Five: Blood is Only so Much Thicker than Water
When Adrien returned home, the first person to greet him was Nathalie. Which was fine, because he definitely preferred her to his father, but he still wished Gabriel would at least show a little more care for his son.
But he was somewhat pleased to hear that the old man would be joining him for dinner later that evening, and until he was called down he was to remain in his room and work on his school work. He decided to talk to Plagg about what was going on, but the kwami was about as confused as Adrien was. "So you have no idea about this demi-human business?"
"Like I said at Marinette's house, this is the first time in thousands of years where a chosen of mine has apparently been born immortal." Adrien curled in on himself in his chair. "I'm not blaming you, Adrien. I understand that it isn't your fault. But I can't answer the questions I don't have the answers to." Plagg landed in the blond nest of hair and nuzzled the crown. "I'm about as scared as you. If they capture you, what are they gonna do?"
Adrien shrugged, reaching out to move his mouse to turn his monitors on. The LadyBlog surprisingly has no news about the sudden revelation that Chat Noir can come back to life, but that was probably because the televisions were broadcasting stories about it for all of Paris to see. The LadyBlog could only reach so far of an audience, after all.
After what felt like days, Adrien was called down to dinner by Nathalie, and barely managed to conceal his smile when he saw his father sitting on the other end of the table. Right when he saw down, his meal was set in front of him, something that he couldn't exactly see had fewer calories than what would be recommended for his growing body, but definitely didn't come close to the proper amount.
(What did it matter? He could starve and then come back to life anyway.)
"Did you hear about the news?" Gabriel asked, not looking up at the boy who had almost choked on his fork. "That cat superhero isn't human. I knew the two of them were trouble."
"It's not their fault," Adrien argued, trying to stay calm. "Especially not Ladybug's."
"Doesn't matter. Chat Noir or whatever is a monster. It's as simple as that."
The blond felt his breath hitch in his throat and involuntary tears prick at the corners of his eyes. Plagg, hidden in the inside pocket of his shirt, nuzzles his chest through the fabric, trying to calm the boy down.
"What is Paris thinking? Allowing that thing to roam the streets? It's a danger to everyone."
Stop talking, Adrien begged. I already know all of this.
"It'd be best if they just captured him."
Adrien dropped his fork and knife and stood, quietly leaving the dining room, feeling his father's stare following him out. Once away from the watchful eye of Gabriel, he practically sprinted back to his room, slamming the door behind him, and then slid down it. He tried to calm his breathing, and Plagg came out to float in front of him with sad eyes. "Are we gonna text Marinette to start patrol early?"
"No," Adrien said harshly, picking his head up to glare at the black cat kwami. "Your heard my father. Chat Noir is a monster."
"Adrien…"
The blond's stomach growled. He didn't acknowledge it.
"I'm a monster."
author's notes:
runs in and kicks the door open, throwing handful of paper
HERE ITS FINALS WEEK IM DEAD
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