Promise (Discontinued)

Dulce had kicked his shoes off at the door. He ignored the calls of Lizette and slammed the bedroom door shut.

Lizette collapsed on the couch. A hand lifted, gently touching the spot ‘Guardian Angel’ had grabbed. He curled up staring at the blank television screen. Maybe tv would help? A hand messily grabbed at the remote. He tried to skip almost every channel. Each one being just about the latest akuma. She settled on Family Feud.

At some point he had fallen asleep, but a bang from the television jolted him awake. On him was a blanket, probably from his brother. Lizette sighed, wrapping it around her as she stood. The clock read 10:45 pm. The only light came from the television and

Lizette wasn’t the best cook. She usually relied on Dulce to cook, but she knew he’d be out for the count. Did he eat already? Probably not. What was something he could make? Maybe he could reheat food? What did they have? Liz dug through the fridge, trying to find anything. “Rice, beans.. Ugh why is there not anything?” Closer to the back, she found tupperware. “Ah, we have ribs and gravy leftover.” She groaned, throwing it into the microwave. 

At the beep, she pulled the food out and plated it. They moved to reheat tortillas on the stovetop, and covered it with a kitchen towel. Liz grabbed the plate of food and moved to one of the bedrooms. The door was shut and there were no lights peeking through the cracks. They carefully knocked. There was some form of moan, so she took that as a chance to walk in. “Hey, Dul. I- I didn’t make food but I reheated it. You should eat.”

“Already did.” Dulce covered his face with his blanket, curling away from Lizette.

“Don’t lie to me. I know you didn’t.” Lizette moved closer and tugged at his blanket. “Comé, Dulce. Please? I’ll leave you alone if you eat.” He placed the food on the bedside table and waited for him to respond. There had been silence between the two before there was movement.

Dulce had sat up, grabbing his food. His face had been revealed to be puffy and red. His hair had gone everywhere. Though he looked like utter shit, he seemed to pretend he didn’t. 

The little sister sighed, taking a seat. The bed sank in slightly, “Dulce, no te odio. I know you didn’t do it on purpose.” She extended a hand out to grab his, her face scrunched with worry.

He flinched, bringing his hand back. “I still did it. It was still my own self who hurt you. I promised, Lizette.” His voice raised slightly as tears pricked the corner of his eyes.

“Dulce, you made a promise to take care of me.” Lizette muttered, sinking back unconfidently. “You’ve been doing that forever. Even when you were akumatized or whatever it is, you still did protect me.” She wished he could convince him that everything was fine, but she knew she couldn’t. It wasn’t that easy. “How about this? I’ll do some research, maybe there is therapy for victims? If you want, we both can go so you won’t be alone.”

There was silence, for a moment. They could see that gears were at least turning with every thought. “Okay.” Dulce spoke honestly. His once loud voice had turned meak. “I’ll have to call Agreste.”

“I’ll take care of that. I have his son in my class.” He gave him a reassuring smile. “Now, eat and sleep. I’ll walk to class tomorrow so you can sleep in.” Lizette stood, “I’m in the room over, call me if you need anything.”

He nodded, taking a bite of his cold food. “When did you become so mature?” Dulce questioned his little sister. His sorrowful eyes staring up at her.

Lizette sighed, trying to give a smile, “Don’t look at me like that, Dulce. Remember, I’ll go back to being your actual sibling tomorrow.” He closed the door behind him. Her own stomach growled, as if she hadn’t eaten in days. He should eat, just as he scolded her brother, but her feet carried her to bed where she promptly fell face first into the soft mattress and fell asleep.

—--

Only a few hours later did Lizette wake up. Normally, she’d try to sleep for a few more hours. Yet she awoke early to try and make her own lunch. DID she know how to cook? No, of course not. DID he believe it couldn’t be that hard? Yeah, yeah he did.

First, it was simple scramble eggs. The popping of the oil and eggs scared him, and the egg burnt. Then the toast wasn’t toasted, then with more time it was burnt. Breakfast was a failure, so they ate cereal.

Time to cook lunch swiftly arrived. Chicken was simple, right? After a few minutes of trying to get over the sizzling oil, the (frozen) chicken went into the pan. It was moments later that he took it out in a panic, realizing he didn’t even season it. Lizette happily shook a few different seasonings onto the chicken, including a heavy amount of adobo. There was no such thing as too much seasoning, at least he thought. After cooking it on either side, she cut it open. “Why is it raw in the middle of it?” He cried, tossing the chicken back into the pan. Soon, the chicken burned. 

They had to throw the chicken out, and their alarm went off. “...I guess I’m buying lunch.” She whispered reluctantly. They quickly removed their apron and wrote a note for Dulce, mainly explaining the mess in the trash.  With that, they were off.

Around five minutes of walking down the street, a fancy car pulled over. It was one of those black limos with the shaded windows. The window itself slowly descended, revealing the blonde passenger. “Lizette, hey! Are you walking to school?” Adrien Agreste spoke, giving her one of those model smiles. 

Any other person would give into it, but Lizette knew what it meant. He had given that fake smile to plenty of others herself. “Um, yeah. Dulce isn’t feeling well so I decided to walk.” She shifted the bag on her shoulder slightly, feeling awkward by the occurrence.

“Well, we can give you a ride.” Adrien hummed, waiting for her answer. He seemed to drum his fingers on his thigh impatiently.

Any other day, Lizette might’ve said no. But this seemed to work in their favor, so he nodded. “Sure, thanks.” She moved to the other side and slid in. She clutched her bag to her side as he looked around the car. The driver was huge, almost three times her size. He seemed to question how he was even able to drive. The car itself was nice. Nicer than they ever had. Sure, Dulce and Lizette combined made decent money for their work, but having such lavish items like an entire limo was not something that was wanted. 

Adrien shifted awkwardly, already feeling the pressed stare. “I saw the news last night. Are you okay? Is your brother okay?” He glanced over, finally making eye contact. “Ladybug and Chat Noir, they saved him right?” His awkwardness seemed to change into more starstruck at the mention of heroes.

“My brother is..” Lizette trailed off. They seemed to twitch at the names of the heroes. “Ladybug saved him. Chat Noir… well it doesn’t matter. That is something I wanted to talk to you about. I need to speak with your father. In person, phone, whatever.”

Adrien tilted his head, “Sure, but I’m curious about what for. Is everything okay?” His smile did drop at the comment of Chat Noir.

“My brother is not doing well. He might not be able to join him yet, not for a few days, at least.” Lizette explained, “I can still model, it’s just without the designer.”

“But didn’t Ladybug use miraculous ladybug?” Adrien shifted forward, causing Lizette to lean back in response.

She furrowed her brows, “Damage was still done, Agreste. Just because no one is physically harmed doesn’t mean they’re not mentally harmed. Now, can I get his number? I need to tell Mister Agreste-”

“I will let him know.” A voice spoke up from the front seat, causing Lizette to jump. A woman with blue and red hair peered around the seat, pushing up her glasses. “I’m Nathalie, Mister Agreste’s assistant.”

Lizette stared for a moment, still trying to collect herself. “I- um, alright. Thank you. I’m sure Dulce will get in contact soon, he needs rest.”

The limo pulled up to the school. Lizette slid out after mumbling thank you’s and headed towards the school. 

“Hey, Lizette, we should talk.” Adrien followed after, reaching for her hand. 

Lizette turned for a moment, pulling his hand towards his body. He stared at him for a moment. His eyes then flickered over as she spotted blue twin pigtails passing by. “Marinette!” 

Marinette turned at the voice, her eyes widening. “Lizette!” She grabbed their arm gently, a look of worry. “Are you okay? What about your brother?” Her hand let go, “I actually brought you baked goods-“

“Marinette-“

“Dang it, I left them on the counter!” Marinette faced towards her bakery,

Lizette sighed, “Marinette-“

“I just have to go grab them, don’t worry-“ She began to walk, but was jolted back when Lizette pulled her.

“Marinette, as much as I’m very happy you were actually worried about me, I don’t need your baked goods.” Lizette did lie just a bit. Her stomach growled, as if calling out her lie. “Okay, so I may want something but I will pay you.”

Marinette shook her head, “No, no. It’s on me, okay? We have time, come on.” She tugged at Lizette’s arm, taking her over to the bakery. “By the way, for lunch, do you want to join me? My friend Kagami is starting here and wanted to go for lunch.”

“Yeah, that’d be nice. Meeting new people, that is.” Lizette opened the door for Marinette, the jingle on the door ringing in her ears. “Plus, it’s shameful but I tried to cook this morning and it failed. So, I have no lunch.”

“Did I hear someone didn’t have lunch?” Sabine rounded the counter and walked towards the two. “Hi Lizette, dear. I hope you and your brother are doing well after last night.” She placed a hand onto his shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Lizette tensed, but relaxed rather quickly. “Dulce has been taking it hard. I don’t know what to do. He’s never been like this, even when..” She trailed off, knowing if they kept going it’d turn into waterworks.

“I’m sorry to hear that. Being akumatized can be really rough. Hold on here, okay? Marinette grab what you need before you’re late.” Sabine turned, heading towards the back. “Tom!” She called, disappearing into the next room.

Marinette gave a smile. “I just have to grab them from the back.” She walked into the back, disappearing just like her mother.

Sabine walked back into the bakery, holding a piece of paper. “Here, this has a list of papers. There’s mine and Tom’s, along with a support group. We tend to go after we were akumatized.” She placed it into Lizette’s hand. “Also, when we make Marinette’s lunch, we’ll pack you some as well. Our door is always open, okay?”

Lizette stared. Finally, everything hit him. He clutched the paper in his hand and cried, “Thank you.” She tried to sniff, wiping the tears that kept coming.

“Oh sweetie..” Sabine moved forward, wrapping her arms around Lizette. “I know it’s hard. You’ve been so brave for you and your brother, huh?”

Lizette curled in, crying into Sabine’s shoulder. Her face was flushed with embarrassment. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize, dear.” Sabine gave a squeeze. Her hug felt like comfort and warmth.

Marinette walked back in, “Found them-” She dropped the box onto the counter and sped over, “Are you okay?” The girl placed a hand on her friend’s back, giving a look of worry.

Lizette nodded, finally backing away for a moment. “God I need a tissue.” They dug into his bag, pulling out a few tissues. She remembered bickering with Dulce about whether tissues were really important. He’d have to apologize to him later.

“I know it’s hard, but you two are going to be okay. Contact us if you need anything okay?” Sabine gave one last squeeze on Lizette’s arm before heading back towards the counter. “You two are going to be late if you don’t head out now.”

“I think being late is okay this one time.” Marinette laughed. She gave Lizette a quick hug. Grabbing the box of baked goods, she stuck it out. “Here, eat some on the way over.”

“I have known you for one day. I think I’ll stick by your side forever.” Lizette happily opened the box, drooling at the sight of croissants. He grabbed one out and melted as he bit into it. “Mhm. Forever.”

Marinette giggled, opening the door for Lizette, “Let’s get going. Miss Bustier might nag our ears off.” She placed her hands behind her back, leaning against the door.

Lizette waved goodbye to Sabine, following out and towards the school. “You know, today might be a good day. Despite my kitchen being a mess.” She glanced over to Marinette, a simple smile on her face.

“Maybe.” Marinette hit the side of Lizette gently with her shoulder. 

The two walked into the building and towards the class. When they opened the door, most faces looked at them.

Caline shifted nervously, as if dying to tell the two something. “Lizette, Marinette, you’re both late. Class has begun already.”

“I’m sorry, Miss Bustier. It was my fault we’re late.” Lizette frowned, “I can explain more after class, I’d rather not in front of the entire class.”

She sighed, “Alright. You two sit down and pull out the assignment from yesterday.”

The two climbed the steps, ignoring the passing stares. Adrien opened his mouth to say something but shut it quickly. Lizette was curious, wondering if there was a rumor already going around about Marinette. His question was answer when Rose leaned over, 

“Lila is in detention.” The preppy girl whispered across the aisle. “Principal came to collect her this morning.”

Lizette let out a gasp. The class and teacher turned to face her. “Oh- um I stubbed my toe. Sorry” He awkwardly squirmed in his seat. As the teacher turned back around and continued to teach, Lizette leaned over to her desk mate. “Lila’s in detention. Like, actually in detention.”

Marinette clasped hands to her face, trying to muffle a laugh. “You’re lying.” She mumbled. She leaned forward to take a look at Rose who nodded. Juleka gave a thumbs up. “Oh my god. What for?”

Lizette shrugged, “Hell if I know. But I think Agreste knows, he’s too nervous right now. I’ll bother him after class.”

She nodded, “I’ll come with. We’ll have to dodge the others on our way out though.” Marinette was obviously staring at Alya as she spoke.

“It’ll be fine, I have an idea.”

After class, Lizette grabbed her bag heading down the steps. They passed by the other classmates. She ignored their wants to talk. “Agreste you’re coming with me.” He grabbed his wrist and dragged him out of class.

“Wait- hold on where are we going?” Adrien yelped as he was dragged away into an empty hallway.

Marinette approached, a visible frown. “Lizette, that wasn’t a great idea.”

Lizette rolled his eyes, “It worked, didn’t it?” He leaned against the wall, “Okay, hurry up and talk, I’m hungry and we’re going to some fancy place.”

“What are you talking about?” He stuttered, looking personally anywhere but to Lizette and Marinette. He fumbled with his hands.

“You’re a shit liar sometimes, Agreste. Obviously you know what happened with Lila. I’m nosey. I hate her so far, hand over the drama.” Liz pushed off the wall and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Just tell us.”

Adrien sighed, shoving Lizette’s hand off slightly. “Fine. Damocles came in this morning and talked to Miss. Bustier. Lila came in, they whispered about her having to go and she started throwing a fit. It was because she was lying about your mom.”

His eyes widened slightly, “Damocles said he couldn’t do anything about it, though.” Liz backed up, “Why change his mind?”

“I don’t know.” Adrien backed up at the looks, “I swear I don’t know.” He raised his hands up. “All I know is some of the class is annoyed because of it.”

“And?” Lizette raised a brow, staring at him expectantly. “I don’t understand the issue here.” He crossed her arms across her chest. Liz had a few thoughts about this guy and with every leading moment they were all becoming negative. 

Adrien sighed, “The class is supposed to be like a family.” Despite his firm tone, his face dropped. The picture perfect model looked sad. “You understand what I’m trying to say, right Marinette?”

“Don’t talk to her. We are talking. She’s just here.” Liz moved over, “Adrien, I understand wanting things to be like a family, but things won't always be perfect. If someone in your family is lying and hurting others for her own gain, then it’s not a good look.” She tried to explain softly, as if talking to a child. That was how it felt, at least. Talking to Adrien like he was a child.

“You don’t understand, you just started going to this school!” Adrien huffed, “Are we done? I’m going to eat lunch with our friends. You should join.” He glared in the direction of Marinette. He seemed to be desperately grasping at straws to get Marinette on his side.

Marinette glanced off to the side so she couldn’t see the look on Adrien’s face. She didn’t say anything. Lizette could only assume she had many thoughts she just couldn’t say.

His face did change into more of a look of hurt. “Fine,” Adrien swallowed the lump in his throat, “Gorilla is driving us both to the modeling gig after school.” He spoke before walking off.

“You okay, Marinette?” Lizette approached her side. Her brows furrowed together with worry.

She nodded, “I’m fine, I promise. Don’t worry about me, okay?” Marinette gave a weak smile.

“Alright. I do have a question. Who’s Gorilla?” Lizette questioned. He looked at Marinette, confused. “No seriously, who is that and why name someone Gorilla?”

Marinette inhaled, letting out a shaky laugh, “I don’t think anyone knows his actual name, but he’s that big guy who drives Adrien to and from school. He’s also like a bodyguard?”

“Oh! That big scary guy. Does he ever, like, actually correct people?” Lizette linked arms with her, placing his head on her shoulder.

“Y’know? I don’t actually know.” She giggled, taking a look at her phone. “Oh, Kagami’s waiting for us out front.” Marinette sighed, “Fair warning, Kagami isn’t very great at the friend thing. We used to not like each other for a long time and now we’re actual friends. She’s just not used to it.”

Lizette hummed, walking side by side with Marinette. “Okay, I will keep that in mind. Though if she is your friend then she can’t be so bad.”