Arise the sun, stretching its rays far and wide throughout the land, its beam peering through the window of the model's room, shining on his face while he soundly slept. Adrien scrunches his face, pulling his sheets over his head, dozing back into a sweet slumber.

Sadly, that shuteye was about to an end as his phone blared the alarm, going off for a minute as Adrien ignored it, covering his ears to ease the piercing noise. Then the banging of his door added yet another layer of racket, causing him to grimace- he is exhausted, and all he wants to do is sleep, but he can't. He did do this to himself, after all.

"Are you conscious? I can hear your phone from my room," Félix yelled, knocking on the door again.

Reaching from the comfort of the covers, Adrien silenced his alarm, glancing at his phone all the while, "Barely." 7:00. Very unusual for him to sleep in this long. Generally, he is the early bird out of both of them. Mind you- it's due to a lack of time awareness.

"Breakfast is in half an hour, so be sure you are punctual, ok?"

Félix sounded distant, cold even in his speech towards him, making Adrien's stomach turn. He hopes-no prays- he can patch things out with his older brother. I mean. They had their tiffs and fusses, and everything always worked out, so it should be fine once it boils over, right?

Right?

Another round of knocks penetrates through the silence, startling the model as he yelp, "I'll be down in a bit!"

Adrien groaned, hearing the footsteps of his brother leaving, probably to finish readying himself. Heading to the bathroom, Adrien shut the door behind him, remembering to lock it, unlike Fé yesterday, and took notice of his red, puffy eyes. Was it from lack of sleep? Possibly the crying fit he had? Both? Probably both.

But that won't do, that won't do at all.

He splashed cold water on his face, shaking his head to rid the access. It didn't look any better, maybe even worse. Well. Here is to hoping that a warm shower will fix everything instead.

Through the walls on the other side, Félix sat in his chair in his room, leering at the magical ring that adorned his finger. This object felt more like a monkey paw at times-either giving him something of great value only to take or ruin something else. He has asked Plagg if it was cursed, with the cat god jesting, "Nope, that seems to be your hidden talent."

Maybe life wants to be more problematic than it already was-Go figure. At least, to him, it seems to be more on the upside than the downside, keeping his thoughts at bay until last night. Waking up to his brother sliding the miraculous on his finger wasn't ideal to see, causing a surge of emotions to overpower his foggy mind at the time. He won't deny it- he felt betrayed, hurt, and disheartened, but there must be a good reason for Adrien to do that. He needs to know, and that damn black cat will not inform him of what Adrien did with the ring, stating that they should talk it out.

Fair point.

Doesn't help the increasing anxiety that is ripping him from the inside. Eating will be impossible, but he needs to put up a front. Showing anything resorts to altercations, none of which he is mentally capable of dealing with currently.

He is at his limit.

Very close to tipping over, slipping into the abyss.

Félix took a long, deep breath, then slowly exhaled out. It is nearly time for breakfast, and most likely, Adrien is still getting ready since he has always been bad at dictating the flow of time. The slamming of a door rattled Félix, causing him to whip his head towards the entrance to his room. Not long after, the sounds of rushing steps passed by his room, growing quieter with each passing second.

Félix's mouth fell open. Adrien is never that swift with his morning routine; he was sure he would have to tell his brother to pick up the pace, but guess not.

Opening his room, Félix headed down the lavish staircase, chin up and entering the immensely spacious, sleek, yet lifeless family dining room where Adrien and Nathalie sat.

"This is very rare for Adrien to arrive before you do, Félix," Nathalie commented, not bothering to spare a glance away from her tablet.

Truth be told-Félix really, REALLY didn't wish to respond to that. He looked at Adrien, barely nibbling into his food, keeping his head drooped so he could only see his food. Félix remained neutral; he rather not have Nathalie catch a whiff of any issues between them, although to say he is disappointed that Adrien won't even bother to greet him is a vast understatement.

The older blond shrugged, taking his seat across from Adrien, "I desired to relax more, partake in a book, and lost track of time."

Finally, the assistant shifted her attention to him with a small smile, "That is very easy to do, so I understand. Although please do eat, we will be leaving in about thirty minutes, and checks must be done before then."

Her eyes wandered to the young model, "Adrien, are you feeling unwell? You are generally quite chatty during breakfast."

Adrien shook his head, still looking down at his plate, "I'm doing ok, but thank you for asking."

"What have we discussed, Adrien?"

"Head up, stand tall, and look people in the eye when speaking."

"And why aren't you doing it even after repeating the steps?

Adrien's lips pursed, taking a sharp breath before slowly lifting his head, "I'm just a bit tired is all. Didn't sleep well last night." His eyes only met Nathalie's for a moment before darting around her, tapping on the table in a sporadic rhythm.

She hummed, "I can tell from the bags under your eyes. You are aware of how strict your guidelines are." Nathalie paused, examing the nervous Adrien before smiling at the boy, "Although I am more than aware that it is impossible to constantly keep. So rest easy on that front. I will make a note for the servants to give you a melatonin an hour before bed, ok?"

Adrien nodded, mumbling thanks before returning to his meal. He took a quick peek at Félix across from him, only to catch his older brother studying him. Instinctively, Adrien dropped his head, pursing his lips. His father's approval wasn't what was eating him. It is the inevitable doom of confronting Félix, one of which is steadily approaching and he isn't mentally prepared for in the slightest.

Félix's lips tugged down as he bored at his younger brother, his inner turmoil becoming more erratic. Today is going to be rough if this keeps up.

After breakfast, the brothers are visually checked; a well-known designer must have his own flesh and blood immaculate, after all. It went smoothly besides the slight dark circles under Adrien's eyes which is a simple fix.

Félix shooed the makeup artist away, standing in front of Adrien as he did so. "He doesn't need to have makeup put on him. Everyone gets dark circles under their eyes throughout their life. It won't be the end of the world if he isn't picture perfect."

"Félix, you are more than aware of Gabriel's rules when going out in public," Nathalie affirmed.

"We aren't his fucking mannequins to be put on display and only to be used to promote his ego. We are people...we are his own damn children!" Félix spat out, barring his teeth.

Nathalie's turned into shock, and a frown formed, "I know..."

A hand sat on Félix's shoulder, causing the blond to whip his head around, facing a gloomy Adrien smiling at him. "It's fine, Fé."

"No..." Félix whispered, "It's not..." He might be upset with Adrien, but that doesn't mean he will allow him to be pressured to follow their father's ideals, especially when it is apparent that he doesn't wish to.

Nathalie sighed, "You two should go now, or you will be late. I agree. You appear fit for public viewing Adrien, and if anything is mentioned about it-tell them to come to me."

Félix scoffed, grabbing Adrien's arm and gently leading him to the waiting car outside. Before entering, Félix turned to Adrien, digging into his pocket and pulling out a bracelet adorned with Ladybug and Chat Noir charms. Adrien took the bracelet, spinning a cat paw bead before putting it on to continue to toy with it.

Félix rubs the back of his head, "I...I figured it may assist you throughout the day...Just remember to take it off before we arrive home, ok?"

"Thank you..." Adrien breathed out, feeling a bit of relief from Félix's gesture. Maybe, everything will turn out alright in the end, just a bump in the road...

They both stepped into the car, heading to school.

Once at the school entrance, Félix exited first, skimming for an area with either no one or the fewest people, preferring to have their discussion before classes to ease them both. If they are late, then so be it. He will take the punishment as per usual.

Félix walked towards the gates, hearing Adrien following him while humming to a song. One of his K-Pop songs? Who knows.

He guided Adrien to the quiet area on the side of the building, the humming becoming softer as they drew closer until there were only the sounds of their footsteps on the grass. They eventually stopped in a secluded area where students rarely trek.

Taking a deep, shaky breath, Félix calmly stated, "I think it's best to get this out of the way now, don't you agree?"

Adrien sat on the grass, fidgeting with the bracelet as he gulped. His attention was focused on the cat bead, not looking at Félix, "Yea..."

"Then," Félix began, but paused to try and control his tone, "Why did you take it?"

Adrien clenched his jaw as he jerked his head up at his brother, his face twisting into sheer horror. He sounded so much like father there. So, so much like him...Guilt and fear filled his entire being as tears well up. "I'm sorry..."

"I know you are Adri, but I wish to know why...?" Félix took another breath, his voice wavering, "You are aware of its great importance... I have the right to know."

"I-I know, but I did it to show appreciation to someone."

Félix bent down to Adrien, leveling himself to his anxious brother, "Who? You need to tell me everything."

Adrien focused his attention away from Félix, biting his lower lip, "I used it and went to Marinette's place. I assumed she was the one that helped you when I couldn't, but I can't just arrive at her house and say thanks as myself. So I transformed and did it that way."

Félix's breath hitched, his hand balled into a fist, speaking through gritted teeth, "How much did you say?"

Tugging at the bracelet, Adrien sputtered, "I, well...A-all I did was thank her, and she learned that I-I know your identity..."

Félix is seething as his body tenses up. Processing the information that was given to him. This puts Marinette at severe risk with the high possibility of his ring being taken from him. Whether by Hawkmoth or the Master. His one ticket to freedom in the hellhole of a fucking home. Yes, he comprehends that his brother means well, but his rashness could have fucked all three of them.

The bell rang throughout the school, but the brothers never moved from their spot. Félix scoffed at the damn thing, the corner of his mouth twitching as he did so.

"Félix, have you told her...?" Adrien meekly asked, pointing to a Ladybug charm.

Félix's eyes traveled down, grimacing at the thought of Ladybug right now. "No..."

"Shoul-"

"I fucking will!" Félix snapped, startling Adrien as he hurriedly backed away from his brother into the school wall behind him, fearfully mumbling. "Sorry...Sorry, sorry...sorry."

The continuous string of fear-laced apologies made Félix attempt to compose himself rather difficult, taking several minutes to control his breathing with his eyes closed, but shit... Adrien's voice rung in his ears.

Nonstop.

Pure terror dripped from his tone.

Félix's stomach twisted into knots. He gradually approached his brother, sitting in front of him. "I would like to apologize for my outburst just then. I never meant to scare you...I will discuss that; however, you may have put yourself and her in further possible danger."

"But, you did that interview...it should..?"

"It is there is help to put that idea into the idea of him and the general public. It is too soon to lighten up on it just yet. I know you hear the rumors still, right?"

Adrien's mind wandered, recalling the other day when he overheard some classmates talking about Chat and Marinette. Those classmates went into a heated argument about whether or not it was forbidden love or just a hero fulfilling his duty. It has been almost a month since the interview on Alya's blog...He swallowed hard, nodding to Félix.

"But, it was late. I doubt I was seen by anyone else other than her," Adrien mentioned.

"That is true, but I would rather be on the side of caution, especially when it comes to you two," Félix replies, placing his hand on Adrien's arm. He caresses his younger brother's arm in an attempt to soothe him.

Adrien stared at Félix's hand, eventually shifting his line of sight to his brother's face. "Fé," Adrien began, waiting before continuing, "Do...Do you still trust me..."

Instantly, Félix's expression fell as a long, heavy silence overtook them. Throughout this, Adrien could feel dread climbing to great heights as he clenched his jaw.

No response still-this isn't good. Not at all...

Panic coursed through Adrien's veins as he studied Félix intensely. The taste of blood overwhelms his senses as he takes a hard swallow. He is struggling to understand what is going through his brother's mind. He can't read him; he can't put himself into his situation. His mind makes simple things oh so challenging to him. He loathes it. He despises how father is harder on him because of it.

Because his mind works differently.

The tension is straining him, causing his thoughts to trek in dark, unforeseen places. Logical fallacies within his mind, invalidating years upon years of love and devotion his brother has portrayed to him.

Leading him to a drastic conclusion.

Félix must be the same, hiding it...All these years. He must do it out of pity. Has to be.

"Adri..." Félix went to hug him, but he shoved him away. "Just say it," Adrien hissed.

Standing up to tower over Félix, Adrien shouts, "You should just say it! Say what you mean! You don't trust me. You find me just as worthless and defective as father does!"

Félix's mouth fell open, "What the hell are you talking about!? I nev-"

Interrupting him, Adrien clutched his head, pulling his hair and scratching his scalp, "Don't you lie! You think the same as him, except you pity me. Father loves you more anyway just because you weren't born damaged! You only got the way you are later in life, and you can hide it. Only I know of it, but me? Everyone knows I have it besides the public. He does his absolute best to keep it secret." Adrien began to hit his head, screaming, "I am tainted. I am shattered!"

Félix seized Adrien's arm, keeping them away from his head, "Adri, stop! Don't injure yourself, please. Please, just calm down so we can talk this over. I want to understand how you jump to that conclusion when you know I never thought of you as that. Hell, I have gotten into altercations with father for describing you so lowly, with you there to witness it multiple times. You are fine the way you are. I have told you countless times. Adri, settle down. I beg."

Snarling, Adrien headbutted Félix and escaped his grip, running off inside the school, never looking back.

In a dark room with its only light source coming from a butterfly-shaped stained glass window, Hawkmoth held out his hand, "Adrien, Adrien. My flesh and blood, you are very bitter, I see. Do not worry. You will be of great use to me as per usual."

A butterfly landed in his hand, cupping it, altering it into an Akuma before releasing it to infect its next victim.

Adrien ran until he felt that he was a safe distance away from Félix. Gasping for air when he stopped. He leaned against the lockers and rubbed his head where bumps were forming. From the corner of his eye, Adrien caught a glimpse of something flying towards him: an Akuma. He is the only one in the halls; the blasted thing is after him.

And this, this mortified him. If he gets Akumatized, it is possible he would rat out Félix as Chat Noir or even take Marinette hostage until he complies with his demands. Right now, he is a liability, always has been... He needs to find Félix, stat.

The Akuma drew closer, and with no idea where his brother his, Adrien bolted down the hall. Anywhere is better than just standing there.

Further down the hall, Marinette carried a stack of binders to give to the principal. Being class president had some benefits: it has ample excuses to go and transform, but god, did it have its drawbacks and busywork. She wanted to do it in one trip but underestimated how tall all the binders stacked would be. She can't see much!

She could hear someone sprinting towards her. "Hey," Marinette called out, peeking her head around the binders, "No running in the ha-"

The person collided with her before she could finish her sentence, which caused binders to fly into the air and land on her face, with the person following soon after.

"Shit, shit, shit," cursed the person-a boy- on top of her. She could feel his weight lifting off her before tripping on her right arm when moving away, landing with an audible smack that resonated within the empty halls. He didn't even bother to aid after running into her. What nerve!

She raised herself from the pile of binders, rubbing her reddened face. She cursed under her breath as she turned her body to see Adrien on the floor with the damn Akuma heading towards him. Shit, Fuck shit shit shit!

"Run!" Marinette shouted as she hastily got on her feet, but alas, she was too late. It made contact with a bracelet.

Adrien curled into a fettle position, whimpering while listening to a man-Hawkmoth, command him within his mind.

Marinette felt an arm wrap tightly around her for a brief moment before gently pushing her back. Chat stood between her and the forming Akuma. "It seems like I didn't make it in time..." Marinette could notice the sorrow that Chat carried as they witnessed Adrien fully transform.

"Stay behind me for now, Princess." Chat whispers with his sights never leaving the Akumatized Adrien. "When I make an opening, I want you to run as far away as possible. I will keep him at bay as long as I can."

"But..." Then it dawned on Marinette. She will most likely be targeted. Chat hasn't fully proven that his stunt was from duty rather than emotion so Hawkmoth will toy with it until he is satisfied. Just her fucking luck.

"Do you understand, Marinette?" Chat said louder, loud enough for Hawkmoth to hear it through Adrien's alterations. His tail gazing at her hand a few times, she assumes as a way to ease her without breaking character.

Her cheeks redden, "Yes!"

Chat's attention snapped back to the Akuma when it began to move.

The model slowly stood up, only turning his head to glare at the black-clad hero. His eyes were piercing bright green with a metal face mask covering the lower half of his face- almost like a muzzle. Around his neck, a shock collar pulsated a green current throughout his brown and white tactical suit.

He looked like a mix between a dog and a soldier, cold and calculated which brought chills up Chat's spine. "Adrien..."

The Akuma merely cocked his head, narrowing his eyes. "Ironic. Don't you think Kitty Cat?"