Sweet Dreams, Long Nights

Chapter 35

After the next couple of classes passed by, Marinette and Alya grabbed their bags and headed out for lunch. Alya pulled Marinette into one of the deserted hallways after a quick check to make sure the coast was clear.

"So, what do you want to talk about?" Marinette asked, crossing her arms.

"I'm....not really sure where to begin," Alya said, putting her bag down and leaning against the hallway, "So....you're Ladybug?"

"Yeah," Marinette said, looking down.

"Huh," Alya said.

"I'm really sorry Alya, I understand if you're super mad at me for not telling you and for putting you in danger as Rena Rouge I just-" She was cut off by the sound of laughter.

"Woah woah calm down girl! Who said I was mad?" Alya said, still laughing.

"You're...not mad?"

"Why would I be? I understand that you had to keep your identity secret. And besides, why would I ever be upset for being able to be Rena? Being able to stand by your side as a superhero is enough satisfaction for me!"

"Really?"

"Yeah, don't worry girl."

"Thanks Alya."

"Alright, so, that brings up my next question. What are we going to do about Hawkmoth?"

"What do you mean? We already agreed to go meet up after school?"

"Well, what if he akumatizes someone again? He already knows our identities, so what do we do now? And what about Chat Noir? If he doesn't show up to the battles then the people might get worried, or suspicious."

"If an akuma does show up, I'm counting on you to make another Chat Noir illusion like last time. It might throw off Hawkmoth for a bit and keep the people in the dark, but other than th-"

"That won't be necessary," a voice called from behind them. Both girls stiffened as they turned to see who it was.

"Adrien?" Marinette asked, getting even stiffer. Adrien flinched slightly when he saw her tense at his presence.

"What do you mean?" Alya asked, shooting him a suspicious glance.

"I mean you don't need to worry about Chat Noir not being there," he said, holding up his hand, his ring flashing in the light, "I've....taken care of it."

"Wait...is that..." Marinette started.

"The Cat Miraculous," Alya finished grimly, lowering her stance in case of a fight, "You haven't run off and joined Hawkmoth, have you?"

"No, I haven't, trust me on that."

"Then how did you get it back?" Marinette asks, millions of thoughts running through her head. Did he really join Hawkmoth? Is it because I turned him down? God this is all my fault if onl-

"It's...a long story...." Adrien said, pain flitting about his features like butterflies in the spring. (:P butterflies....)

"We have until the end of lunch so spill Agreste," Alya said cooly, returning to leaning casually against the wall.

"...my father..."

"Mr. Agreste?" Marinette asks, snapping out of her daze, "What does he have to do with this?"

"He's...."

"Spit it out," Alya said, growling.

"...He's Hawkmoth."

"...what the fuck?" Alya said, straightening up, "If that's supposed to be a joke it's not funny."

"Wait...but that's impossible," Marinette says, remembering when she and Master Fu had suspected him of being the holder, "We already checked him out."

"You suspected Mr. Agreste?" Alya asked, confused, "When did that happen?"

"It was a while ago...around when Lila first showed up? But he had been akumatized so we ruled him out," Marinette said slowly, her eyes never leaving Adrien. "You're not lying, are you." It wasn't so much of a question as a statement she made, ignoring Alya's scoff of incredulity, Marinette's focus remained solely on Adrien. He shifted uncomfortably under her stare and twisted the ring around his finger.

"I wish I was lying," he sighed and pulled out the other Miracle box and brooch from his bag, "If you don't trust me with them you can give them to Master Fu yourself. I'll tell Carapace and Bee that we aren't meeting, and we can talk to the press about this later, I think we all could use a break at this point. My father's trial isn't scheduled until we get this sorted and confirm his identity as Hawkmoth. I went in as Chat and told the police to keep this confidential until we decide to announce this...mess to Paris." He paused, trying to think if there was anything else he had forgotten, "that's pretty much it?"

"Wow...that was actually a really well thought out plan," Alya said, "Color me impressed Agreste, no offense but I think that the Agreste Company is in good hands." Adrien gave a weak smile to her and then turned back to Marinette. She sighed.

"You can take those to Master Fu yourself, I think he'll want to hear this all from you. Alya, you mind going to Bee and Carapace? I'll need to call up Nadja as Ladybug and schedule a meeting. Since we have next week off, would sometime then be good for you two?"

"Yeah, I can tell Nino and Chloe about this all later," Alya said, "And I should be free next week. Let me know what you two decide."

"Wait, YOU'RE LEAVING US?" Marinette squaked, the color draining from Adrien and Marinette's face. Alya shrugged.

"You two have a lot to talk about."

"No, it's fine Mari," Adrien said, sadness sinking back inside his tired body.

"Adrien..."

"No, there's some things I need to sort out, just business stuff. I need to see my father's will with his lawyer and sort it out. He'll probably end up with a lifetime sentence for all the trouble he's created over the years."

"Adrien....I don't think you should be so harsh on your father....he may have had a good reason...for all of this..."

"A good reason?" Adrien started, trying to ignore the crack in his voice, "For what? For constantly using innocent people to obtain his goals? To threatening the lives of children? For ignoring me and leaving me alone all because he was to scared and stupid to deal with pain like every other normal FUCKING being on the planet? FOr selling his soul for some useless goal? Well I don't want to FUCKING hear his goddamned explanation for all the shit he's caused." Adrien ignored the sting of tears threatening to stream down his face.

"A-A-Adrien I-" Marinette started.

"...save it Marinette, I understand that you don't really like me right now, so you don't need to try. I...I'm gonna go." And with that, Adrien turned and ran down the hall, leaving Marinette confused and completely alone. 

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Hey everyone!

So uh...later update, but it's still Tuesday? And long chapter!

Hehe

Well things are getting heated for the Agrestes! Also, we're coming fast to the end, and i think there's only going to be two or three more chapters and then the Epilogue!

Bye Bye For Now!

—Fake Angel—

(*'꒳'*)