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Chapter Text

I look at the television, watching the recount of how Hawkmoth won. I feel disappointment crawl up my body. Felix is the reason that we lost the miraculous. I should've never let him take my place for the trip to London. None of this would've happened if I just wasn't such a crybaby over leaving my friends. I let my hands cover my face, and I just watch the screen, also thinking about how I hurt howkmoth, how I cataclysmed an actual human, but didn't he deserve it? He did make all of Paris miserable for the last nine months and made us all stone-faced and cold. So, I guess I shouldn't feel bad, but something keeps bothering me about it. I look up and notice my father standing in the door frame, looking angrier than normal. I turn towards him, and he lets out a cough. "Adrien, I don't feel safe with Hawkmoth on the loose. I want you out of Paris-"

"Wait, no- I need to be here, father! I need to be in Paris!"

He starts to talk back while holding his ring, and I feel myself grow smaller with every word he says, how he doesn't want me to turn out like my mother or end up so drained that I end up losing the brilleance I had for modeling, I was going to argue once more but suddenly my motivation was drained, so I just agreed not realizing what I was agreeing to. I watch as he grabs my flip phone. "It's for the best, Adrien."He sets down my phone and tells me to make my friends know I am moving. He then walks out, and Plagg comes out of his hiding place.

"Adrien, what about being Chat Noir? If you leave, who will-"

I feel my eyes watering, and Plagg stops his lecture. I feel myself fall to the ground. I can't hear anything but my hollow self. I continue to sob as I start to mourn the life I am being forced to leave behind. I then feel arms wrap around me. I start coming to my senses and notice it is Natalie holding me. She has been looking worse and worse every single day, just like mom. I hug her back, and she starts whispering that I will be okay and how everything is going to be okay. I nod, and she watches as I leave voicemails for my friends, telling them how I will be leaving.

"Adrien, your father has requested that I am to go with you. You will be using my last name, so you won't be recognized." I nod, and Natalie seems to notice how I am still distraught about everything, so she then states, "When we get to where we are going, I will make sure you are living a normal teenage life. A rich one, but a normal one can be okay? I love you, Adrien."

I smile and nod at Natalie's words, trying my best to stay put together. I watch as she walks out of the room and Plagg zooms out. He puts his small paw on my face, and I can feel him trying to wipe away my tears. "I love you, Adrien. You were the best cat I've ever had." He slips the miraculous off of my finger, and I watch as my only friend who truly knew me flew out of the house, Miraculous in his small paws. We both stare at each other, and Plagg zooms back in for one last hug goodbye. "I love you, Plagg."

We both wave each other goodbye as I watch my friend, my freedom, and my responsibility all float away from me. I feel the tears start going down my face once more, and I collapse to the ground. I waited for the moth to come and akumatize me, but it never came. I waited all night for something to come and take my pain away. I saw people come in and pack for me, and I felt my phone buzz uncontrollably all night, but I never left my window spot. I hoped Father would come in and tell me this was all some sort of joke. He never did.

---

It was the morning when someone finally came to get me for my long flight. It would take all day, and we would get there around 8 pm our time, but 6 pm their time. I watch as Natalie helps me to the car. I purposely don't say anything to Father on my way out, not wanting to talk to him at all. Natalie talked with him for a few minutes before we got to the airport for the private jet. I don't remember much that happened; I just wanted to go back to my room in Paris and tell Ladybug that I was sorry that all this mess was my fault. How I am the worst Chat Noir she could've possibly ever had, and how I am sorry that I ruined everything.

Natalie didn't talk to me during the flight. Hell, I didn't even know where we were going; I just didn't care anymore. I looked out at the sky, deciding to listen to all the voicemails my friends decided to send me. "Hey, bud! I'm worried. What do you mean you are leaving? What do you mean-" I listen to Nino ranting about how this is unfair, and I feel myself smile a little bit at Nino cursing out my father. Then I went to the next voicemail, which was from Marinette. She was my best gal pal, so I was excited to talk to her. She started off stating how this was unfair, but then she started talking to Alya, I think.?

I don't think she meant to send this; she was rambling, and then it happened. "What am I supposed to say to make him stay? 'Hey, Adrien, I have always loved you and had feelings for you all this time and wanted to ask if you wanted to be my boyfriend." It was a bunch of rambling from there on, but what did she mean by being in love with me? And then I listen to her confessing about how she stalked me and broke into the house multiple times. I end the call, not wanting to listen anymore, and make my way to the jet's toilet. Where I throw up. Natalie was patting my back and supporting me, asking what brought this up. I couldn't get Marinette's Voicemail out of my head.

Chapter Text

It was 6 p.m. by the time we landed in Los Angeles, California. Natalie then also informed me that it would be an hour's drive till we got to the place where we would be living, Sunny Dale. I just stared out the window as I looked at my phone and blocked the numbers of my 'friends.' I thought a lot during the plane ride to California and decided that they weren't ever looking out for me or what I wanted if they were always thinking about Marinette and how to make Marinette's dreams and aspirations come true. I let out a sigh as I looked out the window, fighting to stay awake during the drive.

We finally stopped in front of a small house. "Is this it, Natalie?" I see her nod, and I smile at her. She immediately ushered the company to start unpacking as I took my time to leave the car. I looked around my new neighborhood. I noticed a nice woman waving at me; she had curly blond hair. I wave at her and notice a smile spread across her face, but she goes back to tending to her garden. I notice how chipper she looks in the area around her. I smile and try to look around the house area, noticing how humble it looks, how simple my life is going to be.

I then notice how Natalie starts to lead me into the house; she leads me upstairs where a bed, fully furnished, lies. "Natalie, why is the bed already unpacked?" She smiles at me and just motions me to go to it. I do, and the second my head hits the bed, everything goes dark. I feel myself relaxing into the soft bed, feeling all my worries wash off of me.

XXX

I stare at Adrien, who fell asleep immediately. I then watch as the movers get all the furniture in place, and I then start to sit at the edge of Adrien's bed. Oh Adrien. My hand starts moving towards his head; I feel myself playing with his hair, and I let my brain wonder. Adrien has had such a hard time as of late, how his Father has been going more down the rabbit hole of trying to get the cat and Ladybug miraculous. How he chose to go after Ladybug and Chat Noir rather than save me and his mother- I look at how I have been tightening my right hand, and decide to focus on my left hand that is petting Adriens head. Oh, Adrien, I promise to only work for you. Your father is such a selfish man, unlike you. You are just like your mother, kind and helpful.

I wish it was your father who died instead of your mother. I wish that he had died because of this cursed, miraculous magic rather than Emilie. I look at his face and remember that if Emilie wasn't to be the one to die, Adrien wouldn't exist. I look down at the ring that Gabriel gave me,

"Make sure he lives for himself for now. If Ladybug were to defeat me, I don't need Adrien also disappearing-"

Now he decides to care about his son, unlike literally any other day. I put the ring on his finger and watch as he curls into himself. I smile at him as I start to go and help the movers downstairs. I turn to him once more and quickly tuck him into bed. Before heading downstairs to watch them work away. It was around nine o'clock by the time they were done; I saw the neighbor's, I presume, daughter come home and watch her bubbly self hug her mother. I smile at them, and then the daughter notices me.

I walk outside to say hello. The mother and daughter walk over. "Welcome to the neighborhood! My name is Joyce, and this is my daughter, Buffy! If you ever need anything, let us know!"

I smile at the two of them and start talking as well. "It's very nice to meet you. My son and I just moved from Paris. It's very nice to meet you!" They both smile, and Buffy looks at me suspiciously, but I just shrug her off a bit. "So, where is your son?"

"Buffy-"

I watch as Joyce playfully hits her daughter's shoulder. "It's fine; he is upstairs sleeping right now. It's been an extremely long trip, and it was rough in Paris."

She nods and keeps eyeing me, but I continue to talk with Joyce, "Yes, my son will be going to Sunny Dale High next week. He just needs to settle first-"

We continue to talk for a bit until they finally go home. Then I got a fax from Gabriel, he was asking if we were okay. I respond that we were, and then I get another asking why Adrien's annoying friends are bothering him so much at his house. I explain to the best of my ability that Adrien told me that his friend Marinette left a voicemail to him confessing her feelings, and Adrien went down a spiral of betrayal and blocked everyone because of it. He talks about the akumatizations he was able to get in today and mentions that there is a new holder of the cat.

The new team was extremely difficult and made it seem like Chat Noir wasn't missing or that nothing happened. Ladybugs' exuse was that her cat seems to have gotten sick as explained by his kwami and really couldn't fight the battle against Hawkmoth any more and how she hopes her kitty will get better and to fight with her soon. "Is there any news of Paris coming in from America?"

"No sir. It seems your spell is still effective; no one in America knows the Paris situation." He lets out a hum in understanding, and we idle chat for a bit before he asks the golden question, "How much should I hand Adrien monthly-"

"One hundred thousand a month-"

"That seems excessive-"

"You choose not to heal me and his mother. The least you could do for your son, Gabriel, is to make sure he is rich."

He lets out a sigh. "I'll wire the money tomorrow."

"Good night, Gabriel."

Chapter Text

It was a week after moving; I was finally starting up at my new school. Father called and asked me what to say to my friends to get them to stop ringing the doorbell consistently; I told him to tell them that I know about Marinette liking me and don't like how they endorsed everything she did to me. He understood and relayed the message. I walk up to my campus and look for the Principal, who I see yelling at some kids about being hooligans. "Hello- is it Mister Snyder?" He looks me up and down, and it seems to click who I am. "Ah you must be Adrien Sancoeur." He holds out his hand, and I shake it. This seems to make him happy, so he puts a hand on my back and starts to lead me through the school, showing me where all the rooms are. We finally end up at the library.

There, I see a group of four students, and I watch as Snyder tells them to get to class. I feel myself sweating until one of the girls looks at me and asks, "And who is that?"

"This is Adrien Sancoeur; he is a Sophmore among you Juniors. Keep him away from you bunch." I look at all of them until the librarian introduces himself, "What do you need? I am Giles, your librarian." I show him my list and try to pronounce some of the titles. "Ah, French. Finally, another English person." I nod, and he proceeds to ask me about how it is in England, and I tell him that it's alright. I don't know this guy. Why would I tell him about all my worries in Paris right now? He goes off, and Snyder pats my shoulder and wishes me luck, and tells me that for the week, I am excused of all tardies till I get used to the school. I nod and he walks away.

XXX

I look at the new student and notice his impeccable fashion sense, much better than Xander's anyway. I walk up to the new kid, "You wanna be my fashion friend-"

He gets all awkward and then studies me for a bit. "Ummm, sure?"

I clap my hands, and we start trading numbers. He gets weird about me grabbing him, so I quickly stop, and he looks at me with what looks like relief. "So, I will text you the details of the mail! This Saturday at three! Okay! Text me if you need a ride!"

He nods and asks, "It would just be us, right? I don't like crowds-" I nod, and he walks out, still extremely nervous, but he seemed to have some pep in his step.

"Wow, Cordillia, and here I thought you were a heartless monster. Who hated awkward types." I look at that annoying jerk face and just let out a sigh,

"Whatever, you are a bunch of losers anyway-"

I walk out and look for my new fashion friend. I notice him being crowded by a bunch of girls; I go to the rescue of my friend. He looks too nervous to do anything. "Yo French boy!"

All the girls shy away when they see me approaching. He seems to glow brighter at seeing me, "Are you lost?"

"Yeah, I tried to ask for help, but then they all surrounded me."

We then start to walk together. "So why Sunny Dale of all places?"

"My father thought it would be good. I was in danger in Paris."

I nod. "What kind of danger?"

"I don't want to get into it. Sorry."

I then silently help him to his class. Hmmm, this is advanced geometry. "If you ever need help in this class, let me know, okay?"

I see him smile before then walking in, and boys start whistling at me, thinking that will get my attention. Jeez, I'm sorta seeing someone right now. Sure, sure we only have been hooking up in random areas, but I'm not a sloozy. I walk to my class.

I can't wait to tell the girls about my new friend, but then I remember his uncomfortable expression with all the girls surrounding him earlier. Maybe not. I don't know for certain, but I think he might have a stalker or at least had one. He is quite the looker, and he is nice and charming in a sense, but he acts way too scared of women. When I touched his arm earlier, he had a look of pure terror cross his face. Man, do I hate stalkers, whether man or woman. No one deserves that kind of fate. Now Buffy can be the monster/ vampire slayer, but I will be this underclassman's sole protecter of woman!

XXX

It was finally time for Lunch. Now, in Paris, I had to have a strict diet made by my father so I wouldn't lose my model features, but Natalie has permitted me to eat whatever I want during my time in America. She said something about how I am wasting away and just skin and bones. So, I put just a little bit of food on my tray, just following along with everyone around me. The lunch lady slaps a bunch of food on my tray, and I thank her as I go to find somewhere to sit. The American school system was strange; they assigned me a grade higher and served strange-looking food. I look up to find somewhere quiet when I see a blonde girl staring me down while whispering to two other people.

Is everyone looking and staring at me like that? Do I have a stain on my shirt? Am I that out of place? Am I attracting too much attention? Am I- I feel a thousand thoughts come out of the flooding gate, and I can barely focus on anything around me. That was until I heard Cordillia, "Hey, wanna sit with me and my friends outside?"

I looked and just nodded a bit; I didn't care that there were six other girls; it was just so overwhelming. The girls didn't bother or prod at all for why I was distant, and honestly, I appreciated that. I felt myself calming down and joining back into conversations; It was pleasant. Unlike my old friends, they were chatting about normal things that normal high schoolers would be doing. Once the bell rang, Cordillia just dusted herself off a little bit before reaching her hand out to me, "You ready?"

I reach my hand out and grab her hand as she leads me back into the building. I got this. I have been in life-threatening battles and have died, I can survive high school. I take another deep breath before looking forward, ready for the challenges that may come.

Chapter Text

It was finally the night Cordillia and I were going to the mall. It was an okay week at school, but I couldn't wait for this hangout session with Cordi! I was able to talk to some girls at my school and open up just a bit, but I have been mainly keeping to myself still. Nathalie also wanted to meet Cordillia before going to the mall, so now I am waiting for her to show up so my mom can confirm that she is okay. So while waiting, Nathalie was making sure that I looked all right. "So, Cordillia has taken you under her wing?"

I nod and watch as Nathalie starts to fiddle nervously with my hair, making sure it falls perfectly. I sit by the window watching the blond neighbor staring us down, "Ah Buffy!"

The blonde girl jumps a bit at Nathalie's sudden call, "Ah, yes?"

"This is my son, Adrien."

We stare at each other, and she comes up to our porch. We stare each other down a little bit, but then she starts to talk, "So this is your son. It's nice to meet you, I'm Buffy."

"Adrien."

We both stare at each other for a bit, but then Cordillia comes rolling up. She got out of her car, and Buffy looked shocked to see her, but I didn't mind. I run up and say hello. She smiles, and we start talking about where we are going to go and what we are going to buy. Nathalie then starts to slowly make her way over. I run back and help her slowly walk to Cordi. Nathalie and Cordillia start to talk to each other, and I go back to Buffy. "Sorry about that. It's nice to meet you."

She nods, and I hold my hand out for a handshake. She shook my hand slowly, and I waved before running back to Cordillia. Nathalie was smiling and laughing at something Cordillia was saying. "This seems like you like Cordillia."

Nathalie smiles and nods. "She is a good kid, Adrien. Now make sure to pay back for gas money, and have fun, okay?"

I nod, and Cordillia opens the car door for me. I got in, and we were on our way. She blasted songs on the radio as she drove there; she was laughing and chatting, and I had never felt so much like a teen before. I then start to look at my ring and give a smile at it. Mom, you would love Cordillia; you would be happy where I am now. I look back up and enjoy the ride.

XXX

When Cordillia and Adrien finally arrived at the mall, they were able to find a spot and go crazy within the mall. They were going store to store, and Adrien was spending his money carefully and feeling like he was on the top of the world. They walked around with an air around them that people couldn't help but stare at the two of them. They finally ended up in the food court, chatting over some cheesy fries and frozen drinks.

"I've never had something so delicious!"

"Adrien, if you keep eating like this, you might get fat-"

"Oh, but you would still love me, right?"

Cordillia lets out a sigh and shakes her head with a smile on her face. They continued to chat until someone came and slammed their hands on their table. "Oh Cordillia, hanging out with your new boy toy-"

"Oh my god, Xander, no. What you here trying to find some clothes that won't help you socially?"

Cordillia and Xander continued to banter, but Adrien didn't like this guy. It was the way he talked to Cordillia; doesn't he know it's rude to talk to a lady like that? Well, Cordillia was handling herself amazingly during this banter, then they started to get more heated in their argument, they started walking away, and Adrien was going to call out, but before he knew it, he was abandoned.

He tried to find her, but everywhere he looked, he just hit a dead end. He was starting to get stressed out now. He then starts to go on an adventure for a phone. He was able to find one, and he stuck a few quarters in. He hears the line ring for a bit until Nathalie's voice cuts in, "Hello, this is Nathalie Sancoeur, how can I help you?"

XXX

"Hey, Nathalie-"

"Adrien? Are you okay?"

"I can't find Cordillia, and I don't feel safe in here anymore."

I hear her let out a sigh, and she grumbles a bit about how she should've said no. "Nathalie, I do appreciate you allowing me to go outside, though-"

"Oh, Adrien, as long as you are my son. You can go outside whenever you want, okay? Just let me know."

I feel tears start rolling down my face, and I wipe my face, trying not to be embarrassed by crying in public. "Oh, Adrien, when I get there, you can cry all you need, okay?"

I nod, and then I remember she can't see my face. "Oh-okay. I love you, Nath- Mom."

It was a beat until my mom was at the mall; she was in the backseat while one of dad's security guards drove. She watches me open the door, and she pats the seat next to her. I quickly buckle myself in and immediately lean on her, feeling my tears slip down my face once more. "It's okay, I'm here now."

I start full-on sobbing as she holds me and moves her hand on my arm. She instructed the driver to drive us home, and during the drive, Nathalie was holding me and comforting me. My tears, at some point, stopped on the ride back. Thankfully, no one was out and about when we got home, so I was able to go to my room and just sulk there until dinner.

XXX

After that regretful decision to hook up with Xander, Cordillia headed back to where she had left Adrien. That session was long, as they kept fighting and then hooking up to cool down. She knows she owes Adrien an apology for ditching him during their day out, and she wasn't surprised to see he left when she got back. She started to text Adrien, apologizing for leaving, but Adrien just sent a message, 'I understand you don't want me around. You don't need to act like you like me. See you around school, I'll stay out of your way-'

Fuck. Cordillia fucked up, she accidentally broke her friendship. This wasn't like hanging out with Buffy, where they can just disappear and come back with some lame excuse of monsters. No, no, this was an actual normal friend who has no one in this boring town. He isn't going to understand that she left because of hormones but thinks she left because she hated him.

She was about to send a message back apologizing for leaving him behind, but did she deserve Adrien? He had been nothing but kind and appreciative to her, and how did she repay this kid? Stomp on that appreciation. She didn't deserve Adrien, not as long as she was involved with Buffy and the gang. She will have to leave without explanation more she assumes in the future, she didn't want to continuously break Adrien's heart. She looks down and deletes Adrien's number. Until she is done with Xander and Buffy, she can't be friends with Adrien. He deserved a better friend than her.

Chapter Text

It's been a week since Adrien was abandoned at the mall by Cordillia. He decided that he, Adrien Agreste, is not allowed to have friends or be happy. It makes sense that his role is to be a tool for his father and to be the obedient son that never strays and is forever a doll to play with. A sad, sad doll. He had only one thing, and that thing was seeming to get worse and worse: his mother, Nathalie Sancoeur. She has been degrading slowly but noticeably. It's getting harder for her to walk around, and she seems to lose color every day.

So now here he was, at school, in the lunch room, hiding in the hallway. He was just awkwardly sitting there as he munched down on the sad piece of cardboard he now called Pizza in his school life. He was also stuck to studying in the hallway as he wasn't able to click with anyone else in the school and now didn't have any friends. It didn't help that Snyder loved Adrien and everything he is, and everyone seemed to hate him for that as well. It wasn't his fault that he was good at balancing everything! It's more his fathers for giving him so many responsibilities when he was young and then taking away some activities so now this seems manageable!

He lets out a sigh as he feels his heart starting to beat angrily against his chest. He takes some deep breaths and decides he needs somewhere with nice smells and that is quiet. He throws away his food and washes his hands as he heads to the library. The Librarian, Giles, seemed to love whenever Adrien came into his area. I think it's because they are both from a great area from overseas. He makes his way inside and notices Giles fencing with the air. "Hey, you have another sword?"

Giles quickly drops the sword and starts getting awkward, "You seem to know fencing. Can you please fence me, Giles? It would help."

Giles goes into a cage that Adrien has never really noticed before in the library. He throws Adrien a saber, and he quickly gets into position; Adrien follows. They tap their swords and start to fence. Adrien felt a smile creep onto his face with how free he felt and how normal this felt to him. They went on for an hour until Giles finally ended the battle. Now Giles is impressed; that was a worthy opponent for someone who wasn't a slayer. They both secretly had an amazing time fencing each other. "You are amazing, Giles!"

Now, that caught Giles off guard. "You- uh-you-you think so?" Adrien nods and thanks Giles for the battle before then running off to his class, accidentally bumping into Buffy on his way out. He yells out a quick apology as he continues to zoom away.

XXX

I watch Adrien run away off to class and then look down at Buffy. "Ah, yes! Buffy! I have a new mission for you-"

"Why were you with my suspected demon?"

I froze a little at that; I completely forgot Buffy thought that; he was just so normal and talented that I simply forgot that Buffy thought he'd been killing people. Ever since he arrived in town with his mother, people have started to go missing, with chunks being taken out of victims. It was extremely convenient timing, and apparently, Buffy has been observing Adrian's mother and Adrian, and apparently, his mother has been getting weak quickly. I let out a sigh and then say, "He seems to just be a normal boy, Buffy. We were fencing-"

"Fencing with a possible enemy?! What kind of Watcher are you?!" I try to calm her down, but then she storms out of the library. Though I do have to admit there was a weird energy and or magic coming off of Adrien. It was getting potent, and it was extremely worrisome. I then go to my books, trying to figure out what could be causing this magic around Adrien. It could also explain how his mother is getting weaker. I started hitting the books.

XXX

Class is finally over; I take a deep breath as I wait for a second before then remembering that I needed to get more homework done, shit. I don't want to bring it home, and I don't want to stay at school. I guess I'll just go to the library. I started my trek to the library, and it was long and difficult, considering how I just wanted basic books and study space.

I was there for hours, and my phone buzzed. I saw that Nathalie was asking about when I was coming home. It was eight. Shit, I accidentally missed dinner. I texted her that I was heading home now and asked about food. We texted for a long time until, well, Buffy decided to jump me. I start fighting back instinctually because what the actual fuck is she on, we fought for a bit until she got me. We stare at each other, and I feel the blood pouring out of my shoulder. She looks at me with large eyes, and we both stare. "You're not a demon?"

"What kind of cocaine are you on?"

She quickly called an ambulance while I put pressure on my shoulder. "But it made perfect sense! You and your mother come into town, and people start dying!-"

"Wait, People are dying?!"

"Duh, I mean. yes? Auuugh I am so sorry!"

She then starts to ramble, and I look at her, feeling she is telling the truth. "What are you?"

She gives me a look and starts to bite her lip and tap her hands against her arm. "You don't have to tell me; how about we tell the cops I accidentally scared you while you were practicing?"

She nods and asks, "Why are you helping? I unnecessarily attacked you-"

I sigh. "I don't know, I just feel like this is your job, and you seem genuinely sorry. I won't ask questions, but please just don't hurt me or Nathalie-"

She nodded and waited with me for the ambulance. They were able to stitch me up, and Nathalie was there so quickly. I explained what had happened, how Buffy was training, and that I had accidentally scared her. Natalie nods and checks me over once and twice before hugging me tightly. "God, I was so scared, Adrien."

I hold her as she starts to cry. Buffy apologizes, and Mom says it's okay. How I should've known better then to interrupt training as I fence. Buffy then tells us that if we ever need anything, we should let her know. We nodded and then went home after I was stitched up. Nathalie had to call Father, and I got lectured for being so stupid, which I just accepted, but after I heard Nathalie curse him out for being heartless, it made me smile a lot. I went to bed that night glad I was the one attacked and not Nathalie. God, I wonder why Buffy was the one to come to that conclusion. Does this happen often? God, that makes me terrified for the future.

I doze off.

Chapter Text

Coming back to school with stitches and a huge cast, people look at you differently. Cordillia even texted me to wish me well soon and that she heard from Buffy about what happened. She was practicing wielding a sword and accidently got me in the shoulder. I started to walk down the halls, feeling people's eyes on my shoulder, so, to escape all the stares, I fled to the library. There, I came into contact with Giles, Buffy, and two other people. I take a deep breath and just sit down at a table, taking deep breaths. "Sorry about the wound again, Adrien-"

I waved her off, trying to say that it was fine, "It's okay, I've been thrown off a building before. This is fine."

The silence was deafening. I looked up and saw everyone looking confused. "You know, because of the akumas in France?"

They look even more shocked before Giles starts to dig through his books, looking for something. "Akuma? Like the butterfly's miraculous powers?"

I nod my head slowly, not understanding why they are all confused. I mean, the news has to be everywhere at this point. Sure, no one has mentioned it so far, but I just assumed people didn't want to bring up the terrorism in Paris to a Parisian. So, now I am coming to the shocking conclusion that it seems no one knew what was going on. Which then got me down a thinking spiral. It makes total sense when he thinks of it like this. I mean, the heroes in New York were even confused about what was going on- so this made something click.

"Adrien- Are you okay?"

I snap out of it and see that Buffy is shaking me, trying to snap me out of my trance. I look at her and then ask, "Are you telling me that you didn't know about the akuma attacks?"

She nods, and I watch as Giles starts flipping through a book. " The Miraculous are magical jewelry that have been lost for years and have tiny gods in them, and they are in Paris currently?"

I nod slowly, and he then starts to ask a bunch of questions that I try to answer to the best of my ability, without giving away my identity as Chat Noir. I did mention that I was the holder of the snake once, but it just didn't work out, so I was never publically seen with it. "So that's why there is magic around you, but since you didn't seem to be a true holder, you won't have to worry about the consequences."

I feel myself sweat a little at that, what consequences? Is this like Ladybug becoming more sensitive to the cold? Or is it worse, the cat miraculous is the empifinaly of bad luck. Will I die? God, this is why I wish Ladybug would've told me things, because why am I now just learning that all the problems with my life might be because of my miraculous. I then started to head out. "How about I help you to class, Adrien?"

I looked up and saw the other girl who was in the library. "Willow, my name is Willow."

I nod, and she carries my stuff and walks beside me. "So, I'm sorry Buff thought you were a demon-"

I shrug, "It's fine, I understand, I mean I was in Paris-"

"About that- did you ever get to meet any of the other heroes?"

I shake my head, getting reminded of Alya, but she quiets down. We walk in silence until we run into Snyder. "Ah, Adrien, I heard what that delinquent did to you. If you need anything-"

I shake my head, and we continue to talk for a bit. Willow is looking at us strangely while we talk. Snyder leaves after a little bit after wishing me well, "How did you get Snyder to like you?"

"Like it's hard?-"

Willow nodded before I was about to say how easy it was to be on Snyder's good side. We then talk about how she has been treated by Snyder until we get to my class. I sit down, and the class starts. It was a boring lesson, but I could only think about what Buffy could be to be that strong and that aware of what was happening in this town.

It was finally done. It was the most boring class of my life due to how easy it was. I headed to the library once more with my lunch. "Ah, Adrien, you're back."

I look up at Giles and Buffy sparing, and I just look at them, "So- Buffy what are you-?"

Giles then explains that Buffy is something called a vampire slayer and Giles was her 'watcher', which watches over the slayer and makes sure she is well trained, supervised, and informed. I nod, and I just watch them spare while I eat my weird lunch once more. I watch as they start to spar across the library until Giles ultimately loses; by this point, I was finally done with my food.

"May I spar Buffy?"

They both look at me, but Buffy tosses me a sword. I swing it around, trying to get used to the weight before we then lift the swords. I tap my sword, and she does the same back. This started our battle, and we started going in for the kills. I wanted to do a lot more movement, but my injured shoulder held me back, but we continued our battle. That was until I saw an opening. It felt like a Ladybug moment; it felt like time slowed down, and I could see the pokadot surrounding her hand. I struck, and I watched the sword fall to the ground. I hold my sword to her neck.

It felt like everything froze, and I could only hear our heavy breathing. "Man, Adrien, you did something not even Giles could do. You beat me, the slayer. In a duel."

I then feel a shot of pain in my shoulder. "And while doing that, I think you might've just reopened your stitches." I groan in pain once more, and I watch Giles grab some needles and thread, and he makes me sit in his office. I begudgingly do so, and then "Youch!"

Giles is stitching me up, and he doesn't have anesthesia. Why did I get involved with these people?

Chapter Text

It was now a few weeks in, and Adrien's shoulder had finally healed. He was learning more about Buffy and the people around her. Finding out that Buffy was a vampire slayer and the fact there were vampires, in general, helped piece things together for him. Willow was also starting to worm herself into some of his comfort space; she could weasel herself into his barricaded heart. It was pleasant, he mainly just hung out in the Library with Giles during Buffy's hunts and was appointed to also help with sparing. He also finally was able to meet the computer science teacher, Ms. Calendar. It was nice, Adrien was finally feeling into a grove and finally at peace.

XXX

I was finally going to the bronze for the first time, Buffy and the others thought it was finally time to get me out of Nathalie's supervision. Which I was okay with, so we went. It was crowded, and honestly, I was ready to get out of there quickly as well. Willow kept me glued to her, and I felt my head spin at the lights and music. I look at Xander and Buff and just excuse myself real quick to the bar.

"Hey, can I get some water? Please?"

The bartender looks at me and nods, "Of course French boy."

I hear him snort before he walks away, "Hey, how is your shoulder?"

I look and see that Cordi is next to me, "Oh, it's uh. It's fine.-" I look her up and down, "You look nice by the way."

She nods and we sit there awkwardly, "I am hooking up with Xander-"

"What-"

She slaps a hand on my mouth and starts to explain how this came to be. I listen and watch as she starts to seem to get more and more embarrassed with herself. I feel my head start spinning so I start to ask some questions, "Wait- you ditched me in a big mall for some dick?"

She nods, ashamed of her actions. I take some deep breaths and once the bartender slaps the water down I then take a proper seat next to her, "Okay, go back from the top, once more. I am just so confused-"

We talk for a long time, and she genuinely apologizes for rushing off with Xander that day. I accept it, but then we start talking, I'm now at least ten waters down at this point. "Adrien! There you are!"

I look and see it's Willow, I wave and pat the seat next to me, Cordillia quickly whispers to me that no one else knows about her and Xander and not to say anything. I nod, "So what are you and Cordillia talking about?"

"We are talking about...uh... latest fashion trends?"

She nods and Cordillia walks away from Willow, "Aren't you two friends? Why is Cordi leaving-"

"Adrien, I hated Cordillia's guts for years, we are not friends just good acquaintances."

I nod and we start talking about random things together, just enjoying each other's presence, finally, Xander makes his way over, "Buff is with her boy toy- I could treat her so much better. Whoa, Adrien chills with the face man, you are making me feel like dirt on the bottom of your shoe-"

"Ah, yeah... Anyway, I'm gonna go talk to Buffy real quick-"

They don't stop me, and I walk up to the man. He looks a bit older than Buff, but whatever, she dates whoever she wants, I don't care. He looks me up and down, and I do the same, Buffy breaks the silence, "So, Adrien, this is Angel, and Angel, this is Adrien, he's my friend who moved here from France."

We look each other up and down before reluctantly shaking hands. We give each other a firm handshake and something about this guy just throws me off. I walk back to Willow feeling off balance around this guy, but then something feels wrong, like I am about to throw up. I rushed to the bathroom, thankfully it was open. I splash my face with some water and when I look up I notice cat-like pupils staring back at me. I feel panic rising faster and faster up my chest, I watch as ears start popping from the top of my head and how I am physically shrinking.

I black out due to stress and when I open my eyes, I notice how big the world is. How dim it is. How colors don't look right, then the door swings open, "Yo, who let a cat in here?"

I look around and then realize, shit. Did I turn into a cat? But why? Was this the consequences Giles was talking about? What am I supposed to do??? The men start walking towards me, and I quickly rush out, scratching and biting if they come anywhere near me. Where do I even go?? I am a cat for fucks sake! I start running around thinking I should go to Buffy but, she's still probably around that guy...

Xander? hell no! He is a disgrace among us men! Willow then? No, I am comfortable with her but there is something about her that throws me off. Maybe Giles? But I have no idea where Giles lives! "Yeah! I am thinking of asking James to the winter formal-"

CORDILLIA!

I jump on her lap and notice how she is about to shove me off until she looks me in the eyes. "Adrien-"

The girls with her look at her strangely so she quickly picks me up, "Ah girls! I completely forgot to tell you about a stray I found!"

I look around and she places me into her purse as we head out. "So, how did this happen?"

I give her a look before she realizes, "Right, you probably can't speak. But, the second you are a human again you are going to have to answer for your crimes, mister."

I let out a sigh and just made myself comfortable in her purse, "Oh don't you sigh at me, mister! I will get you bad cat food!"

I close my eyes.

Chapter Text

Somehow, Adrien Agreste was a cat. Now, Cordillia was honored that Adrien came to her for help, but what was she supposed to even do in this situation? She was tempted to find Giles and get his input, but she respected him enough not to do that at nearly midnight. So this just means that she is just gonna have to gaslight her parents into thinking that she's always had a pet cat and or has always been a babysitter for her friend's cat. She ended up choosing the babysitter path for future purposes. She walks through the front door of her mansion-sized home, waiting for the lecture from her mother about staying out so late when she should be studying.

She sighed loudly, walking Adrien up in her purse. He looks at her with those green eyes, and she feels a sense of calm wash over her. "We should probably tell Nathalie that you are okay as well-." Adrien nods, and she quickly leaves a call Nathalie answers about how Adrien got extremely tired and will just sleep over.

Nathalie was hesitant but allowed it this once. Cordelia lets out a sigh, "This better be temporary, Adrien, because I cannot lie to you about this. Especially to your mother."

Adrien nods, and they walk in. Cordillia's mother immediately begins the lecture. She starts going off about how she needs to study more if she wants to get into a good college and how they won't be there forever to support her. Cordillia just rolls her eyes and starts walking to her bedroom, basically slamming her bedroom door shut. Adrien jumps out of her bag and puts a paw on her leg. Cordillia smiles and starts to say something before just hugging Adrien, the cat.

---

The next day, Adrien was still not back to normal. That's it. They needed to see Giles to get this straightened out. Cordillia didn't even wait for Adrien the cat to fully wake up, she yanked him out of bed, running to her car. She practically sped to school to get there early, making sure not to run into Buffy and the others. I mean, if Adrien especially chose her and not Scooby crew then he doesn't want them to know about this.

XXX

I hear a door slam open at the ripe time of seven. I was eating breakfast with Ms. Calender but there was Cordillia, black cat in hand looking disheveled, "uh Cordillia, I'm sorry to say this but the Library isn't technically open yet-"

"I don't care! Adrien turned into a cat-!"

I look at the cat she is holding and make my way over, "And can you tell it's Adrien-? Or is this just some random-"

Suddenly, it happened, it was like a force that allowed itself to be broken so I could see the sorrow in the cat's eyes and how it pleaded for help. I notice the specks of blond in the fur, making the cat seem like it's glowing. I pick him away from Cordillia, and immediately, Ms. Calender comes over to hold him so I can research what is wrong. I flip through the miraculous book once more and notice something about the cat miraculous.

How in tense situations or when faced with other beasts of the paranormal, it will cause the user to shift into a cat to escape from the situation. I look toward Adrien and notice how he looks shy when he also seems to understand that I know now, "You were the holder of the cat-"

Ms Calender looks over and reads what I read. She lets out a gasp and Cordillia asks for a fill-in. "Cordillia, our friend Adrien lied on the fact that he was one, a true holder, and that two he was the holder of the cat and not the snake!"

I sigh and just say, "I'll figure out how to destress Adrien, in the mean time Cordillia, have a good day."

She walks out but first gives Adrien a few pets. "Now, Adrien, let's get back to the part of you're in trouble-"

X-X-X

I was getting worried now, it was the end of the school day and no sign of Adrien anywhere. I start pacing around the living room until I hear a knock at my door. I open it expecting Adrien only to be met with a man and a black cat. "Are you Adrien's mother?"

I nod and he asks to be let in which I allow, I prepare myself for the worst but, "Did you know your son was a miraculous holder?"

My world freezes, Adrien was a miraculous holder? I shake my head and he continues, "I see, well. Adrien was the black cat holder and the true holder as he now has been feeling the consequences of this."

I look at the cat and suddenly it clicks, "Are you telling me that my son is that cat?"

He nods.

Adrien walks towards me and sits on my lap, seemingly hurt by my reaction to this. "I- of course, it was you- why wouldn't it be?"

I feel tears streaming down my face and I hear Adrien purring and trying to get me to smile, "Adrien, I have something important to tell you, but I just know you are going to hate me and I know that I will deserve this hate."

My face gets more damp as I look at the cat that was holding the boy I loved so dear and thought of as a son. It was so obvious that it was Adrien all along, it was perfect that we would never suspect him either, we didn't think it was even possible for a sent monster to weld a miraculous in the first place. I look at the Librarian, "I'm sorry, and you are?"

"I'm Giles, I am also known as something called a watcher-"

"yes, you 'watchers' are mentioned in the texts." We both sit there awkwardly, and I continue to stare at Adrien, "Adrien, I'm sorry but your father is Hawkmoth-"

It feels like the room goes still, his eyes wide, and I can just see the questions he wants to ask so badly, "What? What do you mean my father is Hawkmoth?"

Chapter Text

A bombshell was dropped, and all Adrien could think about was how his father, the man he loved wholeheartedly, had also been the man he had hated for the past nine months. He looks up at Nathalie with his big green cat eyes in shock and horror. He leaps out of her lap and starts to throw up, "Adrien? You couldn't even make it to the hardwood floors?"

He looks at Nathalie and stomps off back onto Giles's lap. "I know this is hard to digest, Adrien, but it was all to bring your mother back-"

That gets Adrien's eyes to snap open, his mother? Why bring someone who was dead? Adrien has been over his mother for a few years now, why couldn't his father just deal with the fact that people die? People pass away and we just have to deal with that, Jesus. Suddenly he was able to use his voice, "She's dead, why?"

Everyone looks at him, "You spoke!"

Giles holds him up, making his body dangling from the gravity. "You must be adapting to this form finally!-"

Giles continues to ramble, but Nathalie decides to drop another bombshell, "Adrien, you being Chat Noir just never seemed to be a possibility because well-"

Adrien could feel the stress build up in his small body, "You are a senti-monster Adrien."

"What?"

"You are made from a feather and magic, from the Peacock miraculous."

Adrien looks at the woman he has come to love as his mother, it was her. The Miraculous as he knew was damaged and needed repair, so that was the reason his mother died, he was the reason she died. They couldn't have kids and made one with magic that also damaged his mother, and killed her. Now Nathalie was dying to the same very thing. He looked at Nathalie and realized something, "Did you fix it?"

"Yes, Gabriel was supposed to use the miraculous of the rabbit to give the cure to the past him and your mother."

Adrien looks down and realizes, that his dad never completed this mission, Nathalie is still sick and his mother is still dead. He chose to fight Ladybug and Chat Noir instead of healing his mother. Nathalie looks at the boy she sees like a son, "Adrien, I never meant to hurt you. I just wanted your mother back, I am not suited or will never be suited to take that role-"

Adrien rushes over and leaps on her trying to give a hug with his cat form. She pets him and she starts crying, why did it all lead to this, Adrien is the center of it all, he never signed up for any of this, he only signed up to live a normal life. He didn't choose to be the cause of this magic war in Paris. Nathalie can only cry as she holds onto Adrien.

---

Adrien was finally back to normal, or as normal as one could be, after learning that your dad is a terrorist and you are not human but made of magic. He did send an email stating everything he learned to the French government with Nathalie and even stated that he, Adrien Agreste, did not know his father was Hawkmoth till he told him. He was going to throw Nathalie under the bus as an obligation, but he just couldn't. He was too selfish to let his mother figure rot in prison when she was only thinking of him.

Everything seemed so small after the email was sent, it felt like, for once, Adrien was free from all the burdens that were his life in Paris. He walked with a pep in his step, gleefully walking down the halls until, "Buffy you can't go to that College party!"

XXX

Buffy? College party? I turn and see that it was Xander who said that, I show up and ask, "Buffy is going to a college party?"

They all turn to me, Buffy decides to speak up, "I can do whatever I want! Cordillia and the college boys said that I was more than welcome to join! I'm going!"

She slams her locker and walks away. Xander starts going on a spiel about how Buffy is going to get hurt, and I just walk away annoyed with Xander. I just sent one message to Buffy, 'If anything goes wrong, text me.'

I get only one thing back, 'kay'

I smile and head to the library, "Giles!"

I then notice Snyder next to him, Snyder turns and gives me a slight smile, "Ah, Adrien, just the boy I wanted to see! How would you feel sitting in with Giles for today!"

"Ah, but my classes-"

"Adrien, you are so far ahead of everyone that it's just easier to have you given work and let you work."

I sigh and just sit at a table in the library, he then slams some work on the table, "I will come by around Lunch and pick up some that you have done."

I nod and just relax in my chair, Snyder then looks at Giles, "Unlike your favorite, mine is the perfect definition of high potential."

He walks with his hands behind his back. I watch as Giles takes off his glasses and mutters something about how Snyder could suck it. I started working away and felt alone once more. The reason why I liked moving here after that disoriented month was that I was with people and surrounded by stereotypical American high schoolers.

I just started my work once more, and then Giles asked, "Adrien, could you look for the miraculous magic book on the shelves?"

I nod, and he starts talking about how it would be best if I learn more about my powers and the effects of being a true holder. I looked and did eventually find it, I traced my hand over the familiar symbol that used to be on Fu's box. I take a deep breath and say to Giles, "I will read this once I get some work done."

He makes a sound, and I go back to my desk, the book looming my thoughts through most of it. I finished my work for two subjects and decide now is the time, I look at the old book and crack it open, smelling the old paper, first thing I read, "Wong Fu, a study."

Chapter Text

I start flipping through the book, recognizing the name. Master Fu? That Wong Fu? I crack it all the way open, and I notice that it is a study of what he was learning a hundred years ago. I start reading about the known consequences of the miraculous. Ladybug holders seem to get extremely sensitive to the cold, and if they give up the miraculous, they start gaining wings on their backs and extra arms if they are gone long enough. Now, cat holders weren't researched as much; cat holders were more likely to reach toward the call of destruction rather than turn away, but from the small (two or three) that did reject the call, they noticed how they started hearing voices from far away, or gain night vision, and at worse they would gain fur and run away due to seeing themselves as a freak.

I close the book and say mainly to myself, "You weren't freaks, I bet, I bet you were beautiful."

"What was that-?"

I look up and see Buffy, "Hey, whatcha reading-?"

"I am reading about past cat holders, how being away from their miraculous affected them."

She hums and nods her head, "Did you find anyone like you-? Or any answers for why you were gone the other day?"

Thankfully, Giles kept me a secret while I was a cat because I was scared that if Buffy or Willow knew, they would surely kill me. I look at her and she notices some of the consequences of the cat, she lets out a whistle and says, "Man, those are all extremely devastating, I hope yours weren't that bad. I don't think I can be friends with a boy who turns into a furry creature-"

She starts playfully hitting me with her shoulder and I try to seem as nonchalant as I can, but I can just feel my heart breaking with every playful jab. "Anyway, Giles you got anything for me?"

"Just that I need you to patrol the cemetery again and wait for a John Wilkins to rise out of the grave."

She nods, and she starts to talk about how rough today was and how unfair it was that she had as much homework as she did. I finish up my work and tuck it all neatly into a pile, "Speaking of work, Adrien-" I snap my head to look at Buffy, "Aren't you supposed to be in class?"

Giles responds for me, "Snyder thought it would be for the best if Adrien spent time in the Library self-learning rather than class-"

I hear her whine about how that isn't fair at all and how it was that he liked me but hated her. I sigh and just lean my head on the pile, Snyder walks in for his lunch check-in. Willow and Xander quickly followed behind. "Adrien, this is very impressive. It was a good idea to let you grow on your own, and roam wherever you like for the rest of the day now."

He walks out, and Xander then asks, "What the hell was that? How are you getting free periods as a Freshman-?"

"Technically I am a Sophmore-"

"Still! That isn't fair!"

I watch Willow calm him down, and I then decide to cut in, "Due to all the Akuma attacks in Paris, it was a lot of self-study outside of class. That and I used to be under a stressful schedule so this is just a bunch of free time for me now-"

"Speaking of that Adrien, I wanted to ask you some more about the Akuma attacks if that is okay?"

I look and see that it was Giles who asked, I nod, and Xander gives me a look. I see jealousy and anger in his eyes, but I just ignore him and walk towards Giles to tell him about my life in France. Though I did wait till everyone had to go back to class before I started to tell him about my life, "I was a model, at least for the French beauty standard-"

Giles looks shocked, and he urges me to go on, "My father, Gabriel Agreste, I found out was our emotional Terrorist Hawkmoth that has been, well, terrorizing us-" I look at Giles, making sure he is still paying attention and see that he was. I then go on to the tales of Ladybug and Chat Noir, the hero and her sidekick who was so love-sick that he sacrificed himself when he shouldn't have. I talked about every death I faced in every Akuma battle where I thought it was necessary for the plan. Giles then decides to inform me of something that Buffy faced, "Did you know that Buffy also died?"

I shake my head and he continues, "Buffy was fighting the 'Master' who lived under Sunnydale last year.-" I nod once again, "He drowned her in her homecoming dress but Xander brought her back to life."

I look at him shocked, then look at where Buffy was leaning around before leaving for class. How carefree she was and how unburdened she was. How she didn't seem to carry any demons from the enemies she faced, "Don't get me wrong, she seems fine now though-"

Giles nods and spills some more information, "She came back after this and was a completely different person, she wasn't spilling puns during battle and she was a void of the girl she used to be- She was scared the Master would come back and kill her again."

Buffy makes puns when she kills things? Why didn't she give me that honor when she stabbed me? What the hell, Buff?

"She was mean and cold; she still gets weird when vampires of great power show up. So now, look at her."

I nod, and I collapse in a chair, "All this time, I thought I was unique with all this death on my shoulders, Giles-" I hear him coming closer to me, "Only to find out there is someone just like me that was across the sea."

I sit there and think of a way to let Buffy know that I understand the fear of dying and how it feels to come back. How scary it is and how it doesn't leave you. "Adrien-"

"Yeah?"

"You have cat ears-"

Shit.

Chapter Text

"What do you mean you are leaving France!"

I feel my fingers dance across the keys, wanting to ask why. Why is he leaving? Chat Noir's Kwami informed me that my kitty was being dragged away forcefully by his parents, and now my love is disappearing without an explanation! Isn't the Ladybug miraculously supposed to bring luck? Because why am I always so unlucky?! I wanted to ask if it was Lila again wanting to take him to London for a shoot or if it was something else- I felt my head starting to blur ideas together, maybe he is going away with Kagami to Japan! NO! He couldn't be! It's not on the calendar!

I start biting my nails as I stare at his schedule trying to figure out where it all went wrong. Gabriel isn't someone to change his mind and make a rash decision with Adrien. Adrien is his most prized possession so why-

"Marinette-?"

I look over and see my mom holding a bowl of cereal for me, I watch as it drops to the floor as she looks over Adrien's schedule. "What is all of this Marinette?"

I suddenly get a feeling of shame creep up into my body. I then started to ramble about how I was looking out for Adrien and protecting him. She cuts me off, "Marinette, this isn't love this is an obsession. Stalking even-"

I tried to defend myself that it wasn't stalking it was just looking out for Adrien, and then she said, "This isn't healthy, Marinette. I don't like this- we need to get you help-"

We start fighting, I try to let my mother know that I am completely fine and that I don't need help, I am perfectly healthy. It was a loud argument, so Papa came up to see what was going on. Maman fills him in and then they both start ganging on me about how weird this 'obsession' with Adrien was. How it wasn't healthy to do this to someone.

---

They got me a therapist. They insisted that it wasn't healthy what I was doing and that it was remarkable that I was able to sneak under the radar for so long. So this all rolled into a therapist being an emergency assigned to me. The doctor was named 'Anne' she seemed nice so I told her how weird it was that my parents freaked out about this.

Then she started to set out examples of girls being stalked which I didn't see was relevant but it was scary, how they looked over their shoulders and were on high constant security. I felt bumps on my arms, "Why are you showing me this?"

"You were doing this to Adrien-"

"NO, I WAS-"

"Yes-" She holds up her hands and gestures towards the screen, "You were doing this."

The words sunk in this time: I have been doing that to Adrien? Have I been this bad towards someone who counted and saw me as a friend? All because Chloe bullied me about my crush on Kim? I then reveal why I did it; I watch Anne write down everything I was saying. "Marinette, I understand that Chloe has been terrorizing you, did you reach out to staff?"

I nod, "We have been talking to the administration about this and they refused to separate us so we gave up-"

I watch her face flare up a bit, and we continue our session. It felt nice; she let me go on and on until I couldn't think of anything else, our session was about two hours long. She looks at me and then states, "I can see why you thought this behavior was okay, especially when those around you aren't the best."

I nodded and came out of that appointment feeling like a new girl.

---

I was finally done taking down all the posters on my wall. It was unhealthy to have someone plastered all over your wall, especially when they were your friend that you saw every day. I deleted everything; I donated the presents I had made to Adrien. I started to get some grip on my life and how I was as a friend to those around me. I realized through some more sessions that I also gave more than I was given, how I was made to babysit while Alya hung out with Nino or how I did so much for the class and they called me jealous.

How most of them knew me for years but joined Lila's side. How I let Kim off way too easily for what he did to me last year. I could've gotten seriously hurt back then, but he only pointed and laughed and watched as Chloe filmed me, embarrassing me online. I also started to get angry about how no matter how much evidence I had, I was just a jealous girl or a bully to the daughter of the mayor. I was never the victim, and I could just feel the realization that my friends weren't my friends to tear my heart apart.

---

I was done being an everyday ladybug to my class and being a heartless, Jealous monster in my class as well. I finally took acceptance in the back seat. This confused everyone, but no one spoke up. Then the talking started during the lesson, how I felt so behind but couldn't do anything cause Lila spinning a tale was more important than my education. I take a deep breath and start thinking about how I bring up how I need to change schools to my parents.

I started trying to put something together; time started going by in a blur. Breaks went by in a flash, and so did lunch, how I was cast out to the side once more. I go home instead of staying, and no one follows me. Maman was shocked to see me home, but she gladly ate lunch with me, I decided now was the time to bring up switching schools.

"Maman, I need to switch schools-"

We started talking about how I felt getting falsely suspended and how that could've ruined my record if Lila never took back her claims. How it felt like the school was pushing Chloe and me together all these years. How they encouraged my unhealthy behavior against Adrien. She ultimately agreed and also got the school board involved to help clear me of any claims.

---

I was out, and my old friends texted me, telling me to get to school quickly and how Bustier wasn't going to be happy if I was late again. I leave them all on read as I take some deep breaths, getting ready for my new, fresh start. I went to a more art-based school this time. If my life is going to be disastrous on all fronts with my new cat and I not getting along and my social life down the drain. I deserve one thing that goes right.

I also had a lot more free time to do Ladybug detective work and work on myself in general. My new kitty and I were fighting a lot more about who Hawkmoth was and how to deal with Akuma. We didn't have any trust in each other, we didn't agree on anything, we defeated Akuma's at record speed but what was the point if they didn't trust me as a hero? Then an email was sent to the President of France.

He forwarded it to me and asked me to investigate the claims. "My father, Gabriel Agreste, is Hawkmoth; he revealed it to me in a phone call, assuming I wouldn't snitch." I look in shock at the familiar name, feeling a sense of Deja Vu. So he akumatized himself?

---

We found a secret door, Adrien's email had directions on where to find everything stating that his father went off about it. We found Emilie Comtos's body in the basement and we were able to retrieve both the moth miraculous and the peacock miraculous. Then it was time for a press meeting, I explained how Adrien helped us with the investigation and how we had our suspicions but didn't realize Hawkmoth could akumatize himself.

The citizens were happy, and we sent Emilie to a facility to hopefully stay in stasis and get better. My new kitty grumbled that it was obvious and then pole-vaulted away. I then look at the camera and thank Adrien and all of Paris for trusting in me. I then explain everything that has been scary and how we as people have won and are free to feel for the first time in months.

Paris had an emotional party. People were crying, breaking up with toxic people, being angry, and just releasing all pent-up emotions over the months. I also finally broke off my friendship with my friends and started to enjoy my life with all the miraculous back in my possession. I then get another email, this time from Adrien again with the news article to my ladybug Email. It just said, "Thank you."

I smile and lean back in my chair, feeling proud of my accomplishments. I take a deep breath and then start my new project, 'Finding Chat Noir.'

Chapter Text

I pat my cat's ears, trying to make them go away. Cordillia walks in. "Again, Adrien-" I turn towards her and hug her, trying to calm down. She gives me a look but allows it; she asks Giles for some books for class. She starts to pet my ears, "I assume you haven't told Buffy about this Cat curse huh?"

I nod, and we start walking towards the main table in the library. I sit down as Giles's footsteps echo, "Are you ever going to tell her?"

"She said she would never be with a furry freak."

I sit in my usual seat and feel my ears twitching all over the place, Cordi still rubs my back as I try to calm down, and everything gets significantly quieter, "Are they gone?"

I look at Cordi, and she nods, I sigh of relief. Giles hands Cordillia her books, she pats my shoulder a bit, trying to comfort me, "Thanks, Cordillia-"

She walks off.

XXX

Threatening not to be friends with a furry creature?! BUFFY! I stomp around, trying to find her. I spot her near her locker with Xander and Willow. "Why did you tell Adrien that if you saw the consequences of the cat miraculous, you wouldn't be friends with him?"

She looked startled and managed to ask, "What's the problem... Adrien looked like he thought it was funny-"

"Buffy, I might be a jerk but you are the worst!"

I walk away before she can respond. She knows Adrien is the cat holder, yet she chooses to do this to him?! I can hear my heels click as I walk down the hallway. I then look at my phone and text Adrien quickly, 'Wanna hang out tomorrow? Maybe at Suzie's? Get some pancakes and such?"

I feel something in my chest tighten as one of the college boys texts me, reminding me of the party tonight and to not forget Buffy. Damn, I forgot about that. I looked back at my phone and noticed that Adrien texted back, 'Be safe at your college party tonight.' I smile at my phone feeling much better than I did a few minutes ago.

X-X-X

I was finally home; I collapsed in my bed, just feeling the exhaustion leave my body. Doing nothing is so boring. I read more about miraculous curses, trying to see if there were any that I could help Nathalie with her illness due to her usage of a broken miraculous, but nothing popped up. I let out a sigh, and I heard a knock on my door, "Adrien, would you like to go to Joy's with me?" I turn and look at Nathalie, leaning on a crutch for balance. I get up and agree to come with her.

"She told me that she is making pizza!"

I smile at Nathalie as we go on a walk over to next door. I let Nathalie lean on me for balance as we walked over to Joy and Buffy's house, and I knocked. She opened the door immediately and smiled at the both of us. "Ah, Adrien! How's your shoulder?" She put her hand on my elbow and looked at my shoulder, "It's healed pretty fast!"

She smiles at me, and we all sit down on her island, and we all start talking about random things. It was nice; it felt like I was at Marinettes house with her parents. I smile at the memory of Tom and Sabine, making me feel as if I was family. I watch as Joy and Nathalie talk to each other, munching on tomatoes that were left over, I smile and nod along to everything they are saying, looking around the house. "Yeah, I have a date with Ted coming up. If you could-"

Ah, Joyce is dating again, that's good to hear. I then look at my phone trying to see if anyone has texted me. Nothing. I shrug and continue chatting with Joyce and Nathalie.

---

The pizza was long gone at this point; the door opens and in walks Buffy with Cordillia. I smile at the two of them and watch as Giles, Willow, and Xander walk in behind them. Joyce smiles and asks how studying was at the library. I look at her and she gives me a nervous look, I just continue munching on my pizza. "Woah that looks tasty! Can I have some Ms Summers?"

I looked and saw that it was Xander who asked that. I shoved the pizza closer towards Nathalie and Joyce smiled at this, "It seems Adrien has claimed the rest, I'll make you a sandwich."

Xander gives me a look, and I see anger flash in his eyes I just shrug him off but then he notices Nathalie. I glare him down as he stares at the metal assist on her legs. "Amazing Woah! That is insane!"

Nathalie then talks about how her crutch on her legs and how it's experimental. I watch them like a hawk. Nathalie then turns towards everyone and introduces herself. "You must be Adrien's friends- I'm Nathalie. Adrien's mom."

I watch Willow look at her in amazement, and they all start to chat. Nathalie was laughing with them all, I just relaxed and felt my stomach about to explode. I looked at how many slices I ate, about three. At least my appetite is getting better, Joyce looks concerned and asks, "Adrien are you not hungry?"

I nod my head, and then Buffy starts to go crazy on the Pizza, "I am used to my baby eating so much, I guess I was just a little shocked about your lack of appetite."

Nathalie then starts to rub my back, "Adrien's father used to keep him on a strict diet, so he is just now eating normally."

Everyone looks at me concerned, and I just lean on Nathalie, trying to keep the food down. I relax on her and- it's dark.

XXX

I look at Adrien sleeping soundly on my shoulder, and I relax. Everyone looks at the two of us, "Joyce would it be alright if I stayed over with Adrien?"

She nods, and I am going to carry him to the couch, but Buffy picks him up. I look at her, a little shocked, but she smiles and walks away. "So, Adrien's father sounds horrible, when did you separate your husband?"

"Oh, Adrien isn't my biological child, I more or less adopted him. I used to work for his father."

She nods and quiets down, Cordillia then plops next to me, "I'm sorry for abandoning Adrien at the mall. That was stupid of me."

I nod and look at her, then I open my phone and see a text, 'Hawkmoth arrested! It was Gabriel Agreste?' I spit out my water, and Cordillia pats my back, I rush to the couch and look at Adrien being so peaceful. I watch his breathing, but then I hear someone ask, "Nathalie, are you okay?"

Chapter Text

I turn around and look at Giles, who looks at me concerned. Well, now that Gabriel is behind bars, it should be alright. "Adrien's father has been arrested."

Everyone was shocked, and I explained everything that had happened in Paris. They seemed to have a grasp already, but I gave more detail about the horrors of living under Hawkmoth and how Gabriel had just found out. They all have wide eyes, but then Cordillia cuts in, "Adrien is Gabriel Agreste's son?!"

Everyone looks confused, but Joyce seems to understand, she grabs a magazine with a woman on it and the title saying 'Gabriel Agreste silver line! Is a winter must!' Willow, Xander, and Buffy look through the magazine, and then Adrien appears, "Adrien's a model?! Cordillia, why didn't you tell us?!"

She flips through furiously, and then I decide to cut in, "Most people don't recognize him out of Paris- so it's fine if you didn't realize."

She smiles and then Buffy asks, "So why move to SunnyDale?"

I explain how Gabriel kicked him out after gaining all the miraculous and did this under the pretense of keeping him safe. They look at me concerned, but I just move Adrien's bangs, and l stare him down, seeing Emilie in him more and more. Everyone starts to dissipate from the house and Joyce just gives me a hand and helps me to a room.

In the morning, my first thought was Adrien. I hope he didn't have to run to the bathroom last night to throw up all the food he ate last night. I make my way downstairs only to spot Buffy on the way, "Ah Nathalie, do you need help?"

I nod and she helps me down the stairs, "Would you like me to ask a friend to help build a ramp in your home? With the state of your legs-"

I smile at her being sweet and nod. "If you have someone, then I am okay with it."

Her smile gets wider; once we get to the living room, I spot Adrien watching the news in French. He seemed satisfied with Hawkmoth being arrested; then he hopped over to an English channel where they were talking about this huge news break that reached out of Paris. Buffy looked at the screen with wide eyes as she sat next to Adrien. The both of them stared at the screen like the news would drastically change if they looked another way.

I watched as they escorted Gabriel off the premises and how Adrien was on the edge of his seat as he watched Ladybug and KittyNoir giving a speech. It was dubbed by the English news woman and Adrien was mumbling about something. Ladybug showed the Moth Miraculous and the Peacock and even stated that he, Adrien, was the one to inform them. They gave a formal speech on how Paris is now safe and people can feel however they want to feel now without the worry of Hawkmoth akumatizing them.

The camera's pan around as you can see people crying, being angry and just emoting the way they wish they could've when Hawkmoth was terrorizing them. It pans to reporters asking about how parisions felt, so many felt relieved that Hawkmoth was gone, and how they can finally do the things they have been scared to do.

XXX

I smile at the tv feeling myself being at peace. The mayor was giving a statement and Buffy walks out to grab me a bowl of ceral. I continue to watch as you can then see in the background how Sabrina is screaming at Chloe, and just verbally ripping her to shreds. I smile at Sabrina standing up for herself and then Buffy walks over once more, this time with Ceral. "I almost died again last night?"

"For real?"

"Yeah, the frat bros tried to sacrifice me to this giant snake thing."

I nod and take a look over her, "You seem alright."

"Yeah, Cordillia helped me out, and surprisingly Xander."

I nod still feeling my uneasyness towards the guy. Nathalie puts a hand on my shoulder and hands me her phone mouthing that it's the police. I grab it, "Adrien Agreste, how can I help you."

"Your father, Gabriel Agreste, has been sent to La Sante Prison on 14 districts in the east of Montparnasse. If you would like to visit the hours are nine am to three pm. We understand you are in America but just let us know."

I nod and say alright, but then Rodger continues, "You also do not need to worry about questioning. Ladybug and Kitty Noir have cleared your and Nathalie's names. If you need anything you have my daughter's cell-"

"Oh, I got a new phone."

"Alrighty, then just have Nathalie call. Adrien, we are all here for you. We also wanted to ask if you wanted to add child neglect-"

"Yes, do it."

"We will. We care about you, Adrien. Goodbye."

I hang up, and Nathalie puts a hand on my shoulder. I stare back at the screen as it goes into local weather. Buffy also leans on me; I feel safer with them around. "Adrien, I understand if you need a bit away from school."

I nod and just look towards the screen once more, enjoying my time in this home.

---

I was in my bed, Nathalie recounting stories of my mother. She was telling me how she fell in love with my father and how she felt when she came up with the idea to use the peacock miraculous to make me. She told me of their adventures in Tibet and how they found the miraculous, how Nathalie was scared for my mother using a broken miraculous. How she yelled at Gabriel when he used the miraculous of the rabbit to do stupid things.

I just looked at her as we both talked, she talked about how my mother would use me as her crowd and how big her smile would get when my baby cooing would be cheering her on. How she would sing me to sleep and carry me around everywhere like she just couldn't believe it.

I smile and twist the ring around my finger. Missing Plagg and how he would make me laugh during the hard times. How even though he was a jokester and sometimes a bully, he was my friend who truly understood me. I look out the window, feeling my thoughts drift off. Only wish to see Plagg once again.

Chapter Text

Hanging out with Cordillia was always a strange endeavor, we went to Susies, a breakfast bar, only to sadly be reminded that this was owned by a crazy vampire lady. She wasn't actually a vampire, but she so badly wanted to be turned into one. It was infuriating to deal with; she was going off and off about how she just wanted to be able to avoid the sunlight and lurk around graveyards. I could barely hold back my scoff at that, Cordillia and I tried to talk about normal kid things but then she would yell again about how she wished a vampire would just turn her already. We ended up leaving, we couldn't handle all that crazy at ten in the morning.

We hung out in stores, trying on clothes and talking about the latest gossip. We even got some homework finished together. Before we knew it, it got dark out. We started walking back to Susie's Cordillia left her car there, keeping an eye out for danger as we did so. We even passed a blond man who was adorned in a leather jacket. Cordillia commented on how cute he was, and we continued to walk, not noticing how the blond man was now following us. Then it started, the fur started to come forward, and I felt the ears creeping out.

XXX

Adrien was what he had feared most turning into. A werewolf-like creature that was so ugly to look at that Cordillia had stumbled away in fear for a minute. This was enough for Adrien to feel ugly and unloved, and then the blond man came rushing over. He was in his vampire state now, thinking that this turned into an interesting battle. They both started thrashing around Adrien biting and scratching with all his might while the blonde man tried throwing him. Trying to get Cordillia to drink her blood.

Adrien didn't know this of course, but this man wanted to bring a gift for his pet. They started fighting even more until the vampire spoke, "You dimwitted creature! Stop fighting me and eat the girl!"

Adrien made a hiss come out, and the vampire kept the attacks up, he grabbed a knife he kept in his boot and stabbed the creature in the heart. The creature stumbled back, looking down at the knife, before ripping it out of his body. "Oh, bullocks. I thought that pure silver knife killed fucks like you."

Adrien goes back to attacking the stranger. The vampire kicks him off once more and starts to stab him with a regular knife, not knowing how to deal with this. The creature, Adrien, finally lay down on the ground, blood oozing out of him. "This was fun, but stay out of my way you ugly cat. The girl got away because of you!"

The vampire gives one last kick to Adrien before walking off to find a new victim, the further the vampire gets away, the more Adrien relaxes and turns more into a human again. He tries to keep pressure on the wound, but he just feels helpless. He's going to die here, and no one would know. He then heard some rustling and noises shouting at him to keep his eyes open. Adrien tried to make out the figure, it did look familiar, but everything went dark.

XXX

I was taking a stroll when Cordillia came rushing over, talking about her friend being in danger. I went along, not knowing what exactly happened, but then I saw it. A young boy practically bathing in his blood, and it wasn't just any young boy. But it was the boy that he sensed a lot of magic coming off of him. Cordillia rushed over to him, telling him to keep his eyes open, I quickly hopped into action when his eyes closed. I rush him to my base Cordillia in pursuit.

We put him on the bed, blood still seeping out of his body, I start stitching him up as Cordillia starts to pace around, asking about blood. I look in my fridge and grab some O- hoping that it will be alright. Thankfully, this was one of my newer bags and still had a needle attached for transfusions. We keep the bag up, and I start stitching him up some more. I put the final stitch in and watch as Cordillia rushes to his side.

She sits next to him her head basically on his heart listening to it pound away, "I need to call an ambulance-"

I nod and watch her dial; she answers as best as she can and describes what is wrong with the boy. I look at him and notice the magic around him is more of a curse at this rate. Cordillia explained how he turned into a cat beast before she found me, the only times I have seen that is from at least a hundred years ago. No one had an explanation for what was happening but they usually disappeared after a few months of this happening to them.

Finally, the ambulance showed up. They didn't question the stitches and just assumed we tried our best. Cordillia spins a tale about how they got mugged, and Adrien used himself to let her get help. They nodded along, and she followed them to the ambulance, hopping in and holding the boy's hand. I go to a pay phone and dial a familiar number, "H-Hello? This is Giles."

"Giles, I got Cordillia and a boy going to the hospital, he seemed to be affected by a curse that turns him into a cat-"

"Ah, Adrien. Yes, he was a holder of the black cat miraculous, magical jewelry that he was destined to have but gave it up. But which hospital?"

A miraculous? What is that? "They are going to the Sunny Dale emergency ward. What is a miraculous?"

Giles then goes on to explain while I hear him getting ready to rush over and help Adrien and Cordillia. We talked before we ended the call but he did have one last thing to say, "Thank you, Angel, for protecting Adrien."

I smile and hang up. I then go to find the person who stabbed him like that.

Chapter Text

"Oh Adrien, how does this keep happening to you?"

Nathalie could only look down at the boy, who she considered her son with sadness. He was on oxygen and had surgery scars all over his chest. She traced her hand over the first scar he got here, right on his shoulder by a sword Buffy was swinging. She called him stupid for not taking the proper time to observe his surroundings, but she was just glad that this would be the only time this happened, but now here she was again.

This time, a stranger stabbed him over and over, just all over his body. He was hurt again, and it felt like it was all her fault. This would've never happened if they just stayed in Paris. Yes, Paris. They will just go to Paris; she pulls out her laptop and starts making the arrangements immediately. She couldn't let this happen again. She looked at his face one more time and looked at the face that was so similar to the man and woman she loved.

Suddenly, the door burst open with an extremely worried Giles. He ran to the side of the bed and immediately looked at Adrien's neck as a precaution. He let out a sigh and then looked at Adrien's chest full of stab wounds and he plops down on a chair before letting out a long sigh. "Mr Giles, thank you for coming."

He nods and looks at Nathalie, concern washing over his face as he notices her stone face. "Nathalie, are you okay?"

"Giles, I am going to move back to Paris."

That got him to freeze, "but-why?"

"It's come clear that Adrien isn't safe here. He was safer in Paris than here in Sunnydale. I will permit him to visit whenever but he isn't doing well Giles. Look at him!"

Giles takes another sad look at Adrien, seeing all the stitches now riddled all over his body. "I understand."

It goes quiet, deathly quiet even. They sat there for what felt like days, waiting for Adrien to wake up or do anything that wasn't just breathing. He woke up after a few hours, he looked to the side and noticed Nathalie and Giles. "Nathalie-?"

She shot up like a bullet and immediately went to his side, "Adrien? Are you okay?"

Adrien nods, and Nathalie just struggles to hold herself back from hugging Adrien so tight he could never leave. She ends up doing this awkward hovering gesture. Adrien was the one to break her awkward stance by hugging her tightly, and she loosely reciprocated. Giles then shows up at his side, giving him a look of worry. Adrien just gives a smile and Giles immediately asks about who did this.

"Some blond man. He was wearing a leather jacket, I think. Everything gets fuzzy. I never wanna transform like that again. Everything went dark and when I came too I was on the ground."

Giles nods, opens the miraculous study book, and starts looking for what Adrien turned into. He then spots the worst-case scenario, where they turn into beastmen and are later assumed to kill themselves in isolation. "Adrien, we need to get your Miraculous back."

"huh?"

"You're going through the stages of insanity quickly, some take years to develop to this point... you have only been here for a few months. You need to go to Paris and get your Kwami back."

Nathalie starts petting Adrien's hair, trying to keep calm before saying, "Adrien, we can come back as soon as possible if you need as well. Just I can't lose someone close to me again."

Adrien nods and then states, "I wanna go home. I can't keep living in worry like I have been in Paris. I wanna go home and go to Andre's; I want Sabine and Tom's bread."

"We'll get started with going home. I'll transfer you into a better school as well."

Adrien smiles and slowly falls asleep once more, around five pm the next day, everyone comes to visit. Joyce and Buffy were the first ones to visit. Joyce brought some flowers and watched Adrien's breathing closely, Buffy, on the other hand, stayed next to his side, feeling like she failed her family by letting Adrien get as hurt as he did.

Adrien just looked at her and asked, "Would you still like me if I was a werecat?"

Buffy can only feel her eyes water, "Yeah, yeah I would. Only you."

They smile at each other, and Joyce just looks at the two of them, thinking of them like brother and sister. Buffy even starts telling him how they are on the search for who did this to him and how Snyder has been more distraught than normal because of his star student being hospitalized. Adrien laughs at that, but then he gets serious: "Buffy, I am going back to Paris."

Everything goes quiet, Joyce looks shocked and looks at Nathalie for confirmation. She only nods, "But why?"

Nathalie decides to cut in, "Him being away from his miraculous has badly affected him. His refusing the call has been killing him at a fast rate. Most chat noirs who refuse died in three years, but since he was chat noir and quit so abruptly, it's been killing him faster."

Joyce hugs me, and I feel Buffy tug on my arm. I look her in the eye, "Promise you will come and visit?"

I nod at Buffy, she seems to get a little brighter and I then ask, "Did Cordillia visit?"

Buffy smiles and nods, "She was the one who told us where to find you. She was stressed, she's trying to find a time to visit."

I nod again and just feel my body getting tired, "I'm so tired."

Nathalie nods and shoves Joyce, Buffy, and Giles out. She sits next to me and starts typing on her phone, she holds it up to her ear, "Gorilla, we are going to need your help."

I smiled at the familiar name and felt my eyes get heavier.

X-X-X

I walk into the familiar hospital room, looking around and noticing Nathalie, she smiles at me. "Cordillia, I'm sorry but Adrien fell asleep a while ago."

I nod feeling my mouth getting dry, "Are you going to move back to Paris?"

"Did Buffy tell you-?"

"No."

She looks shocked that I figured it out, but I explain, "The second I came back and saw him covered in blood, I knew this was going to be the final straw. Just- do you promise that he will come back?"

She smiles and seems to visibly relax, "He has said that he will be visiting, Adrien may have experienced hardships, but I know he has you all somewhere in his heart."

I smile at her and just sit near Adrien's side. Looking down at him as he is breathing. I then take out a friendship bracelet. It's cringy, but I want him to know I care. I also sneak a cross in there for safety. Just in case Vampires decide to become a thing in Paris. We sit in silence as we both stare him down.

Chapter Text

The flight was set early in the morning, Nathalie wanted to make sure that we got to Paris at a reasonable time, which means Buffy and Cordillia woke up around four in the morning to say goodbye. I looked at them, they were still in their pajamas, but so was I. We all looked at each other, and Cordillia was the first to break the silence and the tension, she rushed over and hugged me. We stood there hugging for a long time before Buffy joined the pile. She was giving for not only herself but also for Giles. I smiled as I hugged her back, feeling sad that this chapter of my life was ending.

"Do you promise to text me every day?"

I look at Cordillia and smile at the friend I gained at the beginning of this journey, "Yeah, I promise."

We hug again before Nathalie cuts in, "We gotta get going now-"

I look toward her, feeling my chest getting heavier at the thought of leaving Buffy and Cordillia behind. "I'll miss you guys a lot. Buffy stay safe alright? No dying on me-"

"I could say the same to you mister I sacrificed myself six times for a girl who didn't love me."

I fake hurt, and we both laugh at that, doing one quick last hug. Then I turned towards Cordi. We might've had our ups and downs, but she was my best friend who I could lean on this whole time. Even while we were fighting, she still took care of me when I started experiencing my cat symptoms in the Bronze. We smile at each other before she embraces me again, "I will see you this Summer, Adrien."

I hug her back, "I can't wait Cordillia."

We separate, and Nathalie shouts out that we really need to get going, but Buffy then shoves Wong Fu's study on Miraculous in my arms. "Giles wants you to have this. Bye, Adrien."

I smile, and I rush onto the plane, watching as the flight attendant shuts the door behind me. I go and sit at my window seat across from Nathalie; I look at Buffy and Cordillia as the plane starts to roll around the tracks. I notice how they are both waving, and I can see the shimmer of tears in their eyes. I wanted so badly to pop my head out the window so I could shout one last time that I'd miss you, but alas, I couldn't.

I watch as they get smaller and smaller as we go higher and higher in the air. I finally turn to Nathalie and notice how she is also looking down with sadness in her eyes, "I'm going to miss Joyce."

I nod and watch as she looks down at the area that we have come to know as home over the past few months. I watch as the seat belt sign turns off, and I quickly get out my phone, seeing that Buffy sent a photo of her and Cordillia giving a peace sign to the camera with big grins on their face. They were wearing what they would normally wear telling me they took this with the intention that I would remember them at their best and not in their pajamas. I chuckle as I shut my phone looking at Nathalie also smiling at her phone.

---

The flight was long, but we finally made it to Paris. The jet lag was horrible; I threw up a bit in a nearby trash can when we landed, and since we didn't tell anyone we were coming back, there weren't any paparazzi, which was great because I was looking like trash and looked extremely sickly.

Nathalie called us a cab, making sure that I was sat down while we waited. I took some looks around and noticed my face still plastered everywhere but with Gabriel's name ripped off of the ads. There were so many where it was just me, with hearts and notes saying that I deserved better than Hawkmoth. I turned on my phone seeing if Buff and Cordi had sent anything, but alas nothing. So I decided to send that I was safely back in Paris, with Nathalie while waiting for a cab.

XXX

Finally, one did show up; the Cab driver was polite and respectful towards them. He had a magazine with Adrien's face on it, but the driver never brought it up. They made their way to Agreste Mansion, which was untouched, much to Adrien's surprise. Sure, there were posters outside the gates saying that Gabriel was a shitty man, but no damage was done to the actual property. The cab driver helped them out and waved goodbye, leaving in a hurry. Adrien was just glad to be one step closer to Plagg, he could feel the tug of Plagg pulling on his chest.

He lets out a cough, and Nathalie quickly gets him inside. The staff was waiting for him, and they audibly gasped when they saw him, he was a healthy weight now, but he looked so sickly and frail. The staff quickly got him upstairs and served him some soup. Adrien was glad for all of their care and love for him, how they could've left him alone in this mansion, but they decided to stay and watch over.

Adrien fell asleep; he missed how all the staff would peek in on him, making sure that he didn't have a fever, how they all welcomed him home and said how much they missed him around the mansion, how Nathalie didn't leave his side making sure that his stitches where still intact and that the plane didn't affect him too badly.

XXX

He's back. I felt my head pop up as I looked around my new holder's room. She was Chloe's sister, which means it was harder for me to be floating around all the time. She was a sweet girl, but she didn't want to be a superhero or at least the main superhero. She had so much going on in her life with Chloe and her mother. So, when I felt Adrien's presence again I floated to her, "Zoe, I feel him."

She gets a shine in her eyes, "Chat Noir is back?!"

I nod and she squeals in delight, she takes off her ring and hands it to me, "Go get him Plagg!"

I smile at the girl who has been taking care of me, "Are you okay with me leaving Zoe?"

She nods, "I'm fine Plagg. I am not a true holder, I am getting more and more unlucky because of it, I love you Plagg but if I keep you I might die."

I nod and she kisses me on the head before sending me off. I then rush over to the Agreste Manor, Adrien I am coming.

Chapter Text

Plagg could feel the wind hitting his face as he made his way around Paris. He remembers how to get there like the back of his hand. He would go and sit in there on very lonely days, days where he missed having banter with Adrien. Sure Zoe was great but he was killing Zoe with the bad luck he produces. So, knowing his true holder was back in Paris felt amazing, Plagg could tell him that any longer and he would've had to deal with the dire consequences of withdrawing from the miraculous, but no. He was finally back. When he heard that Gabriel was Hawkmoth it made sense, of course, that was the answer, so now here he is going back to that cursed mansion where his prize would be.

He got to the window and he saw Nathalie watching over him, she shut a. book and then said, "Oh please, Plagg of destruction, please save my boy."

How does Nathalie know? He stalked for a little bit when he noticed how horrible his holder looked; he was almost a ghost, and cat ears popped out of his head. Wait, cat ears? No, that isn't supposed to happen until a year and a half in. Why is it? Plagg didn't care anymore about why Nathalie knew, he had to save his boy. He placed the ring on his finger, hoping that he wasn't too late. He watched as the ears disappeared slowly and he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

"Thank you Plagg."

He looks towards Nathalie, noticing the genuine relief in her eyes. He watched as tears started flowing down her face, but she grabbed some cheese from a dish next to her and gave it to him. Plagg couldn't care about the cheese right now; something was going on with his boy, and he was going to figure it out. Sure, Adrien was stable right now, but something was causing distress. Nathalie calmed down as much as she could, and she looked at Plagg.

"Adrien was attacked in Sunny Dale. He got stabbed by a blonde man, he was getting so bad that I needed you."

Plagg could feel the pain creeping up into his heart as he looked at Adrien's face. He looked older and more tired, and surprisingly, he was a healthy weight for his age. I guess one win is still a win. Plagg floated above him before turning to Nathalie, "I need a potion, something that will heal him-"

"He's part Senti-monster-"

So that's why he felt so different from other holders, his true holder was magic, just like him. So that means he will need a magic enhancement potion from Ladybug, but how will he convince her that he needs it? When he told her that his cat was being forced out of France, she was very upset. She broke down asking why her kitty had abandoned her and left her after promising he would be by her side forever. It was rough, and he mentioned that his kitten would be back the second Hawkmoth was defeated.

Ladybug was so determined to get her cat back that she started working harder, she came up with the excuse of illness keeping Chat from showing in battle. Plagg looked at Nathalie and stated, "I will go to Ladybug, I will be back but do not remove that ring."

She nods and holds onto Adrien's hand; she is so different compared to the Nathalie he is used to. She was distressed and she seemed so sickly and frail, and even though she seemed to have all priority for not looking after his kitten, she still did. She looked so much like a mother that he would've thought Adrien was her blood child. She was even praying that he would come and save her Adrien, that Plagg the kwami would find him and heal him.

Plagg takes one last look at Nathalie before running/ flying over to Marinettes house. She was still up; she was listening to some Jagged Stone. Her room was different; it had less Adrien, only photos of them hanging out together with friends, and she seemed a lot happier than the last time he saw her. Tikki noticed him first, "Plagg? Why are you here?"

Marinette looked up at him also confused, "Chat Noir is back, and he is doing bad, really bad.-"

Marinette looks scared and asks how "I learned he was made of mainly magic when he was born, so him being farther away has caused withdrawal effects to him. I need a magic enhancement Ladybug. I can't lose another kitten this way."

I feel tears slipping out of my eyes, as Marinette is looking at me in horror, "My kitty is dying?"

I nod again, and I watch as she immediately gets to work. I watch as she puts a cauldron together, trying to make the potions with effective speed. I watch as it changes colors and how she is panicking, trying to make sure that her partner doesn't die. She was finally done, or at least she hoped she was done, and she hoped that it would help her partner as much as she could. Plagg immediately rushed off with a vial of the potion, ready to heal his kitten.

It felt like time was going so slow on the way to his kitten. He just wanted to make sure that Adrien would be safe. I flew through the window, Nathalie still staring at him with a blank stare as Adrien looked pale again. I poured the potion down his throat; I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, and Nathalie quickly tilted up his head, watching the potion go down his throat. We hold our breaths hoping that this will work.

Suddenly Adrien lets out some coughs. He looks at Nathalie before noticing me, "Plagg...!"

I rush over, hugging his face with my hands, he hugs me back as best as he can and I feel tears slipping once again, "I thought I lost you-"

Adrien sadly smiles at me as Nathalie stands next to him, she hugs us both. She seemed to be in distress as she hugged us, but I watch as her tears turn from sadness to happiness that Adrien is okay.

Chapter Text

Adrien was hauled up in the Mansion for a while as he recovered from his near-death experience. He was allowed to see his lady, who hugged him so hard she may have popped some of his stitches. They talked and shared stories with very vague details about what had been happening since they last saw each other. They felt that their bond had grown stronger and even made a schedule of doing patrol together even though there was no Hawkmoth. They were just happy to see each other again.

Adrien was also allowed to go to Sabine and Tom's bakery, which led to Marinette ringing him up. She seemed calmer, and she was able to look him in the eye and talk to him like another human. It made Adrien feel safe. She then sat near him, making him scared, but she then said something that shocked him, "Adrien, I wanted to apologize to you. I had a crush on you that was more obsession than love. I know you probably won't forgive me but I had to let you know."

She then got up, and Adrienn then asked, "Have the others come to realize as well?"

She shrugs and states, "I dunno, I don't go to school there anymore. They were enabling my behavior a lot so I cut them off so I could approve so I dunno."

Adrien nodded again, and that was it, that was the end of that bridge. They both said what they needed to say, and they were okay with that. Sabine even came over and asked him how his travel was and any friends he made. He talked about Cordillia and Buffy and how accepting they were of him in his school over there.

Sabine also invited him over for Lunch which he did accept, Marinette and he did talk a little bit but they weren't prying into each other's lives until well, "Oh maman, I have to go pack."

"Where are you going?"

She stared at him and then chuckled a bit, "Right you wouldn't know, I am going to Shanghai to hang out with my uncle. I am doing a project on the area and I wanted to embrace myself in the culture because I didn't do that last time."

Adrien nods, and they talk a little bit about her uncle and how he is, no matter how Marinette treats him, she seems to have grown, and he wants to be friends with this new Marinette. She did agree but said that they needed to take this friendship slow because she would feel weird if they didn't consider her past actions. They agreed and they both went on their lives.

Chat Noir and Ladybug did more hanging out, out of the Public eye, while Adrien and Marinette talked about how their old school was corrupted. Also, they finally were able to submit evidence that Lila was constantly lying about everything, they submitted some to Lila's mother on file.

Years passed by, and Marinette and Adrien were best friends once more, along with Nino, he showed that after Alya started going down the crazy route, everything Lila said was gospel, and Nino left. Adrien was now going to visit Buffy and friends and help them move into their college dorms.

XXX

"Buffy!"

"Adrien!"

We hug, and I can just feel the stares on us, She gives me a look over before taking a selfie with her phone to send to Cordillia in a bragging way. I gladly took a photo and I even took a photo on my phone sending Cordi a quick text, 'Hanging out with Buff!"

She sent an excited emoji and quickly called, "You could've visited me first pretty boy."

I laugh, and Buffy mouths, 'Cordillia?' I nod, and she lets out a little laugh. "I will come by later, you know that, just keep a spa set for me."

She laughs and says that she will. I hang up and look at Buffy once more. Joyce smiles, and we start unpacking Buffy into her dorm, laughing and talking the entire time. Then Joyce asks, "Do you wanna go find her and say goodbye real quick? I know you got a car to catch for Cordillia."

I nod, and she waves me off, I hug her and leave to go find Buffy. I tapped at least five girls' shoulders, trying to see if they were Buffy until I found her. She was with Willow, she saw me and waved me over to them. "Adrien! You look amazing! I can't wait to see you in a year!"

I laugh, and she continues to inspect me for anything different, Buffy also inspects me, and then a man comes over, "Willow and a man?"

"Ah, Oz! This is Adrien we told you about him remember?"

He smiles and I greet him, "Hey! I've heard so much about you! It's good to meet you man, I'll have to see your band sometime."

"We're gonna be in LA soon."

"I might be there, just have Buff send me the dates."

We all chat for a bit until I get swept away to go meet Giles, which I do almost immediately because I don't wanna accidentally overstay my welcome in anyone's dorm. Giles was strangely a real chill guy, very different from the strict, uptight man I dueled with in high school. Speaking of a duel, we did just that while we chatted about everything that had been happening, then in SunnyDale fashion, like every time I have visited, I got stabbed again. Giles apologizes, and Plagg lectures him.

Giles now constantly has a stitches kit in his house because of this. I then get a ring on my phone, "I trust that you have gotten to SunnyDale safely?"

"Yes Nathalie, and of course I have already been stabbed."

She lets out a sigh, "Of course you have been. Make sure that you inform Gorilla of your whereabouts."

I nod, and we say goodbye. Giles and I got back to fighting till it was time to go see Cordi. I went out looking back once more, prepared for anything, well, anything is better than getting stabbed. I then head off, not being able to wait to see Crodi. I took one last look at Sunnydale, and off I went.