Hey guys guess what a surprise slightly early update this week! I'll be leaving for vacation soon and I'll be doing a lot of packing and running around tomorrow so I figured why not just update tonight and have one less thing to worry about before I leave. I'm sure you won't mind. I'll be back on Sunday so we'll be back to regular updates next week. Now that that's out of the way let's give these boys some nightmares shall we?

Content warning: Nightmares, thoughts of murder, lies, toxic optimism, past home invasion, abandonment issues, secrets and discussion of therapy.

Chapter 23

Adrien's First Sleepover

Adrien paced nervously as he waited for Varian to get back from the meeting with his father. He felt so foolish that he felt too afraid to sleep in his own room alone but he couldn't help it. The memory of Jacques sneaking up from behind him in the empty studio was playing over and over in his mind. He kept looking behind him even though he was sure no one else was there. Plagg watched on while trying to reassure his holder but there was little he could do.

Adrien jumped when he heard a knock at the door.

"Adrien, it's Varian! Can I come in?" He exhaled not realizing he was holding his breath.

"Sure come on in." It would only be for one night, he told himself. He just needed to get through tonight. Varian came in with a small bag and a tray of food.

"I brought us some dinner. I also snuck in some junk food as well. There's even some of that smelly cheese you like." There was a variety of food including small sandwiches, donuts, croissants, macaroons and camembert cheese. He would have to sneak some to Plagg so he wouldn't try and sneak out of his hiding place.

"I just remembered this all happened right before dinner. I called to invite you to join me before-" he stopped himself. He didn't want to get upset again. Varian helped himself to one of the sandwiches and handed one to Adrien.

"Let's do something fun. We can play a game, listen to music or watch something." Adrien sighed. A distraction sounded really good right about now. He took the sandwich and turned on his TV.

"How about an anime, have you seen Death Note? It's an older one but it's really good."

"I have but you're right, it's a good one so I wouldn't mind a rewatch."

"How about the musical?" Varian's eyes widened.

"They made Death Note into a musical?"

"They did in Japan. The soundtrack was dubbed in a few languages. I think there was some interest in bringing it to Broadway in America but it never went through." Varian plopped himself down next to his foster brother.

"We have to watch it." Adrien smiled and pulled up the original Japanese version with subtitles. They watched it for a few hours even listening to the French and English dubbed version of their favorite songs.

"Would you use it?" Adrien suddenly asked out of the blue. "If it was real I mean."

"What, the Death Note?" Varian thought about it a little harder than was probably necessary. "I…I'm a bit too impulsive. I'm not sure I could trust myself not to make a rash decision. One I couldn't take back." Even if there were those who deserved it in his opinion. "What about you?" Adrien also grew quiet thinking about his answer.

"I think you're right about impulsive decisions. The book would make it too easy and too impersonal."

"So we're in agreement. If either of us finds the Death Note, we toss it into the fire." Adrien laughed at the stupid conversation they were having. They talked about all sorts of stupid things until late into the night but neither one of them could fight off sleep for too long. Varian went to the bathroom to change into his night clothes while Adrien did the same.

He asked if Varian wanted an extra bed brought in but he shook his head. He'd fallen asleep at his work table enough times for him to be grateful for the couch.

"Ah, just a heads up," Varian stated. "I…still get nightmares on occasion. My room is soundproof and I haven't had a bad one for a while but I might get a little loud.'' He was still embarrassed to admit that but he didn't want to wake Adrien up in the middle of the night with no idea what was wrong. But Adrien was sympathetic.

"Don't worry about it. I'm…probably going to have nightmares myself." It wasn't long before the two boys fell asleep, admitted reluctantly. It also wasn't long before the expected nightmares began.

Adrien was back in the studio surrounded by people. All of them were doing what they did best, making him look good for the camera. He was used to this, this was normal. But when he rubbed his eyes due to the excessive use of make up he saw that everyone was gone.

"Hello? He called out to an empty echoey white room that seemed to go on without end. He quickly turned around hearing someone whispering something in his ear but didn't see anyone. He felt someone grab his arm but like before he was alone.

"Who's there?! Where is everybody?" He could hear whispers in response but they were too low to make out. He kept turning around trying to make out where the voices were coming from, not sure if he should run towards them or away.

He started running in a random direction trying to find a way out but every time he thought he was getting near a wall or a door he would reach out a hand only to discover it was still very far away.

After what felt like hours without getting anywhere he stopped to catch his breath. But as he looked down he saw a black notebook on the ground. He knew what it was, he knew who was tormenting him, he could end this right now. He hesitated though, was he really ready to end someone's life even if they were evil? He wasn't so sure now.

He wiped the sweat from his brow only to find a trail of red on his hand. He panicked trying to find out where the bleeding was coming from when suddenly a hand reached out grabbing him and covering his face with a dirty rag.

"Adrien!" The voice called again louder and clearer this time but he was too frightened to listen.

"Adrien!" it called again and suddenly he realized the voice wasn't coming from his attacker.

"Adrien wake up!" Adrien jerked awake, nearly hitting Varian in the face. "Whoa, easy there." Varian said in a calm voice trying not to get too close again. "It's OK, you're safe in your own home. It's just you and me."

Adrien was slowly coming back to himself and finally realized he was no longer in danger. He sighed and put his face in his waited patiently for the other boy to come around. He knew it was a little disorienting to come out of a dream and a little embarrassing as well.

"Sorry I woke you." Adrien said quietly.

"It's fine." Varian said, rubbing his back. "I'm a light sleeper."

"Thanks for waking me up." Adrien said after a few minutes of silence.

"Not a problem." Varian wasn't forcing him to tell him about the dream or talk about his feelings. He was grateful for that. He knew he'd have to eventually but not right now.

"You can go back to bed if you want." He was grateful but still a little embarrassed.

"If you're sure." He nodded and Varian made his way back to the couch. Glancing at the clock he saw it was only 2:13 in the morning. He knew he really should try and get some more sleep but he was afraid of waking up in that white empty room again.

After about an hour of trying and failing, Adrien was ready to get up and get a glass of warm milk to try and relax when he heard a soft whimpering voice. He turned to see Varian thrashing on the couch mumbling something in his sleep.

"dad…Dad!" It seems like Varian was having a nightmare as well. "I…I'm sorry." Adrien was about to go and wake him up when he started shouting.

"What are you doing? Get out of my house!" Adrien paused. Was he dreaming about something that really happened like he had?

"It's a lie I never attacked her! She'll be here you'll see…she promised…" before Adrien could cross the room to help Varian suddenly bolted up and ran to the door. The instant the knob turned and the door opened without force it was like a switch was flicked and Varian seemed to come back to himself. The boy quietly closed the door and rested his face in his hands.

Fearing he might be embarrassed Adrien laid back down pretending he never woke up. After a few minutes he saw Varian glance at him through his mostly closed eyes and saw him let out a sigh of relief.

"Damn." he whispered. "I thought I was over these…" but he stubbornly shook his head and went back to bed not knowing Adrien had seen the whole thing.

As Adrien watched his foster brother return to the couch he thought back to what he said earlier about how trauma was not a competition but clearly Varian had gone through a lot. He also saw how he was fighting even if he was still hurting after all this time.

It made him realize he wanted to fight as well. He was still scared right now and that was OK, but he wouldn't let it rule his life. He didn't want Jacques to have any control over his life anymore. It might take some time but he was going to fight this, Just like his brother.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

At some point Adrien must have fallen back to sleep because he awoke to the sounds of music.

"The hardest rains

The coldest winds

Are waiting for the hurricane

The human stains

And all their sins

Blown away

The earth will shake

The sky will scream

Once they feel the power of the hurricane!"

It was coming from his shower so he figured Varian must have woken up before him but why was he playing music in the shower? After listening for a few moments he realized this wasn't a recording, it was Varian. His singing was so good he mistook him for the real thing.

"Finally a chance to

Find a little justice

There's nowhere to run to once the name is penned

Take what fortune grants you

Use it while you've got it

Once you have begun you write it to the end

Elegant solution

Flawless execution

Righteous retribution on the way!"

Adrien smiled listening to the impromptu concert. Rose was right, he was amazing.

"I'll bring the rain

I'll bring the wind

I am the mighty hurricane

The human stains

And all their sins

Blown away

I'll bring the pain

So be afraid

I will bring the power of the hur-ri-cane!

Adrien got ready for the day while Varian went through two or three more songs. He took a shower last night as soon as he got home so he figured it was fine if he took one later.

Varian came out all dressed and ready for the day so the two made their way down stairs to have some breakfast. Adrien was pleased to see pancakes along with his usually healthy stuff and for once there was enough for both him and Varian.

Varian gave him a wink before he dug in. So this was his idea? Adrien dug in, enjoying the treat and in doing so taking away at least a little bit of Jacques's influence over him. He hoped his father was being sincere when he said he didn't have to model any more. He hadn't liked it before and he really didn't think he could go back to that again.

Once breakfast was over he wasn't quite sure what to do. His father had already told him it was OK to stay home from school today but he knew sooner or later he'd have to go down to the police station and make a statement. Varian, who usually rushed off after eating, was sticking around as well. He seemed to be jotting down notes only to scratch most of them out as he went on.

"So, are you still working on the project or just taking a break?" Varian looked up and closed his notebook with a sigh.

"More like figuring a different/safer way to achieve our goal. I need more information but resources are…limited." It was still frustrating that his whole household still had to tiptoe around this project and around him but he let it go, he had enough to deal with right now.

Fortunately they received word that Gorilla was coming back that day. He had been offered time off to recover but he felt so terrible about failing his young master and wanted to be doubly sure nothing would ever happen to him on his watch again.

While Adrien was glad he was OK he knew this was going to make it harder to sneak away as Chat Noir. After hearing from Gorilla his father ushered him into a separate room to discuss some things privately.

"How are you holding up Adrien? I know it hasn't even been a day yet but…" Adrien sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "You can be honest with me son." He paused. His natural reaction would be to lie and say he was fine and move on but…

"Actually father, I'm still a little shook up." His father nodded.

"I'll understand if you want to put off seeing the police and you can always be home schooled with Varian if you wish." Adrien thought for a moment.

"I'll be honest I really don't want to make a statement right now but I know if I wait the anticipation is just going to get worse if I put it off."

"Are you sure son?"

"I really just want to get this over with."

"If that's what you want? What about school?" Adrien wrung his hand.

"I…I'm not sure. I want to go and see my friends but by now everyone will know what happened and they'll ask a ton of questions and…and,,," Gabriel put a hand on his shoulder.

"It's ok Adrien, just tell me when you're ready and we'll go from there." Adrien still felt disappointed with himself. It felt like he was hiding from his friends when they would be nothing but supportive. But what if he was alone in a classroom or a hallway? Someone could sneak up on him again and-

"Adrien?" He blinked and realized he was making his skin red by rubbing his hands too much.

"S-sorry father." Gabriel signed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He had been debating this all night and it seems he had finally made his decision.

"Adrien, I know this isn't something I'd usually recommend but…I think it would help if you saw a therapist."

"A therapist?"

"We can try it out briefly and see if the doctor is a good fit. After a thorough background check of chores." Adrien was confused. His father never sent him to a shrink before even after his mother died.

"Do you think it will help?" he asked tentatively with a touch of hope in his voice.

"Nathalie thinks we both should have been seeing one for sometime now." He thought for a moment, it would be good to talk to someone outside of his family. He'd have to omit his nightlife as a superhero of course but…he didn't want this to take over his life. He wanted to see his friends and keep being Chat Noir. He wanted to find out who he was outside of Adrien the supermodel. Maybe they could help with that too.

"I think…I want to try." His father nodded and immediately started making some calls. "Is Varian going to see someone as well? I still don't know all the details but it sounds like he could use it more than me." Gabriel looked at his son with an almost guilty expression on his face.

"I've had Nathalie give him the same offer I gave you but he's declined."

"Why? Is it because he's here illegally?"

"That among other things."

"I see." Once again he felt like he was missing something important.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

In another world far far away a group of travelers were taking a break. They had just received a message from their home country Corona and the news was not good. Cassandra and Eugene were huddled together trying to decide if they should tell Rapunzel or not.

"We can't keep this from her, Fitzherbert." Cassandra argued as Eugene tried to keep the conversation quiet.

"I'm not saying we don't tell, I'm saying we break it to her gently, over time. Maybe over the course of a few months." Cassandra sighed.

"And what happens if she wanders off again and runs right into the hands of that pint size lunatic?" Eugene cringed.

"I wish I could say that's not very likely but with the luck we've been having on this trip-"

"Hey I saw the messenger bird. Is that a letter from my parents?" Rapunzel interrupted, eager to see what they had written. Eugene quickly snatched the letter away from the lady in waiting turned bodyguard.

"Oh they just wanted to say hi, touch base and let you know-"

"Varian's escaped." Cassandra said in a deadpan voice ignoring the glare Eugene was sending her. Rapunzel's smile instantly faded as she turned a few shades paler at the news.

"But…why? Dad's last letter said that he was getting a lot of help and improving. Why would he break out if everything was going so well?" Cassandra snorted.

"Because some people just want to stay angry and are too stubborn to accept help. Dad says he sees it all the time." Rapunzel rang her hand concerned.

"Do you think he'll…come after me?" Eugene stepped in pulling her into a comforting hug.

"I wouldn't worry about it, Sunshine. We're months into our journey even if he left right after he broke out he's got a long way to catch up." Rapunzel didn't look convinced.

"But he knows we've been following the black rocks. We've also…taken a few detours on our way." Cassandra wanted to comment that it was mostly Rapunzel who was stopping to smell every flower or admire every tree but held her tongue. After the incident at the great tree she wasn't sure she could hold her temper if she started ranting.

"It just means we have to get going without any more delays." Eugene said with a smile. "Besides, the kid doesn't have an army of robots to play around with this time." Rapunzel reached into her bag and pulled out three of the 4 scroll fragments they had acquired. It was almost complete but once it was then what?

"Varian was the one who translated the original piece of the scroll. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if he's trying to find us." Both her companions looked at her like she was crazy.

"And what makes you think he'll help us?" Cassandra shouted. "He tried to kill us and we looked him up in prison?" But Rapunzel was ever the optimist.

"Dad did say he was getting better. Maybe he wants to make amends?" Eugene loved that his girlfriend always looked on the bright side but right now he was worried about all of them getting sunburn.

"Rapunzel, I hate to agree with the Ice Queen over there but she has a point."

"I still say we give him a chance if we see him." It was clear she wasn't going to change her mind so the group packed up and headed out onward silently agreeing to get to their destination as fast as they could but also keeping an even sharper look out.

No one noticed that Cassandra had received an extra letter for her eyes only. After quickly memorizing it she casually tossed it into the fire.

To be continued…

Next time: Varian does the impossible…he convinces Gabriel to let Adrien have some friends over,