A Masked Mistake

You are a Runner and I am My Father's Son [13: Aftermath]

Chat Noir led them out the room, slamming the door open with enough force to knock it off its hinges, but even the hard sound of wood hitting concrete couldn't stop him from marching out the place. All he could see was red! Gabriel's face! His freedom! Everything was red, including his Bug, who right now he was worried would get the brunt of his irritations.

He couldn't control the explosive feelings of rage inside him. His father, the man who terrorised Paris, was being allowed to once again roam the streets. Where was the justice in that? Not just for him, as Gabriel's son or Chat Noir, but for Ladybug, for his friends who were repeatedly akumatised, for poor Mr Ramier who couldn't even show an ounce of anger or disappointment without his feelings being taken advantage of.

"Chaton, slow down please. You know as well as I do, he's paid the system off. Money speaks."

...And doesn't it just.

Money is what had ruined his life, time and time again. Right from the tender age of 12 when he'd been forced into the modelling world because his hair and eyes would sell. He wouldn't deny that when he first started it was a thrill, that he was proud to be working alongside his father and loved the attention...that feeling lasted about a month.

He could still remember the day Marinette took his hand, supporting him to take the risk and quit; just like he had later that day to her when they'd both adorned their masks.

He shook his head. This was way too much to deal with at the moment. Priorities being not to cataclysm anything or intentionally hurt his bug. Instead he moved onwards, hell bent on getting out of the building.

Chat Noir continued his storm out, slamming each and every door in the way, only stopping to grunt out an apology to those frightened by his actions. Finally reaching the main doorway, he threw it open and headed out onto the Parisian street, straight into the arms of the paparazzi and press, now was seriously not the time.

The reporters called out to them both, asking for statements and interviews. Well they could shove that up their asses! He didn't want to even think about speaking of his father at the moment, and, worst of all, they'd be coming for Adrien too.

A whirlwind of emotions attempted to break free as he pushed his way through the crowds. The sudden realisation that he wasn't alone struck him hard, his body automatically turning back in search of his partner. He saw her standing there, her eyes wide as the press moved in, blocking her and asking her for answers and reassurance that Gabriel Agreste was no longer dangerous.

"Ladybug, what do you think about Gabriel being released?"

"Ladybug, is Gabriel Agreste still dangerous without his Miraculous?"

"Has Gabriel paid the judicial system off? Will you demand a retrial?"

"I hear the jury were going to vote, M. Agreste not guilty. What's your thoughts on that?"

"Will he try to get the Miraculous back?"

"Does he know who you are?"

"Will he come after you both now he's free?"

"If Gabriel was innocent, how many other people have you two put in jail without reason?"

Her head was darting from side to side, fragments of answers attempting to leave her lips as people threw question after question her way.

"I - um - I think, I don't think we have anything to worry about. We're stronger than ever." Through her worried words, she caught his eye and he moved towards her instantly, taking her into his arms and grabbing a hold of his baton; extending and launching onto the roof, before running with his Lady to a quieter area, away from the courthouse.