Content Warning: The following scene depicts a situation involving the search of personal belongings by a police officer. While portrayal of these events is intended for dramatic effect, it is important to recognize that such actions, even when conducted by law enforcement, can still be a serious invasion of privacy and may be disturbing to some readers. Please approach this content with caution and consider the implications of privacy and authority in real-life contexts.
Disclaimer: Chapter 11 has some dialogues from the Miraculous Season 1 Episode: RogerCop. I do not own those few dialogues, the rights to those dialogues belong with the original creators.
Chapter 11 - Parents & Commotions
October 16th, 2016
Adrien's room was eerily quiet, save for the muffled ticking of a wall clock. Gabriel stood with a rigid posture near the door, his gaze sharp as he fixed his son with a disapproving stare. The room, though impeccably tidy, seemed to close in on Adrien, the tension between father and son filling every inch of space.
"I cannot believe you chose to involve yourself in that protest," Gabriel's voice was icy, his words deliberately clipped. "You've made a spectacle of yourself, Adrien. This is not how a member of the Agreste family behaves."
Adrien stood near his desk, his heart pounding. He clenched his fists at his sides, the anger and hurt boiling beneath his surface. "Dad, it was important. People were fighting for to save the environment. I thought it was the right thing to do."
Gabriel's eyes narrowed, his disappointment palpable. "The right thing? You've embarrassed yourself and Agreste family name. And now, as a result of your misguided actions, I won't be attending Parent Day tomorrow."
Adrien's heart sank at the thought of his father not being there. "But, Dad, everyone's parents will be there. It's important to me... to us. Please, can't you reconsider?"
Gabriel's expression remained cold, a mask of unyielding authority. "No. Your actions have consequences. You made your bed, and now you must lie in it."
Without waiting for a response, Gabriel turned sharply and exited the room, the door clicking shut behind him. The sound seemed to echo in the oppressive silence that followed, leaving Adrien alone in a space that now felt vast and hollow.
Adrien stood motionless, staring blankly at the ceiling as if hoping it would provide some solace. His chest tightened, his breaths coming in shallow gasps. He moved numbly to his bed, collapsing onto it with a heaviness that felt almost physical. The burden of his father's words, harsh and unrelenting, pressed down on him.
His attempts to breathe deeply and regain control were in vain. The raw, unspoken pain surged forth, and Adrien could no longer hold back the tears. They began to fall in a steady stream, each drop a testament to his despair. He buried his face in his hands, his shoulders shaking violently with the force of his sobs. It was as though the very essence of his hope and self-worth had been shattered, leaving only this overwhelming, crushing sadness.
The tears came not just from the sting of Gabriel's disapproval but from the deep-seated fear of his own inadequacy. Adrien's sobs were a mix of frustration, regret, and a profound sense of abandonment. The room, with its muted colors and ordered lines, felt like a prison, trapping him with his own disillusionment.
As his breathing grew ragged, each sob seemed to drag him further into his emotional turmoil. The rhythmic ticking of the clock was a stark contrast to the chaotic storm inside him. In the solitude of his room, Adrien grappled with the unbearable weight of his father's expectations and his own growing sense of isolation.
The silence of the room was punctuated only by his uneven breaths and the occasional, muffled cry. Adrien lay there, exhausted and vulnerable, trying to piece together the fragments of his shattered confidence. The harsh words and the emptiness left in his father's wake seemed to stretch endlessly, leaving Adrien to confront the painful truth of his loneliness.
October 17th, 2016
The morning sun filtered through the classroom windows, casting a warm, inviting glow over Ms. Bustier's classroom. Today was Parent's Day, and the usual classroom arrangement had been transformed into a lively and festive atmosphere. Parents filled the room, each introducing themselves and sharing a bit about their professions. The walls were adorned with colorful posters and student artwork, creating a vibrant backdrop for the day's events.
Ms. Bustier welcomed the first parent to speak, Alya's mother, who was the head chef at the hotel owned by the Mayor. She spoke with enthusiasm about her role in managing the hotel's kitchen, sharing stories of creating exquisite dishes and the joys and challenges of her profession. Alya's pride was evident as she watched her mother, her eyes shining with admiration.
Next, Chloé's father, the Mayor of Paris, took the floor. His presence commanded attention as he spoke about his responsibilities and the complexities of managing the city. His speech was polished and authoritative, though Chloé's gaze was more focused on the reactions of her classmates than on her father's words.
The room buzzed with interest as each parent took their turn. Mylène's father, a mime artist, captivated the audience with a performance that had the students applauding enthusiastically. Max's mother, who was studying to become an astronaut, shared her work in the science field and her dream of exploring space. Her passion for her studies was palpable, and the students listened with rapt attention.
Each presentation added to the festive and engaging atmosphere of the day. Amidst this lively exchange, Marinette and Adrien sat side by side as usual in the second row.
As Alix's father spoke about his role at the Louvre Museum in the background, Marinette and Adrien sat side by side, their attention split between the presentations and each other. The room was filled with a vibrant hum of voices, but Marinette's focus was on Adrien. She glanced at him and, with genuine curiosity and concern, asked softly, "Are your parents coming today?"
Adrien's face tightened, and he looked away, his voice coming out sharper than he meant it to. "I don't want to talk about it."
Marinette was momentarily startled by the abruptness in his tone, but she quickly composed herself. She took a deep breath and nodded understandingly.
Adrien's shoulders slumped slightly as he realized how harshly he had spoken. He turned to face Marinette, his expression softening with regret. "I'm sorry if I came off as harsh. I didn't mean to."
Marinette offered him a warm, reassuring smile. Her eyes conveyed a deep empathy as she said, "You don't need to apologize. I understand that whatever you're going through might be tough. You don't have to share anything you're not ready to. But just know that whatever you're feeling is valid. If you want to talk about it later, I'm here for you. And if you prefer not to talk about it at all, that's completely fine too. Just take your time. I'm here, no matter what."
Adrien felt a wave of comfort wash over him from her kind words. The genuine concern in Marinette's voice made him feel seen and understood. He was about to express his gratitude when Marinette gently interrupted, her eyes flicking to the front of the room. "Oh, look, my Maman is about to speak."
As Adrien turned his head to see Sabine, Marinette's mother, begin her presentation, he felt a small flicker of relief. Sabine exuded warmth and grace as she spoke about her work at the bakery, her eyes lighting up with passion as she described the joy she found in baking and the community she served. Her words painted a vivid picture of the bakery's bustling atmosphere, the aroma of freshly baked goods, and the connections she made with her customers.
Sabine then held out a tray of fresh croissants. "I brought these fresh this morning for everyone," she announced with a bright smile, as the class erupted into cheerful applause, save for Chloé, who sat with a scowl. The students eagerly reached for the delicious pastries, their excitement palpable.
When Sabine reached Marinette and Adrien's desk, her smile was like a ray of sunshine. She handed each of them a croissant, her gesture infused with genuine kindness. Adrien accepted the croissant with a grateful smile and took a bite. The buttery, flaky pastry melted in his mouth, offering a comforting taste that momentarily eased his unease. The simple pleasure of the croissant made him reflect on Marinette's own kindness. He wondered if perhaps her warmth and empathy were inherited from her mother. The thought provided a small sense of solace amidst his inner turmoil.
Sabine noticed Adrien's appreciative reaction and let out a soft, approving chuckle before returning to her spot among the other parents.
As the next parent, Officer Roger, Sabrina's father, began his presentation, Adrien tried to focus on the discussion about police work. Officer Roger spoke with pride about his role in maintaining safety and order in the city. His voice carried a blend of authority and dedication, and the students listened intently.
Adrien, still somewhat preoccupied, turned to Marinette and asked quietly, "Where's your dad?"
Marinette was momentarily startled, her eyes widening in surprise. For a brief moment, Adrien could have sworn she looked as though she had seen a ghost. Her face quickly flushed with hesitation as she tried to compose herself.
Just as Marinette was about to respond to Adrien's question, Chloé's voice sliced through the murmur of the room with a sharp edge of panic. "My bracelet is missing! I think it's been stolen!" she cried out, her voice tinged with frustration and alarm.
The sudden outburst caused a ripple of confusion across the classroom. Students turned their heads, their expressions shifting from curiosity to concern. Chloé's face was flushed with distress, her eyes darting around the room as if the missing bracelet might magically reappear.
"Everyone, search for the bracelet!" Chloé demanded, her voice cracking with frustration.
Ms. Bustier, her face calm but firm, addressed the students. "Please help Chloé find her bracelet."
The students exchanged groans of frustration but, respecting their kind teacher, reluctantly began to rise and search the room. The atmosphere was thick with tension as they scattered, hoping to find the missing item.
In the midst of the commotion, Marinette, caught up in the chaos, stumbled and tripped over a stray bag. Adrien, Alya, and Nino immediately rushed to her side, helping her to her feet.
Alya, trying to lighten the mood despite the situation, offered a reassuring smile. "Careful there, Marinette. It's like a minefield of bags!"
Adrien nodded in agreement, his concern evident. "Are you okay?"
Marinette, brushing herself off, managed a small, grateful smile. "Thanks. I'm fine."
"Geez, is there a day when you're not tripping over something?" Chloé's voice cut through the commotion, sharp and disdainful. Suddenly, she glared at Marinette, her eyes blazing with accusation. "You! You stole it!"
Marinette's eyes widened in shock and confusion. "What? What are you talking about?!"
Chloé's voice grew louder, her panic clear. "You stole my bracelet! Officer Roger, arrest her!"
The room was filled with a mix of gasps and murmurs. Sabine, visibly upset, stepped forward, her face flushed with anger. "My daughter is not a thief!"
Roger, trying to bring some order to the situation, blew his whistle. "Hold on a minute, Miss Bourgeois. We don't accuse anyone without proof. Now, everyone, calm down. Maybe you simply misplaced your bracelet."
Chloé's face twisted in anger. "You're calling me a liar?! Daddy!"
As the students exchanged uneasy glances, their concern growing, Adrien furrowed his brows, looking at Chloé with disbelief. "Are you serious? Marinette wouldn't just steal your bracelet!"
Alya muttered to Nino, "Chloé is being ridiculous. We need to get this sorted out."
Ms. Bustier, trying to maintain her composure, said, "Let's not jump to conclusions. We'll find the bracelet and sort this out."
Mr. Bourgeois, his face red with fury, pointed at Marinette. "Roger, search this girl immediately!"
Chloé's smirk grew as she let out a triumphant "Ha!" while Roger hesitated.
Adrien glared at the Mayor, feeling a surge of anger he couldn't quite explain. He didn't fully understand why he was so worked up about the situation, but the idea of a grown male officer searching Marinette stirred a deep sense of protectiveness within him. His concern for Marinette seemed to overshadow his usual calm demeanor, and he felt a growing urge to stand up for her, even if he couldn't fully articulate why it mattered so much.
Just then, Miss Bustier stepped in, her voice firm yet soothing. "Please, everyone! This is a school. Think of the children. Surely the bracelet is around here somewhere."
Marinette, trying to be helpful despite the tension, suggested, "It probably just rolled out of her bag or something!"
Alya, attempting to lighten the mood, quipped, "If I were her bracelet, I'd try and get as far away as possible from that crazy brat too." Marinette laughed, Nino grinned, and even Adrien, despite his lingering anger, couldn't help but silently smile at Alya's remark.
Marinette then spoke up, "Hey! Nino's been filming everything. Maybe his camera captured what really happened. We can see the footage!"
Nino swiftly pulled up the video on his camera and fast-forwarded to the moment when Sabrina was seen holding the bracelet.
Marinette pointed at the screen. "Well, there you have it! Sabrina was holding Chloe's bracelet!"
The room erupted in gasps as both students and parents processed the unexpected revelation. The tension in the air shifted from panic to disbelief, with everyone staring at the footage in stunned silence.
Sabrina, looking flustered and defensive, said, "Yes! But I gave it back right after!"
Alya, with a determined look, added, "Chloé, why don't you check your BFF's bag?"
Sabrina's face turned red with outrage. "Are you saying I'm a thief?!"
Marinette shook her head, her voice calm and resolute. "Nope! Chloé's the one accusing people without proof. Alya is simply going by what's on the video."
Sabrina, her frustration bubbling over, slammed her hand on Nathaniel's sketchbook, sending it tumbling open to reveal a detailed drawing of Chloé's missing bracelet. The sketch, with its intricate details, seemed to leap off the page. Chloé and Sabrina gasped in shock as the bracelet's image came into view.
Nathaniel, defensively clutching his sketchbook, blurted out, "Yes, I sketched the bracelet, but I didn't do anything else!"
Mr. Bourgeois, his patience wearing thin, demanded, "Give me the tape! I'll have it analyzed by professionals!"
Nino, standing protectively by his camera, retorted, "No way! It's my camera!"
Mr. Bourgeois, unyielding, raised his voice. "Who do you think you're dealing with? I'm the mayor of this city! Where's the school principal? I want to see the principal!"
The room was abuzz with anxious whispers as students and parents exchanged worried glances. The tension was palpable as everyone tried to process the escalating situation. Adrien, feeling the weight of the unfolding drama, scanned the room, his eyes searching for the elusive bracelet. He couldn't shake the growing sense of unease, wondering why a few moments ago he felt an unexpected and sudden surge of protective instincts for Marinette. The intensity of this emotion puzzled him, leaving him unsettled and unsure why he felt so strongly about it.
Nino, trying to keep things clear, explained, "See? Sabrina held the bracelet. Nathaniel sketched it...the drawing does look detailed..."
Nathaniel, feeling cornered and defensive, snapped, "Hey! What's that supposed to mean?"
"Relax bud," Nino replied shrugging.
Alix, her tone dripping with sarcasm, pointed out, "You know Chloé. She can accuse anyone and everyone!"
Chloé, her face twisted in fury, declared, "Fine! Since you're all suspects, you'll have no problem letting me search your bags! Daddy, have Officer Roger check everyone's bags!"
Ms. Bustier, her face etched with concern, tried to intervene. "Please, let's not escalate this further. We need to stay calm and work this out."
Alix's sarcastic remark about Chloé's tendency to accuse everyone seemed to resonate with the crowd, amplifying the tension in the room. The students began to protest, their voices rising in a chorus of objections.
"No way am I letting my bag be searched!" Kim shouted.
"Yeah, this is ridiculous! We haven't even seen any real evidence!" Max added.
Even some parents, protective of their children, began to voice their concerns, their frustration evident. "This is an outrageous invasion of privacy!" one parent exclaimed.
Just then, the principal arrived, his face reflecting the seriousness of the situation. The Mayor, with a commanding presence, briefed him on the unfolding chaos and demanded that he authorize a search of the students' bags.
The principal, initially hesitant, looked around at the agitated crowd and the pressure from the Mayor. "I'm not sure this is the right approach," he said cautiously.
The Mayor's expression hardened. "If you don't comply, I will have to take this up directly with the school board. You know the consequences for not acting on this matter."
Reluctantly, the principal agreed, his authority overridden by the Mayor's insistence. "Very well. Officer Roger, proceed with the search."
Roger, clearly uncomfortable with the situation, started with the parents' bags. His search yielded no sign of the bracelet, and the frustration among the students and parents only grew.
Next, Roger moved on to the students' bags. He began with Mylène's bag, which she clutched tightly, her discomfort evident. She shot a resentful glance at Roger as he rifled through her belongings.
Ivan, standing by Mylène's side, was visibly upset by the invasion of her privacy. "What right do you have to search her bag?" he demanded, his voice rising with anger. "This isn't fair to Mylène!"
Roger's expression remained impassive as he continued his search with Ivan's bag, but the tension in the room was palpable. Mylène's face was flushed with embarrassment and frustration, and Ivan's protective anger only added to the mounting unrest.
Seeing that the bracelet wasn't in either of their bags, Roger then moved to Nathaniel's desk. The red-haired teenager stood awkwardly, his face flushing with embarrassment as Roger began to search through his belongings. Nathaniel fidgeted nervously, clearly uncomfortable with the invasion of his privacy.
After finding nothing in Nathaniel's bag, Roger proceeded to Rose and Juleka's desk. The two friends stood side by side, holding each other's hands for support as Roger searched through their bags. They remained silent, their shared anxiety palpable, but once again, no sign of the bracelet was found.
Roger then moved on to Max and Kim's bags. Kim, already visibly upset, glared at Roger while Max, trying to remain calm despite the situation, commented with a hint of resignation, "The probability of the bracelet being in my bag is negligible."
Roger nodded curtly and continued his search, but the tension was growing palpable. After examining both bags, he found no sign of the missing bracelet.
Roger moved to Alix's desk, and Alix couldn't contain her frustration any longer. She shouted, her voice ringing out across the room, "This is just ludicrous! And it's all because of one spoiled brat!"
The students, feeling the weight of the situation and the unfairness of it all, nodded in agreement, especially Alya, who gave Alix a thumbs up. Their collective murmur of support echoed through the classroom, intensifying the mounting tension.
Chloé, her face flushed with indignation, glared at the students. "Shut up!" she snapped. "This is my world, and in my world, everyone is guilty until proven innocent!"
The room fell silent, the air thick with a mixture of anger and unease. The students exchanged uneasy glances, their voices stifled by Chloé's commanding presence. Roger, having found nothing in Alix's bag, now moved on to check Alya and Nino's bags. The couple exchanged sharp glares at both Roger and the Mayor, their frustration evident as they silently protested the invasion of their privacy.
Roger approached Sabrina's bag with visible unease. Sabrina's face went pale as her father hesitantly sifted through her belongings. The discomfort was clear on both their faces; Roger's guilt about inspecting his own daughter's things was evident, and Sabrina's anxiety was palpable. As he expected, Roger didn't find it in her bag.
With a heavy sigh, Roger approached Adrien and Marinette's desk, the air around them thick with tension. As he reached for their bags, the weight of the situation seemed to press down even harder. Adrien's jaw tightened, his protective instincts flaring up once more. The Mayor's demand to search Marinette replayed in his mind, making his frustration grow. He clenched his fists, trying to control the surge of anger and protectiveness that he couldn't quite understand.
Marinette, sensing Adrien's distress, glanced sideways at him. Seeing his clenched fists and troubled expression, she gently placed her hand on his, her touch soft and calming. Adrien, feeling the warmth and reassurance of her touch, found a sense of calm beginning to wash over him.
The class watched in tense silence, each person feeling the gravity of the moment as Roger continued to search Marinette's bag. After a long pause, Roger finally spoke, "Nothing in here," and handed Marinette's bag back to her. Chloé muttered a dismissive "whatever" as Roger moved to the other side of the desk to search Adrien's bag.
With a heavy sigh, Roger opened Adrien's bag and, after a few seconds, revealed the missing bracelet. To everyone's shock, the room fell into an uneasy silence, the tension thickening with every passing second.
Adrien looked up, his face a mix of confusion and hurt.
The classroom erupted into a flurry of murmurs and astonished gasps. Chloé's face, which had been triumphant moments earlier, flushed a deep crimson of embarrassment. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she was stunned and flustered and could only stare at the bracelet. "It was you, Adrien?"
Ms. Bustier's eyes widened in shock, her calm demeanor momentarily disrupted. Nino's jaw dropped in disbelief, his earlier frustrations now mingled with surprise as Alya whispered to him, "I'm not surprised."
Ivan and Mylène exchanged worried glances, their expressions reflecting their concern and uncertainty. Rose, Juleka, and Nathaniel looked on, startled. Max and Kim glanced at each other with confusion, shrugging in unison. Alix shook her head in disbelief, her earlier sarcasm replaced by a look of incredulousness. "This is just...wow," she muttered as she did a hand gesture, unable to hide her disdain for how the situation had unfolded.
The atmosphere in the classroom had shifted dramatically by now. What had started as a heated confrontation had now left the students, parents, Ms. Bustier, the Principal, and even the Mayor in a state of uneasy silence. The tension was palpable as everyone grappled with the unexpected turn of events.
Adrien, feeling the weight of everyone's gaze and overwhelmed by confusion and nervousness, quickly turned to Marinette. His eyes, searching her bluebell eyes for some semblance of understanding, were filled with a mix of desperation and hurt as his voice trembled.
"I swear, I didn't do it."
Thanks for reading, please review : )
Chapter 11 published on: September 3rd, 2024
