Despite Adrien's absolute meltdown, Gabriel still insisted everyone eat together as a family. Sabine did her best to keep the food warm as Adrien collected himself. But 'collected' was the barest sense of the word, as he came downstairs, still puffy-eyed and sniffing. Luckily, Marinette was right there beside him, holding his hand tightly.

It was a pasta dish for dinner. Adrien really didn't pay attention to what kind, he just spent a long while twisting his noodles on his fork.

"So," began Emilie. "Your father tells me you started going to public school! I knew that was something you wanted to do, but I was just never sure if you were ready. I'm proud of you for getting out there! It can be really nerve wracking starting at school, but I heard you have some really great friends! I'm so happy for you!"

Adrien didn't look at her, and his expression only tightened.

"It's okay. Your father said you're not really talking right now. I don't blame you. I just wanted you to know that I want to know all about all the things you did while I was gone."

Adrien hunched over in his seat, curling over his plate and nursing his bad arm to his chest. Why must he be tortured this way?

Marinette on the other hand, watched this exchange with scrutiny. The softness of Emilie's tone was surprising, but refreshing. Whenever Gabriel had tried the comforting parent routine, his tone usually ended up sounding more condescending than tender. He had his moments of course, but not like Emilie. She spoke to him, not at him. She wasn't prying to get an answer either, just speaking to him very casually. And the way she looked at him was different too.

It was all love.

Talking with Adrien earlier, he had disclosed that he was confused and hurt by Emilie's sudden appearance. He didn't understand why she had shown up so suddenly after all this time. If she was fine, why hadn't she contacted him? If she loved him so much, why did she disappear without a trace?

Things just didn't make sense. She seemed like a very kind and warm woman, and for Adrien's sake, Marinette hoped that she truly was. But for the moment, she'd continue to hold her skepticism.

"Marinette," Emilie addressed her. "Gabriel says you're interested in fashion?"

Ah, so she was trying a different technique now? "Uh, yes. I am. That's what I was hoping to go into…well, I was before…"

"I mean, even if you can't make a full time career out of it, it's still a very good hobby to have! When Gabriel was your age, he made all of my clothes! I never had to go shopping and I was the envy of all the girls in my class."

"Emilie—" Gabriel tried to interrupt.

"He gets all embarrassed about it when I mention it now, because he has 'people for that sort of thing'." She mocked her husband's voice, prompting Sabine to let out a snort. "But I saw the wedding gown he made for you. Gorgeous! You designed it though, didn't you?"

"Yes, I had a sketch of it in my sketchbook. I…I think I mentioned it on camera, and he found the design."

Emilie gasped at her husband. "You went through a girl's sketchbook without her permission!?" She whacked him.

"Ow! Woman! Stop hitting me!"

"Once you learn some manners, I will! But until then, I think I'll have to beat them back into you!" Then she laughed. Adrien's laugh. That unrestrained, joyful sound that you couldn't help but smile at. Then she smiled, and it really all came together. If Adrien was sunshine, Emilie was a 200,000 mega watt lightbulb. Her joy filled the room, literally making it warmer and brighter.

Like even though her family was falling apart, she was just happy to be with them.

"The second you both feel better, you have to let me see your super suits! I've been catching up on the blog, but there's no real good shots of the details. I want to know everything! Does your yo-yo double as a purse? Do the tail and ears move on their own?"

"Don't overwhelm them, Em."

"I can't help it! My baby boy! A superhero! It's so exciting!"

"I, for one, think it's dangerous." Gabriel argued.

"Well, of course it's dangerous! That much is obvious!" She gasped. "Oh Marinette, he showed me this clip of Adrien, not transformed, being thrown off the side of a building by a King Kong knock off! Do you know how pissed off that made me?! And don't even get me started on when he became a glitter statue! Honestly, if it wasn't for you, I would have lost him several times over!"

Marinette gave a soft, patient smile that she hoped came off in gratitude, and not betraying her current thought, which was, 'you still might lose him.' "He's saved me several times too. He's got my back, for sure."

"Oh I'm so glad to hear that!" She clapped. "A healthy marriage is built on teamwork and trust. Just from the clips I've seen, it looks like you guys are oozing with it."

Adrien scooted his picked-at plate forward.

"Adrien, you barely touched your food." Said Sabine.

He stood, pushing in his chair, and walked out of the room.

Marinette glanced over to Emilie to gauge her reaction.

The woman was just on the verge of tears.

"Madam Agreste, can I have a word with you?" She asked, standing.

"Of course dear."

Emilie allowed Marinette to lead her into the parlor and shut the door. "Alright. Spill. What's your angle? Because if you've come to get Adrien to trust and fall in love with you all over again before bouncing without a trace, I will personally hunt you down and kill you. My body count is over 40, and I don't mind adding to it for his sake. Understand?"

Emilie looked at her wide-eyed, before exhaling calmly, "well, I'm happy to see you really do care about Adrien as much as you say you do. I don't plan on going anywhere, Marinette. I promise."

"And so I'm just supposed to take you at your word? He cried for an hour!"

From upstairs, the pair could hear the clattering of books and other heavy items being thrown around again.

"Look at what you're doing to him! You better explain yourself now, or not even Mr. Agreste will let you stay in this house."

"Marinette," Emilie said sternly. "I didn't want to leave. It wasn't my choice."

"Then whose was it?"

"No one chose what happened. Gabriel and I…we made a mistake. A huge one that I had to pay for. I didn't get the chance to say goodbye. I didn't even get to ask for it. I—" She glanced towards the door, not knowing who was listening on the other side. Then she shook her head. "I'm trying to be gracious, but this is Gabriel's fault. I still love my husband, but he has a lot to answer for, especially to you both. I asked him to do so before I came, but he chickened out, I suppose. I can't blame him…I know he wouldn't want Adrien giving him the cold shoulder the same way he's giving me."

Marinette blinked several times. "What are you even talking about? Stop being so vague!"

"I really wish I could, but I can't. I don't have all the answers, and Gabriel really should be saying all of this. I just…I think you're super cool and really great and I want you to like me. Selfish, I know. But I just wanted you to know that I'm not the bad guy here."

"That sounds like something the bad guy would say."

Emilie smiled slightly. "Fair, I guess." She rubbed her hands on her thighs. "Once Gabe comes clean, I swear this will all make sense." She paused. "Even in this time where little does for you."

Marinette inhaled sharply. "So you watched it then?"

"Not all of it. Not yet." She cast her gaze to the floor. "None of it live. Only after you were found was I even told what was happening."

Marinette frowned. "Did Gabriel know where you were?"

Emilie paused, considering her answer. There was really no way to soften this blow. Once it all came out, he wasn't going to be forgiven anyways. "Yes. He did."

Marinette swallowed harshly, tears pricking at her eyes. "And he never told Adrien?"

"No."

"Didn't you ask him to?"

"Marinette…I was in a coma. I couldn't do anything."

Well. That made sense. And it didn't. Why did Gabriel have to hide that she was in a coma? Why would he hide it from his own son?

"Tell Gabriel I expect him to explain himself immediately." She snapped, before turning face, and briskly leaving the room.

—

Upon returning to Adrien's room, Marinette met the welcoming sight of her own mother comforting Adrien.

"It's alright honey, we'll pick it all up."

The room was an absolute disaster zone. Anything that wasn't bolted to the floor or wall was turned up turned, inside out, or smashed. Including the TV and computer.

Plagg floated over to be at eye level with Marinette. "Destructive tendencies. You wear the ring long enough, certain things come through. No one bats an eye when you make something, but when he breaks something...he's been bottling this up for a while."

Adrien sat on the floor, in the middle of all this chaos, and covered his face with his hands.

"It's just stuff." Marinette comforted. "Stuff can be replaced."

After the high of absolute destruction, came the crash of guilt. And Adrien wallowed in it like a shallow pool.

"You know what you need? An entire living space renewal! New paint, new sheets, new decor! Not what some interior designer thinks is you, but what you want! You, Adrien, the person who lives here!" Sabine gestured broadly to the room. "And if it has to be a little messy, then that's you! What do you think? Wanna start a project soon?"

Adrien didn't answer, just crawled over to the bed and under the sheets from the end of the bed, slinking his way up to the top, and settling there.

"We'll assume that's a yes." Marinette said.

"Alright. I'll see if I can convince the manager of the building." Sabine winked. "If either of you get hungry, there's more pasta in the fridge downstairs."

"Thanks Maman."

"Of course, baby." She kissed Marinette's cheek, and then found Adrien burrowed under all his haphazard sheets and gave him a kiss too. "'Night."

"'Night."

Once she was gone, Adrien let out a long sigh. "I don't know if I can remodel my room. It's so big."

"You won't have to do it on your own. And if you like it the way it is, you don't have to."

He sat up slightly to look around at the whirlwind of anger. "I think it's slightly better this way. But...I don't like this room. I never have. It's too sterile. Too cold. Too empty."

"I agree." She joined him on the bed. "Even here with you, I feel...vulnerable. Like I'm sleeping in a gymnasium instead of a room."

"Exactly. It's so open."

She reached out and took his hand, threading her fingers through his. "Maybe…we'll have to see, but maybe we can move to my house instead?"

Adrien turned to look at her, eyes searching her face for intention. He only saw comfort. "You sure? You wouldn't mind sharing your room with me?"

"We might have to reorganize it a little. Make it a little less pink and girly. But yes, I'd love to share my room with you."

He snuggled right up to her, almost spooning her. "I love you. And I think your room is super cute. We don't have to change anything."

"Too bad, we're going to change things up. Whatever you want, just say the word."

His exhale fluttered her bangs as he let go of her hand to hold her around the waist instead. "In that case, I want a jacuzzi. And a wall that looks like a big lava lamp."

"Well, we can probably get a lava lamp. And we have a bathtub in the bathroom."

He shrugged, "I suppose that will have to work."

They laid like that for the rest of the night, discussing the changes to make to Marinette's room. Most of them were absurd and silly, but some of them were doable.

"We should suspend a flat screen TV from the ceiling by the bed, so I can play games at night."

"We could put directly on the ceiling, so we can watch TV before bed."

"Let's install a fireman's pole from the balcony into the room, so we don't put our shoes on your mattress."

"We should at least get another desk in there, so you have a place to work."

"Bunk desk, right on top of yours."

"That sounds dangerous and uncomfortable."

In the back of her mind, Marinette knew that this moment was going to be interrupted by Gabriel. She desperately wanted him to come clean about whatever the hell was going on. So it was her job to keep Adrien feeling optimistic until he came.

But he never did.

When Adrien's sentences were peppered with more than one yawn, they took turns showering, and then prepared for bed.

While she was disappointed he still hadn't come forward, she couldn't help but be a little relieved that neither of them were going to sleep crying tonight.

Once Adrien was all fresh and clean, he snuggled her right up against his chest, nuzzling her neck. "Good night, My Lady."

"Good night, Kitty."

—

She stood on that rooftop, watching the scene below her as she had hundreds of times. The long shadow accompanied the voice of her greatest failure, cast by the too bright headlights on the car.

Ladybug clenched and unclenched her fist, watching as the young man begged for his life.

Run. She told herself. This one is not worth it. Please just run.

But this had already happened, and there was no erasing the past. So she stood and waited, waited for her opportunity to face the man that would be her downfall. Edward Savauge, normal man. No Miraculous, no akuma, just a sick twisted heart and too many strings to pull.

A noise brought her out of the flashback, a snapping noise of a foot on plastic.

She blinked once, twice, and stared at the mess of Adrien's room in the bare lamp light from outside. She twisted in her sheets, making Adrien whine as he was dislodged from her side.

Only after she turned around did she realize they were not alone.

She sat up quickly, cradling Adrien's head to her stomach. "Who's there?"

The shadowy figure in the corner of the room by the window didn't come any closer. "I apologize, I didn't mean to frighten you."

"Tikki, spots on!"

The flash of Pink light not only woke up Adrien fully, but it illuminated the figure for a moment. Ladybug's face grew pale under her mask. "Hawkmoth?"

Adrien muttered his transformation phrase as well, and crouched, ready to attack.

"That's really not necessary," Hawkmoth spoke, taking only one step forward, kicking some DVD cases out of the way. "I have no intention in fighting."

"Is that why you snuck in while we were sleeping?"

"I simply wanted privacy, and I had hoped if you were tired, you'd be more willing to talk before fighting." He walked over to Adrien's desk and flipped on a lamp, illuminating him in all his unholy glory.

"So what do you want?" Ladybug spoke, coming to sit at the end of the bed. "We're grateful for all you did to save us, but we're still not going to give up the Miraculous. We're sworn to protect them."

"Of course." Using his enhanced strength, Hawkmoth righted the upturned couch, facing it towards them, and took a seat. "You've proved that you are more than perfect for holding your Miraculous. I would be crazy for trying to take them away. Besides, I have no need for them anymore."

"Are you turning yourself in, then? You helped us escape, but that doesn't get you off the hook for all the things you did."

"No, I suppose it doesn't. And if you still want to send me to prison after this, you'd be justified."

"Alright, go on then. Make your plea."

Hawkmoth crossed a leg over the other, looking to all the world a business man in a meeting, and not a terrorist at the end of the line. "I made a mistake a long time ago. I let my wife use a broken Miraculous, even though we were warned of the consequences. She got sick, and then fell asleep, with no hope of waking. The Black Cat and Ladybug Miraculous come together and allow for an ultimate wish. I intended to use this wish to wake her up."

"Even at the cost of others?"

"You wouldn't do the same for Adrien? If he was right there, and you knew he could be saved?"

Ladybug looked to Chat Noir, remembering all the times he had fallen in battle. And then that moment in the catacombs when she had to leave him behind. She had considered putting the Miraculous both on to save him.

"So…what changed your mind?" She asked instead of answering.

"The guardian. He came and spoke to us, not knowing who I was. I explained my problem, and he had a solution that didn't require the Miraculous."

Ladybug relaxed. "And your wife, she's okay now?"

"You had dinner just this evening."

"W-what?"

"Dark wings fall."

The purple light dispersed, and Gabriel Agreste sat there instead.

Emilie was right, things did make sense.

But why did it have to be all so unfair?

Chat Noir, for his part, just stared at Gabriel, like he was trying to solve an impossible problem.

"I imagine you have questions, son."

But Chat didn't make to transform, just sat there with his head in his hands.

"Emilie said you knew where she was, this entire time."

"Yes," Gabriel admitted regretfully. "She was in the basement, in a life support chamber."

Chat just shook his head in disbelief.

"And you never thought about telling Adrien?"

"I thought about it every day…but I was…cautious. Because of who I was, and what I was doing. I knew he wouldn't like it. I was hoping to wrap it up sooner…but you're both just too smart."

Chat snorted. And then proceeded to laugh. Not a funny laugh, but a laugh of disbelief, like something so horribly ironic just happened and all you can do is laugh. Because if you don't, you'll cry, and he'd cried enough today.

"Adrien," Gabriel said softly. "Your mother had nothing to do with this. She didn't leave, she became sick, you understand? Please don't push her out. She loves you so so much. Please."

Chat stood, still laughing and shaking his head. He walked across the room to the windows.

"What are you doing?" Gabriel asked, panic edging at his voice. "I hope you're not trying to leave. You're not well enough."

The glare that Adrien shot across the room gave Marinette goosebumps. His cat-eyed pupils narrowed into slits, and the toxic green glowed in the dark.

Without another word, Chat escaped through the window Gabriel had left open, and disappeared into the night.

Gabriel groaned after he left. "I suppose that could have been worse."

Ladybug stood, and went to the closet. "Suppose it could have. But now I have to clean up your mess." She found Adrien's fencing duffle, and dumped out all of his equipment, before stuffing it with his comfiest clothes.

"What are you doing? Why are you packing?"

"I don't want to stay here anymore, and considering how quickly he fled, I doubt he's coming back tonight."

"Would you convince him to talk to his mother at least? He needs at least one parent."

She shrugged. "I don't tell Adrien to do anything. He's been bossed around enough."

Gabriel shook his head. "Fine. You impossible children. Are you going to your house? Can I tell your parents?"

"That's my plan. If you want to tell them, that's fine. I was going to write a note anyways."

"Oh," Gabriel tugged at his jacket, taking a wallet out of his pocket. "Here, this is Adrien's wallet. The police returned it to me. There's a new card in there too. He can be as angry as he wants with me, but I'll be damned if he isn't properly cared for."

Ladybug took the wallet with a softer expression. "Glad you're starting to see things our way." Before he dropped his hand back, she took it, and gave it a firm shake. "Thank you, Hawkmoth. For saving us. Regardless of the reason, thanking you is something I had been meaning to do since I got my memory back."

Gabriel could only nod as emotion started to choke him. He pulled away and fled the room himself.

"Well?" Asked Emilie, who had been waiting outside the door. "How did it go?"

"They left."

"Left? What do you mean? Where are they going?"

"To Marinette's bakery."

"Is that smart? Are they strong enough for that?"

"I surmise that revealing myself has ruined any sort of authority over them I had. Adrien's not going to listen to me. I tried to get across to them that you're not a fault but…" A tear rolled down his cheek. "Why did I even start this charade? All I ever did was hurt people. My son, my daughter in law, Nathalie, I couldn't even save you." He shook his head. "I should just turn myself in."

Emilie rested a hand on his shoulder. "That's not going to help Adrien. Now, you're going to continue with therapy, and you're going to follow my lead. It might take a while for Adrien to start talking to you again, but it doesn't hurt to try."

"I've been trying."

"Well, then try harder!"

"Emilie…"

"Starting tomorrow. Now come along, it's late."

"Yes dear."

—

Ladybug landed on her balcony, duffle over her shoulder.

Chat was curled up on her deck chair, staring at the sky.

"You doing okay, kitty?"

"It's not all that surprising, all things considered. I gave him so many excuses for his shitty behavior, and little did I know, he's actually the worst person in Paris."

Marinette shrugged. "I can think of at least two people that take that title now."

"Oh. Yeah, I guess you got me there."

Ladybug sat down next to him, draping her legs over his. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly to his chest. "You know what really sucks?"

"What?"

"I love him. I still…I still love him. Hawkmoth. God. That sucks."

"Well, he is your father, and at some point, he was different. And he was doing this to save your mom, not for riches or power…I don't know, I think that softens the blow a little."

"Yeah. That makes it hurt a little less. He's a good person. But just—Deep deep down. And he's trying. I know he is."

"You know you should forgive him, right?"

Chat growled. "Yeah…"

"But I think a lot of people mess up forgiveness with acceptance. Forgiveness is letting the anger and the bitterness in your heart go. So accept that he hurt you, work through it, and let that anger and hate go. But that doesn't mean you have to invite him back into your life to hurt you again. You can protect yourself. You can cut him off."

"I don't know if I want to cut him off…at least not forever. I just need time to think."

She smiled at him. "That's why I brought your duffle. He's not expecting us to come back for a while."

Chat sat up, eyes wide and full of delight. "Really?"

"Yes, kitty. I'm sure he'll want us to interact with him, but we can stay here."

His lips found hers, pressing affection and gratitude into her. "You're the best."

"I try."