Chapter One

Only the atmosphere of Mercury should be as blindingly bright and scorching hot, yet Ladybug was starting to believe that the media's supposed need for perfect lighting was actually a plot to physically roast the subjects of their interviews. It was no wonder politicians required silver-tongues, they'd surely perish under such conditions without. Had Ladybug been made of lesser mettle, she suspected she would have crumbled under the sagging weight of questions dumped on her since Hawkmoth's capture.

Knowing the pressure of a breaking newscast didn't make it any easier, besides this time it was different. The impulse to fidget was impossible to deny. Did she stand with her hands behind her back or clasped at her front? How did a superhero present herself at a press conference involving the son of her arch nemesis?

More importantly how did one act when that son was under investigation? The son she harboured a seven-year crush on. Then there was the added complication that said crush hadn't answered any of the phone calls or messages from her alter ego. She had no idea how Adrien Agreste had taken the news and her imagination was painting an awfully vivid picture. Just thinking about it made her speculate whether or not her stomach was trying to devour itself.

Rumour suggested that Adrien had been home during the final battle and given the size of the Agreste mansion it was entirely possible. True or not, she thanked the stars above for saving him from the agony of seeing Hawkmoth being unmasked. To think his own father was the enemy she'd been fighting against for so long sent a chill down her spine. She couldn't begin to fathom how devasted Adrien was at the discovery. As an acquaintance she'd been stunned beyond belief and the look on Chat Noir's face, she didn't even know how to describe.

Whatever her partner felt in that moment, it far outstripped her own reaction. The final fight had unleashed something feral in Chat Noir. Her happy-go-lucky partner had lost his cheer and turned savage and morose. While his face had been as hardened as his mask, his eyes had been teeming with torment. Ladybug didn't understand what had evoked such a shift in her partner, or why the imposed reveal of Hawkmoth had affected him so badly. She could only assume that he had some link to Gabriel Agreste in his regular life. But since that fight, she hadn't seen or heard from Chat Noir, so her questions remained.

Movement at her peripheral caught Ladybug's eye. Beyond the fall of the heavy stage curtains, the severe figure of Nathalie stepped into view. Behind her was a familiar blonde head and Ladybug's heart jolted erratically. Adrien's height had long since surpassed the frowning assistant's, even with his chin tucked down as he perused his speech notes. As always, he was meticulously dressed with his hair perfectly styled but that composed exterior was betrayed by his eyes. No matter how well he schooled his features, there was no hiding the raw suffering in his green depths and when he glanced at Ladybug he actually winced.

His reaction hit her like a physical blow, causing her bottom lip to quiver. Part of her was thankful that his attention quickly swung to the stage podium which he walked to with a steady gait. When Adrien spoke, it was with a voice as smooth as silk, compelling the audience to listen as he addressed them cordially.

With civilities aside, he dove right in. "Many of you are wondering about my part in Hawkmoth's doings and until his arrest I was ignorant to my father's alleged criminal activities. Gabriel Agreste has always been a very private person and it was not uncommon for him to isolate himself while doing work. I always believed he was busy with his fashion designs. I never assumed that he was doing anything unsavoury with his time. Perhaps it was with painstaking care that he made sure my own schedule was very hectic. Now I have to question why he was so adamant about my extracurricular activities. They were possibly a means to keep me out of his way."

There was a faint quaver to his voice and he cleared his throat before continuing. "My father has never been a hands-on parent, so I potentially missed any warning signs. If I had discovered what I know now, I would have come forward. Instead I can only offer my thanks and acknowledgement to those involved in Hawkmoth's capture. During this time, it would be appreciated if all queries around the Agreste family be withheld until the end of the trial to ensure justice is served accordingly."

Adrien made a few more remarks but Ladybug was no longer listening. Instead she was reading his body language. Watching the stiffness of his shoulders, the way the muscles around his throat twinged and how his knuckles whited as he held his speech notes. It also registered that he hadn't specifically mention Ladybug or Chat Noir. Was he angry at them? Or was it too painful to mention the superheroes who had taken down his father?

As Adrien's speech concluded, the mayor took his cue to step forward, shifting from his position at her side to walk to the podium. Adrien shook the man's hand and gave him an affirmative nod as he stepped away and moved to stand within an arm's length of Ladybug. Her blue eyes scanned his profile, hoping he'd glance her way but he seemed intent on watching the mayor.

Ladybug knew she should have been listening but she desperately wanted to reassure Adrien that things would settle down. That he had friends who would support him through this crisis. That she would be there in a heartbeat if he wanted her to. However, Adrien's attention didn't stray and that hurt her more than she cared to admit.

Her part in this whole fiasco was as nothing more than a supportive figurehead, there to grace the stage as an icon of justice. She'd already made her comments to the media around Hawkmoth's arrest. From a legal perspective it was best if she stayed quiet. Yet as her gaze continued to wander to the blonde she knew that she'd spill everything to Adrien if he asked. He deserved to know what happened and right now she wished she had her partner to back her up.

Chat Noir's absence was starting to be noticed. As question time opened up it was one of the first queries. Ladybug noticed the way Adrien's whole frame stiffened beside her. The mention of the superhero's name apparently made him uncomfortable. As expected the question was directed at her and she had a set answer to give. "The final battle with Hawkmoth took a heavy toll on Chat Noir. Please respect his privacy, as I'm sure he'll return when he's ready."

Adrien's gaze finally landed on her, as if he was trying to convey something with his eyes. The next question was directed to the mayor, which allowed Ladybug the opportunity to study that stare. There was something sincere in the way his eyebrows peaked together pointing to his hairline, almost as if he was showing her gratitude. She would have given anything in that moment to know what he was thinking. Little did she know, that he was wishing the exact same thing.

Adrien had never been more relieved to escape the spotlight and judgemental eyes. While he knew it was a temporary reprieve, given the circumstances, he'd take what he could get. But there was one set of eyes that continued to bore holes into him. The one woman he didn't know how to face. Emotions warred within him, there was the side that longed to talk to her and explain everything, but then there was the other side that was terrified of her reaction and wanted to get as far away from her as possible.

When she'd answered the question regarding Chat Noir's whereabouts a cold sweat had broken on his brow. Abject fear had his mind racing and wondering if she'd put the pieces together. Had she worked out who lay behind the black mask? He'd done his best to ignore her to that point, finding it easier to contain his emotions if he didn't focus on her.

Now though, he realised she was simply working with the information she had. Ladybug was aware that her partner was missing and she could only assume why. He could answer her directly, confirming the possible suspicion she might be harbouring. But it would involve the disclosure of his dual identities and right now he couldn't deal with the drama. Already he'd envisioned the moment in his head and the many ways it could play out. Add in the current events to the equation and it never boded well. Perhaps the reality would be different but he didn't dare to try.

Nathalie's impatient stare caught his attention. She was waiting to the side, her carved expression stern and professional as always. He wondered if he'd ever appear as efficiently brutal as Gabriel's assistant. Somehow, he doubted it. His train of thought was brought to a halt as a red gloved hand, mottled with black spots, latched onto his elbow. Adrien's throat constricted as he turned to his partner.

Ladybug's beautiful blue eyes looked up at him with such candour he wanted to break down on the spot and pour out his soul. But the moment was lost as she spoke first. "Adrien, I know this must be hard for you, and I know a lot of people are saying bad things. But I know that you are not the same man as your father. You have a kind heart and you're a good person. I'm sure your friends will support you and if you need me, I'll be there for you too."

Adrien was desperate to answer. To thank her for her kindness and to explain that his phone had be confiscated as part of the investigation, blocking him from the people he'd normally reach out to. Yet his body was working against him, his throat was pinched tight in warning. As if it was the final barrier in preventing the dam of his emotions from rupturing if he spoke about his feelings. The thought of having a breakdown in such a public place in front of Ladybug was enough to render him silent.

Instead he covered her hand with his own and gave an appreciative nod. She seemed to sense his mood, her eyes roving over his face like a gentle caress. Then the fingers of her opposite hand lifted to tuck his hair behind his ear. The gesture was almost his undoing, but she wasn't done yet.

Ladybug's warm lips grazed his cheek and her breath touched his ear. "You take care, Adrien Agreste." His eyelids fluttered closed briefly and his fingers unconsciously squeezed hers. When she stepped back there was a look in her eyes that made his heart skip a beat. If he didn't know better he would have thought it profound affection. "See you around." She said, slipping her hand from under his as she walked away. He remained rivetted to the spot, and his heart kicked it up a notch when she glanced back at him. Again, he found himself wondering if she suspected he was Chat Noir.

I'd like to say a big thank you for all the lovely reviews for the prologue, they really made me smile. Cheers for all the favourites and follows too.

It's official, Gabriel needs a swift kick up the butt. Will Adrien hold it together? Stay tuned!