#sorcerymuses

@onevoltageousghoul

@spelldoncauldronello

@askthevampireoflove

@13xwishes​ 

@sorcerymuses​

'I'm sure I can guess, even from just looking around right now. And I didn't miss everything, I went to the five year reunion!' Alix teased. 'I'm sure there's enough kids having been popped out for you to be "Aunty Rose" for as much as you like.'

Juleka came up from behind Rose and slipped an arm around her waist. 'Oh? Care to make some guesses?' She wore a chic purple number with a short black jacket despite the heat, and pecked Rose on the cheek.

'Well obviously you two are still together,' Alix started. 'Not that that's a surprise. Especially by the way Rose has been waving around that ring since you both got here,' she smiled. Juleka glanced down at her wife, who only shrugged innocently. 'I don't know what she's talking about.' Rose turned her eyes back to Alix. 'Did you see the photos on Instagram of where we renewed our vows in Marseille? Wasn't it romantic?'

'Sure looked it,' Alix returned with a laugh. 'Though it's hard to sift through the sheer volume of photos that you put up.'

'Ok, who's next for guessing?' Juleka gestured to the rest of the garden around them from where they stood at the canapé table.

'Well,' Alix's eyes fell on Kim, who was staring up at the statue placed in the corner of the garden while a few others were clearly trying to talk him down. 'Kim's probably doing his sports thing. Wasn't he dating that swimmer?' Alix hesitated. 'Wait, I remember some super over-the-top proposal video I saw somewhere online, so what's the deal?'

Rose laughed out loud. 'Yes, he married Ondine. He put on this huge proposal with flowers and choreographed dancers and fountains and everything, and after she finished laughing she said yes. Honestly, it was like something out of a romantic comedy.'

'You can't lie Rose, you love those romantic comedies,' Juleka pointed out with a smile. 'Or was that all-day marathon for your birthday wasted?'

'No way! It was the perfect birthday! I loved every minute, but I'm not a teenager anymore. That kind of excess in real life would be expensive.'

'Ok, so who else is here,' Alix hummed to herself. 'Did Nathanial ever put a ring on Mark?' She questioned, spotting the couple by the punch table.

'Yes, they eloped.' Rose pouted slightly.

'You're not still mad that you haven't seen the photos, are you?' Juleka questioned jokingly.

'It's important!' Rose replied. 'I can't believe they didn't even tell us friends about it until the next event! I need to know the details!'

'They said they wanted a quiet ceremony.' Juleka pointed out.

'Here, I got you Rose,' Alix started. 'It probably went something like this: "Hey Mark will you marry me?", "Yep", "cool, hey look there's a minister over there because Italy, let's get hitched", "done", "dearly beloved, will you two grooms take each other to be your lawfully wedded grooms?", "yep", "yep" "done and done".'

'Alix, you don't have a romantic bone in your body.' Rose said dryly.

'I take pride in that fact.'

There was a commotion by the entrance to the party, as a new figure swept in, trailed by a few unfamiliar plus ones that looked up to their leader in avid admiration.

'What about Lila?' Alix asked, her eyes following the girl's grand entrance. She had long forgone the bangs and tinted red hair for her natural brunette, which was surprisingly tastefully piled up into a braided bun. Her champagne coloured, strapless dress trailed behind her into a short train, and a sheer wrap was draped around her elbows to which her gloves reached. 'It seems she's doing alright for herself, surprisingly.'

'Oh, be nice. She's mellowed, ever since she got that amazing acting job through her contacts.'

Alix glanced sideways at Juleka, who gave her a hint of a warning look.

'Oh, I see. Are those her assistants?' Alix looked back at her entourage, who were now scattering to prep the room, find her a glass of champagne and a chair.

'Yes, I think so. She keeps a couple of interns to assist her with her ongoing medical issues while she works.'

'Does she have a lot of issues then?' Alix barely stifled a grin.

'Not so many, but there's always new things popping up,' Juleka replied, pokerfaced.

'I'm going to say hello, you two should come with me!' Rose said, moving in Lila's direction and taking Juleka by the hand.

'Is she still doing work with the Agreste brand?' Alix asked Juleka in an undertone as they were towed in the girl's direction.

'Yes, more than ever. Ever since Adrien left she's had her eyes on the prize.'

'Lila, how are you?' Rose exclaimed as soon as they were in earshot.

An assistant leant over to whisper quickly into Lila's ear and Lila smiled in recognition. 'Rose! It's been so long, I can't believe it,' she replied, easing herself down into a ciar. 'And Juleka, and Alex, how are you three?'

'Oh, amazing! Alix's just got back from America, I can't believe how good the timing came out for this party. We haven't seen her in forever!' Rose replied. 'And we're doing great, I'm back working at College Françoise Dupont! I'm so happy to be helping people whenever I can.'

'That's great,' Lila said with a smile that hardly reached her eyes. 'You'll be teaching the next generation about the world. Could you get me a glass of water?' Alix glanced at the jug next to Lila as Rose happily agreed, before moving off.

'So, Lila, we were just talking about how everyone has paired off after school. Do you have anyone in your life?' Alix questioned, not half as cheerfully as she had been to Rose. She and Lila had never seen eye to eye completely, mostly due to the clear deceptions of Lila in Alix's opinion.

'Of course, can't you see my ring?' Lila proffed a delicate hand. Despite wearing gloves, she had taken her sizeable diamond ring and was wearing it on the outside of the glove. 'I got engaged at the beginning of the year in secret. I can't tell you to whom though, I don't want the press to get a hold of it just yet!' She said with a hint of conspiracy.

'I see, well, congratulations.' Alix eyed her up. 'Have you heard from Adrien lately?'

'Oh, him?' Lila rolled her eyes. 'He quit his father's business completely, and the modelling industry altogether. What does it matter after that?' Lila sat forward in a stage whisper. 'I heard that it was because he'd gotten a girl pregnant, and she threatened to go to the press. It was such a scandal, because she was so young, you know,'

'Oh? How do you know about this apparant girl?' Alix questioned, an eyebrow raising slowly.

'You hear a lot of things in the acting world, especially when you're as high-flying as I am. There are no secrets from me.' Lila said with a smirk.

'I heard that he quit everything because he was sick of it,' Juleka pointed out. 'Doesn't he work in a shop downtown now or something?'

Lila waved it away with a snort. 'That's just what the press want you to think.'

Rose returned, a glass of water in hand. 'What does the press want you to think?'

'About Adrien,-' Lila started, but was cut off.

'Oh, Adrien! He works with Marinet-'

'Marinette!!' Lila's eyes flashed. 'He's working with Marinette? He's been barred from the fashion industry!' She caught the way Rose was looking at her. 'It's just awful!' She added with a delicate sniff and dabbing of her eyes.

'Oh, speaking of, Marinette's coming tonight,' Juleka said. 'So you can ask her yourself.'

'She is!?' Lila snapped around. 'She's not here though,'

'She said she's running late.' Juleka shrugged. 'I think she's coming with Alya and Nino.'

Lila looked like she was about to sneer, but covered it quickly. 'It would be good to see Alya again, hope she doesn't press me about,' she lifted her hand and waved the ring at them, 'you know,'

'The fact you're engaged?' Alix pointed out point-blank, and Lila's jaw tightened.

'Yes, thank you Alex. That.'

'Well why don't you ask them? Here come Alya and Nino now!' Rose pointed to the entrance, where the two had clearly just been dropped off.

'Where's Marinette?' Alix asked, as she was clearly not with the pair.

She didn't wait for Lila's answer, and moved towards Alya and Nino instead.

When she approached they greeted her warmly, and Alya immediately complimented her on her tailor and hair stylist.

Alix returned the compliment to them both, before asking, 'So how are you both? I heard that Marinette was coming with you?'

'Oh, no,' Alya laughed. 'She's coming with everyone's favourite blonde. She should be right behind us though.'

Nino shook her hand warmly. 'It's good to see you, I'm really glad to see you're doing so well.'

'Still making music, music man?' Alix grinned.

'You know it,' Nino returned. 'But I produce now, managing some of the best bands in the city. Including yours truly,' he winked.

Alya nudged him. 'Look, here they come now,' she said, looking back over her shoulder.

Two glamourously dressed people were walking towards them, talking animatedly.

'See? We didn't need the driver in the end, you know I don't like bothering him unless there's an event,' Marinette was saying. She tucked a loose strand of long, flowing black hair behind her ear, her sapphire jewelry flashing in the half-light spilling from the hedged entrance to the garden. 'The Uber was fine.'

'The Uber was not fine!' Snapped back none other than Chloé, who tossed her hair animatedly. 'I'm going to give him one star, and he's lucky I can't go lower. Dropping us off at the end of the street like that. Ridiculous.'

'You're the one that wanted to be dropped there so that you wouldn't be embarrased by an Uber,' Marinette lightly chastised. 'Now you're letting the whole party know by complaining about it.'

Chloé puffed out her cheeks for a moment. 'I hate it when you're right.' She turned her attention to the small gathering by the door. 'Oh, look who it is,'

'Hey girls!' Alya exclaimed, giving Marinette a hug as she passed. 'It's been so long! Is Adrien not coming tonight?'

'Adrikins was busy,' Chloé looked put out. 'You know how he is with crowds these days. Plus,' her eyes flashed in Lila's direction. 'Certain people here aren't worth his time of day.'

'We're mostly here to see you guys,' Marinette added. 'Isn't that right?' she elbowed Chloé playfully.

'That's right,' Chloé said, without effort. 'There's a few loose things to do here before we head back to Milan.'

'Oh, I didn't know you two were working together,' Alix said, 'I thought you two couldn't stand each other.'

'You've been away too long, my friend,' Alya smiled. 'These two are running one of the biggest fashion brands in Paris as well as Milan and Rome right now.'

'And only improving, obviously,' Chloé pointed out with a grin. 'Lucky there isn't that much competition here in Paris.'

'What do you mean, not much competition?' Came the voice of Lila, who joined them as they moved towards the drinks table. 'Your little brand can hardly get off the ground here in Paris!'

All five stiffened slightly, but Marinette rolled onto one hip, planting a hand there. 'Aren't you wearing one of our dresses right now, Lila?' She looked her up and down with a grin.

'W-what are you talking about?' Lila pushed back. 'This was handmade in Milan by the finest-'

'It was made by Emile, I'd recognize that stitching anywhere,' Chloé said dryly. 'Emile's one of our best, clearly. Shame it had to be wasted on you.'

Lila flushed red, before turning and stomping away.

'Be careful of those delicate ankles!' Alya called after her, and took the returning murderous glance with glee.

'Nicely done,' Marinette said, leaning over and kissing Chloé's cheek.

Chloé grinned. 'She makes it so easy.'

'She really does,' Marinette replied with a smile.

'Oh!' Alix said suddenly. 'But Marinette, you're not wearing-'

Marinette lightly smacked Chloé shoulder. 'You can blame her for me not wearing my ring everywhere.'

'It's not my fault it outshines everything else,' Chloé returned. 'If you would be a little more glamourous it would fit in better!'

'I think I'd need to be on the Met Gala in order to be able to wear that ring, Chloé.' Marinette teased.

Chloé smiled. 'Well you can hardly blame me when only the best is worthy.' She flushed slightly.

'Aw, is she still turning red after all this time?' Alya teased.

'Noone asked you,' Chloé turned and hid her face by taking up a glass from a nearby table. 'Different topic, why is Kim on top of that statue over there?'

'Because it's Kim, why else?' Alix shrugged. 'But hang on, I thought Juleka said that Adrien was the one who was working with Marinette?'

'Oh, she said that?' Marinette questioned. 'No, he's working with my parents, actually. Turns out his passion is pastries, though I think everyone saw that from how quickly they

disappeared during our school days together.'

Alix grinned, but slowly her eyes dropped. 'I'm sorry to hear about what happened,'

'He doesn't care about any of that,' she waved her away. 'He just wants the quiet life, you know? And with his wife Kagami about to have their first, my parents are going completely insane for their adoptive grandkid. It's all the attention he wants.'

'You know Lila's saying he got a girl pregnant?' Alix pointed out. 'It's why he left.'

'He left because of his father. Simple as that.'

'Well, if it helps you were dating him at the time,' Alya elbowed her playfully. 'Got anything to tell us?'

Marinette glanced down at her perfect figure. 'Yes, actually, I do.' She turned to Chloé. 'I wanted to tell you in private, dearest, but I've actually been pregnant for the last eight years.'

'I can't believe I never knew,' Chloé replied flatly, before grinning. 'What sort of ridiculous nonsense is that? She's clearly after the company.'

'She's also "secretly engaged",' Alix pointed out, with appropriate quote gestures. 'Take that as you will.'

'Can you believe it?' Marinette said with a laugh, but composed herself. 'Nope, I'm here for a good time with my friends. I'm not going to spend it gossiping about Lila.'

'Suit yourself,' Chloé shrugged. 'So who's she engaged to?'

'Chloé,' Marinette said in a warning tone. 'Why don't we do some rounds?'

Chloé pulled a face, but when Marinette looped an arm through hers she couldn't help but smile.

'I know it's been three years, but I can't believe what a couple they make,' Alya said as the group watched them go. 'I remember when they hated each other's guts back in middle school.'

'Well, you know how it is when little boys pull little girls pigtails,' Nino shrugged.

'What, that little boys need to be taught how to deal with their emotions properly so they don't end up on wanted posters?' Alix pointed out.

'Uh, yes,' Nino agreed, 'but my point is that when Chloé got over herself, more or less, they worked things out really well. Adrien really helped with that, I think.'

'So what did Adrien have to say about his best friend and his ex dating?'

'He was pretty over the moon when everything happened, and for the record it's his two best friends dating, but he has a lot of best friends these days. We're proud of him.' Alya said.

'I can tell,' Alix smiled. 'I'll have to drop by the bakery and say hello while I'm in town.'

Before she could go too far, Marinette stopped her with a smile and a wave, “Good morning Rose! You seem really chipper today.”

The girl next to Marinette leaned closer with a smirk. “That’s because we’re entering Christmas season,” Alya stated, “One of Rose’s favorite times of year.”

“Only after Valentine’s Day,” Rose said. The three of them giggled.

“No one would dare say otherwise,” Alya said, her grin remaining. Rose beamed. Several more of their classmates, Max, Kim, Nathaniel, Sabrina, and Chloe, entered followed a few minutes later by Nino and Adrien which prompted her to say good bye to the two girls and continue her way up the stairs. She made sure to say good morning to Alix who had been in the room. They spoke for a few seconds about the Louvre display that her father and brother had helped to build before Rose finally, finally, reached her seat. Juleka was so into whatever she was working on that she didn’t even notice. Rose looked her over.

It was amazing how different the two were. The dark-haired girl was her polar opposite in many ways. Rose was softness; Juleka, strength. Pink and purple. Extreme girly-ness and unashamed punk. Tall and short. Introverted and extroverted.

That didn’t mean that the two of them weren’t similar. Both were sweet. Both were loyal. Both, especially in the last few years since Hawkmoth’s arrival, had learned to be brave.

Rose thought back to the last year and how long it had taken for the two of them to acknowledge their feelings for each other. Oh, there’d been one reason after another. Rose especially had been under the impression she was straight since she had had a crush on a prince and Juleka, before her akumatization, had been far more reserved. However, once they had acknowledged themselves and their feelings, their romance had blossomed. It came in like a gentle rain more than a lightning strike. This suited Rose just fine. After all, she was a hopeless romantic.

She sat her bag down, “Good morning Jules.”

Juleka jerked. She floundered for a second as she attempted to hide the journal in front of her, leaning over it with her arms crossed, before she blinked up in clear surprise at Rose. There was a light blush on her cheeks. “G-good morning!” Rose leaned her head to the side.

“Is everything alright? You look a bit… flustered.” She reached out a hand to stroke her cheek. This only deepened Juleka’s blush.

“I’m alright. Promise.”

Rose smiled. She slowly dropped her hand before turning to unpack her bag. “Are we still good after school to visit the Louvre?”

Juleka straightened herself, sliding the notebook out of sight and into the bag on her right, away from Rose. She nodded. Rose’s smiled widened and she let out a little squee of excitement. Madame Bustier entered then. She finished organizing her materials, ready to begin the day.

Rose sighed happily as she squeezed Juleka’s hand as they exited the Louvre. A gentle breeze brushed over them. Despite having a light jacket on, Juleka still shivered and Rose quickly removed her jacket, wrapping it around her shoulders. They smiled to each other. Rose retook Juleka’s hand as they started walking.

“I had a lot of fun! That exhibit was quite stunning especially with that fake snow…,” Rose said. She went on for a few more minutes before she realized that Juleka wasn’t really responding. A quick side-eye showed her she was nodding her head every now and then.  

“…You’re going to give me all the candy in the world.” A nod.

“You think I’m a dork.” Another nod.

“Marinette is Ladybug.” Nod.

“I’m the Queen of France.” Nod.

Rose placed her free hand over her mouth. Juleka continued to nod every now and then but she was so lost in thought, she hadn’t even realized that she had stopped talking. A devious, mischievous feeling welled up in Rose’s chest and her eyes flashed with a plan. She slowed them. Juleka didn’t notice when they stopped walking. Nor did she notice when Rose moved just a smidge closer… stood on tip-toes… and blew on her neck.

Juleka screamed and scrambled backwards. A hand flew up to the spot Rose had blown on but she didn’t pay attention to her feet; she tripped over them and landed with a solid –thud- on the ground. Juleka hissed, rubbing her back. Rose gasped. She had definitely not expected that reaction. After all, Juleka was known to have nerves of steel as she had demonstrated the one time Mylène had been akumatized. She stepped forward and offered her a hand.

Rose ducked her head, “I’m sorry Jules. I didn’t mean to scare you like that.”

There was a moment of confusion that flashed on Juleka’s face. Rose held her breath. Was she mad? Juleka let out a sigh-laugh and she took her hand, allowing her smaller girlfriend a chance to help her up. Once on her feet, she patted her clothes to get the dust off. Juleka smiled at her.

“That was… pretty awesome. Haven’t had a scare like that in a while.” Rose looked up at her from under her eyelashes.

“You’re not mad at me?”

“Nope.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Rose raised her head a bit but looked Juleka up and down. She was standing relaxed which helped to lower Rose’s anxiety at her being actually mad and lying about it. However… there was an uneasy knot forming in her chest. She reached out, catching both of Juleka’s hands and pulling them down between the two of them. They stood there for a moment. Another breeze brushed across them. The lamps around them flickered on as the sun began to set, casting them in a lovely orange glow. Rose rubbed her thumbs over the backs of Juleka’s hands. She bit her lip.

“Jules? Is everything alright? You’ve been… off today.”

Juleka blinked again. She smiled softly before pulling Rose into an embrace. She stroked her hair before saying, “I promise. I’m alright Rosebud.”

“You sure,” Rose asked, leaning back a bit.

Juleka placed a gentle peck on her forehead. Rose wrinkled her nose in response. The taller girl smiled, “Promise.”

There was exactly one week, two hours, twenty-six minutes, and forty-eight seconds until Christmas.

Marinette paused as she entered the bathroom. All was quiet except for some soft sniffles coming from inside one of the stalls. Tikki appeared from her bag. The two shared a quick glance before Marinette looked for the door where the sound came from. She leaned her head to the door. Another sniff. Marinette straightened and knocked softly, “Hello? Is everything okay?”

The door squeaked a bit as it opened. Marinette’s jaw dropped. Rose’s face was a bit puffy and swollen; her eyes were deeply rimmed in red and she attempted to wipe her eyes. “Rose! Are you okay?”

She sniffed, “I… I….”

“Don’t you dare say fine,” Marinette cooed. She reached forward and pulled her into a tight embrace. Rose sniffed again.

“I… I’m so scared, “she admitted. “Juleka…. Juleka…..”

Marinette rubbed her back, “Shhhh. Let’s head somewhere more comfortable okay? I’ll listen to all your worries.”

Rose wiped her eyes. “You don’t have to….”

“You’re my friend,” Marinette cut her off. “I hate to see you so upset. Let me help, okay?

Rose hesitated but eventually nodded. She wiped her eyes again and allowed Marinette to wrap her arms around her shoulders, gently leading her from the bathroom. Class was in session, thankfully, so there was no one there to question why Rose looked like she’d been crying for the last few minutes. Marinette led them to the library. The librarian gave them a dirty look and started to say something but Marinette, being a strong class president, quickly explained that her friend was in need of some emotional help and they needed a quiet place to speak. The older woman looked Rose up and down. Her frown softened. She granted them permission to stay as she went back to placing books on the shelf. Rose smiled at Marinette in relief. They found a secluded corner with one of the many tables. Marinette stared at Rose while she twiddled her thumbs on the tabletop; finally, she took a sigh.

“Juleka has been distant recently,” she said softly. “I mean… I always knew she was quiet but this… this is going to a new level.”

“Start at the beginning,” Marinette encouraged. Rose nodded.

“It started about a month ago. We went to the Louvre exhibit, you know, the interactive winter one? She was… distant that day. I was actually able to scare her.”

Marinette blinked. “You managed to scare Juleka?”

Rose chuckled a bit, “I know right? Anyway, it started that day. Ever since then, she’s been… I don’t want to say ignoring me but she’s definitely not paying a lot of attention. She keeps hiding a notebook from me.” She paused, swallowing hard. “We don’t go on dates like we used to. When the bell rings, she runs out of the classroom without so much as a good bye to me.”

Marinette bit her lip. She had to admit, she’d seen that behavior; Juleka had always made it a point to walk out with Rose since the two of them started dating and now…. Well, she was pretty much the first one out of the room. Alone.

“I don’t even know where she’s going.” Rose sniffed. Tears stung at the corners of her eyes again and Marinette quickly handed her a handkerchief. Rose took it gratefully, wiping at her eyes. “She’s not talking to me. I can’t even tell you how many text messages I’ve sent that have gotten no response.” She swallowed again. “Do you… Do you think that she hates me? Is she mad about that joke? I didn’t mean to scare her that badly. I promise.”

“Rose, Rose,” Marinette soothed. She reached out to gently touch the girl’s hands. Rose had to blink. “Rose, we both know that Juleka isn’t like that. She wouldn’t hold a grudge over a little prank like that.” She paused. “You two do need to talk though. How about I help set that up?”

“You… you will?”

Marinette nodded. “Of course we will. I’m pretty sure anyone in our class would be willing to help. Except for, you know, Sabrina and Chloe.” Rose smiled.

“Thank you Marinette. You really are the greatest class president ever.” Marinette smiled.

“Are you calm enough to go back to class?” Rose nodded, standing. The two of them left with a soft thank you to the librarian who wished Rose a quick recovery in happiness as the two of them headed back.

The wheels were already turning in Marinette’s head before they were even out the door.

The bell rang. Everyone started to pack their bags but Juleka was already set to go. She picked it up, scooched behind Rose, and started quickly down the stairs. A hand lashed out and grabbed her wrist and she stopped in surprise more than anything. Marinette smiled up at her brightly. Juleka blinked.

“Uh… Hi Marinette.” She looked at her wrist. “Is everything okay?” Marinette released her.

“Sorry about that,” she chirped. “I wanted to ask you for some help before you ran out today.” Juleka shifted a bit, glancing around as the rest of the class filtered out of the room. She sighed.

“Sure. What can I help you with?” Marinette beamed.

“I’ve been noticing some strange behavior in the class lately….”

Juleka’s eyes narrowed, “O-okay….”

“And I wanted to get a couple of people’s feedback on what we should do about it.”

Now, her mouth went dry, “Like… an intervention?” Marinette nodded.

“Exactly! An intervention.” She turned to shuffle in her bag. A light swear came from Marinette and she quickly turned back to Juleka. “Oops. I accidentally left the notebook with my notes in my locker. Would you mind waiting here while I go get it?”

Juleka opened her mouth, “Marinette, wait…!” It was too late. Marinette ducked around her and was out the door before she could stop her. This left Juleka in the room. She dropped the hand she had raised to stop her and sighed.

Someone cleared their throat.

She spun. Standing behind her was Rose. Her face was a bit red and swollen, her eyes casted to the ground. Juleka swallowed hard.

“Rose….”

“Juleka….”

They both stopped. Both looked away and down to the ground. Juleka clenched her fists. She turned back but the words she had to say stopped in her throat.

Rose was crying.

She sniffed, her lip trembling as she worked up the nerve to say, “Juleka, tell me what’s going on.”

Juleka’s jaw dropped, “Nothing’s going….”

“Don’t tell me that,” Rose shouted. Juleka stopped but she didn’t, “You’ve been so distant with me lately. I’ve tried to talk to you before but all you’ve done is leave me out in the cold. It’s been a month Jules. A month. We haven’t been a date, you haven’t responded to half of my text messages, and, worst of all, you completely ignore me during the school day.” Now it was Rose who clenched her fist. “Just, please, tell me what’s going on.”

Juleka seemed to shrink a bit. “I can’t,” she replied weakly. Rose’s eyes went wide. It took a second for the words to hit her but, when they did, they hit hard. The tears didn’t stop as Rose’s jaw tightened. She walked past Juleka who raised her hand to stop her; Rose slapped it away.

“Don’t touch me,” she snapped. Juleka felt numb. Rose didn’t bother to look back as she headed to the door and, without another word, left her alone.

How many days was it until Christmas? She didn’t know any more. Really, she didn’t care anymore.

Rose curled into her pillow, hugging it tight to her as the tears fell again. Her parents had been kind and understanding, trying to do their best to soothe their heartbroken daughter as best as they could, but eventually gave her the space she needed by leaving a fresh plate of cookies and warm tea on her desk.

The tea was probably cold by now.

Juleka rang the doorbell. A shorter man answered; he had blonde hair like Rose and wide blue eyes covered with glasses. She swallowed. “Good evening Mr. Lavillant. Is Rose home?”

Mr. Lavillant eyed her, his brow furrowing, “She’s not right now Juleka. Why don’t you try coming back tomorrow?” Juleka wanted to ask to wait until she got there but he shut the door quickly and she was left on the landing. She stared at the door sadly before turning to leave. Mr. Lavillant, who had seen this through the peep-hole, turned to face his daughter who had her feet pulled up underneath her on the couch. “She’s gone ma petite.”

Rose sniffed, “Thank you Papa.”

He moved around the couch, hugging her shoulders. “Are you sure this is alright? She really wants to talk to you.”

Rose nodded. “I… I can’t see her right now.” He placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head.

“Do not let you or her keep hurting,” he soothed. Rose didn’t look at him as he left.

Juleka had never felt so cold in her life. She couldn’t stop the tears either; this probably had to have been the hardest she had cried in a really long time. Since Chloe’s photo-day prank last year at least. She sniffed. Reaching into the front pocket of her winter jacket, she pulled out her phone and stared at the notifications. No new text messages. God, she’d never felt so stupid before in her life. Her emotions shifted and she angrily stuffed it back into the pocket, shuffling her way along the sidewalk.  Snow was falling softly as night rose around her.  Juleka sniffed again. Why was this so hard?

A soft noise drew her attention. Juleka raised her head, eyes widening as she landed on a familiar figure. Ladybug was a hero. Everyone in Paris knew that; after everything she’d done, it wasn’t really a surprise. It was surprising to see her unhooking her yo-yo from a nearby lamp and placing it back on its signature spot at her hip before she smiled directly to her.

“Good evening,” she said, “Juleka right?” She nodded mutely. Ladybug’s smile didn’t waver. “I happened to be on patrol tonight and couldn’t help but see that you look a little down. Is everything alright?” Juleka sniffed. She was tempted to say it was but she didn’t, instead turned her head away. What excuse could she give? She couldn’t really hold someone as important as Ladybug up since she probably had a whole host of different things she could be doing. A red hand gripped her shoulder and Juleka looked back, surprised yet again to find Ladybug closer, genuinely smiling at her. “Don’t worry about anything else. My job is to help all citizens of Paris.” She squeezed. “I’ve got time and I’m told I’m a pretty good listener.”

Juleka squeezed her hands together. The package that she’d been holding caused her exposed knuckles to turn white. Ladybug leaned her head to the side, “A gift?”

“For…” Juleka answered, “For my girlfriend.” The tears came back. “I messed up Ladybug. I was so focused on getting this gift done that I lost track of what was important.” The hero’s expression softened.

“Have you told your girlfriend this?” Juleka shook her head.

“I keep trying. She won’t meet with me.” She dropped her hands. “It’s been a week. I… I finished this the same day we fought just so I could make it up to her but she’s been avoiding me.” Ladybug hummed.

“Would you like my help?”

“Wh-what?”

Ladybug reached down and pulled off her yo-yo again. She flung it; the great thing about having a magical weapon was that she didn’t have to worry about it not snagging around whatever it was she needed it to snag or even breaking. It wrapped around the nearest building top. She gave it a test tug anyway, to kill time. “I already said: my job is to help all citizens of Paris. You made a mistake and you admit to it; I know that your apology is going to be heartfelt.” She turned back, holding out her hand, giving her one last chance to make her choice. “Let’s go make sure your girlfriend hears it.”

Juleka sniffed and rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand. Without a second thought, she reached out and let Ladybug get a tight grip on her before they were flying over the Paris skyline.

A gentle knock on her balcony doors stirred Rose from her sleep. She sat up, bleary eyed, and rubbed her eyes until her vision corrected. She had to blink a few times. This wasn’t….

Standing on her balcony was Juleka.

Rose scrambled off of her bed, flinging the doors open, “Juleka! What are you…? How did you…?”

“I need to talk to you,” she cut in. Rose’s mouth clapped shut. This was… new. Juleka had always been the more reserved of the two of them but now, she was direct and forward. “I know you’re mad at me so I won’t ask to come in but I need to talk to you.” She took a deep breath. “I am so sorry Rose. I never meant to make you feel like I didn’t care or want to be with you. I did. I do. I want to be with you for a long time.” She paused. While Ladybug had been carrying her, she had been sure to tuck her gift in her pocket for protection, and now, she pulled it out. “This,” she continued, “This is the whole reason.”

Rose eyed the little box. Hesitantly, she reached out to take it, her eyes starting to get a bit of its sparkle back as she pulled the top open. It was a jewelry box. Inside was a long gold chain with a crudely made heart-shaped locket on the end. The initials of “J and R” were etched into the front.  She pulled it out, examining it in the low light of her room. This was….

“I made it,” Juleka said softly. “Alix and Nathaniel helped. They helped me learn how to work with metal so I could customize it.” She bit her lip. “I wanted to give you something special. I wanted it to be unique.”  Pause. “I… I was so focused that I neglected you and you didn’t deserve that, no matter what my reason was so I… understand if you just want me to leave.” She ducked her head before looking back up to the Paris skyline. “Ladybug said she would be willing to take me home so… I’ll go.”

“Juleka, stop.” Juleka blinked and looked down. Rose was smiling softly. She reached up, placing the locket around her neck before she reached out to take her hands. “We… should talk more. There’s a whole month to make up for after all.”

Juleka’s shoulders slumped and she smiled in relief.

Rose led the way back into the apartment, opening her bedroom door to let her parents know that Juleka was visiting and to have them come and look at the wonderful gift she was given.

Ladybug, meanwhile, couldn’t help the grin on her face. She straightened before swinging off into the Christmas Eve night.