Author's note.
Here it is, the final part of the 'Adrian Custody' arc. Will Adrian go back to his dad? Will William punch someone in the dick? Will we ever find out what was in that envelope? The answers; well, I won't tell. Also, the Halloween book will be after this chapter. Stay tuned for that. So, leave a review, sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
Chapter 45
Adrian
"No way, seriously?". Sabrina and Nathaniel were at the park watching the latest scoop on the Miraculog. It showed Lila being beaten by Rebecca and her friends beating the shit out of Lila.
"And that title", said Sabrina. "'Bitch gets beaten by strippers', wow, who knew Aurore could be such a mean girl?".
"I heard that William broke on of Lila's fingers" said Nathaniel.
"Shame it wasn't her jaw" said Sabrina. Nathaniel then shushed her as Lila walked by them, with one of her fingers in a cast.
"At least she's actually hurt now" said Sabrina.
The next day.
William woke up, went into his bathroom and got ready.
"Ugh, why do I have the feeling that Lila's gonna spin some shit about her finger?" Wondered William.
When William got to school, he made his way to Madam Bustier's classroom. When he opened the door, he received glares from those who believed Lila.
"You keep staring like that", said William. "You'll bore a hole into something".
"Is it true that you broke Lila's finger?" Asked Rose.
"I ain't denying it" answered William.
"Why?" Asked Mylene.
"She was stealing something from my dad's office", answered William. "And that's ALL you're getting out of me". Kim then charged at William and held him against the wall.
"She just wanted to bargain with you" said Kim.
"You call stealing one of my dad's most valuable items and threatening to pawn it off if I didn't give you guys invites to the Orange, Black and Purple halloween ball, a bargain?", asked William. "No wonder Ondine dumped you like the shit you are". Kim was about to punch William when a fist came and slugged Kim across the face, knocking him to the floor.
"Thanks for the save" said William.
"You're welcome" said Adrian. The two then took their seats, with William sitting next to Marinette.
"Hey, Mari", said William. "You excited for our trip to London?".
"Very" answered Marinette.
"You two are going to London?" Asked Adrian.
"Yeah, for a business deal my dad has", answered William. "But, until we can get everything confirmed with your adoption, or get your dad to remove his head from his ass, you need to stay at the resort".
"Still don't know why he's living with you?" Asked Kim.
"Because living with any of you would be hell for him", answered William. "Especially that Chloe bitch or that Lila asshole".
"Are you saying that I'm a poor host?" Asked Lila.
"No", said William. "You're a terrible host". Lila then put on the crocodile tears. William then grabbed a Rose's perfume bottle, but Adrian took it from his hands.
"Aaaaaahhhhh shut up!" Shouted Adrian before throwing it at Lila. The bottle shattered upon impact.
"Hahahaaaaaaa!", laughed William. "Nice shot, Adrian". The two then fist bumped.
"Hey, uh, anyone see where that Alya bitch went?" Asked William.
"Here mom wanted to take her somewhere" answered Nino. William smirked at this.
'So, Alix DID deliver the envelope', thought William. 'This will be easier than I thought'.
After school, William walked to a place he never thought he'd go to again; the Agreste Manor.
Gabriel was in his office as he was working on his designs, when his intercom buzzed.
"Is there something wrong, Nathalie?" Asked Gabriel.
'I'm afraid she's not here right now'. Gabriel instantly recognised that voice. He ran towards his house's entrance where he saw William sitting next to the intercom.
"What are you doing here?" Demanded Gabriel.
"I was just checking on you", answered William. "After all, it's not like you have much left".
"So you've come here to gloat?" Asked Gabriel.
"No", answered William. "For I am not Chloe, nor am I not Lila. But, I do think you should know your mistakes".
"What mistake?" Asked Gabriel. William smirked.
"That fact that your 'muse' was sent to spy on Adrian", answered William. "If anyone is a bad influence on him, it's Lila".
"She's doing her job" said Gabriel.
"And what job is that?", asked William mockingly. "Keep her creating Akumas until Adrian's scared enough to go back to homeschooling?".
"I'm keeping him safe" answered Gabriel, he was starting to curl his fists.
"Your keeping him caged", corrected William. "He's not a toy, he's not a doll and he is certainly no arm candy for some sausage haired Italian skank".
"You're not exactly a saint", said Gabriel. "I've heard about how you treat certain people".
"Only those who don't deserve the things they have", said William. "I make sure that good people, get what they deserve. And those who are corrupted, I think you get where I'm going".
"Where did all of this schadenfreude ideology stem from exactly?" Asked Gabriel.
"Wouldn't you like to know", answered William. "But, I can tell where your over protectiveness comes from". Gabriel's knuckles were now chalk white as William smirked.
"From your wife's disappearance", said William as he got up. "I bet Emilie was always the one did the talking and teaching Adrian? I mean, sure Nathalie was there, but she could never replace your wife. And with her gone, you couldn't handle Adrian being out there in the world. So, you treat him like how everyone of his fans, well, most of them, see him as; a handsome face. You do this make yourself feel like you're in control of his life. But, the more you do this, the more you hurt him. He can't even for himself when protecting himself. And you know, it would quite a shame if an Akuma got him hurt. Because you and I know, that Emilie would never approve. I can practically smell the divorce papers".
Gabriel then tackled William and grabbed him by his shirt.
"I don't want to hear the name of my wife from your filthy, fucking mouth" growled Gabriel.
"Why? Because I'm right?" Asked William.
"You don't know a thing about me or my son" growled Gabriel.
"I know more about Adrian than you do", said William. "Because when was the last time you did something with Adrian, that he enjoyed". Gabriel's face then softened.
"You haven't, have you?", asked William. "Have you ever taken him to the movies, took him fishing, let him have a sleepover, what about a Birthday Party?". Gabriel just hung his head and released his grip.
"Wow, father of the year material", said William. "I wouldn't be surprised if Adrian changes his name soon. My dad's thinking of adopting him, given all he's been through. So, Gabby, you need to either shape up, or ship out". He then walked out of the manor and Gabriel collapsed to his knees. Nathalie heard all of this and went to comfort him.
Later, William was in his room reading one of his 'private magazines'.
"You still have the old ones?" Asked Scul.
"Yeah, so?" Asked William.
"Why?" Asked Scul.
"Because I like reading the classics" answered William.
"On a more serious topic", said Scul. "Is your dad really planning on adopting Adrian?". William sighed at this.
"No, he isn't", said William. "Well, not at the moment anyway".
"What do you mean 'not at the moment'?" Asked Scul.
"He wants to talk to Gabriel", answered William. "Seeing if he can 'get to his inner father' or some shit".
"You really think he can get through to him?" Asked Scul.
"My dad is more than just a pretty face and money", answered William. "Remember when he tricked that CEO into selling EVERYTHING to him?".
"Didn't we send out his 'diddling' to every news outlet back in the states?" Asked Scul.
"Yeah, we did" answered William with a smirk.
Agreste Manor.
Gabriel was in his office, when Nathalie came in.
"Mr. Agreste", she said. "Ronald's here".
"Thank you, Nathalie" said Gabriel. He walked to his manor's entrance and saw Ronald waiting for him.
"Hello Gabriel" said Ronald.
"How about we go to the dining room?" Suggested Gabriel. The two then sat at the dining room table.
"How's, Adrian doing?" Asked Gabriel.
"I don't see how that's your concern?", asked Ronald. "Seeing as how you haven't been concerned with him before". Gabriel just hung his head.
"Look, I get that you miss your wife", said Ronald. "But, you grief rule your life. I don't think Emilie would be happy if she saw the man you became". Gabriel clenched his fists.
"What do you know about loss?" Asked Gabriel. Ronald took off his necklace and opened up the locket at the end.
"My wife", said Roland. "She, died when my son was 4 years old". Gabriel took the locket and imagined Emilie and Adrian in the picture instead.
"Your son was malnourished", said Ronald. "He's also submissive and can't stand up for himself. Chloe and Lila don't even care about him, they see him as arm candy. Adrian even said that Lila attempted to grope his balls and forcefully kiss him". That got Gabriel's attention.
"He told me about this a few nights after he moved in with me and my family", said Ronald. "He said he hadn't told because Lila would 'spin a little lie to make her seem like the victim'. Not that you would notice. He also said you rarely comfort him, the only time he can remember you doing that was when Audrey was Akumatized the first time".
"Mr. Bones", said Nathalie as she walked closer to him. "You should not speak to-".
"Don't get me started on you", said Ronald. "You just stood back and watched. You didn't even attempt to comfort or condole Adrian when he was said. All you do is give him his schedule and leave him to his own minimal devices. You're the closest thing Adrian had to a mother figure and you just stood by and let things happen. No wonder Rebecca hates you". That was like a bullet to Nathalie.
"You know about?" Asked Gabriel, feeling quite shocked.
"Yeah, I know about 'Paonne Vibrannte'", said Ronald. "And no, I don't know if Rebecca told Adrian that your assistant and Paonne Vibrannte are the same people. But, you know what?". Gabriel and Nathalie held their breaths.
"He still misses you" said Ronald. That caught them off guard.
"He wants you in his life", said Ronald. "But you need to prove that you DO care for him as a dad. I gotta go". Ronald then got up and left. After Ronald left, Nathalie then comforted Gabriel.
Palacio De Oro.
The staff were checking to see if all the decorations were ready for the Halloween parties.
"Everything seems to be in order Valerie" said one of the staff members.
"Good to hear", said Valerie. "We still have a reputation to uphold and people to please". Just then, Ronald arrived.
"I see that things are coming along nicely" said Ronald. Adrian then arrived.
"Never thought I'd see someone so into halloween" said Adrian.
"What can I say", said Ronald. "Spare no expense".
"Yes", said Valerie. "After all, a lot of people *gasp* LOOK OUT!". Valerie then tackled Adrian to the ground as an arrow narrowly missed him.
"What the hell?" Asked Valerie.
"Look" said Ronald pointing up. There, was a purple skinned woman with slit back hair with a red fringe, black eyes with red pupils, red tinted glasses, a black shirt under a two-tone maroon hunting uniform, fingerless, arm-length gloves and thigh-high combat boots. In her hand was a purple and maroon weapon that looked like a cross between a gun and a crossbow.
"Nathalie?" Asked Adrian.
"Not anymore", the woman said. "I, and Safari. And I will be taking you back, Adrian". She then shot another arrow.
"I gotta run" said Adrian.
"Run like the wind" said Valerie. Adrian ran out of the resort as fast as his legs could carry him, with Safari not too far behind.
"Shit shit shit shit shit" said Adrian dodging arrows. He then spotted a dumpster and hid behind it. Safari then looked around to find him, only to get struck in the side of the head by a metal pole. Chat Noir had arrived.
"Don't you know that playing with guns is a safety hazard?" Asked Chat Noir.
"You won't stop me", said Safari. "And it looks like I might get a cat skin rug as well". She then fired another arrow only for Chat Noir to dodge it. Chat Noir then used his rod to smack her on the side of the head. Safari aimed her gun and instead shot out a tiny cannonball.
"Yipe!" Shouted Chat Noir. He ducked and it narrowly missed him.
"Crap" said Chat Noir. Safari fired another cannonball at Chat Noir. But, a yo-yo wrapped around Chat Noir and pulled him out of the way.
"Thanks for the save, M'Lady" said Chat Noir.
"No problem" said Ladybug. The three then started to fight, but Ladybug and Chat Noir were starting to get overwhelmed.
"Damn" groaned Chat Noir.
"Surrender now", said Safari. "Or you will be mounted on wall as I drag Adrian back home".
"LUCKY CHARM!" Shouted Ladybug as her yo-yo spun. When it stopped, what came down was a ladybug coloured-.
"A pair of handcuffs?" Wondered Ladybug.
"Mmmm, kinky" said Chat Noir. Suddenly, two grenades landed at their feet.
"Oh no" said Ladybug. The grenades went off and the two were flung into Asmodeus' Castle.
"This is not going well" groaned Chat Noir as he and Ladybug got up. Safari then walked in, gun ready.
"Now", she said. "Tell me where Adri-". When she saw where she was, she stopped. Her heart started to beat very loud as memories came back.
*ba-bump* *ba-bump*.
Please, welcome to the stage, the bird that will gladly spread her feathers, Paonne Vibrannte.
*ba-bump* *ba-bump*.
We're gonna get out of here.
All of us?
All of us.
*ba-bump* *ba-bump*.
A big shot CEO's coming tonight, get you most vibrant outfit ready, Nathalie.
*ba-bump* *ba-bump*.
He's not breathing. He's not breathing!
*ba-bump* *ba-bump*.
Nat? Nathalie, where are you?
*ba-bump* *ba-bump*.
Sorry, Becky, but there's no time.
*ba-bump* *ba-bump*.
Ladybug then tackled Safari and cuffed her hands behind one of the poles. Chat Noir then smashed her gun and the Akuma flew out.
"No more evil doing for you, little Akuma", said Ladybug before spinning her yo-yo. "Time to de-evilise". She then swung her yo-yo and it caught the Akuma.
"Gotcha", said Ladybug before opening the Yo-yo and releasing the now purified Akuma. "Bye-bye, little butterfly".
She then threw the cuffs into the air. "Miraculous! Ladybug!". Swarms of Ladybugs then fixed all the damages and returned everything to normal. Safari then turned back into Nathalie.
"Pound it!" The two heroes cheered as they fist bumped. They then heard the sounds of heels clicking and Rebecca came in.
"Hey!", she called out as her co-workers arrived. "What's the big ide-". She stopped when she saw Nathalie.
"Hi, Rebecca" Nathalie said nervously.
"You mother fucker" growled Rebecca before she charged at Nathalie and started attacking her. Her co-workers along with Ladybug and Chat Noir separated the two.
"Whoa whoa whoa whoa, Becky, calm down" said Janine.
"I know you're angry at her", said Daphne. "But please, she's not worth it".
"You tell that to Norma!", shouted Rebecca. "Ask her if she's not worth it".
"Becky". Everyone stopped and looked at Nathalie.
"I'm, I'm sorry" said Nathalie. She rubbed her arm as she looked away.
"Oh, NOW you're sorry?!", shouted Rebecca. "You haven't called, wrote or texted in YEARS and you suddenly show up NOW?! You're pathetic!".
"You're not innocent either", said Nathalie. "Why didn't you check on her? She was your friend". Rebecca clenched her fists.
"Hey, I made up for it", said Rebecca. "I visit her nephews every chance I can. While YOU were cozying up to Gabriel and his wife".
"They were friends from school" said Nathalie.
"What? Don't we count?!", shouted Rebecca. "You promised we'd get out of that together, and you ran off".
"I was planning to come back", said Nathalie. "But then, Adrian happened".
"Oh yeah, the boy who was treated like an object by his own father", said Rebecca. "No wonder he didn't call you after he left".
"I wasn't completely on Gabriel's side", said Nathalie. "I'm not fucking animal".
"But you are", said Rebecca. "History could repeat itself".
"Drop it" said Nathalie.
"Leaving your friends to defend themselves without money", said Rebecca. "While you got cozy with some big shot fashion designer".
"Shut the fuck up" said Nathalie.
"She ODed when she killed herself", said Rebecca. "I comforted her nephews when they were told the news AND when we buried her, you didn't even have the decency to show up to her funeral. If that's not an animal, then what the fuck is?!".
"I DIDN'T KNOW!", shouted Nathalie, her face was now red and she was crying. "It wasn't even supposed to be the CEO, it was supposed to be our boss". That caught everyone off guard.
"My plan was to get him tipsy enough so we could get his account details", said Nathalie. "We would've had more money than what we'd know to do with. But I mixed up the bottles. I was scared, I panicked. So, I just did what came naturally. I can NEVER make up for what I did. But, at least let me help Adrian. His dad misses him, so much".
"Does he miss him?", asked Rebecca. "Or does he miss the face of his brand?".
"William and Ronald, talked to Gabriel", answered Nathalie. "And, they were right. Gabriel looked like he was about to cry. So, I'm begging you. Help them reconnect". Rebecca sighed.
"I'm doing this for Adrian, got it?", asked Rebecca. "And you're gonna have to do a favour for me too".
Later, Gabriel was in his office when Nathalie entered, holding a tablet.
"Nathalie", said Gabriel. "What's going on?". Nathalie then pressed a button on the tablet, revealing Adrian's face.
"Adrian" said Gabriel.
"Hello father", said Adrian. "I understand that you still miss me, but, I feel like there could be some, improvement. I will return, I have some, conditions to be met". Gabriel raised an eyebrow.
"Conditions?" Asked Gabriel.
"Yes", said Adrian. "I want a proper diet, including having sweets and fast food on the odd occasion. I would like to have friends over. I want to date who I want. I would like to limit my 'extra curricular activities' to the ones I like. And my modelling time is to be limited, after all, I can't be a model 24/7. Finally, I. Want. Lila. Fired. I also want nothing to do with her at school and certainly not at my job. I also want her blacklisted from every fashion icon you can contact, and I know you know a lot. If all these conditions are met, and if Lila is fired, I will return. Goodbye father". The tablet then turned off.
"So, what do you plan on doing?" Asked Nathalie.
Later.
"WHAT?!".
"You heard me" said Gabriel, looking down at Lila.
"Fired? After everything I've done for you", said Lila. "I did my part. I kept bad influences away from Adrian and-".
"No, you did the opposite", said Gabriel. "You didn't keep bad influences away from Adrian, you were exposing him to them. I also got several complaints from models and staff regarding your behaviour. I ignored them, but that was a mistake. I will also notify his teachers that you are NOT to be paired up with him".
"You're making a mistake", said Lila as she pulled out her phone. "All I have do is-". She looked over her phone, but her evidence wasn't there.
"Looking for this?" Asked Gabriel holding up a flash-drive.
"H-how did you-".
"Never underestimate you opponents", said Gabriel. "I also have our conversations recorded AND changed the number. Imagine if it got out". Lila chuckled at this.
"You really think that Ladybug and Chat Noir would do ANYTHING to me?", asked Lila. "All I have to do is-". Gabriel released a cackle that echoed through out the manor.
"Who said it was Ladybug and Chat Noir?", asked Gabriel as he circled around Lila. "Imagine if the Wendigo found out about this". Lila went silent.
"Given how he HATES people like you", said Gabriel. "I'm sure if he finds out that you're working with Hawkmoth, he'd hunt you down and *slaps his hands on Lila's shoulders* FEAST upon you. And I'm sure he'd LOVE to use your bones as toothpicks". He then grabbed Lila by the back of her jacket and dragged her out.
"I'd say it was a pleasure to work with you", said Gabriel. "But, THAT would be lying". He then slammed the door shut.
Palacio De Oro.
Adrian was in his room when Valerie entered, holding a phone.
"Lila's been fired" said Valerie.
"YES! HAHA!", cheered Adrian. "SUCK IT BITCH! SUCK! IT! HEHE! BOW-CHIKKA-BOW-WOW!".
The next day, Gabriel's limo came to pick Adrian.
"Remember, you'll always have a place here" said Ronald before giving Adrian a hug. He was soon joined by Valerie, Zoe and William. Adrian then got into the limo and drove off.
William then went back to his room.
"How long until you think Lila makes a new lie about this?" Asked Scul.
"Heh, who cares?", said William. "I think Adrian's not gonna be a pushover anymore".
The next day, William was waiting for his limo when Adrian came up to him.
"You seem happy" said William.
"Why wouldn't I be?", asked Adrian. "Lila's out of my life AND my job, HAHAHAHAAAAAA! Now I can-".
"ADRIAN!".
"Oh god" groaned William. Lila walked up to them.
"What do you want?" Asked Adrian.
"Why?", asked Lila. "Why did you get your dad to fire me?".
"Oh, don't act innocent", said William. "You know EXACTLY why ms. I-tried-to-grope-Adrian's-balls-without-consent". Lila's sheep gasped at this. Lila decided to put on the crocodile tears.
"But I didn't", cried Lila. "I don't know what William and Marinette told you but-". Lila didn't get to finish.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! SHUT UP!" Shouted Adrian as he unleashed a mighty punch across Lila's face. A few drops of blood then squirted out of Lila's mouth, she spun around and collapsed to the floor.
Lila got up as her sheep saw this.
"You know EXACTLY what you did", said Adrian. "I've had enough! You and I are through! I'm not your boyfriend! Or even your fucking friend! And I am especially NOT some arm candy for you and a name for you to use to get whatever you want. Now, make like the whore you are AND FUCK OFF!". Adrian then kicked Lila in the jaw, sending her backwards. He then walked off to his limo. William's limo arrived a few seconds later. He walked towards the limo. He gave a malicious smirk as he wiggled his fingers goodbye. He got inside and the limo drove off.
Later that night.
Asmodeus Castle.
Rebecca was finishing her last touches of make-up, when her door opened. Rebecca looked and saw Nathalie standing there, holding a bag.
"So, you showed" said Rebecca. Nathalie sighed as she went to get changed. When she finished, she now wore blue pumps, a semi-transparent bra and a thong. But, they were coloured and patterned like a peacock.
"Break a leg, Nathalie" said Rebecca. Nathalie then walked towards the stage.
"Now, we have a treat for you all. Returning after so long, the bird who will gladly spread her feathers, Paonne Vibrannte!".