MARINETTE

Wipe away another one, okay...that's it. You got this, Marinette.

I have not been sleeping well for the past few days. Rather, I do not know if I even got to sleep at all.

I gather water from the faucet and bring my face near my hands. I wash my face once more and turn the knob of the faucet to stop the water from running. I heave a sigh and look at myself in the mirror in front of me. With the sleeves of my jacket, I use them to wipe away the droplets of water on my face.

Oh, would you look at that. I am face-to-face with the living dead. I curse under my breath at the state I am now in. And it is all because of one guy.

"Who would have thought that you would cry over a guy for days?" I whisper, looking at myself in the mirror. "You did not cry when you broke up with Monarch but here you are pouring your heart out for a guy you met four months ago." But have been hearing stories about him three months prior, I continue in my head.

"And I just had to initiate the relationship...with a kiss," I bury my face in my hands and let out a disgruntled sigh. "from all things. Damn it," I mutter under my breath and slam a hand at the side of the sink.

Was what we had even considered a relationship when I was just using him?

I look at myself in the mirror then close my eyes as I run my hands through my hair. "I need a drink," I continue, "Or a breath of fresh air." Like as if anything here could calm down the ticking time-bomb in me. I should have not worn my heart on my sleeve ever since the beginning.

I turn off the light in the bathroom connected to the room where I will be resting in for the meantime. I too was given a private room somewhat similar to Adrien's and Nino's but mine is only temporary. For the other two...I don't know how long they'll be placed there. But thank goodness that Monarch listened and followed my request of not placing them in cells that were fit for them - "traitors to authority".

To me, they are not that much of traitors at all. They just misunderstand the situation we are all caught up in as they are misunderstood by my comrades. "I guess I'm the one in the middle. I have to fix this in some way," I voice my thoughts out loud. I open the door and turn off the lights in my room just as I exit. "But I can't do it alone."

I close the door behind me and turn right so that I could head to the mess hall to grab something to eat. My breath gets caught in my throat and it's like my heart skips a beat as I stop in place once I see that I have come face-to-face with an all too-familiar person.

Adrien stops in place too with a senior soldier, Gorilla, beside him. Gorilla got his nickname because of his buff body and intimidating aura that could be felt by anyone once near him. He is also a man of a few words. They both stand silent in place with Adrien showing a deadpan look.

How could you forget, Marinette! It's this time of the day that Adrien and Nino would get to walk around certain areas in the base. This was part of what I requested of Monarch, to allow them to not always be cooped up in their rooms for the whole day.

I clear my throat and start to talk in a authoritative manner, "I see that they assigned you, Gorilla, to Agreste. Wise decision."

Gorilla grunts in reply and I nod in understanding. I see Adrien raise his eyebrows with my mentioning of the name of the 'guard' assigned to watch over Adrien to make sure that he does not do anything that could let the mutiny know that he is here and that he does not also hurt my comrades.

And to think that you were falling so hard for me?

The words I threw at him during our last encounter replay in my mind as I sneak another glance at Adrien.

Pathetic.

I look away and let out an unsteady breath.

...Maybe you're the pathetic one. Maybe I really am.

"Yes, his name is Gorilla," I speak up, answering Adrien's silent question, "because of his build and his tendency to not talk at all. Only when it is necessary you talk right, Gorilla?"

Gorilla grunts in agreement with a stern face and I flash a small smile at him before turning serious again. "Are you taking back Agreste to his room?"

"More like cell," Adrien suddenly comments softly which causes Gorilla to jab Adrien's ribs using his elbow. I wince as Adrien lets out a silent yelp as he hold the area where it hurts.

"Now you know what it is like to test The G," I utter watching Adrien, and through the corner of my eye I see Gorilla smirking beside him.

"But Gorilla," I face Gorilla whose smirk has disappeared and gone back to a serious expression, "you didn't have to do that. That was a wise time to use your words."

Gorilla heavily sighs whilst rolling his eyes. I give him a stern look and he grunts in defeat. "Good. The both of you are dismissed."

Suddenly, Adrien stands straight and salutes looking straight at me. I take a step back in surprise and try to make sense of this situation, and if I should take the salute or not. I look at Gorilla to see if he was aware of this new action but he just continues to look forward blankly, he must be waiting for me to also do something. Clearly I am not a senior officer, I'm a mere nurse! But I know that Adrien would not get to continue with his day if I stay quiet.

"At ease," I utter ironically since it was done uneasily. He puts his hand down then Gorilla drags him by the arm and they continue their way back to Adrien's quarters.

What the hell was with Adrien and that salute? I bet it has something to do with what Monarch wants from them.

I shake my head and continue on with walking to the mess hall. Hopefully something as small as a plum could help in easing my worries.

"Marinette!" Someone calls out loud then grabs me by the left shoulder and stops me in place.

"What the heck is this now?" I sneer out in anger and face the person who stopped me. Nathanael looked like he was bracing himself from a sudden physical impact.

"Bad timing?" Nath asks softly, retracting his hand from my shoulder.

"Well, it would depend on how urgent the situation is that you had to stop me mid-walk."

"General Monarch is holding a meeting right now with selected members," he starts and I know that this has turned into serious business. "And he asked me to accompany you to the conference room."

I suppress an eye-roll and decide to take a deep breath. Urgent matters at this time of the day...yes, I am truly back in this base. "Let's go," I utter and Nath starts to walk in the opposite direction of the corridor and I follow him.

"Army green suits you well, nurse Marinette," Nath teases as we now walk in the same pace beside each other but with him still leading the way.

"Thank you for the reminder," I say grimly and sarcastically. "Why has everyone been pointing out the clothes I'm wearing for the past days," I complain in a small voice. I do not stop myself from heaving a heavy sigh.

"Maybe because you finally see what we see," he comments nonchalantly.

"And what is it that you see?"

"That a nurse's uniform was never meant to be worn by you." He smirks right at me and now I roll my eyes in annoyance. "It's like I'm seeing a mini and female version of the combat medic, Tom Dupain," he continues and I slap his arm with which he mocks me with a fake cry in pain.

"To be honest, Nath, you seem like the only normal person here." I utter under my breath, deciding not to continue with the topic on my father.

"I guess? I mean, I don't even know what normal is already. My definition of normal would be waking up the next day...it's normal to want to keep living, right?" I nod as a reply to his question. We turn to the right and I could see the conference room from where we are walking.

"Actually, that was the most normal thing I have heard in the past months," I agree with him.

Aside from the fact that Adrien talked of a normal life with him after the war...and I know that would never happen.

But I sometimes catch myself wishing that it still could.

"We're here," Nath announces, bringing me out of my thoughts. He opens the door and gestures for me to enter the room first which I do. He follows me right after and closes the door behind him.

"Good that the both of you are now here," Monarch says as Nath and I take the last two empty seats around the long table. Those who were sitting with us around the table comprised of Max Kanté, our head of operations for the maintenance and development of artillery solely for only our use. We also have Lê Chiên Kim, or simply Kim, who apparently has been working as one of the assisting secretaries of our leader. Kim used to work under Max, but with the change of management and fluctuation of workload, Kim moved to another position and department. Of course, with the permission of Max.

"It's good to see the two of you here," I whisper to Max and Kim.

"And it's surprising to see you here," Max says. "Since when have you been a point person in this?" He asks.

"Marinette is close with our prisoners," Says Monarch, butting in our conversation. "She knows them like the back of her hand. Now, may we start?"

"Yes, sir," Kim says, eyeing both Max and I. We both fix ourselves on our respective seats and face Monarch in front.

"I called all of you here today because you each represent some of the departments that are of importance for this meeting only. Who knows when we would have to include everyone here for a meeting. Max is here because of the artillery at hand, Nath represents all medical practitioners in the base, Kim here will take notes that may be disseminated to our leader if such topics that we will discuss today are very important for our leader to know or if we, ourselves, could handle it on our own. And Marinette," Monarch looks at me, "is here because she knows more of the mutiny than most of us here, and she was manipulative especially when it came to our prisoners."

"You really know how to work your charm, General," I comment, raising an eyebrow at him.

"I only know how to state the truth, Marinette. Now let's get going with the meeting." In the split of a second, Monarch shifts back to his serious demeanor. "Our negotiators came back with a special request from the other side."

"As long as they have not gone against the truce - it must be something that we should not really worry about," Max says.

"Yeah, but the individual killings have not ceased," Nath coughs into his fist and I elbow him before he could continue with his side remarks.

"Nath, we are nurses," I scold him through gritted teeth.

"We are," Nath whispers, "But we've been dealing with these deaths that should have not happened if it weren't for their stubbornness."

"Yes, Nath?" Monarch suddenly speaks up, silencing both Nath and I. "You were saying something?"

"I-I...stubbed my toe on the table!" Nath says, awkwardly smiling to everyone in the room. I had to stop myself from slapping him.

"Can we go back to being attentive?" Monarch looks at Nath disappointingly.

"Sir yes, sir," Nath utters, feeling embarrassed.

"Now," Monarch continues and grabs a piece of paper from a brown folder, "to go back to what Kanté said, this is something we should be worried about."

"What is it do they want this time?" Kim utters, a hint of annoyance in his voice. He opens his hand to Monarch and Monarch gives him the piece of paper. Kim holds the piece of paper in front of him and skims through the paper and its content. "Controlled resources? All under the jurisdiction of one leader..."

"What?" Max spits out. "Give me that," he grabs the piece of paper from Kim's hand. Max too reads what is written on the piece of paper and his face turns sullen. "No one can choose what they want . Everything will be done beforehand," he says dejectedly, reading a specific line from the paper.

"They are actually pushing for a more communistic approach towards the new way of governance," Nath comments.

"Not exactly..." Monarch sighs and grabs another piece of paper from the folder.

"But surely the leader they want is not our current one," Kim points out after grabbing the piece of paper back from Max. "There will always be a catch with these kinds of negotiations."

"Yes," Monarch says agreeing with Kim's statement. "If you look at this one, they have their own list of candidates and all of them are part of the movement." Monarch hands the other piece of paper to Kim. "Your uncle, Marinette, is part of them." He tells me right after.

"Of course," I mutter under my breath.

"It still won't be just since we have no representative from us." Nath speaks, looking at everyone in the room. "And someone would have to step up," he continues quietly, sneaking a glance at Monarch.

"But even if we intervene, which we are really supposed to, then we should at least hold a voting system that would evaluate candidates from them and us," Kim suggests as he starts to write down notes on a pad of paper.

"Wait, Kim," Max utters, "I think they have thought of the possibility already. I mean, it could explain why they are on the rise of recruiting more people. There is this desperation-"

"Too much of a desperation," Monarch interrupts rubbing his chin in thought. "I'm trying to find a loophole in this. They did not even mention anything of their members who supposedly 'died'."

"I don't think they are recruiting more for only that reason," I speak up, garnering their attention. "It would seem too easy on our side."

"That what else could it be other than gaining more people on their side?" Max rebuts, throwing his hand la in the air. "I mean, eventually they may have more allies than us and they do have weapons. Theirs though are not as updated as ours. If you're only looking at the quantity, they are at an advantage. But in terms of combat weapons, heavy artillery and strategy," Max lets out a sarcastic laugh, "I don't think so."

"Let's adjourn this meeting for now," Monarch announces whilst getting the pieces of paper back. "Kim, disseminate such information to the leader. Maybe she would have an idea to deal with this."

"Yes, sir," Kim says and continues to jot down notes of this meeting.

"Max, continue with the experimentation of new artillery," Monarch continues.

"On it," Max salutes with two fingers at Monarch. "General, you must have forgotten that I am a master in this field."

"Don't get too cocky. Hopefully we would get more updates on the movement's artillery. We cannot be on the downside here." Monarch faces Nath, "And Nath, check if-"

"I think Nath and the others should take care of Lahiffe and Agreste," I but in. All men in the room look at me inquisitively.

"Excuse me?" Monarch spits out. He leans forward and rests his fists on the table.

"Mari," Nath whispers, "what are you trying to do?"

"I'm serious here," I continue, not being wavered with their glares. "They may be prisoners but we should still care for them like how we treat our comrades-"

"Don't tell me you're saying this because Agreste is your eye-candy," Nath continues in a whisper.

"Nath, that's not it-"

"You are all dismissed," Monarch bellows. "Leave this room except for Nurse Marinette."

Nath, Max and Kim collect their belongings and stand to leave the room. Max lingers longer to pat my shoulder before he exits with the other two.

Just as the door closes, I sharply intake my breath and close my eyes. Here we go. Way to go with your big mouth, Marinette.

"What the hell, Mari?" Monarch explodes in anger once the door closes behind them. "We gave them private quarters and we are feeding them well; why do you want to add more? For God's sake, this is not a vacation house for them!"

"Monarch, they are people too," I say, trying to reason out with this hard-headed ex. "We must treat them just like how we treat our comrades."

"Marinette, they killed our comrades!" He exclaims.

"But such hate has started because of us!" I retaliate. "I mean, them! I mean, the ones before us! Argh!" I throw my hands in the air and let out a disappointed sigh. "Listen Monarch," I continue slowly, making sure that I get my point across, "we hold a responsibility too...even if we were still too young to understand what happened, even if it were not us who made the mistake of pushing through with that operation in the mine that jeopardized hundreds of lives. We still hold a responsibility because of the side we chose. And now that we have them, we have to play the bigger persons here."

Monarch stays in place with his jaw tight, he then sighs in defeat, "Mari-"

"I know that they have taken people dear to you and I know that it has caused a turmoil in your heart, but they are still people like us," I continue, my tone going softer and albeit more caring.

"Fine," Monarch utters through gritted teeth, "then what should we add, boss?"

"First, respect," I start.

"You've got to be kidding me-"

"I'm serious here, Monarch," I interject. I hold up my index finger in front of him, "Respect them by treating them like your friends, and my second point follows, interaction." I hold up another finger, "We need to talk to them - allow them to eat at the mess hall with us, of course with people like Gorilla around just to be sure," I add to show Monarch that I am also respecting his set of rules. "And we can't just keep them isolated in their private quarters. They could completely go insane with the loneliness. At least let Lahiffe and Agreste talk to each other." I finish, not wanting to add any more thing. Monarch turns his back to me and does not utter a word. I bet he's just taking in what I said...I hope he is taking them into consideration.

"And what if they hurt you?" He asks quietly after a moment of silence. He faces me again, this time looking at me with doubt in his eyes.

"They would never hurt me," I immediately declare. Monarch's eyes widen in recognition, and as fast as lightning, he goes back to his stern and serious demeanor.

"I see," He whispers then clears his throat. "Well then, I will inform Gorilla's and Nath's team about tue changes. And I will have to make sure that the rest of our members will know what to do if ever they run into Lahiffe or Agreste." He opens his mouth to say something else but goes against by shutting it again and bitterly closing his eyes, "Let's hope that your plan will work. I don't know if I should fully trust you about it or not."

I walk towards Monarch and grab ahold of his arm. I give it a light squeeze and look into his eyes, "Despite whatever happens, thank you, Monarch."

"Don't thank me just yet." He pulls his arm away. "This is bound to get hard in the long run."

------------

"Did Agreste get to eat dinner already?" I ask Gorilla who was standing tall right in front of Adrien's door that would lead to his room.

Gorilla grunts in reply and I raise a questioning eyebrow at him. "Are you sure?" I ask and he grunts again. I hold out my palm at him. "Give me the keys to his handcuffs," I command.

"No," He simply states with his deep voice resonating in the corridor.

"Come on, Gorilla. Please?" I try again nicely, still holding out my palm in front of him.

He looks at me dead in the eye and says, "No."

I let out a sigh in defeat. "Look, I know that you were given specific orders when it came to guarding this man. But I was given a direct order from General Thaddeus to check on Adrien Agreste. It will just be for tonight." Hopefully, I add in my head.

"So please," I continue and hold my palm out closer to him, "cooperate with me on this."

He lets out a long and clearly annoyed sigh before knocking loudly on the door twice. Without saying a word he grabs a ring of keys from his side and drops them on my open palm.

"Thank you," I sweetly utter. "I will return these to you when I'm done with my business with Agreste."

Gorilla opens the door and I enter to find a flustered yet serious Adrien, with his hands cuffed together, stand in front of a table that had his tray of food on it. Gorilla closes the door behind me. Now it's just Adrien and I alone in his room...and with four security cameras watching us at every corner.

Adrien begins to speak, "I-I would salute, ma'am. Unfortunately I am incapable of doing so because of-"

"Quiet," I utter with authority and he shuts his mouth in an instant. He sharply intakes his breath as I near him with the keys in my hand.

"I knew it," I mumble under my breath and place the right key into the keyhole of his handcuffs. I unlock the handcuffs and take them with me as Adrien proceeds to rub his right wrist which eventually is red from being cuffed.

"Thank you-"

"How could you eat comfortably with those on?" I cut him off. "I know that you have to wear handcuffs whenever Gorilla can't see you, but God, you're just in your room." I place the handcuffs in my pocket.

Adrien does not take a single glance at me as I continue to talk. Even if I am not in his shoes, I would not stand the presence of myself too.

"I'm here because I need to tell you of some changes when it comes to handling you and Lahiffe," I inform him, turning serious.

"I won't be surprised if it would involve more physical matters when it comes to interrogations," Adrien quietly utters standing in front of me.

"Also," I continue, deciding not to mind his comment. "None of your loyal members have shown any concern over the apparent loss of you and Lahiffe."

He scoffs, "I don't care if they don't even think of me. Don't you remember? I'm pathetic." He utters, spitting out the word in a form of retaliation to the way I said it to him days ago. "How could they care about a single person like me? As long as we share the same set of ideas, that's enough."

"And I won't deny that," I smugly say in return, "But you do not share the same set of humanity with them. And clearly, Lieutenant, that is what sets you apart."

He looks at me in surprise and I keep his gaze on me, fighting this smile that I want to show. I close my eyes in anguish. He despises you, Marinette.

I open my eyes and stare right into his eyes with this cold front I put up. And you should not feel hurt at all.

"I shall go ahead," I announce and turn around to walk to the door.

"Take this," He calls out suddenly and just as I turn, I see a piece of fruit being thrown in the air. I try to catch it with both hands but I clearly miss as it hits my shoulder instead and rolls to the floor. What a way to stay cool, Mari.

I grunt under my breath. "You could have handed it to me instead of throwing it-"

"You look like you haven't been eating well." He cuts me off, as I grab the fruit, which apparently is an apricot, from the floor.

"Thank you, lieutenant," I utter, defeated and wanting to get this over with before he sees the color, due to the violent rushing of blood, on my cheeks.

He salutes as I open the door and I pinch the bridge of my nose out of annoyance, "Put down your hand for me and rest well," I finish then exit and close the door behind me.

I was intimidating...right?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hello! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! It's back to class for me so this book might be on hiatus again :( but I'll do my best to update at least one more chapter before the hiatus!

Belated Happy Birthday to the judo, krav maga, rather all-around butt-kicking crab. Thank you for the ideas for this chapter.

From, your futuristic friend

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