[Chloe's POV]

It's Saturday morning and I'm going out on patrol first thing. I think I'm the only one, though. I can't see any of my teammates...

Oh!

I spot Alya walking in the streets below and drop down to greet her. I haven't seen her since I yelled at her, I'd really like to apologise.

"Alya! Alya, hey!"

Alya seems startled by my sudden appearance. I hope she doesn't still hate me.

"Hey, uh, I know you must be mad at me," I say nervously. "But I'd really like to apologise for getting angry at you the other day."

"Huh, what?" Alya replies. "Oh, that. That was nothing. You were right after all."

"I was?" I say in surprise. "But, I was so hard on you about your Ladyblog."

"No, no, you're right. The Ladyblog does bring trouble." Alya assures me.

Alya sure is being mature about this...but I don't want to be the one that made her give up the Ladyblog.

"So...you're not doing it anymore or something?" I ask.

"Yeah, totally, no more investigating for me." Alya answers.

"Well, maybe once we stop whoever's after you, you can start it up again. I'd hate for you to give up your passion." I say genuinely. "And, I'm still sorry for yelling at you. That was not the right way to get my point across."

Alya smiles softly. "Thanks, that means a lot to me."

Phew. Looks like Alya doesn't hold a grudge, I'm glad. I was totally out of line. I bet if I yelled at her as Chloe she wouldn't be so quick to forgive me...

"Queen Bee!" Someone calls out.

I turn to see Nathaniel jogging towards us. Why is he calling me all of a sudden? What could he possibly want with me? Oh no, is he in trouble?!

Nathaniel suddenly stumbles and drops the art folder he was carrying, papers flying everywhere.

"Oh dear!" Nathaniel says as he scrambles to snatch up his drawings.

"Don't worry, I'll help!" I tell him.

I sprint after the papers tumbling down the street. It takes a few minutes for Nathaniel and I to collect them all.

"Thank you so much, I'm sorry for making you do this." Nathaniel says apologetically.

"Don't be sorry, it's fine!" I reply kindly. "I think one flew that way though."

Nathaniel and I continue to jog down the pathway, only to run into Cat Noir.

"Sorry, that's mine!" Nathaniel says as he takes the paper Cat Noir had been holding.

"Hey, where did you get the inspiration for that drawing?" Cat Noir asks immediately.

Nathaniel looks down at the drawing in his hands. "Oh, this one? It's inspired by one of my greatest idols, though I wouldn't be surprised if you hadn't heard of her. Technology wasn't as big as it is in our generation, plus, she tended to avoid paparazzi. Her name is Le Paon."

The peacock?

"The Peacock?" Cat Noir says as if speaking my thoughts. "What can you tell me about her?"

"Well, she was a mystery, but an amazing one. She's described as angelic—gorgeous and graceful, compassionate and kind..." Nathaniel blabbers on.

I kind of zoned out after that. Nathaniel just keeps talking about how amazing this girl is or whatever. Like, hello, there is a super heroine standing right beside you. I mean seriously, the peacock? What a weird name. Surely I would have heard of it...somehow it does feel a little familiar.

"If you want to know more about her, I first heard of her from some website. I think it was called The Bird Blog." Nathaniel finishes. "They described her beautifully, an angelic maiden with long, golden hair dressed in flowing feathers that resemble a tropical ocean. When I read that, I just felt the need to draw her."

"It is some beautiful art." Cat Noir says.

At then it hits me. Some girl jumping into battle dressed as a peacock, it's gotta be—

"Wait, Chat, didn't you tell us about a peacock mir—" I start.

"Yes I did!" Cat Noir interrupts. "I told you about the legend of the peacock. Truth is, Nathaniel, I had heard of her but I didn't know much. You've been a great help. What a wonder! Truly inspiring for someone completely normal without any powers to be such a hero."

I raise my eyebrow at Cat Noir, confusion rattling my brain. He was so desperate to find this peacock miraculous and now he has a lead that he doesn't even want to follow?

Cat Noir looks at Nathaniel, then back up at me. I guess Nathaniel doesn't know about the peacock miraculous, or anyone for that matter. He does seem to admire how brave this girl was...I wouldn't want to mess with her image that he idolises so much. Argh but what's so great about this stupid peacock miraculous that has everyone so worked up about it anyway?

I peer over Nathaniel's shoulder to get a look at the drawing and instantly freeze up, my eyes widening.

"Well, have fun you two. I best be off." Cat noir winks cheekily before strolling away.

That damn cat!

Nathaniel turns to me with a smile. My heart starts pounding. I clear my throat awkwardly and point down at Nathaniel's drawing.

"I-Is that...Is that, um, Chloe Bourgeois by any chance?"

Nathaniel looks down at the drawing of me as a peacock hero. "Oh, er, y-yeah it is, haha." He stammers nervously, his cheeks reddening.. "I-I needed a model if I wanted to design the feathered suit and, well, Chloe just sorta popped into my head. I guess after hearing all about this beautiful girl, brave and selfless, with gorgeous golden hair...I mean, it sure sounds like Chloe doesn't it?"

I lean forward intently, my eyes sparkling. "You think Chloe would make a good hero?"

"She does have a way with people, it's just that she had chosen the wrong way for a long time. I know a lot of people think she's rash and irresponsible and self-centred but it's that impulsive self-righteousness that would make her so great. It'd be funny to see how she would behave with responsibility forced upon her," Nathaniel answers with a smile. "She's extremely capable of handling herself. I think she would rise to the occasion. She's tough, you know?"

I can feel the heat of a blush beneath my mask. Damn this little tomato-head for moving me with his sweet words. He's far too kind, no one could possibly respect me this much.

"But it's not like anyone can just wake up and become a hero," Nathaniel adds with a laugh. "She's doesn't have to be a superhero like you guys. I'm talking about everyday people that make a difference. For example, I think Chloe would make an excellent diplomat."

"A Diplomat...?" I repeat, resting a hand on my chin. "You seem to think pretty highly of this girl; that is a role that requires a lot of responsibility and compassion. Isn't she just that spoilt brat that only cares about herself?"

"She's not!" Nathaniel says quickly. His breath hitches with surprise at his own outburst. "S-Sorry...But she's not, really." Nathaniel lowers his eyes timidly. "I think she just acts that way...it can be hard sometimes, caring for other people."

I frown sadly.

"These past couple of days, I've been so worried that it hurts..." Nathaniel says quietly.

Before I get a chance to respond, Nathaniel takes a deep breath and looks back up at me with a smile.

"Anyway, speaking of Chloe, I have to visit her now." He says.

I double-blink, my brain processing the situation. "Y-You're on your way to her house now are you?" I ask anxiously.

"Yeah!" Nathaniel answers definitely.

Oh no. No. Not today. Not now! I haven't even showered yet. I need to wash my hair!

I quickly shove the papers I had picked up into Nathaniel's arms. "Uh, here you go, I have to leave now!"

"W-Wait!" Nathaniel says hastily. "I still haven't talked to you."

I pause. "To me? About what?"

"I wanted to say thank you for saving me and my classmates the other day." Nathaniel says.

"Oh...that was no problem. I mean, it was a problem, obviously, but it wasn't just me you know. I had my whole team to help out. Really it was Rena who saved you, she got all the hostages out for us." I ramble bashfully. "But, um, thank you...for saying thank you? Er, I should go back to patrol now—

"A-And!" Nathaniel reaches out his hand to stop me. He immediately blushes and pulls it back, averting his eyes. "And, and I wanted to ask...I heard someone scream right before the bees showed up. 'Don't touch my family'..." Nathaniel's eyes slowly linger back to mine. "Was that...you?"

My heart lurches. "U-Um...Nope. Not that I can recall. I don't remember even hearing anything of the sort, actually."

"Oh...never mind then." Nathaniel says, still looking puzzled. "Maybe I was just hearing things."

"Well, I'll see you around." I reply before rushing off.

I totally lost it when Nathaniel and Sabrina, and all of my classmates, were in danger. I can't believe he actually heard me calling them my family—Eugh! How embarrassing. Nathaniel can't know that Queen Bee has any connections to them. What am I even saying? Chloe barely has any connections to them! They would hardly consider me family...

I finally reach Daddy's hotel and climb up the back wall, in through the window of my large, extravagant bedroom. Large...but very, very empty. I never noticed how quiet it is around here, with my dad busy working and all. I guess I really don't have any family, do I? I clung onto Adrien for a long time because he was the closest thing to it...but even he has moved on.

I sigh glumly. "Stripes off."

Pollen comes whizzing out of my hair comb and my disguise crumbles, leaving me in my pyjamas. I hadn't even bothered to get changed before going out on patrol this morning.

"What's got you down this time?" Pollen asks as she retrieves s slab of honeycomb toffee from my mini-fridge.

"I'm feeling a little lonely." I answer. "It'd be nice for once to return home to a family."

"Then why did you come back from patrol? Your teammates are like a little family aren't they? That's what you said to Carapace." Pollen says.

"I had to come back, Nathaniel is on his way here—" I gasp and grip my hair. "Nathaniel! I have to get ready!"

Pollen smiles as I rush around my room. "You have no family or friends, huh?"

I take a quick shower and get into my usual clothes. I barely get time to dry my hair before someone knocks on my door, so looks like I won't be able to do my makeup. I pull my hair up into a messy bun, securing it in place with my hair comb, and open the door.

"Hey Chlo!" Nathaniel greets spiritedly. "It's so good to see you're okay!"

I step aside to let Nathaniel in and close the door behind him. "Why wouldn't I be okay?"

"W-Well, you haven't been at school since the whole hostage incident. I was beginning to worry..." Nathaniel says, his voice dropping slightly.

I think back to what Nathaniel had told Queen Bee,

"These past couple of days, I've been so worried that it hurts..."

"Oh no, of course I'm coming back! You guys are like my—" I cut myself off and clear my throat before continuing. "My absence had nothing to do with the attack, I was just ill."

"Yeah, your butler told me when I tried to visit after school. He told me you were pushing yourself too hard and weren't allowed out of bed so I had to come back later." Nathaniel says. "What on earth have you been doing that's got you so exhausted and overworked?"

"Uh..." I fiddle with my fingers as I think of an excuse. "Exercising? Yeah, new year new me and all that jazz. Gotta get in shape, aha!"

"Well you shouldn't do it to the point of passing out," Nathaniel says with a chuckle. "I think you're fine just the way you are, Chloe."

My heart skips a beat.

"O-Oh...Right, yes. Thankyou..." I reply awkwardly. "But, if you knew I was sick then why were you so worried?"

"What do you mean, why was I worried? You were bedridden..." Nathaniel says weakly.

Nathaniel pushes his fridge aside timidly—a habit of his that I have come to recognise. I can't help but smile to myself.

Cute...

"What's on your mind?" I ask, knowing that he is anxious.

Nathaniel looks startled for a second before heaving a sigh and confessing, "I-I thought you might be mad at me..."

"Mad?" I tilt my head slightly. "About what?"

"I missed your party, and you were really looking forward to it too." Nathaniel says.

"Nathaniel," I reply with a giggle. "You were being held at gunpoint within the school. I can hardly blame you for standing me up."

"Yeah, well, I'm still sorry that I missed it," Nathaniel says, his cheeks turning red. "And you weren't at school so I couldn't apologise."

I hold my phone up and wiggle it in my hand.

"Y-Yeah, but, sometimes it's nicer to say things in person. I had to check up on you to see if you're okay and I had to, I dunno, make it up to you—"

"Don't lie; you just wanted to see this beautiful face." I interrupt smugly.

Nathaniel blushes and begins babbling embarrassed excuses, much to my amusement. I cut him off by turning on my stereo.

"If you've supposedly come to make it up to me, then the least you could do is offer me that dance you missed out on."

I smirk and I hold out my hand. Nathaniel smiles as he takes it. The two of us begin dancing to the slow music. It feels warm and cosy, being in his arms...

Ack! What am I saying? Don't get all gushy and romantic on me, Chloe.

"This is just making me even more sorry for missing out on your party." Nathaniel says as he pulls me in tighter.

I blush and avert my eyes. "You have danced with me before you know, at the ball I threw for Marinette late year."

"I know, but I don't think you were very happy to dance with me back then." Nathaniel laughs.

"I-I was!" I say quickly.

"You don't have to lie, we weren't even friends yet." Nathaniel replies.

"Yeah, but...I had never actually been asked to dance before," I mumble sheepishly. "It made me really happy..."

Nathaniel looks down at me in surprise. "Really? Well I'm glad then, that I made you happy. I guess I just I assumed you wanted to dance with Adrien..."

"Nah, I knew he wanted to dance with Marinette." I say. "Actually, I...I assumed you wanted to dance with Marinette as well."

"Nah, I knew she wanted to dance with Adrien." Nathaniel replies, mimicking my words.

I smile up at him. "Funny how that turned out."

"That reminds me, the sports carnival is soon." Nathaniel says. "I wonder if those two will be participating in it again. They were like super humans last year."

Marinette and Adrien...super humans...super...

Super! Marinette and Adrien! How could I have not seen it? This is the evidence I've been looking for. Last year at the sports carnival they annihilated the obstacle course that only an Olympic gymnast has ever been able to complete. Adrien does fencing, sure, but besides that how could they possibly have worked up those coordination skills? The speed, the stamina, the strength? It's so obvious! I can't believe no one questioned their amazing athletic talent last year.

I suddenly stop dancing, my mind buzzing.

"Chloe...are you okay?" Nathaniel asks worriedly.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, I just need to sit down..." I answer as I slowly sit down on my bed. "I guess I'm still a little sick."

I knew I wasn't crazy for suspecting those two. Argh, but that means I've been right about everything! Marinette really has been ahead of me my entire life. I thought I could finally build a new life, have a fresh start to make myself great! But I'll always be following in Ladybug's footsteps.

"I suppose Adrien and Marinette wouldn't try so hard this year without Marinette's lips on the line." Nathaniel chuckles as he sits down next to me. "That whole queen of the carnival thing was really stupid."

Argh, great, just another thing that Marinette beat me at, the carnival queen. This is pathetic. I thought I finally had my own thing going. Something to be proud of...

"Oh, speaking of queens, you'll never guess who I saw on the way here—Queen Bee!" Nathaniel says excitedly, snapping me from my daze.

"Yeah?" I reply unenthusiastically.

"Yeah!" Nathaniel says, his face beaming. His smile fades upon realising my dull expression. "...You don't like her?"

"It's not that, there's just nothing that special about her." I reply. "Ladybug would have been better, right?"

"Queen Bee saved us from those hostages you know." Nathaniel says as if trying to sell me.

"All of the heroes were there." I point out stubbornly.

"Yeah, but Queen Bee seemed to genuinely care the most. She got really passionate and heated about our safety, actually. To get so distressed over the lives of others, she must have a really soft heart. I think she just acts cold to protect it..." Nathaniel smiles to himself. "I dunno, maybe I just like her the best because she reminds me of—" Nathaniel freezes. "N-Never mind, sorry, I was probably rambling..."

Geeze, look at this guy. I spent years perfecting my act and he can see right through me! And he doesn't even know he's doing it...

"W-Wait, did you say you like Queen Bee the best? Even more than Ladybug? Why?" I question intently.

"I don't know, she's just a really unique character." Nathaniel scratches the back of his neck nervously as if debating his next sentence. "W-Would it be weird to say that she kind of reminds me of...of you?"

Honestly it's like I'm made of glass! And he still has no idea that's he's got me completely pegged.

"Me?" I repeat, acting fascinated. "Ha! Don't be ridiculous Nathan, I'm much prettier than her."

Nathaniel chuckles. "Yeah, I thought it was stupid. She didn't seem too keen on you either, called you a spoilt brat."

"And she's still your favourite? I'm hurt, Nathaniel." I pout playfully.

Nathaniel grins. "Don't worry. You're super to me, Chlo."

I double-blink, a blush rising to my cheeks. Damn this little tomato-head!

Nathaniel's phone beeps. "Oops. Gotta go, my mum's calling." He says as he stands up.

"I'll see you at school then." I reply with a smile.

I give Nathaniel a wave as he leaves my bedroom. Pollen immediately comes flying out from hiding.

"How about that," She says. "Nathaniel values Queen Bee even more than Ladybug."

"Do you think...I've done good?" I ask. "Nathaniel believes in me as both Chloe and Queen Bee. Do you think I really have changed?"

"I'm certainly proud of you, Chloe." Pollen answers with a smile.

"I can't believe I had the audacity to say I have no family with you right here with me!" I say as I snatch Pollen up into a cuddle. "And to think, Adrikins is the one that brought us together."

"Wait, what?" Pollen replies.

"If I keep thinking that I have to start my own new life completely alone, then I haven't really changed at all. I don't have to do anything alone. I have you and Nathaniel and Sabrina and Adrien, he's always been there for me!" I say happily. "To think, that he chose to bring me into his miraculous life when I thought that he was busy making his own family without me. He still wants me by his side!"

"What are you talking about?" Pollen questions worriedly.

"I'm talking about Adrien being Cat Noir, silly." I tell her. "Come on, we have to go visit him. We have so much to talk about!"

"Wait, wait, wait—Chloe! We can't just go confront him. Secret identities are—"

"Pollen, stripes on!" I holler.

"Nooooooo!" Pollen wails as she gets sucked into my hair comb.

After transforming into Queen Bee, I climb out my bedroom window and search the city for Cat Noir, but I can't find him. Maybe he has finished patrolling and gone home. I change my direction and head straight for Adrien's house. I climb into his bedroom window only to find the place empty.

"I guess I'll just wait here for him..." I mumble to myself.

I tap my foot in boredom for a few moments until a strange scraping breaks the silence. I turn towards the sound to see someone scurrying up the building. A green gloved hand grips the window sill, hauling up a suited body carrying a shield.

What the heck is Carapace doing here?! Why is he breaking into Adrien's room? Ah! He can't know that I broke into Adrien's room!

I scramble into the closest hiding spot to me before Carapace can see me—Adrien's closet. I shimmy right to the back of the small space, trying to conceal myself within the jackets. What on earth could Carapace possibly want with Adrien? Unless he saw me come in here...

The closet door suddenly swings ajar but as soon as it is opened, it is snapped shut and now there is a big metal shield pushing back against me. Seriously, what the heck is Carapace even doing?!!

I wriggle uncomfortably and let out an irritated whisper, "Carapace, what the hell?"

Carapace squeaks in fright before clamping a hand over his mouth.

"Queen Bee...what are you doing in Adrien's closet?"

"What are you doing in Adrien's closet?!"

"I asked first."

"Well, it's none of your business I can be in whoever's closet I want to be in. Unfortunately, there is not enough room in here for you and your dumb shield so go on, get out!"

"No, I have to hide!"

"From what?"

The closet door opens once more, this time revealing the silhouette of a girl with fox ears. Rena Rouge slowly closes the door as she walks backwards into the closet, but she stumbles and falls into Carapace's lap.

"What the heck?!"

"Shhh!" Carapace hushes urgently.

"Argh, Carapace, move your stupid shield." I complain, coat hangers and jackets falling everywhere in my struggle.

"What are you two doing hiding in Adrien's room? Don't tell me you're his mistresses too." Rena Rouge says. "Has he been making out with the whole team?!"

"What?" Carapace replies in confusion. "How many times do I have to tell you that I'm straight?"

"Oh please shelly, it's time to come out of the closet." Rena says mockingly.

"Are you crazy? We can't go out, Cat Noir's out there!" Carapace replies.

"I don't think that's—" I try.

"Well of course Cat Noir's out there, this is his house." Rena cuts in.

"Wait, what?" Carapace and I say in unison.

The closet door is suddenly yanked open, causing us all to freeze.

"AHH!" Adrien screams, stumbling backwards in fright. His terrified expression is soon overridden by confusion. "What..." He puffs. "What are you doing in my closet?"

"I was investigating you!" Rena Rouge declares, jumping to her feet.

"In my closet...?" Adrien says slowly.

It seems Rena Rouge has discovered Adrien's secret. But how? When? Why does she seem so angry? This isn't right at all.

"I'm here to expose you for the dirty cheat that you are." Rena says heatedly.

Oh.

"Woah, woah, woah." Carapace steps up in between Rena and Adrien. "Adrien's not the cheater, he's the one getting two-timed."

"As if! Marinette is no cheater, she is an honest girl who fell in love with a good-for-nothing snake!" Rena Rouge argues. "I saw him kissing Ladybug just hours after their date."

Oh dear.

Carapace grips his hair in frustration. "That's because he's dating Ladybug, who, by the way, has been smooching Cat Noir behind his back!"

"What? That's what I'm trying to tell you, he's dating Marinette and Ladybug at the same time!" Rena says, completely lost.

"I see what's happening!" I speak up, sparked with a sudden realisation.

Carapace and Rena Rouge both turn to look at me.

"You're both idiots." I say. "Man, if this team would just talk to each other things wouldn't be this difficult. Don't you see that you're both right?"

Carapace and Rena Rouge exchange confused looks.

"Oh honestly am I the only one with half a brain here?" I exclaim. "Marinette is Ladybug and Adrien is Cat Noir!"

Carapace points at Adrien in shock. "Cat Noir?!"

Adrien turns on me angrily. "Chloe!"

"Chloe?!" Carapace and Rena shriek.

"Adrien!" Ladybug calls happily as she swings in through the window.

"Marinette!" Rena Rouge squeals.

Ladybug stops dead in her tracks. "What have I walked in on...?"

"Adrien you idiot!" I yap, knocking him over the head. "What did you go saying my name for?"

"You revealed my secret identity first!" Adrien says defensively.

"Childish much? You were already done for, they had you all figured out! If anything I just helped you out of that misunderstanding." I reply, crossing my arms.

"How long have you known?" Adrien asks crossly.

"Well, I suspected you from the very beginning but I held out until I was absolutely sure." I answer proudly. "Smart, right? Aren't you proud of me? Do you wonna hear about the evidence I collected?"

"No I don't want to hear about how you invaded my privacy and ignored your kwami's warnings about secret identities!" Adrien says. "You're all invading my privacy! What are you doing in my house?"

Ladybug raises her hand slowly. "You invited me here..."

"Not you, bugaboo. You're always welcome." Adrien says sweetly before turning on us with flames in his eyes. "But you three have a lot of explaining to do! I can't believe you were honoured with these miraculous powers and you use them to go break into a civilian's house!"

Carapace fiddles with his fingers timidly. "I was just trying to do the right thing..."

"I may have been in the wrong." Rena Rouge admits guiltily.

Everyone looks at me.

"I still think I deserve applaud for being the smartest one in the team for once." I say with a shrug.

Adrien groans and rests a hand on his face. Ladybug wraps her arms around his waist gently and kisses his neck to comfort him.

Rena Rouge eyes Ladybug uneasily. "It doesn't...look like you."

Ladybug sighs. "Spots off."

Rena Rouge, Carapace and I watch in awe as Ladybug's disguise dissolves away with a bright pink magic, leaving Marinette in her place. I can't help but smile proudly to myself.

I knew it!

"Woah. Head rush." Carapace says, gripping his head.

"The illusion is broken." Marinette announces.

"You didn't have to do that." Adrien says.

"It's alright, Adrien...I trust them. They're our comrades after all." Marinette replies softly.

I sigh and step forward. "You chose to trust me with this amazing responsibility, you trusted me enough to bring me into your family... So I'm choosing to have faith in the choices Ladybug and Cat Noir make as my leaders. I would trust you more than anyone."

Rena Rouge hangs her head. "She's right....I'm sorry for doubting you."

"Just, no more identity reveals okay?" Adrien says, clearly having had enough stress.

"But—" Carapace tries.

"Don't wonna know, dude." Adrien interrupts.

Carapace frowns.

"I bet I could figure them out." I say complacently.

"Chloe," Adrien replies sternly. "Don't you dare!"