Chapter Forty-Four

This was Adrien's first time out of the hospital.

Ladybug gripped her yoyo tightly, watching those who had gathered with narrowed eyes. She didn't know if someone had let it slip to the media that Adrien Agreste would be leaving the hospital for a time, or if the short drive from the hospital to here had just been enough for everyone to gather, but cameras were flashing as the door to the vehicle opened, people pressing close to catch a glimpse of Hawk Moth's son.

Amelie was the first one out, a cold glare looking out at everyone. Police thankfully acted as a barricade, and with Panthera nearby Ladybug was ready to act as a second line of defense if anyone got any ideas. A wheelchair was rolled around towards the backseat of the car, which was pulled open to show Adrien sitting inside.

He looked paler than he had last time Ladybug had seen him, and she was sure that was thanks to the pressure of the crowds. It took two people to help him from the car and into the wheelchair, with his bodyguard being the one to push him as Amelie walked out in front of him. Ladybug and Panthera were both quick to flank them as they headed towards the imposing building in front of them, the shouts and questions from the crowds being shut off as the door closed behind them.

Security was even tighter on the inside, which was to be expected. Guards and policemen guided them through the doors and barricades, IDs needing to be shown in order to pass through. Ladybug was glad that she didn't have to concern herself with it all, just focusing on staying near the small group as they made their way forward, being led by an officer. They were joined by several other people as well– lawyers, Ladybug would have to guess, seeing as she recognized Gabriel Agreste's lawyer from the few times she had to speak to him.

The man carried himself with no hesitation, but there was an exhaustion in his gaze. When being employed by Mr. Agreste, he had probably been prepared to take on cases of tax evasion and fraud with the Gabriel brand at worst– not dealing with defending a magical terrorist. The other two she didn't recognize– but she assumed they were the lawyers that would be representing Adrien and Nathalie.

Fortunately there was still quite a bit of time until the trials began, however– for now Ladybug's anxiety was focused on a much bigger issue.

Her eyes fell on Adrien, who still looked unsettlingly pale as he sat in his wheelchair. Ladybug wasn't surprised by this at all, even if Adrien had been the one to request this... well, the thought of seeing that man again was unsettling enough for Ladybug, and that was with her surrounded by the magic of a Miraculous. She couldn't imagine how it would be for Adrien.

"This visitation will be recorded," Gabriel's lawyer spoke in a low tone, not looking directly at Adrien, but with his words it was clear who he was speaking to. "Any parts of this conversation could be pulled for evidence in court."

"What, are you going to make sure Adrien goes down with your client?" Amelie snapped.

"I am simply going to do my job, Mrs. Fathom," the lawyer replied– and again Ladybug could see the exhaustion in his gaze.

"Don't let the fact that others will hear keep you from getting the answers you need," Amelie said quietly to Adrien, who gave a short nod. "You won't be alone with that man, there will be two officers in there with you; and of course Ezra and I will be accompanying you as well. We are all here for you."

"Remember, it's you or the bodyguard, Mrs. Fathom," Adrien's lawyer said. "Only one individual may accompany the minor, alongside the officers, of course."

Amelie scowled. "And no exceptions can be made?"

"No, I looked through every available option– I would recommend that you make your decision swiftly."

A hand grabbed Ladybug's, and she looked down to see Panthera's clawed hand holding hers tightly. She looked up at the Black Cat, who gave her a single reassuring nod. Ladybug tried to relax, but couldn't quite muster the action, so instead she squared her shoulders. As much as she'd rather be anywhere but here, she knew it was important to present a united front. That Adrien needed all the support he could get today, especially since Nino nor others had been allowed to join them. And while his family, officers, and bodyguard were here, she hoped that the boy took comfort in her presence as well.

Still she felt helpless as she watched Ezra wheel him towards the room where Gabriel Agreste awaited, feeling like she was letting him go straight into the lion's den.


The door shut behind them, locking with an echoing click.

Adrien felt frozen as he sat in his wheelchair, the strength he had been building up over the weeks feeling like it had all abandoned him. He could do nothing as Ezra pushed his wheelchair forward, lining it up with the long metallic table that now stretched in front of him. Adrien could feel the eyes that were settling on him, the tension in the silence, but he couldn't bring himself to look up.

He sat at the end of the long wooden table, a plate sitting in front of him. He didn't dare look up, not knowing what he would see at the other end of the dinning hall. If he were lucky, someone would be sitting at the other end for once; but he knew it was more likely that it would be empty.

"You look pathetic."

Adrien's breath hitched in his throat, eyes involuntarily fluttering up to look at the one who sat across him. For it being a sight he had once often wished he could see, it was only fear that pounded through him now as he took in that all too familiar face, which was sitting far closer than it ever had at a table before. The room blurred as he stared, and he found that he couldn't move.

Gabriel Agreste sat in a chair that was secured to the floor, one wrist handcuffed to the chair itself. The other sat crossed on his chest, gray eyes narrowed behind his glasses. Adrien could only stare, because the man was exactly the same. Outfit white, just a step above casual, expression hovering at perfectly unimpressed. His hair brushed back as it always, though lacking the gel that usually held it perfectly in place. Standing right behind him were two police officers, silently waiting.

"Not a word, hm?" Gabriel mused, leaning forward slightly. "And here I thought you were the one so desperate for this little meeting."

"Fa-father," Adrien whispered– forcing a word past his stiff lips.

A smirk danced across Gabriel's face. "Speak clearly."

"I'm sorry, Father," Adrien said, without a second thought of what was being asked of him as he forced himself to sit up, and he felt his bodyguard's hand tighten on his shoulder. He blinked a few times, eyes stinging as he tried to gather his thoughts.

"I see there's still some respect left in you," Gabriel said quietly, a gleam in his silver eyes. "And here I thought those ingrates would have gotten to you. But they aren't here, are they? They just left you all to yourself today, haven't they? Truly pathetic– I would say to them, but seeing as you still seem to be clinging to their facade..."

"They– they weren't allowed to come," Adrien managed to whisper.

"That's where you're wrong, Adrien," Gabriel replied. "An Agreste knows how to get what he wants. Or perhaps this was what you wanted? To abandon them without a second thought– you're good at doing that with the ones to claim to love, after all."

"I– I don't–"

"You don't?" Gabriel cooed mockingly, sitting up. "Don't what? Abandon the ones you're supposed to love? Then tell me, where is your mother right now? Is she safely at home, or did you leave her to choke and die, buried alive in the cold hard earth?"

"She wasn't– they said that she–"

"Is that what you tell yourself at night?" Gabriel asked softly, leaning forward as much as his handcuff would let him. "That she wasn't alive? Do those lies comfort you, son? Do you truly believe them, what the wielder of Deception told you? You saw her for yourself, Adrien, how she slept. She was not a rotting corpse when you held her hand... though I suppose that she is now, thanks to you."

Adrien tasted bile rising in his throat, and he closed his eyes tightly shut as nausea washed over him.

He was shaking as he stood in the basement, an ice cold hand clasped in his. His mother's still body sat in the pod, pale and silent– everything about it unreal. But there was no denying her fingers wrapped in his hand, the lack of air escaping from her lips as he stood there in the unending silence– hours of nothing but him and his mother in the darkness of the basement.

"Are you proud of yourself, Adrien?" Gabriel's voice penetrated the memory. "Are you happy that you killed your own mother?"

Adrien wanted to throw up, lungs aching as he leaned forward– and a cough escaped from his lungs. He only managed a short breath of air before the coughing fit took hold, lungs burning as he slid down in his chair. Immediately he felt a set of steady hands holding him, helping him stay sitting up as he struggled through the seizing coughs as he desperately tried to breathe once more.

Blurred eyes opened, and all he could see was the cruel smile of his father in front of him.

Adrien's eyes were immediately closed again, the image burned into his mind, and he felt more tears coming as he continued hacking up the painful coughs. He couldn't just sit here and say nothing– yet that was all he could do as he fought against the coughing fit, the lack of air making him feel dizzy.

His father then ran his hands through Adrien's hair, who felt like he couldn't breathe. He had been prepared for the worse, and instead these gentle touches were softly trying to comfort him– and he didn't know what to do.

"Why?" Adrien whispered as soon as he could manage words once more. "Father... why?"

Why were you going to let me die?

He didn't understand, and he couldn't. Even if he already knew why, even if he had sensed the love his father felt for his mother, and the lack of it towards him... he still couldn't comprehend that reality.

This was his father, after all.

Gabriel regarded him. "...Consider this one last lesson, Adrien– that a man will do anything for the one he loves. And seeing as you couldn't do that yourself, it seems quite clear that you didn't love your mother."

Guilt stabbed Adrien in the heart, those painful words hitting him, and he closed his eyes. "...I do love her."

"It seems the Fox has taught you to lie."

Adrien couldn't bear it anymore, and he reached back, grabbing the Gorilla's hand, which was still resting on his shoulder. His bodyguard immediately knew what this signal meant, and immediately pulled Adrien's wheelchair back from the table. He seemed all too happy to take Adrien out of the room, the speed making Adrien dizzy as they turned around. But while he wanted to leave... he wasn't ready– there was still one more thing he needed to say.

"I love you," Adrien whispered, twisting in his wheelchair to look back at his father. "I still love you– no matter what."

"Empty words coming from one that's not worth loving," Gabriel replied as the door swung shut.


It was frightening to see Adrien be wheeled out of that room, those glossy eyes looking frighteningly empty as he stared at nothing. Panthera immediately stepped forward, instinctively wanting to do something– but even with the enhanced speed her Miraculous provided, she was not fast enough– Amelie Fathom reaching her nephew first.

"What did that man say to him!" She snarled at Ezra, who's angry expression said more than enough.

Amelie clutched Adrien's hand, but he didn't seem to be responding to the contact, still staring off into nothing as tears fell down his face. A dark look clouded Ezra's face, and he looked away. Murder seemed to glow in Amelie's eyes, and she turned towards the door where Gabriel Agreste was being held, storming towards it.

"Ma'am–" A guard said, stepping in front of the door.

"Let me in!" She thundered. "Let me talk to that bastard, I'll give him a piece of–"

Gabriel's lawyer cleared his throat. "Madam, my client has not agreed to a visitation with you."

"I don't care what he wants, that son of a–"

"Mrs. Fathom, we must ask you to calm down," the guard said. "Or else we'll have to remove you from the property."

Amelie looked like she had a whole lot more she wanted to say, but a single word took her attention from her rage. "Aunty?"

Immediately she was by Adrien's side once more, quest to chew out Gabriel Agreste forgotten. She knelt down in front of the wheelchair, her hands wrapped around Adrien's, who was looking at her with tears in his eyes.

"What did he say to you?" She asked.

"H-he's– he's right," Adrien whispered, choking on his words. "I let her die, I let Mother die–"

"This wasn't your fault!" Amelie cried at these words, and Adrien seemed to shrivel up in his chair. She instantly faltered, voice becoming softer. "Adrien. Dear. You cannot listen to him, everything he said was a lie. Everything he said was to hurt you."

"I didn't save her," he whispered.

"No one could," Amelie whispered. "Adrien, honey... she was gone. There's not anything that can be done then." She brushed back his hair, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "All that matters now is that we focus on you, okay?"

Adrien looked up at her. "Father... Father said I wasn't worth loving."

Ladybug felt her heart plummet at these words, pain and bitterness pulsing through her. Panthera let out a sharp hiss at her side, and Ladybug swallowed. How... how could someone say that? How could someone say that to their own family? Their own child? She... she couldn't imagine such words– not from her own father, nor from anyone's she knew. She could not imagine those own words forming on her tongue, being said to anyone, let alone a child she might one day have.

"I'm going to kill him," Panthera whispered– thankfully quiet enough that no one else could hear– though Ladybug gave a sharp nod.

Everyday she found she hated Gabriel Agreste more, even when she thought it wasn't possible.

All of what Amelie said to her nephew Ladybug couldn't hear– the woman's words were soft, a whisper as she spoke to Adrien. She caressed his face with one hand, which he leaned against, eyes closed as he listened. Ezra's hands were clasped firmly on Adrien's shoulder, the man standing right behind him.

"You are loved," Amelie told Adrien firmly, before looking up at Ezra behind him. "...We're leaving, I knew I shouldn't have allowed this visit. We're leaving now, and not staying another minute."

"Wait," Adrien croaked. "Nathalie. I– I need to see Nathalie."

"I've already let you be pushed too far today, Adrien," Amelie said. "We're leaving, and that's final."

"You promised," Adrien begged. "You said I could see them!"

"After what that man said to you?!"

"If it means anything, ma'am," Nathalie's lawyer said softly, the woman stepping forward. "My client seemed quite happy when she learned she would be seeing Adrien today. Perhaps this visit might be a good one for the boy."

"Don't you dare suggest that the woman that tried to murder my nephew would create a 'good visit'!" Amelie roared at the lawyer.

"Aunt Amelie, please," Adrien whispered. "You promised."

Amelie closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. "...Fine, but I'm going in with you this time."

Adrien sagged in relief, but a heavy feeling still tugged at Ladybug's stomach. Adrien wanted to see Nathalie, she knew that (even if she could not understand why), but she failed to see how anything could come from this. After what he had been subjected to just minutes before... how could he want to look into the eyes of one who had just stood by and let him suffer? Everything in Ladybug screamed for her to take Adrien into her arms, and run.

But it wasn't her choice to make, and so she stood there feeling helpless as she watched Amelie push Adrien's wheelchair towards the second room, flanked by two guards, where Adrien's second attempted murderer was waiting to see him.

Ladybug couldn't keep her composure anymore and she turned, burying herself into Panthera's arms.


Panic washed over Adrien as he found himself being led into an identical room that his father had been in.

He took in a ragged breath, trying to fight against the rising emotions rushing through him. He knew that his aunt was watching his every movement, and as afraid as he was, he was more afraid that she'd take him out if he showed any sign of hesitation. He needed to see Nathalie, it was no longer a want– every part of him ached to see the one who had been the most stable presence in his life since his mother had... had...

He choked on the air, but the door was already swinging shut behind him– he was in. He was here. She was here. She had to be here. Someone had to be here. He needed to look. He didn't want to look. He had to look.

Adrien forced himself to look up, neck aching at the movement. Just like with his father, there was a long metal table that sat between him and the one he had come to visit. Amelie pushed his wheelchair up towards it, but did not tuck him in close, leaving a gap between him and the one that sat across from him. A handcuff anchored her to the chair, which was in turn secured to the floor. And if those failsafes somehow faltered, two guards stood near, ready to step in.

Adrien wasn't focused on them, however, his eyes locking on the ones in the chair.

Nathalie smiled softly as she made eye contact with him, nodding politely. Adrien stared at her, taking everything in. She looked relaxed, composed– much like she usually was, yet he had never seen her like this. Her hair was down, the red dye within it fading. She wasn't wearing her normal black attire, but instead was wearing gray casual-wear. Her eyes were soft behind her glasses, not the serious business gaze he had become so used to.

"Adrien," she said warmly– far too warmly for Nathalie. "I'm so glad you came. It's nice to see you as well, Amelie."

"H-hi," Adrien whispered, not sure how to reply.

"I'm afraid I can't return the sentiments," Amelie said coldly.

Nathalie laughed, as if she wasn't sitting in what was practically a prison cell. "As uptight as always, Amelie– but no need to damper this visit. Why don't you have a seat, tell me how you two have been doing, what's been going on in the outside world– I'm all ears."

Amelie's eyes narrowed suspiciously, looking at Adrien, but he was still staring at Nathalie. He didn't know what to think of the causal attitude, the lightness in her voice, inviting them like she were about to serve them tea. A caution was building up in him, this presentation feeling like a front, like something were about to happen.

Adrien's eyes flickered towards his aunt as she sat in the chair next to him, her posture even stiffer than his. One hand was in her lap, curled into a tight fist, while the other reached out to rest on top of his. Her eyes weren't moving from Nathalie, however, sharpened into a deadly glare.

"I'm... I'm getting better, I think?" Adrien finally croaked, breaking the silence that had settled in the room. "I'm starting to walk again... not far though."

A smile broke over Nathalie's face. "That's wonderful to hear! I know you've been in the hospital all this time, but they didn't say anything to me about your condition. How have they been treating you there? Are the staff kind to you?"

"Yeah," Adrien said after a moment. "Er, Aunt Amelie is strict about who's allowed in and all..."

"Only those I know will never harm him," Amelie spat, acid in her words– but Nathalie didn't seem intimidated by them at all.

"That's good to hear, that's exactly what your mother would have wanted, Adrien."

"Don't bring up my sister."

"I believe this is a visit between Adrien and I, not you," Nathalie said, the first instance of the Nathalie he knew slipping through, and Adrien couldn't help but find himself relaxing at the familiar sight. She turned back towards him, blue eyes shining warmly. "Go on, Adrien, tell me everything."

He hesitated once more– and then he did. He told her about his time in the hospital, and about the treatments he had been going through. How Ezra was still his bodyguard, and the exercises he had been doing in physical therapy. The words fell from him without much resistance, rehearsing his life these last few months as if he were summarizing a photoshoot he had just returned from. It was all so familiar, talking to Nathalie like this, but way too different all the same. Nathalie's gaze wouldn't leave him, locked on him with pure fascination, lacking the briskness of her awaiting to go onto another task.

He found his eyes drifting towards his aunt multiple times, her hand still firmly on top of his, sharp eyes narrowed at Nathalie. She didn't stop him from saying anything so far, so he told Nathalie about the movies he'd watched with Nino and how Chloe had finally been able to visit him in the hospital. As his tale grew closer to summarizing today he found himself hesitating, stumbling over his words, letting out a few coughs as he stammered for breath. Amelie's hand tightened around his.

"I... I talked to F-father," he whispered, voice falling as he spoke. "He... we..."

"What did he say?"

"Adrien, you don't have to answer that," Amelie snapped, sitting up.

"He... he said that..." Adrien swallowed down the air he was supposed to breathe. "He hates me, Nathalie... it's my fault."

"Dear," Amelie whispered.

Nathalie's gaze darkened. "I should have killed him when I had the chance."

This awoke the first response from the two officers guarding Nathalie, one looking at her with narrowed eyes, while the other one shifted positions. Adrien stiffened, hating how familiar these words had become from those he cared about. He tightly gripped his aunt's hand, afraid of what words would come next as Nathalie sat up.

"Don't listen to a word that man says," Nathalie said coolly. "He's a fool, a fool blinded by thinking he had any ambition." She shook her head, before leaning forward as much as she could, a hand sliding across the table. "You're a gift, Adrien– you are the last living remnant of mother, and that's something to treasure."

She looked at him so tenderly, spoke with such conviction, and Adrien could only look at her. He raised his free arm, reaching across the table– and he felt his aunt flinch as he grabbed Nathalie's hand. She squeezed it softly, rubbing a thumb down the back of his hand, and he didn't know what to think as he sat there.

"Things could have been perfect if I had acted sooner," Nathalie murmured. "Your mother would have been here, and we could have raised you together."

"Get away from him," Amelie hissed, rising to her feet. "Let go of him!"

"Again, this visit is between me and the boy, not you–"

"Let go of Adrien you crazy harpy!" Amelie screamed– and instantly the two guards watched her with narrow eyes. Adrien flinched back at the raised tone, and his aunt stood protectively in front of him as he found his hand slipping away from Nathalie's. "How... how dare you! How dare you treat him like this, after all you put him through! How dare you speak of my sister! How dare you act as if–!"

"Ma'am," the officer said in a low tone. "I understand that you're upset, but I need you to calm down. This behavior isn't acceptable from any parties during a visitation."

"Shut up!" Amelie snarled at them. "I'm not going to sit here and let her use him!"

"Madam Fathom, I must ask you to leave," the officer said. "Either you go yourself, or end the visitation and take the boy with you."

Adrien looked up at her desperately, and Amelie looked away. While rage still burned in her eyes, she took a deep breath, turning away. "Adrien. Say what you need to say to... her. Then we're leaving."

"And you call me crazy," Nathalie said, humored.

Green eyes flashed back at her. "I cannot wait for the day you're sentenced to rot behind bars for good."

"Hmm, my lawyer is looking into some potential plea deals for me," Nathalie said, unfazed, and her gaze returned to Adrien. "Especially if I talk about all that went on at the Agreste Manor. I'm going to let them know what your father did to you, Adrien. They may be looking to put me away... but I will make sure Gabriel does not get away with a thing."

"Th-thank you?" Adrien croaked, not sure of what else to say. He didn't know what to even think of these words– he didn't know what to think of his father. He didn't want to think about his father.

It made his heart ache.

"You don't hate me, right Nathalie?" Adrien blurted out, his father's words stinging in his mind. "It– it wasn't my fault, I didn't want this to happen, I did want to save her, I swear–"

"I would never hate you," Nathalie replied softly.

"Do– do you love me?" Adrien whispered, afraid of what the answer would be.

"Of course I do," she replied, and Adrien let these words wash over him. He sagged in his wheelchair, a weight on his shoulders seeming to have been lifted. He didn't know if the words were true or not– if Nathalie was speaking to him or just a memory– but he decided not to focus on it. He just took the words, wrapping them around him even as he saw Amelie stiffen. This... this was what he had come to hear, he realized, these were the words he had been looking for.

"I love you too, Nathalie," Adrien whispered.

He didn't think he could ever not love them, Nathalie and Father. Even with all that had been said... that had not changed. He closed his eyes for a moment, not looking at Nathalie for a response. What she thought of such words, he did want to know... but he didn't think he should. He did not think he could walk away from the closest one he had to a guardian knowing that he might never see her like this again, or bear to see any surprise in her gaze if she did not know this before. He had told Nathalie what he had come to tell her... and that was where he was going to leave it.

"I'm... I'm ready to go, Aunty," Adrien said quietly, not opening his eyes.

He felt his wheelchair being turned around, Amelie not wasting a moment to get him away from here. Adrien kept his eyes closed, not trusting himself to open them. Not sure how he'd react from rooting himself in reality once more. He heard the sound of footsteps, the door opening as he was being pushed out from the room.

"I wish things could have ended differently, Adrien," Nathalie called as they left.

He knew his aunt would tell him not to believe Nathalie's words. He was sure Nino, Felix, and Chloe would say the same. That the heroes standing outside would adamantly agree, and he wondered if his therapist would say the same thing that everyone else in his life would be saying to him.

He wouldn't tell a soul that he agreed with Nathalie– he too wished it had all ended differently.

Despite that, he was glad that all of this was nearly over.

"Aunt Amelie?" Adrien whispered, eyes still closed.

"Yes?"

"Can I have a movie night with Nino? Please?"

"Of course, dear, anything you want."

He hesitated for a moment, wanting to thank her for letting him come see them. For letting him stay when she wanted them to leave, but then decided against it. He had a feeling that Amelie still didn't agree with letting this visit happen, even if she had given permission. He was sure she wanted to put it behind her and never think of it again– and so that was what he would let happen.


Nino stared at the ceiling.

Adrien was laying on the hospital bed next to him, trapped in a restless sleep. The only light in the room came from the television across from them, muted not long after the movie had begun. It casted flickering shadows across the room, uneven and annoying– but the blurry images were better than being left to his own thoughts.

Technically the hospital staff didn't want Nino curled up with Adrien like this, they had commented on it more than once, but honestly Nino did not care one bit about what anyone thought. He was not leaving this spot, Adrien pressed up against his chest, ragged breaths punctuated with small coughs and pained movements, but at least Adrien was sleeping.

Today had been the most broken he had seen of Adrien in months.

He had watched his boyfriend slowly recover his strength, seen his journey as he had begun to heal. How he had gone from unable to move in this hospital room, to beginning to learn to walk once more. From carrying a guilt and fear with him every moment of the day, to slowly letting himself smile once more, and to trust those around him. From fighting to make it through the day, to looking at what the future might offer.

All of it had been shattered in one day.

Nino's arms curled around Adrien's form, the anger raw burning with a furry it hadn't leapt too in a long time. The pure hatred he had felt for Gabriel Agreste alive and roaring once more, twisting through his veins in painful coils. And it wasn't just for that man either– it was for those at the facility who had let those words be said. For Amelie for letting Adrien make the visit in the first place. For the world for letting such a man exist.

What kind of human could look at their own child and say they weren't worth loving?

Adrien had already known that the man didn't love him, had felt it with his own Miraculous, he had told Nino this. But it seemed hearing those words for himself had been a whole different blow. A deliberate strike at the young foundation he was just beginning to build up.

Nino's hand ran along his chest, right where his Miraculous had used to lay. He wished that Trixx was here, because he would've known what to say to Adrien. Words that might have been a lie, but at least they would be ones that could probably grant some form of comfort. It would be better than the wordless horror Nino had felt as he had held a sobbing Adrien, unknowing of what to say. Or perhaps it would have been better if Duusu had been here, someone who had been by Adrien's side constantly, one who could truly understand the Emotions he was feeling, who had seen the worst when Nino could not be there.

He turned so he was facing Adrien, those eyes pressed tightly shut, twitching and flickering as he dreamed... something. Adrien muttered in his sleep, seeming restless, and Nino could only pray it was better than the reality of being awake. He traced a finger down Adrien's face, brushing some hair aside.

His hair had gotten long since he had been here, he wondered if anyone else thought about that.

He let out a long sigh, closing his eyes for a moment, just listening– to the pounding of his heart, Adrien's constant breaths, to the beeping of machines. The repetitiveness of all that was around them, quiet and calm, but unending all the same.

Funny how everyone said things were finally over, but there was still so much further to go.


It was always a surprise when Master Fu came to visit.

He seemed to pop into the bakery almost at random during these fleeting months, the end of autumn rapidly approaching. While Marinette's parents may have been used to the fact that she was Ladybug, they most definitely didn't know what to make of the Guardian and his infrequent and random visits. They seemed to like the man well enough, but Marinette had the feeling that they weren't happy with the burden he had placed on her.

"Good evening," Fu greeted her in the back of the bakery– technically not appearing in the middle of their house, but still out of sight from customers and the public. Marinette nearly dropped the tray of macarons she was carrying, while Tikki bolted from her pocket to the Guardian.

"Master, you're going to give me a heart attack," Marinette said, setting the hot tray down.

A Voyage was glowing behind him, showing that the man didn't plan to stay long– which made sense. The man was often traveling around the world with Roaar and Kaalki, both kwamis currently on his shoulder, the man untransformed. She didn't know all that he did on his journeys, but she did know he was looking for more Miraculouses in the world and those who could be trusted with them. She wondered if he was training others to be Guardians, as there were more Miracle Boxes than the one he had left in her care.

"I don't mean to intrude," he apologized– watching as Tikki zipped around with Roaar and Kaalki. "There's just someone I want you to meet."

Marinette blinked, glancing at the Voyage behind him, wondering if someone were to pass through it behind him. Tikki paused as well, looking at the Guardian curiously.

"Um, who?" She asked.

"You can come on out– this is the Guardian of the Mother Box, she means you no harm," Fu said, and a small figure stirred in his pocket. A small head of a kwami poked out, covered in fuzzy brown fur and two tiny ears. A pair of metallic buck teeth gleamed in the light, and uncertain silvery eyes peered at Marinette.

"Chaapa!" Tikki cried, diving towards the new kwami, who immediately brightened up at the sight of her. They zipped out of the pocket, rushing to meet the Ladybug, the two tackling each other in a tight hug.

"Tikki!" The new kwami declared, spinning them around in the air. Now that they were in full sight Marinette could see the flat metallic tail the kwami had– the little creature looking like a beaver. "I've missed you so much!"

"Marinette, meet Chaapa, the kwami of Innovation," Master Fu said, and Chaapa looked down at Marnette curiously, his arms still wrapped around Tikki. "A missing Miraculous of the Direction Box. He went missing around the same time as the Eagle, and it was quite fortunate that he was still in New York as well."

"It's nice to meet you," Marinette said with a smile.

"You as well, Guardian!" Chaapa chirped.

"Chaapa was able to help me make this," Master Fu said, pulling out a necklace from his pocket– one that looked just like the drawing of the Eagle Miraculous in the Grimoire. She perked up for a moment, but he shook his head before she could say anything. "No, I haven't been able to retrieve the Eagle yet. I know where in the museum it's being kept, but removing it won't be a quiet affair, even with Roaar hiding me."

Roaar gave a wide grin. "But now that we have an exact replica thanks to Chaapa..."

"You're going to switch it out!" Marinette said in realization.

"Indeed," Fu said with a nod. "Not only is it an exact copy in appearance, but we were able to craft it from materials that should be the same age as what those in the museum think the pendant should be. The Miraculous will be in safe hands, and none will be the wiser."

"Making something old, huh?" Tikki said, nudging Chaapa with an arm. "Didn't expect that from you."

"We had to develop a technique to make it be able to appear like that!" Chaapa said, puffing up a bit proudly. "It's not something old, it's something new that looks old."

"Now, for the reason I'm here," Fu said, sitting up a bit straighter. "I know you have a few empty slots in your Miracle Box, Marinette, and I was wondering how you would feel about Chaapa taking one of those spaces. While the Order put him in the Direction Box, he seems much more keen on being with Tikki– he is an aspect of her concept, after all."

Marinette looked at the Beaver kwami, who ducked behind Tikki uncertainly– as if she were about to say no. "You're more than welcome, Chaapa– more the merrier."

He placed his paws on Tikki's head, peering out. "Really?"

"Any Miracle Box you want to go to, I'll make sure it happens," Marinette promised, and Chaapa grinned, metal teeth shining brightly.

There were already changes made to the Mother Box before it had come into her hands– Roaar wanting to stay with Fu, and Kaalki offering her powers to him to help him find their fellow kwamis. She was positive there would be many more changes in the future as well, sure that many of the little creatures would want to see fellow kwamis who had been locked away in other Miracle Boxes, or perhaps be taken to another part of the world after being in Tibet for so long. There was already a few kwamis in her box she was sure wouldn't want to remain in Paris with her and Alya– most notably Nooroo and Pollen, whose powers had been abused in this city.

As for Duusu... she had still yet to leave the box, and Marinette did not want to force the Peacock to do so, even just to talk.

"His Miraculous is in here," Master Fu said, handing a small wooden box over to Marinette. "I have already unbound him from the Direction Box, would you like my help in doing the spell to connect him to yours?"

"I think I got it," Marinette said, looking up at the kwamis once more– the four beings animatedly talking in their own musical language, not paying much attention to the humans, much more focused on each other. "But actually there was one thing I wanted to ask you."

"And what would that be?"


Of the four trials that would take place, Nino's was the first one– and he wasn't sure if that would be a good thing or a bad thing.

Things were pretty crazy, even with the months that had past since the final battle. The media attention hadn't died down much in the time that had past, because while it had felt like ages, things were actually moving quite quickly in the legal world, the cases being expedited because of the magical cases of terrorism. Nino's time was split between either being with Adrien, his family, or talking to a legal team with the heroes. He hadn't even started the current school year, as it was decided that schoolwork wasn't another thing he needed on top of everything else.

The day of his hearing came faster than he could have ever imagined, and even with the story the Guardian had created for him he couldn't help but feel weighed down the day he walked into court. Ladybug and Panthera were there to give their testimony of his involvement in the magical fight, and there were way more people in the courtroom than he imagined there would be, and that didn't even count all those reporters that would be waiting outside.

It was almost a shame that all his worrying had been for nothing.

"They tossed out the case?" Adrien's voice asked excitedly through the phone.

"They tossed out the case," Nino repeated, barely believing the words himself. "With what Ladybug and Panthera told the judges, they decided there was no ground for any charges to stand on seeing as I was doing my job as a hero."

"They tossed out the case!" Adrien repeated, not hiding the happiness in his tone. Nino felt himself smiling as well, even if he wasn't completely relaxed. He knew there was a lot of talk in the media– not about the fact that his case had been dismissed, but more about the worry that the same thing could happen in the other trials. "This is so wonderful, you don't deserve to go through any of this. You are a hero, Nino, there shouldn't have been a case against you in the first place!"

"I just did what I felt was right," Nino said, shrugging, even if Adrien couldn't see it.

"Heh, I don't think doing it all for me was necessarily 'right'," Adrien said uncertainly. "Seeing everything I did..."

"Nothing's felt more right than being by your side," Nino said firmly, and things went quiet on the other line. When a minute past in silence, Nino found himself hesitating. "Dude?"

"I don't know why you think I deserve this," Adrien whispered softly.

"You deserve the world," Nino said. "And even more. After all you've been through... you should be the one getting the case tossed out, there shouldn't be a trial for you either. You're the one that suffered the most throughout all this."

"That doesn't mean people weren't akumatized," Adrien whispered. "That I was aware of it and did nothing."

"You did all you could do, and that's all I care about."

"...I don't think you'll ever realize how much I love you," Adrien said.

"I love you too, I'd give the world for you," Nino said.

"I know you would," Adrien said softly. "And you already did for me. You gave up everything to keep me safe. There's no one I trust more in this world than you."

Nino's throat tightened up, because somehow those words hit harder than the word 'love' had from his lips. Adrien's love... it was a beautiful thing, something he would forever treasure... but that love was also something Adrien gave freely. Adrien's trust, however, the trust for someone to keep him safe... that was a gift from Adrien he would do anything to keep.

He didn't know how to say that though, and he found himself returning to the topic of before. "They really should toss out your case though."

"I don't think they can, with everything I did," Adrien said softly, and Nino knew that he was right. He didn't like the fact, but the law was the law. While fortune may have favored Nino, it seemed they'd have to wait to see what fate awaited Adrien.

At least the Guardian was going to step in if the courts made the wrong choice.


In the end, it turned out all of Nino's worries were for not. While they couldn't easily toss out Adrien's case like they had his, it turned out there was one more thing they hadn't been counting on:

The president of France granting Adrien a pardon.

It was the best day of Nino's life– even more so than punching Hawk Moth in the face.