CHAPTER 19 – FINAL PREPARATIONS
Félix sat silently observing his classmates as they filed in, one by one. Chloé was the first of his four targets to arrive.
She looked surprised when she saw the small package on her desk. She carefully opened the wrapping, and brought her hands to her cheeks, squealing in joy when she saw what was inside. In it was a photograph of her and Adrien in an ornate frame. Written in the bottom corner of the photograph was: "To the sister I never had, you mean the world to me. Love Adrien."
Chloé looked over to Félix, a tear running down her cheek as she clutched the photograph to her chest. Félix smiled and winked at her.
-000-
Alya and Nino came in next, laughing together before moving off to their desks.
Nino's gift was a voucher for a DJ course, together with a note. "I'm so lucky to have you in my life. Through thick and thin, you are the best friend in the world. Adrien". Nino's eyes sparkled and he smiled, glancing at Félix and tipping his hat.
Alya's note read: "Dear Alya. You have made some of the most special people in my life happy. Thanks so much for always being you. I don't think you have these in your collection. Adrien."
A small flash-drive accompanied the note. On it were some pictures of Ladybug that Félix had found on Adrien's computer, including close-up footage of Ladybug purifying an akuma, which nobody had ever caught on film before. Félix had no idea how Adrien had managed to get the amazing shots, but they made a perfect gift for Alya.
"I don't know how you got these Adrien, but these shots are amazing! Thank you!" she said, reaching forward to peck him on the cheek.
"A good reporter never gives up his sources," smiled Félix. "Glad you like them."
-000-
As expected, Marinette was the last to arrive. She studied the pink box on her table for a full minute before she opened it. Her eyes opened wide as she looked inside. Inside was a single pink rose, accompanied by a card. "To the most beautiful girl with the most beautiful heart in the world, who can melt me with a single smile. To my Everyday Ladybug. Please say "yes". Adrien."
Marinette felt a rush of blood to her head. She struggled to breathe. Then her heart began to race. She looked at the golden brush of hair in front of her, then her heart beat even faster as he turned to look at her with his emerald eyes. Marinette felt like she was going to burst.
"Yyy.. yes!" she stammered, turning a bright red.
Félix's face broke into a big grin.
"Thank you Marinette, you made me the happiest guy in the world!" he said, before taking her hand in his and placing a single, warm kiss on it.
Marinette's skin tingled at the touch of Félix's lips. Then she smiled. And smiled. And smiled some more.
-000-
Adrien opened his eyes. The room swung in and out of focus and the light above his head seemed impossibly far away. A ringing sound in his ears slowly faded away as he heard his father talking to a nurse.
"So his condition is improved today? I tried to talk to him yesterday but he seemed to be on another planet."
"Yes sir, he appears to have had an entirely normal night's sleep, the monitors indicate full REM state was achieved, so the unconsciousness seems to have passed. It's still very early, but there is definitely hope."
"I am very concerned. It seems to be the same condition as his mother. Has there been any development with her?"
"No sir. She is still in a deep comatose state though we can pick up no trace of any illness that might have induced her condition."
The nurse paused, looking at Adrien. "Ah, our patient seems to have woken up. I'll leave you alone with him."
Gabriel walked up to Félix's bed as the nurse left the room.
"Well Félix, you gave us quite a scare," said Gabriel. "My son has been worried sick about you."
"FÉLIX? Thought Adrien. "I'm not Félix! I'm Adrien." He opened his mouth to speak but his tongue felt sluggish and thick. The words came out as a slurred sound.
"The doctor said you might struggle talking when you awoke," said Gabriel, noticing Adrien's struggles. "Try and relax. Can you move your finger?"
Adrien looked down at his hand. With a supreme effort he managed to move his index finger.
"Good," said Gabriel. "You need rest. Nathalie has arranged for a state-of-the art entertainment system, which you can operate with this control when you feel up to it," he said putting it under Adrien's hand. "She has uploaded some articles from magazines for you too, she said something about an article on the Graham de Vanily rings that you find so fascinating."
Adrien looked up at his father, surprised at the attention he was giving Félix. His father could really surprise him sometimes. He managed a weak smile.
"I've got work to do, but I will try pop around later today. Get some rest Félix."
With that Gabriel Agreste left the room.
Adrien lay on his back. Try as he might, moving was a challenge. Eventually he gave it up and switched on the entertainment system. Nathalie had highlighted several items that Félix might enjoy. Most of the items were not to Adrien's taste, but a magazine article on the rings looked interesting as did a documentary on the same topic. Adrien watched as the screen lit up.
-000-
In another room Nathalie monitored Adrien through a CCTV monitor. She picked up the telephone.
"He's taken the bait sir," she said.
"Excellent," replied Gabriel.
-000-
Plagg was confused. He had silently been watching Félix's every move, trying to work out what he was up to. When he had kissed Chloé the day before Plagg had been ready to run off to Tikki, but Marinette was at home for lunch. But then it looked like he was actually using the kiss to protect Adrien from Chloé. Plagg hesitated. The more he continued to observe the imposter the more confused he became.
Félix seemed to be … nice? He was going out of his way to make people feel good about Adrien and had even managed to ask Marinette out, something Plagg had been silently wishing Adrien to do for months now. He had valiantly tried to protect both Gabriel and Adrien during the appalling interview and press conference, and although Plagg hadn't managed to hear what Félix had said to Adrien the night before, his affection for Adrien was clear. That being said, something was definitely up.
Chatting to Tikki at school was dangerous. Ever since Mrs Mendeleiev had secretly observed them in the science lab both kwamis had been very nervous about interacting at school. When Marinette was distracted though Plagg managed to fly into her handbag.
"Psst. I can't talk now, but we need to chat. Eiffel tower at 2am?"
"Sure," whispered Tikki. "See you then."