A Special Thanks - the Story of Gabriel and Renee (Emilie) Agreste

I can't thank you all for the success Miraculous Games has seen in the past year or so. We've hit 200,000 reads and almost 10K votes! Guys, that's insane. And the only way I could think to show my appreciation is to give you a little bit more of the story. 

This is the story of how Gabriel Agreste found the love of his life in the Miraculous Games: Emilie/Renee (pronounced Re-nay).

*- Seeing as though Miraculous Games was written before Season 2 and 3, Emilie in this fic will remain Renee for continuity issues -*

So please, enjoy this as a token of my love. 

~*~ *~ *~

"-and here come the Charms now!"

"Oh, they're all so lovely. Who knew choosing animals would be such a great idea for this year's theme?"

"I know! Here comes Caline Bustier, looking magnificent in her swan-style dress."

"She's breathtaking! Those feathers... ugh, I'm so jealous."

"But look at Xavier Ramier. That's one way not to do feathers. I'm not sure why they chose a pigeon for him, though."

"He does look a little better than the Bear charm, Andre Bourgeois, though."

The commentary from the announcers continued over the speakers, but that's not what Gabriel was listening to. He slumped back in his chair, not particularly interested in anything happening below. The chariots rolled by, Charms waved at the cheering crowd, and music blasted all around him. But he didn't care. Another boring Miraculous Games year.

He'd been told to look alive, to seem at least a little bit interested in some of the girls competing for his heart, but that wasn't happening. Despite how much pressure had been put on his shoulders, he'd rather just let it all play out. Nothing was worth looking forward to this year. Just another group of people dropped in an arena to fight to the death.

Or, should he say, for his heart.

With such a terrible selection, however, he wasn't even remotely interested. Like, who chose a pigeon as an animal?

"And here comes the lovely White Tiger charm, Audrey!"

"My goodness... she's stunning. Her figure in that black and white dress is..."

"Unmistakable, that's for sure."

Ugh, she was ugly. Gabriel turned his head away. He couldn't stand the sight of Audrey's catty smile, ratted blonde hair, and skanky dress. The glittery hat didn't flatter her, either. It made her round face look even rounder.

What a dull selection of women. He glanced back down at the chariots. How was he supposed to be betrothed to someone in this dreadful group of-

His breath hitched.

"Ah, and here comes the odd one of the bunch, Miss Renee Couture."

"Her outfit is quite plain, don't you think?"

"I can't help but agree."

Gabriel's ears drowned out the noise from the announcers. Slowly, he unfolded his arms and stood. In the very last chariot, a blonde girl waved to the crowd. She seemed genuinely pleased to be there, smiling like she was on top of the world. Though her outfit did seem plain, it only enhanced her look. She wore a turquoise dress that ombreed top-to-bottom from green to blue. Around her waist, long peacock feathers fanned out, blowing behind her.

Her blonde hair was pulled into a loose side braid, the stray hairs curling around her face. The makeup she wore was minimal, but the dust of lavender eyeshadow under her turquoise mask made her eyes pop. And her... her eyes...

They were sunflowers waving in the breeze. They were shamrocks in an open field. They were the sun shining through trees on a sunny afternoon day.

His legs started to feel weak, like he was standing on a rocking ship. He felt as though he might be sick, but not in a bad way. Almost as though he were drunk. When he blinked, he could see her smile in the darkness. Gabriel gripped the bar in front of him as he gazed down at the beautiful girl. What was her name? Renee?

Turning away, he squeezed his eyes shut. Though the rest of the world continued and the music played louder as the ceremony ended, he could only hear his racing heart. What was wrong with him? What was with that girl? What did she do?

He had to find a way to get close to her, talk to her- something!

Then, an idea struck him: the ball.

* * *

Gabriel straightened his purple suit, a little self-conscious of the dramatic feel of it, but he couldn't get cold feet now. He ran a hand through his hair, took a deep breath, then stepped out onto the dance floor.

All around him, Charms, the people of the media, and other nobles wandered the spacious hall. They were dressed in various animal costumes, but the most extravagant dresses and suits belonged to the Charms. The press watched from afar, snapping pictures of the Charms interacting with each other or stalking certain popular ones to get some glamour shots.

Gabriel scanned the crowd. He watched for any sort of blue-ish green dress that shifted on the dance floor or passed by the concession table. No such luck.

"Are you looking for something?"

Gabriel about jumped out of his skin. He spun around to see a pair of sparkling green eyes; the green eyes that he found himself lost in earlier that night.

It was the girl, and she looked just as beautiful as she'd been in her chariot.

He sucked in an astonished breath, but he tried to regain control of his emotions. He cleared his throat, tucking his hands behind his back.

"Uh, yes. Forgive me, I didn't hear you approach."

The girl let out a small laugh. "That's alright. I didn't mean to frighten you, either. I'm sorry."

Gabriel felt taken aback. She was talking to him like she'd met a stranger in a coffee shop, and not like he was the president's son at a ball.

"I-It's alright," he said, stumbling over his words.

The girl smiled. "Well, I better let you get back to looking for whatever you were searching for. Thanks for talking with me." She turned to leave.

No, no, no! Wait! I was looking for you! Gabriel's mind ran a thousand miles an hour, trying to come up with any excuse to make her stay.

"W-wait."

She looked back over her shoulder.

"What, uh... what's your name?"

A smile danced across her lips. "My name's Renee Emilie Couture, but you can call me Renee."

"Ah... okay. I'm Gabriel Agreste."

A laugh. "Don't worry, I knew that much," she said, her breath light.

Idiot, Gabriel thought to himself.

"Well, uh, do you... um..." His mind blanked. How could he make her stay and talk with him longer?

"Are you trying to ask me for a dance, Monsieur Agreste?"

He could feel his face turning pink. It was only then that he realized that there was slow music playing in the background. He swallowed hard, then took a deep breath and extended a hand.

"It would be my honor and pleasure."

It was her turn to blush. Gently taking her hand, Gabriel led her to the dance floor. The music played for a moment as he held her hand and took her waist. The feathers on her dress tickled the pads of his fingers. Their hands fit together perfectly, almost as if they were meant to be.

Renee gave him a sweet smile. Which, after a moment, he returned.

Then, they danced. 

---

If you would like me to write a prequel to Miraculous Games staring these two, please let me know in the comments below!