#Pre-strikeback

[solaneandbawb]

Reluctant Reflections

Day 10 - Babysitting

Journal Entry - February 10, 2023

I was kidnapped today.

Marinette was in the park babysitting a horrendous child with no filter, no manners, and no self control. How I was wrangled into buying the young girl ice cream is still a mystery. The girl assumed I was Marinette’s boyfriend. I quickly dismissed the notion; however, the conversation has left me thinking about the future.

Contrary to what many people believe, I want to have children. Just because I dislike children – disruptive, distracting, and disrespectful children in particular – does not mean that I will dislike my own.

I want to be a dad. I want to watch my children grow up, and give them all the things I never was able to have.

I want to be a better father than Gabriel Agreste.

I feel bad for my cousin.

Adrien deserves a better father.

[ao3feed-ladynoir]

Four Conversations

Four Conversations by The Rabbit42

Immediately following the events of Strikeback, with Ladybug shattered by losing the Miraculouses to Hawk Moth and Chat Noir remaining by her side, the two heroes continue their talk at the Trocadéro. The first in a long night of intense conversations.

Words: 7000, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: Miraculous Ladybug

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: F/M

Characters: Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir, Tikki, Plagg

Relationships: Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir/Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug

Additional Tags: Miraculous Ladybug Love Square, Post-Season/Series 04, Pre-Season/Series 05, Episode: s04 Réplique | Strike Back (Shadow Moth's Final Attack Part 2), Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Identity Issues, Identity Reveal, Communication, Exhaustion, Apologies, Partnership, Protective Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir, Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug Needs a Hug, Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug Gets a Hug

Read Here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/48655525

[flightfoot]

I like your approach to the Chat Noir/Ladybug conflict problem.

I had Adrien confront Ladybug a lot in my own fic (which I won’t recommend because the main topic is squicky) and I realized I was doing that because I also lowkey wanted a confrontation after how she kept him out of the loop in season 4. This semi-happens in Strikeback which I loved. Especially when Chat says “maybe that’s because you never tell me anything”.

In my fic, I always had Marinette realize her missteps and try to make changes because, maybe I’m wrong here, but I feel like she would? If she made her partner angry at her and he actually communicated that, ever the fixer, she would make changes. I think communication is the primary issue, even in Kuro Neko where Plagg blames it on his being in love with her. The issue of keeping her og partner in the dark is never addressed for her to actually confront it until Strike Back and she’s too spread thin trying to keep everything together all season to ponder it herself. And Adrien not confronting these issues head on is also a problem and is actually sadly in character for him. He either pretends like things are okay to her face or runs away due to his trauma coping mechanisms.

I’ve also seen a few fics where she clearly doesn’t want to respect him even after he voices issues, sees him as a literal pet cat and basically says “shut up and agree with me” which I think is wholly ooc. And fics where he decides he is through with her just based on her canon slights and becomes callous and cruel which is ooc for him- especially if he hasn’t even attempted to have an honest talk with her about it. They are more understanding than people give them credit for. I think people say to themselves “well I would be pissed forever in this situation” and they project it onto the characters. And it just ends up making them look unlike themselves.

If the season 4 issues ever come up again though, Adrien totally deserves to snap at least once. It’s only fair. Pre-season 4, I was always one of those people that felt Ladybug deserved to be a little more angry with Chat Noir after Glaciator and Frozer. She was very accommodating with him and sweet with him in reaction to his attitude in both those episodes- neither of them ever even bringing it up again once he came back in Frozer. So when she snapped in Glaciator 2, unlike a lot of fans, I wasn’t super mad at her after 2 seasons of being really nice about it (the garbage can throwing was a lot though). So equally, if Ladybug starts keeping CN in the dark again similar to Season 4, I think a tongue lashing might be in order.

Thanks! Yeah, Marinette would definitely to make changes if she realized her missteps (though it'd probably take something actually going wrong for her to admit to those mistakes). I would've preferred a more in-depth confrontation between Ladybug and Chat Noir about how she purposely concealed things from him and kept him out of the loop during season 4, a short conversation during a supervillain fight really didn't cut it.

And yeah, those kinds of fics you're outlining are pretty OOC, I usually nope out of them. Marinette wouldn't be THAT dismissive of him, that much of an asshole. She can be careless, but she's not cruel, and she never wants to hurt Chat - she just doesn't always realizing how much he IS hurting.

And Adrien deciding that he's done with her, becoming callous or cruel towards her... yeah, I nope out of those to. That's not Adrien. I want to read about Adrien, not Felix. You're right, both Marinette and Adrien are far more understanding than that. Adrien a little too much so sadly, it means people walk over him too easily. Comes from having a parent like Gabriel, who he has to be careful to appease.

Agreed, if the season 4 issues of Ladybug keeping important information from him comes up again, he should get to snap a little. Not be cruel towards her, but get to be upset at least. It's a pretty major issue, and I hope she's gotten past it, for the most part. At the very least, if she DOES keep him out of the loop of something important, I hope she realizes how much that'll hurt him, and weighs that against whatever other factors are at play.

[iwasbored777]

Marinette sugar prompt: Just highlight some traits of Mari’s. Her bravery through different situations, her morals... Use that in a scenario or something? (I suck at prompts, I’m so sorry XD)

Here:

You told me you'd like me to highlight her traits and morals and I thought generosity and thoughtfulness would be the best for that. ❤️

[jun-kys]

i introduce you all to my magical girl au

magical boy radius.

backdraft- futa kajiyama from milgram

strikeback- ethan nakamura from pjo

7boshi- nanase tenma from clock over orquestra

monops- akihiro mebuki from one eyed ripper

the premise is futa kajiyama becomes a magical boy and is forced into a the 3rd magical division of L-city.

here is just my silly braindumps

BACKDRAFT

Knight motif

He has ONE guilty goat horn on the left side btw.

He has a muffler that he sometimes uses to cover his face with (like the black mask he wears in Milgram)

scouted bc he has a strong will to serve (justice) ayo boys serving

scouted a week before the events of MBR, which greatly surprises everyone because he's managed to stop a lot of crimes from happening in the span of one week among magicas.

even though he complains about them a lot, he’s very thankful for the L-CIty 3rd Division, and to have a group he belongs to. 

he says he became a magical boy for ‘the sake of justice’ but hes actually just lonely.

Oldest in the L-City 3rd Division.

The 2nd least mentally mature.

The (somehow) 2nd most emotionally mature (you have nanase tenma and akihiro mebuki in your group lah cb)

Cooks the most in his division.

“What's upstairs? Stairs don’t talk.”

The only one that can help Akihiro with his homework LMAOOOOOO

Canonly dislikes vegetables and likes me. Canonly likes curry rice.

cooks lunches for everyone else

STRIKEBACK

Doesn’t cook often.

Congrats, the most emotionally and mentally mature out of everyone in L-City 3rd Division!!!! And you are still mentally unstable.

Originally pretty cold, but eventually just thought “oh i can get close to these people NICE” and just started teasing them.

Rarely genuinely smiles (not around fuuters though hes always making this barely resemblinga smile thing when teasing fuuta)

“Based? Based on what.”

Can’t read kanji very well. Would die upon helping Akihiro with his kanji. He can do maths p well though.

Knows english 

7BOSHI

Can’t cook for shit, the kitchen will be set on fire.

Uses emoticons in the gc. spams unintentionally

Bought a bathtub for the apartment they share and often spends quite a while in the bath. Fuuta has to drag him out.

Least mentally mature most of them but 2nd most emotionally mature

unintentionally insensitive

“You’re telling me a shrimp fried this rice??? :O”

canonly likes omurice

canonically far more ignorant of anger and sadness than others

completely dependant on others and their decisions

MONOPS

2nd most mentally mature, LEAST EMOTIONALLY MATURE TAKE THAT YOU PRE PUBESCENT BOY HAH.

“Apartment Complex?? But its seriously simple.”

canonly likes coffee

Accidentally opens up and trusts them, even though he initially acts distrustful, and IS distrustful towards everyone else

Eventually realizes that hes broken out of his mindset of “not needing anyone besides big sis” 

initially HATED everyone in L-City 3rd Division bc nanase was loud, insensitive and annoying, and kept bothering him and smothering him with hugs, ethan just pissed him off, and he fuuta bc hes angry and keeps complaining.

actually really smart, comes up with a lot of the strategies which ethan later reviews for him.

CHATGROUP EXTRACT ONE:

7BOSHI: WOOAAAAAAAAAHHHHH I’M EXCITED

MONOPS: shut up

7BOSHI: THIS IS ONLINE, YOU CANT TELL ME TO SHUT UP

~~↑─ = ≡Σ (((つ ◕ل͜◕) つ↑

MONOPS muted 7BOSHI

BACKDRAFT: LMAOOOOOOO

STRIKEBACK:💀

STRIKEBACK unmuted 7BOSHI

7BOSHI: Aki whyyyyyyyy(´༎ຶ ͜ʖ ༎ຶ `)♡

MONOPS: i’ll mute you again

7BOSHI: (๑´•̥̥̥-•̥̥̥`)

‘CANON’ CONVO 1

7BOSHI: Anything's fine with meeee~!

MONOPS:* SLAPS 7BOSHI’s BACK* Even in such a dire situation, you still can’t make a decision?

STRIKEBACK: Well, then what do you suggest, Monops?

MONOPS: … i refuse to make a decision.

BACKDRAFT: Seriously.. so only Strikeback and I can make a decision here, huh?

STRIKEBACK: I’m actually more of a follower than a leader. 

BACKDRAFT: …

BACKDRAFT: Fucks sake, I can’t make decisions either.

(its likely that in the end, MONOPS makes the decisions)

[okamirayne]

Hi luv. I wanted to ask you what some of your favourite ships have been throughout the years? And what was it about them or their dynamic that drew you in?

Hey there, lovely! Oh wow, great question/s...let me rev my mental engine and see what memories come sputtering out...

I'm assuming you mean the slashy-goodness pairings, rather than the het ones?

Assuming that's the case, as far as the dynamics and what draws me in...there's a noticeable trend with the pairings I like, though I'm not sure if it's required exactly, but seems to be how the slashy-cards fall...which is the whole old as dirt 'enemies to friends' (and in my headspace, lovers) trope. Oorah, I do love a good 180 on all that super-charged energy. I also happen to be a diehard sucker for warriors/cops/soldiers -- this, undoubtedly, is the biggest draw for me.

Yeah, warrior trope (in its myriad forms) is my hands-down favourite. It's what I write and what I enjoy watching/reading. Most of the m/m pairings I like have the dynamic of wit/banter, opposites colliding (though not always), strong male energy (effeminate guys not my thing), equal footing (not a big fan of the top/bottom, uke/seme dynamic, though I can roll with it if both characters stand strong in their male energy no matter who's 'on top'). I also appreciate a bigger picture sense of urgency, depth, or story, that draws the characters together rather than a domestic or fluffy kind of setting (absolutely nothing wrong with either of those, just not my cuppa chai if that's all there is to it).

In no particular order of preference...

Scott/Stonebridge (Strikeback): warriors/soldiers...Yank and Brit. SAS and Delta. Hell and Yes. Mercy, I'm a puddle on the floor. Great combo.

Jorian (Almost Human): cop and robo-cop! Fascinating concept of an android with empathy/emotions partnered with an anti-robot detective. All up in there with this ship. Layered, funny, great chemistry. Was so gutted they discontinued the show after only one season *cries*

Destiel (Supernatural) -- Ooooh, now this Titanic vessel comes with a big caveat insofar as my kinda ships go. I'm predisposed towards what I like to call the pre-Castrated version of Cas (you see what I did there? (^_~ ) Yes, I'm a muppet), where he doesn't allow himself to be treated like such a bloody doormat. Take Cas outta the 'lost puppy that constantly shits the self-esteem rug' persona and thrust him back into his more 'you-should-show-me-some-respect’ warrior energy and I'm aaalllll over that. Doesn't mean he has to lose his fun and endearing quirkiness, or even his devoted attitude towards Dean...but the whole I'll-be-your-punching-bag passiveness for an eons old entity (a 'warrior of god', no less) just rubs me wrong. Ridiculous how epic this pairing would've been if it made canon (though I supposed it kind of did...was legit, albeit unrequited...as far as we know and can assume.)

Rickyl (Walking Dead): cop and...er...outlaw? ;) Loved so much about their dynamic and the depth of their bond. The way they read each other. There's something animal in it at times. They've been through some hella bad shit together.

Sterek (Teen Wolf): ha. Jokes. Now this one is certainly somewhat of a curveball for me, but I couldn't help it, given the brilliant way Dylan O'Brien played to this ship. Not my usual go-to for several reasons, but it tickled me and was good fun.

Thanks for the ASK, Anon! <3 Hope these gave you some indication. The last one is a bit tongue in cheek. I'm sure there are other pairings that just aren't springing to mind and I'll probably kick myself later for it. Either way, these bring back fangirl memories ^_^

[solaneandbawb]

Reluctant Reflections

Day 8 - A Sore Throat

Journal Entry - February 8, 2023

Marinette arrived this morning, and I was finally able to give her the plant that has been slowly dying in my care. I believe that I may be allergic to whatever spores the plant gives off, because this morning I was under the weather was a sore throat. I am not accustomed to the seasonal pollens of Paris.

I am even less accustomed to the generosity I have been given. Marinette came back this afternoon with a homemade remedy for my allergies, as well as some sort of tonic to clear the cold that is forming. She handed me another box of pastries. Perhaps my poor health is just as much from overeating sweets.

I couldn't help but 'share' the sweets with Adrien. The look of jealousy was more than satisfying. Especially when he discovered that Marinette has offered to come check on me again tomorrow to ensure that the tonic and remedy are working as they should.

I am not accustomed to having friends. Is this what friendship looks like?

If so, then perhaps I am now inclined to return the favor once more.

[solaneandbawb]

Reluctant Reflections

Day 11 - A Laundry Based Akuma

Journal Entry - February 11, 2023

It is suspicious that my cousin always smells of cheese. The most rank and offensive of cheeses. How can my therapist expect me to socialize with him? It is too much for me, and I’m surprised that no one else has noticed it until now. Perhaps they are all too enamored with his father’s position. Someone finally had enough of it – and it wasn’t me.

The Agreste Housekeeper was the most recent victim of Shadowmoth.

The Akuma called herself Distain and flew through the Agreste Mansion marring everything in her path. I was fortunate to avoid the Akuma’s primary abilities, but found myself a victim of her secondary effect. Each stain she created could spread to other objects that touched it.

The Akuma searched for Adrien, who disappeared once more, only to reappear shortly after with a poor excuse. I am beginning to become suspicious of his absences. Why would he need to lie about where he was or what he was doing? Perhaps to hide something from his father? I will find out what he is hiding, if for no other reason to be prepared in case there is fallout with Gabriel Agreste. Adrien is not the type to lie needlessly. He is too innocent minded to be involved in anything nefarious. If I have noticed, others may have as well.

As I write this, I have received a strange message from an unknown number.

What did you do to my girl? If you hurt her I will make sure you suffer.

I have sent several messages back and forth now, and have finally uncovered the identity of Alya Césaire, Marinette’s best friend. Apparently, I have offended Marinette in some way I do not fully understand.

I am not sure how to approach the situation. Do I apologize? Do I ask questions? I thought that I was more than courteous during our last several encounters.

Perhaps I should ask my mother for advice.

[solaneandbawb]

Reluctant Reflections

Day 9 - A Museum Trip

Journal Entry - February 9, 2023

I met with my therapist this morning. A disagreeable conversation. He insisted that I should ‘cultivate relationships’ with teenagers my own age. His first suggestion was my cousin. He believes I should attempt to reconcile our differences, which are - in my opinion - many. Being forthright, I must admit that ar his suggestion, I thought that perhaps I would not mind seeing Marinette again. The conversation during yesterday’s visit was less offensive than I had anticipated, and I believe that she is doing herself a disservice by continuing to infatuate about my cousin.

I was still debating on which action to take, when I received an invitation to join Marinette at the museum. Yesterday, I had only briefly mentioned my interest in ancient forms of combat. Marinette discovered that the museum was hosting an exhibit of Ancient Chinese arms and armor, and being half Chinese, she was interested in seeing it. She thought that I would also enjoy the exhibit.

She was correct in her assumption.

I will not go into long details about the exhibits themselves, but Marinette suggested we take pictures with our favorites.

At the end of the Museum, there was an additional exhibit of props for tourists to take photos holding or wearing. Someone had recreated traditional Chinese armor and weapons. While they were obviously too light to have been authentic, they were excellent replicas in both shape and color and could have easily fooled those without a keen eye.

By the time Marinette and I left the Museum, we had both missed lunch and it was very dark. I decided to take her out to dinner as a “Thank You” for both yesterday’s generosity and today’s invitation.

Marinette is quick witted, intuitive, and, dare I say, interesting to talk to. When she is not fawning over my cousin, she is quite pleasant.

While I do not agree with my therapist’s assessment that I need to socialize more, I do not see the harm in allowing myself to spend more time with her.

[solaneandbawb]

Reluctant Reflections

Chapter 6 - A Surprise Visitor

Journal Entry - February 6, 2023

WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THIS GIRL!!??!?!??!

Lila Rossi is by far the worst human being I have ever met. At least my poor uncle has some excuse for his insane inability to let go of my aunt. Lila Rossi is a sociopath. A villain of the worst kind. If anyone should be seeing a therapist, it is HER.

How did she even get access to the mansion?!

I understand that my uncle seems to think that she is some sort of rising star in the fashion industry--just more proof that he is completely lost his mind--but no employee should be given free reign over something as private as his mansion.

I found her sitting in my room. She had the audacity to act like I was intruding in my own private space. The lies she slung together were thin. She actually thought that I would believe that she had been there to visit Adrien and had accidentally wandered into the wrong room. I recognize a snake when I see one. And Lila Rossi is a deadly viper.

The longer I live in this god-forbidden hell-hole, the more I realize just how sorry I feel for Adrien. Surrounded by so many selfish people who wish to only use him for their own end. Myself included. I almost feel bad for the way I've used him in the past. Almost.

I do not trust Lila Rossi. She is not the type of person to come into my room without purpose. I spent hours going through all my belongings to make sure that not a single thread was missing from my clothes nor book from my bookshelf. Every scrap of paper. Every piece of trash in the bin.

I still have yet to figure out why she was there. What am I missing?

[solaneandbawb]

Reluctant Reflections

Chapter 5 - Finding Money

Journal Entry - February 5, 2023

Adrien insisted on going with me to deliver the gift to Marinette. I assured him that his company was not only unnecessary, but unwanted. It seemed that no amount of convincing kept my cousin from joining me. I was loathe to be in the midst of their company; however, with all the missed opportunities to deliver this confounded gift, I had no choice but to accept that he would be traveling with me.

Once we arrived at the bakery, we waited to be acknowledged by the proprietors. The homely couple must have been Marinette's parents, and while the gentleman had an imposingly large stature, it was her quiet mother that gave me pause. I would fear standing between her and the ones that she loves. I would be lying to myself if I did not acknowledge that I am jealous of Marinette's family and the way they welcomed us in with both kindness and generosity.

It is no wonder Adrien constantly visits this girl. I admit that if my father was as cold and hateful as Gabriel Agreste, then I might desire to visit her as well. There is something appealing about this quaint pastry shop and the loving family that resides here. Not that I would like to visit again. It is too cheerful for me. Too happy. Laughter and constant banter. I would much rather sit in peace in my own room than in the chaos of their everyday lives.

Perhaps my Uncle really does want Adrien to be miserable...

It never fails that just when something good happens, an Akuma strikes. Again. And again. And again. Shadowmoth will use any excuse to create one.

Some poor fool dropped his money inside the pastry shop, and while Adrien and I awaited for Marinette to come downstairs to greet us, an argument unfolding before our eyes. The man in question searched for his money, then began to accuse a complete stranger of stealing it. Both refused to be escorted out of the building, and soon a crowd began to circle around them.

I must admit, that I feel partially to blame for the argument that ensued. I prefer to not become involved in the conflicts of others, but it is likely that I could have prevented it from escalating simply by returning the money I had found on the ground. I did not, and as soon as the butterfly appeared, I left. I do not know what happened to Adrien, as he also disappeared as he always does when Akuma appear.

My trip was wasted. I returned home, once again unable to deliver the gift for Marinette. I must deliver it soon. Houseplants are not my specialty, and the longer I wait, the more likely it will die before it reaches her.

This entire ordeal has taken away too much of my time.

[solaneandbawb]

Reluctant Reflections

Chapter 4 - Getting Into An Argument

Journal Entry - February 4, 2023

My therapist seems to think that I have a problem respecting authority. This is not the case. I respect those who have authority over me, just not those who seem to incorrectly think they should.

Gabriel Agreste is not my father. Nor will he ever be. He assumes that just because my mother and I are guests in his home that he can tell me what to do and where to go. I am not my cousin. I will not let that poor excuse for a butterfly father treat me like I'm his son. Especially when he treats his own son like an incompetent employee.

And how dare mother side with him!

I'm surprised Shadowmoth didn't attempt to Akumatize me again because of this. There are few things as laughable.

How Adrien survives under the same roof as that man is proof that he is either much stronger than I suspected or much more of a coward. I have yet to hear my cousin stand up for himself. Maybe I should teach him a lesson in self-respect. Something that no one in Paris seems to understand. No wonder there are such easy targets for Shadowmoth.

Still, if Gabriel Agreste tells me one more time that I am not allowed to leave this mansion, then he will finally get to see just how much I am not my cousin.

[solaneandbawb]

Reluctant Reflections

Chapter 3 - Sewing Based Akuma

Journal Entry - February 3, 2023

I was reminded today why I loathe Paris so much.

I was attempting to fulfill my due diligence and offer a return gift to Marinette Dupain-Cheng, when an Akuma struck. Thread like a spider's web crisscrossed through the streets, and all traffic was immediately halted. Why can the heroes not stop that fool, Shadowmoth? It is almost negligent how long it takes them to defeat an Akuma.

By the time the streets were cleared, I was already late for an appointment with my tutor.

I will have to deliver the gift tomorrow. How inconvenient.

[solaneandbawb]

Reluctant Reflections

Chapter 2 - Receiving a Gift

Journal Entry - February 2, 2023

Today I was told to:

Write down something insignificant that happened today.

This is a waste of my time. Writing in this journal is insignificant. I continue to believe nothing good will come from this. Even so, I will do my best.

A wrapped package was delivered to my home. Here is the attached letter.

Felix,

Thank you for coming to our party. I'm sorry that it was cut short. I noticed that you enjoyed the movie we were watching. If so, I have several recommendations that you might also enjoy. I've included a list and a copy of my favorite! Enjoy the pastries!

MDC

The amount of sweets in the box was unforgivable. No one person should eat that many pastries. Worse yet, I cannot share them without unwanted questions from my cousin or mother. It is a waste of a gift to throw them out, so I am now obligated to eat them.

I hate gifts.

[solaneandbawb]

Reluctant Reflections

Chapter 7 - A Basket Based Akuma

Journal Entry - February 7, 2023

The amount of puns that one person can create from baskets is beyond all reasoning. Trapped in the Akuma's basket, I had to endure no less than thirty Basket puns from a hero that should have spent his time stopping the Akuma, not toying with it.

How many more Akuma must I endure before the heroes see the truth hidden right under their noses?

I gave up attempting to give Marinette the plant. It will die if I do not get it out of my room soon. I left her a message asking her to come over. I was pleasantly surprised that she quickly replied.

Tomorrow I will finally be rid of the plant and the burden it has brought to me.

I must admit that I was amused at Adrien's reaction after finding out about the invitation I sent out to his good friend Marinette. This is an interesting turn of events. I dare say that he was jealous.

[solaneandbawb]

Reluctant Reflections

Chapter 1 - Movie Night

Journal Entry - February 1, 2023

I do not understand why my therapist is insisting that I write down my feelings. It is a useless tool. If I wanted to address my anger with my mother and uncle, then I would do so myself. I do not have 'suppressed feelings'. I am in complete control. So if you are reading this, know that I hate you and this useless assignment.

But in an effort to do as I've been instructed--and to appease my mother--I will treat the task I have been given with honest answers, even if it brings me nothing but contempt for the written word.

This afternoon I was informed that I would be joining my cousin for a movie night with his friends. I did not go willingly, and while the movie itself was tolerable, the company was vile. Bubbly teenagers gossiping in hushed whispers as I attempted to gain some benefit from the movie I was forced to endure. They were distracting, and I was reminded why I choose to watch my movies in solitude. I am sure that much of the movie's plot was not appreciated by those around me, and I was only a little grateful that they were not wishing to discuss it further afterwards.

Even so, the host was especially gracious, with a table covered in some of the best pastries I have ever had the privilege of partaking. She was flighty, however, and was often seen hovering around my cousin or fumbling through her words like a broken toy. It is unfair that Adrien is doted upon by so many. They are all fools.

The only truly positive occurrence was that the entire torturous event was cut short by an Akuma. Of course Adrien abandoned me at the girl's home with all his classmates. The coward always seems to run when the villains appear. One more reason that I have no respect for my cousin.