Chapter Text
*it was the very next day of the school, and surprisingly no Akuma attacks happened from the seat changes. Now. Could it be because Mirabel told Gabriel to hold on, on the Akuma attacks for a week, while Lila is out, so that Marinette attributes, the two as sharing a link? Maybe. But either way, it was a breath of relief for Marinette that apart from her nightly patrols, she has been able to relax and just breathe. We see Mirabel and Marinette walking to school like any other day, they were holding hands when Marinette gave Mirabel's hand a squeeze and spoke.*
Marinette: hey.... Mirabel. Can we talk?
Mirabel: already bored with me?
*Mirabel asked with a chuckle and a fake sniffle, just to be extra. Mirabel knew that was impossible, given how Mirabel had Marinette at the palm of her hand, her precious little gem, being protected in the palm, so what if that meant that it was less free? Human history has shown that when given the option humanity will always pick safety over freedom this was no diffrent. Marinette rolled her eyes, at the joke Mirabel did, and gave her hand another squeeze as she spoke.*
Marinette: ha.ha. no. It's just. We're girlfriends right?
Mirabel:.... I don't like where this is going. But yes. We are officially girlfriends which means we are exclusive with each other... it means we have to be exclusive to each other but you get 1 free pass.
*Mirabel said thinking absent-mindedly. As much as it would make her furious, as much as the very idea of sharing what belongs to her with somebody else makes her feel a burning sensation of puking at the back of her throat, she knew it was just another calculated risk to say, since she needed Marinette to think that she was more generous than what she really was. Marinette being so naive and well protected, looked at Mirabel confused, not knowing what she meant by saying "a free pass" a free pass for what? Marinette spoke with such a confused tone.*
Marinette: what? What do you mean free pass?
Mirabel: a free pass. Seeing as i had sex, to get my papers. You get to have a free pass to do the same, if the feeling ever overcomes you.
*Mirabel said with a shrug, as she tried to act natural, as if what she said was fair and just, to keep up with the image that she made Marinette see her as. As a girl who believes in justice and accountability. And the justice and accountability for what Mirabel said she did, would be that Marinette gets a free pass to do the same. But like I said. She tried. This time even Marinette could tell that Mirabel was faking, and that the concept of it was making her uncomfortable to say the least. Marinette again gave the hand a squeeze before she spoke firmly, about her option on that.*
Marinette: Mirabel. That is not nearly the same thing. You did that to survive, you did that for your progress.
Mirabel: cool. Tight. It's still cheating. So it's only fair that you get a 1 time pass.
*Mirabel said with an averted gaze, making Marinette think that Mirabel was ashamed for her actions. In reality it wasn't shame, but frustration at the very idea of sharing her jewel with anybody. But whatever it took to keep the mental image alive. Marinette scowled a little, since she would never do that to Mirabel. She understood why Mirabel did what she did. It was just a bad situation all around, since Marinette couldn't think of any way to help Mirabel at time and even if she could've thought of something, it wouldn't be anywhere near the positive that were those papers. But that didn't mean that Marinette was going to do the same thing just because Mirabel thought that she owed Marinette this.*
Marinette: I'm not gonna take it.
Mirabel: Fine. But just know that in my mind, you get a pass if you want it. Anyways. You were saying?
*Mirabel said with a forced smile, as she returned to looking at her, wanting to change the subject from this topic by any means. Marinette now turned nervous, as she thought about what she wanted. She got so distracted by this conversation, that she completely forgot for a second what she wanted from Mirabel. With a small breath to calm her nerves she spoke.*
Marinette: oh. Uh. Right. We're girlfriends, so that means that we do girlfriends things. And uh, girlfriends fo favors to each other, to make the other happy.
Mirabel: that right. I can see where this is going.
*Mirabel said with a sigh that turned into a groan. She knows what Marinette wants. Once again the girl was putting the good of a class of sheep that don't deserve her, over what she deserves. What Marinette is owed, and Mirabel won't have it. Marinette deserves to be at the front of the class, she deserves to not be used, abused, taken advantage of. So even if it'll hurt the heart of her jewel, Mirabel is not gonna allow it. This may be a partnership, but Mirabel was the one who wore the pants in the relationship. Even if right now Marinette were wearing pants, and Mirabel was going back into wearing long skirts, but that's not important. Marinette looked at Mirabel surprised that she knew already what she wanted.*
Marinette: you can?
Mirabel: yes. And while I do care for your Marinette. I'm not gonna try to get along with Alya.
*Mirabel said with a shake of her head, and with a scowl on her face, thinking on what Marinette wanted. She probably also wanted Mirabel to apologize to that snake. Mirabel would rather apologize and admit fault with Isabela than ever apologize to Alya. The girl was as much of a snake as Lila and Mirabel herself. Hell she was worse. At least Lila and herself can admit that they're doing bad things. Alya? She genuinely believes that she is always right. Fuck that. No. No. And no. Marinette surprised that Mirabel got so wrong, she shook her head emphatically.*
Marinette: what? No. No. No. That's not what I'm gonna ask.
Mirabel: oh. Cool. Then what is it?
*Mirabel asked with a bashful smile that she was getting upset over nothing. To be fair, she wouldn't put it past Marinette to asked for that in the near future, but this was still good. This was still progress, since Marinette didn't imply that she wanted to ask that later on. Something that she would've asked for, when Marinette and herself were only friends, that no longer was the case. Marinette took a deep breath, gave Mirabel's hand another squeeze and spoke again.*
Marinette: well. It's just. Do you know my friend rose? From our class?
Mirabel: I think so? She's the one with the.... unique hair style right? The girlfriend of the girl with green lipsticks?
*Mirabel asked with a genuine confusion in her tone as she thought about the girl in question. She is definitely a shy one, always keeping quiet in class. Mirabel is sure the two of them never even has had a interaction yet. But that didn't mean that Rose was innocent. Since Mirabel has seen her in class, she has seen those eyes. She knows those eyes, since their the same eyes she's seen in the mirror so many times. Marinette nodded her head, as she helped Mirabel connect the dots she was missing.*
Marinette: Juleka, and yes.
Mirabel: god, that lipstick is awful. It does not match her skin at all. I like her hairstyle and the purple on her hair. But the lipstick is what i don't like.
*Mirabel said, letting her inner fashionista out, letting out a piece of her old self that only comes out with Marinette out. And that small part of her old self was in agreement with her new self. That green lipstick was a mistake. She should've went with the same color of purple as her hair was, at least then it would make sense, it would stay on theme, but no. The little poser had to be different and for some reason that meant that she had to pick a color that didn't match at all. Marinette wanting to be nice, gave a bit of a forced smile.*
Marinette: i think it looks good?
Mirabel: the fact that you have to phrase that as a question tells me otherwise. Anyhow. What about Rose?
*Mirabel asked, as they returned to the main topic of discussion. The girl named rose. The girl who wears pink. The girl who was as quiet as a mouse, even when her eyes were telling an entire story, if you really listened to them. Mirabel has, and for that reason she knows thag Rose has some deep secrets that it would be such a shame, if somebody were to expose them. Marinette, for another time gave Mirabel's hand a squeeze and spoke, with such a nervous tone.*
Marinette: right. Uh. Remember that magical arepa you gave me? How. Magical is it? Like how good is it at healing?
Mirabel: fairly strong i guess? Strong enough to save me when I got shot in the heart.
*Mirabel said with a shrug, as she remembered that day where her luck ran out and she had to go against destiny itself a second time to survive. Mirabel felt herself be pulled back, which confused her, until she realized that it was because her other half stopped walking. Mirabel turned around and saw the horrified expression in Marinette's face. Marinette's pupils were as small as pin needles as Mirabel just randomly lore dropped another event from her past, that as it usually did, it just made Marinette feel sad for her, but this one? It made Mirabel scared.*
Marinette: you were shot in the where?!
Mirabel: a story for another time. Moral of that story if you're going to cheat at poker, make sure you are the faster draw. I was not. Anyhow, yeah. I would say it's fairly strong. Why?
*Mirabel said with a shrug as she pulled Marinette forward to make her start walking again and she did. Mirabel remembered that day. She had some money saved up, from the kindness of random people, and was going to get herself something to eat. That is until in a alleyway, she saw a group of people playing poker and the amount of money that was on the table. Mirabel became desperate and greedy. A dangerous combination. But that was in the past. Marinette gave a slow nod, as she made a mental note to ask about this later, for now the health of her friend was more important.*
Marinette: well. Rose has this sickness. And it's terminal. Do you think the arepa could heal her?
Mirabel: I'm... I'm fairly confident that it could. Back in the encanto, the elders ate it and it kept them living and moving even at 130 and above.
*Mirabel said, thinking absent-mindedly. The arepas has always been able to heal almost anything. I say almost, since it wasn't able to fix the back of somebody who fell off the roof and lost his ability to walk, but if it's a sickness and not a physical injury, there has never been a time where the arepa of Julieta hasn't been able to heal the person in question. Marinette smiled brightly, as her heart started to jump for joy. After so long of everybody just accepting the sad truth that Rose was going to die, now there was hope.*
Marinette: great! So. You can give her.
Mirabel: I never said that. I could give her one. But I would need time to think about it. I only have 2 left.
*Mirabel said firmly, as she pursed her lips a little. 2. She had 2 arepas left, out of a baker's dozen from when she started this crusade for accountability. She already gave one to Marinette, which was the right decision, as it will be shown later on. But to give her second to last one to a total stranger? What if Mirabel has a mortal injury? Not like it's impossible since they had happened before, ergo the reason why she only has 2 left. So Mirabel wasn't so opened to just giving one away. Marinette then said something that made Mirabel be the one who stopped walking this time.*
Marinette: but if you can save somebody from death. Wouldn't you take that chance?
Mirabel:... there was a point in my life I would've said yes without hesitation. But that was a long time ago. Marinette. It's more complicated than your making it out to be.
*Mirabel said with a sigh, as she felt like she was looking at a mirror right now, seeing the person she used to be. The person who even after the death of Luisa, would've still given the arepa to somebody in need. But being a homeless girl for 2 years, changed that, she has seen the absolute worse of humanity and It made her come to the conclusion that you have to put yourself first, second, and third, if you are to survive. Marinette gave an understanding smile as she gave Mirabel's hand another squeeze before speaking.*
Marinette: I know I'm asking a lot, for a girl who you don't even know. But it would mean a lot to me.
Mirabel: hmm... you think you can get me a meeting with just her? No Juleka?
*Mirabel said with a deep breath as she squeezed Marinette's hand right back and kept walking. Even if she may need it in the future, she knows what the right thing to do. And plus, it will definitely give her points with Marinette, making her precious jewel, seeing her as more of a generous person than what she truly was. That deal might not be worth the exchange to a magical arepa, but Mirabel will take the deal all the same. Marinette started to smile brightly at Mirabel.*
Marinette: i know I can. So does that mean...?
Mirabel: like you said. If I have the ability to save somebody, why wouldn't I take it? Of course they'll be some rules I'll need her to agree to. Bu.
*Mirabel was about to say something, but it was lost on her throat, as this time Marinette took the colombian girl by surprise, by kissing her. Mirabel closed her eyes and leaned into the kiss. With her free hand, Mirabel placed it on the waist of Marinette and pulled her closer as they kissed in the middle of the sidewalk for anybody to see. Like say a certain rich boy with blonde hair, on his limo, as the light was red, on his way to school. But that's a very specific example. Marinette broke the kiss and with a finger pulled some hair to the back of her era, looking at Mirabel with a bashful smile, having a small blush on her cheeks.*
Marinette: thank you....
Mirabel:.... anything for you baby. Now come on. Let's go inside already. Our adoring public awaits.
*Mirabel said, in a bit of a haze, so much so that she slipped up, and used a different pet name. How is that a slip up? Whenever Mirabel calls Marinette "her precious jewel" or something to that affect? That's Mirabel seeing Marinette as her property to keep. Calling her baby? That was Mirabel seeing Marinette as her partner, her girlfriend, her own person. Marinette smiled, as she pulled Mirabel inside the gates of the school and quickly walking to their class, where of course the moment the doors opened they were meant by some bullshit.*
Alya: this is fucking bullshit. I don't belong back here.
Marinette: "well. It's was nice while it lasted."
*Marinette thought as they both heard alya say to nobody at the very back of the class, practically having to scream for everybody to hear her, since god forbid if people don't pay attention to the little princess. Honestly Mirabel doesn't know how Lila deals with her. She must be so thankful that she is getting an extra week off because of her, since that's an extra day of not dealing with her sheep that need to be told when to go to the bathroom since they had no brain for themselves. Mirabel didn't even bother looking behind her as she gave Alya a douse of reality.*
Mirabel: You certainly had no problem pushing her to the back so you could sit with your boyfriend. So spare me
Alya: Lila needed the front seat, because of her tinnitus!
*Alya said loudly without missing a beat, that Mirabel just arrived and was already on her bullshit. Mirabel looked unmoved. Seriously? Tinnitus? That was such a pathetic lie, that Mirabel is sure that even Lila is surprised that she got away with. Since it was so easy to check if that was true or not, by looking at her student file. These people really were so stupid. Mirabel walked closer to Alya and the little mob she made of other students who didn't like how their sitting arrangements was changed, and then Mirabel pointed at Nino.*
Mirabel: Marinette didn't sit in the front seat, did she? No. No, that was Nino who was sitting there. So why couldn't he move to the back? Why did he have to take Marinette's seat? Oh. Right. Because you chose that Nino would get Marinette's previous seat, while she gets to sit at the very end of the class. Funny how none of you had a problem with that, huh?
Nino:.... she.. she does have a point
*Nino said softly, and then flinched when Alya glared at him, and directed her anger at him, for agreeing with the enemy. Mirabel had a smug smile seeing the argument happen, but more than that, the looks of regret and shame, from the rest of the mob, since they knew Mirabel was speaking the truth. When Alya made Mirabel give up her sit, so that Lila could sit at the front and Nino could sit next to his girlfriend, none of them said a thing. Mirabel glanced at Rose and saw that expression that she usually has back in her gaze, and Mirabel understood why. Mirabel walked to her new table with Marinette as the two of them started to have a conversation in hushed tones.*
Marinette: Mirabel....
Mirabel: my precious jewel. Remember that thing that mrs. Rodriguez talked about?
*Mirabel spoke up, before Marinette could continue. Going back to normal of calling Marinette a jewel, a priceless jewel, but still just an item that somebody is to possess. And currently? This precious little jewel was under her possession. Marinette frowned a little as she tried to make Mirabel see reason, since she can't instigate something and then shift the blame to somebody else.*
Marinette:... and remember what you talked about last night? You sure don't seem sorry for it.
Mirabel: Because you misunderstand. I feel regret whenever I have to force you into the front stage with all the lights pointing at you. I don't feel regret for the necessary actions I take to make sure you get what you deserve.
*Mirabel said without missing a beat, and kept the manipulation going strong. While in the background, Nino like he always does, ended up apologizing to Alya, just so that he didn't need to argue with his girlfriend. Marinette sighed as she rested her head on the palm of her hand and just accepted that it was best not to fight this battle. Just like Nino, Marinette didn't see it worth fighting when she knew that Mirabel wouldn't see any other reason than her own.*
Later
* We see Mirabel alone in the bathroom. Plagg was currently with Marinette, since Mirabel made it clear that she was not taking that thing into the bathroom with her. Mirabel does not care that Plagg is a genderless, god of destruction, which frankly is stupid. Plagg was clearly a male. Which meant more reason why he is not allowed to he in the bathroom with Mirabel. We see the girl using the facilities, to do her buisness. That buisness being a phone call.*
Lila: hello?
Mirabel: how is vacation treating you? Having fun not having to deal with Alya?
*Mirabel said with a smirk as she chew some nicotine gum, to help her with her urges of smoking. It was doing jack shit, and Mirabel missed her cigarettes, but she had to endure for a while longer. Lila on the other side of the phone call was drinking a cool drink on the beach, in swimwear, she was using this week to go to a beach in Normandy, and get a nice tan. Lila trembled a bit thinking of Alya, and her nonstop texts.*
Lila: oh. You have no idea. That bitch is worse than us. And that's saying something. At least we can admit we ain't shit.
Mirabel: tell me about it. Just giving you a heads up. We'll be making a trade.
*Mirabel said in a calm tone, treating this as if the human beings who are their classmates, were nothing more than pieces on a board. Since they were exactly that for the fox and the butterfly in the call. Now Mirabel's had Lila's interests, as she put her drink down and pulled her sunglasses up, as she paid more attention to the conversation rather than the cute boys her age digging a whole on the beach for some reason, Lila didn't get where the fun was of making a big wole, but then again she was not a male.*
Lila: oh?
Mirabel: thanks to having to be a good girlfriend, somethings are gonna happen where Juleka and Rose are gonna be on Marinette's side. In exchange I'll make Mylène Haprèle and Ivan utterly loyal to you, and only you, while loathing me. A theater girl, and a buff boy, for 2 useless pieces
Lila: now that is a deal worth making. Fine.
*Lila said with a hum, as she watched one of the boy catch her eyes and she winked at him. Sure she was going to keep adrien for herself, but that did not mean that the rich boy was boyfriend status or material. Fuck no. The boy as a spineless coward, Lila would never stay loyal to somebody like that. So she might as well have some fun, not like Adrien can do anything about it. Not with daddy dearest needing Lila. Mirabel hung up and spat the nicotine gum to the ground, feeling frustrated that it was doing very little for calm her desire for a smoke, but nothing she can do about it now. So she left to be with Marinette, before one of the sheep decides to keep what belongs to Mirabel, some company.*