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Halfway through the blissful summer break, Marinette found herself immersed in the familiar embrace of her family bakery, shouldering the responsibility of running the shop solo. With the recent defeat of Hawkmoth and the subsequent decline in heroic activities, her once-hectic schedule had finally eased, leaving her with ample time to devote to familial duties.
Despite the additional workload, Marinette welcomed the opportunity with open arms. Her affection for her parents ran deep, and she found solace in the rhythmic tasks of baking and serving customers. What was once begrudging assistance had transformed into genuine appreciation, as Marinette came to recognize the unwavering support and love her parents provided.
Comparisons to her friends' parental figures only solidified Marinette's gratitude. When juxtaposed with the strictness of Kagami's upbringing, the distant nature of Adrien's father, or the unconventional dynamics of Juleka and Zoe's households, Marinette couldn't help but feel fortunate to have such caring and understanding parents by her side.
Marinette found herself basking in the tranquil glow of newfound serenity. No longer shackled by the weight of her erstwhile afflictions, her spirit soared unencumbered, unfettered by the chains of Last year. The pervasive gloom that once shrouded her existence had been vanquished, scattered like dust in the wind, leaving behind the radiant vestiges of Relief.
Mainly due to Chloe and Lila, Being driven away from her life. Chloe, Her tormenter, had been tossed away by her father and consigned hopefully to the confines of a disciplinary institution tailored to accommodate her penchant for mischief. Marinette couldn't help but smirk at the notion of Chloe's comeuppance, relishing in the poetic justice she had been waiting to see for years.
With her erstwhile tormentors relegated to the annals of memory, Marinette found herself ensconced in a sanctuary of tranquility, a bastion of respite amidst life's tempestuous seas. As she hummed the melodious strains of her cherished Kitty Section anthem, she assumed her place beside the oven. Peeking at a batch of decadent, freshly baked cookies. The tantalizing aroma wafted through the air, enveloping her senses in a symphony of chocolate-infused bliss, Marrinete let out an approving nod of contentment.
A familiar sound pierced the stillness, The olfactory irritating symphony echoed through the bakery, prompting a reverent inclination of Marinette's head as she imbibed the ambrosial essence of freshly baked chocolate chip delights., "Coming!".Marinette's lips curled into a serene smile as she responded with a mellifluous call, Beckoning her to aid the customer. With practiced grace, she set aside her delectable dessert.
Walking to the storefront, Marinette's steps were tranquil, poised to greet the impending visitor with the same warmth that infused her confectionery creations. Marinette had met a plethora of odd customers during her life, she’s met a celebrity she’s met villains and she often seen the love of her life enter it was a constant gamble but Marinette had not expected something so treacherous Before Marinette stood a vision of her nightmare,
Her Slender features are punctuated by the piercing allure of captivating cobalt blue orbs, adorned with a pair of pale pink lips. Her locks are reminiscent of spun gold.
Marinette knows that face has seen her dreams and nightmares alike, Chloé Bourgeois Stood in her bakery a sanctuary thst shielded Marinette from the rest of the world was now breech. At least Marinette believed that to be close yet doubt lingered within Marinefes mind as she observed the Blonde before her, believing her eyes to be perceiving things wrong as the Chloe she knew Proudly Boasted while exuding an aura of rigidity and opulence.
Yet, Marinette searched through chloe staring at her face. The flawless facade of Bright makeup-caked face was now marred by the aftermath of a makeup debacle, the remnants of which adorned her countenance like battle scars.
Her gaze, once sharp as a dagger, now seemed Softer. Though the sharpness had softened, the intensity remained, tempered by a vulnerability. She still had A familiar upturned nose but it dind’t look as if she was looking down at everyone it appeared as if she was looking up.
The locks of her hair, typically gathered into a ponytail of ostentatious height, mirroring the lofty perch of her ego. Were cut short with frayed edges As if a sign of tumultuous rebellion, their ends curled in defiance of their customary composure.
She wore a sunny yellow Croptop hoodie, paired with sleek black yoga pants adorned with slender stripes cascading down her legs,
Marinette's Stuttering voices, tinged with a mixture of disbelief and apprehension, broke the silence that enveloped them. "C-C-Chloe, what are you doing here?" she inquired, her words laden with a wariness born of past grievances. Though duty dictated that she treat Chloe as any other customer, a nagging suspicion lingered in her mind, whispering of defiance. Marinette could not shake the lingering specter of Chloe's relentless pursuit to undermine and disrupt her life at every turn.
Marinette refused to let that happen…Again.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Chloe retorted, her tone laced with sarcasm instead of the expected venom but even that seemed to water down. She turned her back to Marinette. The tension in the room spiked as Marinette, her hands clenched and ready to confront, prepared herself to deal with Chloe's antics. However, before she could act, Chloe gestured dismissively toward the bakery display.
"I want that one," she declared, her Macinured finger now holding a teddy bear instead of her usual blue pointing at a rather modest selection. The cake was a simple, single-layered strawberry confection with zesty lemon frosting. Emblazoned across the top in the cheerful script were the words "Happy Birthday," bordered by a generous swirl of whipped cream, each dollop crowned with a glossy cherry.
Marinette was taken aback, her features knitting in confusion. The cake Chloe had chosen was starkly unpretentious and remarkably affordable at only 65€. Knowing Chloe's usual flair for the extravagant, Marinette couldn't help but be puzzled over her choice. It was entirely out of character for Chloe to opt for something so plain and inexpensive.
Marinette racked her brain trying to think of whose birthday might be approaching. Chloe's birthday was months away, and as far as Marinette knew, there wasn’t anyone in their circle with an upcoming celebration.
"Could it be for Lila?" she pondered silently, quickly dismissing the thought. Their friendship, as fickle as it was, seemed to have cooled.
"That's a birthday cake," Marinette stated raising an eyebrow, thinking perhaps Chloe had made a mistake or was simply toying with her—an idea she found wasn't impossible, and would only confirm her suspicions of Chloe's purposes.
Chloe huffed, irritation flickering across her features. "I know! it isn't for me, dumbass," she snapped, her hand flying to her mouth as if surprised by her own harsh words.
Marinette bent down to put on a glove, her movements deliberate as she prepared to box the cake. "Then who is it for?" she asked, her curiosity piqued, wondering for whom Chloe could be showing such uncharacteristic generosity.
"Well if you must know” Chloe drawled out and then huffed crossing her arms she closed her eyes before fracking one upon another to take a peek at Marinette “ It's for Zoe," Chloe revealed, her voice a mix of reluctance and resolve. Marinette froze mid-motion, her eyes ballooning in shock as she spun towards Chloe. "Her birthday is today?!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with panic. She hadn't known Zoe's birthday was imminent.
Truth be told, Zoe had never mentioned her birthday; she was always so reserved about her personal life. Marinette felt a twinge of surprise that Chloe was even aware of it. Still, it wasn't too late; she could scramble to find a present if she moved quickly. "No, you idiot, it's in three days," Chloe retorted with an eye roll, her impatience clear as Marinette exhaled a sigh of relief.
Marinette's momentary calm soon gave way to irritation as she eyed the simple cake. "Why such a small cake?" she demanded, her tone sharp, prodding Chloe for a justification.
Chloe's posture tensed, her gaze flickering away evasively. "I-I-I’m on a budget," she stuttered, defensively crossing her arms and shutting her eyes tightly. Marinette hadn't seen that coming, but it made sense upon reflection.
Marinette pursed her lips, her gaze lingering on the modest cake. She shook her head, firm in her judgment. "I think it should be larger," she stated firmly, challenging Chloe, whose eyes narrowed in response, a sharp edge creeping into her look.
"Didn't you hear me, Dupain-Cheng? I'm on a budget," Chloe hissed, her tone carrying a trace of frustration as she enunciated every word. Marinette noted a change in Chloe’s voice; it was no longer as grating or high-pitched as usual. Though still somewhat irksome, it sounded quieter and less whiny.
"It's for free," Marinette responded, offering Chloe a small, reassuring smile. Chloe's eyes widened in surprise. The old Chloe would have scoffed at the notion of accepting something free, likely deeming it beneath her while dismissively casting it aside.
Instead, Chloe simply stood there, looking uncharacteristically awkward and at a loss for words. Meanwhile, Marinette pulled out a different sketchbook, this one dedicated to designs for pastries. She began sketching aloud her thoughts for a new cake design. "I’m thinking a chocolate vanilla cake with..." her voice trailed off as she focused on drawing the blueprint.
"Nks," Chloe muttered, briefly interrupting Marinette's creative process.
Marinette paused her sketching, looking up. "What was that?" she asked, only half paying attention as she resumed her meticulous drawing.
"I said thank you," Chloe clarified, more audibly this time. Marinette stopped, her pencil poised in mid-air as she stared at Chloe, taken aback by the gratitude—an expression she never imagined she'd hear from her.
Marinette hummed, a smile forming on her face. "It’s no problem. Zoe deserves the best," she said, though it stung to acknowledge an agreement with Chloe, It was a sentiment she felt confident Chloe could agree with. Chloe nodded, stepping closer to inspect Marinette's design, which was ornately decorated with flowers and thematic elements suited to Zoe's style. Despite the beauty of the design, Chloe's demeanor shifted abruptly.
"Seriously, you expect me to take that?" Chloe exclaimed, her voice rising in disbelief. Marinette's eyebrow twitched, irritation flickering across her face as she braced for another classic Chloe outburst.
Marinette couldn't help but feel incredulous as Chloe, who had initially chosen a plain and inexpensive cake for her sister, now critiqued her more elaborate design. Despite her annoyance, Marinette had to admit there was some truth in Chloe's criticism; the cake did lack a certain element.
"Well, there’s nothing else I can add," Marinette conceded, her voice tinged with reluctance as she acknowledged the design’s incompleteness. "I guess it is missing something," she added begrudgingly, the words tasting bitter as she made a mental note to never concede a point to Chloe again.
"Add that bee hero," Chloe commanded, her finger swirling through the air as if trying to pluck her ideas from it. Marinette sighed heavily, bracing herself for another of Chloe’s self-centered suggestions, expecting her to propose Queen Bee, her superhero alter ego.
"I don’t think Queen Bee is appropriate for a—" Marinette began, ready to dismiss the idea, but Chloe cut her off.
"No, not me that other lesser one with horrid taste in fashion,” Chloe says waving Marinette off before Marinette could voice her opinion Chloe groans “Ugh what's her name?—Vesperia, " Chloe interjected, clarifying her suggestion. Marinette's expression shifted from frustration to surprise.
"Oh," Marinette muttered, her features softening as she returned to her sketchbook. "And add honeycombs," Chloe added with a demanding tone. Marinette nodded, her pencil dancing across the paper, integrating the new elements into the design. Surprisingly, with Chloe’s input, the cake illustration transformed, gaining vibrancy and character. The final design was unexpectedly stunning—Marinette hadn't anticipated such a successful collaboration, especially with Chloe contributing.
"Hmpf that’s more like it I Can't believe you tried to give such a hideous design to my sister! Chloe exclaimed Snarkly but for once it was held with pure intention. Chloe leans over the counter and thumps her fist down, causing Marinette to flinch and reflexively pull the notebook away. After a moment to compose herself, Marinette set the notebook down and met Chloe’s gaze squarely.
"Alright then, is that all?" she asked, her tone shifting back to professional detachment.
Chloe beamed, briefly checking her nails. "Yep," she replied, her demeanor lightening. Marinette smiled politely, anticipating Chloe’s departure. However, Chloe lingered awkwardly, her previously buoyant attitude fading.
She groans again stopping her foot and shifting "Actually, no," she admitted, her voice dropping to a quieter tone, her shoulders sagging slightly as she seemed to reconsider her next words.
"Look, Marinette, I know I’ve been an asshole and I know You probably hate me for being better than you” Chloe start Marinette's expression was sour at Chloe's words “I've done a lot of messed up shit like that time I became mayor, I was acting ridiculous-” Chloe start but pause biting her lips and chewing on the stratum corneum. Chloe's expression became one of disgust As if she hated the words, she searched for something better.
“ the point is “ Chloe stated, instead of staring face to face with Marinette for once she wasn’t looking down at her once chloe and Marinette eyes’s met without a trace of hatred lingering in the air.
“I’m sorry," Chloe said, her voice cracking slightly as she held Marinette's gaze with an almost unsettling intensity. Marinette was left momentarily speechless, her mind scrambling to process the apology and her heart weighing whether to accept it. Chloe’s history of causing pain made it difficult for Marinette to simply let go.
"And I know you probably hate my guts, “ Chloe stated as she sighed tucking an uneven strand behind her hair “But I was wondering if you could come to Zoe’s party," Chloe continued, her voice softer this time, revealing a vulnerability rarely seen in her. Marinette felt a warmth spreading through her chest as she realized the earnest effort Chloe was making.
"She never really had any friend before you lost- eh you guys, and I don’t want to ruin it just because I’m there. We don't have to talk or anything," Chloe added, the corners of her eyes glistening with the beginnings of tears as she struggled to maintain her composure.
"I’ll go," Marinette responded gently, her voice calm and her smile tender, recognizing the sincerity in Chloe’s plea. "I don’t think I’ll ever forgive you fully, but I’ll go," she affirmed, softening further. Chloe exhaled a shaky breath of relief, quickly wiping a tear away, smudging her makeup on her shirt—unconcerned with her appearance for perhaps the first time.
The old Chloe would have cared, but that’s not who she was anymore.
"It starts at 4:00 this Friday," Chloe said, still visibly shaken as she moved towards the door. Marinette’s smile grew, driven by a mix of curiosity and amusement. "You know Zoe has more friends than just me, right?" she pointed out.
Chloe paused, her hand on the glass door, her gym shoes scraping softly against the floor. "Yeah, I know that. And I’ve decided I don’t give a damn if I have to do some embarrassing, Dumbass crap if it means seeing her happy," Chloe declared with a resolve that was both fierce and touching. Marinette watched, somewhat amazed by the transformation before her.
She didn’t need to know exactly when or how Chloe had changed. While she wasn’t there for it, Zoe was—and Zoe was someone Chloe genuinely cared about. That was all Marinette needed to understand.
"Have a good day, Chloe," she said, waving slightly. Chloe huffed a short, "Yeah, you too," preparing to leave before pausing again.
"Oh, and Marinette?" Chloe turned, her expression earnest, her eyes slightly red but sincere. "I mean it. I’m sorry... for everything," she said, her voice laden with heartfelt regret before she turned and walked out.
Marinette stood there, a complex swirl of pride, happiness, and relief washing over her. Shaking her head in mild disbelief, she turned back to her sketchbook, glanced at the cake design, and chuckled softly to herself, "Where am I going to get honeycombs?" her thoughts now on the practical challenges ahead.