The Thanksgiving Lie

chapter 7

995 words
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*reversing in time, to Adriens' POV *

  Adrien had ran until he had found a private area to transform.

  Although Plagg hadnt been able to hide with him, because of the costumes fitted form, the little kwami had been following him from a distance. Ever watchful if his owner should need him.

  As Chat Noir, he had anxiously dashed across the buildings, so he could see how things would go. What Nathalie had said was all that he needed to prevent him from returning.

  He slumped against one of the brick chimneys and moaned to himself.
  They know...

  His nerves were pretty bad torn up about that, but one thought was beating at his brain with growing intensity.
   Father knows I'm AWOL.

  He certainly didn't feel like going home right now, but a punishment was sure to come. If he didn't want it too severe, then he had better get back.

  He glanced out towards the parade and gazed at Chloes' float for a moment. He was sure to disappoint her, but he couldn't return now. Or could he?

  He knew his father wouldn't want a scene to be made. All he would have to do, would be to get on the float, without Nathalie or Gorilla catching him first...

  But, then he recalled how his father had removed him from school, as punishment for losing the Miraculous book. It wasn't worth risking that again. Chloe would understand. And his story was blown to pieces, anyhow.

  Adrien subconsciously buried his claws into the chimney. The stress of the previous situation had returned. It was making all of this too difficult to process right now. There was one thing he knew he needed to do, and that was to get home.

*Ten minutes later*
*The Agreste automobile*

  Having found the waiting vehicle, Adrien climbed inside. He removed his mask and looked up at his surprised bodyguard.

  "I'm ready.", he said forlornly.

*Agreste Mansion*

  Gabriel Agreste was waiting outside his office door when the three returned.

  Nathalie stood stoically behind Adrien, her gaze locked on some unseen object.

  Gabriel glared down at his son.
  "Was what I said last night not clear enough for you? What part of 'no', do you not understand?"

  Adrien had his head lowered, staring dejectedly at the white marble floor. As he heard the questions, his cheeks flushed from restraining the pain and anger he felt.

  How could he explain it? Explain why he reacted rebelliously? That was what his father was really upset about.

  How could he say that it involved his fathers ways? His ways of coping with Mrs. Agrestes' disappearance? Shutting himself in and blocking the world out?

  How could he get his father to understand that he needed more than this empty home? A home that was so void of smiling and laughing and love.

  Sure, the house wasn't entirely empty of people. There were the cooks, the maids, Nathalie, and Gorilla. But these people all worked for his father. They did things HIS way.

  True, they all had their moments. Gorilla could be leiniant at times. Nathalie sometimes worked things in his favor. And occasionally his father would open up and, well, be a father. But those were rare. VERY rare.

  Would it make a difference if he said he was protecting his friends from grief? That he was even protecting his fathers' image??
  No, it's not going to make a difference! He only wants me to obey him! He doesn't CARE why I do this!

  Adrien wasn't the least bit concerned about whether he had obeyed or not. He had a terrible burning need for someone to just UNDERSTAND. For someone to care WHY he rebelled.

  He could have easily answered the question. All he had to say was, "yes". But he didn't. For he knew that if he did, that wouldn't be all that he would say.

  Everything would come pouring out. Not just his problems, but the pain and anger he was feeling. And that surely wouldn't help matters between him and his father.

  So with his teeth clinched tightly, and his hands balled up, Adrien stared with increased intensity at the floor.

  Oblivious to what was going on inside of him, all that Gabriel could see was that his son was becoming more rebellious.

  The designer closed his eyes and pursed his lips. With a slight shake of his head, he then re-opened his eyes, and said, "Go to your room. You still have your piano practice, and I don't have time for this. I have an important phone call to keep. Your bodyguard is to be with you the entire time.'
  'And because you have so much difficulty in obeying the rules, you will from now on be home-schooled. Apparently your friends make for bad influences."

  The young models' head shot up. His eyes had became a strangely bright green.
  "They are not!!!"

  Gabriels' eyebrows arched in surprise.

  Adrien was shocked as well, and suddenly felt his face redden even more. But this time, with shame.

  Fleeing upstairs to his room, he slammed the door behind him and locked it.

  Gorilla had been following closely on his heels. The bulky man jiggled the doorknob.

  Panic-stricken, Adrien shrilled at the door, "Go away!!!"

  Silence.

  Adrien clutched at his hair, and glanced fitfully around the room. It was closing in again. He could feel it. The shadows that were cast by his windows, laid across him. Across the room.

  It was like his worst nightmare. Like the night of Sandboy was happening all over again.

  He brushed fitfully at his costume, trying to rid himself of the horrible sensation. But of course it didn't leave.

   Breathing heavily, he gasped, "Claws out!"

  Within a split second, he had transformed and was out the window.

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