#adrien august

Adrien finally pulled his face from its hiding place as he got up from the bed, walking over to the window. The snowy landscape made everything seem so far away.

He needed to get out of here. he needed to get back home. Home was a city on water, in a house with two people. Not married but close and supportive of each other. And they both loved him. Two older people were also there, one with sweet treats and the other with silent support, but all of it, it was home. Even with memories of seeing different places, it was comfort being with his family. Until they came here and he’d been swept away by this…monster. His daughter was uncontrollable and he sent her away and he took Adrien to take her place. Adrien had been in this castle for so long, his appearance started to change, but he never got used to the cold.

_____________________

Adrien rushed, stumbling as the snow caved under his feet. Growing up, he read stories of how heroes raced across snowy plains, clearly that was a lie. The cloak he made flowed behind him like the monster he’d been trapped with but unlike its inspiring fear, it rippled with Adrien’s attempts in escaping. Its touch reminded him that if he didn’t get far enough now, he would never escape. Fluttering wings were approaching, their dark and shadowy bodies racing to get to him. Every stumble he made let them get closer. He couldn’t go back; he wouldn’t go back!

“Move!” something called, the fluttering disrupted by a large object. Something crashed into them. Adrien didn’t turn to see what it was, he just kept running.

He finally reached the forest and the first tree he could hide behind, he did. He dropped down, the cloak finally resting as his breath appeared in front of him as he tried to calm down. he should keep moving, he needed to.

Soft steps crunched snow and a pink nose was the first thing Adrien saw of the black cat. Their fur was dusted with snow and there was the wing of one of the butterflies still hanging from their jowl.

“You ok kid?”

“Who are you?” he didn’t question how the cat could talk. How could he? His kidnapper made the snowy wasteland they were in.

“Names Plagg. Come on, let’s get you home.”

Adrien stared. “Home? I can go home?”

“Your parents are waiting for you. shall we get going?”

Adrien didn’t have to think, he got up and started to follow Plagg through the woods.

__________________________

His eyes were starting to change back. It was starting to get warmer, finally. The tea helped. Plagg took him to three people, all traveling to the main city. Marinette, a seamstress who gave him warmer clothes and started to sew pictures into the cloak he wore. Black cats and flowers and music notes, a small ladybug as a good luck charm in the corner. Nino, a bard who looked after his younger brother Noel. Alya, a girl who seemed to know all, aching to return back to her own family of sisters and parents.

“So, tell us about this place, your home on the water.” Alya asked, leaning forward, her fox-like eyes gleaming for answers. He didn’t feel like a prey being cornered, only when she heard something about the monster who kept him locked away and wanted answers. Right now, he felt the rare moments he had around friendly strangers he’d talk to in his short visits to other places.

“It’s old, full of history. You could get lost in it for days. But the people are friendly, always willing to give help or answers. The older they are, the more loving of people they tend to be, but you can find others our age who will be kind. We have our share of thieves of course, but still, it’s home. It’s large, so I haven’t been to every place, but I’ve moved to so many different lands with my parents. Never for very long, but I love exploring the areas. Normally it’s by myself, but when my parents can come with me…I miss them.”

Alya patted his thigh, Nino leaning on him in the confined space of their traveller. Marinette draped the half-done cloak over his and Nino’s legs, while she and Alya had the top end.

“Your parents miss you too.”

“Because I’m a prince?” his parents gave orders on behalf of the ruler of his home, some people considered him a prince. He didn’t know, it’s what he’d been called his whole life.

“No,” Nino replied instead of Alya, though Adrien still felt her hand on his knee under the cloak. “Because they love you. And we love you too.”

He knew that. They were his friends. They were his family.

_______________________

His hair was fading back to blonde when he met Luka. they’d arrived at his home, but his parents were gone. Adrien hadn’t sat the think with reason, he assumed they didn’t want him anymore and left. Luka, guitar on his back, had been tasked with delivering a package to him. The cream and chocolate was still fresh, even with the melting snow, inside the pastry Adrien found in the package.

“They didn’t forget me.” He breathed, his now green eyes filling with tears. “My mother and I, whenever we travelled, we’d get a cannolo, see if it stands up to the ones from here.”

“They went to look for you. they’ve been looking since you were gone.” Luka reassured.

Adrien had a sudden thought. “Him, Gabriel, he’ll come after them! I need to find them.” he got up when Luka grabbed his arm.

“Not by yourself. I know someone who can help, someone who can stand up against him. But…he might ask you to help. Will you?”

“They’re my parents, of course I will.”

“It’ll be dangerous.”

“I don’t care!”

Luka smiled at him, nudging the hand with the pastry. “Ok. Eat, remember who you’re fighting for. I’ll be back.”

The cream tasted like the ones his nonna would make. The ribbon that had closed the box smelled like the flowers from his nonno’s garden. His parents took him for his first cannolo away from home as a child. The pastry was full of happy memories and love.

“My prince.” Behind him stood a young man, dressed in spotted red and black, a hood blocking his face. With him was a girl in black and green, a ribbon holding her cloak closed. “We here to help you find your parents.”

He’d find them, he would.

“We need to stop Gabriel first. We need to stop him at his castle.”

“the snow is melting; he’s losing his power. We’re ready when you are my prince.”

With his cloak full of the things that meant the most to him and Marinette helping him tie the ribbon around his wrist, Adrien felt ready. Gabriel Agreste wanted a son but he’d get something worse.

___________________

“Adrien? Adrien!”

Bleary green eyes blinked open, to look at the shadow cast figure leaning over him.

“Adrien?”

The figure was Luka. Adrien was able to see the bright redyed blue of his hair and just make out the shapes on his lip that made up his snake bites. Luka kneeled down, the concerned look on his face clear enough to see.

“Are you ok?”

Adrien blinked, rubbing his eyes trying to reset his brain. He sat up, feeling something shift in his lap. It was his copy of the Chronicles of Narnia, the version that had all the books inside one book. It was laying facedown on his stomach and sitting next to him under his phone, was a ribbon. It came from his first bouquet his grandfather gave him. He’d used it as a bookmark for this book since he’d gotten it around the same time. He gently placed it between the pages of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, before closing the book and setting it aside.

“What time is it?” he was in the park, the one near Marinette’s house and the one he could see from his apartment. He was sitting under a tree but it was quiet, so it was in one of the less walked areas. The sun was still high in the sky, the light speckling down between the leaves.

“It’s around 3. We were supposed to meet at the Merry-Go-Round at 2:30. You said you were getting out of the apartment to do more research.” Adrien still felt lost, “for the play you’re helping Marc with? He needed ideas for a prince character. You said you’d figure out if Caspian was a good guy to play off of. I think you mentioned, um, what’s his name. En-diamond?”

“Endymion. Prince of Earth, Chibia Mamoru, Tuxedo Mask, King Endymion. Moron who’s wife needs to slap his far into the future self for coming up with the hair brain idea of ‘let’s trick myself into breaking up with my girlfriend to keep her safe, because I do everything by myself and don’t ask for help’.”

Luka looked lost but nodded anyway. “Sure. I’ve been looking for you for a while.”

Adrien nodded and started to piece together his dream. “I was a prince. Which didn’t make sense, since my parents weren’t rulers, but I was called ‘my prince.’ In my dream.” He explained. “Gabriel Agreste wanted me to be his son since he sent Lila away but I wanted, needed to get back to my parents. Nino, Marinette and Alya were there, helping me get back and…” he trailed off since he couldn’t talk about Plagg. “And you. you delivered a cannolo to me.”

Luka gave him a teasing smile. “Like when we first met?”

“Better, since it was nonna’s. Scarlet Bug and Catseye were there too, ready to help me defeat Gabriel. It was weird.”

Luka took his hand, lacing their fingers together as he pressed a kiss on the back of Adrien’s hand, near his rings. “Prince, huh? Does that mean I should call you my prince?”

The two didn’t do pet names with each other, only when Adrien was trying to get Luka’s attention, so the blonde felt himself blush. “You’re just trying to get me flustered.”

“Is it working?”

“Oh my god, why are you like this?” with his freehand, Adrien grabbed his book and phone and tugged on Luka’s hand to help him up. “Let’s go meet up with Marc, maybe he can make sense of the dream.”

“As you wish, my prince.”

Adrien wasn’t going to protest the name. the dream was strange, the idea that the father of the one girl who he hated wanted him as his son. But he believed what he did in the dream, doing everything possible to get back to his family, wouldn’t change be it in dreams or reality. Plagg being the first to save him though was odd. By the time Plagg came to him, he wasn’t in need of saving. It was weird that the dream felt like it held truth to it.

Adrien would of rathered Pegasus be involved but apparently, he wasn’t going to be available for the month, which, rude. Adrien had his own things to deal with. Exams were coming up and his own boyfriend had an upcoming audition for a prestigious university with an amazing music program. Since he’d been homeschooled all throughout lycée, his audition was late, which made him nervous.

Adrien was also happy that whatever had been making Luka really worried seemed to be taken care of. All he knew was that his grandfather’s uncle came and was helping him with whatever it was, actually teaching him and Juleka what to do and giving him chances to be a normal teenager. Luka had more stuff to deal with that, but he seemed lighter and less stressed, so that was all Adrien cared about. It was the audition that worried him now though.

“Anyway, spa? You said you want him to relax right?” Vixen continued, putting her flute to her lips to create an illusion of the rest of the temporary holders seeming to fall from the sky. The current Akuma was a little kid who had been wanting to be a hero, so the appearance of the rest of Team Paris kept them distracted while they waited. The akuma was hiding in an item that was hard to get so they needed Venom to use Persuasion and Multimouse to get the item so Bast Luck could use Cataclysm. It sounded like a heavily involved plan for what sounded like a simple thing but it was actually incredibly hard to get. All six of them had been struggling and the Lucky Charm basically spelled it out for them, hence the involved plan.

“Yeah, but I don’t know. feels like something to do after it’s over, to keep him from overthinking about the audition.”

With the audition coming up, Adrien wanted to do something to help Luka so when realising how long the battle was going to take, he just asked the others for advice. Well, not Scarlet Bug. He’d immediately gone red for some reason and honestly, Tigresse hadn’t stopped laughing since. Venom and Tarasq had suggested movie night before heading out before Vixen gave her suggestion.

“Well, do you think he’ll be ok?”

Bast Luck nodded. “he’s an amazing performer, so I know he’ll do well there. He’s just been dealing with a lot and I know he feels like he hasn’t practised enough or that he’s ready. I just-”

He was interrupted by a wave of water jumping over them, tossing the Akuma in the air, just as Venom appeared over them. after that it was a mess of catching the controlled akuma, getting said item and destroying it. with a captured and purified butterfly and ladybugs cleaning up the mess they’d made, they all watched Scarlet Bug create a magical charm from his yoyo and hand it to the little kid. That’s when it clicked.

“Oh my god. Scarlet, you’re a genius!” Scarlet Bug looked very confused as Bast started to back away. “I have to go. I need supplies and call my friend. Bye!” he said, taking off.

“The fu-?”

The little child gasped and pointed at Scarlet Bug. “You said a bad word!”

“And I will buy you ice cream if you don’t tell your parents about that ok?”

Pictures of a very guilty looking Scarlet Bug would be online later, all while he watched the kid devour their ice cream, but Adrien wouldn’t see that for hours. He had supplies to get and he needed Marinette to answer her phone. Or Nathaniel, since he was good at picking colours too, but someone, anyone, pick up their phone!

_____________

Nino thankfully was available, though he had to bring Noel. Noel was being his normal picky self, wanting to go home, but Adrien managed to distract him by telling him about flower crowns and how difficult it was to make. He didn’t believe him and stuck to the flower wall to pull flowers out while they checked out the bead aisle not too far.

“A charm bracelet?” Nino asked, looking over his shoulder to check on his brother.

“Well, I’m trying to make a copy of the lucky charm Marinette has. The one she hangs from her bag during exam days?”

“Oh, the one with the different beads. Why not just ask her to make one?” Nino suggested.

Adrien shook his head. “I want to do this for him. Issue is, Luka’s not the type to wear something that dangles very far on his person, so it doesn’t get caught in his bike. So, it’ll definitely be more bracelet.”

“He wears so many of them. do they have good luck charms in Italy you could give him?”

“Yeah. It’s called cornetto, or the horn. It’s kinda the most popular one, other than ladybugs. I already have an extra one my nonna gave me, and she loves Luka, so she’d be happy to know he has it.” Adrien pulled up a picture on his phone to show Nino.

“It looks like tiger tooth. They bring joy, which I guess also works. Horseshoe and four leave clover mainly bring luck.”

Adrien hummed, looking over his shoulder at Noel who was making his way back with his large bundle of flowers. “Is blue too predictable?”

“Is it bad saying it’s hard to see him in other colours? I mean, other than black and white. Red seems overly bright for him. Unless it’s how Scarlet Bug wears his costume, that I think Luka can pull off. Though…I don’t know, I can also see him in pink oddly enough, or that might just be me seeing Rose dress Juleka up in pink a lot.”

Nino wasn’t wrong. There was a bit of overlap in colours having meaning between France and Italy, so honestly, he couldn’t go wrong. He grabbed a few choices before looking at the charms. He found ones that matched the style or colour of the horn his nonna gave him when Marinette finally called him back.

“You have to watch Noel later right?” he asked, kicking Noel off at the news of being left behind. He knew already, he was just being difficult. “I have him and can bring him if you let me use your jewellery making stuff. I need someone to tell me if it looks ok.”

“Why are we making jewellery?”

“Because I want to give Luka a good luck charm. And I bought stuff for flower crowns for Noel so he can be distracted.”

“In that case, sure. but if it looks really nice, I want you to help me make a mock up to sell on my store after vacation starts.”

Luka wiped his violin down. he’d been practising all afternoon, the callous on his fingers were aching. He took a big breath as he glanced at the calendar hanging between his and Juleka’s rooms. Auditions were soon. He had the grades and everything else, he just had to nail this audition and he’d be getting into his dream university. He’d be doing in person school for the first time in nearly 8 years, but he was hooping all the time spent with Juleka’s class and just his general life would make it an easy transition. Thankfully, the school also offered online classes, it would just take longer to graduate, but the option was still there. He just wanted this audition to go well. Su-Han had been doing his job as Guardian, working at Fu’s old message parlour, so he was allowed to focus on the audition.

“I wonder what Adrien decided to do.” Tikki teased, letting out a squeak as Luka closed the compartment where he kept his supplies and the small weighted stuffed cow he always kept in there, where Tikki had been resting. “Hey!”

He got red remembering how Adrien had been gossiping with the other holders for ideas, in the middle of a battle. Sure, it was just to play keep away while Nathaniel and Marc went to go get Marinette but still. Juleka had been no help, truly taking Plagg’s teaching and just stood there, laughing. He almost wanted to ring her neck, but he was too busy trying not to get overly red and give himself away. While Adrien was a good Cat Holder, having his boyfriend on the team had its drawbacks. He just hoped Juleka got the same when they eventually called in Rose to become a holder.

He let go so Tikki could get out when he heard footsteps. Tikki darted up his jacket, making him squirm as Adrien came in.

“Hi!”

“Hey.” He said, sticking a hand down his jacket to make more room for Tikki. Thankfully it wasn’t one of the weirder positions Adrien had found him in. “What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to give you something, as a good luck charm for the audition.” Adrien pulled out a box from his bomber jacket and Luka was brought back to the day Adrien gave him their matching rings. “I hope you like it.”

Bast Luck had never finished the conversation and the nosy part of him had been curious what Adrien decided to give him. He opened the box and sitting on cotton fluff was a bracelet. It had blue and green beads that changed and meeting in the middle was a row of white beads. Separating them where 5 charms. The one in the middle was a red tiger’s tooth and on either side was a ladybug, a horse shoe, a four-leaf clover and a black cat.

“I didn’t choose green for me. On the Italian flag, it represents hope and freedom. Blue for intelligence and calm and white for purity. Can’t have enough of that with Hawkmoth around. Oh, also, this is called cornetto, it’s the most well know good luck charm in Italy. Nino says it means hope in France.”

“Tiger’s tooth, yeah. Why Ladybug and Bast Luck, unless it’s supposed to be Catseye?”

“No,” Adrien shook his head. “Ladybugs are also a symbol of good luck and unlike most western ideologies, black cats are also good luck. But if it helps to think of it as extra protection against Hawkmoth, then by all means.

Luka smiled and rested his violin in its case so he could put the bracelet on. it mixed in with the others he wore and he knew when he had to remove them for the audition, Adrien’s, plus the ones his mother and sister gave him on other occasions would be the only ones sitting under his button up.

“It’s perfect. Thank you. but you didn’t have to give me this.” he got up, took Adrien’s face and kissed him, smiling down at the dazed look he got. “I’ve got you.”

After Adrien had made him red all afternoon, watching the diplomate’s son flush red so quickly felt like retribution.

“Why are you like this?” he whined as he hide his face in Luka’s neck, Luka wrapping his arms around Adrien’s waist.

“What could you possibly mean?” he joked. “Hey, thank you though. I do love it. our rings would have reminded me of your support too.”

“I know, I just wanted you to have a dedicated good luck charm, like the one Marinette has. I thought the bracelet would also work for any charms your mom might have. You can’t tell me the Captain has brought out a few.”

“She has. My sweet boyfriend, thinking of all the things. What am I going to give you as a good luck charm?”

Adrien pulled away and tugged Luka down to kiss him. “I’ve got you.”

“It’s gonna be a lot of fun. Think of it like a street festival and admire the costumes! That’s the best part in my opinion. Remind me to show you the pictures I got of my mom when we dressed up during the off season.” Adrien said.

“Stay Peachy!” a sudden hyper voice cried, making both boys jump like cats. Standing behind them was someone in a smiling banana costume, wiggling and dancing to the hip hop music coming from a nearby boombox. They struck a pose, the eery still smile creeping Adrien out.

He hated those type of full body costumes. The amount of pictures his family had of him, in his parents’ arms, hiding away from a person with covered hands and oversized heads. Adrien barely made it through his tours of Disney parks as he got older.

“Oh, fuck right off.” Felix muttered, grabbing Adrien’s arm and dragging him into the busy streets. “Where is your boyfriend meeting us? Or is he still waiting to get in?”

Luka found them and Adrien immediately took them to get food. They had plans to meet up with the rest of the class to see Marinette’s entry for the costume contest, an outfit based on one of her mother’s favourite fantasy C-Dramas, so Adrien was going to introduce them to his favourite foods until then. Each street seemed to be dedicated for a different part of Italy and while Adrien talked about how his family mainly stayed in Rome, he was lucky to be able to see other parts and indulge in their version of the culture.

“I lived off this whenever mom was too tired to cook.” Adrien said, leading them to a Pizza al taglio stand. “We’d order way more than we needed and could have the rest for later.”

“It’s probably a good thing this isn’t normally in Paris.” Luka said, looking at all the sheet pans the stall managed to fit onto a fold out table. “How are we supposed to stay empty for everything else?”

“Well, I plan to introduce you to stomach, so keep empty.” Adrien promised.

Felix shrugged. “I prefer a full English breakfast, so I’m fine.”

Luka looked so lost, Adrien didn’t have the heart to mention, a full English normally had pigs’ blood. Most Parisians survived off of bread, Adrien didn’t want to overload him.

He distracted Luka with finding a stall making fresh carbonara to order and the three decided to split an order. He had Luka and Felix try first, wanting them to apricate the simple ingredients to one of his favourite dishes.

“That’s really good.” Luka commented.

“Better than most restaurants I’ve been too. Trick must be the old woman making it.” Felix said, looking at the older lady behind the stall who was the one putting the whole dish together while her kids, according to what Adrien was able to pick up, made the pasta at the table.

Adrien took the bowl from Felix, excited to eat when that damned voice popped up again.

“Stay Peachy!”

It was so sudden and loud, Adrien screamed, jumped and let go of the bowl. The rest of the carbonara was on the ground and Adrien swung around, glaring at the stupid person in the banana suit, posing behind him. They were close to, like they’d been sneaking up on Adrien.

“I’m going to kill you.” Adrien swore, Luka grabbing him before he could take a step.

“Hey, they should have gelato right?” Luka distracted. “You promised to get me a good one. Didn’t your mom say that the famous store who made the cone into a flower had been invited? Where would they be? They are considered good right?”

Adrien became distracted, but Felix gave the performer a steely glare that got Mr. Banana to back up slightly before he went to follow the couple.

They got distracted on their quest for gelato by cheese; parmigiano and mozzarella and bufala. Adrien insisted they try bruschetta.

“It’s tomatoes, oil and salt, you honestly can’t go wrong. It’s a more put together version of the tomato con pan we had at the beach.”

It was further distracted by arancini, a new favourite of Luka’s that Adrien’s nonna had made during her visit. They ended up bumping into Chloe and Sabrina and Zoe, a teen star who modelled for Chloe’s mom and while she had a contract in France for a while, Chloe took it upon herself to show her around. Zoe had the most out of all of them, moaning a little about needing to be at try ons for a show the next day but Adrien waved her off, Chloe supporting him.

“I don’t know about Italian designers, but I refuse to believe Italian models give up their favourite food just to be perfect in clothes. Besides, arancini doesn’t count, it’s made by the gods.”

“I don’t think that excuse works when I say that about pizza.” Zoe pointed out.

“Then you clearly are missing out on thin crust. Try the pizza stalls on the Rome street. It’s thin and the three of you can share and not feel guilty if you’re that worried. But first, gelato! Oh, cannoli!”

Like a kitten with a short attention span, Adrien rushed over to the closest stall in the Sicily street they found themselves in. The Italian convinced the teen star to split a cannolo with him before Chloe dragged her to a stall selling clothes. Adrien was being a messy child and licking some of the excess cream before it fell out of the pastry when…

“Stay Peachy!”

Like the worst jump scare, Adrien jumped back and his half-eaten cannolo was caught by Felix. The English boy tried not to gag at the damp pastry while Luka grabbed Adrien from under his arms to lift him up and stop him from attacking Mr. Banana.

“Your mom is running the event. I don’t think she wants to make sure you’re covered by diplomatic immunity if Sabrina’s dad arrests you for attacking someone.” Luka reminded.

“Even if they deserve it?” Felix asked, pinching the pastry and stuffing it into Adrien’s mouth, making him look like a demented squirrel gathering food. His cheeks where puffed from the cream and it lessened the affect of the glare he was given the demented banana.

“Ok, let’s go.” Luka ordered, heading towards a different street. it was getting close to meeting with the others but the rocker wanted to avoid an international incident.

It counted as international if an Italian and an English attacked a French performer? Luka didn’t want to find out.

Alya was not at all sympathetic when she heard. She was still holding Adrien’s issues with feathers and his cosplay shoot over his head.

“You can’t tell me some cosplayers don’t get dressed in outfits like that.”

“They do. I avoid them. those things give me the creeps. You also can not tell me that the smile isn’t really creepy!”

“I mean, Noel doesn’t normally get scared of things,” Nino said, mentioning his stubborn younger brother, “but he doesn’t like those guys either. I swear he screamed bloody murder when we saw a Bluey character.”

Adrien pointed to Nino like it was all the answer he needed.

“Oh, that does not count! My twin sisters think they’re the human version of some twin devil trickster.” Alya pointed out.

“Thank god they aren’t.” Adrien heard Luka mutter but he ignored his boyfriend to try and continue making his point while they made their way to the stage that the costume contest was going to be at.

Adrien was able to distract himself with admiring the outfits people wore, and even pulled his own mask down to fit in. It made him even more excited to get dressed in his outfit for the masquerade ball. He gossiped with the others on what they were going to wear, hearing what others promised their costumes to look like. They made it to the stage as the MC was getting it started. Even in the back, they were able to find an area that gave them a clear view. Everyone marvelled over the costumes as they came out, the groups' cheers getting loud when Marinette took the stage. Marinette was more the type to dress her models and direct them from behind the camera, but she was doing a pretty amazing at posing. Though that might have to do with Adrien’s training she asked for.

Marinette just got picked for the next round of non-traditional costumes when the MC called for a short break so the next round members could get set up and those who didn’t make it past could still get the chance for pictures by the crowd. As those people made it into the crowd, the MC called upon a well-loved performer to entertain them.

“Stay Peachy!” Mr. Banana cried as he jumped on stage.

Felix rolled his eyes while Adrien frowned.

“Will you relax? Kids love him.” Alya said.

“Kids don’t make any sense.” Adrien said. “I saw a stall with flowers, I’m gonna get Marinette a bouquet to congratulate her. Take pictures if I take too long.”

“I’ll go with you.” Felix offered.

“Please behave. And don’t get distracted by food you’re not planning on bringing back!” Luka called.

“Just for that, I’ll bring you the stomach!” Adrien called back, giggling at Luka’s face.

They got the flowers and became distracted when Adrien located a gelato stand. In his defence, it had been all they talked about since they entered the festival. He gave Felix the flowers to hold while he expertly handled 6 cones in total.

“Wouldn’t cups of been easier?” Felix asked.

“Everyone loves gelato in a cone.” Adrien said when –

“Stay Pe – Ahh!”

Mr. Banana was given a face full of flowers as Felix smacked them with the bouquet before he kicked him over. The ruined bouquet was thrown at the writhing banana as Felix grabbed Adrien and dragged him back towards the stage.

“What am I supposed to tell my mother when she asks about the blonde boy who assaulted a performer?” Adrien asked.

“Like I’d let you take credit for that.”

The others did hear about it later. Adrien was helping Nino figure out the socks in the traditional Vancian suit when Luka asked.

“Apparently the Mr Banana performer got assaulted. They’re pretty upset. Face full of flowers too. Odd how Marinette’s never showed up.”

Adrien shrugged. “Gosh. Maybe he should, stay peachy. Keep the moral up. He’s still got to dance for a pay check. As long as it’s far, far away.” The blonde muttered the last part.

The Ladybug holder sighed. To be fair, Luka knew what his boyfriend was like when he was mad. Sure, it was usually cursing and insults but he’d used physical violence as a threat. Luka couldn’t prove Adrien had used the bouquet, though the cups he came back with in hand did push the suspicion off of him, he wouldn’t put it past the Italian to attack Mr. Banana.

The bouquets had no rhyme or reason behind them, but Adrien did notice whenever his nonna was upset, flowers would end up in her kitchen. They weren’t an immediate fix, but it always brought a smile to her face.

So that’s why Adrien left his apartment early in the morning, met up with Marinette outside the bakery and took the train to the flower market near the Notre-Dame. Luka had told him he loved him and also that because of his grandfather, he’d be busy with something he couldn’t talk about. He and Juleka were feeling the affects of whatever it was, looking exhausted, but Luka seemed to be having a harder time with whatever it was. Adrien was dying to poke and ask more questions but with a ring on his finger and a new constant hitchhiker, Adrien knew it would be wrong to ask for answers Luka wasn’t ready to give. It could see it was bothering him, whenever Luka couldn’t give him a clear answer. Luka’s brow would furrow, he’d tug at his earrings and he’d apologise like it was no one’s business. Adrien just wanted him to be reminded that even though they had to keep a few secrets, that wasn’t going to break them up. Marinette, after hearing his idea in class, offered to show him the best stalls at the flower market.

“Thanks again for doing this.” Adrien thanked.

“Of course. Luka’s been looking so exhausted. I think he was actually going to fall asleep standing up at rehearsal. I’m surprised he didn’t cancel.”

“Not Luka. If he can’t play music, he feels like there’s no point.” It had been that sometimes it was the only time he’d see Luka relax, unburdened by whatever was bothering him.

He just hoped this was another way to make him relaxed.

The market was huge. Thanks to Marinette’s suggestion, it wasn’t quite as packed as it could have been and the blonde Italian followed the baker’s daughter to the different stalls. He didn’t buy from every one, but he pulled some with meanings he hoped to convey. Roses in colours that meant happiness, worthy of them, salvias in blue to let Luka know he was always on Adrien’s mind and hydrangeas to tell Luka thank you for at least trying to give some context, little as it was, along with dahlias to remind him of how kind he was. Cellophane and tissue paper in hand, Adrien tightened his grip on his spoils. His nonno made smiles appear out of thin air with his nonna and her moods. Luka wasn’t in so much of a mood, but Adrien still wanted to make Luka smile.

Here went seeing what stuck from the lessons.

__________________

Sleeping sounded good. Great even, but he had a whole understanding of a Kwami Box to understand first. Said Kwami had tons of energy, but the slightest glimpse of being overstimulated and they thankfully calmed down and went back in the box. They were a help in helping his mother find her missing things. They were like genies. Who didn’t know their own history. The monks behind the Temple did tell their students much, so the little Fu did write down for him left a lot of gaps. Not even the translated Grimoire gave much help in understanding it. with his classes, patrol and trying to be a present person with the people he cared about, Luka felt like he was going to explode. He had Juleka, but she was approaching finals before she graduated collége and headed to lycée. He still needed to take his university exams, if he was even going to do in person university. Another decision he needed to make.

Fu fucking owed him for throwing this responsibility onto a teenager. And the monks, for choosing a kid who didn’t want to do said job which caused all of this in the first place. Also, where the fuck where they? Fu swore they were close but he had yet to have some old person come and demand the Miraculous back. He’d like to have the chance to convince them to help, like Jessica managed to do. He wished he could talk to her more, but he knew her parents were still trying to find them and they wanted answers about the American Miraculous that Jess couldn’t give. He was in a better position than her, having a whole team instead of just his sister, but it wasn’t going to do much now. He couldn’t tell his team what was going on, not until they had more information. Not even his own boyfriend.

Which was another thing. he missed Adrien. Any time they hung out turned into a mess of him being exhausted and distant. Adrien was the best thing ever, not looking upset, just asking if everything was ok. How was it he had the pair the more powerful Miraculous and he wasn’t allowed to tell him anything?

God, he needed a fucking nap.

He shoved the box into the chest they’d chosen for the hiding spot, the Kwami taking a hint and ducking into the mini figure collection Rose had been growing on Juleka’s side of the room. He flopped onto his bed, trying to get his body to relax.

“Luka?” Tikki questioned, letting out a sad hum when he turned to face the wall and away from her.

“Just five minutes please Tikki. I just want five minutes.”

He heard footsteps, but assumed it was his mother. Juleka was spending the night with Rose. The tiny blonde had taken a look at her exhausted looking girlfriend and dragged her home, according to Juleka’s text. But…his mom wasn’t in town. She was charting a yacht across the water for the week. So, who…?

A knock on the post leading to his room made him open his eyes and look towards the doorway.

“Adrien?”

“Hi. I thought Juleka was here but I didn’t see her and I didn’t see your mom either. I didn’t want come in without permission. I know how much your mom loves that.”

He stared at Adrien, dressed rather like a punk for a change, like he wasn’t real. Luka got up and started to walk over to him, ready to grab him into a hug when he was stopped by a face full of flowers. Adrien looked embarrassed.

“I had them behind my back and you were gonna hug me. I wanted to surprise you with them first.”

Luka felt a small smile grow. “You got me flowers?” he asked, taking them from Adrien.

“I made you flowers. A bouquet of flowers I mean.” Adrien stuttered a little, the smile on Luka’s face getting bigger. “My nonno would give my nonna flowers whenever she was upset or just because and I know you’ve have to keep secrets and I can see it’s been upsetting you so I wanted to give you something that reminded you I was here, for whatever you need. Even if it’s just a hug.” Adrien spread his arms out, letting out a small noise when Luka wrapped his arms around him. “Do you like them?”

“I love them. thank you. I like the hug too.”

Adrien laughed, adjusting his grip so he could hug him tighter.

“Of course, you know how to make bouquets. Is there anything you don’t know how to do?” Luka asked, rocking the two of them back and forth. Finally, just for a little bit, he felt calm.

“A number of things, I just learn to fake a lot of it.”

“So, you know the meanings? Is that post on making a ‘fuck you’ bouquet true then?”

Adrien giggled. “Yes, it is. I can tell you what these flowers mean.”

Adrien nodded, sighing a little. That freedom feeling wasn’t getting smaller which was good, but hearing the responsibilities along with saving Paris made him a little nervous. “This won’t…strain relationships, right? I mean, other than keeping the large secret which would hurt them if they knew. I mean, like missed dates or vague excuses, things like that.”

“I mean, I guess. But I think as long as your as open as you can be. If you mention getting a new job, no one’s going to question that much. It is to protect them so, it’s not so bad if you think of it that way.” Scarlet reassured.

“I guess I’m just worried. My boyfriend told me he loved me today and I couldn’t say it back. It’s not that I don’t want to. I absolutely do. I do feel the same, it’s just, hard to say the words. I wouldn’t want my constant disappearances to be taken that him telling me that scared me off.” As Scarlet’s gesture, Adrien continued. “To not overload you, my parents aren’t together and their fights were pretty bad. It started a lot when I was pretty young and I used to tell them before they’d go storming off to work angry at each other, that they had to say ‘I love you’. when I later realised what I was doing to my parents, all I could think about was how I poisoned those words on a deeper level. I mean the intention behind them but saying the words make feel slightly sick, even though I want to say it.”

“My family…” Scarlet hesitated for a moment before continuing, “my mom will always blame herself for believing my father. He didn’t stick around past 2 years old but he made my mom think he would because he’d constantly tell her he loved her. After, she found different ways to tell us she loved us. So don’t rush to tell him because you think that’s what he wants to hear. If he’s like me, maybe he said it because it felt like you were the first person, he could say it to that wasn’t family.”

Adrien felt his face getting flush, his ears folding back and his tail starting to wrap around him. He didn’t know if Luka’s family was like that, but it felt right. You could tell they loved each other without them saying it just based on their actions.

“You’re cu – I-I mean, y-you must really love him then.” Scarlet stuttered out.

“I do. The way I feel about him, I’ve never felt about anyone before.”

Scarlet’s smile grew soft, as if hearing the words about love made him happy in a way those in love could describe. “I wouldn’t worry. You aren’t your parents and even if it seems to be starting the same, you could have a whole new story. A whole new beginning.”

                                             __________________

Adrien zipped the clear side of his itabag, showing off the Mermaid Melody pins and charms he had. He was tempted to text a picture to Luka to see if he could name the princesses or if it would send him on another rant about how much Luchia went through for one guy. The rant would be hilarious to watch in person, so he put it off for now.

“Caro, if you want a ride to school, we need to leave now!” his mother called from the kitchen.

“Coming!” he looked to where Plagg had made himself at him amongst his plushes that sat in their hammock. “You’d better not spill cheese over there.”

“Relax, I can be clean.” Plagg said, stuffing his face with a small brick of Parmesan cheese. He’d begged for camembert the night before after getting back but Adrien told him he was more likely to get Italian chesses in the house. He was nervous about what he’d do when he and his mom would make mozzarella. If those disappeared overnight, that was going to be hard to explain.

Pulling on his shoes, Adrien looked at himself in the mirror. He didn’t look any different, minus the new silver ring with an emerald inland band sitting under his couple ring. His oversized letterman jacket and joggers didn’t look at all out of place. But he was different.

He was staying in France. For the first time ever, his mother was given an assignment that lasted more than a few months. He had friends, actual real friends, he was dating someone who loved him – just thinking it still made him red - and he was beyond happy. And he was a hero? This was a new beginning, a new chapter in his life and he was excited to see where it took him.

“Adrien!”

“Be right there!” Adrien called again, picking up his bag and holding the flap open so Plagg could fly in. With one last look at his reflection, he ran out of the room and followed his mom out the door.

They stopped for croissants on the way over, at the same patisserie they’d gone to on Adrien’s first day of school. It felt oddly fitting, even if he now preferred Tom’s croissants.

“How are you feeling? You must be excited to tell your friends.”

Nodding, Adrien smiled around his food. “I am. Paris is different from other places we’ve stayed at. It feels like how Italy feels when we go back. It feels like home. I don’t think I can say that about the other places.”

Viola smiled at her son, ruffling his hair. She giggled when he yelped and complained about messing it up. She wasn’t blind to how open Adrien was to living in Paris. He’d gotten into his routines in the other places, making quick acquaintances, very few friends and distracting himself with exploring places and foods. She was happy that he preferred spending time with her when she could but something about seeing Adrien run out the door to go meet friends, either to dress up and take pictures, play music with or just hang out made her feel at peace. He was right, Paris was starting to feel like home.

They pulled up in front of the school where Adrien’s friends were waiting. With a quick kiss on his mother’s cheek, Adrien burst out from the car, unable to help himself.

“I’m staying!” he cried. Once his words registered, they were cheering. Nino led the group hug, nearly knocking Adrien over when he ran into him.

“This is amazing! I can’t believe you get to stay! Is your mom as well?” Marinette asked.

“Both of us, one year for now, longer depending on the Hawkmoth situation.”

“Dude, that means you get to graduate college with us and head to lycée together! we already know everyone’s attending the lycée down the street, maybe we’ll be in the same class too.” Nino gushed.

“Easy babe. Let’s just get through the rest of this year first.” Alya reminded. “Besides, someone else wants to congratulate him.” She teased, pulling Adrien from Nino’s grip and pointing him to Luka.

The guitar player stood at the edge of the group, smiling at him. He didn’t look very surprised with Adrien’s announcement but still looked very happy.

“Hi.” Adrien greeted. He couldn’t keep his own smile off his face, which threatened to get bigger when he remembered what Luka had told him. With what he and Scarlet discussed the night before, he wasn’t pressuring himself nearly as much to say it back. Luka said he was fine waiting, so he hoped he’d also be fine once he explained his reasonings.

“Hi.” Luka wrapped his hands around his waist, tugging him closer to kiss him.

Hearing the cat calls from his friends, Adrien flipped him off with one hand, using his other to tug Luka closer. He was never going to get tired of this.

“How rude!” Alya cried, sounding like Stephanie Tanner.

“I spend the whole school day with you guys! Go away!” Adrien ordered over his shoulder, having to pull away. Luka laughed at him as Adrien and the others exchanged more teasing remarks before Marinette pushed them inside.

“Before he releases his Italian anger on us. Kim, you remember how that feels right?”

“Oh, shut up!”

Adrien turned back to Luka, both sharing looks. “Hi.”

“Hi. I hear I get to keep you for longer.”

“You do.” Adrien nodded, playing with the edges of Luka’s jacket. “You’re stuck with me for a year.”

“I’m perfectly fine with that. Just a warning, I did think I could have lost you, so I’m going to be kinda clingy for a while.”

Uncaring if Luka was joking or not, Adrien laughed. “Um, before you think I forgot about what you said yesterday. I didn’t and I don’t want you to think I don’t feel the same. You’re right, its really quick and my dad’s already planning a speech and questions to make sure we’re serious about this, but I also know I’ve never really felt this way about anyone. I want to tell you those words, but I sort of realised saying those words in a relationship is scary to me, regardless of how I feel thanks to me messing up when my parents were fighting before the divorce. What the words mean, all the emotions that go with it, I do feel those for you. it’s just gonna take a while to say it out loud.”

“Hey,” Luka reassured, squeezing Adrien’s waist, “like I said, I’m not gonna rush you for an answer, or I guess in this case a reply. Mamman, Juls and I don’t say the words to each other very much, we say different things. So, I get it. My feelings aren’t changing anytime soon, I promise.”

Adrien felt like he could breathe. “Good. That’s good.” He stuttered out, face flushing as Luka laughed at him.

“You’re cute. Your heart song is singing so loud. I think this melody it’s playing might be my new favourite.”

Flustered, Adrien hid himself in Luka’s neck, making the taller boy laugh at him as he squeezed him tight. They didn’t seem to notice Tikki and Plagg laughing at them from their hiding spots.

Much later into the night, Adrien stood on the same level he and Scarlet Bug fought Glitter Queen. With Scarlet Bug and Tigresse Poupre standing in front of them, they looked like true leaders. Even though it seemed that the Cat and Ladybug where always together – thanks to Alya’s hero project she still wouldn’t drop – he was perfectly fine letting to former Catseye led them. he glanced at the others, taking them in. Rena Rouge, Queen Bee and Caprise were replaced with new holders, unless they look a page out of Scarlet’s book and had their transformation mess with their hair as well.

“Why don’t you guys introduce yourselves?”  Tigresse suggested.

The fox straightened her back, letting her blonde ginger hair strands fall around her face as her hair was pulled into twin buns just in front of her fox ears. Her costume was reminiscent of Zatanna’s, except with shorts instead of a straight leotard. The tails on her coat seemed to have a mind of its own as they twitched. Holding her flute tightly as she lifted her chin, she spoke, “I’m Vixen, holder of the Fox.”

“Venom, holder of the Bee.” While a much darker red, Venom’s long bangs were clipped back with a honeycomb pin, which had five of them in a cluster. His costume was similar to Tigresse’s in terms of a body suit and covered in honeycombs of black and yellow. Oddly enough, whenever he moved, the pattern seemed to change.

The Turtle holder seemed shy, ducking into the collar of his suit. It was tall and wide, allowing him to comfortably hide his face, much like an actual turtle. The shield was attached the way Captain America would wear his and it had sharp ridges much like a snapping turtle’s shell. Strangely, his gloves were half palm gloves, exposing his wrists before it followed his dark green sleeve. “Tarasq. The holder of the Turtle.”

Adrien tried giving him a kind smile when he glanced in his direction. It sort of worked, since he hadn’t ducked lower into his collar.

“I’m Bast Luck. I’m the new holder of the Cat.” Adrien introduced. Out of all, he was the most exposed with his crop top inspired by Black Lynx from Shugo Chara. Unlike Ikuto, he didn’t have the high collar or arm warmers, instead a choker with a bell and fingerless gloves. He also had an underlayer of black in his hair.

“And you all know the former Catseye, Tigresse Poupre and me, Scarlet Bug. So, thanks to the last fight we had with Hawkmoth and his akuma Catalyst, we were at risk. We decided a long time ago if that were to happen, we’d pass along the Miraculous to new holders. You guys won’t have to return your Miraculous as you’re permeant holders now and we’ll need you whenever there’s an akuma. The previous holders will get new Miraculous and come when needed. The hope is that there aren’t times we need more than 5, but it would be wrong to trick you into thinking everything is ok. Hawkmoth knows we have the Miraculous and he won’t stop until he gets his hands on them. our job is much harder so I need to know, are you guys really ready for this?” Scarlet Bug asked seriously.

The four looked at each other. They didn’t know each other and had yet to work together but they knew this. they were going to need each other to help win the fight. They all nodded, voicing their agreement. Like pure timing, there was an explosion in the direction of the Louvre.

“Right then. Team Miraculous, let’s go!”

                               __________________________

“Scarlet Bug came onto the scene today with both a new look and a few new friends. During an akuma attack today, Scarlet Bug arrived without Catseye but a few new others. There have been times where the two heroes have new friends join them but these were completely new heroes. Based off of witness testimonies, they’re names are Vixen, Venom, Tarasq and Bast Luck, who seems to of taken the place of Catseye. There was also the reappearance of Tigresse Poupre. There’s already debate online that she’s actually Catseye but with a different persona. They mentioned the way she acts and interacts with Scarlet Bug was much too similar but only time will tell. With the appearance of Hawkmoth just days ago, I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say we hope these heroes can help end the battle.” Alya explained in her video posted to her renamed blog, Miracublog – Home for all things of the heroes of Paris!

Lila screeching, throwing her iPad to the floor. The video of the fight still played, sounds of fighting and magic spilling from the speakers. She ignored it as she paced, stomping her feet to the ground. That fight Hawkmoth was spotted at, Chloe had been responsible for that. She turned on the heroes. But there was nothing! And now everyone was different and her idea of who could be who was further from reach. Her father was no help, refusing to answer any questions she had about it or just never picking up. Nathalie was also unhelpful, reminding her she was at this school to learn.

Screw learning, she wanted power! She could have gotten it; she know she could of but somehow everyone knew. This school was full of the uber rich, richer than Adrien had once been and she knew how to work these people. She would practise her skills on the unsuspecting rich at the schools she was sent to when she had the Rossi name. whenever she was found out, she’d make a fuss and her mother would ask to be reassigned. She’d report anyone who spoke against her online. She could hide her tracks.

But if word got out before she even arrived?

She was sure it was Tomoe getting her family to spill secrets. Even if she’d heard words of students visiting France, where she couldn’t hide her lies. Not only was she struggling to keep up just with the speed of English everyone spoke, but no one wanted to be around her. They were actively bullying her. Scribbles on her desk to get out of their school, her clothes and uniform missing, getting in trouble with teachers for fake altercations. And she couldn’t do anything! The first time she did, Gabriel called and told her if she made an embarrassment of him out of France, he’d send her to be homeschooled in Japan, not allowing her to see anyone except her teachers and her caretakers from the Tsurugi family. And damn it she believed him. This couldn’t be how Adrien was treated, there was no way.

(But she couldn’t stop thinking about little instances that made it so obvious to anyone watching. But she hadn’t cared, not when all she saw was what he had in spite of it.)

She won. She made the Wish. She got what she wanted. She still hated her life. She was utterly alone with no one on her side. She…she didn’t know how to get out of this situation.

She didn’t know Adrien regained the Cat Miraculous. She didn’t realise that her life, lived the way he was gave him the best possible life. She didn’t know her Wish was Adrien’s wish come true.

“Have you been on any teams?”

“Uh, yeah. I was on my school’s team in Italy and also when we lived in London for a while. Usually there aren’t enough people and once they hear I know how to, they kinda just ask if I can do a bout.” He easily answered.

“And you’ve won?” She continued to question.

“Yes. But like I said, I don’t really do it anymore.” Adrien said.

Lady Tomoe hummed again before nodding her head to her daughter. “Is he good?”

“He’s joined Marinette and I a few times. He can beat Marinette easily and he and I kept a tie record. I did win our last fight, however.” Kagami explained, not mentioning their fights had been replaced nearly 3 months ago when Kitty Section was starting to gain more traction.

Humming once again (he really wished she’d stop doing that), Lady Tomoe waved them away. “Go. Mingle. But behave. I’m watching you, Kagami.”

Adrien believed that bit in a heartbeat.

“When you asked if I could come as your guest to this party, I didn’t know you’d be subjecting me to that.” Adrien whispered as they walked away.

“You dealt with Lila on a daily basis and my mother is the one to unnerve you? You’re a strange person, Adrien Rossi.”

As Kagami led the way to the dessert table where Marinette’s parents were passing out food to the guests, he glanced over his shoulder at where Chloe was standing. She was sulking, leaning against the wall near where her parents were. Her butler tried speaking to her, but she kept turning from him. He’d heard that Sabrina and Chloe had gotten into a fight, something about Sabrina’s reason for being akumatized into Miraculer. Clearly without her best friend, Chloe was miserable. He was sure watching her mother act the way she did while her father tried to gain affection was torture. If his own parents were this bad, he’d just walk away and leave them but Adrien was fine getting lost in a city while they yelled at each other. Chloe was still having trouble accepting the class as her friends. It was hard to erase years of habits in a few months.

“Hello Adrien, Kagami.” Marinette’s mother said, picking up a plate and napkin, her husband at the ready with tongs.

“Nin hao tài tai Cheng.”

“Oh, you’re getting much better at the accent Adrien. I’m so glad you’ve been practicing.”

“Sorry I haven’t been by for your help.”

“That’s alright. Marinette said Kitty Section was signed to the same label as Jagged Stone. You must be excited!”

He still didn’t know about the possibility of moving. With each day his mother had no answer, he couldn’t think of what to say when people brought it up.

“Yeah. Really excited. Do you have any passion fruit macarons?”

“No, Marinette is bringing more by. But we do have eclairs. Kagami, would you like one as well?”

“Can I try the strawberry one?”

Taking a bite, moaning a little from the creamy taste, Adrien watched Chloe. Nathalie had arrived carrying a box and the screen with Gabriel, Gorilla following behind her. He watched the assistant leave her driver with Lady Tomoe, who seemed perfectly fine with the silent giant’s presence. Nathalie called the mayor over, while his wife complained about being left alone and Chloe seemed to be done with everything. She stomped away from her butler, oddly making a beeline for him. At that same time, Marinette stepped off the elevator and stopped herself from crashing into Chloe, though the boxes she had stacked started to tip. Chloe managed to grab them, looking frustrated at Marinette.

“Honestly Dupain-Cheng, everyone knows how clumsy you are and you still insist on stacking boxes these high? I hope you’re not nearly this clumsy at your very first show. You're going to embarrass yourself when you trip in front of the audience and all your models.” Marinette looked as surprised as he felt, more so when Chloe started to carry the boxes to the bakery owners. “Hurry up Dupain-Cheng!” she ordered, causing Marinette to scramble after her.

“That was…odd.” Adrien said.

“You said she hasn’t spoken with her friend right, the red-haired girl? Maybe she’s tired of being alone? You did say she’s getting better. Just that the entitlement was mostly just part of her personality?” Kagami asked, both watching Chloe place the boxes down.

“Yeah. Just, kinda weird to see it just happening. Half the time, Sabrina is giving her that ‘you better behave’ look.”

“Thank you, girls. Did you want to try anything Chloe? I don’t think I saw you touch a single thing.” Sabine asked.

“Your mother requested bagels and I even got the rainbow kind down. Sure, you don’t want to try it?” Tom threw in.

“Honestly, I want to go back to my room.” Chloe said, looking back at the stage where Nathalie had joined her parents holding a sheet looking item over her arm. “This is stupid. They don’t love each other and the sooner they get divorced the better.”

No one really knew how to respond to that. Months ago, after the fashion show Juleka walked, Chloe announced she wanted to go to New York with her mother. But her mother didn’t even seem to notice or care, instead focusing on offering Marinette a chance to work in fashion in New York. The two girls didn’t get along, so Chloe felt like it was a slap to the face. And as much as Marinette wanted to say yes, both to get a start in her career and to spite Chloe, she also noticed how Chloe would take it. Surprisingly, it had been her to call off the party celebrating Chloe leaving.

“She might be mean to me any chance she could get but…all she wants is to be with her mom and she’s being treated like she doesn’t matter. I might not like her, but no one deserves to be treated like that.”

During it all, the mayor had been akumatized in hopes to keep Chloe in Paris and that’s when she’d been given the Bee Miraculous. She helped stop her father but she also messed up. She still wanted her mother’s attention, so when the fighting was over, Chloe ran off. From what the city understood, Scarlet Bug and Catseye were about to detransform and couldn’t go after her.

They were spotted again 20 minutes after that but Chloe hadn’t gone back to her hotel room. She’d gone to Sabrina’s and come morning, planted herself in front of her mother in the hotel’s restaurant and transformed, hoping for something. All she got were insults and an upturned nose, watching her mother order her new assistant to get Marinette on the phone for an answer on her proposition. It was no one’s surprise that she’d been akumatized, even with the Bee Miraculous on. She’d only shown up again as Queen Bee during Hero Day but since then, no one had seen her during fights. Chloe had even gotten a Batman style light to get the heroes’ attention but she’d stopped using it a while back. No one knew why, kinda scared to ask.

“Marinette, before you take the trays back, could you go find umbrellas for the drinks? Chloe, maybe you know where they are?” Sabine asked.

“What? No, I don’t. I don’t go into kitchens.” Chloe said, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow.

“Well then take Adrien and Kagami. 4 pairs of eyes are better than two. It might take a while, I’m sure.” Sabine said with a smile on her face and a knowing look.

“Yes.” Kagami said, seeming to understand. She took Adrien’s plate, allowing him to grab his half-eaten éclair and placed them on the table before grabbing Marinette’s arm. With a hand on Adrien’s side, she pushed him towards her mother, Marinette grabbing Chloe as they passed. “Mother, we’re going to help Marinette look for something in the kitchen. It shouldn’t take long.”

“Very well.” Lady Tomoe answered. “Be back quickly. You’re not here to play around.”

The young fencer dragged them all into the kitchen, looking around. She got her hands on the bag of mini umbrellas and poked her head outside for something.

“Why is the scary fencer ordering my butler around?” Chloe asked, like either of them had answers.

Kagami came back and grabbed them again, stealthily going to the door and looking out. Armand stepped in front of the door, moving one hand behind his back to wave at them. Taking that as a signal, Kagami dragged them out of the kitchen and into an elevator just as it opened. Chloe was the one to hit the button for the roof, and they all let out a sigh of relief when the doors closed.

“Ok, what was that?” Chloe asked confused as the elevator started to move up.

“You wanted to leave, I wanted time away from my mother and these two are fine with anything.” Kagami stated. “Marinette’s mother was giving us an out, so I took it.”

Chloe looked at Kagami speechless before sighing and looking away. “What the hell did I get myself into?”

Once they reached the roof, Chloe threw herself on one of the loungers while pushing her sunglasses down as she took in the sun. Adrien let out a yelp as Marinette pushed him into the ball pit, who jumped in with Kagami. The three started throwing the plastic balls at each other, trying to dodge while stuck. A few managed to get over to Chloe, one actually hitting her, which she returned with quite an impressive throw. It hit Marinette on the shoulder and the sound wasn’t pleasant but her two classmates were too impressed with the throw to say anything. When Gorilla came out of the elevator, he thankfully spotted Chloe first, giving Marinette and Adrien time to shove Kagami under the balls.

“What?” Chloe asked, her voice set in her usual haughty tone. The bodyguard did some sort of fencing gesture then held his hand up to about Kagami’s height. “Does it look like she’s here?”

With her glare, Gorilla left. While Marinette and Kagami continued to play, Adrien pulled himself out of the pool, walking over to the grand piano close to the loungers. He started to play the piano opening to Fabulous from the High School Musical movies, though Chloe groaned.

“Not that! Anything but that. Can’t believe I watched that movie so much.”

“Why am I not surprised you were a Sharpey fan?” Adrien said, switching to a medley of Ashly Tisdale songs.

“Oh please, I’m much better than she is. At least I don’t go after guys who are dating people. I also don’t ban people from doing things.”

“No, just pop stars from performing in France as a whole.” Adrien reminded.

“That wasn’t my fault! Dupain-Cheng didn’t want to do it before. She only said she would do Catseye after I got cast. I had the worst job working with Lila as Scarlet Bug. I didn’t actually think those rules Daddy found would stick. How was I supposed to know Clara’s label wouldn’t send the correct paperwork after? But I guess that’s what I do. I make a mess of things and can’t even fix them.” Chloe sulked, sliding down the lounge chair while refusing to look in his direction.

Adrien stopped playing to look at Chloe. He felt like an idiot. He was happy Chloe was changing for the better, but of course she’d still have feelings about her actions. Since most people were willing to look past it as much as they could – example with Marinette not going out of her way to talk to the girl who bullied her for years – he assumed Chloe felt the same. He didn’t realize Chloe was still holding onto the blame from the consequences for her actions.

Turning on the bench, Adrien leaned onto his knees, staring at the back of Chloe’s head. “Is that what happened with Sabrina?”

“Fishing for information for Cesaire?” she snapped, still refusing to look at him.

“No, just curious. From what I know, it’s been you and Sabrina for ages. No matter what you did, she always stuck by you. She always comes to your defence and I’ve actually seen you threaten bodily harm on anyone who messes with her.”

“Yeah, except all I do is get her akumatized because I have to be a bitch and be rude. First, I ignored her because she unknowingly embarrassed me and then I snapped at her about never understanding what I went through. The one girl who’s actually been there when I’m dealing with my mother.” Chloe interrupted. Her voice got lower, like she was holding back tears.

Adrien got off the bench, kneeling next to the lounge chair. “What do you mean ‘not understanding’?”

“I can’t say what it is.”

“Chloe-”

“No!” she said, actually turning to him, yanking her sunglasses off. “I can’t say. I messed up already before by being selfish. If I say anything, to her or anyone else, I’ll just be selfish again. I’d even be putting her in danger.”

The only real danger Adrien could think of was Hawkmoth. Then he remembered the note. He knew he wasn’t the only hero who’d been pulled in to help during fights. Which meant, he couldn’t have been the only one to get a note.

“You mean Scarlet Bug told you not to tell?”

Chloe muffled a choking sound as her blue eyes shimmering with tears. “I knew I couldn’t be Queen Bee anymore. I mean, I was given the chance to help when my dad was akumatized and all I thought about was how my mom was going to finally notice me. I was surprised they asked for help during Hero Day. Then something happened and I knew if I wanted another chance, I had to keep quiet about it. So, I stopped using the signal and I stopped bugging them about it. I didn’t tell Sabrina because if anyone else knew I wanted another chance, Hawkmoth would still be watching me. I didn’t say anything and she got mad for me. She couldn’t understand why Scarlet Bug and Catseye were ignoring me and I didn’t know how to tell her what I wanted, so I just snapped. Told her she didn’t understand me or why I did things.

“After Sabrina was akumatized again, there was this other akuma, she was all dressed in red. The akuma that came from Sabrina was the same colour, like all the ones during Hero Day. I was given the Bee Miraculous since Sabrina could take powers and I was told to go after the other akuma. I don’t even know what her item could have been but she managed to get away. I helped them with stopping Sabrina and I wanted to keep the Bee. I asked, what am I saying? I begged to keep it but Scarlet Bug told me it was too dangerous. The other akuma almost took the Bee during the fight and took it to Hawkmoth. I got that, but I also thought about how I could help. He told me that I could help by being a hero out of the costume, by still being Queen Bee without the Miraculous. He said that if he didn’t have to worry about Hawkmoth always waiting for me whenever an akuma showed up, he’d give me a chance. But to keep everyone safe, I couldn’t be Queen Bee officially anymore. Sabrina heard, but she was still mad, saying that he was playing with my feelings. I should have told her it was ok, that we could still dress up as Scarlet Bug and Catseye and instead of playing, do things to help build morale. Instead, I yelled at her again for not understanding. How is she supposed to understand if I don’t tell her anything? But I can’t because I don’t want Hawkmoth going after her.”

“Tell her that. Tell her that regardless of what you know about Scarlet Bug and Catseye and the rest of the Miraculous team, that the biggest threat is Hawkmoth. The guy is good at getting into people’s emotions, who’s to say he can’t get into their minds? You don’t want her to go through that. She’ll understand you’re trying to protect her. You should also let her know that you feel bad about what you did. You do feel bad about it, don’t you??”

“Of course, I do! But what good will telling her that do?” Chloe retorted, angrily.

Adrien shrugged, giving her a wry smile. “You can’t make her forgive you. But if she knows you’re sorry and knows that all of this was to protect her, she might be willing to forgive you. You messed up Chloe, but you’re trying to do better. Isn’t at least trying, something a hero would do?”

Chloe scoffed, rolling her eyes. “God, are you always like this?”

“Just imagine, if mama has to move and I move in with you, you’ll have to put up with me like this all the time.”

Giving him a mild glare, she swung her legs off the lounge chair, fixing herself. “Well, here’s hoping daddy isn’t an idiot and makes her stay. I’m going to my room. Try not to get caught.”

“Bored of us already?” Adrien asked, getting up as Chloe headed towards the elevator.

“I have private phone calls to make, thank you very much.” The doors opened and Chloe stepped on, already back to herself as she crossed her arms and cocked out a hip. “Rossi? Thanks.”

Adrien couldn’t respond as the doors closed but he smiled to himself. Chloe really was trying and he hoped Sabrina understood that. He hoped having to keep quiet about the note wouldn’t haunt Chloe forever. He still had no clue what would happen if they gave him a Miraculous and he had to leave. It was concerning though, how whatever allowed Hawkmoth to make multiple akumas had reappeared to get to the Bee Miraculous. He hoped whatever it was, the two heroes could beat it, or at least had a plan in place.

“Hey girls! Think we can sneak out and grab ice cream?”

                                          _____________________

“Come my dear, aren’t you mad that Scarlet Bug and Catseye don’t trust you? Regardless if I know who Queen Bee is, you’re a good hero. But they don’t appreciate that do they?”

Chloe took the smallest step away. She didn’t want to show fear to the man in front of her, the man responsible for her parents being pink floating heads right now, but it was Hawkmoth. Since he showed his face on Hero Day, people came up with nicknames to make him seem less terrifying. But regardless of how much you called a person ‘condom head’, when they had the ability to twist your emotions and focus on the worst parts of it, you got scared when they appeared in front of you.

“When your friend was akumatized, they just left you in the dust.”

But they didn’t. She was the one to blame for what happened to Sabrina. The letter that had been left on her bed with the box, she kept it a secret. but she didn’t give Sabrina a clear reason for why she retired her Queen Bee light and why she wasn’t upset when they didn’t come to get her. The red-haired girl was just being a good friend, being mad at the heroes for her. But she snapped, letting her old habits get the better of her. She didn’t even understand how the heroes gave her another chance, with the Ladybug Miraculous of all things. Not just once, but twice! She wanted to tell her best friend but she couldn’t make the same mistake as before. As such, she reacted badly and Sabrina was akumatized again. She helped stop her by helping Scarlet Bug figure out what his Lucky Charm was for and she listened as he told her that being Queen Bee was dangerous, not only for her but for them. He'd given her a hidden wink and she knew it was mostly for show. They still trusted her. She might never get the chance to meet Pollen again, but she could be trusted with another Miraculous.

“All I ask is for one little favour. Something that will help you get back at Scarlet Bug and Catseye and every other hero they called for help. I need you to find the Guardian of the Miraculous. You’re strong, strong to throw my akuma. With the rest of the Miraculous at your disposal, you’ll be unstoppable.”

“Chloe, are you still there? What's happening?” Sabina’s concerned voice asked from the other end of the line.

Chloe shuffled back further. She came down to her room to call Sabrina and did what Adrien told her. She even opened up more, telling her how she felt with all the memories of things she caused hanging over her head. Sabrina, the kind person she was, accepted her apology and listened to Chloe talk, telling her things would be ok and she could work to earn forgiveness if she thought it would help. They were interrupted by the Akuma Warning and then she saw them, her parents.

She’d come up to her patio, trying to catch a glimpse of where her parents went, also hoping to see spotted red or green and black. Her fear over her parents ran through her mind when she heard something land behind her. She turned around, and there he was, all shaded in red.

“Your mother’s anger and your father’s anguish at a decaying relationship are quite powerful and they could make a mess for days. If you want them out, I’m going to need your help, Chloe Bourgeois. You can even get back at Scarlet Bug and Catseye for disrespecting you.”

“Chloe!” Sabrina yelled, snapping her back into the present. Hawkmoth stood there, smirking. She was surprised that he hadn’t done anything about the phone in her hand. It got wider as she lifted it back to her ear.

“Sabrina, I need to call you back. Mother is screaming about not having enough rosettes on the cake. I meant what I said, ok?”

“Ok.”

She hung up once Sabrina answered and dropped the phone on the ground.

“Smart girl. I didn’t remember seeing a cake in the ballroom.” Hawkmoth mused.

“Daddy ordered it as a surprise. He likes having their wedding cake remade as a present. Why should I help you anyway? Scarlet Bug and Catseye would totally have time to beat my parents before I agree.” She asked.

Hawkmoth let out a chuckle, spinning his cane. “Oh, but you see, I won’t let that happen. In case you don’t remember, this isn’t my normal colour. I’ve got help from a little friend again. She was the one responsible for the akumas on Hero Day. All those Akumas all at once? Childs play and I can do it again. I’ll keep those heroes so busy, going after your parents will be the least of their problems. So, tell me dear, do you care about your parents enough to keep the heroes from getting exhausted?”

Chloe’s mind raced in attempts to think of something, anything that could help or stop him. She wasn’t a hero at the moment, so she didn’t have the reflexes to rip the butterfly brooch from his neck. Could she even though? To gain the extra power he had, was it a Miraculous or the effects of an akuma? Answers were looking dim and she couldn’t think of another way. She just hoped Sabrina remembered the code word.

“Remove the akuma from them first. And you don’t go after anyone else, just me.”

Looking victorious, Hawkmoth pointed his cane in the direction of the akuma and with a sharp gesture, there was a burst of light and everything was quiet again. She tensed seeing the red akuma flying towards her, closing her eyes once it got closer. She felt the darkness of akumatization take over her and she thought about the time she resisted the akuma. She was in a bubble of light and had pushed it outward, destroying the darkness that was trying to consume her. She held onto that image as the connection was established.

“Mistress Locality, you now have the ability to locate any nearby Miraculous. Normally I’d ask for you to locate the Cat and Ladybug Miraculous, but I want to know where the rest of them are. The Guardian who holds them can’t be far from them.”

When Chloe opened her eyes, she was looking out of what felt like spy binoculars. Looking at Hawkmoth told her a Miraculous was in front of her. It didn’t say which, just that there was one. Turning and seeing a swarm of ladybugs flying around, told her that two more Miraculous were not far from where her parents had last been. One of the Miraculous was heading in her direction.

Or the direction the akuma had gone.

Knowing she had to move quickly, she continued looking until she saw it. At the park not far from school, near the carousel was a host of tells.

“Well? I can feel something from you.”

She just hoped Scarlet Bug was fast enough.

“In the park, by the carousel. There’s a lot there.”

“At last!” Hawkmoth cried.

“Now let me go!” she ordered.

Hawkmoth’s gleeful smirk turned dark. “And why would I do that? You’re coming with me my dear.”

The darkness started to press down on her. She couldn’t let him win; she couldn’t be the reason he won. For god sakes, Scarlet Bug trusted her! He told her to be a hero without the Bee Miraculous and even if she didn’t end up with another one, she was still going to prove she was one.

“I said, let me go!” she cried, pushing her bubble out. She felt the disconnection and suddenly she was free.

Hawkmoth looked surprised before his face contorted angrily. She scrambled to back away as he lifted his cane to strike her.

“You little…!”

She let out a scream before she felt an arm grab her from around her waist and pull. The sound of a tightening cord, a sound she was very familiar with filled her ears as she went flying. The other arm wrapped around her to keep her body steady as they landed.

“I’m sorry!” she sputtered out, when she turned and saw the concerned look on Scarlet Bug’s face. “I’m sorry, I messed up. I had to. You need, you need-”

Gripping her arms tightly, Scarlet Bug leaned down so he was eye level. “Hey, hey. Chloe, it’s ok. You’re ok. He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

Mind scrambled, she shook her head. “No! No, he akumatized me, in place of my parents. But I messed up. He wanted me to find Miraculous. He gave me the power to do that. I didn’t want to but he could tell. You need to get to the park, the one with the carousel. There’s a bunch there. He was talking about a Guardian. I just sent him straight to them. I’m sorry!” tears started to pour out of her eyes as everything that just happened hit her. “I got him out, I resisted but I still told him.”

“Hey, hey. Come on sit.” Scarlet Bug ordered, holding tighter when Chloe’s legs gave out from under her. He guided her to the rooftop they were standing on, kneeling in front of her. “What do you mean you resisted? Chloe, did you throw off the akuma in the middle of being akumatized?”

“Yeah,” she answered shakily. Her mascara that she managed to save earlier was starting to run with her tears. “Before, when Sabrina was akumatized, it was supposed to be me. I was mad at myself for the fight and frustrated at you guys a little but I didn’t want him finding out about the note, so I resisted before he could akumatize me. Why does this matter? There’s a lot of Miraculous in the park about to be captured. You need to go now! He has help from whatever helped him on Hero Day.”

“You’re saying the Guardian has the Miraculous in the park? All of them?”

“Maybe? There was a lot.”

Earring beeping, Scarlet Bug picked up Chole and got them to the streets. He sat her at a chair outside a restaurant and kneeled down again. “Chloe, listen to me. You didn’t mess up, ok? You did very well keeping him occupied until I could get to you. We’ll take care of this, ok? You didn’t mess up.”

Nodding, she watched the spotted hero get up and jump off to the rooftops. Hearing noise in the restaurant behind her, she let her head drop, not in the mood to deal with people seeing her like this.

“Ma’am? Goodness, Mlle. Bourgeois! Are you alright? Pierre, get some water out here, now! It’s alright Mlle. Bourgeois, you’re safe.”

But was whoever she sent Hawkmoth after safe? Could the heroes of Paris get to them in time?

Police sirens filled the air as a squad car screeched to a halt in front of them and spilled out Sabrina.

“Chloe!”

She couldn’t help it. She burst into tears all over again as Sabrina ran to her, pulling her into a tight hug.

“It’s ok. Chloe, you’re ok.” Sabrina comforted, rubbing a hand up and down her back and on her head. She barely heard Agent Roger speak to whoever came out to check on her.

“You remembered.” She wailed.

“Of course, I did. If you have to hang up or go anywhere suddenly and mention roses and your mother, something’s wrong and I need to find you immediately.” Sabrina recited. “How could I forget? It had been my idea, remember? I got you, ok?”

She did, but what about the Guardian? Did she just make the fight against Hawkmoth that much harder?

                                              _______________

“That little! I can’t believe him! He starts seeing signs of the elders from the temple coming and he decides to run?” Plagg fumed. “After he swore to accept the punishment? I knew we shouldn’t have trusted him!”

“Plagg stop. If you get any angrier, you’re going to set off your powers.” Tikki warned. She looked at Luka, who was staring at the letter Fu had left. They tried to avoid this happening, and had done so much to prevent this, but somehow it all began to happen again.

After the quickest break to stuff her mouth full of cookies, Tikki transformed Luka. She was a god, THE god of creation, so she never needed to pray. But she understood why people did it. By the time he’d gotten in contact with Juleka and reached the park, he watched Fu place himself in Shell-ter. The other akuma was there, Catalyst her name was. Plagg said it had to be Nathalie. She was no Mayura but trying to fight against her and Hawkmoth was just as tough. Unlike the last time where Chloe exposed the holders and had them fight while she held onto the box, it turned into a demented game of hot potato to keep it from the villains. It got even worse when no one was able to grab it, too busy fighting the other, that it fell to the ground and a few fell out. Hawkmoth sent akuma to grab it while Catseye jumped after them. She used Black Hole to create an opening and sent the Miraculous and the box into the Shell-ter.

Later, Juleka would call herself stupid for not using it to give the Master a way to escape the fight. Instead, it meant they then had to defend the cracking defence from attacks. Tikki wished she knew what was running though his mind just then, watching two teenagers he entrusted powerful objects to defend him, even when they knew the extent of his mistakes and weren’t going to let him escape them.

He’d picked up Pollen’s hairclip and she was left to relay his message.

“He let his fears take him over and, in the process, allowed himself to be caught. He meant to keep his promise but to keep the box safe, the one thing he swore he’d do, he had to make the biggest sacrifice. He said that you’d be able to talk to the Guardians once they came.” Pollen sadly told Luka.

“I, Wang Fu, hereby relinquish the Miracle Box, and name Scarlet Bug the new Guardian!”

In a bright light, where Hawkmoth and Catalyst decided to take their leave, Luka was left with a box. The wood was red and the design of the Guardians was now drawn in green, the buttons black and white scuffing throughout. The colours of Scarlet Bug and Catseye. Fu had lost his memory and not even a Miraculous Reset could do anything. But he did still recognise the keychain, which sent the siblings to Gare du Nord train station and their locker room. Resting on the gramophone was a letter.

It was different from the one Marinette had gotten in that timeline. Instead of unhelpful words about accepting loss and nothing about the duty she was suddenly given, Fu explained that he’d gotten scared, seeing hints of the Guardians. But he wasn’t going to leave. He couldn’t, not after he promised to do better. He just needed a moment to breathe but not wanting to be without the Miraculous, his first friends, he’d taken them with him. He said even as he was writing it, that it felt like things would change. That if it were up to him, either of them would make great Guardians, Luka especially with his way of understanding emotion. He wrote how he had never wanted to put them in a position where he had to force that upon them, not knowing how it would affect their life. But he said if he was ever to do that before the Guardians arrived, they could get answers. They were stubborn and didn’t back down. they’d be ok.

Tikki didn’t know if they would. It was different this time, Luka having support from the get go but with Adrien’s living situation up in the air, being signed to live his dream and just the life of being a teenager, she was worried if he’d crack.

“Hey,” Juleka walked into the room and sat on the floor next to her brother. She played with the Cat Miraculous, staring at it as she spoke. “I got him into the car ok. Took one look at Marieanne and fell in love all over again, so there’s hope there.” The two were quiet, even as Luka let his head rest on his sister’s. “I should have moved him from the battle.”

“There was a chance they’d get the Miraculous in the meantime. It made the most sense. He could have run off with it then.” Luka pointed out, voice even.

“But he looked weak. He could hold up the Shell-ter because he was older but he’s past 100. It had to be taxing on his body.” Juleka remembered.

They’d gone around in circles already. Sighing, Luka leaned harder. “There’s a spell mentioned in the Grimoire. How to pass the box on without losing your memory.”

“But it’s a last resort!” Tikki cried, the two kwami flying over. “We’d have to be 100% sure it’s safe to use.”

“Why?” Juleka asked, feeling out of loop.

“It said if the Guardian who used the spell was to ever use a Miraculous, well, they used flowery language, but they basically die.”

“Right, so guess we won’t do that. What do we do though? Should we still give Chloe a Miraculous? Do we switch as extra security?” Juleka asked, moving from under her brother to look at him. Luka instead leaned on his bed looking tired.

“She resisted an akuma, twice. It would be wrong to not give her another chance. Besides, he never figured it was her with the Ladybug. Unless he knows about the letter, he wouldn’t expect us to give her one. Changing Miraculous…it might be smart. He’s going to want to find out who I am and going after the team would be the best way to but if you change suddenly, he’ll have to try harder.”

“So, Adrien gets the Cat, Turtle to Marc, Bee to Nathaniel, and Chloe the Fox. We still need to figure out a new Miraculous for Alya and Nino” Juleka called off.

“But Adrien might be leaving.” Luka remembered. He looked at the ring he wore, the sun making him think of his boyfriend’s smile. He sat up, stuffing the letter into his pocket and got up.

“Where are you going?”

“I don’t know if the spell will work and let me keep my memories or if I’m going to be forced to lose everything but, I am not going to let the knowledge of that keep me from living. I love Adrien and if he ends up leaving, I want him to know I want to try long distance. So even if I do lose my memory, when I see him again, I fall in love all over.” Luka left the room, Tikki flying after him, calling to wait for her.

“Huh.” Plagg hummed, watching Luka leave. To know Luka was willing to try, even in the face of everything for Adrien, he felt comforted that his favourite kitten was still so cherished. He looked at Juleka and knew regardless of what happened with Luka, losing her was going to hurt just as much. “Hey Blacky? Can we share cheese?”

“Share cheese? That’s new.” Juleka said, confused.

“Yeah well, I’m about to lose you to Rooar who likes you a lot and I just don’t want you to forget who loved you first.”

Juleka scooped him up and held him close to her cheek. “I won’t forget at all. Plagg, you’re the one who helped me realize my confidence, helped me be free of my anxiety for the first time in a long time. I won’t ever forget that.”

                                    _____________________

The bells from Andre’s cart rang in the wind, giving Adrien something to listen to as he stared at the sky. After he, Kagami and Marinette managed to get outside and find Andre, Heart Eater attacked. He’d gotten separated from the girls but thanks to Alya – who no doubt went rushing right in with Nino calling after her – he’d seen Scarlet Bug, Catseye and Ryuko fight the akuma, which managed to suddenly disappear. Then there’s been sightings of Hawkmoth in the park near school. Something had happened, with a great burst of light Adrien saw, but no one knew. During that time, Luka was unreachable and he hadn’t responded to any communication.

Not long ago, he’d called Adrien asking him to meet. So here he sat, waiting for Luka to arrive. His mother promised to have an answer after work, so he had no updates like he hoped.

“Adrien!”

Looking over, he saw Luka running towards him. He got up, meeting Luka in the middle as the older teen hugged him close. This hug was tight, like Adrien was going to slip away. He wished he could tell Luka he wasn’t going anywhere.

Once they were sitting facing each other, Adrien took Luka’s hands. “What happened? I called but you didn’t pick up.”

“I was dealing with something. The long and short of it is, thanks to my…grandfather not keeping to his promises, I’m now in charge of dealing with something I wasn’t at all prepared for. I mean, I guess I kinda started the cycle myself because I ended up fixing one of his issues with Juls.” Shaking his head to keep himself from rambling, Luka refocused, “it just means I’m going to be dealing with something that’s gonna be stressful and I might be annoyed and sullen at times but I want you to know I have support and if it gets too much to keep secret, I will tell you.”

“Is this thing legal?” Without context clues, Adrien was confused as to what could be affecting Luka.

Letting out a strained laugh, Luka nodded. “If you can actually believe it, then yes.”

“Does it feel legal?”

“Also, yes. It’s nothing that’s going to get me arrested, just mostly looking after a thing and being in charge of a group. I was fine with that part when I had someone else to defer to but now it’s just me and Juls, so.”

Still feeling a little lost, Adrien looked at their clasped hands, thumb running over the designs of Luka’s ring. “Would it be easier to not be in a relationship right now?”

“No!” Luka stated, tugging on Adrien’s hands so he’d look up. “Trust me, that is the last thing I want. Look, I have no clue what this thing is going to do to my life, but I refuse to let it dictate everything I do. Adrien, I love you and I get that we haven’t been together long enough for me to say that, but I mean it. If you do end up moving, I want us to at least try long distance because I like you way too much for us to just go our separate ways unless it’s our choice.”

Heart pounding, face red and feeling tingly all over, Adrien felt like he was going to faint and start floating all at once. “I…”

“You don’t have to say it back, I’m not rushing you for an answer. I just hope you’ll agree to the distance?”

Unable to form words because it felt like too many were going to spill out, he nodded, squeezing Luka’s hands tight. Any romantic relationship usually ended when he moved because it never felt like they were on the same page and with Luka it felt like everything made sense. Because as crazy as it sounded, he wanted to do it, do long distance for as long as they could bear. He felt like if they were to split later down the line, it wouldn’t be in anger and tears and hurt. It would hurt, god it would, but it would be something they’d agree on. Unable to help himself, he put his hands onto Luka’s neck and pulled him into a long kiss.

“It’s probably a good thing we weren’t together during the Heart Eater attack.” Luka said against his lips, his own hands holding onto Adrien’s waist. “We would have gotten snatched up right away.”

Adrien was tempted to remind him of Heart Eater’s actual power but Luka kissed him again and thought escaped. If he had to leave this, it was going to hurt.

Somehow, he left and got back home, finding his mother there earlier than anticipated. She let him go drop his things off in his room where he stopped at the sight of a very familiar box.

We heard you might be leaving us and honestly, we need help confusing Hawkmoth, so feel free to use Plagg tonight. He’ll be gone in the morning, so be careful and have fun.

Adrien hid both the new note and the box under his pillow and went back to his mom, sitting on the couch in breathless anticipation.

“So?” Adrien asked anxiously.

“So, the ambassador called everyone into a meeting to do reassignments. Some are leaving and some are staying. Then he got to me.” His mother said. “Ready?”

“Mama, just tell me!” he begged.

“Well…”

                                 __________________________

Cat Walker had a put together look, like the cat part was a second thought. This cat was different. Fingerless gloves, leather, real tail and ears and the sound of a cat’s bell ringing through the night. Cat Walker made Adrien feel a certain type of freedom but this new cat, one he needed a name for felt different. Like everything bad was finally behind him and he was a new person. The sound of an extending pole shot through the night as it launched Adrien into the air, where he landed on one of the taller pieces of the Eiffel Tower. Looking down at the sparkling nightlife, all the emotions of freedom, love, happiness exploded from him as he cried into the night.

“WE’RE STAYING!”

They were staying in Paris. It was set for his mother to stay for a full year, with the possibility of staying longer depending on how long Hawkmoth attacked Paris. While he didn’t love the idea of Hawkmoth still attacking, he got to stay. Plagg had gotten excited when he opened the box and blurted it out.

“I can stay with you then! We need to go now, Ladybird is gonna wanna hear this!”

“Ladybird?” he asked, remembering the name given to whomever used the Ladybug Miraculous in place of Scarlet Bug.

“Scarlet? Anyway, most I can say right now is that fight that happened, we need to switch things around to keep everyone safe.”

Adrien furrowed his brow, the excitement simmering down. “But what about Catseye?”

“Don’t worry. Blacky is being well looked after by another kwami. Relax, they made this decision ages ago when planning for something like this. Come on kitten, don’t leave me all by myself.” Plagg begged.

He was sure he should be worried. Plagg just essentially told him Adrien was his new holder. He should be asking questions but an idea came to mind and he had to do it.

“Where do you think Scarlet Bug would be?”

“On patrol. Why?”

“I just have the urge to scream from the rooftops. Plagg, Claws Out!”

He was sure he owed Plagg whatever he wanted after this. Now that he’d done the thing he wanted, he needed to find Scarlet Bug. He leapt off the Eiffel Tower, launching himself to a nearby roof. Adrien would never say he felt stifled in his life as a diplomate kid. Yes, there were times he had to bite his tongue with people around him or he ran away to keep his sanity, but he’d never say he lacked the freedom to do what he wanted. But this, this was different. Maybe it was the knowledge of what having this Miraculous meant in combination with his news, but he’d never felt freer. As Cat Walker, it was a mild feeling that felt familiar. But as this new hero, jumping across the Parisian rooftops, the familiar feeling seemed to burst forth, leaving him more exalted than before. It wasn’t him running from his problems, it was feeling like he could tackle anything. This felt like the ultimate freedom, a feeling that could never be replicated. 

He’d closed his eyes to take in the feeling and then immediately went crashing into something. He felt himself tumble through the air, spinning with no control before landing on - thankfully - a flat roof. Well, Adrien landed on something that wasn’t the roof, which was perfect, since his new costume involved a crop top inspired by Black Lynx.

“I’m so sor - oh mio dio, Scarlet Bug! I’m so sorry!”

Of course, he crashed into one of Paris’ heroes. Because why not? He laid there, groaning in pain. Adrien also noticed his costume was a bit different. His big jacket was replaced with a sleeveless one with inverted colours, hands covered with mismatched gloves. Unlike before when he’d keep his hood up, it was down, exposing his hair half tied back. His snake bites were still there, reminding him of Luka’s. Adrien climbed off of him, noticing that his boots had a stripe of green around the top.

“You changed your look,” he said, hoping to distract him from the pain.

“Well, we’re making a lot of changes, so thought why not? When I said have fun with Plagg, I didn't mean crashing into things.” Blue eyes squinted at him as the spotted hero turned his head to him.

With an awkward and apologetic smile, Adrien shrugged. “I got a little distracted. Kinda forgot how much I enjoyed jumping across town, especially since there isn’t an akuma.”

“If Hawkmoth actually created one now, I might actually take a blunt object to his head.” Scarlet complained, pushing himself up slowly. He cracked his back, groaning before looking at Adrien, that same smile he had on his face the first time he met growing. “Missed Plagg huh?”

“Yeah. I did. I’m surprised you’re letting me hold onto him. What happened in that second fight?”

“Let’s just say, Hawkmoth won a small piece of the battle. I can’t give you too much detail just for your protection since Plagg will be coming back tomorrow.”

“Oh!” Adrien cried, clapping his hands. “He doesn’t actually! I’m not moving, I get to stay in Paris.”

Scarlet blinked at him, surprised then tried to bite down a smile. He didn’t know Scarlet thought he was that good a replacement. “That’s amazing to hear. Plagg must be happy. He likes Catseye, but he seems to be pretty fond of you. I see you even changed yourself.”

“Yeah,” Adrien said, looking down at his new costume, before looking back at the hero with a massive smile on his face. “This felt more like me. Seriously, thank you for doing this. I’m going to do my best to be the best Cat holder and support you.”

“It won’t be just you, but thanks. Your job is going to be harder than others, but I know you’re capable of doing it.” Scarlet Bug replied confidently.

Also coming up with the set list for this was hard. So when describing Kitty Section's sound, my first thought when I watched the Hardrock episode was metal but I guess it also fits into rock. Kawaii metal was how it was described in a story by Mikauzoran (who is an amazing lukadrien writer and you should totally read their work) and after listening to Babymetal, whose song Gimme Chocolate is featured as the group's opening number, I thought it fit. But since I didn't want a technically French group singing a bunch of Japanese covers, I had to go looking through the metal and rock songs I have saved on my Spotify. I didn't realize how many of them start with death and destruction in the first few lyrics, so it made it pretty hard to decide, but below is their set list.

In terms of the actual prompt of the story, that part sort of worked since I needed an excuse for Luka to take off the ring he always has on. My original idea was so basic: luka gives Adrien one of his rings when he was messing with it and is able to find a near match and asks luka if he’d be ok wearing them as a sign of their relationship As in, Adrien is messing with one of Luka's rings when hanging out and Luka just gives it to him. I think I like this version better. Hopefully you do as well. And seriously, a massive thank you to EtherealGenie for betaing.

Gimme Chocolate - Babymetal From Persephone (the mentioned song that Rose wrote) - Kiki Rockwell Middle of the Night (J-Rock Cover) - Elley Duhé (J-Rock Cover by Shayne Orok & @Curserino) The Resistance - Skillet Invincible - Escape the Fate ft Lindsey Stirling

Rings

“Adrien, you need to eat something. You went through all the effort to bring us here.” Mylene said, though she knew she wasn’t getting through to the Italian keyboard player.

It was D-Day. Jagged Stone’s concert was that night and they were given instructions to be at the venue at 4 for sound check and then to get ready. They were grabbing an early dinner, since Penny hadn’t been sure if the venue would provide an extra meal. While they were all nervous, Adrien seemed to take it especially hard. Not only did he have the pressure of needing to impress Jagged a second time, there was also the fact that he was private with his personal life online and now he was putting himself in a position where everyone would want to find him.

“Give him some space. I mean, he didn’t make us chew at the charcuterie board while he took pictures.” Ivan recalled, laughing when Adrien glared at him instead of staring at the table like it had all the answers.

“We’ll be fine. but seriously, eat something, please? We have 30 minutes to make an impression and I think you’d be very upset if it got cut short because you fainted.” Luka said, pulling the plate of arancini closer to Adrien’s mostly empty plate. A few of the cheeses and meats from the board were on there but it was all spread out from him playing with it.

Adrien still didn’t move, his hands on his neck holding his head up while his fingers tugging at the strands of hair at the nape of his neck. It was a soothing technique he’d done since he was a kid, usually when he got very stressed. At first, he didn’t pay attention when he did it to the point he started to pull hair out. Now Adrien knew to fiddle or twirl it instead of yanking it in nerves. With his fingers occupied, food was the last thing on his mind.

“Here.” Luka put his knife and fork down, taking one of Adrien’s hands from his hair. He pulled off the ring he wore and slipped it on Adrien’s finger. Since Luka’s were bigger, the ring was loose. “Spin that with one hand and eat with the other.”

New fidget toy in hand, Adrien couldn’t really say no. he still didn’t eat nearly as much as they’d like but Mylene showed the others a text from Marinette, who was heading to the venue to get the costumes set and had been sent with quite a load of stuff from her parents. If anything, they could stuff his face at the venue.

Adrien continued to spin the ring when a car came get them from the restaurant, when being talked to by Penny and the sound technician about what they had to do for their sound check and more so when Marinette showed them their outfits. To keep them from overheating in their masks and shoulder pads, Marinette made them themed outfits that still had similar elements, still bringing their actual costumes for their last song.

“Feeling a bit better?” Mylene asked as Adrien and Juleka started setting up to do everyone’s make up.

“I guess. I mean the sound check went fine. Everyone in the class chat keeps sending encouraging messages. It’s just… scary.”

“My dad gets nervous performing too. He says to just take a deep breath, tell yourself what you want the best part to be and focus on getting to that part. If you stay focused on nailing that part then the rest doesn’t seem so scary.”

“Here’s hoping my nerves will actually listen to that.”

“Well,” taking the hand that still had Luka’s ring on it, Mylene smiled at him, rather mischievously, “I suppose a good luck charm doesn’t hurt.” She touched the pin Ivan had given her all that time ago.

Adrien hadn’t seen Luka without his accessories very much, so the fact that he’d given him his ring to keep him from tugging on his hair was silly, but it felt nice. He was always doing that, going out of his way to do things for him. Part of Adrien wondered if he was doing enough to show how much he appreciated it. Luka was looking to be his longest relationship, with past ones barely lasting long enough to feel real or stolen kisses rarely reaching the point of make out sessions. Luka was different and Adrien wanted him to know how much he saw that.

“Adrien,” Juleka said, distracting him from his thoughts, “I’ll do Ivan and you do Rose? I’ll do yours after so you can work on me.”

“Luka is getting his done too?” Mylene asked.

“Who do you think I practice on?” Juleka pointed out. “He already knows how to do his.”

Marinette had outdone herself. Jackets were the main replacement for their shoulder pads, but each of them still held the same style. Juleka’s was designed after an 80s David Bowie jacket, with the curved pointed shoulder pads that were studded. With her sleek low-rise leggings and her jacket zipped near to the top, she looked like a sophisticated rock star. Ivan’s design was as simple as his actual costume. Marinette still put his bracers on but replaced his harness with a sleeveless vest. Ivan’s costume didn’t have the same emphasis on shoulders like the others did, replaced with the bracers and armbands, but the jacket had the look of sleeves rolled all the way to the top, making them look slightly puffy, but not as severe as Juleka’s jacket.

“You look so good.” Mylene gushed, as Marinette tugged Ivan’s white shirt into place.

“I know you prefer shorts, but you make jeans look good.” Adrien said, from his place tying tiny pigtails into Rose’s hair.

“Do you really like it?” Ivan asked shyly. Mylene looked like a bobble head nodding her head.

Rose still held onto her favourite colorcolour with her pink plaid skirt, even if most of everything else she wore was black. Not her jacket though, Marinette made sure of that. To go with the roundness of her shoulder pads, she gave Rose an oversized puff sleeve on her jacket. Adrien’s was the most still like his costume, a shoulder cape attached to his form fitting tunic, while Luka’s was the most different. Luka’s outwear looked like a normal vintage cape coat with a collar similar to the one he wore with his costume. but Marinette added an attached shoulder pad, much like the one Mad Max had.

“You all look amazing! Marinette, nice work.” Penny complimented just as Marinette was done taking pictures. “I hope you guys are ready. Once we get your in-ears on, you guys are ready to head on stage.”

Nerves built back up as wires were tugged down their shirts and jackets and they reached the end of the wing. Rose gathered them in a huddle, Marinette and Mylene included.

“We can do this. Jagged Stone has technically heard us play remember. He stuck around after Desperada and Adrien knocked the socks off of him again just with a piano medley. We’re going to show him and everyone else that those are not one-time things.”

While the nerves were still building, it was a reminder they weren’t on their own on that stage.

“Unicorns and kitties, Kitty Section on three?” Ivan asked, dropping a hand into the middle.

They all dropped their hands on top of the next, bouncing as they counted down. “Unicorns and kitties, Kitty Section!”

The stage lights dimmed and the Kitty Section logo appeared on all the screens as entrance music started. There was general cheering, but none nearly as loud as the Kitty Section fans. But people were curious. Their on-air performance on TVi helped them get their foot through the door and Luka’s job as a delivery guy helped in finding coffee houses or places with open mics for them to perform at. Eventually, about two under age clubs let them perform small sets every few weeks and they started to have regulars come watch them. With Marinette busy with just about everything else, Mylene helped run their social media accounts. And since Jagged never missed a chance to talk about how amazing his graphic designer was, through Marinette, the band started to gain more popularity. The idea of a cutesy rock group with a sunshine lead singer who could metal scream was different. So when Jagged Stone posted that they’d be opening, Kitty Section fans could throw their money fast enough. 

The entrance music faded out as Adrien started the lead in for Babymetal’s Gimme Chocolate!! The lights came back dramatically as the rest of the band followed. Rose had written one new song but in the interest of not overloading herself, the group agreed to mostly do covers. Adrien spent what felt like every spare moment teaching Rose how to sing the song in Japanese instead of translating it. The two might split the song with Rose doing most of the singing but she wanted it to be perfect.

Atatata tata tatatata zukkyun!

Watatata tata tatatata dokkyun!

Zukkyun! Dokkyun! Zukkyun! Dokkyun!

Yada! Yada! Yada! Yada! NEVER! NEVER! NEVER!

Chekera Chokoreeto Chokoreeto Cho! Cho! Cho! Iikana?

Demo ne chotto Weight Chotto saikin shinpai nan desu

Dakedo Chokoreeto Chokoreeto Cho! Cho! Cho! Iikana?

Demo ne chotto Wait Chotto matter Cho! Cho! Cho!

Give me!

Those who recognised the song, they started singing along with Rose, cheering as she did the choreography. Luka’s fingers slid across the fret of his guitar, Juleka following to the end of the song. The cheering and screaming was much louder now.

Adrien started the slow lead in, as Juleka let her guitar rest on her back to sing with Rose, switching with each verse.

You're all mistaken, mother, can't you see?

I was not taken, mother I chose to leave

'Cause I love my baby, tall, dark Hades, lord of death is down on her knees for me

No, I wasn't threatened, mother I was not bound

No, I wasn't carried, off on her three-headed hound

'Cause I packed my own bag, found my own way, down into the underground

As the song ended, Luka started to strum the familiar start to Middle of the Night with Ivan supporting, giving it a rock mood. Rose pulled her mic off the stand as she leaned against Juleka, who’d switched her guitar for her bass and joined in.

I summoned you, please come to me

Don't bury thoughts that you really want

I fill you up, drink from my cup

Within me lies what you really want

Come, lay me down

'Cause you know this

'Cause you know this sound

The well known song seemed to be a hit as the crowd joined in singing, not missing a beat, even as it was played as a rock version. They had to wait for the crowd to quiet a little to hear Luka counting the band off so they could start at the same time.

I am a nation, I am a million faces

Formed together, made for elevation

I am a soldier, I won't surrender

Faith is like a fire that never burns to embers

(Who's gonna stand up, who's gonna fight?)

The voice of the unheard

(Who's gonna break these chains and lies?)

Love is the answer

Juleka leaned into her mic.

I gotta speak it, believe it, that's how I feel inside

(I) I (I), can't, can't sit here quiet

You can take my heart, you can take my breath

When you pry it from my cold, dead chest

Adrien joined the girls for the chorus.

This is how we rise up

Heavy as a hurricane, louder than a freight train

This is how we rise up

Heart is beating faster, feels like thunder

Magic, static, call me a fanatic

It's our world, they can never have it

This is how we rise up

It's our resistance, you can't resist us

At the false end, Juleka quickly pulled her bass off and switched to her guitar, going into the solo. Meanwhile, Luka put his guitar on its stand and picked up a violin and its bow from the stand next to his guitar. Resting the shoulder rest on his shoulder and resting his chin into the correct place, he nodded to Juleka and Adrien, who immediately moved into the opening of the next song.

I know you're reaching for the throne

Like it's always been your own

You're gonna take it all the way

You're gonna take the crown today

Said I know you're gonna take it all, take it all

Watch the others as they fall, as they fall

I know you're gonna take it all, take it all

Let the others fall

You're invincible

As Luka brought the song to a close with the small violin solo, Rose caught Penny’s eye as the assistant gave her a thumbs up.

“Give it up for Luka on lead guitar and violin!” as the crowd cheered, Marinette and Mylene came on stage, carrying familiar costumes. Rose put her mic back on its stand to free her hands. “Juleka on rhythm guitar, bass and vocals, Ivan on drums and Adrien on keys and vocals! I’m Rose on lead.” Rose announced as Marinette handed over the pink shoulder pads, the matching masks dangling from her finger.

“A round of applause for Marinette Dupain-Cheng and Mylene Haprèle!” Adrien said, fitting his mask on the side of his head. It felt strange that they were dressing like XY had when he stole their song, but playing a set made them sweat and it’d been agreed during dress rehearsal that no one wanted to wear the mask properly, even if for only one song.

Once the girls were off stage, Rose lifted a hand into the air, “Good evening and good night, everyone! We are Kitty Section! One, two, three!”

You know I love unicorns

Yeah, nothing makes me feel better!

I see their faces everywhere I go

Dreaming about them at the nights!

You know I love unicorns

And that they make me feel better!

                                     _______________________

“Crap, crap, crap. Porca miseria! Where is it?”

The concert came to an end, Jagged Stone performed for the masses and sung their praises at least three times, even pointing out a wayward sign from a fan. Knowing they had a following should have sent Adrien flying. And it did. I mean, they actually did it. They impressed Jagged Stone. He promised he’d help keep Bob Roth on a leash and actually listen to them – though they all knew if he failed, Captain Anarka would be more than happy to string him around again. Felix managed to make it and so far, the Captain gave as good as Felix could give. Adrien was sure Felix would profess his love with how easily they clashed together. He should be with them, teasing Felix to keep going, listening to Luka sigh about how he was setting the Londoner for his own death, gushing about how their life would change, even if the band only lasted a year because who really knew? Instead, he was doing what he tried to slyly do when Jagged Stone invited the band back on stage to perform Amaranthine with him. With Jagged behind his grand piano, it left Adrien free to move across the stage as he sang, like he was doing now, even as he dodged questioning staff.

The ring Luka had given him to mess with was missing. 

Adrien had put it back on after they were done getting ready to help keep him occupied but he’d slipped it into his pocket when he got behind his keyboard. He didn’t think he’d moved around much, other than jumping a little but with no hole in his pocket to justify it, it had to have fallen out. He hadn’t noticed until he went looking for it as nerves picked up again when he remembered they’d have to go back out for their joint performance. Luka took off an accessory he constantly wore and gave it to him so he could eat and here Adrien was, repaying him by losing it.

“There you are.” Felix, still perfectly dressed as ever, stepped around staff members, Marc of all people following behind. “Everyone’s looking for you. what are you doing?”

“I lost Luka’s ring. He never takes it off but he gave it to me and I lost it!”

“Woah, easy. It wouldn’t be a good look for you to be singing songs that could be taken about resisting against Hawkmoth then getting akumatized later. Start explaining. SLOWER this time.” Felix ordered.

Adrien took a deep breath before speaking again. “Luka, he wears this black and silver ring. I was too nervous to eat and when I got nervous, I couldn't take my hands off my hair so Luka gave me his ring to mess with instead so my hands would be free. I kept it with me the whole time in my pocket and now it’s gone. It went missing before we went on stage a second time.”

“Is it important?” Marc asked.

Adrien shrugged, turning back to look at the ground. “I don’t know. I just know I’ve never seen him without it. Ugh, like it’s not bad enough I feel like a bad boyfriend sometimes.”

“Ok seriously? You’re not a bad boyfriend. Luka doesn’t strike me as the type to just date someone who didn’t have the same feelings for him.”

“He’s right.” Marc said. “Luka’s empathic nature wouldn’t be able to handle a relationship where the person wasn’t as in the relationship as he was. He’ll understand if you tell him.”

“If it turns out it’s important, we’ll help you look. Bug the staff or whatever. I don’t think it would have gone into the crowd since you weren’t close to the edge of the stage.”

Adrien knew they were right and after one more search around the stage, he went to the greenroom where their class was. The rest of Kitty Section were gushing about their hopes for their new adventure. Spotting Adrien, Luka left the others, coming over.

“I was wondering where you were. You didn’t even change out of your stage clothes. What’s wrong?”

“Um,” Adrien scuffed his shoe against the floor before looking up. “The ring you leant me. I lost it, I’m sorry. I don’t know how. I had it and now it’s gone.”

“Hey,” Luka soothed, putting his hands on Adrien’s shoulders, “It’s ok. I mean it. Adrien, I got that ring at a shop 2 years ago. I was just looking for accessories while Juleka was getting new earrings and I just kept wearing it.”

“But you always have it on.”

Luka laughed a little. “It’s because I have a .5 ring size. Most rings sold in chain stores are a standard whole number size. I just wore it because I couldn’t really find others that fit. I promise, it’s fine.” Adrien looked down at his feet again, mumbling. “Huh?”

“I said you always do that. Reassure me and look out for me. I feel like I don’t do that nearly enough.”

“You’re joking right? Adrien, you do that too. You look out for people, you defend with everything you have, you love with your whole heart. Every one of us, especially me, knows how much you care.”

“Yeah, but am I doing it well enough as a boyfriend? I’m not exactly good at this and I want to make sure I’m doing ok.”

“Adrien, trust me. The fact that you’re worried about this means you are doing ok. Besides, I didn’t really date much either. I’m just as new to this as you are.”

“But you’re so suave and sophisticated.” Adrien couldn’t help but tease.

“And easily affected by strong emotions. But it’s fine. Meant I got you in the end.”

Turning red when he heard Felix laughing at him, Adrien hid his face in Luka’s neck, letting the guitar player run his fingers up and down his back. Luka might not care about the missing ring but still, Adrien wanted to prove a point.

                           _________________________________

Adrien scrolled through the webpage on his laptop. It was probably stupid, even after Luka said he didn’t care about the missing ring but still. Since Felix spent the night with him – he wasn’t risking being tempted to trick his uncle – he’d encouraged his idea. He’d also pointed out that it seemed Luka had the love languages of giving words of affirmation and acts of service. When Adrien mentioned how much time they spent together hanging out, Felix said his language was giving quality time.

“You both have a different way of showing how much you guys like each other. You just seem to have trouble noticing your more silent affections.” Felix said. “He was right, you feeling bad about the ring and showing how you feel is a sign you care. If you want to get him a new one, I think he’d like it even more. You know how he likes to show love, why not figure out what he likes receiving?”

So here he was, shopping for a replacement ring. He knew it didn’t have to be anything big but he wanted it to be special. And he was a sucker for shared rings. He knew in Korea, much like matching clothes, having couple rings was a way to show you were in a relationship. No one doubted they were dating, but with Luka homeschooled, there were times where Adrien wanted something of his nearby to remind him who he could see after school or on the weekends. He’d never gotten the chance to steal clothing from a significant other or share anything like that and the fact he could possibly do it with Luka? That a lot of his firsts of being in a relationship were with Luka? It made him giddy.

He heard the door open and he leaned over to see his mother on the phone. She’d already shed her blazer and her hair was out of its normal ponytail. She kicked off her heels and dumped her things on the floor as she leaned on the closed door.

“But it just feels so soon to move again.” What? “A lot of the new programs got integrated and a few were my own projects. I know we don’t know when the fight will end, but I’d at least like to see them all come to fruition. A few still need more time to be set up. I guess I can’t argue, I’m just surprised that they’d offer reassignments so soon. Poor Adrien if we do move. His concert went so well and he got signed. He’s so young, I don’t feel comfortable letting him stay by himself. And goodness, his boyfriend. His father loves him and he’s so polite. Adrien’s liked him for a while, it’s going to hurt him so badly if they have to end it.”

“Mama?” he asked, standing up.

His mother jumped at his voice, eyes widening when she saw him.

“I’m going to call you back. Adrien, caro, when did you get here?”

“I was here the whole time. Mama… are we moving?”

“...I don’t know.”

Adrien was trying not to get upset. “It sounded like you were pretty sure.”

“I know. I know, I shouldn’t have said it like that. Adrien, I promise you, I don’t know. But whenever reassignment comes up, we always move. I’m just expecting to be told we would move.”

He couldn’t fault his mother for that. She was right. The minute she was done with whatever project she was helping with, they were off to the next one. But this was different. Paris was the place they’d been in the longest, not counting New York the first time. But he was more established here. He had friends, friends who actually felt like they could last forever. He was dating someone who felt way more stable than his other relationships. And to be honest, he didn’t want to leave.

“Can I really not stay here?” Adrien begged.

“Adrien, you’re barely in lycée, I don’t feel comfortable with you here on your own.”

“Ok,” Adrien said slowly, trying to think when an idea came to mind. “What about if I stayed with a classmate’s family?”

She looked surprised at the idea. He hadn’t even asked to do that with the few friends in Italy he still had whenever they’d leave from there. “Well, I suppose if their parents are ok with it. I’d have to think about it though. How about I talk with your father? If we agree and I’m reassigned, we’ll talk with someone. I’ll let you finish the year here and during break, we can decide what to do after. How does that sound?”

He wanted to disagree but he knew this was as good as he was getting. “Deal.”

“Alright. I’ll get changed and we can order in?” she asked, moving once he nodded.

Adrien sat back down, barely noticing the thing flying by the window as he took a breath. He knew this would come eventually. He just didn’t expect it to hurt so much at the thought of it. he took in the webpage of couple rings and straightened up. If this was going to end his relationship with Luka, because long distance felt impossible at their age, he was going to leave Luka with a gift to let him know just how much he meant to him.

                                     ____________________

“Knock knock?”

Luka looked up from his last sheets from the Grimoire. Even though Juleka was busier actually going to school, somehow, she finished her pages first. He was sure she got the page that explained how to fix broken Miraculous, because he had yet to see it. he’d give it to the Guardians, they loved their riddles and double meanings.

Adrien was a very welcome sight from him scratching his head trying to decipher what they were saying. Putting his iPad down and his stylus he outstretched his arms for a hug. He even gave grabby hands.

“To quote a very famous guitar player, you’re cute.” Adrien said, coming over and sitting between Luka’s legs, falling into the hug Luka pulled him into. He yelped as Luka leaned back so he was resting on his chest. “Hi.” He said, staring up at his boyfriend.

“Hello. I thought you were hanging out with Marc.”

“I was. We had to go pick something up. I sorta convinced him to do something with me, so we have plans to actually go eat dinner instead. Assuming I can pry him away from Nath.”

“Now I’m curious.”

“So, you know how I lost your ring?”

“You know how I told you it was ok and I didn’t care?” he didn’t. It was odd not having it there but it didn’t bother him much. Getting Adrien to focus on something else so he could eat had felt more important and it worked.

“Well, I did, so I wanted to make it up to you. Felix mentioned that you have the love language of giving acts of service, and I should probably figure out which language you like to receive so we’re starting with this.” Getting up, Adrien pulled a small drawstring bag out from the inside pocket of his jean jacket. “So, I know you told me that I’m doing ok in this relationship. I felt bad about losing the ring, even if it doesn’t matter and I wanted you to know how much you meant to me. I also wanted us to have a small thing for us to have and think of each other since you have homeschooling and we don’t get to see each other during the weekday. Here.”

Luka took the bag, using a finger to pull it open and turned it over. two silver rings dropped out, both with gold designs. One was a half shining sun and the other a crescent moon. Both had stars on them in the same gold.

“Couple rings are pretty popular. It’s not like a promise ring or anything, just a way for people to know we’re together.” Adrien explained, feeling calm as Luka smiled down at them.

“So,” Luka started, picking up the ring with the sun on it, “when I see this sun, I’ll think of my, what did Alya call you? Sunshine gremlin?”

Adrien laughed. “Yeah. And I’ll look at this and think of my moonlight knight.”

“That’s a Sailor Moon reference.” Luka said, pointing at Adrien when he recognised it.

“The man can be taught. But no, stars are important to sailors and you’re important to me. Do you like it?”

“I do. Thank you.” Luka said, pressing a kiss onto Adrien’s lips. “and quality time. My love language, I like spending time with people I love.”

Adrien’s heart skipped at the wording Luka used and the question was on his tongue. He could tell Luka didn’t misspeak, not with that look on his face.

“I like spending time with you.” Luka said, meaning what he said before, but he wasn’t going to rush a response out of Adrien.

“I really like being with you too.” Adrien said. “Um, before I forget. It’s probably nothing and it’s still up in the air at this point, but…Mama told me she might be getting reassigned. We don’t actually know; it’s just it usually happens so we think it might happen. But she agreed that if her and dad agree, I could ask a classmate to stay with their family. Nino already said he’d talk to his parents and so did Marc. Chloe overheard and even offered, so it’s fine. It’s not even official, I just…needed you to know.”

“But you don’t know?”

“No. But I don’t want to leave.” Adrien said, hoping Luka could hear the unspoken things. He didn’t want to leave him. “As far as we know, I’m here to stay.”

“Then let’s stick with that until we’re told differently then.” Luka said. He took the moon ring from Adrien and helped him put it on, smiling when Adrien gushed that it was adjustable.

“That way you don’t have to worry about your .5 size.”

After slipping his own ring on, he pulled Adrien close, dropping back again.

“I’m just going to hold on, just until you have to go, ok?”

“Ok,” Adrien said, fitting his head into Luka’s neck. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Fu stared at her, before looking away. Sure she had her answer, Juleka turned to leave when he spoke. “You both know I never wanted to be a Guardian. I’ve been trying to write many wrongs since then and I’ve had to give up even more things in the process.”

“Like Marianne.”

“You know, I am not even sure if I was really sick or if I let my fears control me to the point of punishing myself. I was free from their teachings but I still let them rule me. I still do. The Ladybug without their Cat never lasted long. Regardless of what Plagg has done in the past, he has always kept his holders alive or left when they have gone to the point of corruption. Some situations would be worse without him. The times your brother has had to fight without you have been the hardest battles. I should remember that, but it would seem the bais I was taught holds tighter than it should. It would be wrong to limit you, both of you without allowing you a chance to step back like I wanted. Here. This is the Horse Miraculous, which has the ability of teleportation. Alya has already let people know she will be out of town and the people of Paris are very good at filling in the gap. Not to mention the new measures that have been active. If anything happens here, you’ll know. But don’t unify. Both of you pushed it during the Kwamibuster akuma. You are lucky exhaustion was the only thing you had to deal with.”

Juleka took the collapsed glasses and looked at Master Fu. It was a slow progress, but he was trying his best.. And honestly, she should appreciate the attempts.

“Thank you.”

“Enjoy London. It’s been years since I have been there, but it’s a beautiful city.”

                                        _______________________

“Has he texted you?” Rose asked, also focused on her phone.

“Luka, no. Felix, yes. He’s got things booked for us to eat when we’re there.” Adrien said.

Rose pouted. “How am I supposed to enjoy London without my girlfriend?”

“I think that question also applies to me. Look, we both know if Luka’s school says no, Juleka will try and stay with him and he’ll try insisting she go. We’re basically just waiting to see who will win.”

Groaning, Rose turned to their teacher, whining for answers.

“I’m sorry Rose. The headmaster hasn’t sent me an email with any notice. I’m just as clueless as you are.”

“Rosie!”

Perking up like a dog hearing its master, Rose located her girlfriend, who was walking over with her brother. “Julie!”

Adrien himself noticed something about his boyfriend. “You have a bag with you.”

“I do.” Luka said, swinging his sling bag to the front. It was the type that looked like a standard backpack in size and looks but it was thinner and only had one strap. “Think Felix will be ok adding one more?”

“If he isn’t, I’ll just have to take you on your own tour.”

“Ah, Luka. I just got the confirmation email from the headmaster.” Mml. Bustier said, tucking her iPad into her purse and pulling out a pen. “He mentioned paperwork?”

After assuring Luka would have time for his assignment, Mml. Bustier signed off on the paperwork before calling “Alright. I know we’re missing 4 but we’re allowed to start boarding in 2 minutes. Max, Alya and Marinette are already on board. Max’s mother is a train conductor for those who remember and she’s actually going to be driving our train to London. Chloe, any word from Sabrina?”

“She texted when she left. I keep sending her notices.”

“Is it that stupid text alert where you demand she hurry up? It’s a little degrading Chloe.” Alix pointed out.

“I haven’t gotten it off her phone yet, relax! Besides, I bet you her dad is making her late giving everyone tickets. If she misses this train, this time I will fire him.”

“Guess we shouldn’t remind her what happened last time.” Nath whispered to those near him.

They went ahead and started to board the train while Chloe waited on the platform for Sabrina.

“I’m here! I’m here!” Sabrina called, pushing the full-sized suitcase ahead of her.

“Sabrina, hurry up! What took you so long? I swear to god if it was your dad!”

Luka came off the train and helped Sabrina lift the suitcase over the gap, surprised at its weight. Adrien, who’d come with him at Sabrina’s cries, tilted his head at the sight.

“Ok first, Chloe you do realize it’s actually pretty warm in London right now, right? Also, why did you have Sabrina bring a massive suitcase? Barring any issues, we’re going to be back in the evening.” Adrien asked.

“It’s full of everything she might need. She’s the daughter of an elected official. Who knows what’ll happen?”

“I’d like to think the minute we step foot in England, we won’t be pelted with rotten fruit.” Adrien said.

“This might be one of those ones you need to let go.” Luka whispered as he passed by.

Sabrina didn’t seem bothered and Chloe seemed more upset at the idea of Sabrina missing the train more than the suitcase, so he decided to leave the two to Mml. Bustier. His only objective was to enjoy the trip to London with his friends and boyfriend, all excited to see Big Ben without the cover and meet up with Felix again.

Marinette ended up asking for a seat to herself so she could spread out her designing things which made Adrien’s heart hurt a little. He’d be banned from working and buying cosplay supplies as punishment. He might have gotten his dad involved to get the sentence lifted, but it was basically in exchange for his presence on the trip and at the opening concert – which was in two days! – it meant no cosplay. Which sucked because he was hoping to do another couples cosplay with Luka.

Said rocker was yawning as the train departed, something he’d been doing since he arrived. Juleka didn’t seem any better, already tucking her head into Rose’s neck.

“You ok?”

“Tired. I didn’t think I’d be able to go, so I stayed up trying to look up other historical monuments that weren’t as talked about in France. Juls helped. We didn’t get confirmation until this morning and Maman had to rush to get the email forwarded to your headmaster so I could be allowed to come.” Luka explained, his whole body relaxed as his eyes started to droop.

“Here, switch with me. Come on, move.” Luka got up, letting Adrien push him to the window seat. He watched him pull something down from his bag sitting in the overhead and caught what he threw at him.

“What is it?” The item in hand was plush, a bit long and twisted in on itself, similar to an infinity symbol.

“It’s a neck pillow. Trust me, I’ve used this on every plane and train ride since I got it. You can either use it to protect your back against the wall or wrap the rings around your neck to keep your head supported.” Adrien explained, pulling Luka’s legs onto his lap, looking at him expectedly. “Sleep. When you wake up, we’ll be in London. You’ll get everything you need for your paper and then we have the rest of the day to ourselves.”

“Can we go on the London Eye? I don’t think I ever got to ride the Ferris Wheel with you, like I wanted to back then before Alya’s sister got akumatized.” Luka asked, pulling his jacket off to be his blanket.

“Yeah, I think we can do that.”

The train ride had been going smoothly, when the announcement of heading under sea level was made. Adrien had pushed his headphones to one ear and glanced at Luka, who managed to hide the bottom half of his face in the pillow, but was still asleep.

“Ow!”

“Marinette? What’s wrong?” Mml. Bustier asked.

“It’s just my back. I hadn’t realized how much I’d been hunching over.”

“Oh! I have just the thing! I’ve got hot and cold packs in my suitcase. If you put one on and rest, I’m sure you’ll feel better in no time.” Sabrina offered, heading out to the First Class cabin. A few minutes later, a few screams echoed as people came rushing into their cabin, Chloe and Sabrina following the pack.

“What is going on? Sabrina, Chloe?”

“There was an akuma in my suitcase! It must have appeared when my dad was getting angry. My suitcase popped open when we got to the station, it must have gotten in then.”

“Everyone got out and I locked the door behind us. I’ve never seen an akuma go through solid doors so we’re fine. We just need to let the train driver know so they can contact those in Paris so Scarlet Bug and Catseye can know and meet us in London. Or back in Paris if we end up reversing the whole way.” Chloe explained.

Just then the hauntingly familiar sight of bubbling purple and black substance ran over the train, turning the sleek silver into dark red and purple.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I am Startrain! I’m afraid our final destination has switched from London to the stars! Fasten your seatbelts! We have lift off!”

Everyone screamed as the train started to tilt and vibrate, scrambling to grab onto anything or anyone. Before they knew it, they’d broken through the atmosphere and started to float without the weight of gravity.

“Guys, I don’t think we’re going to be able to get in contact with France, let alone Scarlet Bug and Catseye.” Nino pointed out.

“Forget that. The only thing that’s keeping us alive is the fact that the whole train is akumatized.” Max said. “Unless they have a way of getting the train back to earth before capturing the akuma, the pressure will destroy the train at best and at worst, we’ll all die a slow death of freezing with no oxygen.”

                                   _____________________

“Hey Luka.” Adrien said, rubbing his boyfriend’s back. “Ragazzo, we’re here.”

Luka whined, rubbing his face into Adrien’s legs. Moving didn’t sound like a good option.

“Come on. Felix got us a bus so you can sleep there on the way.”

“Isn’t it like a 10-minute drive?” Luka asked sleepily, eyes still closed.

“Then you can use it to wake up. I know our first trip was a lot, but I didn’t think you’d crash that hard the second trip. Come on, we have a much shorter time now thanks to the akuma.”

Luka whined more but eventually pushed himself up, letting his jacket fall back onto the seat as he wiped his face, exhausted. He stretched his back, cracking loudly.

“Are you ok?” Adrien asked, concerned.

“My back just hurts. I guess when the train landed on Big Ben, I landed kinda oddly.”

“Guess that’s what happens when you end up locked in a bathroom while in space. Come on.”

Felix stood outside Kings Cross Station, standing in front of a double decker bus.

“You were supposed to be on the train for 2 hours. How is it you got here nearly 4 hours later? Can you even get to your tour reservation?” he asked, directing them onto the rented double decker. Mml. Bustier called for everyone to not just sit on the top level. “Better question, are they going to want you there? That was technically your train.”

“Mml. Bustier said she tried getting in contact, but the lines were busy. We’ve been checking the headlines and so far, nothing about them closing for the day.”

Adrien watched the Couffaine siblings collapse into a set together and used each other as pillows as they passed out. Clearly this essay was a definite need to pass.

“Are they ok?”

“Yeah, they just didn’t get much sleep. So should we go over places to visit and stop by?” Adrien asked.

Casting another concerned look, Felix pulled out his phone, one with an attached stylus which he immediately pulled out as he brought up a list. “I was going to suggest a museum or two, but there’s no way we could do that and get back in time.”

“What about historical monuments? If he’s this exhausted trying to work on the essay, I’d like Luka to at least see one monument he can go to.”

“Assuming Big Ben and surrounding areas are closed, there are a few. The Tower of London could be fine, if we join a tour quickly enough to go see the crown jewels. But it can get pretty crowded. So maybe Westminster Abbey? See Saint Paul’s? Maybe visit the Globe Theatre if we have time? There’s also St Bride’s Church. They have a whole exhibit downstairs.”

“What about the market? Borough Market? The glass covering they have, I heard it used to belong to the Royal Opera House.”

“To be fair, with how old the Opera House as a company is, I’d consider that a monument itself.” Felix said as they got closer to the famed clock tower. The traffic they were running into however didn’t spell good news. “Anything else you want to visit?”

“London Eye. That’s for Luka and I.”

In the end, the trip to Big Ben was canceled thanks to a train crashing into it. But Mml agreed to the visits to the other monuments instead. After going over the options, with Luka having final say for his essay, they decided to go to Saint Paul’s. While half the class took the track up to the top, the other half went downstairs to the gift shop and even walked over to the Abby. They watched Felix of all people, follow around a pigeon in circles, giggling as it flew off to get away from him.

“It’s actually a thing that the pigeons here are rather tame. If we had time to go to the Museum of London, you could actually get some like them at the gift shop.”

“Yeah, too bad someone can’t enjoy it like you do.” Alya said, looking over her shoulder to where Adrien stood close to the door of the Abbey gift shop, darting back inside when a pigeon waddled too close.

Once they all met back – and got away from the pigeons – Felix clapped his hands together once mention of food came up. “So, while Harrods is on the menu because a certain someone wouldn’t stop demanding it,” he said glancing at Chloe, who had her feet propped up on Sabrina’s suitcase, “If you want something else, we have the choice of heading to Borough Market, which has a lot more options and more of a chance for you guys to explore or, my mother and I have a permanent reservation at Sanderson Hotel for their Mad Hatter afternoon tea. There is also ‘afternoon tea’ at the crypt in Trafalgar Square, but it’s more of a food court you can happen to get an afternoon tea tower at.”

Mylene raised her hand. “What about ‘granny cafés’?”

“Those are mainly at garden centers and you won’t find many in London proper compared to a bit further out in the city. A reminder, your teacher did book a reservation at a local pub for your last meal before you get onto the train.”

“How about the afternoon tea? Then we can split up for a while?” Max suggested. “According to Maps, there are a fair few things to do around the hotel when we’re done.”

“Hello? What about Harrods?”

“If it’s ok with you guys, Luka and I are going to go to the London Eye after. It’s in the opposite direction, so maybe we can agree to meet at the pub at a certain time?” Adrien asked.

After agreeing, they split into groups ahead of time as they were dropped off at the Sanderson Hotel. Each round table held 4 people with 2 towers each. Adrien’s table felt Luka’s plight from when they’d gone to St Vincent beach as Adrien made them hold until he was done getting pictures of everything and with the book menu, the music box sugar holder and everything else, his friends were getting close to rioting. There was nothing to tide them over.

“Adrien, I am begging you! Please.” Felix said, close to banging on the table.

“Alright, alright. I’m done, go ahead.”

Even though Adrien was done taking pictures of the food, pictures were still taken of everyone, mid bite or mid sip, laughing at whatever anyone had said and questions to both Felix and Adrien about other things they wished they had a chance to visit.

“If your families are ok with it, you’ll have to come back during winter. They have this huge winter festival, not to mention the winter markets, down at Hyde Park. I never went, but always heard my classmates say it was fun.” Felix said, eating the last of his scone.

“Oh yes please! I want to bring Marc here. He’d really enjoy this.” Nath said. His tablet was full of sketches of everything they’d seen. A half-done sketch of the tower, including more whimsical elements fitting Alice in Wonderland was on the screen for anyone to see.

“Mother would love more people over. Let me know.”

Chloe already had a game plan for Harrods that she explained to her group and Felix left her to it. Meanwhile, Adrien got his group to the Ferry that would get them to the London Eye. The line for the famed Ferris wheel wasn’t too long, nothing compared to the line for the local Ferris wheel for the World Cup. The pods were bigger so the group and a few other tourists shared one pod.

“Isn’t there something called the needle?” Nath asked, sketching the scene, glancing over his shoulder. Luka had taken a seat on the bench and had his arms wrapped around Adrien’s waist, leaning against his stomach as a food coma started taking over. Adrien was trying not to disturb him too much while taking a selfie of them.

“I know there’s something like that in Brighton. It’s called the Brighton i360. It’s like the Ferris wheel but all around. I’ve heard people say it’s not worth it though.” Adrien said, giving up and tucking his phone away as he ran his fingers through Luka’s hair. “More to explore with Marc?”

“You’re going to get sick of me asking for reconditions after a while.”

Meeting back with everyone at the pub wasn’t hard and Felix, once again, worked his magic to get them a semi private table in the back. While a few were upset when Felix explained that Sunday roast was only really just for Sundays, his suggestions were taken to heart.

“If you can convince your mom to let you come to France in 2 days, you can stay with me. We’re opening for Jagged Stone. You mentioned you thought his music was ok.” Adrien said to Felix. Both ate their fish and chips in the same way, dunking their chips into their peas. Alya had pointed it out, joking that they had to be separated at birth with the many things they shared in common.

“The weak spined overweight Pomeranian actually kept his word?” Felix asked, uncaring when the Kitty Section members nearly spit their food out at the comment made about Bob Roth.

“We sent our mom over for all the parents.” Luka said. “He didn’t last two minutes with her.”

“Now I have to go, if only to meet this woman.”

Desserts were taken to go and they had just enough time to visit Platform 9 ¾ before they needed to head to their platform. Felix promised he’d try and get his mother to agree and after a few unexpected hugs given to him by members of the class – well Rose and Adrien’s were expected because that’s who they were – he sent them on their way, meeting up with Max’s mother again as their conductor for their return trip.

Insisting Adrien take the window seat this time, Luka pulled out his laptop as Adrein set their desserts onto his table to feed Luka while he worked. “So, how are you going to start this essay? ‘Since Big Ben was out thanks to an international Akuma, I turned my attention to Saint Paul’s Cathedral’?”