Chapter 5
"Adrien! Wake up, you're going to be late!"
My eyes shoot open and I frantically search the room for the clock, my mind racing trying to remember what I was going to be late for. I spot the fuzzy green numbers next to my bed that read 6:47. I groan loudly and turn over to Plagg who was floating next to me, grinning devilishly. This happens often, but he knows that once I'm awake, I cannot go back to sleep.
"Plagg, you know I'm not late for anything, my interview with Nadia doesn't start until 11:30". I say trying to remain calm, knowing he must have a reason for getting me up this early.
"I know, I was in the kitchen last night grabbing some late night snacks and I overheard Natalie and your father talking about your diet. He thinks you're getting 'too husky' for his taste. I thought we could go for a run this morning, so you can avoid having that conversation with him again, since we both know that its only because of your muscle gain from being Chat Noir. Plus, I'm hungry and would like to visit that bakery next to your school". He informed me while fumbling with his paws.
Over the years, Plagg and I had gotten used to each other. Our likes and dislikes, almost being able to communicate with just a glance and most importantly he understood how my family worked and how I felt about certain things. No secrets were kept between us, so a level of respect had grown between the two of us. Do not get me wrong, we both still annoyed the fire out of each other, but we were a team, and it was important to be able to share that bond with him, especially since we became one to be able to save our city. My face softens as I look at him, appreciating his care of my feelings.
"Alright, that sounds like a plan. Besides, a little run is good for the brain too, let me get ready and we will be on our way".
I roll over and out of bed and glance over to Plagg, seeing his face morph into a shit eating grin. He probably thinks he won, but I'm more grateful that I don't have to talk to my father about my 'pudge', instead I can just see him as I'm getting home from a run. I head over to my unnecessarily large closet and grab some running shorts and a plain black t-shirt, strap on my shoes and headband then grab my headphones.
"Okay, Plagg. I'm ready, lets go". I call to him and he flies into my pocket along with my phone, and he selects Nino's playlist for me. His music has great energy and I enjoy running to it. Plagg enjoys the back and forwards movement my pockets make when I'm running, he goes to sleep quickly and leaves me to my thoughts, and Nino's music. A time I enjoy.
I step out into he hallway and with just my luck, my father approaches me. His outward appearance as pristine as always, did this man ever sleep? Not even his own son could answer that. He began to look at me, throughly, judging my appearance. With an eye roll so extravagant, I thought his eyes were going to stay permanently in his head, he began the conversation.
"Good morning, Adrien. Where are you off to so early this morning," He began, bored.
"I am going for a run, sir. I thought I could use the exercise". I responded, hoping this will help to avoid the conversation about my weight gain.
"Yes, and why is your hair styled like that? You know what would happen if a reporter were to see you looking like that?" He quickly rebutted, as if that was the point of this conversation and he was already done having it.
"I'm sorry, Father. I use this to keep my hair off of my forehead while I run". I reach up to remove it and put it in my pocket. When I look up, my father is already half way to his office, probably satisfied that I removed the effeminate monstrosity.
I head towards the front door and place my headphones back in my ears. When the door opens a cool breeze flows over me, as I decide this weather is perfect for a run. I place the headband back on top of my head as a warm smile replaces my cool frown as it settles into place. Plagg offers me a smirk at my defiance, as I remember the fond memories associated with it, and I begin my run through Paris.
I run for awhile, passing all sorts of places. Reminiscing about all of the fun I have flying through the sky as Chat Noir. Sometimes passing a scene of one of our battles, and thinking how strange it feels that no one around me is aware that I am their hero, a feeling that I do not believe I will ever get used to, or be able to explain to anyone, except Ladybug. My thoughts begin to drift to her and our many adventures and late nights. Through the years we have grown so attached to each other, easily calling each other our best friends, though I wouldn't mind if we were more than that.
I am brought from my thoughts by Plagg reminding me that he wanted to get some treats from the bakery owned by Marinette's parents. I ran up to the door and heard the bell chime as I opened it. A waft of delicious smelling air surrounded me, along with the many warm memories I have here.
"Hi, Sabine!" I greet the small woman behind the register, a huge smile on my face. "How are you doing this morning?"
"Oh, Adrien! I'm doing wonderful, as usual! How are you my dear?" She walks from behind the counter to offer me an engulfing hug. She plants a kiss on each cheek and turns to the kitchen.
"Tom! Adrien is here!
"My boy!" Shouts Tom as he comes out from the kitchen, his massive hands cover my shoulders as I'm brought into a hug.
"Goodness, Adrien. You're a toothpick, do you want to stay for breakfast?" I feel a tapping on my leg from Plagg, telling me to say yes. I laughed a little and accepted the invitation with a nod.
"Great! Alya and Marinette are still asleep, would you go wake them up?
"Of course, it'd be my pleasure!" I reply with a turn to the door to their home.
I climb the stairs and enter their warm home, my secret refuge, though I feel any place that isn't my house is a sanctuary for me. I glance over to the pictures on the bookshelf and am reminded of being here as Chat Noir and doing the same thing. Thinking about this family and how often they are willing to help us out while saving the city, of Marinette and how big her smile is in a picture with her family. A tinge of jealousy flows through me, and I immediately push it away, I have no right to be that way, when the Dupain-Chengs are always so warm and welcoming of me.
I look to the right and notice a new picture. My eyes widen as I see myself with Marinette, Nino and Alya at the school Christmas party last year, adorned in the ugliest sweaters complete with huge smiles on our faces. My heart smiles and it reaches my face, they think enough of me to add me to their wall of family pictures. I turn away and rub the tears from my eyes, and begin the trek upstairs to awake the sleeping demon and Alya.
I lightly knock first and with no answer I push open the hatch and walk in. To my surprise, Marinette is already awake and playing the new Mecha Strike game that came out last week, with headphones as to not disturb her companion. She hasn't noticed me yet and a plan hatches in my head.
I climb her ladder with the best stealth and climb onto her bed to wake up Alya, I crawl in next to her and lay my head on the other pillow, it smells like Marinette and a rather large grin erupts on my face. I come down from the clouds when I remember the task at hands. I raise my finger to my mouth and begin to rub Alya's back. Her eyes flutter open and then widen as I am sure she has realized I am not her best friend and I can see her beginning to freak out. She looks down and sees my finger covering my lips as a warning to not make sound, and she calms down.
"I've been put in charge of waking you guys up for breakfast," I whisper.
She looks around and hears the light clicking of the buttons on the controller and turns back to me, the bun on top of her head bouncing animatedly,
"She didn't notice you come in did she? You're going to try to scare her, right?" She asks, with an expression that screams excitement.
I nod furiously and she glances up to my hair style, a slight smirk forms on her face. I deadpan and glance at her with a look that says 'shut up' and she reacts by rolling her eyes and raising her hands in defeat. She nods her head in the direction of our victim and I begin my descent.
I climb down and stalk towards her with silent steps, I can hear the noise of the game blaring through her headphones and the realization that I don't have to be as stealthy as I am hits me and I slump. I hear Alya snickering from above me and roll my head towards her and I flail my arms annoyingly towards her and she smiles.
She has often told me how happy she is that I have come out of my shell around them, and how easy it is to joke around with me. Despite my rigid and calm appearance outside of this group, I found it easy to become more open to them, and I realized that we are all very similar personality-wise, especially with wise cracking Alya.
I get up behind Marinette and reach my hands out to surround her waist and wait for the opportune time to attack, by watching whats happening on the screen. As her opponent begins his ultimate, and her focus completely on the game, I grab her waist and begin to say 'boo', but it never quite escapes my mouth. Instead, I feel her body tense and in the blink of an eye, I am being held in the air, then I am on the ground arms pinned above my head and her weight on my stomach.
I glance up at Alya, who is in complete shock, a smile forms on my face as I realize whats about to happen and I look down to Marinette, who's eyes burned with such a familiar intensity towards her attacker. Then, it morphed into fear, as she realized who it was.
With the biggest smile I could muster, I greeted her, "Good morning, Mari".
"Oh my god, Adrien! I'm so sorry! Did I hurt you?" She began to climb off of me, and helped me to my feet.
I waved my hands in front of my chest in a sign of comfort, "No, I'm fine, I wonder where that came from though". I reach up to scratch the hairs on my neck.
A cackling came from above us as Alya got over the shock of what just happened and I began to laugh with her.
"You scared me, you ass," Marinette says as she pushes lightly on my arm. I push a strand of her hair behind her ear as I mutter an apology.
"I'm sorry, Mari. Can you ever forgive me?" I say dramatically. Then, I place my hand on my head to fein drama. She looks up to my head and catches sight of the hand band I am using, a shy smile forming as she glances to her bare feet.
"I suppose I can forgive you, like I forgave you for stealing my headband". She glances up towards my now rosy cheeks, and I mimic her smile and a small chuckle releases.
"Thanks, Mari". I begin to lose myself in her vision, until I hear a loud throat clearing behind me. I wince and turn on my heels to look over at the culprit.
"Right". I clear my throat, realizing just how intimate the moment had been, "Should I go downstairs and wait for you guys to get ready?" I ask the red head, whose arms were crossed, with an expression mixed with annoyance and happiness. Her nod granting me permission to leave.
"Call Nino, would ya? He'd hate to miss out". I hear her ask as I'm exiting the room. I pull out my phone and begin the call, waiting for a voice after the trilling.
"Hey, bro. Whats up?" I hear the familiar voice of my best friend on the other line.
"Hey, breakfast at Marinette's". I hear an excited intake of breath and then the sound of tumbling followed by a yelp. A grin reaches my face as I imagine just how excited he is, flailing around his room.
"On my way!" He cries, as he swiftly hangs up.
I take a seat over at the table and glance out the window, the room is filled with silence and beautiful sunlight pouring in from the windows. I am given a few minutes of companionless silence, and begin to think about the differences between my biological family and my chosen family. To which, there are no comparisons. Life has definitely become easier since I granted them entrance into who I am, truly. Without judgment. I was accepted and despite the fact that I do need to remain ever vigil to my model personality, for the sake of my father and his business, they are understanding and always act appropriately. Now, I cannot fathom life without them. Especially my partner, Ladybug.
I am brought from my thoughts by a click at the front door.
"You alright, son?" Tom says with a hint of concern.
"Oh, yes!" My face forms a genuine smile, I look down at my shoes and softly laugh, "I'm great, Tom".
I feel his giant palm rest gently on my shoulder as I look up at him. His smile, blinding.
"Great, my boy! Lets get to making this breakfast, then!" He says excitedly, then with a quick change in his tone, one laced with sincerity, "Don't hesitate to ask, if you need anything. Or even just to talk. Alright?"
"Yes, sir. I appreciate the offer". I quickly tag on "Oh, and Nino is coming, too".
"I figured, that boy would never miss a meal when asked". Laughed Tom, his hands reaching for the apron, hanging on the edge of the counter. "Hmm, this is an special apron, she made it for her mother, its gorgeous. Isn't it?" He remarks, handing me the fabric.
"Mmhmm," I hum in agreement, looking at the intricate details, sown with love and care. "I'll wear it". A shy smile starting to creep across my face.
—
"It has truly been a pleasure, Adrien. Thank you so much for joining us". Nadia remarked as she reached for my hand and gracefully placed a kiss on each side of my face, I returned the action.
"Thank you so much for having me, Nadia. This was fun!" I reply, and it had been, whenever I interview with her I am allowed to be a little sillier, which is always a more comfortable practice for me. It also makes me seem more approachable as a celebrity, though I am always aware of my surroundings and my appearances. I cannot get too rambunctious, for that would tarnish my reputation, its an even balance set atop a razor blade. I look out into the audience and see all the fans of mine, and of the show.
"Thanks to the fans, too for allowing me to be here!" Applause erupts and I look to the front right hand side of the stage and see my friends cheering me on. Plagg, patting my side from under my button up. I truly am lucky that I have them in my life. All of them.
I look to the side of Nino and see the Gorilla and Natalie, but no father. Probably too busy to be here. I walk over to them and without even a glance, I am swept from the stage by Natalie, rattling on about having dinner with him. I glance backwards and see my friends still smiling and waving, Alya blowing kisses. I move my fingers to my chest and mimic a texting sign and Nino gave me a thumbs up as conformation that he understood. I face forward and begin my trek to the car.
The charcoal of the car brings me a sense of comfort, more so than his silver car. I've always been drawn to the dark, maybe thats why I have the Miraculous belonging to the god of destruction. The power is a darkness that I dare not explain, to anyone other than My Lady. It is an explosion of destruction pulsing through my body. Heating my skin, with a weight that rivals that of the emotional toll it takes on my heart. Physically, the strength I have to use to control it correctly, or for it to even do what I want it to. It definitely does its damage to my body, exhausting it. Mentally, the capacity that I have to have when I visualize the object I am destroying, even the level of which I want to destroy it is taxing. I know Ladybug has the Cure, but its still hard.
She tried to explain the Lucky Charm and Cure to me once, the whole process. From what I gathered during our discussion, its similar to mine, but completely different. When she summons the Lucky Charm, it sends a cooling affect emanating from her head, that courses through her body, leaving her a little light headed. She says its a little chaotic to her, to receive an unknown item and then have to figure out how to use it while light headed. She has to focus hard to maintain some kind of control. Then with the cure, it erases the light headedness as well as what ever else had been destroyed, taking a physical toll on her body.
I glance down to my arm and look at the ring, and begin to clench my fist. I guess thats the point of this whole thing, with good comes evil, light and dark, creation and destruction, chaos and control.
Natalie clears her throat and I am brought from my thoughts, "Adrien, change of plans, you are to go home and practice your piano until you are needed".
"Dinner with my father is cancelled, huh?" I asked rhetorically, wishing I had been cancelled on earlier as to spend more time with my friends. I feel my heart sink, wishing that I had mattered more to him.
We pulled up to the house and I went straight to my room and crashed on my bed.
"I'm sorry kid," Plagg said softly and nuzzled into my neck.
I grab my phone and see that I had a missed text from Nino, telling me how great they thought I did in the interview. I can always rely on them to make me feel better, right?
"It's alright bud, I suppose I am used to it by now". I begin to drift off to the sound of his purring, and I allow the sleep to envelope me.
I am woken up to the feeling of being watched, a darkness looming over me. I sit up and lean over to turn on the light. As the room becomes engulfed in light, I startle, and it quickly becomes apparent to me why I feel that way.
There, in front of me with a stance of power, creeping over my figure in the night. His cane reflects off the light I just turned on, his purple suit seeming more ominous with the look of hatred boring down at me. His miraculous staring down at me.
"Hello, Chat Noir".