Chapter 21: Conversations

(A/N: Welp... here we go!)

(Marinette's pov)

I was terrified. What do I say?! "Hey Bridgette! It's me, Marinette! The cousin, who you thought committed suicide when I actually moved to Japan to start a new life!" I am not saying that.

"Is this a prank call? It's three in the f***ing morning. I am too tired for this!" Bridgette's annoyed voice said from my phone speaker. Akira then took my phone out of my hand.

"Sorry, is this Bridgette Cheng?" He asked in English with a slight accent.

"Yeah, this is Bridgette Cheng. Why are you calling me at three in the morning?" I heard Bridgette respond.

"Werr, (well) I have someone here who was meaning to talk to you," Akira responded.

"Alright, put them on..." Bridgette sighed. Akira handed the phone to me, and I took a deep breath.

"Hey... Bridgette... It's me... Marinette..." I said. There was a moment of painful silence. I worried that Bridgette would start to yell or hang up. Instead, Bridgette switched the call to facetime. I accepted, and for the first time in a while, I saw the face of my cousin.

She looked so tired, but not just because it's early morning for her. She looked like she hadn't got a decent night's sleep in ages. Her usual bright blue eyes that were so similar to mine were red and puffy and slightly dull. Her face was tear-stained and pale. Her long blueish hair looked like it hadn't been correctly taken care of for a while. I felt guilt build up in my chest.

"Marinette...? Is that really you...?" Bridgette asked weakly.

"Yeah, Bridgie. It's really me... I'm sorry I didn't contact you sooner... I had a lot going on..." I started, but Bridgette cut me off.

"MARINETTE DUPAIN-CHENG!! WHERE THE H*** ARE YOU?!?! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU PUT YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY THROUGH?!? WE ALL THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD!!!" Bridgette yelled.

"Woah! Calm down! I'll explain everything if you just calm down!" I said, putting up my hand.

"You better!" Bridgette said. I sighed and started to explain.

I told her the story of how I got to Japan. From how Kagami and Luka helped me to the plane ride to Japan. I left out the Kwamis and Miraculous because she doesn't need to know about that. By the time I was done, Bridgette was staring at me with a slightly open mouth.

"Mari... oh... Mari..." Bridgette Whispered.

"Bridgie... please don't hate me for this. I just wanted a better life," I said, my bangs covering my eyes.

"Why would I hate you?" Bridgette asked. I looked up at my phone where my cousin was looking at me.

"If you're genuinely happy in Japan, I won't stop you. I'm just angry that you didn't contact me sooner. I get you were facing h*** back in France, and you wanted to escape. I would never hate you for wanting better for yourself." She told me.

"Bridgette..." I whispered.

"By the way, who was that boy on the phone earlier? Was that your boyfriend?" Bridgette ask. I stiffened at that.

"Geez... gone for a month, and you already have a boyfriend?" Bridgette commented.

"Bridgette! It's n-not like that! Akira is just a good friend!" I responded.

"Sure... a good friend... can I at least see him?" Bridgette asked with a neutral expression.

"Sure! Akira-kun, say hi to my cousin!" I said to my black-haired friend, beckoning him over.

"H-herro (Hello) Bridgette, I'm Kurusu Akira." Akira introduced himself in English (Seriously, when did he get good at English? Gonna have to ask him later...).

"Nice to meet you, Akira! Thanks for looking out for my cousin for me while she's in Japan." Bridgette said.

"No probrem!" (Problem) Akira said.

"Have you made any new friends during your time in Japan?" Bridgette asked.

"Oh! I have!" I said. I then started to talk about Ann, Ryuji, and Yusuke. Bridgette smiled while listening to me. I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Akira was also looking at me. He was smiling at me. He looked... proud... and happy... and ... relieved? Why did he have that look on his face? When I was done, Bridgette nodded, looking like a massive weight was lifted off her shoulders.

"Marinette... I am so happy you're okay... and I'm even happier to know that you are happy and have a good life." Bridgette said her large and familiar smile on her face.

"Thanks! Oh! I hope your parents weren't awakened by us." I said, slightly worried.

"Oh! They're currently out on a business trip overnight!" Bridgette reassured me.

"Oh! Okay!" I said.

"Rather lucky they are, right?" Bridgette said. The three of us chuckled at her comment.

"Yeah... Bridgette, can I ask you something?" I asked.

"Anything!" Bridgette said.

"Don't tell anyone I'm in Japan or that I'm still alive," I said.

"What?! Why?!" Bridgette asked.

"I have a lot going on in my life in Japan. School, friends, homework, stuff like that! I'm not ready to deal with my problems in France yet. You understand, right?" I told Bridgette.

"I understand. And, besides, it'll be fun to watch those a**holes die of shame and guilt. I'll see if I can find a way to visit you!" Bridgette said.

"I'd like that! see ya, Bridgette!" I said, waving goodbye.

"See ya!" Bridgette said, also waving goodbye. I hung up and let out a sigh.

"Thank you, Akira..." I said, smiling at him.

"I told you that you would feel better if you did it sooner!" Akira said, smiling as well.

"Akira..." I said, looking him in his stormy grey eyes.

"Thank you so much... I don't think I could've done that on my own. I can finally put that guilt to rest. I am so glad I met you!" I said, giving him a big hug. Akira tensed for a moment, then returned the hug. The hug felt like a lifetime, but it only lasted a few minutes. I have to say... I fell hard for Akira Kurusu!

(A/N: AND WE ARE DONE FOR THAT PART OF MARINETTE'S PERSONAL ARC!!! But don't worry! We are barely halfway through her social link! Also, if you're out of any good anime to watch, here's a link to 'Welcome to demon school! Iruma-kun: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHrr7brbhvRxYO1chb183xci_r1rMJw9M, you'll thank me later!)