It was now 11pm. Adrien and Plagg both laid on his bed, staring at the ceiling.

That was...a lot.

"Your father..." began Plagg.

"Yeah."

"...is Hawkmoth."

"Yeah."

"It's not...that surprising."

"Yeah."

They continued to lay there, silently accepting all they had seen.

"And Marinette is Ladybug."

"Yeah."

"Crazy day."

"Yeah."

Silence.

"I've never seen him cry before." Said Plagg.

"I've only seen it once before. I had assumed he cried when mom disappeared, but he never did in front of me."

"It was...kind of reassuring."

"Yeah."

"And your mom is still..."

"Yeah."

Gabriel had said a lot down in his secret garden. How sorry he was, how guilty he felt, how he knew he had gone too far, the times he almost quit, even though he was so close.

Adrien hadn't been able to say a thing.

His mother was right there, but Gabriel had hid her, because he didn't know how to explain to his son what he had done.

"You know," said Plagg. "I get why he thought get my and Tikki's miraculous would help. But it's really a last resort thing. There's other ways to treat a magical coma."

"Yeah."

"You okay?"

"Emotionally drained, and just...seeing my mothers face..."

"I get it." Said the Kwami, nuzzling up to his face. "We'll figure it out." Plagg afforded him a few more minutes of quiet contemplation before asking, "Are you going to help him?"

"Yeah." Adrien said absent-mindedly. Then clarified, "obviously not the way he asked me to."

Gabriel had explained the situation. That he needed the Ladybug and Black Chat Miraculous to bring Emilie out of her coma. He had been using Lila and Chloe as triggers to set emotional teenagers off, but with Lila out of the picture, he needed someone else to fill that roll.

Adrien had asked, in the calmest voice he could muster if Lila knew he was Hawkmoth.

Gabriel had clarified that no, only Nathalie knew. And now, now that he was standing up for himself and proved himself trustworthy, he was being let in on the secret.

He had the brain power to thank his father, but it sounded pretty hollow to his own ears.

Thankfully, he didn't have to say anything else. His father just kept talking. The truth spilled out of him like a fountain, like he was relieved to finally confess all of these terrible things he had done.

Adrien imagined that when he finally came face to face with Hawkmoth (again) he'd punch the man in the face, and then when he was defeated, he and Ladybug would scream it from the rooftops. Then he and Ladybug would share a deep kiss as Hawkmoth was loaded into the squad car.

He never imagined his father in that scenario.

But, hauntingly enough, the reveal wasn't as agonizing as it probably should have been. He hadn't even cried. He shed a few tears at his mother's face, but that was a given. With his father, it was just shock. And a little frustration and guilt directed at himself. How had he not known sooner?

"Shouldn't we tell Marinette?" Asked Plagg, breaking that self-deprecating spiral before it began.

"Yeah...we probably should. But I...don't know if I can. I haven't even told her my identity."

"You don't expect to fight him on your own?"

"No. I really don't want to fight my father. Not after he was so...vulnerable. And he trusted me."

"Trust means little when you're a terrorist, Adrien."

"Maybe...but it means a lot to me..."

"Okay." Plagg patted his cheek. "What's ideal in this situation? Not realistic, ideal."

"We...get my father to hand over his miraculous, I take it to Marinette, and together we find a way to wake up my mother...and then I don't loose either of my parents."

"You know your father isn't going to hand it over. Even if you tell him who you are. And I can't recommend enough for you NOT to do that."

"No, no I won't do that. That's too risky. I saw how desperate he was."

"So what do we do? We can't wait."

"No, we can't. But...since we know where he lives, we know where he sleeps."

"What? You're going to take it while he's sleeping?"

"Nope." Adrien turned to smile at him. "You are."

"Me?!"

"There's not any code against Kwami's taking another's miraculous, is there?"

"I mean, it's rude. But if it's for the Kwami's own good..." he put a paw to his face. "I'll do it. Nooroo is hurting with your father."

"I think the peacock is here too. It might be in the safe."

"Oh!" Plagg cried.

"What?"

"I saw it! Adrien! When we broke into your dad's safe! There was a peacock brooch in there in disguise and I didn't even think about it!"

Adrien groaned. "Damn, Ladybug even guessed that my father was Hawkmoth all that time ago!"

"He akumatized himself though. He threw you off."

Adrien finally sat up, resting his elbows on his knees. "You're right. We have to be smart about this. If his miraculous goes missing the morning after he told me, I'm suspect number one."

"So how do you want to pull the greatest heist of the century?"

"Go take the peacock first, and then get the moth. I will run the shower and hide in the bathroom. As soon as you have them, we'll transform and go to Marinette. That way, if he wakes up at any point and comes looking for answers, I'll have an alibi."

"Not a strong one, but it'll work."

"It has to work. Then, I'll pack my fencing duffel and disappear for a few days. Until Ladybug and Chat Noir can talk to him."

"Yeah, that's not suspicious."

"I'll leave a note, that lets him know everything is going to be okay, I just need a little time to process everything."

"I have a feeling he's not going to take well to that."

Adrien wiped his hands down his face. "I mean, we could consult Ladybug first if you think that's better!"

"Nah, I think she'll appreciate you acting quickly and discreetly."

Adrien looked at the clock. "Okay. I'm not sure what time he goes to bed. But I'll pack up my bag now. Can you spy on him?"

"I'll be the most serious I've ever been in my entire existence."

"Watch out for Nooroo too. He might alert my father."

Plagg gave him a considerate look. "Something tells me he won't."

So Adrien gathered his belongings. A few days worth of clothes, toiletries, and a few possessions he couldn't leave behind if things went south, including his passport and birth certificate. After a moment of consideration, he shoveled Plagg's cheese stash into a garbage bag.

"Hey! What's the big idea?!"

He tossed the cheese bag into his duffel. "It's suspicious."

"What? You think he's going to rifle through your room?"

"I wouldn't put it past him."

Then he scrounged around and found a little gift box. It would hold both Miraculous perfectly.

At midnight, Plagg went out for the first Miraculous. He returned only a few minutes later, empty handed. "Your father was still down in the basement. I'm going to go back down and watch for when he comes back upstairs. You should try to get a little sleep. I'll wake you when I have the peacock."

Adrien nodded, but didn't think he could actually sleep. He was completely exhausted after this whirlwind of a day. He now knew the two biggest secrets in all of Paris. If he wasn't Chat Noir, it may have been enough to turn him on his head.

But as it stood, he was Chat Noir, and he had a job to do.

Time stretched on, and the longer he waited there, in the dark, the longer he worried. What if Plagg was caught? Of course he could phase through anything, and he was smart enough not to lead back to him. But then his father would immediately be on edge.

The house was silent. In the huge halls and thick walls, it was impossible to hear what was going on. The door could open at any moment.

There was a creak, and Adrien held his breath.

"One down." Plagg whispered.

Adrien exhaled, despite his heart pounding. Now is when the risk was greatest. Now he could be caught with stolen goods.

"Is my father asleep?"

"Looks like it."

Adrien nodded, and took the peacock brooch. He put it in the box, and took it, and his duffel bag, with him into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.

He set the box on the counter, and then went over and opened the window.

"Take it when you feel it's safe."

"Roger that." Plagg gave a serious nod, before disappearing into the house.

Adrien turned on the water, and then took a seat on the toilet.

And waited.

It would be okay. Everything would work out fine. His father hadn't figured him out as Chat Noir yet, and he even confessed that he greatly trusted Adrien. So...his father would be asleep. Not guarded, not paranoid. Just sleeping.

Minutes dragged on, as all he could do was sit there and catastrophize.

"I got it." Plagg announced, appearing silently.

Adrien jumped at the sound. But lost his voice at the sight of the butterfly pin in Plagg's paws.

"It went smoothly?"

"Nooroo saw me."

Adrien shut his eyes in defeat.

"He didn't say anything. He actually smiled at me and pointed at the pin. He wanted me to take it."

Adrien sighed in relief. "Then we did it."

"Almost. We have to get these in the Miracle Box."

"Right! Plagg, Claws Out!"

—

The first stop was the school. He had to drop off his overnight bag. A part of him wondered if it would have been alright just to take his bag with him in the morning, since it was his fencing bag, but there was always the risk that Gabriel would stop him and search through it in the morning. He couldn't risk anything.

Normally, when he was this high strung, he would savor the rush of the wind, and the secrets of the night.

But not tonight. It was far too dangerous to leave for long.

He landed on the roof of the school, and climbed down to the courtyard. Thankfully, the locker room was open, and he was able to quickly stuff his bag in his locker. The school looked different at night. Eerie, quiet, and too dark for someone without night vision to walk through. He stayed only long enough to stash his bag, before leaving again. He couldn't worry about security cameras.

And thankfully, Marinette lived right next to the school.

He landed on her balcony, not really caring if his fall woke her up.

Peering in her window, he saw her curled up, sleeping peacefully. He had half a mind to just leave the box and let her sleep.

But no, this was too important. He had to make sure she received it.

He knocked his knuckles against the glass.

She stirred.

He knocked again.

She turned her face towards him, and he could see her squinting at him. And then her clock.

Finally, she stood and opened the hatch. "Chat Noir? What's wrong? Do you have any idea what time it is?"

"Far too late to be making house calls to pretty girls," he joked, but it lacked luster. "But I got you a present."

"At 2 in the morning?"

"It can't wait. Sorry. But I think you'll really like it." He handed over the box. "Don't wait to open it. But I can't stick around. I trust you more than anyone in the whole world. I know you'll know what to do with them."

"What are you talking about Chat? You're acting really weird."

"I know, I'm sorry. We'll talk later, okay? I just—I got to go."

Perhaps he was seeking comfort, or maybe he was just hopped up on adrenaline, but he swooped down and pressed a kiss on her forehead. Then without anything else, he fled.

—

Chat Noir dropped into his bathroom, the shower still running, the door still closed. He had left soft music on too, just in case someone called to him and he couldn't answer.

He dropped his transformation, and undressed. It wouldn't do to come out of a hour long shower with dry hair.

He showered quickly. Just enough to be convincing. Then put on his pajamas, and left the room.

Sitting on his bed, cloaked in the shadows, was his father.

Though Adrien prepared for it, it still startled him. "Oh!"

"Have a nice shower? At 2 in the morning?"

Adrien gulped. "I was...I couldn't sleep. I thought a shower would help."

"And did it? Are you all calm and relaxed?"

No. "Yes?"

"Good." Gabriel stood, and in a few quick steps, loomed over his son. "Where is it?"

"Wh-what?"

Gabriel grabbed him by the collar and yanked him upwards, forcing him up on his toes. "Don't play dumb with me! I know you took it!"

"I didn't—I don't—!"

"Don't lie to me!"

"I'm sorry!" Adrien burst, honest to god tears spilling over his cheeks. "I didn't think you'd mind..."

"I wouldn't mind?!" Gabriel screamed. "Are you stupid or something?!" He let go of Adrien who stumbled back. "Get it for me. Now!"

Adrien scrambled over to his TV and grabbed a DVD. The one his mother had starred in, Solitude. "Here...you were just so busy...I didn't think..."

Gabriel stared at the case, wide-eyed. "Adrien..."

"Next time, I'll ask. I promise."

Gabriel sighed, dropping the case onto the bed. "This wasn't what was missing. You were fine to borrow this without asking."

"Oh?" Adrien wiped his face. "Then, what's missing?"

"My miraculous." He jutted out his jaw, and lowered his gaze.

Adrien resisted the urge to smile. It seemed he was a better actor than he thought. "Your...Miraculous is missing? But...did you check by your bed? Maybe it fell off your nightstand? Or wherever you put it when you sleep?"

"I wear it to bed."

"Isn't that uncomfortable?"

"I'm used to it now. I have to wear it. I'll wake up if I feel a strong enough emotion."

Adrien ran over the information his father had given him earlier. He couldn't let on that he knew any information about the Miraculous, but he did have the Ladyblog as a source if he slipped up.

"What about the little moth thing? The...karmi?"

"Kwami." Gabriel clarified, "and his name is Nooroo. I've ordered him to obey...but it could very be likely he took it from me. At least, that's the most likely scenario." He frowned a little harder. "It couldn't have been Nathalie…?"

"Do you want me to help you look for it?"

"No." Gabriel sighed, patting his shoulder. "I've already caused you to lose sleep. You have school in the morning."

"Okay, if you're sure."

"Thank you, Adrien, I knew I could trust you." And with a solemn nod, he left him alone.

Adrien sank to the bed, exhausted.

A solid alibi, great deflection, and even offering to help. It looked like he was in the clear. But that would only last so long.

"That was terrifying." Said Plagg, sitting next to him.

"You're telling me."

"You technically didn't lie either. You didn't take it."

"Yeah, but I don't think I'd feel guilty about it." He looked to the door. "That Miraculous, or the power of having it, has changed him so much. He used to laugh, Plagg. He told puns and we joked and had fun. He was still always cutthroat and serious in the fashion world, but when he came home..." he rubbed at his eye. "He never yelled at me like that."

"So those tears aren't faked?"

Adrien shook his head. "I've never been more scared in my life. I thought he...I thought he might actually kill me."

"But he didn't. You've got a bag packed, and once we figure out how to help your mom, we'll be back and put everything right."

"Yeah. Okay." With a slow exhale, Adrien rose from the bed and made his way over to his desk.

Dear father,

After all the information I learned last night, and your treatment of me afterwards, I have decided that I need to leave for a while. I just need to process this, and I can't at home. I will be staying with a trustworthy friend, and I will continue to go to school. I won't have my phone on me. If you need to get in touch with me, you can meet me at the school, where there are witnesses.

I'm really sorry. I'm just a little scared right now.

Love,

Adrien.

He put the note in his wallet, making sure to remember to leave it somewhere his father would see tomorrow.

He was so tired. So exhausted. His head throbbed, and his legs hurt from being so tense.

He took out some Ibuprofen from his nightstand, shook out two pills, and swallowed them with a sip of water.

The water was cold, but he didn't remember getting it. Must have been after the reveal. He had been in so much shock.

"Adrien?" Plagg asked.

"Hmm?"

"Tikki's here. Are you okay if I leave for a while?"

"Yeah. No threats of Akuma anymore." Adrien spoke drowsily. "Go and tell Nooroo I said hello."

Plagg smiled him. "Get some sleep, kid."

—

Marinette stared at the spot on the railing that Chat had jumped off of long after he left.

He was acting really really weird.

"Well?" Asked Tikki. "Aren't you going to open it?"

"I guess...but..." She worried her bottom lip. "It's probably okay, right? Nothing suspicious about giving a random female civilian a gift at 2am."

"Just open it already!" Tikki cried, impatient.

Marinette giggled at her. "Alright alright." She pulled the tabs, and popped the top flap.

In a blindingly bright flash of light, two small figures appeared.

Marinette almost dropped the box.

Tikki floated closer. "Nooroo? Dusuu? Is it really..."

"Tikki!" They both cried, zipping to her and embracing her.

"I don't understand..." Marinette breathed. Then, she glanced down into the box that rattled in her hand. Two brooches, a peacock and a butterfly, rested inside.

"How did he...where did he...?"

"Oh!" Cried Nooroo, flying into her face with the biggest smile imaginable. "You're Adrien's friend! The cute one! You'll watch over him, won't you?"

Despite the overload that was happening right now, Marinette was quick to put the pieces together.

"If you care about Adrien...so that means...Gabriel really was...?"

Nooroo nodded, much more sadly this time.

"How did Chat figure this out? How did he get you? Did he go up against Hawkmoth alone?!"

"No. Plagg came and got me while Gabriel was sleeping." His eyes widened. "I can say his name!"

"The bond must be broken then!" Exclaimed Tikki. "You're free from his control!"

"Oh thank you!" Nooroo cried nuzzling into her face.

"You're welcome?" Marinette returned, holding the Kwami. Though she was unsure what she had to do with this at all. "How did Chat or Plagg find you?"

Nooroo shrugged. "I don't know. I didn't get to talk to him. I went into the brooch when he took it off of Gabriel."

"I'm just...I'm so confused. I have no idea how...and why me? Why Marinette? He couldn't possibly know who I am!"

"He did say you'd talk later." Tikki reminded, helpfully.

"And another thing! Where did he have to run off to so quickly? He practically shoved this into my arms!"

"I guess you could stay up all night speculating, or you could go to bed and get answers tomorrow."

She growled. "Hold on. I just—Spots on!"

As soon as the transformation completed, she had her yo-yo out and called him.

The call didn't connect.

Nor did the five others she tried.

Her tracker clearly showed he wasn't transformed, so what was the point?

"Spots off." She grumbled.

"Any luck?"

"No. I have no idea what's going on! He's not transformed, or else I could go to him. What if he's in danger? What if—?"

"Marinette. You are way too paranoid for your own good. You have both of the Miraculous here. So he can't be in too much danger."

Marinette gave Tikki a half-hearted glare. "Yeah...I guess..." Then she looked to Nooroo and Dusuu. "Would you like to go back in the Miracle Box?"

They both got really excited at that. "Yes! Yes please!"

"I know!" Sang Tikki. "I'll grab some snacks and join you in a little bit! I can leave now that there's no threat of akumas!"

No more akumas.

It had only been a year or so. But the idea of never having to fight an Akuma again was so foreign.

There were still criminals in Paris. She wouldn't have to give up being a hero. But, things would be easier now.

She could take a vacation!

"Earth to Marinette!" Tikki chirped.

"Oh! Right, sorry. Just...processing some things." She got out of bed, and lifted her mattress to reveal the hidden cubby where she had stashed the Miracle Box. She placed the brooches in their compartments, making the two kwami's vanish from her room.

"You okay if I join them?"

"Yeah. If you wanted to go find Plagg and invite him too, you can. And if you wouldn't mind checking in on Chat?"

"I think Plagg would love to celebrate with us. I'll go find him."

With Tikki checking in on the situation, Marinette started to relax.

She snuggled in her blankets, replaying that kiss with Adrien again. It was her go-to comfort place. His hands warm on her shoulders, his lips pressed so gently against hers.

He had said it wasn't a celebrity thing, but...how many times had Ladybug interacted with Adrien? Enough to constitute for even a friendship?

She knew Adrien liked Marinette. Not 'like like' but he sought out her company, and asked her for advice. He had snuggled against her on the train, and held her close when they slow danced. She did believe that his feelings had grown stronger when he found out who she was.

But how strong those feelings were in the first place, she didn't know.

She didn't understand. How could he love Ladybug so much that he hesitated dating a girl who was right in front of him, and who liked him back?

This warranted more talking. She just hoped that she wouldn't ruin her own chances.

"We're back!" Tikki chirped, phasing through the window.

Plagg was with her. "Sweet victory, huh?"

"Somehow, I thought defeating Hawkmoth would be a lot less...underwhelming."

"Things aren't over yet." Plagg said seriously. "The kid has a pretty huge favor to ask. A couple, actually. But he wants you to relax for now."

"How did he find out? How did all of this happen?"

Plagg grinned. "Turns out I'm great at espionage!"

She smiled. "Well, Nooroo told me that much. But how did you and Chat figure out who he was?"

"Long story. I don't have the attention span. He'll tell you later. Now, Tikki promised me some cheese quiche?"

Marinette sighed to herself. It looked like she really wasn't getting any information tonight. "Help yourselves. She knows where the leftovers are."

Tikki nuzzled her forehead. "Why don't you go to sleep? Regardless of the Hawkmoth drama, you had a really stressful day."

"Thanks Tikki." She took one last look at Plagg. "I take it, that you being here, means that Chat's safe? He's okay?"

"Yeah, he was just about to go to bed."

"Why did he rush off?"

"He had a feeling someone was going to check on him."

"Oh. Okay. As long as he's alright..."

"Bug. Go to sleep."

—

This chapter is a lot shorter than the last, but it felt like a good stopping point. I'm going on vacation next week, so this won't update for a little while. I'll probably update 'Longest Night' first. But thank you all for the comments, likes, kudos, and favorites! I love you!