Haha, funny story.

I've recently been re-writing and re-posting some stories from my old account, SMASH11232... well, I recently found the login and stuff for that account, pushed past my embarrassment at the very EXISTANCE of that account, and posted a note on all of my 3 stories saying that I was doing this and where to find them.

If you're here from there, then... welcome! I hope you find this newer version interesting. If you aren't from over there... well, welcome anyway.

This is a short first chapter, but mainly because I want to see if anyone takes up an interest in this story.


Adrian Agreste practically bounced up the stairs to school that morning. There was a certain pride in the air that he could not deny.

His father's motives were a bit strange to him, but then again, when were they not?

He walked into the school and saw his best friends hanging out by the stairs. Nino, his first friend who wasn't a total jerk to everyone just because of parental status. Alya, the comic-book expert who blogged about Paris's very own superhero, Ladybug. And finally, Marinette. The super-cute, super-shy, yet super-fierce baker's daughter.

Adrian smiled to himself upon seeing them. Yes, he truly was lucky to have such awesome friends.

"Oh, ADRIKENS!"

Then again, there was someone else. The super-brat herself: Chloe Bourgeois.

Adrian was almost tackled to the ground, but thankfully, the bell saved him. He watched Chloe pout slightly before she turned around and walked the other direction. Adrian smiled to himself.

Is this what safety feels like?

He walked into class behind Marinette, Nino, and Alya. He sat down beside Nino, as usual. The bell signaling the start of class rings, and Mrs. Bustier walks into the room.

"Welcome back, students!" she exclaimed. The students greeted her warmly. After taking roll, Mrs. Bustier looked around at the gathered students excitedly.

"As you all know, New York City was recently hosting a Fashion Week. Novice designers from all over the world got to submit designs to win a free trip there for the final judgement, along with their class."

There were excited murmurs all around the room. Many were directed at Marinette who, everyone knew, had submitted some designs of her own.

"Because our very own Gabriel Agreste was one of the hosts of the show, he was one of the judges to determine who got to move on to the next part of the contest," Mrs. Bustier said. She turned to Adrian and asked him to stand. "Please, could you tell us who your father has chosen?"

"I bet he chose Marinette," Alix said with her arms crossed. "No one in this room can design things better than her."

Marinette blushed.

"Oh, uh... well, let's not get carried away," she said, obviously flattered. "I'm sure there are plenty of other people out there in the world who can design better than me."

"Actually, there are only two," Adrian told her. "You got third place!"

The whole class (except for Chloe, of course) burst into cheers and celebrated Marinette.

"Congrats, Marinette!" Alya told her. "Now we get to go to New York City!"

"Of course, we're also gonna go there to support you," Kim said. The already blushing Marinette turned even more red and was laughing nervously.

"The plane takes off in three days," Mrs. Bustier said. "So be sure to pack away all of your things and be prepared!"


THREE DAYS LATER


The students are waiting in front of the plane. They've just been assigned their seats. Chloe seemed beyond thrilled to be sitting in first class. In fact, she was so happy that she gave Marinette a pat on the shoulder that didn't feel any more threatening than they usually did. Marinette counted that as a win.

The blue haired girl was even more thrilled to find that Adrian was allowed to come along. Adrian managed to convince his father that since he was a judge, he could keep a better eye on the boy in New York if he was with him. Gabriel had agreed a little after.

Marinette was her own little level of ecstatic as well. She had a cousin who lived in New York, and she couldn't wait to see him again after... what, 11-12 years? They needed to catch up.

The fact that she managed to snag a seat with Adrian, Alya, and Nino helped as well. She was glad the class got to come along. Marinette didn't know what she would do (or how she would survive) if it was just her and Gabriel Agreste.

Alya's face was practically glued to the window, which made Marinette giggle. Her friend turned to her with an ecstatic smile on her face.

"I can't wait to go to New York! I've heard so many AWESOME things about it!" she exclaimed. Marinette smiled fondly at her.

"Oh, you'll love it," she said. "They've got some of the best food I've ever tasted."

Her classmates on the plane froze at her words. Gabriel just chuckled a little bit, which was a bit unlike him.

"Have you been before, young lady?" he asked her. Marinette nodded.

"Yes sir, I have," she answered him. "I have a cousin who lives there."

"Who is it?" Alix asked. Before Marinette could answer her, Alya had grabbed her shoulders.

"Is he a boy or girl? Does he speak French? Is he full American, or did he move there?"

Marinette blinked confusedly.

"Boy, yes, and he was born there."

Alya backed off, satisfied.

For now.

"So... what's his name?" Alix asked again. Marinette thought for a moment, trying to place it.

"Casey Jones."