#elytron

[ART FIGHT ATTACK]

It was rude to make threats. Even ruder to declare them loudly on the news, directing attention right at him. And making more trouble for him. 

A part of him wondered if there was a chance that Chloe Bourgeois knew that he was the ladybug hero Elytron, and this was her spiteful way of torturing him, dumping this situation on him. 

Not only did he gave Tikki squirming anxiously in his pocket, his father had assigned two bodyguards to watch him, keeping him from sneaking away. 

Mao Noire was also here, drawn in to oversee this threat, though, unlike his bodyguards, she didn’t stand obviously in one place where she could be seen. The petite cat hero instead prowled around, patrolling and staying hidden. She was doing well enough that Felix only managed to catch a few glimpses of her before she was gone, blended with the shadows.

Honestly, it left him a little anxious not knowing where she was. They’ve only worked with each other for a few weeks, and they were not as thick as thieves. If things could go Felix’s way, there’d be another stepping up as the Ladybug, to take over this responsibility he didn’t ask for or want. But Tikki, with knowing gaze, pointed out that there were few that could pull off her miraculous. Few that had the critical thinking required for it. 

If he could find someone that had the same level of critical thinking and take over this role well, she’d be content to be passed along. 

Of course, Felix has yet to find that solid contender. And even his kwami was picky, he had considered Marinette and Tikki had thrown the biggest fit about being given to her. So the most plausible candidate he found was off the list… 

“You look as bored as I feel.” 

Felix nearly jumped out of his seat, looking up to see Mao sitting on the armrest of his chair, a playful touch in her gaze. When she received a glare, her lips twitched up, her long braided ponytail swishing behind her. She glanced at the bodyguards, seeing them eye her warily. “I wonder where Chloe is.”

“It’s rude to make us wait,” Felix voiced, earning a chuckle from the cat hero, and Felix shifted when he felt his heart skip a few beats. He was not to get close, he reminded himself. Eltryon was not here to stay. Don’t get close. Don’t get fond. 

“Ok,” Mao murmured, leaning in close to whisper, “how much you want to bet that what’s holding her up is some minor hair trouble.” 

The laugh bubbled out of Felix before he could even try to stop it, much to Mao’s delight. To add to it, she continued, “One time, while being chased by an akuma, I saw her give up just because her hair was ‘ruined’.” 

Felix snorted. “There’s also the time she thought it was a great idea to get into an akuma’s car.” 

Mao broke out into a chortle. “I forgot about that!” 

Under the eyes of the bodyguards, they continued to banter, throwing as much shade they could think of at Chloe while they waited for her. Maybe if they’re lucky, this will summon Chloe, so they can get this babysitting gig done and over with. 

A small part of Felix, one he didn’t want to quite acknowledge, didn’t want this to end, finding enjoyment talking and laughing with Mao. 

Don’t get close, he reminded himself as they settled down, resuming their wait.