Miraculous Ladybug: Volpina's Return

A Chat Far Away from Home

Ladybug had waited at Notre Dame at exactly the same time and left later and later as the nights went on. Marinette even went to Alya to ask if there had been any sightings of Chat that she might've missed. However Alya said she hadn't seen him since the Volpina incident, although Marinette had expect that response. She had begun to worry, and tried to leave messages. Not too many to seem over bearing or to emotional. While she didn't feel "love" per-say, but it was neutral, platonic love. He was her partner and so she had the right to worry, she told herself.

Adrien hadn't anytime to transform at all during his time in London. His father kept him on close watch, as well as the room he was staying in had no window, as to discourage stalkers. Even though his father had wanted him not to be distracted, that's all Adrien had been. He constantly got yelled at for staring off into space, leaving an already unhappy Gabriel even more agitated. Ever since leaving their house Gabriel had a sour mood for whatever reason. Not even Natalie dared to get close to him. He has never been violent, but the way he projected his voice could cut glass and shatter one's confidence. Adrien tried his best to stop being so distracted, but the fact that he lost his father's book and not even getting any free time to turn to Chat, left him itching to be set free from the cameras and lights, and to spend some free time to himself. Luckily he was able to keep Plagg under wraps and happy with the seemingly endless supply of Camembert that Adrien had to request personally. Which ended up with his guest room smelling like the awful cheese, although Adrien got so use to it that it hardly bothered him anymore.

Plagg had complained about receiving messages from Ladybug, which left Adrien even more distracted. What if his Lady was in trouble, what if there was an Akuma attack. Adrien was so worked up that Nathalie had insisted on taking him to the spa to relax. It didn't really help much as he continued to worry about his Lady. He wanted nothing else than to hop aboard a plane, boat, even willing to swim back to Paris, just so he can get to her. Plagg only gave him some comfort as he assured him that Ladybug's Kwami was perfectly fine. It didn't mean that Paris was in need of Chat Noir's assistance. He knew whatever problem arose in Paris, Ladybug was more than capable to handle any situation Hawk Moth could throw at her. Adrien just wished he could be there to help.

This photo shoot was nothing new to Adrien: show up, listen, pose, smile pretty, rinse and repeat. At least the locations kept Adrien engaged. They posed in front of some very major locations like Big Ben and the London Eye. Unfortunately that was about as much sight-seeing that Adrien was able to have the entire trip. He took pictures of as much as he could, saving them to show Nino when he got back. Nino wasn't the most ecstatic about his best bud, but he got use to stuff like that.

Even with Adrien's constantly spacing out, the photo shoot was done on time and all the photos came out to Gabriel's expectation. Gabriel was secretly pleased but kept it hidden behind his stone mask. He is always careful not to show off any emotions, not even around his son. Gabriel urged his staff to wrap things up, he was apparently itching to go home for some reason. With everything packed up they headed off to the airport. Not a single word was said between Adrien and his father until the walked into their house.

"Adrien," Gabriel said out of the blue. "Would you please come up to my office once you get settled in. I would like to have a word with you." His voice was more stern than usual, and it worried Adrien. His father rarely talked with him in private, unless he was in trouble. Adrien guessed that his father wanted to talk about the fact that his book was missing. While Adrien rarely got in trouble, he already knew what was coming and braced himself for the wave of disappointment from his father. Adrien dropped off his stuff and also leaving Plagg in his room too. He trudged his way to his father's office to find his father looking up at the painting of his mom, which he did a lot. Gabriel said nothing as Adrien walked into the room which left Adrien with clammy palms, and stiff legs. He didn't like it when his father just stood their silently, it made it harder to prepare for whatever his father had to say.