A/N: Longest chapter for now - I will talk about it at the end of it once more. Still, I hope you enjoy it!
A Reason for Love, a Reason for Madness
It was a chilling night. A soft summer breeze easily caught up with her, once Ladybug had stepped outside, and she knew, that she would have shivered, if she didn't wear her protecting, magical suit.
And yet she felt herself shake a few times throughout her small journey across the rooftops of Paris - though that couldn't be because of the cold.
It was because of her bad conscience, perhaps from the adrenalin, that ran through her veins…
The heroine shook her head to clear her mind - knowing, that lamenting wouldn't help anybody in that mess, that everybody was in. Not the people in the city below, not those she loved, nor Chat Noir and not even herself.
She needed to stay strong. Focused. Needed to move ahead and work and fight according to her plan.
She could do it - would break a few hearts on the way - but in the end it would be okay.
…mostly…
She bit her lip and took a deep breath through her nose to calm her poor nerves once more. Watchful eyes wandering across her aim in front of her, as she stayed in the shadows for now. Careful, to not draw any attention towards her from unsuspecting civilians - she didn't need that. The media took enough interest in her anyway. Waiting a few minutes more, until she was very sure, that the coast was clear.
And it was - the lights were still turned off for some time now, and she didn't notice any movement. So she swung herself across the street some moments later. Kneeling, eyes lingering on the door, that would lead inside and down - waiting, if her arrival had made any noise down below.
But it hadn't…
Still slightly crouched she made her way across the floor, clutching the Miraculous Box tightly and pressed it against her chest, until she reached one of the big, potted plants - the very one, that stood in the very corner of this roof-deck, she had visited a few times throughout these past few days before. She stalled, her eyes lingering on the one deck chair she and Adrien had sat on just the night before to watch the sunset, together. Yearning for yet another moment of togetherness, dreaming briefly about his touch and kisses and anything in-between.
But she couldn't have that tonight…
Ladybug shook her head to focus once more, turning back towards the plant in front of her. Gulping and dearly hoping, that she made a good and right decision.
To hide it here. The Miraculous Box - from Lady Titalee and from herself.
This place was very available, if she ever needed to get it back. At all times. The villainess would never suspect, that the box was hidden in almost plain sight for her.
And… she trusted Adrien - some voice in her heart telling her, that this place here - by his side - was the perfect choice.
…for now…
Ladybug placed the box on the floor, before her hands reached for the soil within the vessel. Digging into it - thankful, that her suit would protect her from the dirt and that her nails would break and wouldn't get these nasty, black stains - it always took ages to clean that mess back up again.
The hole started to get bigger - soon enough fitted the box inside - covering it back up, hiding it underneath. The access soil was equally distributed to the various pots around her. Flattened out with her hands - every crump on the floor was taken care off as well.
She wanted it to be perfect - nothing was allowed to give the hiding spot away.
…or, that she had been here in the first place…
After a few minutes she was done, standing with a little sigh - looking once more at her creation in the darkness. Nodding, as if she wanted to confirm it to herself, that she had done the right thing.
With one last, longing gaze she eventually turned around, stepping past the plants and towards the balustrade. Hesitated for a moment as she watched the calm traffic down below.
Hoping, that today was going to be a calm night - without any attacks happening.
…without Chat Noir too suddenly passing by - she wouldn't be able to face him today as well. Couldn't.
Especially after her little conversation she had with Plagg the night before - about identity reveals, feelings and love…
Ladybug clasped one hand over her chest - in hopes it would dull the sound of her madly beating heart, as she took a shaking breath and clenched her eyes most tightly shut.
Trying to push Chat out of her mind. Out of her heart and soul and-
"L-Ladybug?"
She let out a startled gasp, as she heard somebody call her name, turning, but stumbling over her own feet in a stupid act of clumsiness, her bum hitting the handrail behind her, as she lost balance, almost falling down to the depths of the city below.
Almost.
For large hands had reached for her waist, before she could have tumbled over. Gripping her tightly, pulling her back and against a warm - very well known body.
Adrien was very much perplexed as well, as he saw her - standing there on his roof-deck during such late hours - but thankfully he was there to stop her fall - though - his surprised cry had made her jump in the first place.
But Ladybug couldn't deny, that she enjoyed his grasp on her dearly and marveled in the feeling of his closeness. Her eyes immediately flew on his soft, slightly parted lips and her cheeks flushed at the memory of their very spicy call - only minutes ago.
She would love to lean in, kiss him, let her tongue dive in his mouth - to properly start, what both young adults were yearning to do, but it was him, who already took a step back - and she hurriedly reminded herself, that the woman, that wore the dotted mask wasn't his girlfriend.
Ladybug wasn't allowed to do that with the man in front of her - wasn't even allowed to think like that, for she would be far too distracted.
She always did, when he was around, though. And that was yet the sad truth.
Thankfully though he immediately noticed his small mistake as well - his eyes widening, and he took two steps away, hands letting go of her soon enough - one hurriedly placed on his own hip, while he bashfully scratched the back of his neck. A shy smile played on his handsome features and the heroine felt her knees becoming weak - especially as her eyes fell on that white towel, that hugged his hips tightly. Covering his private areas perfectly, yet charmingly underlined his very naked torso. Golden hair framing his face in wet strands and a soft sheen of wetness still clung to his skin - slightly reflecting the streetlights down below. He looked stunning - delicious in a very sexy and erotic way and a heavy blush covered her cheeks once she realized, that he came straight from the shower - the very thing he needed and wanted to do after there little, intimate escapade.
Deep down she felt that tell-tale tingling. The coiling in her abdomen, as red-hot lust surged through her groins - Ladybug wanted nothing more, but to jump her gorgeous boyfriend and do it right here on the rooftop with him - for real this time. Straddle him, right now and-
"-re you okay? Ladybug?"
And cringe at her own lewd thoughts, while the object of her desire called out for her - worried this time. One hand rising up, to reach for upper arm, as he came a little closer once more. Eyes darting around, trying to reach her face in the darkness, that cast over them, now the sun has gone down.
"Mhm? Oh - yes! I am sorry t-to bother you!", the brave heroine stuttered as the shy woman, that lived inside her heart, hands waving up in the air in defense. "I-I was just going through my plans for tonight and-"
"Plans? What plans?"
His fingers around her arm flexed for a brief moment and she heard him make a heavy gulp. She raised her eyebrows as a silent answer at his strange behavior, but tried to think not too much about it.
"Well… of course - my plan to keep this City safe. I would need to-", she stopped herself from answering and bit her tongue - recalling in her mind, that she was not supposed to share these kinds of delicate information with him - a mere civilian. And yet - regarding the things she wanted to do tonight - it might be wise to get his permission to do so, before she did something utterly stupid and inexcusable. "-to… investigate on anything I know so far about Lady Titalee. Which means - finding clues on the reason of her existence. And… tonight… tonight I wanted to consult your father once more in this case… He might have answers. At least… that is, what I am looking for."
That wasn't the truth - she hadn't planned to see him tonight anyway. She had only been her to hide the Miraculous Box inside the realms of his apartment - for she deep down knew, that it was going to be safest here…
"Gabriel…?", Adrien asked after some time, seemingly confused and his eyes seemed to narrow - though that could have been a trick from her own imagination in combination of the bad lighting around. "What would you want from him?"
"Just talk… And hope, that anything, he says will bring some light to that mess of Lady Titalee's existence…"
"Talk?"
Ladybug didn't like that conversation with her boyfriend. His usual eloquence was lost in sparse answers. The light in his words, that usually pushed away the darkness in her heart, was gone.
She easily remembered Friday's events - his call. When she rushed to him to spend him comfort in every way possible. When the blond man talked about his father and the way the ex-designer has treated him, when his own son had visited him. Talked to him. And when Adrien was only greeted by silence.
The young man's demons had come out to play once more, clutch had him and his heart, his soul and she regretted her own stupidity for bringing such a heavy topic up.
And now she wasn't allowed to comfort him - had to keep that horrible distance between them, just like she had sworn to do with Chat Noir.
She hated it - despised herself for doing something like that in the first place…
Yet, Ladybug nodded, to eventually answer Adrien's questions.
"Yes…", she solemnly said, crossing her arms in front of her chest to keep her hands from shaking. "…you see - I believe, that Gabriel knows many things about the Miraculous and… and everything regarding it. I just hope to find answers. I-I suppose it is okay for you, that I consult him under such circumstances?"
"To end Lady Titalee's reign of terror?"
"Yes?"
"Does Chat Noir know about it? Is he around as well? And what would you want on my rooftop at such a late hour? Do you come here to ask me that?"
Those were a lot of questions - and yet neither of the surprised the young woman within that dotted suit.
"Well - of course Chat does know!", she said in rapid speed - knowing off the lie, she offered the man she loved so dearly and hated every second of it. "He does know of all my steps and plans, and he is currently out, patrolling himself - which was I doing as well! Patrolling. It's my duty and my topmost priority to keep yo- the city safe from Akumas and Lady Titalee and any other villain around! Oh - and of course while I was out patrolling I came accidentally across this roof-deck and looked down and then surprised me!"
"…oh…okay?"
No - she didn't like the tone in his voice. Not on bit. There was a mysterious coldness, that made her shiver so fucking easily.
She tried to back away - her bum hitting the balustrade behind her once more and it was her, who nervously scratched the back of her head now, while the fingers of her second hand daintily reached out for the yo-yo on her hip.
"I shouldn't have told you that!" And she needed to get out of here, before she made this whole situation even worse - for both of them. "It's all convoluted hero-stuff! I am most sorry, to bother you during such late hours! A-and say hello to your g-girlfriend from me! The two of you looked lovely in that picture! "
She turned and made one hurried step on the balustrade - a second one over it and she let herself soar down - throwing her yo-yo across the street, and it wound around a streetlight. Swinging away in such speed, she didn't even know she could do herself.
And yet she needed to get away - away from the man she loved with her whole heart.
From Adrien - who was her own, personal reason on why she wanted to keep fighting so badly. It pained her - deep within her heart and soul to trick him like that.
She even bit her tongue to stop those pesky tears from rising - and she certainly didn't want to get to Gabriel with puffy, red eyes and tear streaks on her skin and mask.
Plus - these kinds of emotions could draw an Akuma close and guide it straight towards her. And - in all honesty- an Akuma attack was the last thing she wanted and needed right now. Especially when Chat Noir wasn't close by to take care about it as well…
Though - he wouldn't come. She didn't tell him, nor Plagg about her plans for that particular night. Not because of his reaction, once she came up with that idea once more. No - she just didn't want him to be there - knew, that this distance she chose from him would cure them both from their love eventually.
Hopefully…
With one last, heavy gulp she finally reached the outskirts of Paris some time later. Reaching the prison, where they held Gabriel captive.
For one more, defying moment she hesitated. Stood in front of the enormous front door. Afraid of the answers - the truths - she would find tonight. If she found any at all…
Also… deep down she was still afraid of the impact her knowledge could have on her partner, once he found out, that she had been here. Without him, and on her own. Though - those were surely worries she should feed at a later time.
Not now - not when she had to act brave and professional in front of the guards and especially in front of Gabriel.
Therefore, she stepped inside - was already awaited by the guards.
Well - of course - she announced her arrival anonymously a few hours ago via a call, and they were surprised by her early return - she had been here only a few weeks ago.
But that didn't stop her and shouldn't - not if she wanted all of this to end one day.
She barely spoke with the guards, nodded and bravely followed. Tried not to listen to those lewd comments of the other inmates, as she walked behind one tall guard, who lead her straight to Gabriel's cell.
"Is twenty minutes enough?", he asked, holding onto the key tightly, watching the almost stoic and stern-looking heroine closely. "He is quite grumpy for a few days now… Barely speaks. Doesn't answer questions, ignores everybody, if he can…"
"He does? Why?"
The man shrugged.
"His son paid him a visit and-" Well of course! How could she forget about that? "-Argreste's mood is bad ever since. They didn't part in good terms, if you want to know - had to stop the young Agreste from punching his own father. Though - who could blame him for all the shit, that kid had to went through…"
Ladybug merely nodded, balling her hands to fists for - of course- she knew that as well. Adrien had told her that.
And still her hands started to shake once more as she heard that - little was she worried about the impact that particular meeting had on Gabriel as well. After all - she needed him to be cooperative. Needed his help.
…hopefully he would give her that…
Yet she raised her nose a little higher and nodded - knowing deep down, that only determination could help her now. Perhaps even a tiny ounce of luck.
"Twenty minutes will do…", she eventually said and the guard turned to open the door for her at last.
She stepped inside.
The heavy door closed behind her, again.
The cell was still just like before - without any pomposity. Without any glamorous luxuries. Just a plain, simple room. Small. And Gabriel Agreste sat in the very middle of it - not looking up from the book he was currently reading, not even greeting her. All he did, was to lick his thumb to get the page to turn a little easier.
"Monsieur Agreste, I-"
He merely raised one hand up, as a sign for her to stay silent, continuing to read his page.
Ladybug let him. Tried to stay patiently silent - wondering if this was the exact same silence, that Adrien used to be greeted with, when ever he tried to talk with his father. This very quietness made her feel tiny and weak and with any defense from the force, that was Gabriel Agreste.
…she hated it - far too easily understood, why Adrien had this emotional outburst, when he visited his father on Friday.
"Ladybug…", he eventually murmured, his eyes snapping to her face with an intense glare, that gave her goosebumps - but not in a good way. "What an honor to see you here…"
"Gabriel…", she answered, bowing her head as a sign of respect and as a greeting. "Bonjour…"
"You may sit".
"Thank you…"
And - indeed, she sat on the bed, for as always there wasn't a second chair available.
"I reckon you already heard about Adrien's visit here - only a few days ago? I suppose, that the guards told you, that it…was quite a tumultuous conversation we had. I didn't know, that my son could be that…emotional…"
He most carefully phrased each word. Clearly - that very important moment left a scar on his own soul as well. She could tell - saw it in the depths of his blue eyes, that were clouded with pain and hurt.
"What did you expect, Gabriel? After all those years? After… The things you did to him…"
"I always wanted his best! I did everything to get his mother back! To get her out of that comatose state! To have our happy, little family once more!"
"And yet you pushed him away all those years… Further, with every day a little more…"
"Because he wasn't allowed to know of my secret!"
"He didn't need a super villain within his own home! No secret lair full of butterflies and no secret room underneath the mansion, where you hide the body of his mother! He needed a father!"
"Mhm… you are quite emotional yourself tonight…"
"Excuse me?"
"Ladybug, you heard my correctly…"
Gabriel was completely calm. Barely showed a sign of anger, scorn, sadness, amusement or any other redeemable form of a human emotion himself. All he did, was taking his glasses from his nose, to clean them with a napkin he took from his pockets.
The heroine on the other hand felt her own beating heart in her chest - a mad drumming, that didn't care to stop. A wild storm of feelings rushing through her - gripping her heart with full force, like a wave, that tried to pull at her limp body to drag it back to the very wide, dangerous ocean.
For a mere moment she believed, that his words were of a mocking nature - but only a moment later she realized, that there was a deep sense of warning in his voice.
Of course - her behavior could lure an Akuma towards and it could easily latch onto her, instead.
"I am sorry…", she therefore whispered and averted her eyes from his prying gaze. "There is currently much on my plate…"
"I can tell, that there must be something bothering you, Ladybug. You used to be more level-headed, when you were younger. Less… bitter… You had your emotions in check at most times and never gave me the chance to send an Akuma your way. And believe me - I have wished to do that a few times. And tried - but never succeeded. Thankfully, if I may add!"
"What do you want to say? That I am an easy target for Lady Titalee?"
"Indeed…"
She sighed - hated to hear that answer and yet she deep down knew, that he was right. Of course - emotions have always played a big part in his usual routine as Hawk Moth - sensing those of innocent victims, to let them work in his favor. Giving them unbelievable, magical powers, promising then all the things they wished for.
And… perhaps he still had a fine grasp, when it came to others feelings and emotions…
"Was that the reason, on why you stayed silent during your conversation with your son?", broke it out of her, before she could have stopped herself. After all - only Marinette was aware of the outcome of said meeting between father and son - not the heroine with the mask. "To protect him?"
Gabriel sighed and finally placed his glasses back on his nose.
Nodded.
"He is just like his mother. Full of emotions, that could easily break out in any direction, affect everything and everybody around. I… Loved it so much, when Emilie could easily affect me with her wonderful behavior…" Ladybug understood his words easily - for she just felt the same about Adrien. "But in times like these…Ladybug - right now it's best for any bad emotions to stay hidden, for this Lady Titalee will easily find interest in it… I would have done it, if I had the chance to do so - attack the hero, when they are at their lowest point - giving them one more push, when they are already on the floor."
Wise words. Dark and manacing in its core.
But the heroine understood them easily - wondered if Lady Titalee would do just the same. Probably - though the villainess would surely bring this to a new extreme.
"…thank you…", Ladybug therefore mumbled and the older man gave her a tiny nod as an answer, before he raised his eyebrows at her, fixiating on her eyes in a way Adrien would do it as well.
"You haven't told me the reason for this particular visit, Mademoiselle. Surely it is something important, when you returned to me so quickly. Usually it took a few months, before we were to talk to each other, again…So?"
True - her time was running out, and she didn't find the chance to talk about all those thoughts, that circled her mind. And hopefully she would find at least one answer tonight.
"You are right - I am not here for a friendly, little banter. I…seek your advice?"
"My advice? By all means - I am not the Guardian of the Miraculous, my Dear! Why would you want my advice then? And especially from me?"
"Because you are one of the few people, who knows of the Miraculous, in a way only a wielder could know…" "I do?" "You know about the one wish, that the fusion of the Ladybug and the Cat Miraculous could bring!"
There was silence in the room - a stunning one, not one to dominate the other. She didn't fear it, instead used its power to continue:
"Monsieur Agreste - Lady Titalee is after mine and Chat Noir's Miraculous to combine their powers. She wants one wish to be granted, and she will do everything in her might to archive that. But this particular power of the Miraculous is not known by everyone. Only four people should know about it in all of Paris - those are Chat Noir, Nathalie, you and I. The previous Guardian lost his memory. So we can count him out. Four. Neither Chat, nor I have told one soul about it. That narrows the whole thing down to two people, who could have done it. So-"
"And you believe, that I did that? Telling somebody? And this somebody could be your Lady Titalee."
"Well… Yes? Another inmate? Your lawyer? Therapist? Anybody?"
"And if I didn't?"
Ladybug sighed, looking straight into his eyes, while she nervously drew circles on her knees with her fingers.
"I will consult Nathalie about that as well. Yet her state of mind might make harder for me to decipher the truth in her words…"
Gabriel cast her a sad smile, that would linger for some time on his lips.
"And you believe, that I would tell you the truth, Mademoiselle?"
"Well-"
A sound interrupted her train of thoughts. A beeping, that easily echoed through the small room in an ear piercingly loud way. It came from her yo-yo, that hang faithfully around her hip - and she knew exactly the reason for that:
Chat was calling.
He was out, patrolling, perhaps. He wanted to talk - maybe even see her.
But… She couldn't do that, instead waited patiently and with a madly beating heart, that the noise died down once more - eventually did.
"It's not wise to let your friend wait…", Gabriel commented. "You should have answered that call. Perhaps it was important…"
"If it was important, then he will call, again." She nonetheless swallowed hard - Gabriel's words leaving a bitter taste in her mouth and a horrible sting in her heart. "Back to my question - did you, perhaps unwillingly, tell anybody about this kind of powers?"
"No…"
"Not even by accident?"
"Ladybug - I am sorry to disappoint you - but right here you won't find the answers you are looking for. I didn't tell a soul about the wish - for I know of the destruction, that it can bring to the world.
You see - like a maniac I tried to get yours and Chat Noir's Miraculous. My mind was clouded by the loss of my dear wife and I wasn't able to think straight anymore. And yet there was a darkness within me, that got hold of me more and more every time I used the Butterfly Miraculous for bad deeds. You know, that a Miraculous shouldn't be used for these horrible, selfish reasons." "I know…" "It will be the same with this Lady Titalee - her slow tumble into madness has started. She will lose touch with reality soon enough and it will only be a matter of time, before she crosses the line. Though… of what I have gathered - her Akumas already hold a certain kind of deadly danger… Am I right?"
"Yes…"
Oh, Gabriel was absolutely right and she hated to admit it. Briefly she closed her eyes to compose herself, as she remembered those slimy tentacles and tiny wooden hands, that tried to drag her to the depths and-
She took a deep breath, opened her eyes again, before she could have given in to her fears. Focusing on his face once more.
"What does Lady Titalee wish for?", Gabriel asked, thankfully not commenting on her strange behavior. "What could possibly be the reason for her to start this battle against you? She knows, that you and your partner are excellent fighters and exceptional Miraculous holders. She should know about the fact, that she is outnumbered and not even close to reaching your powers so easily… What could she wish for?"
"What could she - you mean the reason for her to terrorize Paris in the first place?"
"Exactly? Throughout history humans have always ruined lives - for religion, for money, for love. Maybe even for much less. Do you know about Friedrich Nietzsche?"
"The philosopher?"
She heard about him in school - all those years ago.
"Exactly - he himself said once 'There is always some madness in love. But there is also a reason for madness.' Does it matter, what your Lady Titalee is striving to archive, as long she fights for it with the same passion, that burns within your soul? There is something our there, that is in her eyes worth fighting for. Something, that would push her over the edge and into the clutches of madness. For me, it was a woman - a wife and a mother. A very simple reason, some would say and yet-" He raised his chin a little higher. "-to kiss, to hug and to speak to Emilie one more time, I would do it all, again…"
Love…
Was it as simple as that? Of course - who would say, that Lady Titalee would try everything to gain the love of another person? It could be the love of fame. She could love money and power. Love itself. Love for little things and huge - all valid reasons in the eyes of the villainess to attack without a care in a world.
She barely noticed, that her yo-yo started to beep once more, as she sat there, deeply sunken in her own thoughts - nails digging into her knees, even though they wouldn't hurt her skin, thanks to her own thoughts, which rotated around and round, flipping back and forth. For - indeed- she didn't find the answer she was hoping to find tonight - but thankfully it somehow felt like she was able to make one step closer to reveal the madwoman's identity…
"Thank you, Gabriel…", she therefore said in a somber tone and started to stand. "I really do - even though those were not the answers I was hoping to find. If - perhaps - there is something I can do for you-"
Gabriel stood up as well, smiling melancholicaly once more.
"Sadly you can't. I will stay confined here, while my Emilie…", he sighed and shook his head, eyes cast to the floor for a brief moment, before he faced her once more. "If you can, keep an eye on my Adrien. Paris has started to become a dangerous city once more and I am afraid of all the things he could stumble into. He has become a good man. A… father…. Did you know, that-"
Her yo-yo made noise for a third time and in her own annoyed mindlessness she reached for it to finally take Chat's incoming call.
"Chat Noir, what-"
"Milady - I was most worried, when you didn't answer! Listen-"
"Chat…", she murmured - frustrated, that she heard his voice, that made her heart soar so fucking easily. "I am out patrolling and-" Gabriel raised his eyebrows at her very obvious lie and she hated it herself.
"You are not…", Chat told her calmly. "I know exactly where you are! Please - Milady - please, don't lie to me!"
Her poor heart stopped for a beat, perhaps even two and her eyes widened immediately.
"How could you know that?"
"The guards told me…"
"W-what?"
There was a soft knock, that startled her. It came from the door - the clicking of the key in its hole told her only a moment later, that it was opened. And as the same guard stepped to the side, he revealed her partner, who stood beside him, entering the small cell as well.
"Milady…", he said lightly, closing the small display on his baton. "…Gabriel…", he added with a small, acknowledging nod in the older man's direction, as the door closed once more behind him.
"What are you doing here?", she hissed, stepping back, perplexed to see him so soon in front of her. Her heart aching at the thought, that this wasn't supposed to be, vowing to get any form of distance back as soon as possible.
"I knew, that you were here…", he calmly said and yet she found a deep darkness in the depths of his eyes, where usually joy was gleaming so strongly. And yet his smile in her direction stayed, but she could tell, that it wasn't a real one. She hated it - hated, that he had to fake a smile for her.
"How could you know?", she repeated once more - still in utter disbelief.
"Well…", he took a deep breath "…because you told me!"
"I didn't-"
"When we met the last time on the Eiffel Tower you proposed the idea to me to ask Agreste once more about his thoughts in this whole affair. And…I just put one and one together!"
Shit… he was right! She had done that a few days ago - but he refused the first time around.
But now he was here…and he surely wanted to know about the things she found out…
"Monsieur Noir, I am glad to-"
"I didn't talk to you!", he grumbled towards the older man and narrowed his eyes. "I was just seeking Milady!"
"Chat Noir! You shouldn't talk to him like that!"
The younger man's eyes widened, as he heard the woman's stern voice. Gulping. Looking between Gabriel and her.
"He is the reason, why we all are in this mess, Ladybug!"
"He is in prison for the things he did! Lady Titalee on the other hand-"
"-wouldn't have found out about the Miraculous, if he hadn't used it in the first place!"
"That's not true! You know, why Lady Titalee could get her hand on Nooroo and the brooch…"
Because she wasn't careful enough. Because somebody had found out about her identity, could make it inside her apartment undetected and could steal the Miraculous from her.
They both knew that - even though he would always deny the truth - the fact, that she somehow made a severe mistake… He wouldn't tell her that, though.
…Because he loved her - Plagg told her himself.
"Monsieur Noir, I understand your outrage. Though I have to inform you-"
"I am currently not talking with you, Gabriel!", Chat snapped in the older man's direction, with a warning look in his eyes. "You know the truth - if you had handled things like a normal, sane person, then all of this wouldn't have happened. You were not to stay in prison and perhaps still had your family around you!"
"Listen to yourself, Monsieur Noir - you sound just like my son!"
Chat took a step back and pressed his lips into a thin line. Shaking his head. Snorting, hands balled into the tightest fists.
"Maybe your son was right about the things, he said. For loosing a mother is something no child should endure at such a young age. Grieving, believing, that his mother was gone - all due to some strange, magical powers…"
Gabriel stayed silent - but only for a moment.
Eventually he nodded.
"That might be true, Monsieur Noir - and yet I kindly remind you, that Adrien didn't just lose his mother and had to go through grief in his own way - but I also did lose my wife as well…" After a tiny pause he also added: "The only woman I have every loved…"
Ladybug had stayed very silent throughout their conversation - was shocked at first at the sharp edge she had found in Chat's usually gentle voice. Then she listened, as rage turned to sadness and lingering grief, that stayed with both man in a way she wasn't able to grasp it.
All she could do was watch, as both Chat Noir and Gabriel stared the other in the eye in utter quietness. Perhaps understanding the other. Maybe realizing something, they were never aware about in the first place.
Both turned away from the other a moment later with pained looks on their faces.
"Mademoiselle Ladybug and Monsieur Noir - I am sorry, that I wasn't able to help you tonight. Hopefully one day I can do that - but for now it is surely better, if you leave", Gabriel said a moment later and the young woman saw his hands shaking, but he hid them immediately behind his back, as he forced a mask of indifference on his features. "Good night…"
Chat opened his lips to say something yet again - but he closed them a moment later, turning, to get closer towards the door without a second thought, knocking as a sign for the guard to let them outside.
The heroine on the other hand hesitated once more, looking over to Gabriel and did everything in her power to hold her head high. Biting the inside of her lip, she eventually bowed her head as a sign of goodbye, before she followed Chat Noir closely behind.
The door opened a moment later and the guard mumbled something - but his words seemed to be so far away and she felt like she was trapped in a dense fog. Irrational thoughts were running crazy in her mind and she wasn't even able to sort them and to make sense of them.
Especially seeing her partner made it hard to focus - even though he was the person she trusted most in this whole world. But right now she wasn't even able to bear his mere presence.
Therefore, she lingered a little longer than she intended in the door, fighting tears in her eyes and that horrible feeling in her heart. Looking down, as their gazes met - finally leaving the cell as well.
"I hope, that this piece of scum could give you the answers you were looking for, Mademoiselle Ladybug!", the guard said, as he guided the two silent heroes back outside. "At least his whole existence would be good for something in the end!"
The way Chat tensed she could tell, that he wanted to comment on these words. But he stopped himself, as he cast her one more careful glance. Merely shook his head.
And right now she couldn't defend Gabriel in any way, either. For - of course - she knew, that his acts of violence and terror were never good, even though some might see his intentions as romantic, perhaps admirable, or noble. But she also knew, that his madness came from the misuse of his Miraculous - for those shall never be used for ill intentions…
Poor Gabriel - he did it all to bring the love of his life back…
Both heroes walked side by side, sharing a sad, little glance, but looked away only a second later. Not talking. Both caught within their own thoughts.
And then there was a loud crash behind them.
"What the-?", the guard already reached for the communicator by his side. Speaking hurriedly, rushing back and down the corridor. Looking through the small windows of the cells - stopping in front of that of Gabriel Agreste. Looking through the window there. Paling. Raising the device to his lips once more to say:
"Agreste is gone! You hear me? Alarm the authorities. Every police man and woman out there! I repeat - Agreste is gone, he- there is a fucking hole in the wall!"
"Fuck!", Chat uttered beside her in utter disbelief- both heroes rushing towards the guard and the still closed door as well - the one they went through only moments ago.
The guard opened it up and - indeed - Gabriel was gone. Only a huge hole in the wall before them was left behind.
"Akuma…", was all Ladybug could say and Chat Noir nodded - both very aware, that this wasn't a sign of a typical jailbreak. She turned towards the other man and added: "Make sure, that all the other inmates stay were they belong! Chat Noir and I make sure, that we get Gabriel back to where he belongs!"
"Okay…"
The two heroes jumped right through the door. Back outside and gazed through the darkness.
"Can you see him?", she asked - very aware of the fact, that he could see so much better in the darkness with his advanced senses. Hoping to get a glimpse of the villain. But Chat had something else on his mind:
"Why did you lie to me, Bugaboo?", came it as a prompt answer - the hurting edge in his voice giving her a sting straight in her heart. "You shouldn't do that, Milady…"
"Now isn't the time to talk about that!" Never was the perfect time, she reminded herself. Ladybug couldn't do that, nor could she tell him the truth! "So? Where is Gabriel? Can you see him? Can you see the destruction he left behind? Anything?"
Chat's watchful eyes wouldn't leave her face - pain and hurt still playing on his handsome features.
If only she could reach out for him. To hug him, like they used to do and tell him, that everything was going to be alright.
But - no - that wasn't the path she wanted to follow. She wanted to push him away - for his own good. He should know that, though - didn't Plagg tell him anything about the conversation they had the night before?
"I can see nothing…", he eventually murmured in defeat, shoulders hanging, while his gleaming eyes wandered across the distance. "He could be anywhere!"
"But we were right there! He should know that!"
"Then… he… isn't after our Miraculous?"
She gulped - quickly recalled the happenings before he could flee from the prison. Their conversations. The way he had spoken about his love for his son, for Emilie and-
Emilie!
His will to see her, to kiss and hug her might be the reason for his akumazation! The driving force - his pain enough to get the attention of Lady Titalee and her black butterfly - the one, that properly slipped past them, when the door closed. His grief enough to do it all again - just like he said it himself!
"He wants to see his wife…", she whispered - more to herself, than to her partner. "Emilie - the love of his life! He would want to have a few minutes with her, before he attacks us to get our Miraculous…"
"What? No! That isn't, what he-"
"How can you be so sure about that?"
Terror and pain cast deep shadows within the depths of his eyes. Darker now, than ever before. His eyes fixated on her and she had to take a step back, as she noticed that chaotic storm inside them.
"I know it. I just…trust me on that one - okay?"
Wasn't it a ridiculous thought - that she begged for his trust, even though her betrayal still lingered heavily on their shoulders. Between them.
And yet it was all she could do…
Hoping for his trust.
"O-of course!", he therefore said, stuttering, but at least without any hesitation. "Of course I trust you! So - to the hospital?"
"Yes…"
They made it towards the hospital, were they would find the comatose Emilie Agreste within a few minutes. Nobody dared to say a word. Not planning. The heroine just hoped, that they would find a solution for their dilemma on the spot.
They didn't even need to search for Gabriel for too long - a gaping hole adorning one of the hospital walls as well as a very vivid evidence, that they would find the former designer inside.
People were hiding just everywhere as they stepped inside - whimpering, crying, cowering. Just far away from the danger, away from him.
A few pointed towards the far end of the corridor, showing them the way, that the akumatized Gabriel has taken.
Of course - he had made his way towards Emilie's room.
Door standing wide opened - making way to the scene before them:
The grieving Gabriel held the body of his beloved wife close. Medical wires, that connected her to various machines sprawled over her bed, but thankfully still attached to the woman.
Though - no - this wasn't Gabriel per se.
It was Hawk Moth himself, who let out a deep sob, as his hand held onto the back of Emilie's head and to cradle her body gently. Kneeling. Rocking back and forth - his cane, his weapon carelessly laying on the floor beside him.
"Emilie…my sweet, beautiful Emilie…", he whispered, sadness hanging heavily in his voice. "I am here now. I am here… Now - please wake up! Open your eyes my love… I am here now…"
It was a heartbreaking scene and the young woman couldn't even find the strength in herself to get Gabriel away from the woman in his arms. Instead, her own hand flew to her lips to stifle a sob, that dared to crawl up her throat. Closing her eyes to compose herself.
Almost mindlessly she reached for Chat's hand - in hopes he would give her the strength she needed and to hold him back, from saying just one word.
Though - apparently - he was very paralyzed by the happenings in front of him as well and his hand continued to hang limply by his side.
"Emilie…", Hawk Moth whispered her name over and over again - as if it was the one spell, that would finally wake her from her magic infused sleep. "My love. My light. My Queen…"
Both heroes gasped - even though she didn't know Chat's reason for that.
But she knew hers dawn well!
Adrien - he called her that as well in his own brilliant way. Seemingly a trait he shared with his father.
Startled by the noise Hawk Moth looked up - his cool eyes immediately finding the two heroes by the doorway - but not scowling, not glaring in their direction. Instead, a silent plea hang on his lips:
To wake Emilie back up with their combined powers. For him - for Adrien…
His eyes painfully closed once more and the older man held his head with one hand, while the other clutched the unconscious woman most tightly with the other
Lady Titalee was talking in his mind - demanding for him to finally get those pesky Miraculous, promising everything he ever wanted.
"Gabriel, listen-", Ladybug tried to reason, stepping closer, while the pain for him started to get more, almost unbearable, as Lady Titalee tried to get him to move. To fight - preferably to kill the heroes. "-don't give in! Please, Monsieur Agreste! Fight her! Don't let Lady Titalee get the control she wants…"
Slowly she knelt down beside him. One hand reaching for his shoulder - eyes darting between him and the staff on the floor.
…Hopefully the object with the Akuma inside…
"Please…"
The fingertips of her second hand came closer - almost reaching for the staff. But Hawk Moth moved his clothed hand as well - baring his teeth at her, as his big hand clutched around her neck in a painful way.
"Ladybug!", Chat behind her shouted, his staff expanding in his hand a moment later - waiting for his ladies command. "Don't you dare to hurt her in any way, Gabriel! You'll regret this!"
"Regret?", he yet murmured - eyes not leaving Emilie's face, that rested so peacefully on his chest. "Why don't you two regret it, that you keep us apart? Everything would just be perfect! Just me, my wife, my son…and his own sweet child…"
Emma!
Of course! Adrien told him - and it was in the news everywhere. It surely was something Gabriel kept thinking about as well.
"I want my family, Ladybug… All I want is to have my family back!", his grip on her throat tightened and a heavy gasp escaped her, as breathing started to get harder. Something dark flickered in Hawk Moth's eyes and as he opened his lips to yell at her, his voice was distorted in a horrific way: "What about my happy ending?"
Lady Titalee was speaking in time with Gabriel. Their voices mixing together in a way, that gave her goosebumps and nightmares for years to come.
"…fight her…", was yet all the young heroine could utter, her hands reaching for his one, in hopes she could pry it from around her neck. "Gabriel- you are better than that! Neither Emilie, Adrien, nor Emma would want you to be the villain in this story!"
"Emma…"
"Your granddaughter!", Ladybug sobbed, the sole thought about her finding out about the darkness that was her grandfather aching in her heart. "Your sweet, little granddaughter… Gabriel - please! Let me destroy-"
She couldn't finish the sentence, for she was thrown across the room in terrible ease. Through the window, breaking the glass and fell down two floors, until she hit the hard concrete below.
Wheezing. Clutching her throat as she tried to fill her lungs with air, again. Coughing, back aching.
Standing back up on shaking legs…
Ladybug cursed under her breath and listened to the battle cry, that came from the hole her crash has left behind. Chat Noir has surely attacked Gabriel - or dodged the one, that the villain would force on him.
She called for her Lucky Charm A moment later.
With a tiny whimper she realized, what she was holding on this time - knew and feared the impact it could have on Hawk Moth.
But - she would need to use it, therefore carefully attached it to her yo-yo, before she-
Nothing. She couldn't even shift her balance to attempt a jump back up to Emilie's room, for Chat Noir was already following her way outside. Willingly, landing before his Lady on all fours - facing the opening above.
Hawk Moth's silhouette loomed in a menacing way above them. Watching them, holding onto his cane, ready to attack, shouting from the top of his lungs:
"Ladybug and Chat Noir- this time you won't take my Emilie away from me! Give me your Miraculous and I'll wake her up myself!"
"He can't be serious!", Chat murmured under his breath, as he reached for his staff once more, looking for a brief moment towards his Lady behind him, "We need to fight him! Take him down! What do you want me to do?"
"Nothing!"
"Milady- you can't be serious!"
"I am! Now make sure, that Emilie is still alright! Call the doctors, if she needs them!", she yet bravely said, rushing past him, as Hawk Moth dared to jump down as well. He held his cane high and let it soar down. Ready to hit her, hurt her, do irreparable damage.
She easily dodged it, rolling to the side in time - one hand holding onto the yo-yo, the other on that magical object, that her powers have created for her. Trying to get closer, while making sure, that he could not hit her - she didn't want to attack him either.
"Gabriel, listen-"
"It's Hawk Moth for you, Ladybug!"
"-neither Emilie, nor Adrien would want you to fight us!"
She was so close to present him the object in her hand - but he swung his leg around in an attempt to kick her and she had to keep some distance between them.
"What do you know about them? Nothing!" That wasn't true - of what she had gathered in conversations with both the Agreste men shelter, that Emilie was a kind, wonderful woman and mother. Caring. Loving. And Adrien… she was one of the few people, who knew him best in this world. "My own son rather wants to see me dead, then to be out of prison!"
"That isn't true!"
He swung the cane at her three times - left, right and from above. She dodged them all - but the forth time made it straight into her stomach and she flew through the darkness and fell once more on the hard concrete. She winced, but tried to get back up, again.
Standing, watching Gabriel move towards her in the darkness.
"How would you know, Ladybug? Have you heard, what he had said to me? How he told me the ugly truth of my deeds - his eyes so full of hate. Hate for his own father!" He tried to punch her in the face - but she was faster this time, stepping with incredible speed behind him, twisting his arm behind his back, as she went.
"He will never hate you in such a way, Gabriel…", she whispered with so much care in her voice, as she could muster. Knowing so much, that nobody else wasn't even aware of.
After all - Adrien didn't hate his father. There was scorn and anger. That was true. But there was so much more - so many emotions and feelings, that the young man couldn't understand himself.
For there was still care left for this old man in Adrien's heart. Otherwise, he wouldn't have told Gabriel about Emma in the first place - his very own grandchild. And if he hated his own father, then he wouldn't have visited him in the first place.
…he wouldn't have cried, because he hadn't found the answers, that he had been looking for.
"The two of you are just not the very best in voicing your emotions to the world… But he will always be your son - and you will always be his father. Look!"
She held the akumatized object up - a photograph of a happy family. Gabriel, Emilie and Adrien. Smiling genuinely into the camera, arms around the other in a tight hug. The three were significantly younger - the photograph taken years ago.
But it still had its impact on Gabriel - she felt his defense against her hold dropping, his muscles relaxed and with shaking hands he reached for the photograph in Ladybug's hand. A silent sob escaped his lips, as he held it tightly, clutching onto it, as if his life depended on it.
Perhaps it did…
The heroine let go of the older man, as he sank to the floor, his cane falling next to him as well - forgotten about it for now completely.
She watched him silently for a few moments - barely took notice, that Chat Noir has returned as well - standing behind them, some distance in between, as he watched and listened carefully.
…waiting for yet another instruction of his Lady.
"What have I done, Ladybug?", he whispered, as she crouched down beside him once more. "Neither Emilie, nor Adrien will ever be able to forg - Argh!"
He held onto his head, as Lady Titalee tried to get a hold onto him once more. Breathing heavily, hitting his own head, to get her out of his mind.
"Chat!", Ladybug eventually pleaded, holding onto Hawk Moth's shoulder and turned towards her partner in hurry. "The cane! Destroy it! Now!"
He didn't hesitate - instead took the said object in both hands, breaking it in the middle with ease.
A tiny butterfly made its way up in the air just a second later.
She caught it with her yo-yo. Purified it and let it fly away into the blackness of these late hours once more.
Hawk Moth transformed back into his former self - clutching onto his head for a few more minutes.
It almost broke Ladybug's heart to see him like that - was amazed herself, that she felt like that for their former nemesis.
Even Chat held back with his harsh comments and- as she looked up towards him - she found a similar pained look on his features, as he gazed towards the older man.
"I am sorry…", Gabriel eventually said, eyes at first cast to the ground, before he looked up towards the hospital behind them. Towards Emilie's room, that was magically repaired once more. "…I am so sorry, my love…"
They brought Gabriel back towards the prison in hurry and before her time to de-transform was up - it was Chat, who scolded the guards, when they insulted their prominent inmate.
… and it was her partner, whose gaze lingered a little longer on Gabriel, as the heavy security door closed behind him. Little did she wonder what he was thinking about.
But she hadn't the time to ask him - and really, his answer shouldn't matter to her anyway.
But the next beep of her earrings reminded her, that she really needed to go.
She ran down the prison's corridor. Back to the entrance- hoping, that Chat's calls and steps behind her were just fractions of her imagination.
Of course - they weren't.
"Can we talk? LB? Bugaboo? Milady… Please!"
"I don't have the time!", she reminded him and - really- she wouldn't even be able to get back towards her home in time. Therefore, she started to scan her surroundings as she hurried away - further with every jump from the prison and its inmates, that now rested peacefully behind her. "Leave now!"
"I won't! Not unless we have talked!"
She groaned, her heart beating madly in her chest and she just knew, that he won't stop soon enough - for her lie still cast huge, heavy shadows on their friendship, partnership and… Anything in-between.
"Five minutes!", she therefore hissed - fearing, that her transformation would happen soon enough and she couldn't hide herself from him when that happened. "Now stay there!"
She pressed herself against a cool wall, somewhere in a small wall recess. Heart beating furiously, while her insides twisted - but eventually she heard his steps stopping in the distance.
It didn't take long either, before she felt the magic and her powers draining from her, as she transformed back to Marinette- the exhausted Tikki landed on her palm with wide, questioning eyes - the young woman silently reached for her pocket and gave her a cookie, she had placed there a little earlier.
But she felt exhausted herself - the scars of the fight still fresh on her mind. And it was late - surely way past midnight.
…and then there was still Chat Noir waiting not to far away.
"Milady…", he wistfully whispered after some time and little did she wish, that she could see him - see his face and his eyes to read his emotional turmoil. But she couldn't - and he knew that, for the tone in his voice didn't give anything away. And somehow that hurt her more, than she could tell. "Why did you lie to me? About you being on patrol… You could have told me, that you wanted to visit Gabriel. I would have been there, by your side…"
She gulped heavily and bit her lip. Pressed her eyes shut and shook her head.
"You hate him!"
"I-", he stopped himself, as he wanted to defend himself harshly, but his voice softened. "I don't hate him."
"But-"
"It's just so hard to stand in front of him every damn time! I wish… I could tell you the truth - but you surely don't want to hear the whole truth…"
"Tsk…", she murmured and rolled her eyes, as she hugged her knees tightly to her chest, while Tikki levitated by her side. Whimpering, as one tear left her Chosen's cheek. "You are right! I don't want to hear any of it! It would reveal so fucking much about you! I don't want that! You hear me? I don't want to hear anything about yourself!"
"Mi-milady… What-"
"Oh? Hasn't Plagg told you?"
"Plagg? What did he-"
"Oh nothing!", she spit bitterly, her heart aching more and more with every word. "It's nothing - but the big fat lie you presented yourself!"
"What lie?"
She heard him take two steps towards her - but he stopped, took one back.
"What lie?", he repeated, softer now, but sad and desperate. "I never lied to you, Buggab-"
"No Bugaboo to you!", she chided him, unable to properly breathe, or to think. "No LB! No Milady! Just Ladybug for you!"
"Ladybug…", he whispered shakingly.
"What are you doing?", Tikki asked in disbelief. "Stop it!"
But she didn't listen to the ancient being.
"You told me, that you didn't love me anymore!" "BUT-" "Well- your lovely Kwami told me otherwise! And it makes sense now - for now I understand, why you so fucking often try to sacrifice yourself for me! Why you like to hug me, take my hand and- Listen - you don't have to do that! I have a boyfriend now - and I love him dearly!"
Everything was silent for a moment - before he exploded with that one question, that lingered over their heads for so long:
"So, what do you want from me? Give you back my Miraculous?"
He didn't even deny her words - and that knowledge hurt more, than she could tell.
As did that question - even though it wasn't the first time he had voiced his wish to move on these past days.
"No…", she yet whispered and she heard him exhale in relief - though he gasped, as she raised her voice once more: "Though I want it immediately back, when we defeated Lady Titalee! I want us to part ways immediately after. And until then all I want for us is to be partners! Nothing more!"
"Mila-"
"Ladybug!"
"You can't be serious! Please, let me explain-"
"No! No more diffuse explanations! No more charades around feelings and friendships and such! We are partners and that's enough!"
"…Ladybug…", he whispered in disbelief. "Please…"
"No - and it's a command from your Guardian…"
She tried to sound so strong. Like the hero, that she was - but she was breaking inside with every fucking word she spoke - the tears ran freely down her cheeks and not even Tikki's gentle brush on her shoulder could stop them.
"Now please go… I'll let you know where we go from here…"
"…you can't be serious…"
"I am! Now… Leave! Go home and goodnight!"
She heard steps. Two more in her direction and he was so incredibly close already - he could lean around the corner and see his Princess there. But he didn't. For he stopped and hesitated. Sobbed as well, before he seemingly turned and ran away.
Home - like she had instructed him.
Only then she started to cry freely.
For she had fucked up big time - but it was the right thing to do.
But… then why did it feel so wrong?
Not even Tikki could answer her that question.
A/N: Sooooo...
We finally faced Gabriel once more - more than in once way. Sure, I could have given his Akumazation another form, but I thought, that Hwak Moth was just very, very fitting and it definitely left its mark with the two heroes. I as well might once more state, that this story solely developed after the events of the third season - for I *spoiler* don't see the Gabriel we witness in season four as such a redeemable character anymore and I am very curious, what he will be like after the end of the 4th season.
As for my story - he is somewhat redeemed. He is trying to be better. He is willing to help Ladybug and he really loves Emilie and Adrien. Cares for his granddaughter. I like this version of him very much - therefore I like this chapter as well.
So, what else do we have - the hidden Miraculous Box. Some Ladrien. And some angsty LadyNoir. Writing that scene made me tearing up - these poor kids are hurting so much. I know - a reveal would solve their problems - and one day it will. The reveal is written, I know when it will occur but a few things will going to happen until then...
So - both of our poor heroes are left to mop in their homes - Marinette trying to tell herself, that she had done the right thing and Adrien definitely asking his dearest Kwami about the things his lady has said.
May I add a little song recommendation here: One Day by Imagine Dragons. In my eyes it suits Adrien's side of the story quite well. I am also very welcomed to hear about the things you guys you listen to - I am basically loving any kind of music, so - give me your own recommendations, if you want.
Well... I should stop babbling now!
I hope you guys have a lovely week.
Next chapter: Surprises and the thing about trust...