Its been a crazy few months. I apologize for the long break. I got a new job among other less positive things. Anyway, my aim is to have this story fully published by June. Please enjoy this interesting take on the confrontation with Hawkmoth.=^-^=
Ch. 33 - Chat and Moth
Tikki understood all too well that pregnant women needed plenty of rest, but this was a situation with extenuating circumstances. She needed to speak with Marinette alone and Adrien kept a close eye on her through the day. Waking Marinette up early was the fastest and simplest way to talk to her alone since Adrien wouldn't dare wake her up without a reason; a very good one due to how cranky Marinette could be. "Marinette, wake up…" She whispered while tickling his nose with her antennae. "Please!"
The designer squirmed looking restless but instead of waking up, she simply turned over. "Marinette…" Tikki grumbled at the reaction. It would seem more was going to be required which was dangerous. She was just about to try again when Marinette actually sneezed and started to stir. "Hmmm?" The ravenette rubbed her eyes.
"Mari?" Aaron opened the door to check on her. Tikki nearly fell off the bed with how on the ball the man was. "Are you okay? It's a bit early, no?"
"I just sneezed I think…" Marinette was still too sleepy to think much deeper.
"I thought so. Just get some more sleep. I'm going out for a bit but I'll be home in time to make you breakfast."
"Hmm… Okay… You're the best, babe." The designer then set her head comfortably back down to get back to sleep. When Aaron shut the door, Tikki bolted at the opportunity. With him out of the house it would be much easier to talk and she wouldn't even have to be secretive about it.
Adrien smiled at the door as he walked back down the hall to snag his keys. "She'll be completely safe and fine." He sent a text to Alya and Nino as a cover and then made sure the door was securely locked before heading out.
"Um, are you sure about this?" Plagg asked now extremely worried.
"I've never been more sure of anything in my life, Plagg. This is between me and my father. Marinette doesn't need to get involved especially in her condition." Plagg had a sneaking suspicion it was much bigger than that. Hopefully Tikki would be able to do something to help… If she can.
"Marinette, please wake up!" Tikki continued some time after she heard the front door close. "I need to talk to you right now!"
"Tikki… I'm tired…"
The kwami lightly smacked her holder's cheeks. "I know, but this is important!" This was actually the third response she'd gotten, but Marinette was very persistent to sleep.
"Okay…. Urg…." The designer finally agreed seeing as Tikki wouldn't drop it and she wasn't really going to get much more sleep. After sitting up as best she could given her belly she yawned and gave Tikki her full attention.
"Finally." The kwami cheered with a contented sigh. "I really need to talk to you about something while Aaron isn't around."
"Why?" It was odd considering the two of them always shared everything ever since discovering their identities.
"It's complicated, Marinette. It's about Hawkmoth but also about… Adrien."
"Adrien?" Why would Tikki be talking about Adrien?
"I need to tell you something about Aaron, and it might be really hard to believe but Adrien-"
"And Aaron are the same person. I know that, Tikki."
"What? When did you figure that out?" She'd been about as oblivious as always even until recently.
"It kind of just… Came to me not long ago. It's hard to explain, but I know I'm right, and it really doesn't matter who Aaron used to be anyway." Her loving expression then shifted to worry. "But what does he have to do with Hawkmoth?"
The kwami floated up with evident worry on her face. "Because, and I know this is going to sound crazy, but Hawkmoth is… Gabriel Agreste."
Marinette's expression froze at first. Then it made way for curiosity, bewilderment, surprise and astonishment all in quick succession. She held her hands over her mouth as the concept sank in. "H-how…?"
"He must've stumbled across the miraculous long ago after Master Fu lost them."
The designer shook her head. "No, I meant how did you find out?" It's been something she and Cat Noir have been trying to figure out for years now. Obviously Gabriel was very careful and meticulous if he really is Hawkmoth… Which actually made a lot of sense now that she really thought about it. Aaron complained about his father often when they were dating and every time it had her thinking about Gabriel and how he was so calculating with his son. Adrien was often an object to the man. Hawkmoth saw all of Paris as objects though… She also knew Gabriel could be caring too. It was something she'd seen more recently, but Gabriel did care about his employees despite his severe actions at times.
"Marinette?"
The designer snapped from her thoughts. "What?"
"I told you Plagg's miraculous touched Nooroo's. That's how we found out."
"Then… Aaron met up with his father recently?" It had been several days since the incident with Bridgette though…
"He did yesterday. He was called in by Nathalie for some kind of intervention… It didn't really end well." She admitted recalling how Plagg described the biting remarks.
"Intervention? Like for their relationship?" Or lack thereof… "So… Does Aaron know about this?"
"Plagg doesn't think he does… At least he never said anything."
A loud banging was heard from the living room interrupting their conversation. Marinette let out a sigh as she stood up now fully awake from the conversation. "Hold that thought, Tikki." She grabbed a robe from a hook and made her way to the door still being loudly assaulted. "Alya?" She muttered at seeing her friend in the view lens. "What are you doing so early? You're going to bother the neighbors." She quickly scolded though the immediate relief of Alya and a hug threw her off.
"Oh my god, girl! I was terrified something happened when you wouldn't answer your phone. Aaron's just went to voicemail too."
"Alya," Marinette started while pushing her friend away in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
Alya held up her call history. "I've called you 22 times in the last 30 minutes, Marinette. Of course I'm going to be worried when all of them don't connect. I mean you sleep like the dead, but not that bad."
"Your phone is on silent, Marinette." Tikki floated out of the back with the device in hand.
"But I never put it on silent outside a meeting." She took the device to look it over.
"Explains how you slept through my calls, but not the crazy text Aaron sent me. Something going on?"
"Aaron sent you a text?" She certainly wasn't aware of anything in particular going on.
"Yeah, asking me to come here pronto to protect you in case something happened. Nino's coming soon. He's just paying the cab fare. I sort of jumped out immediately to see you." She admitted with a sheepish expression.
"He sent you a text about protecting me? Why?" She wasn't completely sure but she remembered him saying he was going out for a bit this morning but that he would be home soon.
"Oh no…" Tikki read out the text Alya brought up. "Sorry this is so sudden, but I need you to get to our house to protect Marinette. I have some business to take care of." It was immediately followed by a black cat and butterfly emoji.
"No, that's a terrible idea. She'll need a bit more time before she'll be back at 100%. Valentine's day might work…" Gabriel thought aloud as he looked through proposals for additions to his winter campaign. Marinette wouldn't likely be a part of it due to her maternity leave and it would be bad to throw her right into things when she came back too. Nathalie kept him reminded of her condition to keep his expectations in check.
"Sir?" She called after a knock on his door. "I'm going down to check on Stephen's work. Did you want me to video you in?"
"Only if you believe it is important, Nathalie, I'm working through the rest of winter add-ons."
"Isn't it a little late for that?"
"Katrina's idea. Gives the junior staff a little nudge after losing out on the senior spot to Marinette. It's a promising idea so I'm looking through it myself."
Nathalie raised a brow. Gabriel was certainly opening up to more opinions recently… at least when it came to his staff. Marinette must be having a better effect on him that yesterday's fiasco would lead her to believe. "I'll leave you to it, sir." She closed the door behind her and the room once again grew silent save for the occasional utterance of its sole occupant.
The slinking of the secret occupant went completely unnoticed for several minutes as he watched Gabriel work. Just as he thought, his father was up and already working at 8 am sharp. Chat Noir had to resist clicking his tongue at the typical behavior, but it was to his benefit. He wanted to confront his father as himself first, not Hawkmoth.
He could make a grab for the miraculous if things went south; they would probably go south. His plan was simple. Drop down to catch him unaware, call him out as Hawkmoth, and then retrieve the miraculous. Then again, it was also likely to involve a little physical persuasion and he wasn't against that either. He's wanted to punch his father in the face so long it almost hurts.
Chat watched a moment more before readying his jump down, but he hesitated again. Gabriel's whole body just went tense. He was now looking ever so slightly around. Did he hear him? Too late to contemplate that, however, since it was only a matter of time before he was spotted inside this cold, color deficient room. As silently as any feline stalking their prey, Chat Noir slinked down just behind the older man and raised his staff to apprehend him. To Gabriel's compliment, he blocked the staff inches from his head and held it tight. "So it was Chat Noir watching me? For what to I owe the pleasure?" The icy tone only made Chat more sure of his plan.
"To your own, Hawkmoth, or did you think you could stay hidden forever?"
Gabriel's eyes widened ever so much at the question but he kept himself composed. "I suppose the time for denials is long past isn't it… Adrien?"
That effectively caught the hero off guard enough that Gabriel could twist his staff away and push him back. Chat cursed at his carelessness. "Shit…"
"To think that odd sensation from yesterday was two miraculous touching? And here I was already writing it off as a reaction to your anger." Gabriel tapped the floor with Chat's staff holding it like his own cane. "But I am rather impressed you realized what it was before me." His expression and tone didn't convey anything but a cold indifference to him.
Chat Noir seethed at the remark and slowly stood from the floor. "Even now you have all the emotions of a brick wall."
"And you act like a spoiled child." Gabriel shot back with a bit of his anger actually showing through. That made Chat smile ever so much as he took a step forward.
Instantly his father lifted the staff like it was a saber and took a fencing stance. Chat charged to his left side but was pushed back with a strike to his shoulder. Gabriel immediately followed up with a lash at his side before stepping back. The chair for his desk clattered to the ground as Chat pushed trying to retaliate. He just barely grazed his father's side tearing only the coat of his suit as Gabriel dodged back.
They had what appeared to be a one sided back and forth with Chat Noir being on the losing side, but he couldn't see the truth through his growing frustration. Any thought in his attacks quickly drained with every parry and counter Gabriel made. "You're not going to win, Hawkmoth!"
Gabriel narrowed his eyes and once again jabbed the hero's chest before striking his side. "With all of your wasted movement, I see no other result. You're sloppy." He accused before stepping forward with a forceful jab. Even if Chat Noir was protected by his suit, being hit with his own miraculous weapon hurt though not as much as it could.
With his frustration mounting Chat decided to go all in retaliating with full force. He took no measure against the fact it would leave him wide open if it failed, he just wanted to win and shut his father up. With a loud roar of frustration he lunged at the man taking a hit to the side of his neck in the process. It succeeded, however, and Gabriel collapsed back under the force of his strike. The staff rolled away from both as Chat Noir pinned down the notorious villain and scourge of Paris. "Well… Is that it?" Gabriel jabbed while breathing hard in disheveled defeat.
"Like hell! Cataclysm!" His right hand burst with destructive energy as his vision went red in anger. All it took was one more swipe and he would be done with this demon that had plagued him his whole life! This demon who treated him like a doll, and ordered him around like an animal. Just one swipe of his claws and-
"No, Chat Noir!" The voice of reason shot through the tension like a piercing light in the dark. Chat's breath caught in his throat and looked at the wire wrapping around his right wrist holding it in place. At the end was a yoyo, the trademark of his partner, and love of his life. Someone who shouldn't be here right now at all.
"M-Milady?" He felt the pull on his wrist increase and he turned to find Ladybug several feet away holding the wire and looking furious. "What are you doing here!?"
She tugged at the wire again. "Wondering what the hell you're doing, Chat. Do you even understand what you were about to do!?"
What he was about to do? The cat hero looked at her and then to the villain he'd pinned down. Gabriel Agreste, otherwise known as Hawkmoth was on his back and defenseless, but… Something was wrong. His appearance was… strange. His clothes were torn, his ever graying hair an utter mess and his face flushed with each exhausted breath. Was he like this seconds ago? That's when he realized what he'd done… what he was about to do and the destructive energy in his hand had him yelp in surprise. Immediately he disarmed his hand and pushed himself off his father as if he'd been burned. Ladybug let his wrist go as soon as the energy faded and pulled her weapon back. "I-I was… I almost…." Chat Noir was pale as ghost now and close to hyperventilating.
Ladybug was relieved to see him scared of his actions. It proved he hadn't lost himself to anger. Tikki had warned her that Chat Noirs have had breaking points in the past and the results were usually not good. Negative emotions were especially dangerous for them with a few going on rampages that shook entire civilizations. As Guardian, drastic measures would have been required and… She didn't want to even think about what would happen to Aaron. Ladybug then turned her gaze to Gabriel, otherwise known as Hawk Moth and her employer. Gabriel upon seeing her look at him sat up and reflexively dusted himself off. "Hawkmoth."
"As you say." He responded standing up and acting as though he didn't look like a mess.
"Then you know what this means, don't you? Even if I did stop Chat Noir, that doesn't mean you're safe. You're effectively cornered now that we know who you are, but… You already knew that didn't you?" Gabriel reached up to his cravat and Chat Noir jumped up to stop him. Even if he was still panicked over himself, his instinct to protect Ladybug kept him alert. "Stop, Chat!" Ladybug ordered again as the cat hero was just shy of grabbing his arm.
"But, Ladybug, he was-"
"He wasn't doing anything." She cut off and gestured to the man. Gabriel nodded and lifted his cravat to reveal the dormant butterfly miraculous. "Planning to hand it over peacefully?"
"It's the only intelligent move in the situation." Gabriel responded. "And you already expected it anyway."
"What?" Chat gapped at the simple exchange as Gabriel took off his miraculous and handed it over to Ladybug without a single fuss. "B-but… What?" He was at a loss for any other words.
"Calm down, Chat Noir." Ladybug ordered as she took the miraculous. "If you had been calm from the start you would have noticed it." She gestured to the disheveled man. "Didn't it ever cross your mind that he never transformed himself even though he was wearing his miraculous?"
Chat looked at his father recalling his fight and realized it wasn't so much a fight as him swinging wildly and his father striking back. Every single attack was retaliatory, but why? "Why didn't he…" He looked from his father to Ladybug and back to his father. "Why?"
"Indeed, why? Simply because this was the endgame scenario. If at any point I was confronted by you as Hawkmoth and my identity revealed then I would likely lose no matter what action I took from there."
"I see. You understood that losing the anonymity of your secret identity would be the end unless you defeated us before that happened. I can see why. Someone as famous and affluent as you, nowhere in Paris would be safe if it became public knowledge."
"So… Its over?" It was hard for Chat to even grasp with how confused he already was.
"Not exactly." Ladybug narrowed her eyes at the older man who's slight smirk showed his hand.
"While I did not plan for a victory in this scenario, I did plan for it to some degree."
"Then choosing not to transform was your way of showing sincerity I take it?"
Gabriel nodded. "I wish for a simple negotiation, Ladybug."
"Bull Shit!" Chat spat as he glared at his father. "You've been manipulating the people of Paris for years and think you could just talk your way out of consequences!?" It was very like his father to try and force things his way.
"Chat Noir, please be quiet." Ladybug ordered with a calming breath. "Just step back for right now. You're in no condition to talk rationally." She could see it in the way his hands still shook at his sides. He was still not himself.
"But, Ladybug I…" Her firm gaze beat down his words and he walked quietly over to her to stand by her side.
"Now then, what do you want?" She asked her long time foe calmly. "I trust you know what is reasonable."
Gabriel nodded though his expression somehow looked aged all of a sudden. "Ladybug, my terms are this, I merely wish to keep the status quo as it is minus the miraculous."
"And the wish from the Ladybug and Black Cat?"
"Surely you've noticed my desire for that died some time ago." Indeed, since Hawkmoth's attacks have been so rare. Years ago they'd fight Hawkmoth several times a week.
"Milady, why are you even negotiating?" Chat Noir asked in a much calmer and subdued voice. He knew he couldn't stop her, but he at least wanted to understand why? Honestly, they could just capture him and bring him to the police. All of Paris would let out breathes of relief.
"Because, Chaton, as much as it doesn't seem like it, he still has chips to play. Nooroo isn't the only one we needed back."
"The peacock?" He asked realizing she was right.
"And more." She responded thinking about everyone who would suffer if Gabriel Agreste were arrested and ousted as Hawkmoth. "So, the only thing you want in this deal is to keep yourself anonymous?"
"Yes." Gabriel answered peaceably. "It is all I could hope to get in these circumstances, but I will take it. If the Peacock miraculous is not enough, I will accept further stipulations as you deem fit." The tension held between them as Ladybug prepared to answer. Her next words would decide the fate of Paris' greatest villain as well as those who he had akumatized.
"Chat Noir was right before. It is ridiculous that you'd try to get off without consequences considering all you've done. That being said… I don't want to create any more victims either. Ousting you would affect too many people, but just letting things stand wouldn't help either. Hawkmoth has to pay a price." She saw the man quietly nod with a resigned expression. "You're surrounded by so much, Gabriel, so much you don't need. Your victims, the people of Paris, need much more than you. I can repair all the physical damage you caused and have, but mental trauma isn't so easy. You will spend the rest of your life helping those you've hurt."
"So it would seem my request was too much after all." Though the exhaustion in his voice didn't show so much in his expression as an odd form of amusement.
"On the contrary. This help isn't something you can do from a prison cell. I will agree to let you stay anonymous, but you will still give everything you have to helping your victims." If Gabriel went down it would only create more victims and less help. Maybe some peace of mind, but that wouldn't do for the long term. "Your name, your fame, and every influence you have will be put to use." She stepped towards him confidently. "And if at any point you attempt to pull back anything selfishly," She paused two feet away and called off her transformation much to Chat's shock. "Not only will you lose your anonymity, but you will never see your grandson, not even through the bars of a prison cell."
Unlike Adrien, Gabriel's shock wasn't for the transformation but the words behind it. After realizing Adrien was Chat Noir it was obvious that Marinette was Ladybug. That had occurred to him even as his son was trying attack him earlier. Was he surprised, yes, but what had him even more surprised what the threat she'd lobbed at him. It was like ice raking through bones. He didn't even know why it was such a terrifying force, but it no doubt filled him with a dread he'd never felt before. Adrien, meanwhile, was more bewildered than ever at just how openly terrified his father looked right now. It made him feel… Sad for some reason.
"Okay, so I don't get to find out who Hawkmoth is? Seriously?" Alya complained as she began her first real LadyBlog post in years. It had mostly been little trivia things such as recaps, hero sightings and interviews with past victims up until Bridgette and that post was pretty flat considering how little she knew about it anyway.
"I'm sorry, but it's better if you don't know, Alya."
"Yeah, but you just tear through the window without a word after Aaron, then come back asking me to do this? You know who he is, but we're pretending he's dead?"
Marinette nodded as Aaron set some juice on the table for her. As promised, the man was now making breakfast, and not getting involved. He was calmer now, and the very fact he'd almost killed his own father proved he couldn't be trusted to think clearly when it came to the man. As frustrating as it was, he'd just let Marinette take care of things. "Just be vague about the how, but make sure you mention that there will be a public announcement as soon as Ladybug and Chat Noir are ready, and that Hawkmoth's identity will not be given."
"Yeah, I get you, Mari, though my site backlash isn't going to be pretty. Even if you tell them not to, people do tend to shoot the messenger."
"I know, Alya, and I'm sorry about that, but you are the only source Ladybug trusts." She insisted with a smile to her best friend.
"Ouch, you really know what buttons to press, girl." Her pride as being the go to source for Ladybug news was her biggest button of all.
"I use my powers wisely and only when I need to." She joked back taking a sip of her juice.
"So what kind of reparations were you thinking for Hawkmoth? I mean you're letting him keep his freedom."
"Oh, I wouldn't say that, but as soon as I decide exactly how I'm going to do it, you will be the first to know. Oh!" Marinette reached for her stomach at the slight pain but took a breath quickly as it ebbed away.
"Mari?" Aaron, being as doting as he was, jumped to her side instantly.
"It's okay, just one of those fake contractions. It's not the first one I've had."
"You sure?"
"The eggs are going to burn." She responded with a no nonsense expression.
"Ah, right uh…" He hesitated for a moment but quickly went to tend to the food after.
"So, Marinette, does this whole thing mean I can't see Wayzz anymore?" Nino asked from his spot on the couch. He was just here for Alya who was only still here because Marinette needed her. The adrenalin of the morning urgency ran out and he'd had a late night.
"Well… I wouldn't assume that, for the same reason Ladybug and Chat Noir aren't just going to leave. Plus being the guardian has its perks."
"Heck yeah! Well, I'm good then. Wake me when you're ready to go, babe." The DJ lay back on the couch to catch up on his sleep.
"I'm jealous of how easy he is to please." Alya remarked as she finished typing and looked over her work.
"Ignorance is bliss, babe." He shot back. "And honestly, I don't really care who he is anymore. Sure it would be cool to know, but it would just be some stupid media circus and if he stays anonymous then Alya gets all the first scoop privileges. Happy wife, happy life, you know?"
"He's such a good boy." Alya teased at his remark.
"Wise beyond his years." Marinette added.
"Anyway, you want me to keep you in the loop for comments?"
"I can check them myself, but if you get any interesting suggestions regarding consequences I'm still mulling over exactly how I'm going to do things. People won't take Hawkmoth just being gone and nothing else."
"I imagine some might be happy with that outcome." Adrien noted with distaste in his expression. "But most will be brandishing their torches and pitch forks."
"Can you even get those in the city?"
"Go to sleep, Nino." That didn't need to be derailing their conversation. "Regardless, you know all that outcry will just be hitting you guys, right?"
"I know." The designer responded while gripping her cup tight. "But with all of the people connected to Hawkmoth without even realizing it?"
"Oh, I get it, Mari, I do. I just want to make sure you are prepared." Oh Ladybug and Chat Noir were bound to take a hit to their reputations, but heroes protected everyone regardless of how it will look.
"But several more important things will come before facing that." Marinette finished while glancing to her sour husband placing breakfast down for her.
Nathalie couldn't say she had ever been more surprised than when she came back into Gabriel's office that morning after checking in with Stephen only to find Gabriel looking like he was assaulted by a gang of hooligans. Then she found out Ladybug and Chat Noir had discovered him and took back his miraculous. It was no exaggeration to say she was already going through a million scenarios on how to circumvent the public shit storm she imagined heading their way.
When Gabriel told her she wouldn't have to worry, she obviously remained skeptical though only for a week. After that, she started to wonder what exactly was going to happen since the heroes have done nothing save declaring an announcement will be made through a popular fan site. Social media was still abuzz with mutterings regarding the news of Paris' greatest villain suddenly dying. Of course that was coupled with dozens of theories regarding whether he was actually dead. Nathalie made it a daily duty to check on any news regarding Hawkmoth in order to better react to any issues that were likely to surface for both Gabriel and everything related to him. At the moment, that meant Gabriel Fashion which would go under over night if Gabriel himself were arrested.
As she was checking on the latest news, the call line on her desk phone lit up with a very unexpected name. "Mrs. Bassett?" She answered while double checking her planner for a reason behind the call. "Yes, he's in his office, but you know you are not allowed to work dur-… Oh, you're not going to talk about work?" Then why would she need to talk to him? "I can but if this isn't a work call, I cannot guarantee he will take it." She raised a brow at hearing Marinette so confidently accept that response and paged her boss. "Mr. Agreste? I have a call from Mrs. Bassett on-"
"Transfer it immediately." Gabriel interrupted leaving the woman stunned. Since when did Gabriel accept personal calls, and during work hours? Had she missed something while she worried over the company regarding Hawkmoth? While it was normally not something she approved of, the curiosity got the better of her as she transferred the call and then went to stand by the door to eavesdrop as much as she could. It was a bit difficult due to how the rooms of the building were built, but she was able to gather that whatever it was seemed casual. Gabriel wasn't yelling at least, and his voice was calm. That wasn't something she was used to for the past week with how tense Gabriel was. Several minutes later she heard his footsteps approaching the door and bolted back to her desk.
"Nathalie?" He called looking over to her desk as soon as he left his office.
"Yes, sir?" She looked as though she had been looking through her files as casually as can be.
"Clear any appointments I have tomorrow afternoon. I will be at the Bassett residence… for dinner." It seemed Nathalie's surprises were not going to end anytime soon.
Gabriel wasn't exactly happy but then again neither was Adrien. Ironically enough, though they got along like oil and water, they were angry for the exact same reason. The reason? Marinette forced them to sit right across from each other at dinner. Both Marinette, and Nathalie, who accompanied Gabriel were enjoying their meals and talking very casually, but the men were... glaring at each other and eating quietly.
"Aaron, what are you doing?" Marinette finally asked exasperated at her husband's behavior. Yes, she understood his animosity, and yes, the man had every right to be angry, but that wasn't why they were here. She'd spoken to him earlier about being the bigger man even if it hurts. She wasn't asking him to suddenly start a knitting circle with the man or anything, but civility would be nice.
"I'm enjoying this nice meal, Mari." He answered rather flatly.
"Are you..." She wondered at his sudden stiff posture and eating mannerisms. It was like he was at a five-star restaurant or something.
"I understand your confusion, Marinette, but this is how they would eat dinner together before."
"Really?" The designer asked in surprise though she wondered why it surprised her at all. "Honestly, you two. It's no wonder you don't communicate if you can't even talk at the dinner table."
"I did honestly try, but he isn't big on dinner chat." Adrien informed with a slight bitter tone.
"I do not find enjoyment in idle chatter, but if you want something to talk about, I suppose I should bring up the latest development in regards to Ms. Rossi." Gabriel interjected to asuage blame. "I have been coming across a tabloid or two where you were supposedly replaced by a clone."
Adrien almost thought his father looked amused as he said that. "You don't say? A clone, huh?"
"Felix was basically your double." Marinette agreed noting just how ironic it was that a tabloid was so close to the truth.
"Did Lila tell you that?"
"No, Felix did. Right after mentioning how petty she was for pitching the information to those rags."
Aaron raised a brow. "So Lila knows Felix isn't me?"
"I surmise she's known from very close to the start, but chose not to care." Though Gabriel also had a feeling she was holding onto the info to weaponize it like this too.
"And speaking of publishing lies, this is what I decided on for Hawkmoth as well as reparations to the victims and public." Marinette announced finally seeing the tense atmosphere between her husband and his father lighten a bit. She held up a folder and handed it to Nathalie who looked it over with a scrutinous eye. "This is... Rather clever." She approved and showed her employer. Gabriel's impress was less obvious, but still present which was still saying something given his stoic usual expressions.
I'm not one for extreme action, and honestly I got a little turned around as I wrote this. (One of the reasons it took me awhile) Anyway, there you have it. Gabriel was found out, confronted, nearly killed and is now paying for his crimes. I mean that quite literally as you will see in the next chapter. I feel like there is only one chapter left in me, and plan to finish this story up around June.=^-^=
I want to point out that Marinette seems overly dismissive of Adrien after the fight, but that's not intended to be hurtful or like she's ignoring his feelings.=^-^=
Thank you for your patience. I know its been several months since the last post. I hope you will still enjoy this for whatever is left. I appreciate comments and am still working on the formal points of Hawkmoth's penance so if you want to suggest something, be my guest.=^-^=