When the Phoenix Falls (Adrien Agreste)

Chapter 11: Dark Cupid

"In most fairy tales, the prince breaks the spell by kissing the princess." Miss Bustier told the class, leaning casually against her desk as she spoke. "Can anyone tell us why?"

"Because only love can conquer hate." Rose announced in a dreamy voice, standing up from her chair and gazing off into the distance.

"Correct, Rose." Miss Bustier told her and the blonde girl sat down with a smile.

"Technically speaking, this reasoning is only exhibited in about eighty-seven percent of all fairy tales, and-"

Max was cut off by Miss Bustier, who clearly felt that the boy was somewhat undermining the point of her lesson. "Thank you, Max. That's enough."

Colette was barely paying attention to the proceedings of the class as she watched her sister in amusement; Marinette was bobbing up and down in her seat, leaning to each side in turn as she tried to see what the blond boy in front of her was writing.

"Adrien, I hope what you're writing has to do with my lesson." Miss Bustier said, her words finally breaking Colette out of her thoughts as she watched the teacher walk towards her friend. "Can you tell me what I just said?"

"That's why in most fairy tales the prince breaks the spell by kissing the princess, because only love conquers hate." Though Adrien managed to rattle off the answer to the teacher's question with little to no effort, Colette could not help but feel worried as she saw the expression on his face. He looked almost angry and disappointed at the same time, brows furrowing in concentration as he turned back to the piece of paper in front of him.

"Very good Adrien." Miss Bustier smiled, knowing that the boy really was paying some attention, even if it didn't appear so. The bell rang as she spoke and she dismissed the class. "Now everyone, don't forget to finish Sleeping Beauty by Charles Perrault tonight, and Happy Valentines Day students!"

"Hey, go ahead. I'll meet you both outside." Marinette muttered to Alya and Colette, the brunette giving her friend a nod as she tucked her file into her satchel, though her twin gave her a curious glance.

Standing from her desk, Colette walked towards the front, pausing momentarily when she stood next to Miss Bustier.

"Thank you very much, Miss Bustier. That was an awesome lesson and I hope you have a nice Valentine's day too."

"I'm sure I will." Miss Bustier assured her and Colette grinned back before she turned back to the desks and saw Adrien still sitting there. She walked over to him, frowning worriedly as she saw how upset he looked.

"Are you alright?"

Adrien glanced up at her and paused for a moment before he shrugged. He stood from his seat and scrunched the paper he had been writing on into a ball, tossing it into the bin as they walked out the door.

"Would an almond croissant help?" Colette asked him, pulling a bag from her satchel and offering one to the boy, glad to see the spark of happiness that flickered across his eyes as he took the pastry.

"Thank you." He whispered, still looking happier as he took a bite out of the pastry, though that joy quickly vanished as they were accosted by Chloé and Sabrina.

"Hi, Adrien! Sign here please." Colette's brow furrowed in amusement as she saw the enormous roll of paper that Sabrina was holding, what on Earth were those two up to now?

"Oh, come on. You know I hate signing autographs, Chloé." Adrien objected tiredly, causing Colette to cast him a worried look. She knew that Adrien was always nicer to Chloé than anyone else thought it possible, but he just sounded exhausted as he spoke that time. She wondered what it was that could be making him feel so down, but she was quickly drawn out of this line of thought as Chloé laughed.