One day early for Christmas! ^^
Thank you to Khanofallorcs for being the beta for this story!
Chapter Nineteen
"Adrien?"
As Adrien paced the foyer he looked up at Nathalie, who was coming out of the dining room. He gave her a quick glance, before his eyes flickered back towards his father's office. He knew that the man was in there, the light was on as it always was when he was in there. As his eyes returned to Nathalie he saw the look of pity in her gaze, and his heart crumbled in on itself.
"Dinner is ready," she said, voice unwavering.
"Father is going to come, right?" Adrien asked, needing to force himself to keep his voice even.
Nathalie closed her eyes. "...No need for your dinner to get cold, Adrien, come along."
"It's Christmas Eve," he said, taking a step back. "We always have dinner together on Christmas Eve."
"...Perhaps we can give him a few more minutes," Nathalie replied, eyes flickering toward the atelier.
There was a sharp pain in Adrien heart, and he felt stupid for having expected anything else. Nathalie's words were meant to keep his hopes up– but what was the point if it was only going to be a false hope? He closed his eyes, a heavy feeling taking hold of his heart. There was a lump forming in his throat, and it was painful to swallow.
Nathalie grabbed Adrien's shoulder, and he stumbled slightly, startled, vision blurring. He realized there were tears forming in his eyes, and he fought to get them under control. He shouldn't be letting his emotions control him, he wasn't supposed to slip this easily, he was fine–
"Adrien," Nathalie said, her stoic tone dropping into something softer. "Adrien, are you okay?"
"Y-yeah," he said, tasting salt as he tried to get himself under control. "I'm fine– I'm sorry– I'm fine–"
"Adrien," Nathalie said firmly. "You know you can talk to me, right?"
"I..." He swallowed, taking in a shaking breath. "Why won't he come? It's Christmas Eve, it's tradition, I know he's busy but he's never broken this tradition–"
Nathalie let out a sigh. "Adrien, you know he just might not be ready–"
"He hasn't left the house since February!" Adrien cried, the tears threatening to return. "And it's n-not just the house– it's his office, his room– I– I don't see him anymore!" He looked up at her. "What am I doing wrong, Nathalie? I've been trying to be better, I swear I am–"
"Adrien, stop," Nathalie said, her hands on her shoulders. "Look at me– you are doing exactly what you need to do. I know it may not seem like it, but this is helping your father, this space is something he needs, and if he sees you like this you are just going to worry him more."
"I know," he said softly. "I'm... I'm trying."
"Just keep doing everything that you're doing," Nathalie said with a small smile. "Things will get better, I promise you– I'm doing everything I can to help him. Your father has been trying as well... and he does worry about you, Adrien. He may have a hard time showing it, but he still cares. He asks about you everyday."
Usually these words would calm Adrien down, give him some faith that something could get better– but right now he only felt a bitterness forming in his heart.
"Then why isn't he here?" Adrien whispered.
Nathalie's hands tightened around his shoulders. "Come on, you'll feel better after you have something to eat."
"I'm not hungry," Adrien muttered, pulling free from her grasp. He gritted his teeth, but didn't let his frustration seep into his voice. "Merry Christmas, Nathalie."
"Adrien–"
He was already halfway up the stairs though, not slowing down. His steps echoed through the empty foyer, and he practically lunged for one of the doors to his room. He could hear Nathalie coming up the stairs after him, but he shut it and locked it before she could say anything else. He knew that she had keys to all the rooms in the mansion, but he also knew that she wouldn't intrude. The door rattled as she attempted to open it, and silence lingered between the two of them.
His anger was burning through him, vision blurry as tears stung his eyes. There was a salty taste in his mouth as he stood there, back pressed up against the door– tensed until he heard Nathalie's fading footsteps, and he allowed himself to sink to the ground as the tears fell.
"Adrien?" A quiet voice asked, and he wiped the tears away to look at Tikki hovering in front of him, concern shining in her blue eyes. "Adrien–"
"It's not fair!" Adrien cried, fresh tears flooding his eyes. "It's not fair, Tikki– it's not fair!"
"I'm sure he just–"
"It's been like this for months!" He cried, drawing his knees up as his hands tugged at his hair. "I've been trying and trying– and I get nothing for it! I'm trying to give him space, I'm trying to do what he asks, but he c-can't– he c-can't even–!"
Tikki zipped forward, small arms hugging his cheek. "Adrien–"
"I feel like I've lost both of them!" Adrien screamed, his fists flying back and hitting the door, which shuddered against his back.
He felt his hair being pulled back from his face, and his eyes fluttered open to watch as Tikki carefully wiped away his tears. She was saying something, sounds flowing from her mouth, but it was words he didn't quite understand. Her voice sounded almost like chimes, light, soft, musical, and it seemed to reverberate through his whole being. His ragged breath slowed softly as he listened to the strange song, Tikki drifting about him– tucking his hair away from his face, wiping his tears, adjusting the collar of his shirt.
"There we go," she said softly, speaking in French once more. "Just deep breaths right now, okay?"
"I'm– I'm sorry, Tikki–"
"Don't you dare apologize," the kwami said gently, but yet eyes were nothing but serious. She cupped a cheek with one arm. "You have every right to be upset."
"I can control–"
"Controlling your emotions does not mean suppressing them," Tikki said firmly. "And if anyone tells you otherwise, they are wrong. You have every right to be upset when you've been emotionally abandoned, especially on a day that's so important to you."
"We always spent Christmas together," Adrien whispered. "Father would take the whole week off and it would just be all of us together," he closed his eyes. "We'd decorate together, not the staff, and we would always have a big dinner together on Christmas Eve..." His hand curled into fists. "He just locks himself away, Tikki, it's... it's not fair."
"I know," Tikki said softly, drifting about him. "If you need to talk about it I'm going to listen to every word, alright?"
"I..."
Adrien looked about his room. It had always been large, but it was only in the last year it had become so crowded. Stuffed with every game and console and physical object someone his age might want. Material items had never been high on his list of wants, but it felt like this year his father had become like Chloe's when it came to gifts, those being handed to him instead of the time he craved.
"I want to get out of here," Adrien whispered hoarsely.
"You know the words," Tikki said softly.
His eyes flickered towards his window, and down to Tikki. She landed on his shoulder as he pushed himself to his feet, reaching for the remote to open his window. A single panel swung open with a touch of a button, and his hand reached up to his kwami.
"Spots on," he muttered, summoning Tikki into his earrings. With a flash of pink light he found himself turning into Crimson Beetle, grabbing his yoyo as he threw it from his window, and with a single tug he was soaring through the air.
He landed on the roofs across the streets, and he paused to look back at his house, standing silently in the night.
The light from his father's atelier was still on, and he felt the bitterness returning– and he took off running across Paris.
Nathalie burst into Gabriel's atelier without knocking.
He paused, looking back at his assistant as she entered, his gaze cool as their eyes met. He was standing in the back of his office, the painting of Emilie pulled open, and the safe behind it ajar. He carefully placed everything back within, pausing for a moment to pick up a picture of Emilie, before shutting the safe.
"Yes?" He asked.
"Adrien is very upset, sir," Nathalie said. "He was really looking forward to seeing you tonight, and... and now he's angry that you brushed off dinner."
Gabriel closed his eyes. "I... I just don't think that I..."
"Sir," Nathalie said, a bit more forcefully. "I know this is difficult for you, but it's also Adrien's first Christmas without his mother. I really think that–"
"I know," he cut her off, before taking in a deep breath. "I... I just needed some time. To talk to her, and..." His eyes shifted from the safe, to the picture of Emilie in his hands, and then to the framed images of Adrien lining the wall. "I will go and see him."
Nathalie relaxed. "Thank you, sir."
He let out a long breath as Nathalie retreated out of the room, before typing in the code to the safe once more. It opened with a small beep, and he carefully replaced Emilie's image within, next to a worn leather book. He did not give himself a moment to look at anything within again, closing the safe just as swiftly, followed by the painting of Emilie, hiding the safe from view.
"I'm trying," he muttered to the painting, those green eyes looking down at him with their ghostly beauty. "I am trying, Emilie, I–"
He paused, wincing, and he turned away from the photo.
"I know..." he muttered, pushing his glasses up as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I'm not doing enough for him, Nathalie does more than I can..." He took in a deep breath, before adjusting his glasses and heading towards the door.
The mansion was decorated minimally this year, Emilie had always been the one to take the lead to the holiday season, but this year it had been left to Nathalie's direction and the staff. Speaking of Nathalie, she was waiting at the foot of the stairs, still and unmoving, her eyes slightly wide. He felt his heart skip a beat nervously, and he hurried to her side.
"Nathalie?" He asked.
She wasn't looking directly at him, head tilted slightly. "I... I don't..."
Her eyes shifted up towards Adrien's room, and that was all he needed to see. Gabriel rushed up the steps, rushing towards the door– which was locked as he attempted to enter. He didn't even paused, darting over to the other door, which swung open as he twisted the knob. He found himself bursting into an empty room, but still his eyes swept across it, he hurried forward, looking up to the second level to see if he was there. Empty, along with his couch and bed, bathroom door open and room dark.
A cool breeze rushed by him, and his eyes turned towards the open window. He rushed over to it, staring at the long fall below, panic surging in his mind. He knew that Adrien had exited through the window before, though rare, it was an escape he knew, but still fear gripped Gabriel. Adrien was gone, alone in the cold and empty night.
"Nathalie!" He cried. "Ezra!"
His assistant was there in moments, Adrien's bodyguard right behind her. They could see how pale he had become as he turned, wild gray eyes sweeping across them.
"Find him!" Gabriel roared. "You have to go find him, now–!"
Can't lose Adrien, can't lose Adrien, can't lose Adrien–!
"We're going now, sir," Nathalie said, throwing one worried glance at him, before hurrying with Ezra back into the foyer. Gabriel trailed behind them, their footsteps being the only sound as coats were thrown on and they hurried out the door. The only reality in his mind was the realization that Adrien was not here, safe in his room, away from harm, and he could feel the pounding of his heart throughout his whole body.
He was snapped from the consuming fear as the front doors snapped shut, Ezra and Nathalie hurrying out the door. Gabriel's steps were heavy as he trudged down the steps. He could hear the sound of the limo starting up, the vehicle moving down the driveway. He tried to take comfort in this, that they would find Adrien swiftly.
What if he turned off his phone again? This wouldn't be the first time we couldn't reach him or track him–
Gabriel found himself at the front doors, staring down at the handles. He could go out and look for Adrien himself... Just open the door and step out into the streets, find his son... His hand reached for the doorknob, but he pulled it back just as swiftly.
Nathalie would find Adrien. She hadn't failed him yet.
Crimson raced across rooftops, his heart thundering in his chest as he leapt and swung across the city. Had he not been transformed he was sure his throat would be burning from the exertion, but the magic kept him going. He was tired, but there was no exhaustion telling him to stop. So he just kept running aimlessly, weaving between various arrondissements with no care for where he went.
He felt so much better now that he was moving, but that didn't stop the bitterness that had entered his heart. There were more than a few times he had thrown his yoyo harder than necessary, feet hammering against the roof, or let out growls of frustrations as he forced himself through the acrobatic route.
He slammed down onto a roof, panting heavily as he fell to his knees. Running and running and running– it gave him a sense of freedom, but he knew exactly where this would take him again. Back to his empty house, in his empty room, full of people with empty gazes.
Alone. Alone. Alone.
"Gah!" He screamed, kicking at the chimney he had landed near. His suit protected him from any pain that could have come from kicking solid brick, but it wasn't enough to ease the pain in his heart.
It wasn't enough! Screaming and shouting did nothing, and with the yoyo in his hand he knew that he could do more. He had seen the wire slice through wood and bend metal, but what could that do? His situation would remain the same– locked in a house where his own father wouldn't even look at him.
Why wasn't what he did enough? What more did they want from him? What was he doing wrong!
"Argh!" He cried, slamming a fist against the brick, tears falling as he panted heavily.
"Who's there?" A female voice cried.
Crimson froze as he heard the voice, instinctively looking at the surrounding rooftops for Lady Noire– except why would she be asking who he was? And why would she be out tonight? She would probably be home with her family right now, laughing and enjoying the holidays like any other family–
"I said who's there?" The voice growled again. "If you're an akuma, buzz off, I have some scissors and I'm not afraid to use them!"
The voice snapped him out of his thoughts, especially with the mention of an akuma– here he was terrorizing some civilians, making them think that he was the very thing he should be protecting them from. He should probably just leave, let them think he was a stray cat or something, but the voice was very familiar...
He wiped away his lingering tears, hopping up onto the chimneys and looking down at the balcony below him, where he saw the owner of the voice. He was met with the sight of Marinette peering down over her railing, a pair of sewing scissors in hand. Had he been feeling like his usual self, he probably would have chuckled at the idea of Marinette using that to fight an akuma, but after seeing her in the fight against Evillistrator he knew that she wouldn't easily back down from one.
"Hey, Princess," Crimson said, voice slightly hoarse from his shouting and tears. Marinette wheeled around at the sound of his voice, pointing the scissors right up at him. He gave a dry chuckle, while Marinette stared at him in surprise.
"Crimson?" She asked in surprise, gawking up at him. "What are you doing here?"
"Was just going for a little run," he said with a shrug, letting a smile cover his face. He knew how to fake a smile when he needed to, though it was slightly easier with Marinette in front of him. She was wearing a pair of warm pajamas, and her hair was down, falling across her shoulders. "Didn't realize I was so close to your place."
"Is there an akuma?" She asked, eyes flickering about. "I heard–"
He winced, sliding down from the brick chimney and onto her railing. "Ah, that would have been... me. Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you."
"That was you?" She asked doubtfully.
He gave her a grin that didn't quite reach her eyes. "What? Thought it would be Lady that would be yowling– ow!"
Marinette gave a playful punch to his shoulder as he spoke, his 'ow' being an automatic reaction, not a response to any pain, and Marinette crossed her arms, a playful gleam in her eyes. "Is that how you–?" She suddenly paused mid sentence, her eyes widening. "Um– sorry?"
"Huh?" He asked, blinking.
"I, um," she shook her head. "Heh, not getting enough sleep, silly me, thinking you were someone else? Or that I else someone was? Think that with break sleep more get, yeah?"
She scratched the back of her head, words jumbled and frantic, and he could only blink. He had never seen Marinette react like that before, but he had to say it was adorable. He felt a smile that didn't feel quite as forced twitched as his lips, and he swung his legs over onto her balcony, leaning against the railing.
"Yeah," he replied softly, still not sure of what exactly she was saying, but she just bobbed her head.
She carefully set the scissors she had been wielding down, watching him curiously. "So... if no akuma there is, then what are you doing out tonight? I mean, it's Christmas Eve... or maybe you don't celebrate Christmas... Crimson, are you okay?"
Marinette's voice went soft, the concern clear in her voice, and he jerked his head up. His vision was blurring, and he swiftly wiped away the forming tears, letting out a small laugh. "Heh, it's pretty cold out, isn't it, that wind..."
Marinette's hand wrapped around his wrist. "Crimson," she said again, and he felt his gaze slipping towards her, even though he wanted to look away as more tears came. "Is everything okay?"
Yes. That was what he was supposed to say. All was fine, smile, and act like everything was. The word was caught in his throat though, tugging at the lump forming in the back of his mouth. All he could taste was salt, and more tears were slipping from his eyes. He swallowed, trying to get control of himself, but instead he just felt a pressure building up in his chest.
He wasn't Adrien Agreste right now, he didn't have to keep it in.
...But he was Crimson Beetle, he was supposed to be a hero, someone everyone could count on...
"Crim?" Marinette asked in a soft whisper, and his tears spilled over.
He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came, and so he just shook his head. A sob built up in his throat, coming out as a shuddering gasp of air, and he felt a pair of arms wrap around him. He shivered at the contact, before pulling Marinette in close as he could, letting the dam break.
It had been months since he had last just let himself cry.
He blubbered, letting the tears come as he fought just to take in a breath of air. A part of him knew that he shouldn't be doing this– that he was a hero and to Marinette he was a stranger, but it had been so long since he had a shoulder to cry on that the thought of pulling back hurt just as much as everything that had happened. So he let Marinette hold him as he cried.
His breathing was ragged as he stopped, pulling away as he wiped his tears. His eyes darted across the balcony, before they dared to settle on Marinette. He thought he would see discomfort as she stood there, uncertain to what had happened, but those blue eyes were only filled with concern. Neither of them said a word as they stood there, the night silent around them. Marinette hesitated a few times, looking for something to say, before taking in a deep breath.
"This calls for hot chocolate," she declared after a moment, taking a step towards her skylight. "I'll be right back, okay? You sit down, and make yourself at home."
Then she was gone, vanishing down into her room before he could respond. He blinked weakly, unsure of what to do, and his eyes flickered about her balcony. He slowly made his way over towards the chair she had under a canopy. He felt strange, like someone might be watching him, but a quick glance around showed nothing.
Marinette was soon to return, though he smelled the tray of food she had before he heard her– two steaming cups of hot chocolate on a platter filled with goods from the bakery. Crimson moved towards the skylight, helping her get up onto the balcony with the tray in her hands, carefully putting the food on a small table as he sat down once more.
"Here you go," Marinette said, pressing once of the mugs into his hands. Marshmallows floating on top, and a candy cane sticking out from it. "Drink up."
"You didn't have to do this," Crimson said softly, taking a small sip. It was delicious and sweet– and he wasn't sure if it was himself or Tikki's influence with her love of sugar that made him feel a bit warmer. "Especially after I came crashing in."
"I want to help you," Marinette replied, looking at him with nothing but concern. "Besides, what kind of person would I be to turn away the city's hero?"
His hands tightened around the mug.
"I'm not worried about the hero though," Marinette said, laying a hand on his arm. "I'm worried about you. I... do you want to talk about what happened?"
He let out a mirthless laugh. "Just a bunch of things crumbling down at once, and I'm sorry that you had to be the one to see it."
"Crimson."
He let out a sigh. "...Identity things," he said softly. "I can't talk about it while suited up."
"I understand," she said softly.
He looked up towards the sky, it looked empty with the city lights drowning out the stars. His family had a few summer homes where the night sky wasn't hidden... but he didn't want to think about it right now– because every memory he had there involved his mother.
He was snapped out of his thoughts as Marinette offered him a napkin from the tray of pastries, and he realized he was crying again. He took it, wiping the tears away as he tried to collect his thoughts. The logical part of him reminded him that Marinette was supposed to be a stranger right now, and that was what she thought of him– but all he saw right now was a friend that was willing to listen, and he needed someone to talk to.
"I... I lost someone," he muttered, hating how vague he had to be. "It was a while ago, but this time of year was important to them... to all of us. A-and... and someone else... keeps breaking promises. And it hurts. So much. And I don't know what to do."
He closed his eyes, sniffing as he held back more tears. It felt wrong, such simple wordings being unable to describe a fraction of how he felt. He took a long sip of his hot chocolate, staring out at the skyline.
Marinette gave him a comforting squeeze, but didn't say anything.
"I... I feel like I'm not allowed to miss them," Crimson whispered, voice cracking. "I have to be strong for him, b-but he isn't there for me."
"I'm so sorry," she whispered, and he felt her arms wrap around him. "I... I wish there was something I could do. I'm sorry."
He gave her a soft smile, one that didn't feel quite as forced. "You listened, that's something... I don't get too often. So thank you, Princess."
"If you ever do need someone to talk to I am willing to listen," Marinette said. "About anything. And... and if it's something you can't talk about, I know your partner will listen, and your friends when you're not in the mask, and–"
He covered her hand with one of his. "I guess I forget that sometimes." He swallowed, wiping away a few remaining tears. "I'm sorry for coming out of nowhere like that... b-but I think I needed that. I feel... I think I'm going to be okay."
He still felt so many things. Anger, bitterness, hurt– but he felt many other things. Relief, comfort, and a flicker of hope. Tikki had been right, keeping everything wrapped up inside of him had been painful, and letting it all out had been something he hadn't done in so long. Nothing had changed; home was still going to be the same when he got back... but he would be okay. He had Tikki, Marinette, Nino, Chloe, Lady... Alya, Kim, Alix, Sabrina...
This year had not been an easy one for him. His family felt like it had been torn apart, the city was being attacked, and home felt so empty– but good things had happened as well. He had been able to go to school, make more friends, he had met Tikki and Lady, and gained a new-found freedom. Things weren't perfect... but he would be okay.
He was looking forward to the idea of a new year.
"Marinette?" A voice called from down in the bakery, and both of them stiffened slightly. "Marinette, it's dinner time!"
"C-coming, Mom!" Marinette cried, her eyes flickering over towards Crimson.
He gave her a smile, setting his mug down. "Thank you for everything, Marinette."
"T-take something to eat," Marinette blurted out, pointing to the tray of pastries. "I brought them up here for you..."
He carefully picked up a chocolate covered croissant and a few macarons for Tikki. The smell was heavenly, and his mouth watered slightly. He pulled his yoyo from his side, not wanting to leave quite yet– but there's no way he was going to keep Marinette from her family.
"Crimson," Marinette said as he turned, and she was smiling softly at him. "I do hope that you can have a good Christmas. Maybe a good... Crims-mas?"
She sounded uncertain at the pun, but he couldn't help but let out a laugh. That in turn brought a smile to Marinette's face, and his heart felt warm. He had seen Marinette's reaction to puns in school, so the fact that she had thought one up just to cheer him up... it put a real smile on his face.
"Thank you, Princess," Crimson said softly, leaning forward to give her a small kiss on the cheek, before throwing his yoyo and swinging away.
"Marinette? Marinette!"
"Hey. Kid," Plagg zipped up from her room, hovering in front of her. "Your maternal parent is calling for you."
"H-he... he just..." Marinette stuttered out, her face bright red. Her hand slowly raised up, covering her cheek, the spot feeling warm against the chilly air. "He just..."
Plagg rolled his eyes. "What's the big deal? Isn't that a French thing? Or was it Spanish... gah, you humans have too many customs to keep track of!"
Marinette buried her face into her hands. "Plagg! Crimson just kissed me!"
Green eyes gleamed. "Looks like Christmas came early, hmm?"
"Plagg!"
"Marinette!"
"C-coming, Mom!" Marinette cried, face still flushed red as she scrambled towards her skylight, Plagg cackling as he drifted after her.
Crimson landed in the park across from Marinette's bakery, letting out a long sigh. He looked across at the empty place, gaze drifting from his statue to a carousel. There was a thin carpet of snow covering the grounds, not even though to cover the dried grass peering up from the blanket of white. He made his way across the park, before sitting down on a park bench.
"Spots off," he whispered, letting his transformation fall. He shivered slightly, not realizing until it was too late that he wasn't dressed for the weather. He shivered slightly as Tikki materialized in front of him, the kwami shooting a quick glance around to make sure it was safe, before zipping over towards him.
"Adrien, you're going to freeze!" She cried.
"Macaron?" Adrien offered, holding up the cookie. "It's strawberry, your favorite."
She took the macaron from his hand, taking a bite, but she was zipping about him frantically. "Oh, Adrien, you need to transform if you're going to be out right now. Or find somewhere warm for you to go."
"Most places are closed right now," he replied, taking a bite of the croissant Marinette had given him. It was warm, and the most delicious thing he had ever tasted. He let out a happy hum, closing his eyes.
"Adrien," Tikki said, tugging on his fingers. "Come on, let's go find somewhere to go."
He smiled at the kwami. "It's funny," he muttered. "Everything hurts, but I feel so much better. How can things hurt but feel good at the same time?"
"Adrien!"
This time it was not Tikki who said his name– the kwami diving into his pocket as the voice called out. Adrien stiffened up slightly, his heart sinking as he turned to see his limo pulling up along the street, the window rolled down with Nathalie leaning out.
He turned away, hand resting where Tikki was hiding, and she patted him in reply. He took a deep breath, and while he was tempted to bolt... he would have to go home eventually. Adrien slowly pushed himself to his feet, turning and heading towards the car without looking at Nathalie or his bodyguard next to her. She seemed surprised that he had come so easily, and he pulled the door open.
"Adrien, you must be freezing!" Nathalie cried, leaning forward to pull off her coat. The next thing Adrien knew it was being shoved into his hands, and he pulled it around him, the cloth warm from Nathalie wearing it. "Ezra, turn up the heat. What were you thinking, going out dressed like that!"
"I... I just needed some space," Adrien said softly, pulling Nathalie's coat closer, the limo pulled away from the corner before he could buckle up.
"Do you know how worried we were?"
"...I'm sorry."
No other words were said, the limo silently driving forward. Adrien simply shivered, not feeling warm even with the heat coming from the vents. He was regretting having detransformed, both for the natural warmth his suit provided and that it had allowed him to be found. He hesitantly looked up towards the front seat, but neither of the adults were looking back at him.
It didn't take long for them to reach the mansion once more, and Adrien felt his gut twisting. When had his house had stopped feeling so much like home? Was it because of school, that he had been able to get a taste of the warmth that could be more than the reality that he lived in?
The Gorilla held the door open for him as he hesitated to climb out, but as soon as he did Nathalie's arm wrapped around his back, guiding him forward. He looked up at the large house, the feelings of bitterness returning. Would they drag him to the dining room, have him eat alone as always?
The front doors were pushed open as he was ushered inside. Adrien's eyes immediately flickered across the foyer, landing on the figure of his father, who was pacing the entryway. The man froze up as the door opened, eyes immediately turning towards them. Adrien held Nathalie's coat around him, the only sound being the doors being shut by the Gorilla.
As those gray eyes settled on him Adrien immediately felt the lump returning to his throat. "Fa–"
"Adrien," Gabriel breathed, relief breaking over his face, the man racing towards him.
Adrien took in a sharp breath as he felt a pair of arms wrap around him, fiercely pulling him against his father's chest. The man held him tightly, arms coiling about him, and Adrien felt tears stinging his eyes– because he wasn't sure how long it had been since his father had last embraced him.
Tears spilling over, he returned the hug.
"Do you have any idea how much you scared me?" Gabriel said, not pulling back. "Never do that again."
"I'm... I'm sorry, Father," Adrien whispered. "I... I just–"
"I cannot bear the thought of losing you," he said, voice just above a whisper, pulling back to look at him. Adrien only felt confusion as he swayed there, his father tightly gripping his shoulders, before pulling him close once more.
The frustration and bitterness was still there, burning in the back of his mind– but it was now accompanied by guilt and the sheer exhilaration at the fact that his father was here, holding him, missing him– just as he had wanted.
"I'm sorry," Adrien whispered again. "I th-thought I wouldn't see you today and... and I– we, we always..." His arms tightened around Gabriel. "It's Christmas, Father, please don't leave me alone."
Gabriel let out a long sigh. "I... I'm sorry Adrien, I'm so sorry. I just, I just don't think I can do dinner tonight. Not... without her."
Adrien's heart tightened.
Gabriel's gaze was hard to read. "Perhaps... perhaps we could do a new tradition? Dinner on Christmas Day instead?"
"Together?" Adrien asked softly.
"Yes, of course."
"I... I would like that very much, Father."
"Plaaaaag... Plaaaaag..."
"Go'way," the small kwamis grumbled as a finger poked him. "Sleepin'..."
"It's Christmas," Marinette said excitedly. "You're not allowed to sleep in on Christmas!"
Plagg cracked an eye open. "A day of candy and sweets– I know how this works. I'd rather sleep."
"I guess I'll keep your present then if you don't want it..."
Plagg shot straight up into the air, eyes wide. "Cheese? Where? I want it!"
"I didn't say it was cheese–" Marinette began, and Plagg's ears went back.
"What's the point of a gift if it's something you can't eat?" He asked, floating back down towards his pillow. "I'm going back to bed!"
"Come on, Plagg," Marinette said, poking him again, and he glared at her with his ears back. "I worked hard on it, and I think you'll like it."
"Sleep!"
"...And there's a place to put cheese in it?"
His eyes opened again. "I'm listening."
He stiffened up as she suddenly grabbed him, jumping from off the ladder, before sticking him on her shoulder. He took a moment to get a good grip as she ran across the room, where an object on her desk was covered with some cloth. It was fairly big compared to him, but since he already knew that it wasn't cheese, he saw no point in getting excited.
His holder looked excited though, smiling at him. "Well, aren't you going to open it?"
He let out a yawn so she knew that he could be sleeping, before drifting off her shoulder. He drifted about the cloth, sniffing in hopes of maybe there would be some cheese, but he didn't smell any food. He flew forward, grabbing the cloth, before pulling it off to see what was underneath.
"...A purse?" Plagg said dully, looking at the black bag.
"It looks like a purse," Marinette said with a grin. "And I have to admit it turned out awesome, it was my first time making anything like this– but that's not what's important."
"It's a purse," he repeated. "You know I don't like those things."
"Exactly," Marinette said happily, not looking at all disappointed by his lack of enthusiasm. "Which is why I made this one with you in mind. It's not pink, which I know always gets on your nerves, and it's black like you, but the neutral color means it can match anything I wear without it standing out."
"Okay."
"Oh, come on," Marinette said, pushing him forward. "You haven't even looked inside yet. You see, I don't need a big bag, my coin purse has always been enough for me– but I figured you would be a bit cramped inside. So I can put all of my stuff in the outside pockets, so the main part is all for you!"
She opened the purse up, allowing Plagg to drift down inside. It was roomy, for a kwami, and with the way the purse was designed there was some structure so the bag just didn't sag, instead looking a bit like a little room.
"I made a little cushion you could sleep on, made out of that minky fabric you were napping on a few weeks ago," Marinette said as he poked at it. "Stitched to the corner of the bag so it doesn't fly around, and with a little indent so you don't either, and then that little zipper next to you is lined with a smell resistant bag, so you can put whatever kind of cheese you want in there when we go out."
"I don't get why you humans like to mask something that smells so fine," Plagg said, pulling the zipper open, revealing multiple slots within.
"That way we can put some cold packs in there for some cheeses," Marinette explained, before ushering him across the bag with her fingers towards a slot on the side, lined with clear plastic. "And this is my dad's old iPod touch."
"A what?"
"...It's like a phone, but it can't make phone calls," Marinette said. "I couldn't really afford to buy a new one, but this way you have something to do all day instead of just sitting in my bag! You can download apps, watch videos... only if you use headphones though, obviously, because you're a secret, I have some earbuds you can use, I guess they'd be more like speakers with how small you are..."
Plagg just stared at the screen.
"And there's a latch from the inside," Marinette said, showing him the small cloth. "That way you can close it from the inside and it will take a few seconds for someone to open it, giving you plenty of time to hide if someone comes snooping! And there's room so we can add more things if you'd like, like maybe a rice bag, so you can have something warm to nap on, or... I dunno– anything you like!"
Plagg stared up at her.
"So yeah," Marinette said, scratching the back of her head. "I know it's not cheese, but since I buy you cheese all the time, I thought I should do something more for Christmas, and since I always make things for my friends I decided to stick with that. So, um– what do you think?"
"Friends?" Plagg asked, tail flicking.
"What did you think you were?" Marinette asked with a smile.
"I..." He shifted, before shrugging. "Meh, why am I surprised, of course you're a weird one."
"Weird for calling you a friend?" Marinette asked, raising an eyebrow. "I think you're the weird one in that case." She poked his nose, causing him to rub at it. "I hope you do like it, though, cheese or not."
"It'll do," Plagg said after some consideration. "Definitely better than that pink abomination you always put me in. So... thank you."
Marinette laughed. "I'll take that as approval."
"I have a gift for you as well," Plagg said, drifting up in front of her, green eyes serious. "I only give this gift to holders I deem worthy– and you better not misuse it."
Marinette's eyes were wide as he said this, which was a good thing– this being in the wrong hands would be horrible. Plagg took in a deep breath, before carefully grabbing her finger, looking her straight in the eyes, blinking slowly.
"Marinette, I am giving you a single Cheese Pass."
"Cheese... Pass?"
"Yes," Plagg said gravely. "You may use it in times of great need, in an emergency, if we were to find ourselves in a tight situation." He took a deep breath. "When you use the Cheese Pass... I will not complain about the lack of cheese or the poor quality of it if nothing better is available."
Marinette blinked at him.
"Use this wisely," Plagg said solemnly. "Me going without proper sustenance without complaint takes a great toll on my mental health."
Marinette cracked a grin, before shaking her head. "You're adorable, Plagg."
The cat stiffened. "Adorable? Adorable? I am the embodiment of Destruction itself!"
"Well Destruction incarnate looks like a little kitten."
"I have sunk cities! Summoned pestilence! Eradicated species!"
Marinette just laughed. "Tell you what, my parents have a cheese platter in the fridge for dinner tonight. I'm not saying you can go all out on it, but there's quite a variety, and I'm sure if a few pieces were to go missing no one would notice."
"Well if there's any camembert, it will be going missing," Plagg said, mouth watering already.
"There's already a wheel of it in the back of the fridge– your Christmas dinner."
"Why didn't you say so before?" Plagg cried, immediately diving down through the desk and floor. "My sweet cheesy goodness, here I come!"
The thought of cheese was too great, that even the smell of bread and sweets from the bakery wasn't enough to deter him. He phased through walls and floors, making sure to keep an eye out for any of her parents– but the kitchen was empty as he arrived. Licking his lips, he dove into the fridge, spotting the cheese platter right away, but instead he searched for the promised camembert.
"Oh, my gooeyness," Plagg purred, landing on the wheel. "Christmas dinner? More like Christmas breakfast!"
He took a big bite, the delicious cheese being a rare treat for him with this current holder. That didn't matter, though, as he began to devour it, savoring each bite. And then the cheese tray with a whole rainbow of cheeses... Best. Christmas. Ever.
I hope you guys all have a good holiday! ^^
