The house was bigger than Felix remembered, but it was none the less his. He and Natalie brought the bags into the front hall and sat them down as she went away to find his father. He took in all the photos, especially the large one above the stairs, where his father and younger brother stood beside each other in dark clothing.

…I missed the photographer that day. Now I remember…doesn't matter, really. I'm not photogenic, anyway.

Cheep slipped out of the main luggage bag and fluttered over to him. "This is amazing, Felix. In all the years we've been on earth, none of us Quantic have ever been partnered with anyone as rich or famous as you."

"Isn't that a hindrance to you?"

"I don't mind. I'm glad you're my partner…hey, are you blushing?"

"N-no!"

"Felix?"

Cheep let out a squeak and flew back into the luggage just as Gabriel came out and stood atop the stairs, Natalie behind him. He crossed his arms behind his back and gave Felix a quick look over, his dark grey three piece suit on point.

As usual.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, in person," Gabriel pushed his glasses up without anything near to a smile, "I've been checking up on your marks. Excellent as always."

"My studies are my top priority in life, sir."

"I hope there was no sarcasm in that response."

"No, sir."

"Good." He turned to Natalie, who nodded and came down the stairs. "Natalie will take care of your luggage and put it in your room. I've had it well kept for your return."

"Thank you, sir."

It was then that the door opened behind him. Felix turned, and his heart nearly caught in his throat. For the first time in over a year, he came face to face with his brother, who came in with a small frown on his face, though it quickly disappeared behind his confusion as his eyes came upon Felix.

"…Felix?"

…I…I completely forgot to tell him I was coming. Idiot.

"Felix!" Adrien hopped over and gave him a huge hug. "You're home!"

Felix could feel his father's disapproving glare behind him. "Yes, well," he pulled Adrien off and straightened his brother's hair and collar, "I'm sorry I didn't warn you ahead of time. My schedule was becoming…complicated."

"How long are you staying? All summer? This is great! I can't wait to introduce you to all my new friends! You haven't met them yet, but they're amazing! Especially-"

"Adrien, please," Gabriel sighed loudly, "control yourself."

"Sorry, father," he rubbed the back of his head, "I'm going out in a bit. May Felix come along?"

Gabriel thought it over before nodding. "Very well."

What would we do together here anyway, father, have tea and biscuits and talk of feelings?

"Come to my room, Felix," Adrien skipped every other step up the stairs, "I have to show you something!" He ran up the left staircase, leaving Felix to follow. He took one last glace at Natalie, who had begun to move the luggage, to make sure Cheep wasn't visible, before following.

He stepped up beside Gabriel and turned to continue up when his father placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Do remember your place, Felix. You may be on vacation, but do not mess about. We all have a reputation to keep."

"I am well aware of your reputation," Felix remarked without turning back, removing his father's hand from his shoulder, "and I will keep it in mind, sir." He marched up the stairs after Adrien, trying his best to ignore the shudders running down his spine.

Alright, so, I'm dead right now…I almost miss the old him as much as I miss mother…

He came upon Adrien's bedroom door and knocked. Adrien opened it up and chuckled. "You don't need to knock, Felix, you're my brother!"

"I'm always courteous, Adrien."

"Never mind," Adrien dragged him into the room, "check it out! I renovated."

"…Did you ever…"

The room was like a park. A rock wall for climbing, three computer screens (one of his own), and more books than ever, a basketball net, a ramp – he felt as though he had just walked into a house on its own.

"What do you think?"

"I don't see how my opinion matters," he turned to Adrien, caught off guard by the anticipation in his brother's eyes, "I mean…if it makes you happy, then its fine."

"It's great to see you again." He came up to Felix and once again entrapped him in a hug.

"…Uh…Adrien?"

"Can't a guy enjoy the company of his brother?"

"…I suppose."

He glanced at the open bedroom door, and nearly choked. Cheep was fluttering about, exploring the halls. From behind Adrien's back he gestured the Quantic over, and just as Adrien let him go, the small bird zipped in behind him, hiding in the back of his collar.

"Ah, uh," He did his best to keep from snorting as Cheep's feathers tickled his neck, "so, you've, been doing well?"

"Uh, yeah," Adrien gave him a quizzical look before turning to the computer screens, "but that's not all."

"I, uh-ah, see."

"…Are you alright?"

"Perfectly, ah, fine."

"Well, before I introduce you to my friends-"

"I'm sorry, Adrien," he pointed out the window, "but I've already made arrangements with some colleagues from school to rendezvous at the small bakery down the road at three-thirty."

"Really? You made other friends?!"

"Please don't sound so surprised, Adrien, you'll give me wrinkles."

"Well then, at the very least, maybe I can introduce you to Marinette! Her family runs and lives above the bakery!"

Yes, the one who reminds me of Bridgette?

Adrien fidgeted near his computer, seemingly contemplating something important to him. "…There's one more thing I have to show you, first. Something…something I haven't shown anyone else. A big secret of mine."

…I've never seen him this nervous…what could he possibly have to tell me…