15. Day 1 Part 8

With the sudden unexpected appearance of her father combined with the sound of his abrasive shouting, Chloe Bourgeois almost jumped out of her skin in shock.

It was rare enough that he should deign to show up in his hotel during the day when he had many frivolous functions to attend and papers to sign, but for him to vociferate so loudly in front of his daughter was practically unheard of.

So, under the unforeseen circumstances, it was all the blonde could do to turn ashen red and mumble like a half-wit. " I-I...w-what...w-why... y-you..."

"It sounded like you were talking to somebody up here..." Ignoring Chloe's incoherent ramblings, the mayor pushed past her to poke around for himself. "But there's no sign of anyone in this room. I know your friend is away today, so it can't be her. Have you been sneaking boys into this room, without my permission?"

"DADDY!" Her father's outrageous slur against her good name had caused Chloe to break out of her stupor. "You know there's only one 'boy' for me, and even if he was in my room, you could trust us not to do anything funny!"

"I hope not, darling..." The mayor didn't seem too reassured by his daughter's words, as he began checking under the bed, and the surrounding area. "Have you any idea how my public approval ratings would suffer if the apple of my eye was caught engaging in that sort of tomfoolery, in the ambiance of my own building?! The tabloids would have a field day! The moral-right of my party would eat me alive! Before you knew what was happening, I'd be out of power, and we'd be living in a simple townhouse with only five bedrooms and one swimming pool! Is that what you want, dear?"

"O-of course not, Daddy..." Chloe was somewhat distracted in her reply, hoping that her father didn't somehow stumble across the hidden insectoid form of Zzubo. Being forcibly evicted from her bedroom for days so it could be fumigated was assuredly not on her bucket list. "B-but is that all you're concerned about? I mean... what about the other stuff? Like underage sex and teenage pregnancy for instance..?"

"Hmm?" The mayor tilted his head briefly. "Oh, I wouldn't know anything about that. Isn't your school supposed to teach you about the facts of life? If your mother were still here, I guess she could help you out with that sort of thing, but she's not. So, you'll just have to be careful, won't you..."

Despite herself, Chloe felt herself shaking a little at her father's dismissive tone regarding her private activities and how can he talk about someone he was married to for so long and have a child with so callously? "Y-yes Daddy, whatever you say. I-I'll be good. I-I promise you that there's no-one upstairs now but your little princess. S-so, you might as well stop searching. Y-you don't want your bad back to flare up again, do you..."

Being reminded of his ongoing lumbago problem caused the mayor to pause for a moment. Sure, Sven did a masterful four-stage massage, but he had no time to engage in such relaxation, with the constant akuma threat and the upcoming visit of the British Prime Minister.

"Okay sweetheart, I believe you..." He reluctantly pulled himself up from his crouched position a few inches away from a silhouette of a large transparent wing, and stood up to face his daughter. "But I must say, some of what I've been hearing about you today is troubling to say the least, and that's what I came up here to discuss..."

Even though her stomach began to feel as if she'd just disembarked from a particularly long sea voyage, Chloe did her best to keep smiling. "Y-yes D-daddy?"

"I know it must be difficult to attend a school full of inferiors..." Her father plomped down on the mattress, causing the entire spread to wobble. "So I can forgive a bit of mischief from time to time, as long as it's within my means to clear it up. But, what you did today could have cost me greatly."

Uh-oh, time to brace myself for impact. Chloe began to grimace in preparation for what she was sure would follow.

"Confessing in front of the entire class like that? Are you out of your mind?! Break as many rules as you want. Pick on the weak and less fortunate. Bribe and manipulate your way to the top. I've done it myself my entire career, and as you can see, it's been a huge success. But you should never own up to your misdeeds, especially in such a packed public setting! If I'd ever done something like that , I wouldn't even have been able to win my class election! Oops, sorry if I just hit a sore spot, pumpkin."

"I-it's okay, daddy."

I hope you haven't been taking any tips from that girl who beat you... Mary-something, was it? I assure you, her victory in that contest was purely a fluke. We Bourgeois get to where we are by making unsustainable promises and impossible pledges... basically telling the populace what they want to hear. All while greasing a few friendly palms along the way. What I'm trying to tell you darling, is only chumps believe that honesty is the best policy. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you'd do well to remember that. If we'd listened to your mother, rest her soul, we'd all be in the queue for the soup kitchen by now, not in the throes of power playing with the lives of millions. Do you understand where I'm coming from, dear?"

"Y-yes, Daddy."

"It's bad enough I have to rely on a pair of costumed freaks to clean up the mess left by a maniac our useless police force can't even catch, than survive my own daughter jeopardising my future electoral chances. I'm trying my hardest to dissuade those unfortunate rumours my opponent has spread about you being mostly responsible for the epidemic of evil which is spreading over our city, without your misconduct in class adding fuel to the fire. Remember, darling: Everything you do is a reflection on me. Usually, my authority hands me the clout to limit the damage to my profile, but I'm afraid this time, you're on your own.

"W-what are you saying, Daddy?"

"I'm 'saying' that whatever punishment the school chooses to meter out, you'll have to take the medicine. Covering up for your misbehaviour is one thing, but when you extol your insubordination so blatantly in class, it makes all attempts at keeping the situation under wraps futile. The only way out of this predicament for us is for you to be seen in penance for your crimes, by accepting whatever penalties your teacher admonishes you with. It would show that there is no favouritism in the educational system, and would restore my reputation for believing that no-one is above the law, not even the mayor's own flesh and blood."

"Bbuutt ddaadd..."

"Sorry, darling. I've pondered this from every conceivable angle, and this is the only way out. Maybe next time you decide to boast about your activities in front of such a captive audience, you'll think twice about it. I hope your teacher doesn't go too hard on you, but as I said, such matters are now beyond my control. I have to go this instant, and issue a press statement that condemns your bullying while simultaneously affirms my belief in Dupont College. Won't that be fun. It's a shame as I was looking forward to spending some time with you this evening for a change. Oh, well. You have no-one to blame but yourself for my absence..."

"H-hang on a minute, daddy... C-can't you just stay for a little while? I-I never get to see you... You're almost like a stranger these days. I've got so many other problems too, I really need to talk to someone about them... "

"You've plenty of staff downstairs you can bother with your teenage problems at all hours of the day, sweetheart. I don't just pay them to sit around, you know. I would appreciate it though, if you'd keep the noise to a minimum if you decide you have any other little emotional outbursts tonight. We cater to an exclusive clientele in this establishment, who do not wish to be disturbed by your incessant wailing. Now, I must go. See you tomorrow morning... maybe."

"Y-you don't understand... I-I feel sad all the time..."

(Sigh) "You know where the cabinet is in the bathroom, darling. There should still be some pills left over from when your mother used to be here. Just one or two, and she was out like a light. I can tell you how efficient they are, because she used them all the time. Give them a try, if you like. Goodbye."

"I-I really miss her, dad, a-all I want to do is cry when I think..."

*SLAM!* and just like that, Andre Bourgeois departed the scene.

For a while, after the rather one-sided conversation with her father, Chloe just stood where she was, as waves of emotion swept over her.

Then, came the first tear.

Followed swiftly by another one.

In the space of a few short seconds, the trickle became a veritable waterfall cascading down the blonde's face, as she slumped onto her pillow dejectedly, trying to drown out the noise her pathetic self was making.

I've been selfish enough today as it is with my complaining, I don't want to annoy my Daddy even more by irritating his guests. I'll stay here until I stop whining like a baby, then I might as well just go back to sleep again, in preparation for my horrible day tomorrow. Oh, isn't life wonderful?

It didn't come as any great surprise to the distraught teen either when, in the midst of her private pity party, she felt a warm presence at the side of her face, as Zzubo emerged from the auspices of her hidey-hole to try and comfort her owner.

"J-just leave me alone, please..." The heiress croaked, trying to turn away from the kwami.

"You humans never cease to amaze me, with some of the people you choose to lead you..." The bee creature ignored the blonde's protest, to follow her every movement. "I know he's your father, but that man's attitude is disgusting. Oh well, not much I can do to help him. You, on the other hand..."

The insectoid's hairy arms lightly brushed against the sides of Chloe's cheeks, which made her turn around instinctively from her watery sanctum.

"What you did today was absolutely the right thing, and don't listen to anyone who tells you otherwise, even your own father. You might suffer in the short term for speaking out, but in the long run as people realise you can be trusted and you're no longer the liar you once were, you'll have so many more friends. That's what you want, isn't it, Chloe? People who like you for who you are, not those intimidated to hang around with you only because of power and money, is it?"

"W-why should I listen to anything you have to say, above that of my Daddy? I-I've only known you for all of one day, and already you're telling me to disobey the one person who's been there for me all my life, bought me all of this stuff you see around you and has stopped me from getting into trouble time and time again? Y-you're just some weird... kwami, who's showed up out of the blue, and has proceeded to turn my life upside down in like, less than twenty-four hours! Y-You're lucky I haven't tried to flush you by now, the way you've ruined things for me!"

" I understand you're going through a lot of inner turmoil right now, Chloe... most of which is caused by me representing something you've lacked up until now, a challenge. I'm not simply letting you throw your wealth or status at a problem, in the hope that it'll fade away. I'm also going to teach you that there is more, so much more to life than personal possessions, and getting your own way all of the time. Don't forget either, that unlike certain others I could mention, I'll always be here for you. So if you ever need a shoulder... er, proboscis to cry on..."

"It's your fault I wasn't able to spend any time with my Daddy today! The first occasion in weeks we could have been together properly ! So, don't give me that nonsense! I-I've been waiting for this opportunity for so long, and you've... destroyed it. J-just, go away..."

"Oh Chloe, please don't start crying again. I'm very sorry if I've unintentionally caused you to miss out on any family time today but really, from what I've just seen of your father, he sounds like a man who cares far more about his public image than whatever difficulties you're experiencing. Tell me... what did the two of you do on your last free day together?"

"H-he told me about his plans to tax single parents, the outrageous cost of importing staff from New Guinea, before he asked me if I needed any money. T-then, after he set up a private account for me with enough collateral to last me for months, he left... why are you giving me that strange look?!"

"Hmm... Sounds like a most productive meeting. So, he never asked you about your well-being, how you're getting on at school, if there's anything he can provide you with besides easy income..."

"N-no, of course not! H-he's a very busy man, and I don't want to bother him with my trivial issues. Just because I get depressed sometimes, and feel a bit lonely, it doesn't give me the right to interfere with his duties..."

"Yes, penalising the downtrodden, and underpaying those who diligently work under him sounds like a full time job, much more important than being a father. It was also very interesting to hear first-hand the way he views Ladybug and Cat Noir too. I think my master would be rather intrigued to find out the mayor's opinion of the 'costumed freaks' who risk their lives on a daily basis to protect the city he supposedly loves. I wonder if he'll hold the same opinion of his daughter, when she eventually joins their number..."

"I-I've told you before, Zzubo. I-I haven't even made my mind up if I want to..."

"...And I've told you before, you don't have any choice in the matter. This is your destiny, Chloe Bourgeois, so embrace it. Your personal misgivings, and your father's potential disapproval of your new role, take a distant second place to the possible destruction of the world itself. I won't let anything or anyone get in the way of me training you to become the hero you were born to be. Family, included."

"W-what... is that a threat against my Daddy? P-please don't hurt him... He might not be perfect, but he's all I've got..."

"As long as your identity remains a secret, as it should be, no harm will befall anyone. It's good to hear though, you finally admit that your father isn't infallible. I'm sure you know that already however, judging by the way you've stashed your secret Ladybug costume over there in that hidden compartment. Were you afraid what he might say, if he found out of the extent of your idolisation of her..."

"H-how did you know about..."

"Oh come on, Chloe. Surely by now you should realise that my kind have eyes and ears everywhere. Must I really repeat myself..."

"No, no! A million times, no! My ears would probably drop off if I hear any more lectures!"

"Okay. Well, anyway... there must be some reason why you chose to dress up as Ladybug in your spare time, while coercing your best friend into becoming Cat Noir and swearing all the servants who see you in action to secrecy, other than just being a besotted fan. A mental calling, perhaps? A part of you that knows she can be more than just a spoiled brat, a desire to help others rather than take out your petty frustrations on them? I believe you can redeem yourself Chloe Bourgeois, and you've taken the first steps towards that watershed moment today."

"W-whatever Zzubo. All I know is I'm in for a hard time tomorrow, my own father seems to hate me right now, a pesky bee creature won't leave me alone, and I'm absolutely starving. What time is it..."

"It's around eight o'clock, Chloe. I had the chance to glance at your clock when I emerged from my hiding place."

"WOW. I must've slept for longer than I thought. It's too late to go downstairs now for something to eat, so I'll have to order out again. Hmm... Think I'll have a Caeser salad with Hollandaise dressing... would that be filling enough for Zzubo, my own special little dietician?"

"That'll be fine, Chloe. Just make sure you eat up every bite. Oh, and also..."

"Don't tell me. You want a fresh batch of nougat, right? The extra crunchy variety? Just so you can annoy me even more now?"

"Well, thank you Chloe, I thought you'd never ask. I'd actually like to try the chocolate-coated ones this time, if you don't mind. Seeing as how I'm going to be staying here for quite a while, I may as well sample all of the local delicacies."

"...Are all kwami as cheeky as you, Zzubo?"

"Just one, Chloe. Just one."

"...So, it really could have been worse..."

"What was that, Chloe?"

"Nothing Zzubo, nothing at all. Let's go."

...

Authors Notes: That about wraps up Day 1, Miraculous fans. Join us for Day 2, where I've got all kinds of fun'n' games planned... Coming to a fanfiction site near you, soon...