhere?" Alix walks up to the goth girl, Rose behind her. "We need to talk to you two about something."

"She's in the principal's office, with Alya," Juleka mumbles.

"What? Why?" Rose questions, worry in her voice.

"Alya took a picture of the inside of her locker, for some reason."

"What?!" Alix exclaims.

"Yea. Needless to say, Chloé isn't happy. And Damocles won't punish Alya."

Before Juleka had even finished speaking, Alix was stomping to the ptincipal's office.

"There's no school policy regarding invasion of privacy." Damocles says.

"Then, breaking and entering!" Chloé yells.

"I didn't break in! It was already open!" Alya protests.

"So, nothing was stolen?"

Before Chloé could answer, the door slams open.

"What the fuck, Alya?!" Alix yells.

"Language, Miss Kubdel!" Damocles scolds.

"Oh, so Alya invading Chloé's privacy is allowed, but I can't say fuck? Fuck that!" Alix turns to glare at Alya. "Delete that picture, Alya."

"No! I did nothing wrong!"

"Bullshit!" Alix growls. "You invaded Chloé's privacy!"

"There's no rule on that!"

Alix rolls her eyes, and reaches over to the desk where Alya's phone sits. She opens it, and goes to the gallery, deleting the photo.

"There. Deleted."

"What is wrong with you?! That's invasion of my privacy!"

"There's no rule on that," Alix's voice is calm, but cold, as she turns to Chloé. "Ready to go to class?"

"Yep." Chloé nods. As Damocles goes to speak, Rose and Juleka walk in.

"You okay, Chlo?" Rose asks, walking up to the girl in question with a worried expression.

"Yeah," Chloé shrugs. "Cesáire's not getting punished, but at least Alix deleted the picture."

Rose grabs Chloé's hand, unconvinced.

The 4 girls walk out of the room, heading to the classroom. Reluctantly, they separate, each heading to their individual seats.

As the class starts, Marinette walks in, and takes her seat.

Moments later, a very pissed looking Alya enters, now clearly akumatized.

Lady WiFi walks to the front of the class.

"Chloé Bourgeois!" She looks at Chloé. "Or should I say, Scarlet Scarab?"

"What?" Chloé, Rose, and Alix question in unison.

Lady WiFi turns to look at Alix. "And I bet you're Kitty Noire, huh?"

"Are you stupid?" Alix demands. "Neither of us are heroes!"

"Then what's this, huh?" Lady WiFi pulls out a yo-yo she found in Chloé's locker.

"The prototype for the new toy line I'm working on for Scarlet Scarab and Kitty Noire." Chloé answers. She looks around the class, meeting their confused gazes. "What? I just need their go ahead, and I can start producing more."

Lady WiFi turns to Alix. "If she's not Scarlet Scarab, why did you defend her so much? Why'd you delete my picture of her locker?"

"Because you invaded one of my best friends' privacy, duh." Alix rolls her eyes.

"Well, either way! Once I find Scarlet Scarab, I'll unmask her!"

"If you keep forgetting about Kitty Noire, I'm gonna come over there and clock you, Verizon." Chloé threatens. Rose and Alix couldn't help but laugh at the insult.

"Verizon?" Lady WiFi questions.

"It's a mobile data company in the United States."

"Oh."

With Lady WiFi distracted, Rose and Alix sneak off to the bathroom.

"Guess telling them will have to wait, huh?" Alix asks as Tikki flies out of her pocket.

"Guess so," Rose confirms, Plagg appearing from her purse. She bought it specifically to hide the cat Kwami.

"Tikki, Spots On!"

"Plagg, Claws Out!"

-----

"I heard you were looking for me!" Scarlet Scarab yells, slamming the classroom door open.

"I was. Who knew you'd just deliver yourself to me?!" Lady WiFi grins.

"Don't get too cocky!" Scarab warns. "The WiFi is about to go out! Lucky charm!" Scarab catches the weapon, a water gun, already full.

"Is that so? Well then, at least I'll still have data!" Lady WiFi rushes forward, landing a quick hit to Scarab's stomach. Before she can land another one, Scarab sprays her.

"Ugh!" Lady WiFi complains as she's hit, before dodging out of the way.

"Are you sure you're waterproof, Alya?!" Scarab's grin is smug, as she continues soaking Lady WiFi in water, laughing.

Lady WiFi pauses Scarab, taking the gun and throwing it to the side. With a smirk, she starts live streaming. "Sorry, Paris! Seems like your hero is buffering!" She reaches up for Scarab's mask.

"Now, let's see who you really are," Lady WiFi pulls the mask, but it won't come off. "Ugh, stupid magic!" Before she can reach to remove Scarab's earrings instead, the pause signal flickers, before ending, the stream doing the same. "What the?!"

Scarab lands, punching Lady WiFi in the face, before grabbing her phone.

Kitty Noire enters the classroom with a bright, smug smile. "Looks like you've lost signal, Lady WiFi. Cataclysm!"

She holds up her hand, catching the phone as Scarab throws it. She watches as it crumbles to dust, and Scarab catches the Akuma.

In unison, the heroes reach out. "Pound it!" They fistbump, before Scarab releases the butterfly.

"See you later, little guy." She picks up the water gun and throws it. "Miraculous Scarab!" She yells, watching as everything is repaired.

Alya looks up at them, confused. "What happened?"

Kitty walks over to her. "You were akumatized."

As Kitty talks to Alya, Scarab sneaks off, coming back as Alix.

She crosses her arms, looking down at Alya, who meets her gaze.

"You're an idiot, Alya." Is all she says at first.

"It wasn't my fault! Chloé-..."

"Did nothing wrong." Alix interrupts. "You shouldn't have invaded her privacy. Even if there's no school rules about it, doesn't mean you shouldn't have morals about it."

Alya sighs. Rose walks into the room moments later.

Wait, when did Kitty leave?Alix thinks. Fucking ninja.

"I get that you were curious, and chasing a hunch, but that doesn't make it right." Rose scolds.

Alya seems to visibly deflate at Rose's clear disappointment.

Valid. Juleka thinks, watching the situation.

Rose being disappointed is horrible. Chloé chuckles. Especially when it's directed at you.

"Besides." Alix speaks again. "What were to happen if you had posted your 'evidence' about Chloé being Scarab?"

Alya goes silent for a moment, thinking.

"She'd become a target for Hawkmoth," Rose answers for her.

"Exactly. I don't know about Chloé, but I know I wouldn't like to see her attacked by the Butterfly Bitch." Alix says, glancing at Chloé with a smile.

Alya chuckles at that, looking up at Chloé. "Sorry, Chloé. For sneaking into your locker, and for almost putting you in harms way."

Chloé recoils at that, not used to someone actually apologizing. "Oh, umm... It's okay, I guess...?"

Alix chuckles, before walking to her seat, Rose and Alya going to their own seats as Ms. Bustier starts teaching again.

We'll have to tell Chloé and Juleka tomorrow, I guess. Alix thinks, before focusing her attention back on the lesson.

Chapter Text

"This will be the year Juleka's photo 'curse' is broken."

Chloé's voice breaks the silence as her and Alix walk into school.

"Of course," Alix agrees. "We'll make sure of it."

Walking over to where the girl in question is standing with Rose, they give her a smile.

"Ready for today, Jules?" Alix tilts her head.

"No..." Juleka mumbles. "What's the point? I'm not gonna be visible anyway."

"Don't think like that, Jules!" Rose protests.

"Yea. We'll keep going until we get it, no matter how long it takes." Chloé says firmly.

Juleka smiles. "Thanks."

As the photographer calls the class, they all take their places on the benches. It takes a couple attempts to get everyone in a good spot, but they eventually do. Except one person.

"Excuse me. You forgot Juleka." Rose points out.

It takes a couple minutes for the photographer to find a place for her, but once they do, and Juleka is in the middle, she can't help but smile. Just a little.

And just before the photographer takes the photo, a thud could be heard. Chloé's ankle had twisted, not used to her new heels. And in doing so, she knocked over various classmates, including Juleka.

The goth girl in question runs to the bathroom, and Chloé ignores the pain in her foot to try to follow. Until someone grabs her hand, and starts yelling at her, throwing accusations of jealousy and bitchiness at her that she doesn't hear in her panic.

Rose rushes past her, chasing after Juleka. Alix removes the hand off of Chloé's wrist, and drags Chloé after Rose and Juleka.

"Jules!" Rose is yelling, beating on the bathroom door.

They sigh in relief as the door opens, before a... Pink clown...? steps out. She doesn't even get a word out, before Alix recognizes Juleka.

"Shit." Alix mutters, taking Rose's hand, and dragging both her and Chloé away.

Why her? Why her, this soon? Rose's brain races with thoughts.

Chloé isn't much better. This is my fault. If I hadn't worn heels on the bench, she wouldn't be akumatized. If I was more careful, she wouldn't be upset.

Alix, for her part, was mostly keeping it together. She could hear Rose mumbling something about not wanting to fight Juleka, and she couldn't help but agree. She wishes she could've stopped it. Could've been faster.

The three girls make it to the Nurse's Office to hide, where Alix lets go of Rose and Chloé's hands.

"Fuck!" She yells. "Stupid fucking Hawkmoth! Does he just sit there and wait for someone to be upset?! Get that psycho a day job!"

Rose sinks to the ground by the door, still muttering to herself. Her eyes were teary, and Alix felt her heart shatter. She kneels next to the normally cheerful girl, and reaches out with a shaky hand, not quite touching her.

"Rosie? You okay?" She questions softly.

"No!" Rose exclaims, voice shaky. "I'm sad, and mad!"

Alix looks a bit surprised at that. "Mad?"

Rose looks up at Alix, and Chloé, who had come to kneel next to the pink-haired girl.

"We're not even allowed to be upset in this fucking city!" She yells, before looking down. "I don't like this. I want to hurt Hawkmoth. I want to hurt someone. I hate it." She pauses for a moment, before mumbling. "Am I a bad person...?"

"Rose..." Chloé sits next to her. "It isn't wrong to be angry. It isn't even wrong to want to run your fist through that bald butterfly bitch's face. I sure do."

Rose leans against Chloé, while Alix sits on her other side.

"I want to hurt him, too." Alix looks up at the ceiling. "I've been wanting to hurt him. Every Akuma he's made so far has either hurt, or tried to hurt, one of you. Stormy Weather burned you, Stoneheart threw Chloé against a wall, Lady WiFi tried to target Chloé, and now Juleka is a pink clown."

When did Stormy Weather burn Rose? Chloé thinks, but she doesn't dwell on it, yet.

Alix takes a deep, shaky breath. "If you're bad for wanting to punch him..." She trails off for a moment. "Then I'm horrible. Because there have been multiple moments where I've wanted to kill him."

Chloé looks surprised at that, before her gaze softened. "He's a supervillain. It'd be more concerning if you didn't want to kick his ass. At least we know you're both human. Well, that we're all 3 human. Because I may or may not have screamed for him to fight me at 3am last week."

"Valid."

"Fair."

Alix and Rose speak at the same time, before smiling at each other.

"Thank you both." Rose smiles, before shakily standing up and looking at Alix. "What's the plan?"

Alix stands up. 'We can't tell Chloé. Not without Juleka.' Her eyes say, as she looks at Rose. 'It wouldn't be fair.'

Rose nods in agreement.

"We have to get out of this school. We're sitting ducks, as long as Jules knows we're here."

Rose looks at the window. "Out there."

"It has an alarm." Alix counters with a sigh. "Kim escaped too many times, after the nurse wouldn't let him leave with a sprained ankle."

"Not for me." Rose grins, climbing onto the window sill. "Chloé. Give me those scissors."

Chloé hands Rose the scissors, as she pulls the front off of the alarm system to the windows. She inspects it for a moment, before nodding. She reaches up and cuts the red wires, before opening the window.

"Ta-da!"

Alix and Chloé gape at her for a moment, before Alix speaks. "When our goth isn't a walking barbie doll, we're talking about this."

"Okay." Rose shrugs.

The 3 climb out of the window, running away from the school. Alix and Rose split off from Chloé to transform, and run back to the school.

Kitty is the first to see the real Reflekta. She was the only not panicking.

Scarab runs into the battle with a smirk. "Nice heels! I'm more of a sneakers girl, though!"

The one good thing about Akumas is that they're still the same people, just with less morals. So, finding what makes Reflekta tick was easy.

"Y'know, if you keep turning people into you, soon you'll be invisible again!" Scarab hated the words. They felt like bile in the back of her throat. But, she swallowed it back.

It's for her own good, Alix. She won't even remember it.

It actually caused Reflekta to falter. She stopped, a genuine sadness in her eyes.

If anyone accused Scarab of choking up at that, she'd deny it.

It was obvious, though. She completely paused in her attacks, while Kitty ran forward, hitting Reflekta.

"Scarab! We need a lucky charm!" She yells.

Snapping out of it, she calls out, "Lucky Charm!"

It was a mirror. What's that supposed to do?

Then, Reflekta shot at her, and she instinctively held it up, deflecting the shot on accident. Suddenly, the heroes had the advantage.

Reflekta did get a few more punches in, but in the end, she was no match for the two heroes.

Kitty didn't even have a chance to Cataclysm anything. They just smashed the akumatized object with a hardcover book. It was actually amusing.

The next few moments were a blur. Scarab was working on autopilot, before the two were running off to detransform, giving their Kwamis a few minutes to eat, before rushing back to Juleka. Rose collapses next to her, wrapping her in a tight hug.

Alix and Chloé join in, and Alix could see the confusion in everyone's eyes, as they see Juleka leaning into Chloé's arms, who they had accused of hurting Juleka on purpose. Alix would have to talk to them about that.

-----

Planning the surprise photoshoot for Juleka wasn't hard in any way. Not hard to do, and not hard to want to do.

Seeing Juleka's smile, the way she lit up as she realized her 'photo curse' was broken, it made the bruises and scrapes on Alix's skin worth it.

And she was certain Rose could agree.

Chapter Text

"He's just so gorgeous and with a heart of gold!"

Alix can hear Rose gushing over something behind her. Probably Prince Ali again. She thinks. Chloé locks eyes with her from the front of the room, and Alix gestures back at Rose with a fond roll of her eyes.

"Oh! You know what? I'm gonna write him a letter professing my complete adoration and utmost respect." She hears Rose tell Juleka, and she can feel a weird flutter in her chest. It's extremely uncomfortable, and not the usual fondness she feels for the cheery blonde.

Suddenly, she can smell Rose's oh-so-familiar perfume, and before she can react, Ms. Mendeleiev is complaining and scolding Rose about combustible perfumes in science class and her using her phone.

I get that it's dangerous, but you don't have to be such an ass about it.

She watches sadly as Rose walks to the principal's office. She turns around to meet Juleka's gaze. "Poor Rose." She mouths, Juleka nodding in agreement.

As the class ends, Juleka, Alix, and Chloé all walk out to the front of the school, waiting for Rose.

As they're waiting, Alya and Marinette approach them. "I don't see how you can hang out with Chloé. She got you akumatized." Alya says to Juleka.

"It was an accident." Alix counters. "Her heel broke. If she wanted to stand next to Adrien, she'd have paid the photographer. But, she didn't."

"Yea, I was perfectly fine where I was standing. If anything, I'd have pushed Kim, so I could stand with Juleka, and be near Rose and Alix." Chloé adds.

"But, you clearly like Adrien." Alya protests.

"No. I do the whole 'clinging onto him' thing to keep fangirls away."

"What?-" Alya's eyebrows raise.

"How can you not like Adrien?" Marinette asks, clearly confused.

Alix goes to speak, but before she can, Rose practically appears out of nowhere. "Hey!" She smiles, wrapping her arms around Juleka and Chloé's shoulders from the steps behind them. "What are we talking about?"

Marinette smiles at Rose. "Chloé claims she doesn't like Adrien, but I don't get how she couldn't."

Rose looks at Chloé, before giggling quietly. Alix and Juleka join in soon after, with Chloé hiding her smirk behind her hand, much to Alya and Marinette's confusion.

Eventually, the giggles evolve into actual laughs.

Chloé, the only one with any composure left, speaks up. "First off, Adrien's like my brother." She starts.

"And...?" Marinette prompts.

"And even if he wasn't, he's not my type."

"Then what is?" Alya asks.

"Not men." Alix pipes up, finally done laughing.

Alya and Marinette stand there, shocked into silence.

Chloé looks at Rose. "What happened with Damocles, Rosie?"

"He just told me not to do it again. You know how he is."

Alix nods, before looking at Juleka. "Yo, Jules. I'm staying at your place tonight."

Juleka nods. "Okay... Why...?" She mumbles.

"Jalil and Dad have some of their rich friends visiting the Louvre, and I am not dealing with that."

Alya, finally snapped out of her stupor, looks at Alix. "Did you just... Invite yourself to her house?"

"Duh. What, should I have asked?"

"That's usually the polite thing to do."

"Juleka lives on a houseboat with a pirate cryptid as her mother. And we've been best friends for years. We're past 'polite'."

"I don't mind... Alix is fun..." Juleka assures.

"Damn right she is." Chloé agrees. "Or she wouldn't be worthy of my presence."

Rose chuckles, before looking at Chloé. "By the way, Chlo. I heard Prince Ali is staying at the hotel?"

Chloé nods.

Rose hands her a folded piece of paper. "Can you give this to him?"

"Sure." Chloé says, though Alix notices the slight fall of her face. "I gotta go now, though. I'm the one who has to greet him."

"Okay!" Rose smiles, completely oblivious. She hugs Chloé and Juleka tighter, before hugging Alix. "I gotta go, too. I promised my neighbor I'd babysit her son."

Alix hugs her back, before letting go. "See you tomorrow, Rosie."

Chloé grabs her purse, before walking down to her limo. "See you 3 tomorrow!" She gives a small wave.

Alix looks at Juleka. "Ready to go to your place?"

Alya looks at Alix. "What? You don't have to get anything from your place?"

Alix shakes her head. "Nah. I have pants that I left there, and I'm just gonna steal one of Juleka's shirts."

"Of course, you gremlin." Juleka chuckles. "You're a clothes thief."

Alix and Juleka walk down the stairs, walking towards the Seine.

-----

In Chloé's limousine, she reads the note Rose wrote. Each word is painful. She folds the note back, before grabbing some perfume to freshen up a little.

She doesn't want to look at mess in front of literal royalty.

She's so caught up in her pain that she doesn't see the butterfly approaching until it's too late.

"Princess Fragrance, I am Hawkmoth. You have competition for the one you love. With these powers I give you, you can eliminate all competition."

"Yes, Hawkmoth..."

-----

Alix and Juleka had barely made it to the Couffaine houseboat before Rose was calling Alix.

She picked up the phone. "Hey, what's up?"

"There's an akuma!" Rose exclaims.

Fuck!

"Hey, Jules?" Alix looks at the goth.

"Yea?"

"I forgot to get something from my place. I'll be right back."

Juleka nods.

"I'm on my way, Rose." Alix says into the phone before hanging up. She runs into an alley, hiding behind a box.

"Tikki, Spots On!"

-----

Scarab arrives to the Le Grand Paris hotel moments later.

Seeing the hotel, she fears the worst. Her fears are confirmed when she hears Chloé's voice.

Kitty Noire appears beside her, and they exchange a glance.

"Fuck!" Scarab complains. "Second Akuma this week, and it's Chloé! I'm gonna fucking deck Hawkmoth!"

"I call dibs on hitting him first!" Kitty claims.

"Dammit, Kitty." Scarab pouts a little. "So, you have any ideas for this one?"

"I guess we should find the akumatized object first, then we'll go from there."

Scarab nods, before jumping to the roof. "Hey, Chloé! What's... Going on up here?" She leans against the wall.

Kitty joins her, leaning on her baton, seeing the wedding set-up. "A wedding? With the prince?" She chuckles. "He's not exactly your type, Purr-incess."

Scarab looks at Kitty. "Was... Was that a cat pun?"

Kitty shrugs. "Plagg is rubbing off on me."

Scarab chuckles. "What? You gonna sink an entire city next?"

"I might. I'd drag you and our friends onto a boat, and sink Paris, if it means the Butterfly Man will leave us alone."

Scarab wraps an arm around Kitty. "Damn. That's a bit extreme."

Princess Fragrance crosses her arms. "Are you two done flirting?"

Kitty looks at her, her cheeks heating up a little. "Oh, we're not-..."

"Nah. I'm having too much fun." Scarab winks at Kitty.

"Do what now?-"

Scarab chuckles, before turning to Princess Fragrance with a smirk. "Why? You jealous?"

Princess Fragrance sputters a little. "What? No, of-... of course not-..."

Scarab walks over to her with a raised eyebrow. "You sure, Princess? You're looking a little flustered."

It was almost amusing, seeing the Akuma getting flustered. Now, if only I could flirt like this when she doesn't look like she's from the Wizard of Oz.

With the Akuma distracted, Kitty had the chance to steal the perfume bottle, smashing it on the ground.

Scarab captures the Akuma, and lets it fly off. "See you later, little guy." With raised eyebrows, she looks at Kitty.

"How am I supposed to use my Cure, without a Lucky Charm?"

"Maybe try calling one now, and throwing it?"

Scarab nods. "Lucky Charm!" A small box drops, and she looks at it for a moment, before throwing it. "Miraculous Scarab!"

As Chloé returns to normal, and Prince Ali helps her up, Kitty and Scarab sneak off, reappearing moments later as Rose and Alix, pretending to be out of breath.

"Rose? Alix?" Chloé questions.

"Hey, Chlo. We... We heard you were akumatized, and wanted to come check on you." Alix smiles.

Chloé looks at Rose. "What about babysitting?"

"Oh, my neighbor is already home. She just needed me to watch him for half an hour while she went to talk to her friend."

"I see."

Alix watches as Mayor Bourgeois approaches Chloé. "Chloé, dear, I think you've done your job of greeting Prince Ali, if you'd like to spend the day with your friends."

Rose takes a minute to introduce herself to Prince Ali, smiling brightly.

Alix walks over to Chloe. "If you wanna come to Juleka's place, I'm sure she'd be fine."

"That..." Chloé trails off, looking at Rose sadly as she talks to Prince Ali. "That sounds nice."

Alix follows her gaze, grabbing her hand. "It's okay, Chlo. You're allowed to be jealous."

"But, I got akumatized."

"So did Jules, and Aurore, and Ivan. And every time, it's been completely valid."

"Are you jealous?" Chloé looks back at Alix.

"Yea." Alix nods. "Yea, I am. So is Jules."

"We really are lesbians, huh?" Chloé chuckles. "Falling in love with our best friend that likes a guy."

"We're the biggest stereotype in the universe."

"Especially you, Shortstack."

"Oh, shut it, Princess."

Chloé goes quiet for a moment, studying Alix, before her eyes widen a little. She looks between Alix and Rose, seemingly realizing something.

Just a few moments later, Rose approaches. "Hey, can I join you two at Juleka's?"

"Of course, Rosie." Alix grabs both of their hands, dragging them towards the Seine. It doesn't dawn on her that she forgot an important detail until she drags them down to Juleka's room.

The girl in question looks up from her phone, eyes widening for a moment, but she doesn't question it as they settle on her bed.

"So, Alix?" Juleka mumbles.

"What's up, Jule?"

"What did you have to get from your place?"

Alix sits confused for a moment, before she remembers the excuse she gave Juleka. "Oh."

She turns to look at Rose. "Huh, I forgot about that. This is why I need you to make my excuses believable."

Juleka gives the two girls a confused look. "What?" Juleka tilts her head.

Rose chuckles. "Dork. You'd be lost without me."

"Damn right." Alix agrees.

"I guess, this is as good of a time as any to tell them, huh?"

"Tell us what?" Juleka asks, looking even more confused.

Rose walks to the door and shuts it, before walking back over to the girls. She takes a deep breath. "Don't panic, but..."

Alix stands up. "Tikki, Spots On!"

"Plagg, Claws Out!"

Juleka and Chloé look at them, no longer confused.

"You two don't look shocked."

"I've known since Stormy Weather." Juleka shrugs.

"I figured it out today." Chloé says.

"Okay, Chloé figuring it out makes sense, since I kinda flirted with her both in and out of costume, but Juleka?" Scarab tilts her head.

"How the fuck did you figure it out?" Kitty questions.

"Saw the burn, and noticed that it hadn't healed, while everyone else's injuries did. Even ones from before the Akuma."

"Why do you 3 keep mentioning a burn." Chloé tilts her head.

Both of the heroes dropped their costumes.

"Wanna show them, Rose?" Alix looks at the girl in question, who lifts her shirt a little to show the now-scarred burn.

"Got this during Stormy Weather."

Chloé's eyes widen a little. "Did anyone help you with it?"

"Yea. Alix was very sweet, and helped me." Rose smiles at the skater girl.

"Did she?" Chloé teases.

"Shut it, Chlo." Alix glares at her.

"Anyways," Juleka starts. "I'm sure you two are tired from fighting the Akuma."

Alix is about to say that they didn't actually fight, just distracted her until they could get the akumatized object, but Rose cuts her off.

"Oh, yea, we're exhausted. Maybe we could have a cuddle pile?" She looks at them pleadingly.

Chloé seems to catch on quickly, but doesn't say anything about the lack of fighting. Instead, she just nods, laying down. "I'm good with that. You two?" She looks at Juleka and Alix, as Rose lays down and cuddles up with Chloé.

Unable to say no, Alix cuddles up behind Rose, and Juleka lays next to her with a smile.

"You didn't actually fight her, did you?" Juleka whispers to Alix.

"Nah. But, let's just let Rose have this." Alix chuckles.

Juleka nods. "Of course."

Chapter Text

Alix sits with her father at a table in the Le Grand Paris, noticing Marinette's parents. She gives them a small wave.

"They're Marinette's parents. You know, one of the chicks I hang out with?" She explains to her dad.

"Yes, I remember. They make the best bread in the whole of Paris." Alim responds. He looks down at Alix's sneakers. "Couldn't you have made more of an effort to dress nicely?"

"What do you mean?" She gestures to her hat on the table. "I took off my cap."

"But this is a special day." Alim explains.

"Well, it's only a birthday." Alix tilts her head curiously.

"It's a special birthday." He counters, holding up a pocket watch. "This family heirloom was made by one of our ancestors many, many years ago. It's been passed down from one generation to the next, on their 17th birthday. And today, it's your turn to inherit it."

Alix looks at it. She's about to say something about already having a watch, but she notices the magic radiating off of it. She reaches up, taking it and opening it. The picture that appears, a blue hologram of someone holding up a watch, has Alix extremely intrigued.

"Our ancestor was very... Ahead of his time." Alim adds. "But, if you don't want it, I'll get you some skates instead."

"No, Dad. I love it." She looks down at the watch, stars in her eyes. "But, why didn't Jalil get it?"

"Your mom wanted me to give it to you."

Those words have Alix choking up a little. She pushes the knot in her throat down as her phone buzzes.

"Are your friends waiting for you?" Alim asks.

"Yea, but I don't wanna bail on you like that."

"Go ahead, Alix. I should be getting back to the Louvre soon anyway, before your brother tries telling the guests about his latest conspiracy."

Alix chuckles and stands up. She hugs her dad quickly, before putting on her cap. She walks out of the restaurant, before running down the hall, passing Mayor Bourgeois. "Hi, Mr. Bourgeois, bye Mr. Bourgeois!" She waves to him as she passes. Once outside, she throws on her skates and makes her way to the Trocadéro.

-----

"You all picked the wrong side to cheer on. Looks like Alix isn't even showing up! Probably too chicken to race an extreme athlete like me."

As Alix skates up, she hears Kim boasting. She stops right next to him. "Spoke too soon, Kim." She smirks. "Your ridiculous bets are over. I'm gonna leave you in the dust, meathead!"

"You're no match for me. My neck is bigger than your thigh." Kim retorts.

"Your insults are getting lamer by the day. I've heard cats with more bark than you, Kimbo!"

She heard cheers from their friends. She turned to watch as Rose and Juleka approached. "Hey, girls! You're a little late to the party!"

"Hope you didn't start without us?" Rose raised an eyebrow. "Jules was teaching herself a new song, and I had to fetch her."

"Oh, of course not! It wouldn't be fun without all my friends here to watch me kick ass!" Alix winked.

Alix and Kim lined up at the starting line, as Max started to speak. "Let's review the official rules. Two laps around the fountains; approximately 500 yards. The first one over the line's declared the victor! If Kim triumphs, Alix will relinquish her rollerblades to him. If Alix triumphs, Kim will be prohibited from making another dare for the rest of the school year."

Cheering could be heard next to her, and Alix grinned, hearing they were all on her side.

"On your marks, get set..."

"Wait!" Alix interrupts Max, skating over to their friends.

"Forfeiting already?" Kim taunts.

Alix ignores Kim and hands Chloé her watch. "Hold this for me, Chlo. Take care of it, it's a family heirloom."

Chloé smiles and nods, slipping it into her pocket. "You can count on me, 'Lix."

"Why'd you give it to her?" She could hear Nathaniel question. "Wouldn't it be better to trust Rose or Juleka with it?"

Alix looks at Nathaniel, skating over to him. She gestures to the small smile on Chloé's face. "And miss the opportunity for a genuinely happy Chloé? I'd rather die."

She skates back over to the line, glancing at Chloé, Rose, and Juleka. Hm, I wonder if I can impress them by setting a new record? She thinks.

"On your marks, get set... GO!"

As Max finishes talking, Alix shoots forward with a grin. Only a few seconds in, and Alix is already clearly ahead.

It was impressive how fast she completed that race, grinning as she lets herself roll forward past the finish.

"Wow, that had to have been a new record!" Rose exclaimed.

"It was." Max agreed. "Not just for Alix, but in general. 28.47 seconds."

Alix turned to look at Max. "Wait, really?!" She grinned, catching Rose as she practically barreled into her with a hug.

Juleka and Chloé walk up to Alix, both of them smiling.

Chloé ruffles Alix's hair with a grin. "Good job, Shortstack!"

Alix chuckles, too excited to register the nickname as she hugs Rose.

Juleka stands next to Chloé. "Guess parkouring around Paris improves skating times, huh?" She mumbles with a small, but still genuine smile.

Alix chuckles. She's about to say something, before Marinette and a couple of their friends reappear– When had they left?– with a bunch of food and desserts, with Kim and Ivan carrying a couple of those folding tables.

Not one to say no to Dupain-Cheng baked goods, Alix drags her girls to the table. Wait, my girls? She thinks. Must be a Miraculous side effect or something, they're not my girls.

They grab a ton of snacks and sit together on the steps. Chloé reaches out, handing Alix her watch back.

"Here, 'Lix." She smiles.

Alix takes it, leaning against Chloé. "Thanks, Chlo."

Rose smiles, already on her 3rd slice of chocolate cake. After 4 cookies.

"Woah, Rosie. Slow down." Juleka mumbles, chuckling.

"Behing a hewo buildsh an appehite." She counters through a mouthful of cake.

Chloé and Juleka exchange a glance, chuckling as they look to see Alix eating equally as fast.

Alix swallows the cookie she was eating, and nods. "Rose is right. And I can't just suddenly start eating a shit ton of food, because my dad and brother would question me."

"I could. I cook for myself most days, anyway. I just don't feel like it." Rose shrugs.

Juleka rests her head on Rose's shoulder. "Rose, I love you, but no. I will drag you to my place and force you to eat more if I have to."

Rose chuckles. "You say that like it's a bad thing. I'd much rather be at your place."

"What, so you can learn more 'essential skills' like picking locks?"

"Is that where you learned to disable security systems?!" Chloé exclaims.

Alix chuckles. "I forgot about that."

"When did that happen?" Juleka questions.

"During Reflekta. We were hiding, and we had to get out, and the Nurse Office windows have alarms on them. I had to shut those off before we could leave." Rose explains.

"That is sick. Can your mom teach me, Jules?" Alix looks at the goth pleadingly.

"Sure." Juleka nods. She looks up as she sees Marinette and Alya approaching. The girls sit next to them on the steps.

"Hey, Mari. Hey, Alya." Alix greets. "What's up?"

"Just wanted to chat. We had a question for Chloé." Alya explains.

"What is it, Césaire?" Chloé demands.

"Do you want us to keep your sexuality a secret? We didn't have a chance to ask yesterday." Marinette smiles at Chloé.

Chloé falters a little. "Oh, um. Yea, that'd be best." She pauses, before mumbling. "Thanks for... Considering that I'm not out yet."

Marinette nods. "Of course, Chloé. You and I may not always get along, but if you're not comfortable with everyone knowing that you like girls, it's not my place to tell."

Chloé looks at the ground, making Alya tilt her head and look at Alix. "Is she...? Is she okay...?"

"Give her a second. She's not used to genuine support or kindness from anyone who's not us 3." Alix wraps an arm around Chloé. "You okay, Chlo?"

Chloé doesn't speak, burying her face in Alix's shoulder. The angle is physically uncomfortable for the blonde, but it brings her a sense of emotional comfort.

They sit like that for a moment, before Chloé sits up and looks at Marinette. "Hey, Du-... Marinette?"

"Yea?" Marinette tilts her head curiously.

"I'm-... sorry, for being an asshole."

Marinette blinks in surprise, while Rose beams proudly at Chloé.

"I won't say it's okay, but I will say that I forgive you. Adrien told me that your mother is the Style Queen, Audrey Bourgeois. And, that she's not exactly known for her kindness. So, I get how that could effect your personality a little." Marinette assures.

Alix nods in agreement. "Yea, Audrey's a bitch."

Chloé lets out a laugh at that. "Me two months ago would disagree. However, we've seen literal supervillains, and they still aren't as bad as my mom. I guess... It's kinda like closure, in a way."

Rose smiles. "Mood." She chuckles.

Juleka nods. "Can't say mood on the mother part, but I don't even know who my dad is, so..."

"Alright, so, we're throwing all 4 of you into therapy." Alya announces.

"Nah. I don't need it. It is what it is." Alix disagrees.

"If one of us said that, you'd carry us to therapy." Rose scolds, half joking.

Before they could continue the conversation, Juleka's phone rings. She picks it up, talking to the person on the other end with a smile. "Hey, Ma. What's up?"

"Of course you do..."

"Okay. I'll bring them over."

"Mhm."

"Love ya too, Ma."

"Tell Luka I said fuck him too."

Rose taps on Juleka's shoulder and whispers something to her.

"And Rose says to tell Luka, and I quote, 'You still owe me my fucking money. I beat you in UNO, fair and square."

Juleka nods along, before turning to Rose. "He says fuck you."

She turns back to the phone. "Tell him I said I'll curse him in his sleep if he doesn't take that back, and give Rose her 20 bucks."

"Mhm. Okay. Yep. That's what I thought."

Juleka chuckles. "Bye, Ma. We'll see you in a few."

She hangs up the phone, turning to Rose, Alix, and Chloé. "Wanna learn some 'essential skills'?"

"Hell yea!" Alix exclaims.

"Yep!" Chloé nods.

"Fuck yeah!" Rose gives a thumbs up.

The 4 girls look at Alya and Marinette, who are gaping at them in shock.

"Rose cusses?!"

"Rose swears?!"

They exclaim in unison. Rose, ever the fucking gremlin, looks at Alix.

"I don't know what they're talking about. Do you, 'Lix?"

Alix shakes her head, smirking mischievously. "No clue, Rosie."

"Do not gaslight us!" Alya exclaims.

"Gaslighting isn't real. You're just crazy." Rose shrugs, standing up. She grabs Alix's hand, and starts running, the two giggling like a maniac as Chloé and Juleka follow them.

Alya and Marinette exchange glances. "What just happened?" Alya asks.

"Rose just cussed, then tried to gaslight us." Marinette responds.

Alya just sighs. "Those two are chaos incarnate."

"And they're definitely not going to learn essential skills. Alix would not get excited over learning how to wash clothes."

"Considering Juleka's family? Yea, no. I bet they're learning how to pick locks and punch cops."

Chapter Text

The Couffaine houseboat was probably Rose's favorite place in Paris.

Not just because of the chaos that the Couffaines bring. But also because she's usually there with her best friends. And because Luka keeps challenging her to games he can't win, and betting money. It's her income now.

Speaking of income. Since she signed off on letting Chloé make Miraculous toys, she's been getting a ton of money. She's probably gonna start donating some to Prince Ali's charity. She doesn't need that much, after all.

Not when her favorite people are just happy with her.

The first thing she does upon boarding the houseboat is walk up to Luka and hold her hand out expectantly.

"My money?" She smiles at him as he hands her the money. "Pleasure doing business with you, Luka."

"Fuck you." Luka jokes.

Rose rolls her eyes playfully. "Don't challenge me to games you can't win."

She walks over to where her best friends are sitting with Anarka. She sits down next to Chloé, leaning on her. "What are we learning first?"

"You're learning how to lock pick. With anything you have available." Anarka answers, smirking a little. "What do you girls have?"

"I have a hair clip." Chloé pulls the clip out of her purse.

"I've got a guitar pick." Juleka pulls the pick in question out of her pocket with a small smile.

"I have a comb." Rose pulls a pigtail comb out of her own purse.

"I have a couple paper clips." Alix shrugs. "Not that fun, but at least it's convenient."

As the lesson begins, Rose finds herself frequently distracted. Sure, she's used to seeing her best friends happy. But seeing them this carefree, this mix of chaotic and peaceful? Oh, she must've been a saint in her past life, to be blessed like this.

Midway through learning how to sword fight, she gets distracted. And yea, maybe bi-panicking over Chloé with a sword wasn't the smartest idea. Especially not with real swords. But I mean, no one was injured, and honestly? Rose was only human. You couldn't blame her if her best friends all looked like goddesses when they were genuinely happy.

By the time the lessons end, they've learned lock-picking, sword fighting, disabling security systems based entirely off their manufacturers and model, and some very colorful insults.

At the end of the day, Rose lays in Juleka's bed, watching her friends laugh and joke. Her expression softens, and she's perfectly aware that she's looking at them like they hung the entire galaxy. She just can't bring herself to stop.

Chloé looks at Rose with a smile. "You down for some Truth or Dare, Rosie?"

Rose takes a moment to process that she was being addressed, too preoccupied being gay. Once she realizes, she nods. "Yea, sure."

Alix tilts her head. "You okay?"

Rose nods. "Yea, I'm fine." She reluctantly sits up from her comfortable spot.

Juleka sits down next to Rose, cuddling up next to her. "You sure, Rose? If you're tired, we can take a nap."

"I'm fine. I promise, Jule. We can play." Rose reassures, running her fingers through Juleka's hair. Chloé and Alix sit on the bed.

"I'll go first. Hm... Juleka, Truth or Dare?" Alix looks at the goth curiously.

"Truth..." Juleka mumbles.

Alix thinks for a moment. "What song were you teaching yourself earlier?"

"Oh, um... It's called, 'You Look Good In Yellow' by Moira and Claire."

"Oo, I love that song!" Rose gushes, smiling.

"I've never heard it. I'll listen to it later, though." Alix says, and Chloé nods in agreement. "I still find it hilarious that Juleka sings soft, and Rose just yells when she sings. It makes sense when you know them, but if you just saw them in a store, you'd think the opposite."

Juleka chuckles, before looking at Chloé. "Chloé, truth or dare?"

"Dare."

"I dare you to..." She trails off for a moment. "Let Alix pick your outfit for school on Monday."

Chloé just sighs. "Fine. You better not make me look like a clown, though, Kubdel."

"Never." Alix promises. "I wouldn't just give you Juleka's brand like that." She flashes Juleka a teasing smirk.

"Fuck you, too, Shorty." Juleka rolls her eyes.

"Anyway. Rose, truth or dare?" Chloé smiles at the other girl.

"Truth."

"Hm... If you could choose one celebrity to date, who would it be?"

Rose pauses to think for a moment. "Scarlet Scarab." She looks at Alix with a smirk.

The skater girl's face heats up. "Who?-... What?-... Why? What now?-..." She sputters.

"Scarab is a celebrity. And, I actually know her. It would feel more meaningful to date my friend than a celebrity. And Scarab just happens to be both." Rose explains.

"I would've expected you to say Prince Ali." Chloé says.

"Oh, no. He's nice, but I wouldn't date him. I admire him, but I don't like him like that." Rose shakes her head.

Chloé and Juleka glance at each other, Alix still trying to save her brain from the factory reset it did. Once her brain caught up to the conversation, she shook her head a little, and looks at Rose.

"What is your type, anyway, Rose?" She asks.

"I don't really have a 'type'. At least, not physically. But, I do like people who are kind to me. People who are funny, and have a soft spot for me, even if they're not usually the biggest fan of other people."

Huh, that sounds like us-... No, bad Alix. Don't go down that Rabbit Hole. Alix thinks, shaking her head.

Rose looks at the other girls. "What about you three? Do you have types?"

Alix thinks for a moment, before shaking her head. "Well, I'm a lesbian, so obviously women. And I'm demisexual, so women I'm close to. But, besides that, no."

Juleka speaks up. "I think I might have a type, kinda. Not anything serious, but I really like blue eyes. They're pretty."

Rose, Alix, and Chloé all share a glance, hope flashing in their eyes, before vanishing. They all refuse to acknowledge the idea that Juleka could, in theory, like all three of them.

"And you, Chloé?" Alix prompts.

"I don't really have a type, beyond women." Chloé shrugs.

"Valid." Alix agrees.

The three continue truth or dare for a while. Each dare got crazier, from doing handstands, to singing embarrassing songs, to chugging mystery drinks made by Luka.

In the end, they were all left tired, nauseous, and content. Or, in Alix's case, pissed at Luka for mixing apple juice, orange juice, toothpaste, butter, and fucking ketchup.

Oh, I'm gonna get him back for that. Just wait until the next Couffaine game night. She promises herself, as she drifts off to sleep.

Chapter Text

To say Alix didn't want to be here was an understatement.

Sure, Adrien was her friend, but getting dragged into a birthday party was never fun for Alix.

Especially one with an Akumatized Nino running it.

Regular Nino wasn't bad at planning parties. They were usually fun, if Alix wanted to be there.

But, hey, at least she got to dance with Chloe, Rose, and Juleka. She'd never complain about that. Even if it was by force from The Bubbler, and not just because they wanted to dance.

I'll have to dance with them when we all actually want to.

She looks up into the sky, able to see the adults flying in bubbles up there.

Oh, right. Stop being gay, Alix. Every adult in Paris is flying above you.

Alix leans in and whispers to Chloé. "Distract Nino. I'll take Rose to hide with me, and we can transform."

Chloé nods, walking up to Nino, while Alix sneaks away from the party, briefly stopping to grab Rose's hand to drag her off.

They run to a nearby alley, and nod to each other.

"Tikki, Spots On!"

"Plagg, Claws Out!"

They arrive back to the party, standing on the wall around the Agreste mansion.

Scarab throws her yo-yo, wrapping it around the power cord to the set-up, and unplugging it.

"A birthday party? And I wasn't invited?" She shakes her head. "Where are your manners, Bubbler?"

Kitty looks at Adrien. "Happy Birthday Agreste. Sorry for having to crash the party."

Chloé and Juleka exchange a glance, before they both start cheering. Within moments, all the teens are cheering, as the Bubbler glares at Kitty and Scarab.

"Ugh, you two are almost as bad as Adrien's father!" Bubbler complains, raising his bubble sword.

Scarab raises her yo-yo, ready to defend against the attack, before blurs of yellow and purple tackle him to the ground.

"Don't you dare, DJ Clownboy!" Chloé yells, trying to wrestle the wand from his hand.

"You're not touching them, McDonald's toy wannabe." Juleka mutters, her voice practically a growl.

Scarab and Kitty exchange a glance.

"So..." Kitty starts, her voice a whisper. "I know we shouldn't let them do this, but..."

"It's hot as fuck?" Scarab finishes for her.

"Hell yea." Kitty agrees. "I've never seen Chloé willingly risk getting her clothes dirty. For anyone."

"And Jules' voice? She sounds pissed, and it shouldn't be hot, but it is." Scarab chuckles.

"I love those two."

"Same."

"We should intervene now, right?"

"Unfortunately."

Kitty jumps into the fight, hitting the bubble sword away from Bubbler.

"Lucky Charm!" Scarab calls. As the object lands in her hand, she pauses. "What the fuck?!"

In her hand is a fucking sword.

Chloé and Juleka look up, confusion in Chloé's eyes, and a look of pure pride in Juleka's.

Jumping down from the ledge, Scarab holds out the sword, a grin forming on her lips. "Bubbler! I challenge you to a sword fight! No rules, no restrictions! First one rendered immobile wins!"

The Bubbler looks at her, before smirking. "You're on, bug!"

Kitty steps back, Chloé following. Juleka doesn't. She steps forward, her grin matching Scarab's. "C'mon, 'Lix. Remember what my Ma taught you." She mutters to herself.

Scarab glances at her, winking, before rushing forward towards Bubbler.

Any regular move made by Scarab is matched by the Bubbler. However, Scarab had secrets no one besides those close to the Couffaines would know.

Thank you Badass Pirate Cryptid Anarka Couffaine.

To anyone else, this new technique would look crazy. Unpredictable. And it's supposed to.

"Keep your enemies guessing." A voice suspiciously close to Juleka's whispers in her brain.

"Don't give them a chance to comprehend your style." Luka's voice says in her mind.

"If your opponent is knocked down, don't let them get up." And, there's the brain Anarka.

Scarab rushes forward, suddenly glad that Juleka knew her identity. If she didn't, she'd be very confused on how Scarab knows her family's swordfighting style.

Scarab jabs her sword forward and yanks it back, catching it in the hole in the bubble sword and pulling it out of Bubbler's hand. It flies forward into Kitty's hand, getting dusted by the waiting Cataclysm.

As the Akuma escapes the object, Scarab catches it.

She releases the purified butterfly, letting it fly off. "See you around, little guy."

She looks at the sword, pouting a little, before reluctantly throwing it. "Miraculous Scarab!"

As everything is returned to normal, she feels Kitty step next to her. "Did you wanna keep the sword?"

"Yeah. It was fun." Scarab sighs in disappointment.

She sees Juleka in her peripheral vision, and looks over curiously.

'I'll get you a sword this weekend.' She signs.

Scarab grins, and nods, before the beeping in her ear reminds her of the timer. She looks back at Kitty, holding one hand out with a grin.

"Shall we?"

Kitty giggles and takes the hand. "Lead the way."

They head back the alley they had transformed in, detransforming.

"That was awesome!" Plagg exclaims, taking the cheese offered to her. The best part about the new Miraculous Toys™ company, is that Rose can afford the very best for Plagg, and Alix can do the same for Tikki.

"Okay, I admit. Maybe there isn't anything wrong with Juleka and Chloé knowing your identities. At least you can use the things the Couffaines teach you, without making Juleka suspicious." Tikki admits begrudgingly.

"And, speak of the Devil." Plagg points the the end of the alley, where Juleka and Chloé are walking towards them, Juleka still grinning.

"Alix, that was fucking awesome!" Juleka mutters excitedly, wrapping an arm around Alix's shoulders.

Chloé nods her agreement. "It was! I'm glad Anarka taught us how to use swords."

Rose nods her agreement, before grinning at both girls. "Let's talk about you two tackling Bubbler for us! That was ho-... Awesome!"

Alix glances at Rose with a smirk, raising her eyebrow. Chloé and Juleka mirror the expression.

"What were you gonna say, huh?" Chloé questions.

"Awesome! That's all I was gonna say!" Rose's face heats up, and she stares at everything but the three girls.

Alix chuckles, and waves Chloé off. "C'mon Chlo. Leave her alone."

Chloé rolls her eyes playfully. "Fine. We all know what she was going to say anyway." She grins.

Rose sighs. "Can we just go home?"

It would be funny, how everyone knew exactly which house she was talking about, and how everyone agreed, as they all started walking to the Couffaine houseboat. If it wasn't so depressing.

"I have a question, Alix." Rose, finally calmed down, tilts her head.

"What's up, Rosie?"

"You said whenever we first got our Miraculous, that Glamours don't affect you. What did you mean?"

"Let's get to the houseboat, and I'll explain, okay?"

Chapter Text

Luckily for the girls, Luka and Anarka had went out for some things Luka needs, plus some things for the house. So, no one would overhear their conversation.

The four girls settle on Juleka's bed, quickly falling into their usual rhythm together.

"So..." Juleka prompts, her voice quiet as always.

"So, Glamours." Alix starts. "I'm not entirely sure why they don't affect me. Like, sure, I know they're there, but my brain automatically sees through them, sometimes for brief moments, sometimes for long ranges of time."

She looks around at the girls. "Like, when I first met 'Kitty Noire'. I didn't see Kitty at first, I saw Rose. Like, the hoodie, the mask, it wasn't there. At all. It took a couple seconds for my brain to register that she was wearing a costume to begin with."

Rose tilts her head. "Does that mean, if we met Hawkmoth, you might see who he is?"

"It's possible. I've noticed that it's dependent on the strength of the magic. Like, Glamours, I see through for periods of time. But less powerful Magic, like what I call 'Auras' are constantly visible."

"Was that a RWBY reference?" Chloé raises an eyebrow.

"Yes, it was." Alix confirms.

"What are they?" Juleka questions.

"Okay, basically, some people have 'Auras' around them. They're colored depending on the person, and they're only there when there's a large concentration of Magic in a person."

"Colored?" Rose asks.

"Yea. Like, your Aura is black and pink. I'm thinking the black is because of your Miraculous, but I can't get the pink."

"Do I have one?" Juleka tilts her head.

"Yes, actually. Yours is kinda purple. Like, magenta. It's really pretty."

Juleka smiles, leaning against Rose.

"And me?" Chloé's eyes are hopeful, and Alix is so grateful that she does have one. If she had to break it to her that she didn't, Alix might've just jumped into the Seine instead.

"Yep. Yours is yellow and the same color pink as Rose."

"Oo, that sounds so pretty." Chloé's smile brightens.

"Does anyone else in our class have them?" Rose asks.

"Everyone, actually. Alya's is orange, Nino's is green, Mylene's is gray. Ivan's is blue. Kim's is light brown. Boring, I know." She pauses for a moment to try and remember the rest. "Mari's is red, Adrien's is black, Max's is a cream color, Nathaniel's is white. Sabrina's is yellow and orange, but a lighter orange than Alya's. Also, Aurore has one. Hers is a blue-green."

"Does Luka have one?" Juleka glances at her brother's side of the room.

"Yep. His is blue-green, but also a darker red than Marinette's."

"Sick." Juleka mutters.

"Do you have one?" Rose tilts her head.

"Mhm. I can see mine in the mirror sometimes. It's a light blue, and the same red as Marinette's."

"Do you think it might represent different Miraculous people are compatible with?" Chloé suggests.

"I don't even know if there are other Miraculous. But, if we find more, I'll pay attention to see if the colors match up." Alix decides.

Rose nods in agreement. "And I'll just see if there are more Miraculous, since I can't see Auras."

"Does that mean, Chloé and I could fight Hawkmoth with you?" Juleka's eyes are wide, and it's the most excited Alix has seen Juleka in a while. She nods.

"If we find more Miraculous, we'll let you join us. If you get me that sword I was promised." Alix confirms, her smile teasing.

"Deal." Juleka chuckles.

-----

The girls sit there, talking for a while, until Luka and Anarka arrive home. Anarka immediately starts cooking dinner, while Luka sits on the deck putting new strings on his guitar.

"Should we tell them?" Rose looks at Alix, who shrugs.

"I don't see why not. It'll be nice to have some adult supervision with Anarka, and make it easier for us to transform while we're on the ship." Alix looks at the door. "Besides, it's not like they'd ever stop us. Anarka has accepted us into her houseboat whenever we want, and Luka is like a supportive big brother."

Juleka nods in agreement. "I'd like you to tell them. I don't want to have to lie about where you are."

Alix and Rose glance at each other, and nod.

All four girls stand up as Anarka calls for them to eat dinner. They make their way up to the kitchen, settling down in their usual spots to eat.

Chapter Text

Alix has never been into design. Honestly, the only one in her little group who was is Chloé. That's why Alix found herself zoning out as Mr. Damoclès spoke about the competition the school is participating in.

"...And now, to announce this year's theme: derby hats."

Alix looks up from her desk. What the fuck is a derby hat? She shrugs to herself. Meh. Who cares, I'll just watch Chlo make her hat.

As the class is dismissed, Alix stands up and walks over to Chloé. Juleka and Rose approach moments later.

"So, have any ideas, Chloé?" Rose tilts her head curiously.

"Not really. I'll think of something, though." Chloé glances at Adrien. "I need to find something that Uncle Gabriel will like. Which is hard."

Sabrina walks over to them. "Hey, Chloé. Wanna go brainstorm at your place? We might think of something good." She looks at Alix, Juleka, and Rose, before looking away with a frown.

Alix recognized that look on Sabrina's face. It's one she's worn countless times. Jealousy. Why is she jealous?

Then, it hits Alix. Oh.

Sabrina's jealous of how much time Chloé's spent with us.

The guilt that hits Alix has her mind reeling. But, she's reluctant to encourage Chloé to go with Sabrina.

What if she thinks I don't want to spend time with her? What if she finds she prefers spending time with Sabrina, over us? Over me?

Alix's overthinking is cut off by Juleka and Rose grabbing her hands, seemingly having caught onto her spiraling. She looks around the room, making sure no one else had seen her moment of vulnerability.

Once she's sure no one had, she looks back at Chloé, who's talking to Sabrina now.

Chloé turns to her. "I'm gonna spend today with Sabrina. That okay?"

Alix nods reluctantly. "Yea. We'll see you during the competition, right?"

"Yeah. See you in a few hours." Chloé ruffles Rose's hair, before hugging Juleka quickly, and walking out. Sabrina follows on her heels, and neither of them spare Alix a second glance.

She looks at Juleka and Rose. "So, what are we gonna do for the next couple hours?"

Juleka rubs the back of her neck. "Oh, um, Rose and I were gonna head to the Ice Rink to skate. Just... Just the two of us."

Alix looks at an equally sheepish and hesitant Rose, before putting on a smile. "That's fine. I'll see you in a couple hours?"

"Yea, see you then." Juleka smiles. Rose wraps her arms around Alix, who hugs her back. They let go a moment later.

"See you in a bit, Alix!" Rose smiles, before walking away with Juleka.

So, what am I gonna do alone without them? I haven't spent time without them in weeks, I think I've grown dependent. She chuckles weakly, walking out of the classroom. I guess I'll go skating for a little while.

Alix puts on her skates, skating out of the school. She's halfway down the street, before someone stops her.

A short old man in a Hawaiian shirt and shirts steps up to her. "Hello, Miss. I couldn't help but notice that you seemed a little stressed. Would you like to talk about it over some tea?"

Alix looks down at him hesitantly. The offer seems innocent, but her brain screams Stranger Danger.

She hears Tikki whisper to her. "Don't worry, Alix. He's a good person."

"You know him?" She whispers to the red Kwami.

"Yea. He's the Guardian."

"Guardian?"

"He can explain, if you have tea with him."

"Okay..." Alix looks at the man. "Sure. I'll go with you, sir."

The walk to the man's place, a massage parlor, is short. The place itself is simple and cozy, and Alix relaxes quickly as she sits down for tea.

Tikki flies out to greet the man, before turning to Alix. "Alix, this is Master Fu. He's the one who chose you to be the Ladybug holder."

Alix nods at him. "Nice to meet you."

Master Fu smiles gently. "I heard that a couple of your friends know your identity, including Kitty Noire."

"Oh, yea. Rose knows. And, we told our best friends, Juleka and Chloé."

"I would usually avoid that, but if it hasn't gone wrong yet, there is no reason to force you to give up your Miraculous."

"Juleka and Chloé have been careful to not reveal anything. And Rose understands the risks of revealing to the wrong person. We've been consulting each other before we tell anyone."

"I would like it if no one else learns. Not unless you don't have to tell them."

Alix pauses. "Not even Juleka's mom? She wouldn't tell. She's basically the mom to every one of our friends she's met. She's even been teaching us to swordfight. And pick locks, but that's unimportant."

Master Fu thinks for a moment. "I would like to not tell her, but if you think she's trustworthy, I'll think it over."

Alix nods in acknowledgement. "I guess that's fair. Better safe than sorry."

She takes a sip of her tea. "Have you met Rose, yet?"

"Not properly. It's not her time yet." Master Fu shakes his head.

"What are you waiting for?" Alix tilts her head.

"A day in which she needs some tea. Like you did."

Alix hums in understanding. "May I ask a question?"

"You may ask. There are some answers I may not give you."

"Wow, you're just as cryptic as I expected the person who chose us would be." She pauses a moment, before speaking again. "Are there other Miraculous?"

"Indeed. There are many more." Master Fu nods.

"Do you know anything about some people having auras of sorts around them?"

"Yes. These auras represent many things. The amount of aura they give off is based on how much Magic they have in them. The colors of the auras can match what Miraculous they're most compatible with. But, they can also match their strengths."

"Strengths?"

"Yes. For example, Kitty Noire. Hers is Black and Pink, representing not only the Black Cat and Pig Miraculouses, but also, her ability to bring joy to those around her, and her ability to destroy things, so others can build it back up."

"But, Rose isn't destructive."

"Not physically. But, your friend has an uncanny ability to tear down the negative sides of people, such as your friend Chloé, where people can rebuild them to be better."

"You must mean what the girls and I have dubbed her, 'Disappointed Mom Look'. Aka, 'I'm not mad, I'm just disappointed'. One glance from Rose with that look had Chloé being polite to Marinette Dupain-Cheng."

"Indeed. Remember, mental ability is just as important as physical."

"So, does that mean Chloé is also compatible for the Pig Miraculous?"

"Does she make others happy?"

Alix pauses. "Not... Most people."

"But...?"

"She makes me happy. And Rose and Juleka."

"Having the ability to make only 3 people smile on their worst days is one that's necessary in this world. That is enough, don't you think?"

Alix nods, before noticing a large flock of pigeons outside. More than usual.

She gives a quick 'I'll be right back', chugs her tea, and runs outside.

"Wow, that is an ungodly amount of pigeons. Glad Kitty and I aren't allergic. That'd be hell if we had to fight this guy sneezing every 4 seconds."

Alix runs to an alley, transforming quickly, before leaping into battle.

Scarab rushes in, immediately exchanging blows with the villain, Mr. Pigeon.

I'll just stall him, until Kitty gets here. Shouldn't be too hard.

Good news. It wasn't hard.

Bad news. It too way too long for Kitty to show up. It was an hour of throwing punches with the pigeon man, before she saw that familiar flash of black.

"Sorry I'm late, Scarab! Got hung up at the rink, and didn't see my phone!" She smiles at Scarab, who's backed away from the villain to catch her breath.

Scarab wipes her cheek, a light bruise under her eye from a particularly lucky hit. "It's fine." She mutters, before rushing back into the fight.

She was lying. She can't hold it against Rose for not seeing the Akuma Alert, but she's still a little bitter. Maybe just because she was left alone, and she's still hurt about that.

Her feelings came out in the form of the most intense ass-kicking she had given any villain since Stormy Weather had hurt Kitty.

She can see Kitty standing there, dumbfounded as she watches Scarab back Mr. Pigeon up until his back is pressed against a wall, her fists repeatedly knocking the air out of the poor man.

It's 5 minutes of punches and kicks being thrown one way before Kitty is pulling her back. "Scarab, stop! He's had enough, just destroy his bird call, and let's go!"

Scarab squirms, trying to wriggle free of Kitty's arms, before she stops, realizing just how much damage she'd done. She calls a quiet "Lucky Charm..." before destroying the bird call, throwing the charm, and purifying the butterfly.

"See you later, little guy..." She turns to walk away, but Kitty stops her. The cat hero leads them into an alley, where they detransform, and Rose leads Alix to her place.

Rose drags Alix to her room, sending a quick text to Juleka to let her know what had happened.

With a sigh, Alix sits on the pink bed, avoiding Rose's gaze.

Rose, however, was not having it. "What was that, Alix?!"

"Nothing." Alix mutters.

"Bullshit. What is going on with you?

"I said, it's nothing, Rose!"

"And I said, that's bullshit! You don't almost kill someone for no reason when it's 'nothing'!"

"What about you taking an hour to show up?!"

Rose pauses. "Is that what that was about? You were mad that I was late?"

"Yes! No! I don't know! I don't know what's going on today!" Alix lays on the bed with a sigh. Rose lays next to her, gently stroking her hair.

"I just... I know you, Chloé, and Juleka all have lives outside of me. But, today, it just hurt more than usual, and I don't know why." Alix curls up.

"I'm sorry, 'Lix. We didn't mean to make you feel lonely." Rose presses a gentle kiss to Alix's temple.

"Is that what this feeling is?" Alix cuddles against Rose's chest. "I don't like it."

"It's not a pleasant feeling, that's for sure. But, next time, tell us, okay?"

"But... I don't want you to feel like you have to spend every second of your life with me."

"I know, and you feeling lonely won't always change our plans. But, it can help us make it up to you afterwards. Whether it be extra cuddles, a sparring session, or a movie night."

"Or all three?" Alix asks.

"Or all three." Rose confirms.

The two girls lay there for a while, before reluctantly getting up.

"We should probably head back to school, huh?" Rose tilts her head.

"Probably." Alix nods.

-----

To say that Marinette won wouldn't surprise anyone. Alix knows nothing about fashion, but even she knows a good hat when she sees one.

Chloé's wasn't bad, either. A bit boring, sure, but not bad.

While Rose fills Chloé and Juleka in on what happened with her and Alix, the pink haired girl sits there, dozing off a little. It's only then that the adrenaline of the fight finally wears off, and she can feel the pain in her entire body.

Rose had to carry her back to the Louvre, Juleka carrying her backpack, and Chloé holding her cap that had fallen off of her head during her adrenaline crash.

When Alix wakes, she's in her own bed, and she's disappointed to find that only Chloé stayed. But, she figured Juleka and Rose had stuff to do at their respective houses, so she cuddles into Chloé's shoulder, and falls back asleep with a soft smile.

Chapter Text

Running into Alya and Marinette at the Louvre was not Alix's plan. Especially with Alya, yet again, trying to find Scarlet Scarab's identity.

After meeting Master Fu, Alix was careful with her identity. No longer telling just anyone. Especially not after kicking Mr. Pigeon's ass. She doesn't want to be known as a bad person.

When Juleka, Chloé, and Rose showed up, Alix was pretty happy.

Until Jalil brought up the scepter.

He didn't explain why he wanted to prove the spell worked. He didn't have to. He didn't have the chance to.

And Alim Kubdel didn't get the chance to stop him.

"You want to prove the spell works? Why? To bring her back?!" Alix yells.

"I-..." Jalil starts, before he's cut off.

"This isn't some Egyptian legend, Jalil!" She continues.

"Alix-..." Rose grabs her hand.

"Mom's dead! She has been for years! She isn't Ra's goddess, or anyone else's, for that matter! She's just gone!"

"I know, Alix! But don't you want to talk to her?!" Jalil pleads, hoping to earn his sister's belief in the subject.

"No! I don't!" At this point, tears are falling from both siblings' eyes, for different reasons. "The last time I spoke to her, I told her I hated her! Even if the spell did work, how could I face her after that?!"

Jalil pauses. "Alix..."

Chloé grabs Alix's free hand.

"How could I deserve to face her after that? I didn't even say goodbye, Jalil. I didn't say I loved her, or that I'd miss her. I didn't say anything to anyone. I threw myself into sports. I did anything to stay away from the Louvre, until Anarka talked me into coming home." She pauses.

"Because it didn't feel like home. Not without Mom. Not with the memories that lurked around every corner, reminding me of what I said. Every exhibit felt like a nightmare I was stuck in." Her face hardens, a feeble attempt to keep her walls up. "There. I said it."

"Alix..." Alim walks over to his daughter, reaching up to wipe her tears.

Chloé, all too familiar with the feeling of missing her mom, wraps her arms around Alix's smaller frame. Rose and Juleka follow soon after.

Jalil, now simply watching the exchange, doesn't notice the butterfly.

And Alix, watching her brother get akumatized, wishes she didn't.

Rose's feet carry them both away. Juleka and Chloé lead Alim away, with an excuse about 'The smaller the group, the less of a target we are'.

Rose is speaking. But Alix can't hear it over the ringing in her ears. Over the pounding in her chest. Over the footsteps beneath her. Over the sounds of everything falling apart around her.

She hardly registers anything, until she's being pushed to the floor, off of her shaky legs. Until Rose Lavillant is sitting on her lap like a weighted blanket. Like a therapy animal.

She only snaps out of her trance when she feels the rumbling in Rose's chest. She's purring. Alix realizes.

Rose, in true cat fashion, is on Alix's lap, pressing her face against her shoulder, purrs vibrating her body in a way that calms down Alix's panic almost instantly. It doesn't stop the guilt, though.

"I got him akumatized... I shouldn't have yelled at him... I should've shut up... It's my fault..." Alix mutters.

"No, it's not. It's only Hawkmoth's, okay? You did nothing wrong. You just expressed your feelings. And I'm so proud of you, Alix Kubdel." Rose reassures.

'I'm so proud of you, Alix Kubdel.' The words echo in Alix's mind, and without warning, she's sobbing into Rose's neck. The blonde girl doesn't protest. Doesn't speak. Just holds the skater girl.

Once Alix calms down, she seems to remember the Akuma again. Reluctantly, she lets Rose stand up, immediately missing the comforting feeling of the weight and purring on top of her. Maybe I can talk her into cuddling with me like that, next time we have a sleepover.

Alix stands up, clearing her throat, before her and Rose transform.

"Tikki, Spots On!"

"Plagg, Claws Out!"

The two heroes make their way to Jalil, who's now known as The Pharaoh. A very inaccurate version. Oh, she'll have to complain to one of her girls about that.

"Oh, sacred Ra, god of the sun, I Pharaoh, offer to thee a pure soul! The sacrifice for the return of Nefertiti!" The Pharaoh starts. "I bow to you, and present this gift with my mummies! In company, we pray to you the safe return of princess Nefertiti! Awaken, Nefertiti! Awaken! Awaken, Nefertiti! Awaken!"

"Pharaoh!" Scarab yells.

The Pharaoh turns to look at Scarab, just in time to be hit by a punch in the face.

"Scarlet Scarab! Give me your Miraculous!" Pharaoh growls, before he's whacked in the back of the head by Kitty Noire's baton.

"Nah, we're good!" Kitty grins, before hitting him in the kneecaps. Scarab goes to grab the pendant, but Pharaoh catches on, grabbing her by the wrist and throwing her through the glass of the Louvre.

She groans in pain as she sits up, face scratched and bruised from the rough landing. Despite the blood and pain, she stands up and rushes back into the fight.

Okay, maybe her emotions are making her just a little reckless. But, who cares? She'll be fine.

"Lucky Charm!" She calls. Into her hands drops... a photo?

"Oh, gods..." She mutters, as she looks at it, choking up. Kitty notices quickly, seeing the way she dropped it and stepped away.

She runs over to it, and grabs the picture.

It's one of 6 year old Alix, holding onto her Mom, Alice Kubdel. Jalil and Alim stood beside them, smiling at the little girl. 11 year old Jalil has one hand on his little sister's head, ruffling her hair, and one hand holding a historical book.

"Oh..." Kitty looks at it, before glancing at Scarab. "Oh, Alix..." She whispers. She turns back to The Pharaoh, holding out the picture. "Is this picture familiar?"

Pharaoh hesitates, looking at the picture. It doesn't take long for Scarab, working on autopilot, to grab the pendant. She breaks it, and captures the Akuma, releasing it.

"See you around, little guy."

She takes the picture from a now deakumatized Jalil, but hesitates before throwing it.

You don't have to throw it. You can use your cure without it. Tikki whispers in her mind.

Scarab nods, yelling out.

"Miraculous Scarab!"

The ladybugs fly by, fixing everything, but Scarab still holds the photo. She hands it to Jalil, before rushing off.

Kitty follows her, the two of them ending up at the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Scarab's earrings beep, before her transformation drops.

Kitty steps closer, before breaking into a run, muttering a quick "Claws In", before Rose is crashing into Alix in a forceful hug.

Alix returns the hug with the same force. The same pained desperation for something, anything to prove that she's not alone. She grips onto Rose's shirt, burying her face into the blonde's shirt with a muffled sob.

"I miss her, Rose..." She mutters, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"I know, Alix. I know." Rose grips onto Alix just as tight, as if Alix would fall apart if she let go.

She might, and Rose wasn't risking it.

"I want to talk to her again. Want to say I'm sorry. That I don't hate her, and I never have. That I love her. That Jalil's still the biggest nerd in Paris. That Dad gave me the watch. That I'm hurting, but that I'm still happy, because I have the best friends ever. There's so much I want to tell her, but I can't, and I will never be able to."

"I know, 'Lix. But, even if you can't directly tell her, I know she'll still hear you." Rose threads her fingers through Alix's hair.

They're both silent for a few minutes, before Alix speaks again, her voice hoarse. "Rosie...?"

"Yes, Alix?"

"Can you, Juleka, and Chloé... Can you three come with me to the cemetery this weekend...? I think I'm ready to see her..."

"Of course." Rose presses a kiss to the top of Alix's head. "We'll be right there. I promise."

-----

It was almost 8 at night before they returned to the Louvre. Alix's eyes were red and watery, her face tired. She walks into her house, pausing briefly to hug her brother with a muffled "I'm sorry, I love you", before her and Rose make it to her room, where Juleka and Chloé are curled up together on her bed.

Alix and Rose smile at each other, before they both take a few minutes to each get ready to sleep.

They settle down into bed, laying under the covers. They just lie there, facing each other. Rose wraps her arm loosely around Alix, and Alix reciprocated wigh a soft smile.

Everything is silent for a little while longer, before Alix speaks again.

"Hey, Rose...?"

"Yea?" Rose opens her eyes, looking at a wide-awake Alix.

"You know earlier, when the Akuma started, and you were sitting on top of me, purring?"

"Mhm."

"Can... Can you do that again...?"

"Now?"

Alix gives a nervous nod.

Rose doesn't question it further. Seeing Alix scratched up, tired, emotional, and nervous to ask for something that brought her comfort, Rose can't say no. So, why question something you're going to do either way?

Without another word, Rose rolls on top of Alix. Her head rests under Alix's chin, and she rubs her cheek against the soft skin gently. A purr rumbles in her throat as she settles on top of the skater girl, closing her eyes.

She doesn't have to look at Alix to see her dozing off.

But she does. She watches with soft eyes as Alix starts to doze off, and Rose follows suit.

Until Alix's eyes snap open.

"I could've kept the sword...!"

Chapter Text

Saturday came around faster than Alix wanted. But, after some discussion, the girls decided they'd spend the day together before going to Alice Kubdel's grave.

Of course, since Anarka and Luka would be coming with for the first stop of the day, they met up at the Liberty.

Alix approaches the houseboat, one hand fidgeting with a thumb ring, and the other petting Tikki in her pocket. The Kwami holds her finger gently, providing comfort.

As she walks up, she sees Juleka and Rose waiting on the deck of The Liberty. She steps over to the bridge, feeling a sense of home now that she's there.

Alix grins, as she calls out. "Permission to board?"

Juleka and Rose smile back.

"Granted, Pirate!" Anarka calls back as she steps onto the deck from downstairs.

Alix steps onto the bridge, walking over it and onto the deck, where she hugs Rose and Juleka.

"Hey!" Rose grins, though her eyes betray her worry. "Are you ready for today?"

"Hey, Alix." Juleka mumbles.

"I'm..." Alix trails off. "I'm not completely ready, but I want to do this. Hopefully I'll feel better by the end of the day."

"You better, Kubdel."

Alix turns around, smiling as she sees Chloé. "Hey, Bourgeois."

Chloé hugs her, smiling softly.

Alix returns the hug for a moment, before pulling away.

"By the way, Juleka. Why exactly are your mom and brother coming with us for the first stop?" Alix tilts her head.

"You'll see, Shortstack." Juleka smiles mischievously.

"I will never trust that face right there. Absolutely devious." Chloé teases.

Juleka chuckles, while Rose giggles. "Yup. That's Juleka for 'You're either leaving with a surprise, or I'm going to throw you off the Eiffel Tower.'"

"Quite frankly, both options sound fun." Alix shrugs.

"Alix, no!" Anarka scolds, chuckling as she approaches. "I can't have any of my favorite pirates being thrown off the Eiffel Tower, willingly or otherwise."

Alix chuckles. "Fine..." She concedes.

The girls look behind Anarka as Luka approaches. "You girls ready to go?" He asks, raising an eyebrow."

"Yea, we are." Alix nods.

The group heads out, stepping off the boat and walking towards a mall. As they walk, Alix notices Juleka and Rose gravitating towards each other.

It isn't abnormal, but it's clearly different from usual. Without a second thought, she slows down to fall into step next to Luka.

"Hey, what's going on with Rose and Juleka?" She tilts her head.

Luka looks at her with a curious look. "Have they not told you?"

"Told me what?"

Luka shakes his head. "Nevermind. It's not my place to tell."

Alix watches as he speeds up to walk next to Anarka. With a look of confusion, she steps next to Chloé, who's texting with Sabrina as they walk.

"Hey, Chlo?"

Chloé looks up from her phone. "What's up, 'Lix?"

"Do you know what's going on between Rose and Juleka?"

"Oh, um... It's not really my place to tell, Alix."

"But-... Why does everyone else know, but I don't?"

"They probably just don't want to tell you yet."

"Why not?" Did I do something wrong? Are they mad at me?

"I don't know. Just drop it, okay? They'll tell you when they're ready to."

"But..."

"Drop it, Alix." Chloé's voice is firmer this time, and Alix deflates at the blonde's tone. Chloé notices, and her expression softens. "They'll tell you when they're ready."

Alix just nods, and turns away to pay attention to where she was walking.

She doesn't notice that she had begun to fall behind until Anarka fell into step beside her.

"Is something the matter, Pirate?" Anarka's voice snaps Alix out of her daze, and she looks up at her.

"I'm fine."

"That's clearly a lie. What's going on? You don't have to elaborate, just don't lie to my face when something is wrong."

"Do you know why Rose and Juleka are hiding something from me, and no one will tell me anything?"

Anarka pauses. "That's..."

"Not your secret to tell, I know." Alix's voice is bitter. "I just wish they'd tell me if I did something to break their trust in me this much."

"Alix, no. They'd trust you with their lives. Sometimes they just don't know how to say something. Or they just don't think it's the right time."

"You're right... I just hate being left out like this."

"I know. Especially considering this day is about you, right?"

"Yea. That sounds selfish, but I was kinda hoping everyone's attention would be on me."

"You're allowed to be selfish for one day, Pirate. I'll talk with them for you, alright?"

Alix is going to protest, say that she doesn't want to burden anyone with her attention-seeking, but Anarka is already walking ahead and speaking to Rose, Juleka, and Chloé, who glance at her.

By the time Anarka has filled them in on Alix's struggles, they had arrived at their first shop. A... Weapon store? What the fuck?

As they walk inside, Chloé puts away her phone, and walks to stand next to Alix, who's looking around with a kinda half-hearted curiosity. She's intrigued, no doubt, but she's having a hard time with enthusiasm.

Rose and Juleka follow a moment later, Rose linking her arm with Alix's.

Juleka stands next to Rose, leading the three girls to a section, the sword area.

Suddenly, Alix knows why they're here. To get her sword that she was promised during Bubbler. She can feel herself brighten just slightly, but she was still finding it hard to be externally excited about anything.

Juleka seems to realize this, because her face falls a little, and she places one hand on Alix's arm. "Just pick out whichever one feels right, okay?"

Alix nods, and begins looking around.

Finding a sword in her size was difficult, but she found one she could comfortably wield, and still looked cool. The handle was red, and the blade was a matte black with a slight shine on the actual sharp part of the blade that caught the light as Alix inspected it.

Once she was sure it was the one she wanted, they took it to the counter with its sheath. Juleka paid for it, with Anarka being the adult supervision to the dangerous purchase.

As they leave the store, Anarka and Luka take the sword. "We'll take this back to The Liberty. You four just continue your day out."

Alix wants to protest. Anarka was the only one paying her any mind for more than two seconds. But, she doesn't want to ask Luka or Anarka to stay if they're busy, and she doesn't want the girls to think she doesn't want to hang out with them.

So, they part ways. Alix, Juleka, Rose, and Chloé head to a couple shops. Mostly clothing, to Alix's dismay. Rose and Juleka kept getting sidetracked with each other, and Chloé kept occasionally getting distracted texting Sabrina, before they'd snap out of it and focus back on Alix, who had been absentmindedly staring at the same rack for ten minutes.

"Are you okay?" Rose's hand on Alix's shoulder jolts her out of her spiraling for a second time that afternoon.

"I'm fine." The lie was worse this time. She was swallowing down the lump in her throat like a stubborn medicine, but she was already worried about ruining the day, so she hid it.

Juleka appears on Alix's other side. "Bullshit, Alix. What's wrong?"

Chloé raises an eyebrow at her, wordlessly echoing Juleka.

"I don't want to talk about it."

"You can't shut us out, Alix." Rose protests.

"What, like you're doing to me?" Alix snaps.

Silence falls on the girls, and Alix immediately regrets her words, ready to backtrack harder than she ever has.

Chloé speaks up. "We're not shutting you out, Alix."

"Yea, no, you're right. It's fine. I don't know why I said that." Alix looks back at the ever-so interesting clothing rack.

Rose shakes her head. "No, Alix. I need you to tell me what you mean. You need to communicate."

Alix relents with a sigh. "It's just... You and Juleka have been unusually close recently, and Chloé's been focused on Sabrina, and I-..." She trails off.

"You...?" Juleka prompts gently.

"I'm lonely. But I don't want to bother you with my jealousy. It's really nothing."

Chloé softens. "It's not nothing, Alix. And, I guess I didn't help much earlier, did I?"

Alix shakes her head.

"What do you mean, Chloé?" Rose questions.

"She was asking about you and Juleka earlier, and I... Kinda snapped at her when she wouldn't stop pushing it." Chloé admits. "I didn't want to lie to her, or betray your trust, so I accidentally yelled at her."

Rose sighs quietly. "I get it. We shouldn't have kept it from her to begin with."

Juleka's hand slips into Rose's free hand.

Rose smiles softly at her, before looking at Alix. "Jules and I are dating. We didn't want to rub it in your face when you're clearly going through something, so we didn't tell you, but now we see it was a stupid idea. We're sorry."

Alix can't tell if her heart shatters or swells at the words. She's happy that it wasn't something she did wrong, but Juleka and Rose dating hurts like hell. She never expected them to like her, but the indirect rejection of feelings the girls aren't aware of feels like someone just ripped her heart out, stepped on it, tied it to a car, and let it drag it through Paris.

She put on a fake smile, though, and just endures the pain. "I'm glad it isn't that you don't trust me."

Rose shakes her head. "Of course not! We'd trust you with our lives if Hawkmoth himself threatened us."

Juleka nods in agreement.

---------

The rest of the shopping trip went fine, save for the fake grin Alix had plastered on her face the whole time.

Finally, it was time to go to the cemetery.

The girls stood a little ways away as Alix spoke to her mom.

"Hey, Mom. I... I know we haven't talked since... Since before you died, but, I wanted to talk to you now."

Alix takes a deep breath.

"Jalil keeps trying to find ways to speak to you again, and I don't know how to feel anymore. I don't feel like I can face you after that day."

She closes her eyes tightly as tears begin falling.

"I miss you so much. The Louvre doesn't feel like home. I don't even know if the Liberty will either, after today. Everywhere I go, everything just hurts. Memories of you, wishful thinking that they could love me as more than just their best friend. I wish you were here. You always knew what to say."

Alix wipes her tears, but they keep falling.

"How am I supposed to live with this? This pain is unbearable. I want to scream, and cry, and curl up and never go outside again. But I also want to stay busy, so I can't feel. I don't know what to do. I need you back, Mom. I can't keep feeling like I'm dying when someone so much as says your name."

"Dad says this will bring me closure, but it isn't. Everything still fucking hurts. This is just reminding me that you're gone, forever. I wish I could go back in time to save you. But, even if I could time travel, how could I save you from a sickness, when the doctors couldn't? I'm... I'm not a hero. I'm just a kid with a depressing past, a crush on my best friends, and a pair of magical earrings. At least Rose is actually a good person. I almost killed someone because I was emotional. What kind of hero does that?"

She sniffles, her tears not slowing for even a moment.

"I love you, Mom... I'm sorry I said I hated you... I don't... I don't think I ever could..."

She sits down a couple flowers she had bought from the mall, and walks over to the three girls, who had been patiently waiting for her.

Without a word, she collapses into the nearest girl, and buries her face into her shoulder. Chloé strokes her hair gently, just letting her cry.

-----

It was almost midnight now, and she was starting to calm down, her sobs turning into tired sniffles.

She doesn't register anything from that moment on. Only her pounding headache.

Rose picks her up, and carries her back to The Liberty. Juleka removes her makeup, while Chloé throws together an assortment of random clothes. Rose's shorts, Chloé's shirt, and Juleka's hoodie.

Alix throws those on, but she barely even registers that.

All four girls get comfortable in Juleka's bed, which brings Alix an emotional turmoil she's too tired to deal with.

Exhausted in every way, Alix is out in moments. Rose is pressed to her side, purring softly. Juleka is on her other side, running a hand up and down her back comfortingly. And Chloé is beneath her, letting Alix use her as a pillow as the four start to fall asleep.

Chapter Text

The next few days were a blur to Alix. She spent most of her free time in the Louvre, though she would prefer to be anywhere else.

Monday evening, she was skating through the Louvre, interacting with guests who were looking at artifacts she liked, when her phone began to ring.

She looks at it, seeing the picture she set for Rose's contact, and she answers it.

"Hello?" She greets.

"Hey, Alix!"

"Hey, Rose. What's up?"

"Nothing much. Just bored. You?"

"I'm just skating around the museum."

"That sounds fun!"

"Eh. It'd be more fun outside, but my old man is... Keeping me on a short leash, I guess, since I visited Mom. I think he's worried."

"Oh. Well, do you think he'd let you come to my place for a sleepover?"

"Just you and me? Or are you inviting Juleka and Chloé, too?"

"I was hoping it'd be just you and me. It's been a while since it's been just us."

"I'll ask him. Any particular reason?"

"Mom's on a work trip till Friday, and I don't want to be alone. And, I know we hang out on patrol, but I wanted to do something when we're not heroes."

Alix was going to question why she didn't invite Juleka, since they're dating now, but she was honestly missing her friends. And she might not get to be with one of them individually for a while.

She skates up to her dad, stopping next to him.

"Hey, Dad." She looks up at him, interrupting his conversation with a guest over the Mona Lisa.

"Yes, Alix?" Alim questions, looking at her.

"Can I go to Rose's for a sleepover?"

"I... I don't know, Alix."

"C'mon, Dad! It's just Rose, you know her! You can't just pull me away from everyone, just because I visited Mom's grave!"

Alim sighed. "I'm just worried about you. You're pulling away like you did when she died. I let you go to Juleka's, and you didn't come back for 2 months."

"I know, but still! Rose doesn't want to be home alone, her mom's out of town."

"Then she can invite Juleka or Chloé. I don't trust that you're going to come home this time."

"Dad!" Alix protests. "You can't keep me locked up, this is not fucking Tangled!"

"I said no, Alix!"

"We both know I'll go either way! Might as well let me!"

"You will not! I'm only doing this because you basically ran away last time!"

"I was like 7, and my mom had just died! It's not like you or Jalil ever came to get me! You can't blame this on me, you knew where I was!"

Alim paused at that.

Alix doesn't stop, though. "You just stopped us from talking about it, afterwards! I get you were grieving, too, but you had a responsibility to be a father! Jalil and I were kids!"

Alim interrupts. "I know that, but do you know how difficult you and your brother were to console? I'm sorry for not doing it properly, but I was doing what I could as a single father and a business owner!"

Alix rolls her eyes. "You weren't doing shit, Dad! You shut down, and you're mad at me for the way I behaved after that?! The Liberty was the only home I had! Anarka Couffaine helped me grieve! You were just there!"

Alim flinched at Alix's words, but Alix didn't regret a single word.

"So, do I have permission to go to Rose's or not? Because either way, I'm going. I just need to know if I should expect you to be mad when I get back tomorrow."

"... You can go..." Alim relents.

"Okay." She held her phone back to her ear. "I'll be over in 15."

Rose hums. "Okay. Wanna make some food when you get here?"

"Yea. You can decide what we'll eat, and we can cook when I get there."

"Sounds good. Pillow fort while we eat?"

"Hell yea. I'll bring some extra blankets."

"Sounds perfect. See you in a few."

With that, Alix hung up and skated to her room. She packed some blankets, pillows, snacks for her and Rose, snacks for Tikki, and some clothes.

She shut her bedroom door as she left, before skating through the Louvre and to the exit. She skates out, and heads to Rose's.

When she makes it to Rose's, she doesn't knock. She just walks inside, taking off her skates.

She walks to Rose's room, entering and sitting her stuff down, smiling at Rose.

The blonde is laying in bed in a black oversized hoodie (probably Juleka's) and a pair of shorts.

"Hey, Rosie." She greets softly.

"Hey, 'Lix. You doing okay?"

Alix shrugs. "I don't even know anymore, to be honest. I'm existing, I guess."

"Sometimes, that's the best we can do." Rose sits up. "C'mere."

Alix walks to the bed, sitting on it, next to Rose.

Rose wraps her arms around Alix, pulling her into her lap with a soft smile.

They sit there in silence for a couple minutes, before Rose speaks up again.

“I'm sorry, Alix.”

Alix looks up at her. “For what?”

“For not telling you about Juleka and I. And for asking her out to begin with. I know you like her.”

Alix shakes her head. “No, Rose. You don't have to apologize. For anything.”

“But I hurt you. I saw the look on your face when we told you.”

“You're right, I do like Juleka. But I never actually expected anything to happen between us. Or between Chloé and I. If anything, I was more hurt that you hid it from me.”

“And I'm sorry for that.”

“No, Rose. I'm sorry. I don't want you to feel bad for being happy. You deserve this. So does Juleka.” Surprisingly, Alix isn't lying. She's genuinely happy for her friends, even if it hurts.

Rose buries her face into Alix's neck, tears forming in her eyes. “You're a great friend, Alix.”

Alix gently runs her fingers through Rose's short hair. “So are you, Rose. You know I love you, right? Even if it hurt me that you didn't tell me. You mean the world to me. So do Chloé and Juleka.” More than you know.

“I love you, too, ‘Lix. You will always be my best friend.”

Alix smiles. She was feeling the best she had been since Saturday. Rose just had that effect on her.

The two sit there for a few more minutes, before Alix looks at Rose. “You ready to go cook?”

Rose nods with a soft smile, and Alix stands up, grabbing Rose's hands and pulling her up.

The two walk to Rose's kitchen.

After a moment of discussion, they decide on breakfast for dinner. Waffles, bacon, eggs, fruit, and orange juice.

Alix gets out the eggs and bacon, while Rose gathers the ingredients for the waffles.

As Rose begins mixing the waffle batter, Alix turns on the waffle iron to let it heat up.

Afterwards, she puts a few pieces of bacon in a pan on the stove, letting that begin to cook while she cracks a few eggs into a bowl, adding salt, black pepper, and a little milk, before whisking the eggs.

Rose puts some batter in the waffle iron, humming softly as she does.

“Y'know, we probably shouldn't have made this much. It's just us.” Rose chuckles.

“Yea, it's us. Two teenage girls who run around Paris fighting villains. We need all of this. Don't think I forgot about your comment after Kim and I's race.”

Rose nods. “Yea, you're right.”

Alix pulls the bacon out of the pan, putting it on her and Rose's individual plates, before she starts to pour the eggs into the pan.

She grabs a spatula, letting the eggs cook slowly. Once they're almost done, Alix adds some cheese, letting that melt in them as Rose removes the last waffle from the iron.

Alix lets Rose make her plate as she pours them some orange juice, before she makes her plate and they carry the food to Rose's room.

They sit on Rose's bed, turning on a movie as they eat.

“What do you wanna watch?” Alix questions, looking at Rose.

Rose hands the remote to Alix. “You pick. I picked dinner.”

Alix nods, and turns on Kpop Demon Hunters.

“And, why am I not surprised?”

Alix grins. “You'll eventually learn not to let me pick.”

Rose chuckles and shakes her head. “Dork.”

The two eat their dinner, Alix singing along to the songs between bites. Once they're done, and the movie ends, they walk to the kitchen, cleaning up their mess.

“Pillow fort?” Rose grins.

“Pillow fort.” Alix agrees.

They return to Rose's room, pulling out a bunch of pillows, blankets, and an ungodly amount of stuffed animals. It's certainly not a professional pillow fort, but it's fairly stable, and a decent size.

Rose and Alix climb under it, covering up with the one blanket they had left over as they talked.

“Y'know, Chloé and Juleka have been worried about you. You didn't talk to us yesterday, or this morning, and they got anxious that you were upset with them.”

“No, I'm not upset. Like I said, my old man has been extremely paranoid since I got home yesterday morning. You heard how he was acting.”

“Yea. I heard.”

Alix smiles softly, looking at Rose with a yawn. “Juleka wouldn't mind if we cuddled, would she?”

“Nope. That's one thing we talked about. Neither of us are willing to give up cuddles with you and Chloé.”

“Good.” Alix rolls over, facing away from Rose and grabbing the blonde's arms to wrap around her.

“You wanna be the little spoon tonight?” Rose teases, but doesn't protest as she buries her face into Alix's hair, a quiet purr rumbling in her throat.

“Yep.” Alix yawns, the purr putting her to sleep.

---------

When they wake up, they get ready for school. They walk together, and meet up with Juleka and Chloé outside the entrance. They walk inside, standing at Juleka and Rose's desk to chat for a bit, before Mrs. Bustier walks in.

Alix walks to her desk, looking at the front of the class as Mrs. Bustier begins asking about a book she had assigned them to read.

When school ends, the girls meet up outside.

“So, what are you guys planning for today?” Rose asks.

“I'm spending the day with my Ma.” Juleka gestures to where Anarka was waiting. Alix waves at her with a small smile.

“I'm going back to the hotel. We have some important guests arriving.” Chloé answers. “What about you two?”

“I don't know what I'm going to do. Mom's out of town.” Rose shrugs.

“And I really don't want to go back to the Louvre right now.” Alix adds.

Juleka and Chloé exchange a curious glance. “Why not?” Chloé tilts her head.

“Dad is being overprotective, and we got into an argument yesterday.”

Rose nods, before her face brightens. “Hey, why don't we go to the zoo? I hear they have a couple new animals. Including a panther!”

Alix smiles. “Sounds fun! Let's go!”

The four girls go their separate ways, with Alix and Rose heading to the zoo.

They walk through, looking at the animals, with Rose grinning and giving cute facts about each one. About 30 minutes later, they run into Marinette, Alya, Nino, and Adrien. Marinette looked distressed, Alya and Nino looked sad, and Adrien looked guilty.

The two exchanged a glance, before walking up to them.

“I'm sorry, Marinette.” They hear Adrien say.

“No, no, it's okay. You can't help it.” Marinette shook her head, but she was clearly upset.

“Hey, why don't we go to your place, girl? We can order some food and watch a movie?” Alya places a hand on Marinette's shoulder, but Marinette shook her head.

“I-… I think I need a few minutes alone. Sorry.”

Alix clears her throat. “Hey, what's going on?”

The four turn to look at Alix and Rose. “It's personal.” Nino shakes his head, but Marinette stops him.

“Hey, Alix. It's just… I finally confessed to Adrien, but…”

“I don't like Mari like that. She's a great friend, but she's not my type.” Adrien finishes.

Alix nods. “I know, Agreste.” Alix smiles at him, before looking at Marinette. “I know it hurts, ‘Nette, but you can't shut people out. Believe me, I know.”

Marinette looks confused for a second, before seeming to remember something, and nodding. “Oh, right. I forgot about that. How are you doing?”

“I'm better than I was a few days ago. It hurt, but they're still my best friends. Just like Adrien is to you.”

Marinette seems to brighten a little at that. “You're right. And at the end of the day, that's what matters.”

“Damn right.” Alix nods. “It won't be easy to move on, but now you can start trying, right?”

Marinette nods, humming in agreement.

Alya looks between them in shock, before composing herself. “Damn, girl, you need to be a therapist.”

Alix shakes her head, chuckling. “I don't think someone who needs therapy should be a therapist.”

“Oh, so you admit it?” Rose teases.

“I never denied it.”

Alya raises an eyebrow. “Yes, you did. After the race. You said, and I quote, ‘It is what it is’.”

“I don't think I did that.”

“No. You and Rose tried to gaslight Mari and I once already. Never again.”

Alix and Rose grin at each other. “Did we do that?” Alix tilts her head.

“I don't think so. I think Alya's starting to imagine things.” Rose shrugs innocently.

A few seconds of silence pass, before Marinette starts giggling, which eventually turns into full-on laughter. Once she calms down, she wipes her eye. “Thanks, Alix, Rose. I needed that.”

Alix smiles at her. “No problem, ‘Nette. Glad I could help.”

They talk for a few more minutes, before parting ways.

Then, the chaos begins. Animals breaking out of cages, people running and screaming.

Alix and Rose run to hide in the bathrooms, before transforming and running out.

“Kitty, you start getting these people to safety! I'll find whoever's starting this mess!”

Kitty Noire nods, and they spilt up. Scarlet Scarab locates the Akuma quickly, and it takes no time to realize that Kim was the one who caused it. Goddammit, Kim.

She sees the Akuma, a man who can apparently shapeshift, and almost instantly, she has an idea. She jumps down, standing on front of Kim. “Why's he mad at you?”

“I challenged his panther to a race!” Kim responds, and Scarab pauses. She drops her defensive stance, and turns to look at him.

“You what?! You challenged his panther, and he got akumatized because of it?!” She looks between them. “I don't know who's more stupid here!”

Kitty appears beside her. “What's going on, Scarab?” She tilts her head. Scarab looks at her with a deadpan expression.

“This might actually be the dumbest Akuma we have ever faced!”

Kitty just looks more confused at that, as Scarab continues. “Mr. Jock here challenged a panther to a race! And the zookeeper got akumatized over it!”

Kitty's confused look drops to one of pure exasperation. “I know we shouldn't judge Akumas, but I'm judging both of these idiots.”

“We have to. If we don't, I'm just gonna jump into the Seine and scream.”

Kitty nods in agreement.

The two get into a fighting position, before Kim gets ready to run. Scarab looks at him, nodding, before charging forward to tackle Animan.

Kitty joins in, hitting a nearby animal with her baton.

One of the big cats, a jaguar, raises a giant paw, clawing at Kitty's back, just barely catching her skin with one claw. It's only a small scratch, but Scarab pauses and runs towards her.

She spins her yoyo, hitting any animal that came too close, as she yells. “Stay away from her! No one gets to hurt her!”

Animan lunges at her, his teeth sinking into her arm. She screams in pain, and manages to hit him off. She looks down. Blood drips from her arm, her sleeve torn and a bite mark deep in her flesh. She almost gagged as she looked closer. Her bone, while not exposed, was able to be seen in the teeth marks.

Her head spins as she stumbles backwards, her breathing speeding up as she finally realizes the severity of being a hero. Akumas can injure. They can kill. If she can't get a Lucky Charm to call her Miraculous Cure, she could die from her injuries. Her pupils shrink as she stares at her arm.

Kitty looks at her, seeing the injury. At first, she feels fear. Then? Pure, unfiltered rage. She wants to kill whoever hurt her bug. Wants to sink her claws into them and tear at their throat. Wants to rip them apart, bit by bit, until the only thing they can think of is fearing her. Wants to be the last thing this Akuma sees.

She lets out a low growl that slowly escalates into a feral snarl. She lunges forward with a yowl, her pupils thin and her teeth bared. She discards her baton, as she tackles Animan to the ground. Her claws dig into his flesh as her tail lashes, her ears pinned back. He hurt Scarab. He hurt Alix.

He will die.

Kitty didn't even feel human anymore, as she clawed, and bit, and snarled at Animan. She can hear Plagg in her mind, yelling at her to stop. She can hear people around gasping and yelling out for Scarab to stop her. She can hear everything. But only one person could stop her.

She let out a yowl of protest as arms wrapped around her waist, but she could smell the familiar scent of Alix's shampoo, and she relaxed. Her claws retracted as she gazed down at Animan, bleeding, missing chunks of fur, and looking terrified. But Kitty felt no remorse. Scarab was her bug. And no one hurts what's hers.

She watched as Scarab destroyed the akumatized object, and threw her Lucky Charm. She panted as she stood there. Not tired. Just furious. And that fury remained until she could see Alya's father in front of her, and she softened. She looked around, seeing varying looks of fear and, to her surprise, respect, from a few people. She helped Mr. Cesaire up, before grabbing Scarab's hand and dragging her away.

They arrive at Rose's house, and enter through the window, detransforming.

She hands Plagg his cheese, while Alix feeds Tikki. Once they had finished eating, all three of them look at Rose.

“What was that, Rose?!” Tikki demanded, concerned.

“I'm with Sugarcube, here, Kitten! What was that?!” Plagg crosses his arms.

“I… Don't know. He… He hurt Alix, and I saw red.” Rose looks at the ground. Plagg sighs, and flies over to her, hugging her cheek.

“Yea, my holders can do that. Never as bad as you, though. You've been holding out on us.” Plagg smiles softly, before backing up seconds before Alix crashes into Rose in a hug.

“You're not… Mad?” Rose tilts her head.

“Are you kidding me? Do you even remember Stormy Weather?”

Rose chuckles, wrapping her arms around Alix.

“Can I see your arm?”

Alix nods, rolling up her sleeve and holding up her arm. The Miraculous Cure had healed it, but it had left a scar.

Rose's eyes soften, and she reaches to run a finger along the scar. “Does it hurt?”

“A little. It's not horrible, though.”

Rose leans in, pressing a soft kiss to it. “Better?”

Alix chuckles. “Definitely. Thank you, Rose.”

The two girls stand there for a little while, just holding each other as they process the day.

“I… I didn't realize how dangerous this job actually is, until today.” Alix speaks.

“You're right. We… We can die. We can get seriously injured. I knew this before, but now it seems so much more real.” Rose sighs quietly.

“Which is why we can't keep being so reckless. From now on, no fighting alone. And no almost killing Akumas out of rage.” Alix decides.

“Deal.” Rose agrees. The pink-haired girl drags Rose to lay down in the pillow fort they had yet to tear down. They lay together, Rose's fingers gently tracing Alix's arm in concern.

“You know Juleka and Chloé are going to be pissed at us, right?” Rose chuckles.

“We'll deal with them when they come to confront us.”

Like the universe itself was challenging them, they hear a knock on the front door, and before they could even consider standing up, Juleka and Chloé stomp into the room.

“Alix Kubdel, Rose Lavillant!”

“Alix Kubdel, Rose Lavillant!”

They speak in unison, and Alix and Rose exchange a glance, a single thought echoing in their minds.

Fuck.

Fuck.