Miraculous and The Flash crossover: Collision of Worlds. (Book 4)

Chapter 4

Zoe continues drinking her glass of milk as she listens to Barry.

Zoe: (Muffled) Mmm, hmm.

Barry: And on top of that, the chaos just keeps piling up. Marinette comes back to school, falls down the stairs and breaks her arm. She then beats the crud out of Lila, because she thought Lila pushed her.

Zoe finishes her drink, and puts it back on the counter.

Zoe: Ahh. Yeah, I heard about that incident.

Barry: And on top of trying to get some answers, to try and solve my case. These new villains appear out of nowhere, wreaking havoc on Paris, it's...it's just pure chaos.

Zoe rubs her chin for a moment, taking in what Barry just said.

Zoe: Well, why do you feel like you have to be the one, to help Marinette?

Barry rubs the top of his head, his blonde hair catching in his fingers.

Barry: Because I went through the same thing Marinette did. And nobody helped me when I needed it.

Zoe looks at Barry in shock.

Barry: So, I decided to make sure that nobody would have to go through what I went through. To help those who suffered the same amount of tragedy I did. But now, with everything going on...I don't know what to do.

He exhales and takes a drink. Then pours the last bit of root beer into his glass, and takes a sip.

Zoe: Well, it sounds like you tried doing too much at once, and stretched yourself too thin.

He puts his drink on the bar counter.

Barry: I'm well aware, Zoe. I have a bad habit of doing that, sometimes. I thought I could handle it, but it just seems like too much to do at once.

Zoe: So don't do it all at once, no one said that you had to.
You can't right the wrongs of the world, all by yourself.

Barry looks at Zoe, and listens intently.

Zoe: Just try taking it one problem at a time. Focus on the here and now.

Barry looks at his drink, lowers his head, and takes a breath.

Barry: You're right. Thanks, Zoe.

She grins and gently pats Barry on the shoulder.

Zoe: What else are friends for?

Barry finishes his root beer and puts the glass on the counter.

Barry: Well, I better get back home. There's bound to be another incredibly busy, and stressful, day tomorrow. I don't want to miss that.

Zoe thinks for a bit before turning to Barry.

Zoe: You know what? You've been stressed out enough, today. Why don't you stay here, for the night?

This takes Barry by surprise.

Barry: Oh, no, no, no! I mean, you already paid for my drink. I couldn't possibly ask you to...

She interjects, before he finishes.

Zoe: Trust me, it's no trouble, at all. It's the least I can do for you. Especially after you managed to get Chloe to change. I insist.

Barry sighs and looks at the blonde with a smile.

Barry: All right, if it makes you feel better. I accept.

Zoe beams with pure excitement.

Zoe: Wonderful! You can bunk with me, in my room. I've got plenty of space.

They start to head out, but Barry looks back at the bar.

Barry: Hold up, what about the-

Armand stands at the doorway and reassures Barry.

Armand: Not to worry, Monsieur Allen. I will handle this, personally. Any friend of Mademoiselle Zoe, is more than welcome to have a drink, free of charge.

Barry nods.

Barry: Thanks, Armand.

Armand gives a bow to the young teens.

Zoe: C'mon, Barry.

Barry: Whoo!

And with that, Zoe takes him to her room.

Marinette paces around her bedroom, in her pajamas. Thinking about what Cat Noir, and her former superhero comrade, Flash, had told her.

Marinette: (Exasperated growl) I swear, who does Flash think he is?! Where the heck does he get off, calling me reckless and irresponsible?! He has no idea what I have to go through, every time I have to put on that mask!

Tikki floats near her, munching on a macaroon. While listening to her chosen stirring to herself about what Flash and Cat Noir said.

Marinette: And Cat Noir, he's supposed to be my partner! He's supposed to have my back! But when Flash just up and calls me unstable, he just decides to hang me out to dry?! OOOOHH!

Marinette sits down on her daybed, absolutely flustered.

Tikki: Calm down, Marinette. A hothead never solves anything.

Marinette: And that's another thing, I am not short-tempered! I don't know where Flash got that belief from. But the last thing I am, is a hothead!

Tikki wasn't convinced, considering that she knew that Marinette did have a tendency to go overboard at times. She finishes her macaroon, before speaking.

Tikki: Well...I wouldn't say that, Marinette.

Marinette looks at her Kwami, in disbelief.

Marinette: Aw, come on, Tikki! Not you too!

Tikki: I'm only saying, maybe Flash is right, Marinette. Ever since your mother died, you've been on edge. And now, after being akumatized, and this recent encounter with this Hawk Moth of the future, and that yellow version of the Flash. You're not thinking straight, you're usually so level-headed and optimistic.

Marinette closes her eyes and sighs.

Marinette: (Sighs) You're right. I'm sorry, Tikki. I just feel like I'm out of options. I don't know what I'm supposed to do now.

Tikki: Well, I do. You get some rest, tomorrow will be another day.

Marinette nods, and climbs up into her bed.
She stared at the skylight above her bed, listening to the rain falling outside. A tear rolls down her face as she closes her eyes, and goes to sleep.