381/Hello Mister Agreste

Hello Mister Agreste
Date of Scene:	07 September 2023
Location:	Dorms #1
Synopsis:	Chrono meets his new roommate. Rather than HIS mind being broken, he breaks Adrien's. It's kind of fun, he sees why people do it to him.
Cast of Characters:	Chrono Harlaown, Adrien Agreste

---

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
Chrono Harlaown was... well. Was stressed. Had been pushed past the point that ANY soldier should have to accept. Reality itself had been all but turned upside down for him. In summation, he needed a vacation. Or a drink. SOMETHING.

And he was too young for either. So instead he decided to mess with his roommate. His new roommate. He hadn't had a roommmate in years. And then it was... Well. He didn't speak of it. At least this guy wasn't a cat.

But when Adrien came in... he'd see only one light was on. Low. And the chair slowly turned around. And there... was... a boy there. In an over the top outfit that... screamed villain. With full on metal. Gauntlets. Who. Had. Metal. Gauntlets? "Mister Agreste, a pleasure to meet you at last," she said, fingers fully steepled. "I am Chrono Harlaown, your new roommate... Age 14, grade 9. I trust we will... be the most... satisfactory of roommates. Bwa ha ha ha ha ha," he said.

... He even had his henshin rod, spread across his lap. Seriously. Why did he have SPIKES on his ARMS?!

... Okay, so Chrono would have, a month ago, smacked himself upside the head for this kind of tomfoolery. But you know what? The last week had been an *experience*. And he figured... Either the kid was magic and would spill it, the kid wasn't magic and would forget this... or the kid was magic but would hide it and then have to pretend he DIDN'T see all the magic stuff going on.

Either way, Chrono doubted he'd hide it well or for long. Might as well have some fun with it.

"In full seriousness though, hey. Nice to meet you."

Adrien Agreste has posed:
Given it was a school night, Adrien wasn't actually out patrolling or doing anything in his guise of Cat Noir. Not just yet at least. He would work out a patrol schedule with Ladybug when they could. For now he had simply been at the sports field working on his fencing practice to unwind, and relax, after having such an odd day at the mall the other day meeting all of those Shittenou.

And the odd little girl with a dark energy sword she had pulled from no where.

While it was a 'casual' meeting, it was one he had not expected especially as Adrien Agreste. Usually 'Adrien' stayed out of such situations. Tokyo was an entirely new situation to deal with.

With his bag of swords for training slung over his shoulder he makes his way to his room pausing only to look at a quick alert text on his phone informing him that he would be getting a roommate. It was all he had to warn him. He certainly hadn't expected Chrono to be HERE already--Much less doing his best villain impersonation.

Adrien lingers in the doorway with one hand on the doorframe having just opened it, and the other clutching the strap to the bag he carried. He stares, openly, with his mouth just slightly agape. His green eyes were very wide as he takes this all in.

Then the proper greeting comes causing him to crack a slightly nervous grin. "Oh, you got me." Quietly chuckling he says, "Uh, I'm Adrien which I guess you know. Are you... Part of Drama Club?"

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
Chrono Harlaown stared at him for a few moments before shaking his head. "No, honestly. I'm a terrible performer to be honest. Just I figured I might as well make an impression before I met you. Once I got to know you it'd be too late. After the things I've been through in the last week, I just figured I'd might as well try one prank." He jumped off the chair before holding out his hand. The rod and outfit disappeared into a... strange, metal card. He was wearing a tucked in, button up shirt, and undershirt, jeans and was... considerably shorter than him.

"And I figure there's about a fifty-fifty shot you even remember it now." He gave a casual smile... But... Adrien had spent a long time in the biz. He likely knew a 'casual' smile when he saw it. And this was the smile of someone who tried, generally, to stop people from panicking. To seem like he knew what he was doing. How accurate that was was anyone's guess.

"I don't actually have much, aside from the bed they designated me and... well. I'm not going to take out the other stuff. I hope we can get along well." He then held out his hand in a gentle greeting, though his eyes did glance to the bag curiously.

Adrien Agreste has posed:
"I-I see." Adrien still stares openly at that clothing change into the small device. A tension runs through him that requires he put on his own best model smile so as to hide what he's thinking. He really, really was going to have to watch himself around this person. Plagg was going to have to be cautious too. A long chat, and the promise of a lot of cheese was going to be in order. For all he knew Chrono was like those Shittenou individuals he'd met.

Letting out a small breath when Chrono offers his hand he reaches out to take it for a little shake. "I know I can be a bit forgetful but I don't know that I'd forget something like that," he remarks with a little, awkward laugh. He does shake his hand though in a friendly manner before releasing his grip again.

Turning to the side he lets the door swing shut behind him. When it clicks shut there's a momentary sense of dread that creeps over him. They were in here together. Oh no.

Keeping his spirits up as well as his impression of someone not bothered one bit he moves to the side unslinging the long bag near his combo bookshelf/desk that was currently in it's 'shut' state. There's a wooden rack there that looked like some kind of umbrella stand.

"I was just going to put these away then get some coffee," comes Adrien's explanatino as he pulls out a rapier to diligently lean into the stand. One after another, from basic foils to competition level until there's a total of four set up. A few backup practice swords never hurt.

"Would you like some too?"

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
Chrono Harlaown blinked a few times and his eyes narrowed. Couldn't forget that? Wouldn't? Eh... Either way. He shrugged and then smiled again. "Perfect. Then my attempts to make an impression was at least successful."

Annnnd... then his roommate proceeded to put... sword... after sword... He uhhh... made a mental note to set his device to put up a scan at night and alert him if the guy tried any funny business. He... hoped the school wouldn't put him with a... right. They didn't know what he was like. And he likely just enjoyed fencing. Or... the more likely excuse... "So you're in the fencing club?" he asked.

And maybe he was just paranoid. Maybe EVERYTHING and EVERYONE he met in this school wasn't going to be some bastion of mind breaking magical BS.

"I... guess. Though it seems a bit late to be going out for coffee. Do you not intend to sleep tonight?" he asked. He walked towards the stand before... "Do you mind?" he asked. And if not disallowed, he'd pick one up. Carefully, not aiming the point towards him. Just examining the swords themselves, examining the basic one actually. Everyone took care of their expensive weapons... you learned a lot from how a person treated their less valuable gear.

Adrien Agreste has posed:
That's right. It was late. Adrien had been intending to go out for awhile to explore the city as Cat Noir to at least become more familiar with the layout. While it mapped out well it looked entirely different from rooftops which was how he usually traveled while in that guise. Drinking coffee late at night *would* seem odd.

"Oh yes, I'm in the fencing club. I've taken lessons for years so I'm glad that they have the club here. It's always good to stay in practice," Adrien remarks with a smile as he turns away to unbutton the top few of his shirt. He had another under, he wasn't about to strip down, but he was wanting to be comfortable!

"I was planning to do some school work a bit late, and maybe game online with some friends from France. I'm already ahead of my studies though." Which means... Gaming. When Chrono asks to see the swords he just inclines his head in a nod and gestures at the rack. "Feel free."

"A small latte or cappucino can be a nice after dinner drink, so I suppose I'm used to drinking it in the evenings."

With that Adrien turns toward his book case to reach up and grasp the pull down desk portion. The supporting leg clicks down, and he presses a hand to the desktop surface to lock it in place stretched out. It reveals a few larger shelves behind it this way where he kept a few items like his laptop, a gaming system and several games lined up, and most importantly a larger object covered in a black leather soft sided case. It's not huge, but it does take up some space.

It's this he reaches toward to pull the sliding tray beneath it out so that it settles onto the desktop. With a quick motion he pulls the leather dustcover off to reveal a pristine stainless steel espresso machine.

"You're right though, it's late. I should just tidy up and prepare it for a good cup in the morning."

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
Chrono Harlaown gave a small nod. Right. Fencing club. He really was getting paranoid. Or maybe he'd seen too much. But if he'd known the true reason... "Do a lot of sword fighting?" he asked. "I haven't, admittedly. Most of my dueling is magical in nature. And usually belkan. And generally I actually try to avoid it," he said before sliding the sword back in.

"I guess it is the first week, huh? So it's not like they'd try and drown us in school work. Probably. You can play games if you like, but just try not to be too loud. I actually should be, in theory, attending school tomorrow," he said before walking to his bed and sitting on it. It'd be nice not sleeping on a couch.

"Mind if I watch? I haven't seen earth-- japanese games much in my time here. Franch games, I guess? Either or, really," he said, NOW trying to actually stick with it and not make his roommate lose his mind.

His eyes narrowed on the... thing... that slowly opened to reveal... magic. A coffee machine. His eyes went wide and then, very slowly, a genuine smile formed on his lips. "Oh. I like you," he said with a laugh. "I take it back, if you make yourself something, that would sound absolutely delightful." Hey. If there was one thing he understood it was fancy coffee to help stay up late.

Adrien Agreste has posed:
"My father has me involved in many lessons. I have an excellent fencing instructor though, and always enjoyed my classes with him. I... never was allowed to play in group sports," Adrien remarks simply while he starts to pull out the espresso lever and the screen to prep for putting in a coffee puck. This he knew at least. It was a simple thing even if it took skill and practice. The bag of grounds is pulled over to fill it while he speaks trying not to focus too much on Chrono's remarks of magic.

So he was something, too. Maybe he could chat with him about... Things. No. No, not yet. If at all. Ladybug would murder him and he'd deserve it.

"Of course you can watch. You're free to join too if you'd like. I just have the main ones we play right now, I had to leave my collection back in France."

Even as he explains the espresso shot is started with a small hiss of steam and soon the rich, FRESH scent of espresso fills the small dorm room.

At least it didn't smell like teenage boys in here.

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
Chrono Harlaown gave a small nod and... "My father died when I was three." No. Chrono had absolutely no chill. "My mother was a lot the same way. Once I expressed interest in joining the-- in... certain fields, she helped ensure I had plenty of instructors who helped me reach my potential," he said. "Was never really into many sports either, to be honest. I like working with a team, but sports were never really my forte."

Possibly because he was younger than most in his 'grade'. Or maybe because of how young he looked.

He watched Adrien work, cocking his head slightly to side, watching him work. And activated the record command on S2U. Yes, he would in fact use Adrien's machine one day. Likely without permission.

"I don't... suppose you'd be willing to teach me how to work that? I'll replace whatever I use, of course. Or at least pay you back. Not... actually sure where you'd buy the parts for it."

"Also... what... are the 'main ones'? I... don't play a lot of games, to be honest. And... oh. Oh that smells nice. You know, if they'd told me about this, I might have signed up for RHA before they sent me an invite. Okay, probably not, that would have been... weird."

Adrien Agreste has posed:
Adrien Agreste casts a glance over his shoulder at Chrono. The blonde boy smiles toward him in a manner that was at once friendly and understanding. "Ah... I'm sorry. My mother went missing years ago too. We think she's..." He looks back to the espresso machine at that point, and reaches for a simple white cup. "I'm sorry," he says again.

At least the other chatter wasn't bad at all. That was easier to focus on as he pulls the shot letting it pour out into the cup. "I'm not really supposed to have this in here. I snuck it in. I don't have everything I did back home so I wanted at least one thing that I can do to enjoy my time here. I can teach you how to use it." And coffee was very much on that list. "There's also a mini-fridge but I usually only keep breakfast in there."

Turning he offers the cup out to Chrono. It was steaming but also had a creamy pale brown microfoam ontop of the coffee that he offers. The crema. The best part. "Oh just games like Mario Kart Racing and a few mech fighter games."

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
Chrono Harlaown stared at Adrien, his eyes narrowed. "Wait, what? Your mom is missing too? Did she--" Then stopped. "Sorry, nevermind, likely entirely different situation," he said quickly. If it was the same situation... well, it wouldn't have happened years ago. "Yeah, let's... stop talking about that."

He frowned when he was told it was snuck in. Stared at the cup, then... "I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that and see if I can get authorization for the machine," he said firmly. "I recently made a vow to uphold all laws as well as I can to a very stern man who makes amazing korma. And I cannot let him down." ... He said it with such a serious, stern face too. He then sniffed it before taking a sip and sighing. "Not bad. At least I didn't get stuck on a planet without coffee," he said softly. And yes, outer space had coffee. That was now canon.

"So, this... mario kart is popular?" he asked. "And mech fighters... like robots? That sounds fun."

Adrien Agreste has posed:
Adrien Agreste can only shake his head a little even when Chrono starts to question the disapearance of his mother. "I don't know the details. My father never told me. We held a funeral," is his final explanation. For whatever reason it was apparently enough of a 'missing' situation that she was presumed dead. The topic is otherwise quickly dropped. It wasn't a favorite one for him to speak of either.

The espresso machine is returned to so he can quickly wipe it down seeming to forget his own desire for a coffee at the moment. "Oh, it's a lot of fun. It's multi-player so that a lot of friends can play at the same time. It's a racing game with different tracks, and items you can use to help beat your opponents."

Moving to his bed he sits on the edge of it facing Chrono as they speak. "I understand. I try not to break the rules myself, usually. I just thought that this shouldn't be considered all that different from a tea kettle. Only larger," he has to admit.

Suddenly smiling again in a friendly manner he considers, and then offers, "You said you didn't have much coming here. I know we're a bit different in size, but feel free to borrow anything from my closet if you need until you get settled in. Ah, unless it's in a garment bag," he adds. "Those are the clothes for my photo shoots."

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
Chrono Harlaown just gonna zoom past the parent conversation. "Oh? That sounds like a fun team building exercise. Perhaps I'll ask some of my stu-- some of my friends if they want to try it after training sometime," he said. "I mean, not yours, that'd be rude to just assume. I could probably get my own." Right. Him. Getting video games. HA.

"I see..." he said, taking another sip of the coffee. "Well, for now I'll just say we have temporary authority. If they have an issue, tell them they can take it up with the TSAB," he said firmly. Before taking another sip of the coffee. Yes. He was authorizing this. No, he didn't have the authority. No, he didn't care.

The offer of clothes, however, made him blush. "O-oh. That's really sweet but uhhh.... thanks. I should be fine. I have three full outfits," they were all the same outfit, "And if I go on patrol my barrier jacket is enough. Err. My outfit from... earlier is enough if I go out at night. Yeah," he said, taking another sip.

"Oh. Right. Some of my friends might come by sometimes. Is there any issue with that? One of them makes khorma. Which is I believe another word for 'Heavenly sauce on rice'."

Adrien Agreste has posed:
This was going to be a tough one. A very tough one. Chrono bringing up this TSAB thing as well as the rest. He just... isn't sure how to handle it. Normally he'd slip off and chat with Plagg about it but for now he'd just have to keep things running smooth. At least there were plenty of places around he could pop out to visit that might offer some privacy to chat with Plagg.

"Ah, if you're sure. Still it never hurts to have something comfortable to wear to relax, or if it's laundry day." It's shrugged off though. Surely it wouldn't take him long to get settled. He hopes.

"I don't see why not. Just shoot me a text before so I have a heads up, please? I can do the same," he adds with another grin. Easy enough. The thought strikes him though as he fishes out his phone, "Oh, let me give you my number."

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
Chrono Harlaown glanced over at the boy. He was, admittedly, still trying to place if the guy was magic or not. If he was, and was trying to hide that he knew, well... At least it'd be fun.

If he wasn't, well.. Then he was screwing with a guy's mind and that was a lot less funny.

"Huh? Oh, I don't really..." Then blinked. Wait, DID he relax. When was the last time he slouched? Huh. "I'll keep that in mind. Maybe I should try and get casual clothes..." he mumbled, looking thoughtful.

"A text?" he asked. "Oh! Right! Yes! Err, right," he said, staring at the phone. "Mine is currently... in... repair. It fell. Into..." Pause. Pause. "The bath."

Yes, he had a phone. Or would soon. Somehow. "I'll take the number and add it when I get it."

Adrien Agreste has posed:
Adrien Agreste hesitates with phone in hand blinking a single time. "Ah, yes that can happen. Just let me know when you get one and I'll add you to mine, too." With the little exchange given he pauses again thinking long and hard. Finally he takes a deep breath.

"Chrono? I'll try not to get in your way with everything, but I will remember everything you tell me, too. I've noticed that things are different here than in Paris."

His gaze lifts back to Chrono offering an uncertain smile. "We have some heroes there that help protect the city. I've run into them several times." This he didn't even have to lie about. Adrien had come across Ladybug numerous times after all. "We treat them like celebrities there. Here it seems a lot different." Raising a hand he rubs the back of his neck seeming very, very uncertain. "I've seen how people apparently forget here?" It's a hesitant question, uncertain, and all he does after is raise his shoulders in a helpless kind of shrug. "I get maybe why they do, it's easier with as many different heroes as there are here. I just wanted to say..."

His hand drops from his neck to rest back on his lap again. A very sincere smile creeps over him. "If you need to talk about anything, even if I don't understand, I'll listen. It must be hard having to hide all the time."

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
Chrono Harlaown blinked a few times. Just stared and... "Huh. Well, okay then," he said before pulling out his card and... "You know about magic, that makes this easier. Time space administration bureau enforcer, Chrono Hardawin. I am fourteen, though," he said. "I'm from space, crash landed, yes the school knows. I'm chasing wanted criminals. Ummmm..." Pause. Think. Think. "Huh, no, actually that about sums it up. I'm searching for the people from my ship that crash landed on this planet. I was young enough to keep my memories. They weren't."

Then, slow, deep breath. "And I am distinctly aware that I am outside of my depth. that the magic here works in a way it just... doesn't where I am from. I'm assuming you're magic of some kind, I mean, it's..." Then he shrugs. "I'm just kind of assuming most people are. If they are, I'm right. If they aren't, they won't remember. My real priority for the time being is find the people from my crew and get them out from under... this thing. This magical black hole of your world," he muttered. He then took another drink. "So if you see me go out at night, or come back at some strange hour, all of that? Probably that. So long as you're not trying to like. Endanger people's lives, we're cool. If you are, we're not going to be cool for long and you won't like the result. I won't either, I like your coffee." Another sip.

"... And listen, if you are magic, but don't wanna say it? That's fine. I don't need to know who you are. At this point for all I know your linker core is some kind of alternate reality wormhole and it depends on you not sharing what you are or you spontaneously turn into a pile of glitter. You wouldn't even be the weirdest thing I saw this week."

Amazing how despite being at least a head shorter than adrien... He managed to look almost middle aged from exhaustion there.

Adrien Agreste has posed:
The Veil. That's right. Adrien sucks in a breath realizing that his attempt at playing things off a bit were very, very poor. He was used to most of his friend group knowing about it, but they had all been Akumatized before. Sometimes more than once. Once Hawkmoth knew someone's weakness it was easier to exploit later. Some had also been given Miraculous' temporarily to help them fight. It was no wonder they remembered.

The card that Chrono withdraws is regarded curiously without any sign of actual recognition as to what it was. "I just turned fifteen," he offers to Chrono in turn, again out of habit. His fingers dig into the leg of his jeans resting on his lap while he sits up a bit straighter.

It's the last part that causes him to pause again. Opening his mouth he tries to find the words. Instead his voice cracks before it can, just causing him to sound a bit choked and he ducks his head down looking very guilty. It would be so nice to tell someone. Someone in a similar situation. Someone that ... didn't require he keep his identity safe because it would affect others.

It really wouldn't though would it?

"Something like that--" The words are barely out before the satchel that hung on the end of his bedpost moves. Just a bit, the flap raising up but still hiding what was within. Just enough to hear a voice go, "Adrien, you're not supposed to tell!"

His gaze softens a bit looking over to the bag. "I think it'll be all right in this case, Plagg. Just a bit." Green eyes again flit over to Chrono giving him a nod. "You're right. I can't share details. There may be times I come in at odd hours, too."

Lifting a hand he gestures over his shoulder with his thumb toward the window behind him. "It can open from the outside, by the way, in case you need to use that to get in and out."

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
Chrono Harlaown gave a small nod and a... somewhat comforting smile. "I... uhhh. Hear fifteen is a pretty big deal for most people. I think you'll like it," he said, before giving a thumbs up... and then sighing. "Yeah... that'd... mean more if I wasn't younger than you, admittedly," he mumbled.

He was silent for a moment, looking down at the card. Finally... "I know magic here is weird. I know... a lot of you probably don't choose this life. Don't have the training. I did choose this, though. And I do. So if you need any help... well... I'm an enforcer for a reason. Part of that job description is about helping people in terrible situations get out of them. Also, shooting magic lasers. But mostly it's the helping people thing."

Then glanced towards the bag and gave a snort. "Ahhhh. So magic gnomes, then? Fun. Yeah, we had stories about those kinds of things back home. Figures on this planet they'd be real." Well, at least it wasn't a cat.

He glanced at the window. "Thanks. Good to know. I'll be honest... it's so much easier to travel via roof top. Why are your truancy officers so persistent?"

Adrien Agreste has posed:
"A *gnome*!?"

The squeak of outrage from the bag is instantaneous. Adrien actually has to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. It doesn't stop his grin from broadening quite a bit at the obvious indignation from Plagg.

"They're called Kwami, actually," Adrien explains very breifly. "And they do have to eat to recharge their power when they tire out. Unfortunately," a long sigh is exhaled. "Plagg is very fond of cheese."

"The smellier the better!" Comes the squeaky voice again. "Speaking of which, Adrien, you proooomised!"

Adrien gives a single nod pushing to his feet. It's not the coffee machine he goes to this time but the little mini fridge he'd mentioned before to open it and withdraw a round container of cheese cut into small bite size pieces. "That's another reason for the espresso machine I admit, to hide that smell."

The little triangle of cheese is held up between thumb and forefinger. It's there, then it isn't, with only a blur of shadowy black having been visible for a split second. There was no worry that Plagg could be caught on tape since his own magic kept him from being recorded, so he just moves fast--Very fast. He could when properly motivated.

Back to the bag he went, it seems, as there's a happy sigh and nomming noises from it.

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
Chrono Harlaown couldn't help but chuckle at the indignity. "Oh. Ohhhhhh. I get it," she said. "A kwami. So like, a mouse changeling? One of my friends has a pet ferret changeling, so I understand," Chrono said encouragingly.

Oh he was probably making it worse. "A little mouse changeling gnome, makes sense. So your magic is like... food chaged. Not so separate, then. I mean, I have to eat. I've... never had to feel my device. That'd be weird," he said. "Though I guess I feed it my mana. So... that's kind of it?"

Then, however, oh. Oh wow. He paled slightly upon seeing that. "Oh wow. That. That's actually concerning. Like... if our room is going to smell like rotten cheese... I will have objections," he said matter of factly.

"... Does it have to smell like bad cheese? There's... strong, good smelling cheese, isn't there?" And there it went, the first thing that Adrien had shown him that made him ACTUALLY concerned.

Adrien Agreste has posed:
"Don't worry, I keep it in air tight containers and in the refridgerator. Having it chilled reduces the smell a lot. I'm not fond of things smelling bad either," Adrien assures Chrono even after the teasing of Plagg had ensued. He does look apologetic in spite of this. "It was never a problem at home--In Paris I mean. My room was much larger there, though, so I wanted to take every precaution I could given the smaller dorm. Just in case."

From the bag come a few disgruntled noises. Though Plagg seems to settle down after a bit until a gentle snoring can be heard. Adrien grins again. "He takes cat naps frequently and knows to hide from people. I just can't have him too far from his Miraculous or it won't work." It's now he raises his hand to indicate the silver ring there.

Another look is cast around the room to make sure it's neat, tidy, and that everything is in order. He'd shared more than he had with anyone before without ultimately giving away his identity or the true nature of his powers. "It is getting late now. I should probably get some rest."

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
Chrono Harlaown couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. "Ah. You know, should be thankful you didn't have to do that on the Arthra. You can air out a room. You can't air out a ship. A stinky piece of cheese could get you court martialed." That... was probably not true.

Chrono at least seemed to relax about it. "Simple enough. Cute ring. Not the worst accessory, personally I like the cards, but some people I know keep their devices in necklaces, belts, bracelets. One even has hers in a earring."

He drank the rest of his coffee, putting his device on scan and... "Okay. If you need to sneak out though and don't want me to see, just let me know and I'll like... turn around or something. Or step outside for a minute..." He wondered if they should come up with a code or something. Like putting a tie on the door meant 'go away, I'm henshined'.