Hidden ~ Miraculous Ladybug AU

Chapter 19

Adrien's POV

"I'm sorry, Father." I hung my head, not wanting to look him in the eyes. I had been 10 minutes late to my photo shoot this afternoon because I had been getting comfortable in my new room. My Father wouldn't usually get this angry over something as small as this, but after 5 days of designers block, his temper changed.

"Maybe next time you'll think twice about putting something else before your job. You're such a disappointment." He yelled, going on and on about what a disgrace to the Agreste name I was. His hand came in contact with my cheek, something that didn't happen very often, but had once or twice before. Tears pricked my eyes, but I blinked them away before they could blur my vision - boys didn't cry. After he had realized what he'd done, he stalked away, telling me to get lost.

He partially blamed me for the disappearance of my mother years ago, which I didn't even remember. Despite this, I still love him. I know he probably loves me somewhere...deep down inside and he's just sad and angry.

I ran out of the school and onto the sidewalk. I walked along with my hands in my pockets, my brain filled with thoughts.
Why? Where did mom go? Why'd mom leave us?

I let out a long sigh. Those questions had been asked so many times before. Never to be answered.
What were Nino's "urgent matters"? He never did return to our room.

I wondered. I didn't have many friends so Nino was the only person I could think of to room with. Hopefully he didn't hate me. I was probably a downgrade from whatever friends he had, a disappointment, my father's favorite word. I wandered around, not realizing I was headed towards the quaint little café nearby.

I stopped at the sight of Marinette being hugged by a homeless woman. She was smiling beautifully and the family on the street had sandwiches, water, and a box.

Marinette.

She recently befriended me over the summer based on the assumption she'd never see Chloe again. I didn't want to spoil our potential friendship by telling her Chloe was attending AU too.

She was so kind, and treated me like a normal person whenever we hung out. Our friendship would probably end now that we're starting college. I'd tried to reason with Chloe but whenever I'd mention Marinette, she'd shut down the conversation.

The woman was crying now and Marinette handed her a piece of paper along with some money in their cup. She stood up and I noticed she was wearing an outfit from the "Fabloomus Flower" collection from Ladybug. She was one of the lucky winners to get on the priority list.

I smiled, remembering how I'd come up with that name for Ladybug over a late night call as Chat Noir. Ladybug was really something. Her voice was as amazing as her fashion taste and designs, and although I'd never seen her and probably never will, I think I'm in love.

A loud shriek interrupted my happy thoughts as Marinette was crushed in two hugs from the little children.

I turned to see a group of fans had spotted me. I quickly dove into an alleyway and lowered myself into the shadows. They were in front of the alleyway shortly, looking around to find me. I loved my fans, don't get me wrong, but they could get crazy.

I prayed they'd leave when I saw Mari talking to one guy named Wayhem who was a very...devoted fan of mine. I caught her eye and mouthed, "Help me!". She gave me a small nod and mouthed back, "You owe me".

I wasn't very good friends with her, but I knew from Nino she was very kind and wouldn't leave me to fend for myself. She said,

"I don't see the appeal to him. I mean, he's just some bratty model. I mean a 6 out of 10 at best right?" That got the attention of Wayhem. I was slightly offended, but she was just kidding, right?