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Chapter Text

When the ghouls successfully exposed Moanatella Ghostier for the fraud she became and only four days left before they could go back to Monster High Clawdeen wanted to finally relax and enjoy Scaris for what it had to offer. ‘New day in Scaris, France for me to enjoy.’ Clawdeen thought while getting ready for the day. After the fashion show, she was interviewed by the likes of Morgue magazine on what her next clothing line will be to online bloggers who wanted to know more about Monster high. She and the ghouls were even invited to the after-party filled with well-known models and monsters who were on Moanatella Ghostier’s guest list. But after Cleo helped them decline the invitation with a cursed amulet of hers they were all able to enjoy a simple dinner together.

After everything that happened Clawdeen was glad to be able to have this day all to herself. The rest of the ghouls were busy sightseeing with Clawd, Heath, and Deuce and showing them the city. But after being trapped in the catacombs Clawdeen would rather have a slow day of sketching new designs. After getting up and wearing something more relaxed for the day a pair of magenta jeans, a black vest with a neon green tank top, and some black boots and gold eyeliner with pink lipgloss. She went to grab her latest bag. She bought a simple black leather bag with a skull and a pink bow carrying her sketchbook. She just wanted to have fun and roam the streets of Scaris.

After grabbing some breakfast with everyone and explaining to Heath that he can’t just live off croissants in the next four days she quickly walked her way to a nearby park.  ‘Oh, my ghoul, this is the perfect place for some inspiration right now.’ . Clawdeen after putting her sketchbook on the bench quickly was digging through for one of her pencils but her sketchbook had other plans and quickly hopped to the nearest basket of a pink scooter before Clawdeen could yell anything to the driver they were already driving away. Clawdeen, distraught, ran to the nearest scooter driver already wearing their dark blue helmet and Clawdeen frantically asked for their help. 

“After them, they have my sketchbook!”. With a quick nod, they handed Clawdeen a lavender helmet and they quickly zipped through the cobblestone roads following the scooter Clawdeen was holding on for dear life since they were on the sketchbook's tail while it happily waved at Clawdeen.  

“The things I do for fashion,” Clawdeen muttered while the driver quickly turned left through a small alleyway, Clawdeen gripping harder on their leather jacket for dear life.

 They stopped in front of a cafe where the pink scooter owner parked while the sketchbook tried to sneak away but Clawdeen was faster and quickly jumped out of the scooter and quickly grabbed the sketchbook. 

“Don’t EVER do that again I could have lost you!” Clawdeen said to her now drooping sketchbook who was whimpering sadly to her. “You know I can’t stay mad at you,” Clawdeen said fondly while hugging her sketchbook. Then Clawdeen remembered the kind scooter driver and turned to thank the monster till she saw that it was a ghoul, a pretty ghoul mind you. From the quick hair flip after taking off her helmet, Clawdeen saw that her ruffled pastel lavender hair had magenta streaks and she was currently using a compact to fix her lipstick. A white werecat with the clearest blue eyes Clawdeen has ever seen.

  “Hey- um Salut mon nom est Clawdeen Quel est ton nom”. (1) Clawdeen asked while taking off the lavender helmet.

The ghoul turned to look at Clawdeen and she smiled “Bonjour Je m’appelle Catrine parlez-vous Anglais”.(2) Catrine asks while parking her scooter and placing her helmet on her lap and taking back the helmet she gave to Clawdeen.

“Yeah I do, I'm not gonna lie to you my French isn’t the best,” Clawdeen said while placing her sketchbook in her purse and checking her hair if there were any strands ruined by the helmet.

“Non (3) your fine Clawdeen I need practice for English class,” Catrine said while fixing her hair as well. “Thanks again for helping me chase after my sketchbook lately it has been having a mind of its own.”

Catrine smiled “It’s the least I could do since I wouldn’t know what to do if one of my paintings jumped into the Seine river.”.

 Clawdeen’s ears perked up when hearing that. “Oh, you're a painter?” 

Catrine nodded and continued “ I usually paint tourists as my side job while I’m at school but I love painting people passing by the city.”.  Clawdeen wanted to know more about this werecat 

“That is so cool I usually sketch outfits more than ghouls.”

Catrine clasped her leather gloves and grinned from ear to ear. “You're the ghoul who hijacked Moanatella Ghostier’s fashion show.”
Clawdeen blushed over this. She still is new to everyone knowing her as the ghoul who broke all the rules of fashion and is fashion’s new face while she still is in school. “Yeah that's me,” Clawdeen said while leaning on the cafe wall. 

“You inspired me actually since I was at the show sketching.”. Catrine reaches into the basket of her scooter and brings out her sketchbook and flips to a page Clawdeen almost drops her jaw seeing the page. On that page was a fully detailed sketch of Clawdeen that very night with her curls and the outfit she was wearing as well. 

“Wow you're great at this Catrine,” Clawdeen exclaimed, turning to look back at Catrine who was blushing through her fur. “Merci (4) Clawdeen I still think I could have added more shading of your shadow but I’m glad you love it.”

Clawdeen shook her head “No Catrine this is perfect it makes my sketches look like chicken scratch.” 

Catrine chuckled “Your sketches are fine Clawdeen the chicken won’t ruin them.” She replied in a teasing tone. 

Clawdeen rolled her eyes in annoyance. “Ha ha, very funny Catrine but thanks again for saving my sketchbook can I buy you something from here.”

Catrine tilted her head for a moment thinking and smiled. “I would love that Clawdeen.”. 

Clawdeen tried not to fall on her face while Catrine was next to her and Clawdeen went inside the cafe with Catrine and helped Clawdeen over the french menu and on ordering in french. two espressos and a plate of skull cookies for them to share while Catrine quickly went to get them a table outside the cafe. 

“Tell me more about yourself Clawdeen what brought you to Scaris?” Catrina asked while she took off her fingerless gloves. 

Clawdeen thought back to how it all started with the fashion flash mob to stop her idol from stealing her designs. 

 “Well, Catrine, it all started with my love of fashion. Honestly, the next thing you know you're being interviewed by Morgue magazine about my whole life.” 

Catrine gasped “You were just interviewed by Morgue magazine?!”. 

Clawdeen shyly smiled “I’m still not over that they asked to see me after the show.”

Catrine was still impressed. “If anyone is gonna be interviewed by Morgue for the latest fashion it should be you Clawdeen you were yourself in the fashion show,” Catrine said while sipping on her espresso. 

Clawdeen thought about what Catrine just said and answered “Well I usually have confidence in myself but Monster high is another reason as well.”

Catrine raised one of her eyebrows in confusion “What is Monster high anyway? she asked. 

Clawdeen continues “It’s my school back in Scaremerica and the whole school's motto is you are accepted freaky flaws and all no matter what kind of monster or normie you are.”

Catrine was taken out for a bit on the normie part “Really, being yourself is what Monster high is all about?”.

 “Yeah any form of bigotry or hate isn’t allowed obviously but the fact that monster high is only a recent thing since there are werewolf and vampire schools that are as old as Dracula shows us that people are ready for change.”

“This school sounds amazing, Clawdeen, do they take any foreign exchange students?”

“You can check the website, I can send you the link through my i-coffin can I have your number first though?” 

Catrine handed her i-coffin and Clawdeen quickly added her number and typed in her name in the contact list and Hanes her back her phone. 

The rest of their afternoon was just them talking about life and their schools. hopes, dreams, and everything in between. Clawdeen lost track of time till her i-coffin started buzzing when Clawdeen saw Draculaura’s number flash on the screen. 

“Oh shoot Catrine I have to take this but I will be back,” Clawdeen got up and walked a few paces away from their table and answered her phone, “ Hey, Draculaura what's up?” 

“Clawdeen, where have you been? It's getting pretty late.”  Clawdeen then checks the time and then Clawdeen sees that it’s already 9:30 pm. 

“Oh shoot sorry ghoul I lost track of time today I’m repaying a ghoul a favor,” Clawdeen explains.

“You didn’t say you knew someone in Scaris?”

Clawdeen then turns to Catrine who was sketching something in her sketchbook. Her hair becomes a lavender and magenta holo with the yellow lamps highlighting in a golden light.

“It’s a long story Draculaura I will tell you when I get back to our hotel room.”

“Ok, but please tell me everything you know about this mysterious monster or ghoul you know.”

Clawdeen chuckled since she can hear Draculoura pouting through the phone.

“Will do Draculaura.”

“Bye Clawdeen, tell your new friend I said hi.”

Clawdeen walked back to the table and placed her bag on the table Catrine looked up from her sketchbook. “Hey, Catrine, I have to go back to my hotel room. Thanks again for helping me get my sketchbook my ghoulfriend Draculaura says hi.”

Catrine smiled and brushed a strand of hair behind her hair, “Aucun problème(5) Clawdeen let me drive you back. At least I promise I’m a better driver when I’m not chasing down a runaway sketchbook.”

“I would love that Catrine.”

Catrine and Clawdeen quickly put their stuff away and tipped their waiter and got back to Catrine’s scooter. The sun was slowly setting which gave the city sky a purple and orange ombre. 

“Clawdeen you won’t mind if I take a different way to your hotel room?”

“What do you mean Catrine?”

“I want to show you something while I’m driving you back to your hotel.”

Clawdeen was fixing the helmet on her head while thinking about this Catrine is offering her something she could never have since how many times will you go to Scaris in your life? Clawdeen knew what she decided on once sitting on the scooter.

“Sure Catrine I would love that.”

With a sly grin, Catrine placed the visor of her helmet down and said “Hold on goule(6).”

With that, they quickly were off and on the roads of Scaris once again. Clawdeen held on to Catrine again but this time she was able to see her surroundings. The streets were filled with monsters going on about their business with the beautiful backdrop of the setting sun Clawdeen was able to even see the Eiffel terror. The sun gave the Seine river a beautiful ombre while they were driving past everyone. The wind whipped through her hair while she was holding Catrine.

Clawdeen didn’t even notice that they were getting closer to her hotel till she saw the Eiffel terror disappear behind the buildings of the city. Clawdeen then turns to face the back of Catrine and sees the back of Catrine's helmet and sees that this random ghoul took her on the tour of the city. Clawdeen didn’t even have time to go sightseeing when she was training with Moanatella Ghostier so enjoying the city with her ghouls was out of the question. So seeing the city with Catrine is an experience but the feeling is different than when she is hanging out with her ghouls. The leather jacket had the smell of Catrine’s perfume. Clawdeen almost couldn’t place the smell but it was striking with notes of rose and something even Clawdeen’s werewolf nose can even detect.

Catrine pulled up to the front of her hotel. 

“We’re here Clawdeen, did you enjoy your ride?”.

Clawdeen was snapped out of her perfume haze. “Oh um thanks again Catrine for everything.”. Catrine took off her helmet and smiled “Don’t worry about it mon Cherie(7) it’s the least I could do.”

Clawdeen got up from the scooter, handed Catrine back her helmet, and asked Catrine a question that has been burning her mind since she met Catrine. “When can I see you again?”. Catrine thought by tilting her head up a bit and smiling while looking at Clawdeen ”How about the Boovre ?”.

“I think that would be a great idea.” 

Catrine amused expression brought Catrine’s sharp canines glint under the moonlight and said, “How about I pick you up around 2:00 PM?”

Clawdeen quickly said yes and to that, with a wink from Catrine the werecat drove away from the hotel while Clawdeen waved goodbye in a trance. Clawdeen didn’t know what to do except stare at the mysterious ghoul disappearing in her blue scooter.

Chapter Text

Clawdeen was chilling with Draculaura in their hotel room since Draculaura was looking for a missing earring.
“Draculaura you know you look fine right?” Clawdeen asked while laying on her bed in their shared hotel room lazily sketching a fashion illustration of a werecat wearing a purple trench coat, some black stockings and a white tennis skirt, and white gogo boots.
“I know Clawdeen but I still think those earrings are gonna make my outfit look fangtastic.” muffled Draculaura while digging through one of her suitcases.
Clawdeen chuckled “I'm still surprised you and Cleo were able to put both of your bags in the plane?”
Draculaura giggled and placed the contents of her latest suitcase away
“They actually had to put our bags in a cargo plane that was coming back to land in Scaris so they had to make a quick stop at the airport before we left.”
Clawdeen turned her head to Draculaura and raised an eyebrow. “You're telling me they had to flag down a cargo plane so that your suitcases could be here in Scaris?”
“Yep, I think the airport we went flying here was owned by some vampire court member even though my father and I aren’t huge social climbers back in Transylvania.”

Clawdeen with a blank look on her face blinked and turned to go back into her sketchbook. ‘Note to self look up more information about the vampire court.’ Clawdeen thought while she drew on some pearl earrings on her werecat sketch. After the earrings were done Clawdeen placed her art supplies away and glanced at her sketch.
“She looks a bit like Catrine but why did I draw her?”

Draculaura kept looking for her earring till She found it in her purse just in time since Clawdeen saw that Catrine had sent her a text message. ‘I’m here in the lobby with our tickets.` Clawdeen quickly texted back ‘That’s gr8 I’m almost ready to let me get my bag ;)’ Clawdeen jumped out of bed and went to look back at her outfit if there was anything out of place. She wore a light green blazer with a white zebra print top, some black bell-bottom jeans, and a simple pair of white and black sneakers to match (inside her closet) her white handheld clutch.

“Draculaura do you think my outfit is missing something? I can't put my paw on it?” Draculaura poked her head out of the latest suitcase she was digging through.
“Well, I love everything you have. I think you need another accessory. Hold on, I have the perfect sunglasses.” And to that Draculaura quickly dived back into her suitcase and came out proudly holding a pair of white sunglasses with black lenses.
“I got these at our last trip to the maul since I thought of Abby but she says she doesn’t need sunglasses since her eyes can survive snow blindness whatever that means but you can have them.”
Clawdeen smiled “Thanks ghoul you're the best.”
Draculaura beamed “Now before you go to Clawdeen, can I at least know the manster who is taking you out today?”
Clawdeen almost dropped her new shades.
“Umm, it’s not a manster it's this ghoul I owe a favor for yesterday.”

Draculaura had a smile slowly creeping up to her face, “so this mysterious ghoul saved your outfit from the sudden rain with her umbrella, or did she almost faint glancing at your beauty in the Scaris streets?” Draculaura exclaimed while pretending to faint over her own bed in their room.
Clawdeen rolled her eyes while trying not to laugh at Draculaura’s fake dramatics “No Draculaura my sketchbook was almost lost till she helped me chase after it so I’m paying her back.”
“Oh, my ghoul, that's even better than the last romance novel I read on our flight.”
“Ghoul, can you remind me why you read those again?” Clawdeen asked while applying neon green eyeliner for a simple winged look.
“They're cheap to buy, they fit in my purse I take to the plane, and I love a good love story.”
Clawdeen smiled while putting the finishing touches on her purple lipstick.
“Well I can’t keep her waiting see you around 9 PM I will send you some pics of the Boovre.”
“Wait, can I meet this ghoul before you leave?”
Clawdeen thought for a moment and smiled “Let me text her first if we aren’t late for anything.”
‘Hey, Catrine can my ghoul Draculaura meet you before we go since I want to make sure we aren’t late for anything?’
Clawdeen saw that Catrine was typing and got her response
‘Sure I won’t mind, I can’t wait to meet one of your friends.’
Clawdeen softly smiled at her screen and Draculaura was looking at Clawdeen with a knowing smile on her face. “She says sure Drac-why do you have that look on your face?”
“Oh, nothing Clawdeen.”
Clawdeen narrowed her eyes while tying up her sneakers.
“It didn’t look like nothing Draculaura,” Clawdeen stated while they started walking out of their room and to the nearest elevator.
“Oh don’t worry about it Clawdeen I want to know what you gonna see first since you weren’t able to see the Boovre with us.”.
Clawdeen quickly glanced back at her i-coffin and scrolled to look for the sculpture that she sent to Catrine last night at dinner.
“Here it is Draculaura. I think it's some love goddess. She looks a lot like Cupid doesn’t she?”
Draculaura opened the elevator and ushered themselves in and pressed the button to the lobby and quickly glanced at the i-coffin screen and nodded.
“We did walk past it while we were searching for Toralei in the boouve but I wasn’t able to read the plaque about the statue.”
Clawdeen nodded and with a few pings they were at the lobby and waiting for them was Catrine in the middle of sketching. She was wearing a lavender leather jacket and a simple black graphic t-shirt and some black jeans and a pair of white boots. She was sitting next to two helmets, a dark blue one and a lavender one.
“Hey, Catrine, how are you?” Catrine looked up and smiled “Bonjour (1)Clawdeen I’m doing fine but this must be Draculaura you told me about.”
Draculaura beamed “Nice to meet you too Catrine I have heard some good things about you from Clawdeen.”
“Merci(2) Draculaura how are you today?”.

Draculaura and Catrine chatted about art and the new sketches that Catrine might actually put on paper.
“It is true Draculaura the art block really got to me.” Catrine giggled while Draculaura was faking shock on the lobby sofa. Clawdeen quietly looked at how comfortable Draculaura was with Catrine since she just met her a few minutes ago. Clawdeen was confused since she knows where Clawdeen is going and who she is why she wants to chat with Catrine. But Clawdeen’s thoughts were cut short when Catrine said.
“It was nice to meet you Draculaura Clawdeen and I have to go au revoir.”(3) Draculaura waved goodbye while Catrine reached for Clawdeen’s hand and walked beside her through the lobby. Clawdeen stopped everything and focused on the fact that Catrine’s had a lovely mani with her nails in a nice almond shape with different types of purple swirls and not the fact that her warm hand was wearing the same purple fingerless gloves and holding onto Clawdeen’s chipping gold nail polish.

“Are you ready to go to Clawdeen?” Catrine asked while putting on her lavender helmet and handing the dark blue helmet to Clawdeen.
“Yeah, I’m ready.” and to that with the helmet firmly in place, Catrine zipped through the city with Clawdeen holding Catrine. This drive wasn’t a chase for her sketchbook but the kind of drive that Clawdeen can relax while Catrine was taking the lead. The streets were filled with monsters going on with their day while Clawdeen for once didn’t have to worry about anything except that she needed to hold on to Catrine and not let go while they were moving. Clawdeen sighs as she lays her head on Catrine’s back while she stops at a red light that allows a family of gargoyles to cross the street. After the red light, they were able to quickly find a parking space and after handing Catrine her helmet back they walked side by side to the Boovre’s main entrance.

“Wow Catrine this is so cool,” Clawdeen said while they were walking through the Boovre’s main courtyard and seeing the Boovre pyramid. Crowds of monsters walked in and out of the courtyard.
“Even though the glass Pyramide(3) is not my favorite landmark, I'm glad it brings out your smile.”
Clawdeen shyly brushed a strand of hair out of her face. “Thanks, Catrine your beauty mark is really pretty as well.”
“Merci (4) Clawdeen, do you still want to see that statue before we do anything else?” Clawdeen nodded while they made it into the marble halls of art Clawdeen reached for a map and skimmed through it. They made their way through paintings and statues which Clawdeen took photos of with Catrine. Clawdeen was copying the pose of an Aphrodite statue leaning near the wall.
“Hold that pose Clawdeen it’s parfait(5),” Catrine said while taking out her own i-coffin and snapping a few pics. Clawdeen stretched her neck to the left and let her hair fall to the small of her back.
“Is this good Catrine?”
“Can you turn to face me mon cher(6)?” Clawdeen turns to face Catrine smiling “Wonderful Clawdeen I got it.”
Clawdeen now actually stretches walks to Catrine and sees the photo.
“Wow, Catrine you are way better at taking photos than me. Can you send this to me?”
Catrine smiled softly “Of course Clawdeen, comment puis-je dire non à ce visage?”(7). Clawdeen looked back at Catherine's face with a confused look on her face “What did you just say I didn’t get that last part?”
Catrine quickly stammered while putting her phone away. “It’s nothing Clawdeen let's go see that goddess statue you wanted to visit.”

They quickly walked to the hall where the statue was standing. The curls of marble framed the statue’s face.
“That is totally Cupid ghoul,” Clawdeen said with a tilt of her head.
“This Cupid she goes to Monster high no?” Catrine asked in wonder looking at the stoic face of Cupid.
“Yeah, she has a whole radio show in Monster high to give advice about love.”
The plaque read “The child who was raised with love and is destined to help others with love.“ Catrine read out loud while Clawdeen took a step back to gaze at the statute.
“I have to ask her if a family friend made this for her?” Clawdeen wondered out loud while Catrine placed a perfectly manicured nail on her chin in midthought.
“Well, Clawdeen I know that you can be a great subject for a statute,” Catrine mentioned while standing close enough to Clawdeen to hold hands but Clawdeen was hyper-aware of the fact but only could allow herself to brush her hands against Catrine’s hand.

The rest of their day was filled with paintings and other statues they lost track of time. Catrine and Clawdeen walked side by side till they made it back to Catherine's scooter. the glass pyramid now covered in light from other builds.

“So you're telling me Clawdeen that his name was Thad?” Catrine exclaimed.
Clawdeen sheepishly nodded “Yeah he was nice but I never clicked with him.”
Catrine shook her head. “I can’t believe his name was Thad nom de cul stupide.”(8).”
Clawdeen raises an eyebrow.
“My French may not be the best, it sounds like you insulted his name Catrine.” Catrine pretends not to hear Clawdeen while leaning on her scooter.
“Désolé mon cher Mais Je Suis Trop occupé à regarder ta beauté.”(9).

Clawdeen rolled her eyes “Your beautiful words won’t get you out of trouble this time Catrine.” Catrine huffed while placing her hair in a bun for the ride back, “ Mon Cher (10) you're the one who said I was pretty no?”. Catrine asked, batting her eyelashes.
“Haha very funny ghoul,” Clawdeen replied with a monotone voice while buckling in her helmet while sitting behind Catrine. Catrine smiled while turning to face Clawdeen.
“Aww, I’m sorry Clawdeen but his name is awful.” Catrine shrugged while turning back to face the handles of her scooter and placing her helmet on.

They quickly zipped through the road till they made it to the Triumphal arch of the shard. Clawdeen may have been surrounded by the sounds of a busy road but all she could focus on was the ghoul she had her arms wrapped around. Catrine was busy focusing on the road while Clawdeen was thinking about how she was at the same place she was before. Her body was close to Catrine again she didn’t know what to do except hold on. They were still behind a bunch of other drivers in their vehicles which gave Clawdeen time to think for a moment. ‘Catrine is such a great friend. She was so comfortable with Draculaura. Her English is flawless. I wonder why she’s been hanging out with me.’ Clawdeen thought while waiting for their turn in the roundabout. ‘I already know I am a pretty cool ghoul to hang out with and that I’m great but what is Catrine getting out of this?’ Catrine quickly zipped through the roundabout Clawdeen saw Scaris in a night blur of lights and sounds the street lights reflected off of Catrine’s helmet she saw herself reflecting back to her. ‘I don’t know what this is, we're just ghouls hanging out as friends right?.’ Clawdeen wondered while Catrine drove through the green lights with the wind making Clawdeen hold on to Catrine as if she was going to lose her.

“We’re here Clawdeen I hope I didn’t keep you from your amis(11),” Catrine said while parking her scooter.
“Thanks, ghoul for today text you later after dinner?” Clawdeen asked while handing the helmet back to Catrine.
“Merci(12) Clawdeen after dinner sounds great but I have a quick question, Clawdeen.”Clawdeen turned to face Catrine who raised the visor from her helmet to see Catrine's eyes
“What is it, ghoul?.” Catrine’s eyes quickly flickered back to Clawdeen's eyes.
“It’s nothing Clawdeen, it's just I hope you have a good dinner with your friends.” With that Catrine drove away which left Clawdeen standing on the curb. ‘Why did she say that?.’ Clawdeen thought to herself while walking inside the hotel lobby ‘The whole day she was chill and we had fun but why did she drive away so quickly was it something I said?.’

While Clawdeen made it for dinner with the ghouls and mansters in Cleo’s room and showed everyone the photos she took with Catrine in the boouve. They chatted over takeout and the food basket the hotel gave Cleo “Being royalty has some of its advantages.” Cleo said while tossing a peeled grape for one of Deuce’s snakes to catch. But Clawdeen was still lost in thought. ‘What did Catrine want to tell me anyway?

Chapter Text

“This as you know is the Eiffel Terror is a famous landmark but my maman(1) loves to tell me all the time that it was a declaration of love,” Rochelle mentions while Garrott brushes a strand of her hair from her face. Clawdeen, the ghouls, and the mansters are now enjoying a picnic with Rochelle and Garrott in the Champ de mars park where the Eiffel Terror stands tall over them. Clawdeen absently minded her business sharing a plate of sandwiches. 

“Oh, my ghoul that is so romantic isn’t Clawdeen?” Frankie sighed over the story 

“Uh yeah, ghoul it sounds great.” Frankie turned to face Clawdeen 

“Hello, Earth to Clawdeen are you there?”  Clawdeen quickly snapped back to reality 

“Sorry Frankie, what did you say?” 

“It’s nothing but what’s bothering you? you're not present right now?” Clawdeen’s eyes scanned around the park and answered Frankie 

“I was just wondering if… Never mind Frankie, it’s not a big deal.” 

Frankie seemed unconvinced but didn’t press any further. Clawdeen was grateful for that since she didn’t know what Frankie thought of her thoughts. ‘She hasn’t texted me in a while. I hope she's ok.’ . Clawdeen sighed while rechecking her i-coffin for notifications from a certain werecat. All Catrine texted her was a photo of her canvas and that she planned to paint all day.

“It looks like Clawdeen is waiting for someone to text her back.” Cleo off handley mentions while checking her bandages. 

“No, I’m not Cleo.” But it was too late Frankie and Draculaura already whipped their heads back to face Clawdeen grinning ear to ear. Frankie’s bolts were sparkling with electricity 

“Oh, my ghoul Clawdeen, who is the lucky monster who's been texting you?” 

“No Frankie it’s this painter ghoul that Clawdeen hung out with yesterday.” Draculaura chimed. 

“Her name is Catrine,” Clawdeen mumbled while turning off her i-coffin. 

“So she is more than some painter ghoul, she is so cool.” The chorus of aww’s from Frankie and Draculaura made Clawdeen’s ears flatten down on her head in embarrassment. ‘This is way worse than the speed dating Draculaura put me through.’ Clawdeen thought to herself while Frankie and Draculaura gushed over Clawdeen's supposed love life. 

“Bonjour Clawdeen I hope I'm not interrupting you and your amis(2).” In front of Clawdeen was Catrine in denim overalls with streaks of paint as the pattern, a lavender shirt holding her canvas, and some brushes. 

“Hey Catrine, you're not bothering us.” Clawdeen started looking at Frankie and Draculaura who now were avoiding Clawdeen’s disapproving gaze pretending to look away. 

“Well, that’s a relief. I was wondering if you aren’t busy right now and if I could paint you since I’m having a bad case of artist's block.” Clawdeen was for a moment taken aback but quickly composed herself and reposed 

“Of course Catrine let me get my stuff first.” 

Catrine beamed “Merci(3) Clawdeen I’m sitting over there.”  

Catrine pointed to the lavender picnic blanket. 

“I just need to clean my brushes first.” with that Catrine walked back to her blanket.

“Oh, my ghoul Clawdeen, she adores you!” Frankie squealed with Draculaura nodding her head rapidly. Clawdeen groaned, placing her hands over her face. 

“Ghouls I love you but you have to stop this. She probably wants to practice, that's all.” Draculaura was already digging into her purse for her latest historical romance. 

“This reminds me of the latest chapter I was reading.” 

“Ohh this is going to be good.”. Frankie said, peering over Draculaura’s shoulder to read the book over Draculaura’s shoulder. Clawdeen listened to what Draculaura’s latest chapter had to say while she placed her stuff away in her bag.

 Lady Abigail held herself tightly “Simon you do know why I’m here don’t you?” Simon shook his head “I would say gambling but cards were never your favorite game to play tell me Abigail why are you here?.”   Draculaura dramatically narrated which Frankie listened to with every word. Clawdeen was already packing her tote bag. Still, Draculaura continued reading “When I was young and in love with you for the first time I ran away from that feeling and our future.” .  Abigail paced back and forth and continued. “This time I won’t run away Simon but I’m scared it won’t last.” Simon moved forward and placed his hand on her shoulder “No matter what happens my love you are still my fiancee even when you left me all those years ago you were still in my heart.”

“Draculaura, how does that relate to me and Catrine?” Draculaura, closing the book, smiled at Clawdeen,

 “I think you’ll know soon enough, Clawdeen.” ‘Ok, Draculaura is being vague, nothing new.’ Clawdeen thought to herself while walking to Catrine’s picnic blanket.  A small easel was set up and Catrine wiped a brush that coated her fingers with paint. 

“Oh Clawdeen just sits behind the canvas and I will get started.” Clawdeen felt awkward now crossing her legs trying to appear natural by placing her hand under her chin and then dropping said hand and sighing. 

“What kinda pose are you looking for Catrine?” 

“Just relax Clawdeen I’ve seen your fashion show you are incredible.” Clawdeen smiles and responds 

“Thanks, Catrine, you're pretty great.” Clawdeen now more at ease looks around the park enjoying the sun on her fur. ‘This is nice, next time I’m bringing a picnic basket.’ Clawdeen thought to herself while looking around to see other couples enjoying their day made Clawdeen think of Catrine and if she ever took anyone on picnic dates. Clawdeen now focuses on Catrine and how determined she is while painting. Catrine uses her brush to make sweeping motions then Catrine pauses and looks at Clawdeen again studying her face. Her eyes piercing through her soul Clawdeen shifted her gaze to the Eiffel terror the tower stood shadowing everyone below it. 

“Clawdeen are you doing anything else today?” 

“Not really why?” 

“We can hang out at this cafe near my apartment, its Chocolat (4) is parfait (5).” Clawdeen smiled as she had been wanting to enjoy Scaris more than ever before. Maybe it’s how Catrine opened her eyes to the city. How Catrine’s voice sounded like a melody to Clawdeen how she could listen to her say anything and everything to her. 

“I would like Catrine.” Catrine smiled looking at Clawdeen from the small canvas between them the sun shining down on them causing the colors of the painting to reflect on Catrine’s white fur. A blend of lavender and purple on Catrine’s grin Clawdeen was even tempted to brush her palm against her fur. She wondered how soft her fur would be against Clawdeen’s hand. Clawdeen quickly shook her head hoping the thought would go away like all the others. Far enough to be on the back burner but close enough to scare Clawdeen. It was scaring her to the point of denial.

“I can stop here Clawdeen, the paint has to dry so we can get some Chocolat (5),” Catrine said while placing the used brushes into a cup of greywater. 

“Nice can’t wait.” Clawdeen lamely started to fill the quiet moment between Catrine and her art supplies. Her furrowed brow over a certain piece of paint stuck to the brush. Sighing she continues to pack the rest of her things which snapped Clawdeen out of staring at Catrine. 

“Here let me get the blanket at least.” Clawdeen may have been busy staring at Catrine and her paint-splatter claws attempting to scrub away the stains but she is no freeloader. After Catrine got everything into her canvas bag except the cup of gray water and the drying painting of Clawdeen they were set. Catrine quickly drained the paint water she quickly placed the cup in her bag and held the canvas as if it was precious. The canvas had a rough sketch of Clawdeen’s face with a touch of lavender as a halo around her hair. 

“Wow Catrine, your sketch is great, I look incredible.” Catrine turned her face away from Clawdeen. 

“Merci(6) Clawdeen, but it's still not done yet.” 

“Well, whenever you're finished with it, at least let me get a frame for it?” Catrine turned her face back to Clawdeen, her eyes quickly gazing at Clawdeen then switched to take a long look at her painting. 

“I will Clawdeen, I just need to finish it.” Clawdeen places her hand on Catrine’s shoulder. 

“Well I’ll probably be back at monster high before you finish it but I can’t wait to see it at least.”

Catrine’s ears twitched in attentiveness. “What do you mean you're leaving already Clawdeen?” Her eyes widened in alarm. 

“Tomorrow is my last day. I'm gonna pack after we hang out and fly back home.” Catrine’s ears then twitch down almost disappearing in her lavender locks. 

“Oh, I thought we would have more time together.” Clawdeen’s heart for a moment wanted to hold Catrine and tell her she will come back. But Clawdeen knew that could never happen. This trip was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for Clawdeen for her to show her skills to the fashion world. But now after everything from the catacomb to her fashion show, she’s stuck on how she feels. 

“Well, we can at least call still and message while I’m at Monster High.” Catrine brushes a lock of hair away from her face.” Yeah, I guess Clawdeen.”

Now the mood dampened by the news of her departure Clawdeen quickly changed the subject. 

“Hey, at least we can enjoy the cafe that you like, right?”  

“(7)Oui, Clawdeen it’s not that far your friends won’t mind right?” 

“They should be fine, I just need to let them know where I’m at.” Clawdeen grabs her i-coffin and quickly texts her ghoulfriends where she will be. Cleo texted her to be safe and let them know when she is back in their rooms while Draculaura quickly spammed a bunch of heart-shaped emojis which she ignored. Frankie asked her to tell them everything which she promised. Now walking with Catrine on the Scaris sidewalk they quickly made it to the cafe.

Nestled in between winding buildings was a small cafe. A few monsters are already sitting in the outdoor seating under the shade of the lavender canopy. 

"Café de la peur(7) c'est parfait pour dessiner(8).” Catrine stopped herself now realizing what she said quickly reverted to English. 

“Sorry Clawdeen, I’m supposed to practice not speaking french.” 

“It’s fine we’re just hanging out together.”  

“Yes, like friends.” Catrine held the door for Clawdeen they were greeted by a cashier in french which Catrine helped by ordering for them while Clawdeen quickly scrolled on her i-coffin since she would rather not feel like a fish out of water with Catrine and the cashier conversation in french. She saw text notifications from Clawd sending her another article about her fashion show. 

  “Looks like you are a famous designer now.” Clawdeen rolled her eyes but before she could reply Catrine tapped her shoulder now. 

“Clawdeen if you don’t mind, can you take my painting to a table? I'll wait for our order.” Clawdeen nodded 

and now handed the drying painting looked around the half-empty cafe quickly realizing that outside seating is the best option. Now outside the nearby table, she quickly placed the painting on the side of her chair and quickly seated herself now looking around the busy street and the mansters and ghouls walking around enjoying the sunny day. Clawdeen, now lost in thought, wondered to herself about the adventure her friends had. ‘I saw the sights, enjoyed Scaris with my ghouls, and got to hang out with Catrine and go to the Bore but why does it feel so bittersweet to leave?’ Clawdeen looked around once more at Scaris as if her memories could do the city any justice. ‘Would I ever get the chance again to see Scaris?’ Clawdeen looked back at the leaning painting and thought of Catrine. The same Catrine she saw Scaris with and she enjoyed the time they had together. Before she could dwell on her feelings she was interrupted thankfully by Catrine holding their order. 

Now together they chatted over the latest Veronica von vamp movie to school and what their plans could be for the next semester. 

“Honestly Catrine I usually listen to Justin Biter but I've listened to nothing new recently.” 

Catrine’s ears perked up with her hands clasped together in glee. 

“What about the stag Beatles, ever listen to them?” 

Clawdeen took a sip of her hot chocolate and continued “No not I heard of them but never listen to them.”  

Catrine quickly dug through her bag and brought out her i-coffin and a pair of lavender headphones. 

“Here let me show you my favorite song.” Catrine handed one earbud to Clawdeen and placed the other one in her ear and pressed play. With the notes of the sitar playing and allowed herself to enjoy the song even if it was not what she usually listens to. She and Catrine enjoyed the song in silence while Catrine softly hummed the lyrics while Clawdeen listened to the lyrics about a girl and her room. 

Clawdeen wanted to stay like this with Catrine to forever enjoy the songs Catrine will show her. But she knew this moment will be another memory that she will look back with a sad pang of nostalgia for missing Scaris and the ghoul who lived there. Catrine was the one who saved her Scaris trip by showing Clawdeen the city from her perspective on the back of her scooter. She was able to visit the Boovre cause of Catrine. She was able to enjoy everything and anything with her. ‘I’m gonna miss her won’t I.’ Clawdeen thought while looking back at Catrine who was sending her links to other stag Beatle songs chatting about how she learned English because of the band and their songs. For now, she just listened to Catrine.