Ahhh... a little bit more pain and hurt. And some comfort for that? Enjoy :D
Yesterday
"…happy birthday to you!"
Nobody ever told him, what he needed to do if the whole class too suddenly broke out in the best performance of "Happy Birthday" he had ever heard. The poor blond boy didn't know if he needed to clap along in time with the rhythm, if he should sing along, or - as he had chosen to do in the end - if he should just stand there by the door and next to his best friend with the broadest grin imaginable on his lips.
He loved it, more than he could tell.
"Happy Birthday, Adrikins!" And yet, he didn't even have time to thank them all for their little serenade, when the blonde girl too suddenly flung herself in his arms. "I know, that it is not easy between us now and I am still waiting for all your apologies - but I still hope you have a lovely birthday!"
"Well… thank you, Chloé?", he patted her on her back. Just a tiny move in appreciation for her efforts. Perhaps- so he hoped - she would see her wrongdoings in the past and would try to change. "If you excuse me now - I think class will start soon…"
At least this was one of his better birthdays - or least so he hoped. Apparently his father has canceled all his son's appointments, so at least he had some time off in the afternoon- and not yet he was given the task to learn until dinner. And for now he had not yet received any horrible gift from the older man - which was surprisingly nice as well.
Or - in a sadder turn of events - Gabriel had just forgotten about his birthday, and his crossed out appointments were just a mere mistake. But - honestly - he didn't want to think about that option now.
He rather enjoyed all the congratulations from his friends and classmates and would dearly hold onto their song, that would surely stuck to his mind for a long, long time.
And… knowing his dearest partner, this was only the start of an amazing birthday.
He smiled up towards her, when he finally reached his seat, still sitting by the desk just in front of her. She returned his smile, but instead of wishing him a happy birthday, like everybody else has done, she pointed towards his desk with the small movement of her head. Turning around, he found there a little box, labeled by the best bakery in all of Paris.
"I wonder what that may be~"
"That's from me…", she shyly said, with a little shrug and he dearly enjoyed that little mischievous gleam in her eyes. "Just a little surprise…"
Indeed it was - inside he found a row of three perfect macarons and their smell already invited his senses.
"Passion fruit?", he asked, his smile grew even wider on his lips. "You remember my favorite flavor?"
"Of course~", she nonchalantly answered and shyly brushed a strand of her raven locks behind her ear. "And they are freshly made."
"That's not fair!", yet Nino complained and leaned over Adrien's shoulder to have a better look at the baked goods in his hands. "He gets his box of birthday Macarons before class starts? I always had to wait way after school has ended! Right, Alya?"
Adrien turned to the brunette as well - and he could only blink at the girl who sat there and watched them with a sly grin on her face.
"Well - it was Marinette's idea to give him his Macarons before class, so she has a reason for that as well." Her grin started to get wider, and she leaned her head on one hand, elbow resting on the surface of her own table. It was just such a small gesture, yet it turned her into the depiction of a sly fox. Indeed… she was the perfect fit for the Fox Miraculous. "By the way - Adrien - it also was Marinette's idea, that the whole class sings for you. So you should thank her for that as well~"
"Alya!", Marinette snapped and as his eyes fixed on her, he noticed that very visible blush on her cheeks. He always marveled in the view of her flushed features, eventhough her behavior and the reason for a blush were - most of the time - a secret to him.
"Well, it's true. And Adrien should at least know who he needs to thank for all the special attention he will be receiving today…"
By now Nino was smirking as well, even though his best friend desperately tried to hide it, when he let go of him, to get to his own seat. Marinette- on the other hand - looked panicked.
"Don't listen to her!"
Adrien merely chuckled, wondering why Marinette would feel embarrassed, when she put so much thought in those tiny gestures for him. He enjoyed it - and she should certainly know that.
…he definitely needed to thank her for that, later.
"I am always happy, when you surprise me…", he yet said for now, as he heard the door to their classroom opening behind him, as the teacher stepped inside. And as he partially turned around, to sit down as well, he added: "…you know, that I always enjoy your surprises…"
And that definitely wasn't a lie. For he had always enjoyed, how she had given him special attention - both as Chat Noir and as Adrien.
Little treats on their nightly patrols - even before the reveal, which was by now the biggest and most pleasant surprise of them all. Little smiles she cast him, whenever she sensed, that he was down, or sad, or angry. The surprise of a plan, that worked out in the end - no matter how strange and absurd it might sound in the very beginning.
Just when the teacher greeted them, starting his lecture for the day, he remembered that marvelous plan she had in the Louvre - to safe his grades, his ass, and himself from his father's outburst. And perhaps it had been his time to surprise them all with that little piece for piano he had come up with, once he - just like Tikki and Plagg had suggested - stood in front of the statue of Amor and Psyche. For - true - he had bent the rules of the assignment. Making it his own task, making it something he understood. Something, that ran in his blood - like music has always done.
Though… if he was honest with himself, then this particular piece he had written - and had given him one of the best grades in class - had not been about this ancient fairy tale, that the artist has depicted in his statue. For him, that piece of marble had been like any other statue he had found around the Louvre.
Therefore he had written a little song, a sweet little melody about the love he still held in his heart for the girl, that sat behind him in class, and donned a dotted mask at night. Yet nobody - apart from Plagg of course, who would tease him every possible opportunity about it - knew about his true intentions.
But… that was okay - better than to be pushed away and held at an arm's length by his lady.
His eyes wandered towards the small box with his favorite treats and he wondered if he would ever be able to repay her incredible kindness. Maybe he could surprise her as well - maybe on her own birthday, that was only a month from now.
Maybe she would smil, then just a brightly, as he today. That thought alone made him grin like a fool for the whole day - especially when Alya's words kept on repeating itself in his mind, and without stop.
…for apparently his princess had even more in store of him today…
Perhaps that had been the reason on why she would bid him goodbye so quickly - after patrols, during their late-night meetings in her room, after class and fights. For - so he thought - she had to plan this birthday for him.
That was definitely something Marinette would do. Though - he knew, that Marinette was excellent at keeping secrets - and therefore he had to wait patiently for the remainder of their school day.
"And you are sure, that you want to come with us? What if your father calls you, so you need to go back home?", Nino eventually asked out loud, when they and the two girls left school, walking down the stairs in front of the building. Whatever Marinette had planned - it at least involved his best friend and Alya as well. Honestly - he couldn't imagine a better birthday, if he had his best friends around - even if they did something mundane as going out to get ice cream.
Well… scratch that - everything would be absolutely amazing! Especially when it meant to him to not return to his lonely, boring room in the mansion. As much as Adrien was concerned, his father wouldn't be home anyway - there would be some huge fashion event on the weekend, so he would be busy anyway.
…not that Adrien minded.
And yet…
…and yet little did he wish for some time with his father. Not much. Just for dinner - but those times have gotten rarer with each passing year and the blond boy couldn't even remember, when he had last seen his father for more than just thirty minutes per day. He didn't even need some other gift from Gabriel, but his precious time.
Therefore, Nino's question caught him of guard, and he hurriedly reached in his bag, searching for his phone. Which he found only a few moments later, unlocking it, he found-
"Nothing…"
At least not from his father. A few messages from some fellow fencing students, from former model colleges - even Kagami wrote a tiny little message. One big one from Nathalie. But no word - not even a call from Gabriel. Nothing that would either change his plans on this particular day to some extra lesson on the piano, Chinese, or fencing.
…and especially nothing, that was a proof to him, that Gabriel had even thought about Adrien's birthday at all.
"Is everything alright?" That most wonderful voice made it yet to his ears. A sorrowful sound lingered in Marinette's words and her eyes were lined with worry and…
And something else…
Was she… perhaps… somewhat aware about his dilemma and the drift, that has formed itself between father and son? She would usually look at him like this, when the topic too suddenly switched towards his father and their relationship. And yet she had never asked about it - and Adrien would never tell her about it as well. She was worrying so much already and perhaps it was time to tell her, that she shouldn't worry about him, either.
Though - who was he kidding - the heart in her chest was just too huge, to just stop worrying about something important like that. And once he let her inside his heart and mind, then there wouldn't be a going back. He would be an opened book to her and he would give her every power and tool to decipher him. All of him. But with all these fights and all the pain, that Monarch dares to bring upon them, he shouldn't let her that close to him. At least not right now.
… even though he wanted nothing more, but to be a little closer to her. Definitely closer than just two amazing friends and partners. But Marinette wouldn't want that - she had told him multiple times in the past.
Therefore, he merely cast her a little, carefree smile, before he pushed his phone back into his pockets, as they kept on walking.
"Everything is alright. I am just not used to so much freedom - that's all! Especially on my Birthday!"
Her eyebrows climbed further up on her forehead, and he heard, how she swallowed hard. Yet, she nodded.
"If you say so~"
She wanted to say more. He could tell. But she held herself back - perhaps because she was aware, that he would try to avoid the topic of his father - once more. Maybe because of their two other friends, that kept on listening most closely, even though they seemed to be distracted by their own, little conversation. Or… perhaps… something else was holding her back…
But he could basically hear Plagg's complaint - knowing, that the black kwami just yearned for him to speak out about his feelings - especially with his princess. His lady.
But… What would Plagg know? He was just a kwami!
"Don't you just want to tell him about your wonderful - cute - birthday plans for him? Mhm?"
Alya has emerged between them, one arm coming up towards his shoulder, the other winding around Marinette's neck from behind. Her words made him blink - and eventhough he was thankful about her attempt to lift the mood - he craned his head forward, to see the black-haired girl a little better, again.
"What have you planned?"
Marinette immediately gasped for air, shaking the brunette off, bumping accidentally into Nino by the way, who chuckled as well.
…honestly - how could he not have fallen for this gorgeous girl? Even when she was clumsy, she was absolutely perfect doing so! And he would definitely not hide his smile at that silly thought…
"Oh… it's… well… it's nothing special! Don't expect something big! And nothing too expensive! And it wasn't my idea alone - Nino helped me and then Alya as well and it will be just the four of us and-"
"What our cute Dudette was trying to say: You won't need to worry about any prying eyes for the rest of the day. No annoying paparazzi and you won't create any silly gossip, that will go back to your father - so there is no need for you to worry about that!", Nino chimed in, helping the stuttering girl out. "And still you can expect a cozy, little location, amazing food and don't worry about any last minute schedule changes coming up - we set up Max to hack into it a few days ago."
Adrien paled, his eyes widened with shock and surprise.
"Wait…"
"That was my idea, birthday boy!", Alya sweetly added. "Otherwise we wouldn't have you for ourselves!"
"You didn't!"
But they had - they had made sure, that he had for once a day off - one, which he could spend with these three amazing people. And their plan seemed to work - his father had until this moment not noticed his son's absence in his extracurricular activities- and if so - he didn't seem to care for the moment.
…and if he did in fact care, then - perhaps - he would let him know later. Maybe even in the morning. True - their approach might be a little bit dubious- but they didn't mean any harm.
One whole day to spend with his best friends…
It definitely was worth the risk. Perhaps, he could be back at home by the time he would be awaited for dinner. Yeah… that could work…
"So… what did you guys plan for me?"
Of course - Marinette, Nino and Alya had outdone themselves with a little, private party, that was just for him. Completed with balloons, confetti, handmade decorations, delicious finger food and his favorite music. It was better, than any expensive - and excessive- parties he had to attend in the past. Here, he didn't need to wear his father's newest suit, that was tailored just for him. Here he didn't need to plaster a faked, charming smile on his face - for this one, that currently crazed his features had come naturally a long time ago.
For here - within the realm of the Dupain-Cheng living room he could be his truest self.
The silly one - the mere boy, who likes video games, silly jokes and so much food, until he felt stuffed, without the need to pay attention to the nutritional value of the things he ate.
He loved it!
"And your parents really don't mind, that we occupy this space?", he asked between bites of the very delicious Pain Au Chocolate in his hands. "Or the chaos we make?" Namely, the confetti, that was found on nearly every surface in this room - though he was pretty sure, that he had already seen some in the bathroom, the kitchen and up on the stairs, that lead in Marinette's room, as well.
"Oh don't worry~", Marinette waved his concerns of with a little shrug, as she balanced yet another tray towards the coffee table - one that was full with a wide variety of Macarons. Nino already reached out for a pink one, but Alya slapped his fingers away, before they could have come into contact with one of them, hissing "The birthday boy has the right to claim the first one!" Which he didn't need to be told twice - and went straight for another passion fruit one.
He surely would never get enough of those! And Nino - done with waiting took a pink, then a chocolate one, too and threw one towards his girlfriend to ease the scowl on her face.
"My parents suggested throwing the party in our place - with them working in the bakery anyway…"
"Yeah - my parents would be home by now - and they definitely didn't want to witness a private soirée in their place after a long day of work~"
"And Nora is at home. The twins as well - so no privacy at my place, too!"
Not that he would have minded…
And still - he knew, that these three amazing people were meaning so well. They had even known, what he truly wished for, even when he had never dared to say it out loud.
Therefore, he humbly bowed his head, when he wasn't able to face them any longer and murmured a quiet - yet so honest: "Thank you. I… Really mean it!"
"Awww! You big boy - don't be all sentimental! It's the least we could do for our favorite ex-model!", Alya cooed and threw her arms around his shoulders from the side - she smelled like the salted caramel Macaron she had just eaten, whereas Nino - who hugged him from the other side smelled of strawberry and chocolate.
He let them. Hug him. Ever since his mother is gone, he felt touch depraved anyway - so any embrace, any touch and gesture was very welcomed. His muscles immediately relaxed and that tension, that had lingered in his bones, vanished right away.
While the embrace lasted, he yet dared to open his eyes. Just a little bit - so he could gaze towards the black-haired girl, who still stood at the other side of the table. She watched them closely, with a small hint of red on her cheeks and a pure little smile on her rosy lips, hands clasped together in front of her. No words came over her lips, as she gazed towards them. Her head was slightly tilted and the sunlight, that came from the window behind her illuminated her in a way he would call divine.
His little Ladybug…
The personification of everything that was good, kind and lovely. She was love and Creation - and today - even without the mask - she had proven that once more. For she had created this beautiful moment - created this birthday party, he didn't know he needed. And - knowing her - she was possibly responsible for all the delicious food, the handcrafted decorations and every other surprise in between.
His own smile grew wider, turning into a little cat-like smirk, before he raised one hand up, to wiggle a finger at her.
"I don't think this group hug is completed without you!"
Alya and Nino smirked upon hearing that, whereas Marinette huffed and placed her hands on her hips. To answer that, he wiggled his eyebrows at her in a very Chat Noir-like fashion. He wouldn't let her decline this offer - even if he needed to pull her towards him.
"Fine~"
She came around the sofa - their two other friends even made a little room for her, so she could wrap her slim arms around him from behind. Marinette leaned her cheek against the back of his head, and he heard a little sigh escape her lips. Being brave enough, Adrien even dared to reach up for one of her hands, to lay his on hers. She let him - and thankfully she did not pull away either.
"And now I am getting sentimental!", Nino mumbled and even sniffed. "And this is not even the big party we have-"
Both girls withdrew already. Alya leaned past Adrien and hissed to her boyfriend, that he should better "Shut up now!", while Marinette merely tensed up, winced, but did not say a word about it now. At least her hands each stayed on his shoulders, the thumb of her left one accidentally brushing across the nape of his neck - which he dearly enjoyed.
"A big party?", Adrien yet asked and one eyebrow climbed up on his forehead. He leaned his head back, so he could watch Marinette, instead. "You guys have planned even more?" Then he frowned. "But you guys know, that tomorrow is school. I don't think we should stay up for that long!"
"It's on Saturday…", Marinette meekly said and gazed down to him as well, her black tresses falling around her face like a drape. If only she would lean in a little bit closer, to cover them both up with her hair, so he could steal a sweet, little kiss-
He should keep his thoughts in check! They were friends goddammit! She wouldn't even want to kiss him in the first place.
"Saturday?", he therefore questioned and looked between Alya and Nino, instead. "And did you heck into my schedule as well for Saturday?"
"No… Well - not yet~", Alya answered, still watching her boyfriend with narrowed eyes and crossed her arms in front of her chest. "That was supposed to be our last surprise for today! Telling you about that party we want to throw for you with all of our friends on the Liberty. The band will be playing, everybody will bring food and everybody celebrates your birthday. We hoped you could ask your Papa for permission, so you could come to your own party. But… since you know about that now - because a certain chatterbox had mentioned that way to early-" "Hey! You know, that all that sweet sentimentality works like a curse on me!" " -Then perhaps you could ask your father right away? I mean - neither of you will lose something, when you go to your party! Your father is at this fancy fashion event anyway and you can stay home, because you quit modeling. And if he still comes up with some stupid, over-filled schedule for you, then we might consider hiring our very class-own hacker, again!"
True - technically he was free on Saturday. Knowing his father, he wasn't. Probably the older man had already some extra Chinese lessons, or extra fencing-classes in store. Wasn't there this huge tournament coming up anyway by the end of the month? Gabriel surely wanted only the best results in that. So… extra fencing it surely was…
Still, under the watchful eyes of his friends he reached inside his pockets to retrieve his phone - he unlocked it. Frowning, when he saw, that there wasn't any call and no message from his father so far.
For a few moments he gazed towards the screen in his hands - a photo of him and the three friends, that currently surround him as well. But he neither dared to look in his schedule, to check his plans for Saturday, nor did he open his messaging app, to write his father. Calling? No - he would be dismissed on the spot anyway and - even more devastating than that - he had to face the harsh reality right away.
…that his father forgot about him…
…and forgotten his birthday as well…
And he wasn't able to face that truth right now.
A sudden tension on his shoulders brought him back to the reality, that was currently surrounding him. Marinette's fingers has shifted, a little more weight lingered on his shoulders and he could feel her nails slightly digging through the fabric of his shirt.
He didn't dare to look up towards her, again. Couldn't bare the thought, that she might be aware of his inner turmoil. And yet, he wanted nothing more to lean his face against her arm, to savor her warmth and the comfort she brought. But he held himself back - for he knew, that this kind of closeness was inappropriate for their kind of relationship- recalling, that they were friends, partners, keeper of the Miraculous and nothing more.
At least for the other…
Instead, he pushed his phone back into his pockets in unknown hurry and said:
"He won't read my message, anyway. I will just ask him at dinner! But you have a point there - technically I am free on Saturday, so it shouldn't be a problem for me to come to my second surprise birthday party!" He plastered a huge grin on his lips - he used to be a teenage model for quite a few years after all - and a perfectly orchestrated smile was one of his easiest tasks. Even under these circumstances that surrounded him and his father. Instead, he chose to change the topic altogether: "Sooo… I heard you guys needed to be defeated in some video games?"
Thankfully, they got the clue - that he wasn't willing to talk even more about Gabriel right now. Instead, they made themselves on the sofa comfortable, to play.
Sadly it meant, that Marinette had to leave the spot behind him.
Even sadder he found the fact, that she sat down beside Alya, on the end of the sofa. He would have dearly enjoyed to sit beside her. Though - no - then she and her whole presence would have kept on invading his senses and he would have been too distracted to even play properly.
…who was he kidding - he didn't have a chance against Marinette anyway, even though she let him win twice in a row. Probably that was a little birthday present for him, as well. The other three times she was the winner anyway - with him and their two best friends sharing places two to four. Still, it was fun. And it had worked perfectly as a distraction.
It was just around six in the evening, when the door to the apartment slowly opened and it was Madame Cheng, who stepped inside.
"Oh - I see that the four of you are still busy! How nice!", she sweetly said, walking past the sofa, where they still sat - playing games forgotten for some time now, and just talking, joking around and - if the song, that played in the background was right - singing. They had fun, were just silly teenagers, who couldn't be bothered by anything else in this world - and that was certainly a nice change. By now, Nino was sitting on the floor, holding his stomach as laughter after laughter erupted from his lips, while Alya, standing in front of the TV, gave her very best impression of Monsieur Damocles. Marinette was curled into a ball by the other end of the sofa, knees drawn to her chest, brushing those mirthful tears from her eyes, fanning herself some air. Adrien just enjoyed himself, like he hadn't done in the longest time. He could only guess, that the Kwami's - hidden somewhere in the farthest corner of this room - were laughing along,
And still - despite all that joy within this room - the four teenagers greeted Marinette's mother back - who giggled behind her hand, as she kept on watching them.
"You really have fun, there!", she chimed, pressing a kiss to Marinette's forehead, as she passed her daughter on her way to the kitchen. "Don't be bothered by me - I will be back in the bakery in only a moment."
"You could never bother us, Maman!", she called after the older woman and smiled. "And you made it possible anyway!"
True… And he wanted to thank her for that as well.
Adrien stood up - his eyes searching for Sabine through the doorway - finding her, as she reached up and into one of the kitchen shelves - trying to reach a box she must have hidden there. Or rather - a box her significantly taller husband must have placed there.
"Let me help you!" He reached said box easily and placed it in her hands. "And really - thank you - for letting this happen! It's… I … I have a lot of fun, and if you and Monsieur Dupain didn't allow it, then-"
Then he would have spent his sixteenth birthday alone.
"No need to thank me! In fact - My husband and I found their idea very marvelous and we would have loved to help out a little more. But… You know Marinette - she wanted to do all on her own~"
Adrien only needed to turn his head slightly, to catch Marinette's gaze - finding her in bashful embarrassment, leaning over the back of the sofa.
"I was thinking something like that…", he hummed, tried to suppress the snicker, that dared to rise in his throat, when the black-haired girl stuck her tongue out in his direction. But then he blinked, turning back towards the small woman in front of him, who pushed the box back in his own hands.
"I didn't want to bother you for too long. But Tom and I wanted to wish you a happy birthday as well. And this is our little gift to you…"
His green eyes wandered towards Sabine's face in surprise. Then he blinked - wasn't yet able to thank her for said gift in his hands. He certainly didn't expect anything - that she and her husband even thought about him in such a way, was already more than enough.
With shaking hands he reached for the box's lid, pulling it open with care.
Inside, he found something in creamy white color. Pulling it out if it confines he saw pink embroidery threat as well. Little details, the logo of the bakery, on the seams. That little gift, he found there, was a apron - handmade. And he certainly didn't need to guess twice, who the apron had sewn and embroided with her swift, delicate fingers.
"Marinette told us, you love our passion fruit macarons…", Sabine sweetly explained, taking the apron from his hand, to swiftly place it around him, binding it in his back, as she continued: "…Well… Tom and I were thinking about giving bakery courses to those who are interested in making traditional French pastries and sweets. If you want, you can be our first student! If you don't have the time, then you at least have the apron to try at home on your own. And I personally think, that this is the first step~"
She finished talking just in time, when she made a little bow in his back, smiling gently, when she was done.
He was speechless, standing there in front of this small woman, who cared so much, even if she shouldn't. With dainty fingers, he brushed over the soft material of his gift, his fingers coming to a stop above his heart, just where the embroidery of the logo rested.
"What a lovely gift…", he breathed - to himself, to Sabine and towards Marinette, who still seemed to listen so very carefully, as well. Alya and Nino have turned silent, too. "And of course I will try to come to your baking courses… At least I will try to make it…" He just needed to convince his father. But at least that would be something practical - and something he wanted to learn for himself. Apart from that, he would be able to find more reasons to return to this happy, little place in the heart of Paris. Sure - it would also mean, that he could see Marinette more often - more than they already did, with school, patrols, fights, his few visits after bedtime to just talk and see the kwamis…
…but it would also mean, that he could spend more time here, than in the mansion. The place, that has lost the meaning of 'home' a long time ago…
"Thank you, Madame Cheng! I will thank Monsieur Dupain as well, just before I go home and… this is amazing! Just… thank you!"
Sabine smiled warmly and in a motherly way patted his cheek.
"You are welcome, Adrien. I know - a apron isn't something a young boy of fifteen years could wish for, but both Tom and I supposed, that you would need it."
Sweet and gentle words, again. And yet there was something within her speech, that made him blink, then step back in confusion.
"Fifteen?", he asked, bashfully scratched the back of his head, as he wondered, what would have given her the impression, that he wasn't the oldest, but the youngest of their group. "Excusez-moi - but I turned sixteen…"
"Maman!", came Marinette's complaint from the living room already. Nino and Alya gazed already at each other with confusion, both of them shrugging, but for now saying nothing about it. "Adrien is one of the oldest in our class! He turned sixteen today - not fifteen!"
By now the black-haired girl was on her feet, slowly made her way over towards Adrien, to stand beside him. To support him, or her mother, he couldn't tell.
"Oh?"
Now Sabine took one step back as well. Mustering him from head to toe, as some strange thought clung to her mind, that couldn't be shook off easily, again.
"Sixteen?"
She looked up to his face, again. Hands twitching, as if she wanted to reach out for him, again - just to make sure, that he was real and blood and flesh and not a ghost, that too suddenly has materialized itself in her kitchen.
Then she gazed towards Marinette, eyes drinking in her only daughter's face, lips moving, as if she wanted to say something.
"…sixteen?", she yet asked again, one hand coming up to her lips in thought, as her eyes eventually lowered to the floor. Still thinking, mumbling to herself something in Chinese, as there seemed to be something, that she just couldn't wrap her mind around it: "But… that can't be… she didn't look, like she was expecting…"
"Who?", Adrien asked - and to his surprise - Marinette as well. Both speaking one, united word in Chinese - aware of the things, the woman had sad, while their two friends could only stare with obliviousness.
Sabine - knowing, that she was caught and very aware, that those strange thoughts didn't make any sense, finally looked back up, again, smiling.
But - so much Adrien could tell - her smile was wavering and she wasn't a hundred percent sure with herself.
"Don't mind me. The older I get, the more I get confused with years and time. Of course you are sixteen, Adrien! I am sorry, if I scared you with my confusion for a moment. It… had been a long day… And now - if you excuse me: Tom surely is waiting for me by now and I don't want to interrupt your little party any further. But I still hope, that you have a lovely birthday, Adrien~"
Briefly, she touched his hand, then made her way past the two teenagers and past the two guests in the living room.
"Maman!", Marinette yet called and after one more exchanged glance with the blond boy by her side, she swiftly followed her mother. He heard them quietly speak by the front door. In Chinese, of what he could tell, but he tried to not listen to time.
…but he was happy for the black-haired girl, that she seemed to have learned a bit more about the language and culture, that ran in her blood. Yet for now, he unbound the apron from his waist - trying so desperately to not think about the conversation from only moments ago any longer.
…Briefly, he saw, that the Kwamis have watched from top of the shelf as well - especially Plagg and Tikki gave him a wary and thoughtful look, that he could only return in silence.
"What… was that about?", Alya yet carefully asked, when he stalked back towards the sofa. Back stiff, and his limbs feeling cold, heart still beating furiously in his chest. He tried to make sense of the things Madame Cheng had just said - but he couldn't find any.
"I don't know…", he just quietly whispered, trying to ignore mother and daughter, who still were talking by the door.
…trying to ignore, how Sabine over and over claimed, that had just been confused, whereas Marinette demanded answers.
"But the apron is sweet!", Nino said, leaning close to Adrien to gently grasp the fabric, that his friend has still slung over his arm. "Can you ask Marinette if she makes one for me as well?"
"Why would you need an apron?", Alya asked, curiously watching her boyfriend examining the apron. Adrien even handed it to him, so he could try it on.
"So I can cook something for you…" Alya cooed at that, before she turned back towards Adrien. "Perhaps the three of us can go to this baking course. I don't think, that Marinette's parents would mind, and-"
A ring tore through the air. His phone vibrated with its rhythm and - at least for now - it worked as a little distraction for him.
Still he frowned, when he read the name on the display - something foreboding lying in those few letters he found there.
Still, if a heavy sigh, he lifted the phone to his ear.
"Father?"
It was a low sound and there was definitely no euphoria, when he spoke.
"Where are you?", Gabriel pressed between his lips, demanding answers, demanding them now. There was no word about his son's birthday. Nothing good in his voice. "You were supposed to be at fencing!"
Adrien closed his eyes.
He knew that. Four till six p.m. on Wednesdays was always for fencing. Still, he bravely answered:
"My schedule for today was empty. I thought it was a little gift for my-"
"Don't be silly!" A few silent moments went by - Adrien knew that Gabriel must be checking his son's appointments for this day. An annoyed sigh escaped the older man's lips, before he spoke: "It must have been a mistake! You could have at least called and asked about it! So - to answer my question: Where are you?"
The blond boy pinched the bridge of his nose, as he felt, as if he was deflating with every spoken word. He wanted to run and hide from his father wrath - but tried to stay strong, as long, as there were other ears listening were around.
"I am with my friends…", he mumbled.
"Which friends? Send me the address! Your driver will pick you up and bring you home." Gabriel clicked with his tongue. "You know, that you lost so many opportunities for the day… To learn and to grow!"
"Father, I-"
"The address, Adrien. At home, I expect you to eat and go to bed afterwards…"
…that was it. No word about his birthday - no sign, that Gabriel had even thought about it in the very end. Instead, he was ready to punish, ready to put his foot down. As always. And if he dared to give Marinette's name - his current whereabouts - then his father would make sure, that he wouldn't see Marinette for a long, long time.
"I will be going home. By foot." Adrien therefore said with a tight voice, then hung up, before the older man could have said more. Immediately after, he muted his phone, put it back in his pocket and looked back up.
Alya's lips were pressed into a thin line, eyes narrowed. Nino merely shook his head and cursed underneath his breath. Sabine - apparently she had used his call as a distraction- was gone by now.
…and Marinette looked at him with those big, blue eyes, that held so much sadness and pain. She still stood by the door, watched him most closely.
No… he quickly told himself - she stood right in front of the door. Not ready to let him go now. Not like that. Blocking his way.
…and he knew her - knew of the heroine in her chest. He knew, that she would try to fight to make him stay.
But he couldn't…
Adrien needed to go - before his father, or his assistant tracked his phone down. Before they knew, who he had been seeing after school.
Before Gabriel would forbid him to ever see them again.
He gulped - hoped, that Plagg was aware about their departure - and eventually pushed past the sofa and towards the door.
"I need to go…", he said, tried to stay strong, tried to sound hard.
"No…", Marinette merely said and shook her head, swallowing heavily, as she nervously played with her fingers. "Dinner is at 7. You still have time…"
He snorted - of course she knew about that. He had told her once, and she remembered.
"Yeah… Tell him, that you are all grown up now! And that you are in good company! Tell him to come over, so he - for once - can have a good time as well!", Nino called from behind him.
"Nino…", Alya gently said, before she whispered: "I don't think that cranky old man can be reasoned with."
His best friend merely hummed in agreement.
And Marinette kept on staring. Begging him - even without words - to stay.
"Please…", she mouthed and that sight broke his heard.
Still… he needed to go - some strange pull dragged him along, made him move closer to her. He loomed just in front of her - brushing past her, barely touching her arm, to push the door handle down.
"Will you come back, again?"
It was such a tiny plea. Words she breathed into this small distance between them. Both knowing, that for them this day wasn't over. And - truly - he would have loved to give in. He wanted nothing more, but to promise her, that he would be by her window just after eight.
But… not today…
After his father's rage, that would try to drown every good and joyful memory from today, he would want to be alone.
…he could deal with these painful emotions best, when he faced them on his own.
Therefore, he shook his head.
"Not today…" And even more quietly he added: "…princess…", which made her bite her lip, as tears glistened in her eyes.
He hurriedly turned away and waved Alya and Nino.
"Sorry guys! I really need to go…", he told them lightly. Then - moving already past the defeated girl, he pressed a tiny, but still so meaningful kiss on her cheek. "…and thank you for everything…"
He went home without his apron and without looking back, again. He took the direct route. Didn't look up, just kept on walking, with his hands in his pockets, bag slung over his shoulder.
Even Plagg didn't dare to say a word.
Not yet, at least…
And as if some heavenly force noticed his pain, clouds started to make it across the previously blue sky. Thunder drummed in the distance.
The first drops of rain came down on Paris, when he reached the gates to the manor.
…his prison…
The security must have seen him approaching over the cameras already, and the metal gates swung open, buzzing, before he could have pressed the button.
He would have loved to linger there a little longer. To feel the rain, to feel his freedom, to rejoice in those lovely memories he had made today.
But the front door already swung open. Revealing Gabriel, looming there in the shadow of the doorway.
…awaiting his son…
Adrien silently walked past him, eyes downcast, tongue feeling, as if it was tied up in his mouth.
Though… What should he say? There was nothing, he wanted to speak about.
"No excuse for your immature behavior?", was all Gabriel said, as he watched the blond boy through these far too expensive glasses. Back stiff, arms crossed behind his back. "No excuses for your absence? No excuses for your wasted time? For not calling me, your driver, your-"
"I have made a mistake, yes-", he said, more automatically, than actually meaning it. He just wanted to be dismissed. He wanted to go to his room, stay there, until morning. Not face him. Not look him in the eyes.
"Yes. At least you are reasonable… You know that your fencing courses are today. Seeing that your schedule was empty should have made you suspicious at least. You should have called, and I would have told you-"
There was the deep drum of thunder behind him, again, just as Adrien spit bitterly:
"I thought all this free time today, was my Birthday present from you!"
Finally, he looked up. Not caring, that his hair was stuck to his face and his clothes slightly wet from the few raindrops, that have caught him on the way here.
Something in Adrien's words resonated with Gabriel. A quiet gasp escaped the older man's lips, and he looked his son up and down. His eyes widened in shock at last. He nervously twisted that silver ring around his finger.
Round and round and round…
"Your birthday…", Gabriel rasped, voice thin all too sudden. "…sixteen… You turned sixteen today!"
Adrien - almost - congratulated his father sarcastically for that revelation. Plagg would have done it. He - on the other hand - meekly nodded.
"I understand, that your work currently keeps you busy. I didn't expect some big celebration, anyway…" Not since his mother was gone. "I didn't expect much at all…"
"Adrien-"
"Don't worry. I am already on my way to my room. I am not hungry, either. I don't need dinner. Thank you…"
He didn't feel hungry anymore. Didn't feel the need, to stay here even longer…
"Goodnight… father…"
Gabriel let him go. Without any further word spoken. Without a word about grounding. Without an apology about his forgetfulness. Perhaps Adrien could have asked him now about a few hours off on Saturday as well - so he could attend his second Birthday party with all of his friends, and maybe Gabriel - feeling guilty - would have let him go.
…but he just couldn't…
…for he couldn't stand that gaze of these tired, pain-filled eyes any longer. And today, he let him succumb to those memories of his wife, that seemed to invade his senses all too sudden. For he sensed it - that the older man was thinking about Emilie, again,
For he still kept on turning his silver ring.
…round and round and round…
Adrien went into his room, and closed the door most quietly. Just gazed into the darkness, that very slowly dared to fall with those thick clouds outside. Didn't even blink, when a lightning made it across the sky, illuminating everything around briefly.
"Happy fucking Birthday…", Adrien merely said to himself, as he let his bag fall to the floor by the door, just when Plagg emerged from his pocket.
"Don't be so hard on yourself, Kiddo! Your father will surely come to his senses in a few-"
Adrien merely tsked, as he walked past his floating friend and towards his bathroom.
"He doesn't care, Plagg!", he called over his shoulder. "He does only care about his company and that he can't get over Maman - even after all this time! On his priority list, I am at the very end!"
He was angry. Hurt, and scorned and…
And just so sad.
Worse of all - he knew, that this wasn't good. He knew, that he should try to think about something else - before Monarch sensed his distress and send an Akuma after him.
Still… There was so much pain in his heart, that he just couldn't ignore…
And it certainly wouldn't go away so easily.
Even the shower didn't help. He turned it hot, then cold, then warm, as if he had hoped, that the temperature would have helped. He put his favorite pajamas on. Thanked his three amazing friends with messages for the lovely time he had, gave Plagg an extremely big piece of cheese.
Not even those stupid cat videos he put on his phone to distract him, helped.
And it scared him…
"I know something that might help~", Plagg lightly said after some time, soaring just above Adrien's head, while the blond boy laid on his back on his bed, tiered eyes glued to the display with the tenth supposedly funny video.
"I will neither go and see my father to excuse my behavior, nor ask him about Saturday…", Adrien murmured and meant every word.
Plagg merely rolled his eyes.
"Of course not! You are too stubborn to make the first step - I know that already! And I don't think, that you have done anything wrong!"
Adrien lowered his phone, so he could face Plagg probably, raising one eyebrow at him.
"Is that a compliment?"
The black kwami flew closer, stopping just in front of his Chosen's face.
"Also - I don't think, that talking with your father would help your gloomy mood!" That might be true. "I rather suggest that you transform, go out into the night and see your princess, while she is still awake!"
Adrien's eyes widened.
Marinette…
His heart immediately started to beat faster in his chest - just by thinking about her. And truly - he yearned to see her. Yearned to hear her voice. Wanted to hug her and ask her to hold him, until he was feeling better.
But… That - all of it - was selfish, and he shouldn't take advantage of his lady, or the powers of his Miraculous. Those feelings in his heart were just one-sided anyway and she would merely see it as her responsibility to make him feel better. And that was about it.
Perhaps she was sleeping already - after all, she had put so much effort in all these billion, little surprises for him for today. She must be tired and deserved some rest.
…and perhaps he should do just the same…
"I shouldn't bother Marinette with my stupid family problems. She is the Guardian and already has so much to do as well. I don't want to be another burden to her…"
He turned to his side, laying his phone on the pillow there, and sighed. For a short moment there was only the soft pounding of rain, that filled the surrounding silence.
"We should sleep as well, Plagg. Would you turn the lights off?"
"…urgh… you are stubborn!"
"Plaaagg…"
"I still think-"
A knock broke into Plagg's words. Startling him. But he stayed, not afraid, not ready to hide. When it knocked again, Adrien realized, that this knock didn't come from his door - but from his window.
Plagg chuckled, and a huge grin was plastered on his small face. "This smart girl…" And he soared towards said window as fast as he could.
Adrien blinked, slowly sitting up.
Gaping in disbelieve at the sight, he found there.
"Ladybug?"
Indeed, there she was: on the other side of the window, crouching on the window sill, as heavy rain pounded down on her. Still, she grinned, when he noticed her and euphorically started to wave.
In newfound haste he was on his feet - almost stumbling and falling over his bedsheets as he went. Bouncing to detangle his feet from it, reaching the wall of windows a moment later.
Opening the one she crouched in front, to let her inside.
"What are you doing here?", he exclaimed, cringing, when he stepped aside, to let the dripping wet heroine inside. "There is a thunderstorm going on? Are you insane?"
"How about: 'Ladybug! I am so happy, that you are here! What can I do for Paris' brave heroine?'" Still, there was a slight smile grazing her lips - possibly because she had witnessed his silly dance with the sheets. "But at least you opened the window for me~ Hello to you, too, Plagg~"
"Cutie~", the tiny god answered with a bow.
"You are dripping wet!", Adrien yet said, as he closed the window behind her. Quite bluntly informing her about her state with that. Swallowing, when she pushed a few strand strands from her face, that were sticking to her skin. Immediately he felt guilty - for he shouldn't have given her any reason to come and see him in the first place. Especially under these conditions. "You will catch a cold! Wait here a minute!"
He didn't response, when she called after him. Instead, he went to his bathroom and tore one of those huge, fluffy towels from the shelf, to return it to her.
When he set foot back into his room, he barely witnessed the pink light, that burned across her skin, before Marinette stepped out of it. He gulped - seeing her standing there - now all tried up and in her own pajamas.
…but still shivering.
"Here…", he therefore gently said and carefully placed the towel around her slender, suddenly so vulnerable frame.
"I am good…", she whispered back, but still let him tuck her in. Before he was done, he finally noticed the pink backpack she had over her shoulders, and to which he was paying attention just now.
"What is that?", he mumbled, eyebrows wandering upwards on his forehead. "Or rather… What have you planned, Marinette?"
She slid the backpack from her shoulders and down to the floor. Gladly took the towel now, and placed it around her, gazing so sweetly up towards him, as she answered:
"It's still your birthday, kitty…"
"You…", he looked towards the bag by the floor, as if it was a rather foreign thing, stuttering, as he tried to phrase his thoughts: "…y-you have already done so much! A-and it's late! A-and-"
"But you also forgot your presents! The apron. More of Marinette's Macarons! And my chosen also made something else for you!", Tikki chimed in, soaring all around him with twinkling, joyful eyes. "Isn't that right, Marinette?"
"It's right…", Marinette softly hummed, and a slight red glow emerged on her cheeks. "If you don't want me here, then at least let me give your presents and Tikki and I will be gone, again!"
"No!", he shouted - probably louder, than he intended ,and he flinched at that. Then - worried - he turned towards his door for a brief minute, as if he could fear, that his father would step into his room any minute. Then he turned back and laid his hands on her upper arms. "…no… I want you to be here. It's just…"
A little puff of breath escaped her lips and she lowered her eyes to an uncertain spot behind him for a moment. Chewing on her lip, before she spoke.
"It's just because of your father, right?" She looked back up towards him. Her blue eyes shining with new-found strength and intensity. "He wasn't even been kind to you on your birthday… that's… that's not acceptable!"
Adrien took a step back, hands falling to his sides, irritated, that she would say something like that.
…shocked, that she would speak the truth so bluntly. For - until now - both have rather ignored it quiet effectively. Or rather… stepped around it, neither off them ready to address the topic, that was his father.
Silence laid itself over them, like a heavy blanket and both teenagers stared each other down. Not flinching, not stepping further way. Just letting the rain, then the next thunder speak volumes into the silence.
Adrien noticed, that Plagg whispered something to Tikki, to which the red Kwami nodded. Both soaring into the distance between their humans.
"We will make sure, that you two continue to celebrate in peace", Tikki wisely stated, and both hurried away to keep watch.
…so both could talk.
But… for Adrien there was nothing, that he wanted to say. Instead, he clenched his hands into fists most tightly, as his brows furrowed.
"I don't want to talk about my father! Not now", he quietly said, then heavily gulped the lump in his throat down. "Preferably never…"
"…okay…", he was startled at her answer. Looked back up, still found her so very determined and brave before him. That definitely was unexpected. "That's fine for me…"
"Okay… Then… Good!"
She nodded. Bowed down to get her backpack and walked past him, aiming for the sofa in front of her.
He watched her. Utterly confused by now. He opened his lips once, twice, before he finally found some words in his mind, that might make sense:
"I thought you wanted to talk about my father!"
"Yes." Marinette opened the bag, retrieving a pastry box from inside and set it on the table. "But you don't want to talk, right?"
The apron came next, and she laid it with dainty fingers next to the box.
"Yes…"
"And I won't push you to do it…" At last, she pulled a neatly wrapped package from her bag. With a big green bow and black paper. A present - just for him. She held it in one hand, while she still held onto the towel by her shoulder with the other. A smile returned to her lips. So gentle and pure, and it set his heart into just the right rhythm. "But I want you to know, that can talk to me about anything when you feel ready for it. I will listen. I won't judge you - or him. I won't give you advices, that you don't want. If you need somebody, then I will be your ears, that listen closely and the shoulder you can lean on."
"Marinette…", he breathed, finally stepping closer again. "I don't want to be another burden to you…"
"You are not…", she softly answered, and he knew that - at least to her - this was the truth. "…and you will never be…"
He was just in front of her. Eyes darting towards his gift in her hands, then back towards her. Drinking her face in, as if he feared, that she could just disappear, and he would lose this wonderful - for him - perfect girl forever.
Yes… how could he have not fallen for her?
He gulped, barely nodded.
Knowing, that he truly wanted for his birthday.
"…may I hug you?", he meekly asked, like a small child.
She smiled even more brilliantly at him. And nodded herself.
Adrien took the present from her hand and laid it on the sofa behind her. Then he wrapped his arms most tightly around her shoulders. To bring her as close, as he physically and emotionally dared. She giggled at the slight pressure of his arms, leaned the side of her head against his shoulders, as her own arms hugged him around his waist.
"My big kitty…", she whispered. "I still hope you had a somewhat lovely birthday…"
"Because of you…", he breathed back. "…it was…"
A/N: I too much enjoyed writing this chapter. These poor babies are hurting too much...
Then we have the connection back to the prolog- of course Sabine knew from the beginning, the this ominous women in the doctor's office had been a poor, hurting Emilie... But of course for her something was off with Adrien's ago and the fact that Emilie didn't look pregnant back then... poor Adrien- if he knew about the truth, that surrounds his existence...
And Gabriel... let's say without Nathalie as his assistant he is very lost. ?
At least Adrien and Marinette made a tiny step closer to the other, again? And will know about the present in the next chapter :D
Next chapter: A good remedy...