A/N: Rated for language, mentions of blood, and mentions of injury and mild suicide reference.

The Sun Behind the Storm: Chapter 2: Cloudy With(out) a Chance...

"...And then finally the heroine in red and black managed to defeat the akuma with a bottle of baby powder.", Donny was regaling Yue with the highlights from the last battle with the latest akuma, "So what do you think?"

"Hn?", the boy made a small inkling of interest. Though never looking up from his book.

"Are you even paying attention?"

"I heard what you said.", he just didn't have any interest in it, "No matter how many times you repeat it the outcome is the same.", just with a new villian, different power, but same results, "Honestly it's become a matter of waiting.", to what came down to someone having a bad day. Then seeing them transformed into some weird or lazily thought out villian. Heroes come in, fight, and fix the problem in a wave of ladybugs. Everyone is happy. The victim is saved and returned to normal. And then it starts all over again.

"True some of the newest current akuma's haven't been much to grip about.", not that it stopped citizens from running around like chickens when it starts raining apple juice because someone spilled their drink on their new blouse in front of people. And got embarrassed because a couple of people laughed, "But, it keeps things interesting.", and breaks from the usual. Though it seemed that a supervillain appearing was becoming the usual, "Plus it makes for interesting content for my channel.", allowing him to branch out.

"Stepping away from the city gossip scene?"

"Of course not.", just dipping his toes in the water of a new flowing stream, "My last posts on the heroes garnered quite a bit of views for the blog.", more then he might expect, but still a good number of new scribers, "So much so I'm thinking of adding another segment onto to the lineup.", and post more information on the heroes.

"Out of the dozens of individuals reporting on the heroes and akuma's in the city.", he might be entering rather late into the game, "You'll definitely have competition."

"What fun would it be without it?", Donny did enjoy a good bit of fun while pursuing his passions, "Though given the actual number of sites who actually report on the heroes.", not counting the news, "I would say my chances are quite high.", because to be the best, one had to beat the best.

"Whatever keeps you busy.", Yue turned the page in his book, "This won't interfere with your other work?"

"Not too much.", Donny said, "The real issue is getting more footage for the blog.", which would involve him being able to get on-site when the attacks were happening. Readying to film and catch all the juicy details. Especially with the dynamic of the main duo of the Ladybug and Black Cat, "That could be a good topic to discuss on the blog."

"Again do what you want.", but don't forget what he needed to be done, "Is there a reason you called me out?", he questioned why Donny had called him out. Especially on the time, he should be handling his overly busy schedule.

"Nothing gets passed you.", Donny said, "I'm doing a project for my PR class.", which involved them making a short commercial to promote an item and sell it, "And what's a good product. Without a model.", which is why he had asked Yue out to the park.

"You want me to be your model?", for a class project of all things.

"Of course!", he exclaimed, "Nothing too big. Just a quick thirty-second video.", he illustrated the basics of his idea for his work, "And of course so high-quality shots of you."

"And what exactly am I selling?", he questioned what he would be modeling for. Even if he wasn't interested. Curiosity was another one of those instincts that got even the most pessimistic of individuals.

"What else? Tada!", he went into the small container that he had been sitting on when Yue had found him and came back up holding a box for Yue to see.

"Ice cream?", he looked at the package of frozen treats.

Donny nodded, "Of course!", he declared, "What's more refreshing on a nice spring day than a delicious and cool ice cream.", for which Donny had acquired some random ice cream for them to use, "All you have to do is sit at the fountain and pose.", enjoying the frozen treat. It was the perfect location and with the ideal food dor a sunny early spring day, "So, what do you think?"

"I suppose this is...okay.", it wasn't anything one needed to rush over, but it gave him something to do for the moment, "But, I swear if you misuse my photo's again.", he warned Donny of past incidents when he had used his image for one of his projects.

"One time.", during their first semester at high school, "Thanks to you we sold a lot of calender's for the journalism and multimedia club.", with Yue taking the spot of December on the calendar, "Luckily you were so popular with the female's students.", who snagged up boxes worth of calendars. Allowing the club to purchase much-needed supplies.

"And you were lucky I didn't sue you.", while he had no problem with picture taking in some aspects. Having grown accustomed to having his picture taken with family and even Donny when he took selfies from time to time. Even the one from the calendar incident wasn't bad. Just Yue sitting at the fountain drinking cocoa. For what Donny captioned 'Heat in Winter.'. It still had the aftermath of dealing with the number of 'fans'. Who pestered the boy for autographs and

"Still you have to admit you do have a capturing effect on people.", given his abnormal, if not enthralling appearance. Long hair that could only be characterized as white as snow. And eyes like two crystals. Light blue and cutting. Coupled with his cool, almost lone like personality. It quickly cemented him as the current 'Ice Prince' of Paris, "Not to mention all the hot chocolate the school cafeteria sold that winter.", he added.

"And now you want me to help you sell ice cream?" "Not sell. Promote.", it was basically a mock PR stunt to promote a non-branded item, "Simple."

Yui looked through the container of treats.

Donny was lucky he liked ice cream.

"I thought you might agree.", Donny commented, "Even a block of ice can be chipped away.", with the right tools. And for Yue, who concealed much of himself in silence and an outer fog that kept others at bay. If there was one way to get his attention. It was frozen treats.

"Don't push it.", Yue warned the other.

"I would never dream of it.", Donny assured, yet his smirk remained despite the obvious threat looming over him, "So how about a few tests shots?"

"Now?"

"Of course!", with a snap of his fingers Donny's crew had materialized to the area. Individuals from the media club Donny was apart of. Including his cameraman, Tim, who was practically Donny's second hand when it came to his videos. Not only filming the videos. But editing the material. So, of course, Donny would bring him along to help with his current project.

"Today is the perfect space for us to do some practice shots.", and get a feel for the final project. "Plus this space practically screams spring!", including the use of the fountain and surrounding trees in peak bloom. Budding on the branches with new leaves sticking out, "It would be nice if the sun would come out for a bit.", instead of stuck behind the clouds scattered around in clusters, "We'll just focus main focal points.", he eyed Yue who only gave an even look.

"Now then let's get everything set up. While Yue goes to make-up."

"Let's get this over with.", Yue would go along with this for a moment. Just take a couple of photos and then he could go home. As he was taken to the makeshift make-up area where he would be in the hands of Donny's personal artist. Who, for the most part, seemed to be able to do decent work with how Donny appeared during each of his videos. Yue was clear about what he would and would not use. Which, as one might guess, was a long list. Settling with only the basics since it was just a test shot.

So with a quick application of some blush and a little gloss for his lips. Yue felt ready enough. And was now stuck waiting for Donny and his crew to finish setting up the set space. To pass the time Yue took out his phone. Noting the time he opened his message board. And opened the link to a contact named, Kitty. A short message had already been sent to his phone...

'It happened again?'

Yue looked at the text for the moment.

'What did you do?'

He waited for a moment. Seeing the little three dots on the screen.

'I made a mess.'

'How many this time?'

'3.'

'Don't lie to me.'

'Maybe 5.'

'Where?'

'Are you mad?'

'Where?'

'You're angry right?'

'I'm sorry.'

A sad emoticon appeared right after the last text. Large eyes dripping with water.

'Where did you do it?'

'I really tried.'

'Why?'

'Not feeling good again.'

A sick emoticon appeared on his screen. Wearing a face mask over their mouth indicating illness.

'What were you fed?'

'I had some cheese in my bag.'

'It didn't taste good.'

"It made me feel...empty.'

'What else?'

'Food?'

'What else did you do?'

'Same old same old.'

'Have you slept?'

'Not today. Or Yesterday. Maybe not tomorrow. Who knows.'

'You should sleep.'

'I forgot how.'

'How do you forget?'

'I can't. Though...I want to...'

'...'

'I went on my balcony last night.'

'I can see the garden. It looks so far away.'

'You've told me.'

'And so many flowers.'

'I've gotten the pictures.'

'Would you bring me flowers?'

'Why?'

'They're pretty.'

'Why would I bring you flowers?'

'Like you.'

'People love flowers.'

'Point?'

'Maybe soon I'll be a flower?'

'People love flowers. right?'

'How many times today?'

'Just once. No one will notice, right?'

'How do you get red out of silk?'

'Can you come to visit today?'

'Why?'

'Movies?'

'What are you doing?'

'Are you mad at me? I tried.'

'Not mad. Busy.'

'?'

'Taking pictures.'

'I want one.'

A smiling emoji appears.

'You want a picture of me?'

'Can I have one?'

'...'

'Are you mad me?'

'No.'

'Please don't be mad. Can you come to find me again?'

'Where?'

'I don't remember.'

'How?'

'Everyone's disappearing. They left me. Come get me. Please.'

'Where are you?'

'...Can't...'

'Why?'

'Scared.'

'...'

'It hurts.'

After a moment the texts stopped. Yue stared at the phone and the message thread. Noticing how their conversation became lost in a distortion of fog. That continued to trek and thicken with each passing moment. Not the first time. But, not the last.

He didn't have time for this.

For now, all they could do is head off into the unknown.

"Told you.", Donny practically sang as he teased Yue. Showing the numbers for his little project involving the other.

"What are you on about today?", Yue questioned with half-interest, "You've been smiling like a fool since I saw you this morning.", since they arrived at school the boy had practically grinned the moment Yue stepped foot into the school.

"Of course I am!", he grinned, "My blog has been blowing up with images I posted on my Instagram.", he pointed out the photos from the shoot they did in the park. Besides the ones with Yue eating ice cream in the park. The ones that really caught people's eyes were the ones involving the Ice Prince with a certain ball of blond sunshine. As they chatted and conversed by at the fountain. The cherry on top was the one of the blond-haired boy resting on Yue's shoulder as flower petals lightly drizzled overheard. With the sun beaming down over them after the clouds finally retreated. Creating a serene and almost romantic setting.

"It's rather charming seeing you in such a calm state.", and not sending off a killing aura to most living things that try to approach him, "The internet is ablaze about the photos of you and the sunshine boy.", commenting on their interactions between the two, "Suffice to say, the shot was a success!", he declared.

"People are this obsessed over a photo?"

"A photo of a known celebrity, a model, resting on the shoulders of a prince standing guard to protect them.", Donny illustrated.

Yue gave a short exhale before returning to the photos and eyeing the comments. Which were mostly positive comments when looking at the ones of him and the blond model together. While their interaction was short and more one-sided. It didn't stop people from making their own own assumptions and opinions. Especially from a bunch of photos posted only days ago.

'So adorable!'

'Is that Adrien Agreste?'

'The sun finally came out #SunnywithaChanceofSmiles!'

'Whose is that with him?'

'An angel?'

'Genuine.'

'So much different than other photos.'

'#NoFilters.'

"So is that where you were during the whole akuma fiasco?", Donny inquired, "Cuddling up with the Prince of Paris.", again he teased earning a leer from the Ice Prince.

"Do you want to see the inside of an iceberg?", because Yue had a warning look on his face.

"Well excuse me. But, when one of my closets friends is seen literally holding a model of all people. You know I have to have details.", it was his nature as a journalist and gossiper.

"I wasn't holding him.", correcting the other was leaning on him, "We bumped into each other during when the fog rolled in.", courtesy of a newly akumatized Stormy Weather. Who again, brought magical mayhem in the form of a fog that developed and consume the whole city. Making people practically blind and unable to see their anything even an inch from their face.

In Yue's case, he ended up literally bumping into the other completely by accident. And once the two actually recognized each other, the blond practically clung to him. Even to the point of nearly going into a panic attack when they nearly separated while trying to maneuver through the dense fog.

'I'm tried. Don't be mad. Don't leave.'

In the end, they, or rather Yue, found them a bench to sit and wait it out. Where they sat in relative silence until the situation was handled and the weather returned to normal.

"It was a simple coincidence.", and nothing more.

"Of course it was.", Donny said, not buying the whole excuse, but not pressing much more. When Yue was in his mode to be secretive Donny knew to tread carefully. Least he risks the other turning and biting his tongue out, "It's still a cure photo."

Yue only gave a slight roll of his eyes and returned to his workbook.

As the day went by, as predicted, Yue was faced with the constant presence of his classmates and fellow students. Commenting on the photos posted on Donny's blog. Including the ones of his photoshoot and of course the one of him with the model Adrien Agreste. Who, for some reason, had posted on the photo.

'Thanks for the shoulder. Such a peaceful presence in dark times.'

Sparking even more talk and theories of the photo. Including Yue's connection with the model. Many believing Yue had 'protected' and kept Adrien safe during the akuma attack. Which, for some, made him a hero. Even though Yue didn't exactly pay much interest to it. But, it didn't change the dynamic of people practically calling him one. Which of course took advantage of when he could if only to tease Yue.

By the end of the day, after dealing with the usual group of Yue's unofficial fan club. He and Donny were preparing to leave. With Donny traveling with Yue as they did almost every other day. Commenting the proof of Donny of Yue's right hand and closets person at the school to the titled 'Ice Prince'.

As they prepared to board the car a voice called out.

"Wait! Wait!", looking down the street the two caught sight of someone running towards them.

"Another fan of yours?", Donny commented earning a disinterested look from Yue. On that note, the driver had stepped in front of the two. Nicknamed the 'Wolf', he was assigned as Yue's personal driver and bodyguard. So when an unknown individual, even a high school girl, came running towards them. He went into action and stood as a wall. Which the girl, unfortunately, had the misfortune of running into when she tried to stop herself.

"Hey...!?", composing herself she looked up at the guy, only to receive a sharp look from the Wolf. A look that had frightened and sent many back in caution. Like the feral look of a wild wolf ready to strike in one moved the wrong way.

"You're the host for Breaking New's Paris right?", Alya found Donny's eyes.

"Correct!", Donny confirmed, "Are you a fan? Sorry, but I'm not doing autographs at the moment.", he half-joked, "But, seriously we are in a rush. So you'll have to excuse us...Sorry, I didn't catch your name.", though he never asked for it.

"Alya.", she said, "Alya Ceasire.", she introduced herself firmly, "I'm the creature and reporter for the Ladyblog.", she stated her conditionals proudly.

"So you are.", Donny noted the name and the face. Having seen many videos on the blog of her running into danger trying to get the first scoop of the heroes and akuma's, "I thought I recognized you."

"Are you really doing this now?", Yue spoke to himself in Japanese.

"Is there something I can help you with? If you're looking for a mind to pick, I suggest making an appointment.", and not just running up to someone on the street.

"Actually I do mind.", she said.

"Oh? And why is that?", he questioned.

"It's about the photos you took.", She brought up, "The ones with your friend.", she eyed Yue who didn't look to be paying attention.

"And what would that be?", Donny inquired leaning in a bit.

"Nothing personal. But, I think your photos were used out of context.", she mentioned how people were making opinions on the photos he had posted a couple of days ago on his blog and personal account online.

"And how is that?", Donny asked.

"Well for starters the photos were used without our friend's permission.", commenting how they had made him uncomfortable since he didn't know they were being taken.

"Oh really? And would this friend be?", Donny questioned.

"Her name is Lila, Lila Rossi.", Alya mentioned, "She's a close friend of mine and models for the Agreste Brand."

"And this is relevant how?" Donny questioned lightly, "I don't remember seeing her in any of the photos I took."

"No. But, some of your fans have been commenting on the photo.", Alya brought up, "Mostly writing some negative things about her."

"And that's my problem how?", Donny waived off, "If your friend has a problem she needs to get over it. Especially if she's getting upset over some pictures of two friends sharing ice cream and sitting together.", even if one was sleeping on the other's shoulders.

"Friends?", Alya blinked, "Look it's not about ice cream or anything like that. The photos are being taken out of context.", she mentioned how people, mostly those who were fans of Donny's, were practically shredding the Italian girl and her work as a model. With comments that brought the girl to tears.

"You don't say?", Donny said with a slight inclination of surprise, "It's the internet. Any photo can be misconstrued.", and people were known to go into and after anything that got uploaded. Good or bad, "I have no control over what people do."

"This is a waste of time.", Yue commented, "Listen, Tabloid girl."

"Tabloid girl?"

"If your friend has a problem with photos she wasn't even in that's her business.", not there's or those who had their own opinions of what can only to labeled as her lack of skill in the profession she got into, "And as I stated, the one in question, your friend. Gave consent to be in the photos."

"But he..."

"He didn't say anything. Your friend did.", he corrected her with her own statements, "Her opinion means about as much to me as yours. Given the meager excuse you try to give in an attempt to have them removed.", without any reason other then her 'friend' told her another friend didn't like them, "Now if your done wasting our time we have better things to do to listen to someone like you preaching a shallow lesson about context in content. Especially considering the trash which you call news. Tabloid girl.", with that Yue stood and grabbed his stuff, "Donny, let's go."

"Bye-bye.", Donny waved to Alya who stood there with her mouth agape as she watched the two boys enter the car and drive off.

At the Agreste Mansion...

"Mr. Agreste.", Vincent began, "I wanted to talk to you about the photos from the shoot earlier this week."

"Is there a problem?", to the point he had to come to his office and practically give a nearly twenty-minute report of sorts to the veteran model.

"There is an issue I have to bring up.", he said, "It involves the young Agreste and this model you continue to partner him with.", mentioning how in the last shoots Adrien has been in with Gabriel's 'muse', Ms. Rossi, the product has been less than stellar. Gradually losing light as time with on. Especially when it came to Adrien. Who would shine like sunshine in all his photos. Had become dim right before people's eyes. At least the ones who actually paid attention. People like Vincent, who as a professional, had worked with the Agreste's for many promotions. Including the early years of Adrien's career in the industry.

Noticing how in the last couple of weeks the boy was practically a zombie. Eyes looking hollow and distant when not in front of the camera. Only to slip on a mask and practice smile that fooled those who refused to look past the noticeable cracks in features. It was to a point that most of the photos, against his wishes, were photoshopped and edited on the orders of Gabriel. Who ignored many opinions and suggestions to give Adrien, his star model, and son, a break. Before he burnt out.

And for weeks it went like that.

Earlier this week seemed no different. Another shot to promote the upcoming spring line. Again with Adrien, looking more tired than ever. Working with the 'muse', that Italian girl, again. And again as Vincent suggested bringing in someone new and more experienced. Again his words feel on the deaf ears. And as the shot went on the photographer was getting more frustrated with the Italian girl who refused to follow a simple instruction and emote the right expression.

It was only when, by some miracle, an akuma attack disrupted the shot. Sending many running for safety. Including Vincent who, like many, became lost in a literal a fog. Forcing him to sit and wait for things to clear up.

And once they did, another miracle happened the following days. In the form of photos posted online.

"These two have such good chemistry.", Vincent pointed out the authenticity of the photos compared to the ones before, "The brightness of Adrien, mixed with the sheer coolness of this young man.", created a balance that both complemented and completed what the direction of the shoot. With a look that both ensnared those who looked, but kept people on their toes.

"It still wasn't what was ordered for the shoot."

"Si, but the photos from before didn't give off the same energy as before.", pointing out the difference of the models. With the first batch looking forced and unresponsive. As one was trying to hard to look happy. And the other just wasn't trying at all, "However the ones were taken at the park capture the look of closeness and familiarity.", and the desire to get close to one another, "No offense, but the last model had Adrien look like a caged animal.", ready to bite his own arm off if his partner got any closer to him anymore then she already had, "While this one. Adrien practically melts into the other's shoulder.", with a look of calmness and trust that he was safe.

"Mr. Vincent believes we should use these photos for the new aids.", Natalie reported to Mr. Agreste the photographer's idea.

"One photo has gained more positive feedback then the two rolls of film I used when doing the shoots with Adrien and Rosy.", suggested to completely redo the shot.

"Ms. Rossi and Adrien were chosen to promote the new brand of spring wear.", Mr. Agreste reminded the photographer, "Not a strange boy."

"Well that 'strange boy' is gaining quite a buzz.", pointing out the comments from one photo alone, "The other photo's just don't have that grabbing factor.", they had people clamoring for more. With many thinking, this was the new promotion for the Agreste Brand Spring Collection, "If we keep using the same old model, other than Adrien of course, people will just brush it off as nothing special.", just another promotion.

"Your suggestions are noted.", with the low possibility for consideration, "If that's all. You're dismissed."

"Of course.", Vincent relented. Deciding there was no point kicking a dead horse at this moment. Especially with someone like Gabriel Agreste, "I'll go finish touching up the photos. Again.", and with that, the photographer took his leave. Prepared to, again, watch the sun get slowly snuffed off. And inside, feeling numb.

As the days would pass the photographs from the park with Yue and Adrien continued to be a big topic at College Voltaire. However, as a new week came the dynamic had shifted in a surprising way. It was during the lunch period when Yue and Donny had found themselves surrounded by their classmates.

"Can you believe the mess they wrote?"

"I know it's such a crock."

"Are you guys?", the students asked. Wandering the male's opinion of what could only be construed as a smear campaign against Donny. Over the weekend an article had popped up on the Ladyblog under an anonymous pen. In the article, it basically called out Donny and his blog for misusing information and taking advantage of other people's notoriety for views. Including citing the photos he had used prior and accused him of bullying others on the platform. Save to say the internet was stunned and was slowly escalating.

"Isn't this adorable?", Donny commented as he went through the article, "Look she even used big words in her posts. And even quoted a number of recognizable names.", he pointed out the number of quotes and links from close sources to the writer of the article.

"There's even a quote about you Yue.", Donny pointed out.

'The one in the photo, who shall not be named, is a close affiliate to Morgon's. And has used the photo to garner attention and recognition on the notoriety of the model Adrien Agreste.'

"She's aiming big, isn't she?", Donny looked to Yue who was on his phone and engrossed in whatever he was doing. Never acknowledging the debate among the students. Who figured Yue was in thought and refused to disturb him. Seeking more vocal input from Donny. Who the article was officially targeting. With Yue being more of an accessory since he was not only friends with Donny. But, in the photos.

'I'm sorry. Don't be mad. I tried.'

'I made a mistake.'

'Don't leave.'

"I'll leave this to you Morgan's.", Yue said as he ended the message thread with one last text.

"Of course.", he grinned and began typing on his tablet, "I should have something ready before the end of the free period.", something nice and simple. He would even be gentle.

Yue was silent. But, gave a look that said all Donny needed to do. He didn't have to be rough. But, it shouldn't be without mercy.

'I can't see you.'

To Be Continued...