Spread My Wings
"Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal." -Albert Camus
Chapter 11
Getting the news to the Ladyblog was easy enough. However, making sure that it reached the spotted heroine and her feline partner was another issue.
The random call from Nino had been a surprise. The DJ had not spoken to her in a few days. It was even more surprising when he passed on the request from Mr. Agreste.
Something had come into play. There was a developing story in the midst of the missing Adrien Agreste case. Alya knew there had to be.
Why didn't the man contact Ladybug and Chat Noir through another televised press conference?
Alya supposed that the news was not meant for public speculation. The news was only meant for Ladybug and Chat Noir.
Had Adrien been seen? Did Mr. Agreste decide to end the search for his heartthrob son?
Hell, had Ladybug seen her message? Only time would tell.
Marinette cast her partner a concerned look. The message sent alarm bells off in her mind. Gabriel wanted to speak with both her and Chat-Adrien.
She cursed under her breath as she turned her attention toward her kwami, Tikki. The small creature hovered above her, gazing over at the snoozing form of her partner.
"Tikki, what should we do? Mr. Agreste wants to speak with both Chat and I. Adrien isn't well enough for this. He needs rest and I have a feeling that Gabriel suspects something.
The god's eyes bore into Marinette's own, wisdom of countless centuries visible in Tikki's own. She sighed, patient as always.
"Marinette, you're babbling. Adrien can stay here with Plagg. You and I will meet up with Gabriel Agreste."
The teen sighed, a weight lifting from her shoulders. She pat her kwami on the head, appreciatively.
"Okay, let's hope that Adrien will sleep the entire time. I don't want him worrying."
Tikki nodded. "Plagg will keep Adrien here. He may seem brash and careless, but he really cares about his charges, especially Adrien."
This bit of information caused the female to smile sadly. Adrien deserved better, even if it meant staying away from his own father.
"Alright then. Tikki, spots on!" As the light faded from her transformation, Marinette snuck out of her room through her trapdoor leading to her balcony. With a boost of confidence in her system, she took off, swinging her yoyo in the direction toward the Agreste manor.
Gabriel tapped his foot impatiently. Nathalie assured him that the message had been posted on the Ladyblog. The man was impatient. He didn't like waiting on other. He lived by a schedule for a reason. Being fashionably late wasn't an option, even for him as a world famous fashion designer.
The man adjusted his glasses, glancing out the window every so often. Ladybug and Chat noir should have been there by then. Just as he was set to look out the window once more, Nathalie alerted him from the video intercom.
Gabriel pressed the button, waiting for his assistant to speak.
"Yes, Nathalie?"
The woman's face appeared along with one of his expectant visitors.
"Ladybug has arrived just as you have requested. Shall I send her to your office?"
The designer gazed around, looking for the female's partner. When he realized that Chat Noir was not with her, he let out a frustrated groan.
"Yes, send her in," he demanded, shutting off the intercom.
This entire ordeal seemed fishy. Ladybug appeared, but Chat did not.
'Adrien is avoiding me.'
The man's inner monologue ended as his office door opened, the familiar form of Ladybug present within his office.
He studied the young hero briefly, noting the nervousness that flowed off her in waves. The usually brave and fearless hero stood before him, biting her lip and avoiding eye contact with him.
She was just a young teenage girl. A young girl with the destiny of an age old power and war resting upon her shoulders. She couldn't be much older than his son.
She shifted, toying with her yoyo in the midst of the suffocating silence. Gabriel feeling somewhat for her, decided to ease the tension. He cleared his throat, gaining her attention with ease.
Clear blue eyes met his own.
"Thank you for meeting with me, Ladybug." He glanced over to the side of her and frowned. "However, I did request both you and Chat Noir for this meeting."
Ladybug flinched at his tone. She obviously knew something.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Agreste. Chat was not able to make it. He's feeling sick."
"Hmm, that is unfortunate. Please send my condolences to him."
She nodded, appearing uncomfortable.
"Uhm, Mr. Agreste, why did you request a meeting with me?"
Gabriel offered her a blank stare as he turned and gazed at the portraits of Adrien on his office wall.
"The same thing, young lady. I have questions regarding the whereabouts of my son."
"A-Adrien?"
"Yes, my son. He's been missing for quite a while now. It's hard to imagine him being able to stay hidden away for this long considering the man hunt I have assembled."
He gauged the girl's expression, knowing that she would react accordingly.
"Yes, it's a mystery how he's managed to avoid being seen."
"Ladybug, I think that there is more to it than that. He must have help or a very convincing disguise."
The man waited.
Hook.
Line.
Ladybug remained strong despite the man's interrogating questions. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, eyes downcast.
"You suspect that someone is hiding him," she mentioned offhanded, eyes rising to meet his own.
"You suspect that I know something."
Sinker.
The designer clasped his hands together. "My, you are quite clever. No wonder you've been chosen as the miraculous Ladybug."
She didn't expect this. Something was brewing. "Yes, there is a reason why I was chosen, sir." she retorted icily. "Why do you believe I am hiding something from you?"
He raised a brow at her, his stony features set. "Tell me, do you know your partner's identity?"
She rolled her eyes. "Of course not. We rather not endanger ourselves or friends and or family."
He felt frustration grow within his mind. This girl, so smart and so cunning. She was stubborn and she knew the origins of his game right then and there.
"Of course. But everyone knows how enamored Chat Noir is with you. He would do anything for you, Ladybug. He would even tell you his secret identity."
The heroine's eyes narrowed. Seeing her favorite designer in this light, she couldn't help but feel her heart go out to Adrien.
"Mr. Agreste i do not have the answers that you obviously think that I have. Adrien is missing and I will find him."
The man chuckled. "You and Adrien are very much alike, Ladybug. No wonder you two are partners."
She stiffened as the man's words left his lips.
'Shit.'
"Listen well, young lady. I know that you are aware of my son, your partner's whereabouts. Adrien cannot handle himself when he is ill. He needs his medication and I want him home."
"Adrien won't come home. Not until you prove yourself to him."
This caught the man off guard. His face contorted into a scowl. "I am his father. I know what is best for him. I will not hesitate in having him taken into custody. I don't want my son running around in a skin tight leather catsuit fighting some mad man."
Marinette didn't speak for a while. She took in Gabriel's threats. She knew he cared deeply for Adrien, but he seemed to have a hard time expressing it.
"You need to sort out things before speaking with Adrien. I know him far better than you seem to. When I saw this, you need to listen. Adrien wants a family."
"I am his family. The only family that he has left. You would do well to stop interfering in our family matters that do not concern you."
Ladybug was beyond furious. She was close to blowing her cover, even though she could not allow it. Gabriel would find out her identity and he would be able to locate Adrien with ease. For now, she needed to remain impassive for both her and Adrien's sake.
She held her head up high, using her Ladybug pride to get through this.
"Mr. Agreste, I came here as you have asked. I kept my word. Now if you have anything else to say to me, then do so. I'm running out of time here."
The man sneered, clasping his hands behind his back. "I may be a cold man, but that does not change the love or the care I have for my son. You may think I am harsh but I am only doing what I believe is best for my son." He glanced down at her once more, brows rising.
"Tell me, how would your parents react if they knew you were Ladybug?"
"What, why?"
"Humor me by answering the question."
His words hung in the air as she thought out a reply.
"They would be worried, but they wouldn't stop me from my duty as a hero to Paris."
"So you say. But every parent has their limits. Adrien has always been stubborn and docile since he was but a child. It's often why I keep such a tight leash on him."
"But without loosening the leash, Adrien cannot grow. I know you care for him, but you need to know how he feels too. Adrien thinks that you only see him as a business asset."
This bit of news seemed to strike something within the man's stoicness. He made a face of pure shock. He had not expected this bit of news from this meeting with Ladybug. Yet, before he could respond, Nathalie barged into his office, tablet in hand.
"Sir, there is an akuma attack near by. You need to get to safety." The woman frowned and turned the tablet toward Gabriel, then offering a sad smile to Ladybug.
"We will continue this son, Ladybug. But do tell my son that I would like to speak with him."
The girl nodded, leaving the Agreste manor quickly. The conversation was not over, this much she knew. There would be drama between a father and son soon enough.
For now, she had a city to save.