Chapter Text
‘I just don’t know what to do.’ Marinette buries her face in her hands, and Adrien reaches across the table to give her a comforting pat on the shoulder.
Their Wednesday lunches are usually a fun way to catch up - for Marinette to gush about her new designs or explain about the latest eccentric customer that came to her boutique, or for Adrien to complain about how long veterinary school was taking while simultaneously showing her cute pictures of animals. This week was a lot less fun after last week's disaster. Marinette’s been trying to hold it together, but the constant unexpected reminders of her predicament weren’t helping.
Adrien glares at the woman sitting across from them in the cafe reading last week's edition of Style Queen. The cover shows a model posing in an unusual blue cocktail dress. It’s Marinette’s design.
Not that she got any credit.
‘And Style Queen still hasn’t really responded?’ He asks.
Marinette fiddles with the ends of her short hair and won’t meet his gaze. ‘At first they just sent generic computerised replies - “our customers matter, we believe in integrity” and all that nonsense. But I kept emailing and when I brought lawyers into it I got a real person just denying everything and directing me to their legal team’s number.’
‘Well, that’s not great. But at least we’ve got somewhere to go. Did your lawyer have any advice?’
‘Ha! He was full of it until he heard it was Style Queen that stole my design. Apparently Audrey Bourgeois and her 100-million dollar lawyers can get away with pretty much anything in court. He’s not interested.’ Marinette sighs.
‘Oh. Well, who needs him? We’ll just have to find a different lawyer. A better lawyer!’ He grins at her encouragingly, but the wan smile he receives in return lacks any of Marinette’s usual warmth and positivity.
‘I appreciate the enthusiasm, Adrien, really, but I already tried. Audrey’s team is willing to play dirty - she’s got enough money to pay people off, and she’s got enough contacts in the media to ruin anyone’s reputation. Everyone’s scared of going up against her. No one seems to want anything to do with the case.’
Adrien leans back in his seat, at a loss of how to help. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘I’ll just have to let it go. I don’t know what else to do.’ Marinette sniffs, but tries to cover it with a cough. She shrugs, as if she’s already over it and gives him a more convincing smile. ‘Well, that’s behind me now. How about we get dessert? These lunches are supposed to be fun, after all.’
But Adrien isn’t listening. He bites his lip, an idea forming. It’s kind of insane, but… he hates seeing Marinette like this. Someone usually so full of life, and passion for her work, someone who’s always ready to stand up for others, feeling so low and hopeless. Even an insane idea seems better than nothing.
He hesitantly clears his throat. ‘I… might know something we could do.’
She looks up at him in surprise, but gestures for him to continue.
‘I’m not sure if you’ll like it. But it could work.’ He says carefully, and her eyes narrow at him.
‘Is it illegal?’
‘No!’
‘Does it involve throwing eggs at Audrey Bourgeois' Paris flat? Because I’m down for that.’ She says seriously, but her mouth is twitching.
He snorts. ‘Not quite. But it will definitely tick her off.’
Marinette’s intrigued.
‘A… friend of mine is a lawyer. She’s only been doing it for a couple of years, but she doesn’t back down from a challenge. I think she might be interested in taking this case.’
‘Really?’ Marinette asks hopefully.
‘Yeah. I could ask her, if you want?’
‘Yes!’ Marinette cries, face lighting up with happiness. ‘Definitely yes! Oh, Adrien, thank you!’
‘Easy, it might not work out.’ He says quickly. ‘But I hate to see you giving up. Marinette you’ve never backed down from anything. And even if this doesn’t work, we’ll find another way, okay?’ He takes her hand and she squeezes back.
‘Okay. Thank you.’
~
Adrien calls her that night. His friend has agreed to meet with her on Friday at 11 o’clock. Marinette gets the address from him and thanks him profusely, but he just wishes her luck with the meeting.
Friday at 10:45 Marinette parks outside of a modest looking office building. It wasn’t exactly the fancy high-rise that Audrey Bourgeois’ lawyers no doubt have a window-office in, but if this lawyer was willing to take on a case like this, Marinette decides she has no room to judge. She checks over her outfit one last time, wanting to look presentable and responsible, and heads into the building, looking for 10B.
Chloé Baudelaire. That was the name of the woman she was meeting. Marinette was curious about her, and how Adrien knew her. Maybe through the lawyer who helped him finally get his mother’s inheritance from his father.
Marinette peeks through the doorway of 10B, a sign for Creuser Legal Firm on the open door, and she sees a small waiting room. As she enters, the young woman behind the reception desk waves her in.
‘Hello, I have an appointment with Chloé Baudelaire at eleven.’ Marinette says and the receptionist smiles at her.
‘Yes, Adrien’s friend, right?’ She asks, and Marinette nods, confused as to the fact that Adrien was apparently on a first name basis here. ‘I’ll let Ms. Baudelaire know you’re here.’ Marinette takes a seat while she calls through. ‘She’ll be with you soon.’
While she waits, Marinette takes in the office around her. Plush couches, several plants, bright paintings. The waiting room table has a vase of fresh flowers and the latest magazines. It’s very different from her usual lawyers’ stark and sterile office. She finds she likes this better, and feels much more comfortable. A few minutes later the phone trills on the receptionist's desk, and after she answers she nods to Marinette. ‘Ms. Baudelaire’s ready for you. Second door on the right.’ She directs down the hall.
Marinette gathers her things and pauses outside the door to take a breath and smooth down her skirt. She opens the door and walks in with confidence.
‘Hello, Ms. Baudelaire, thank you for seeing me-’
‘Marinette?!’
That voice makes Marinette stop in her tracks. It’s one she hasn’t heard in a long time, but would recognise anywhere.
‘Chloé!?’
The woman standing behind the desk might be older - her blonde hair shoulder length instead of in a high ponytail, the neat pantsuit she’s wearing a far cry from the bright yellow designer outfits she used to strut around in, and the shock on her face was different from her signature smirk - but there’s no mistaking that this is definitely Chloé Bourgeois.
The two women stand gaping at each other before shouting at the same time.
‘What are you doing here?!?’
Marinette’s busy wondering if she’s in the right office, or if this is some elaborate prank, or maybe Chloé’s a client of… wait. Chloé Baudelaire. This can’t be happening.
‘This is my office?’ Chloé cries. ‘What the hell are you doing here?!’ But even as the words leave her mouth she seems to come to a realisation and takes a step back.
‘I-uh’ Marinette stutters, her brain still trying to work out the sudden and confusing turn of events when she remembers something Adrien said at lunch.
‘I’m not sure if you’ll like it. But it could work.’
Marinette clamps her gaping mouth shut as the pieces fall into place. ‘I’m going to kill Adrien.’
Chloé seems to have reached the same conclusion, gritting her teeth and looking away from Marinette. ‘Yeah, I might join you. “Can you do me a favour”, I always knew that innocent act was bullshit. He knows exactly what he’s doing.’ She rolls her eyes, somewhere between exasperated and impressed, and takes a seat behind her desk. ‘So you’re the friend he wanted me to see?’ Now that Chloé understands how this came about, she doesn’t seem all that surprised.
Marinette’s not quite there yet. ‘I- yeah. Yeah, I guess. Look, don’t worry about it, sorry to waste your time-’ She stammers, stepping back to get away from this situation as quickly as possible.
‘What? You’re not-’ She looks up at Marinette and frowns. ‘What are you doing?’
‘Leaving?’ She says like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.
‘Why?’
Now Marinette’s wondering if this really is Chloé, or if she’s suffered some kind of memory loss. ‘Because we can’t stand each other?’
‘We haven’t seen each other in ten years!’ Chloé scoffs.
‘Well, sure, but-’
‘What, have you just been harbouring a deeply unbridled hatred for me all this time?’ Chloé teases, and Marinette flushes.
‘No, of course not-’
‘So what’s the problem?’ Chloé holds out her hands, waiting for a counter-argument. She’s definitely a lawyer. Marinette stops to take a breath, trying to catch up with the direction this conversation has gone.
‘Adrien obviously didn’t tell you it was me coming, just like he obviously didn’t tell me that you were his lawyer friend. And since you’re still his friend, I think we both know that while he always has good intentions, they don’t always work out in the most logical sense.’
Chloé nods. ‘Yeah, that’s true. But I think he was hoping if he managed to get us in the same room we’d work through that.’
Marinette blinks at her, somehow this being the most shocking revelation of the morning.
‘You want to work together?’
Chloé shrugs. ‘I’ve worked with more difficult people, believe me.’ Marinette glares at her and she subdues somewhat. She looks away and straightens some files on her desk and says in a measured voice, ‘He said you were in trouble.’
‘You want to help me?’ Marinette asks, voice soft and Chloé flushes. She shrugs again.
‘He also mentioned it would piss off my mother. So, yes, I suppose so.’ Marinette still hesitates and Chloé glances at her. ‘Look, would you sit down? Let’s just have the meeting like we were supposed to, and if at the end we still can’t stand each other, we’ll just go our separate ways. No harm, no foul. Except for killing Adrien.’ She adds, and Marinette snorts. ‘And close the door, would you? I’m sure half the firm is listening to this ridiculous conversation by now.’ As she says it, there’s the sound of several people shuffling away, doors closing and the receptionist loudly taking a call.
Marinette quickly shuts the door and takes the cushioned seat across from Chloé’s desk, clasping her hands together in her lap to give her something to hold on to. There’s an awkward moment of silence as neither of them know where to start. It’s Chloé who talks first.
‘So… how have you been?’ Chloé asks, cringing instantly after the words leave her mouth.
The situation’s awkward and bizarre, but it makes Marinette laugh. ‘Wonderful, thanks. That’s why I’m looking for a lawyer.’
Chloé nods sheepishly. ‘Right, of course…’
Marinette decides to help her out. ‘And you got married?’
Chloé frowns. ‘What? No?’
‘But- you’re name…?’
‘Oh! No. I just changed it. Got sick of everyone thinking I was nothing more than my last name. And to try and use me for connections with my parents. Just easier this way. Besides, I think Baudelaire has a much nicer ring to it.’
There’s a lot to unpack there, but based on her expression it’s not as comfortable of a topic as Chloé’s casually trying to make it seem. ‘It’s very pretty.’ Marinette agrees and Chloé relaxes slightly, relieved that’s all she’s said.
‘Thanks. And you’re a… designer?’ She poses a guess, and Marinette nods. ‘Figures. That’s what you always wanted right? You were good at it.’
Marinette’s surprised, both that Chloé remembers something like that and that she’s complimenting her. ‘Thank you.’ She says sincerely, before cautiously saying, ‘I didn’t know you wanted to be a lawyer.’
‘Neither did I. But I’ve always been a pretty argumentative person - as you would know - so I thought I could put it to good use.’ She looks at Marinette intently, and it’s clear that the awkward reintroductions are over. ‘So tell me, what has my dearest mother done now?’
Marinette hands over the files she brought with a copy of the magazine and printed copies of the emails with Style Queen, and explains the situation - from them stealing her design to the responses she’s gotten and how no other lawyer is game enough to take on the case.
After she’s finished there’s silence for a moment, before it’s broken by Chloé muttering, ‘Bitch.’ Marinette’s expression must be as outraged as she feels, because the other woman is quick to amend. ‘My mother! Not you. This isn’t the first time she’s done this. It was a “business strategy” she taught me when she stayed in Paris that summer in collège. I didn’t realise she was still doing this.” Chloé runs a hand through her hair, staring out the window.
Marinette takes a moment to really look at her. It’s been a long time since she’s known Chloé. As well as the differences in appearance, she holds herself differently. More confident and assured. Which is funny, because Chloé always seemed confident before. Marinette wonders how much of that was genuine.
Chloé sighs and turns back to her, a sharp look in her eyes. ‘This isn’t going to be easy. Audrey’s got a killer team, not literally, but still. Very skilled, very experienced. She usually gets away with everything but murder.’ Marinette’s stomach is sinking, but Chloé smirks. ‘Usually. But she’s not infallible. And whenever someone does manage to best her, in the press, in court, or in her personal or professional life - which is basically the same thing - she tries to hide it as best as she can to dissuade others from ever trying the same thing. So if we’re going to do this, you’ve got to be prepared for the shit storm that’s coming.’
Marinette stares at her in shock, not quite believing what she’s hearing. ‘Wait you… you really want to do this? Be my lawyer? Go up against Audrey Bourgeois?’
Chloé nods. ‘Yes. Why not?’
A million reasons. Chloé doesn’t owe her anything, they’ve never even liked each other, this case will be difficult and hard to win, and they’d be going up against Chloé’s own family.
‘She’s your mother?’ Marinette ends up settling on, and Chloé scowls in response. Ah, now that’s a Chloé that Marinette’s familiar with.
‘She gave birth to me. Give her a prize.’ Chloé snaps, venom in her words. ‘She’s a shady business woman and a terrible person. The last time I went up against her in court it was for my parents custody battle over me. She only fought for me because she doesn’t like losing. I’m looking forward to going up against her again.’ There’s a slightly dangerous tint to her smirk and Marinette feels her heart sink.
‘Hey, look.’ She says seriously, and Chloé gives her full attention. ‘I’m not putting myself out there like this for some personal vendetta. I’m sorry she’s a shitty mother, but this is my business, my reputation, my livelihood we’re talking about here.’ There’s a desperation in her voice that she wishes wasn’t so clear, but Chloé’s gaze softens at her, an expression Marinette’s never seen on her.
‘I know. Look, you’re a lot of things Marinette, but you’re not someone who deserves this. And this may shock you, but one of the reasons I became a lawyer was to help people. I have enough money already, I do this more for the thrill and the chance to help than anything else.’
Well she was right, that does shock Marinette. But it settles something inside her too, and when Chloé leans forwards, all business, Marinette listening to every word.
‘I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardise you. Or my own reputation. But this court case will not be easy, so I think you’re going to like the slight personal vendetta I may have. It’ll stop me from running to the hills the moment things get hard. Or personal. Which it definitely will.’
Marinette thinks of her lawyer, and how quickly he’d dismissed her when he realised who she wanted to go up against. How any other lawyer she tried to contact left her hanging. Chloé’s already given her more than any of them. And Marinette doesn’t want to let this go. Doesn’t want to just ignore that someone stole her work and got away with it. The injustice of it all setting fire to something deep within her. Marinette believes Chloé, Adrien obviously trusts her, and this seems like her best chance.
‘Alright.’ She says.
Chloé sits back in her seat. ‘Alright, we’re gonna do this?’
Marinette eyes her, thinking things over. ‘...What’s your game plan? Do you really think we can win this?’
‘If we play our cards right. And I think if we come up with the right strategy, we can make it so everyone’s gonna know your name and your design whether we win or not.’ Chloé says surreptitiously, giving her a wink, and Marinette can’t help but smile.
‘I like the sound of that.’
‘Okay, here’s what I’m thinking.’ Chloé starts to lay out her legal plan - from how they’ll proceed from here, to the kind of strategy they’d have in court, and what responses they’d be likely to get. They discuss the nature of payment, Marinette asks questions here and there and Chloé’s happy to answer. And by the end of things, the anxiety in Marinette’s chest feels more like excitement for the first time since the week before when Alya had stormed into her apartment with the Style Queen issue. Marinette’s feeling like she has a real direction to go. Like this could work, and even if it doesn’t, that she’s given it her best shot.
‘Obviously some of this will depend on different things, more research, responses, press, the works - but what are you thinking so far?’ Chloé asks.
Marinette nods slowly, smiling. ‘I think I might hold off on killing Adrien. His heart was in the right place, and I think his instincts were actually… pretty good on this one. You’re a good lawyer. And I like your plan, Baudelaire.’
Chloé gives her a genuine smile. The first since Marinette entered the room. Actually, it might be the first Marinette’s ever seen from her. It warms her heart in a way she wasn’t expecting.
‘Thanks, Dupain-Cheng.’ Chloé says, the slight tease in her voice countered by the smile still on her face. ‘So, what do you say to us working together?’
Marinette holds out her hand. Chloé blinks at it, before rolling her eyes. But she still takes Marinette's hand and they shake on it.
‘I’m in.’