Red And Black [AU] - ON HIATUS

Battlefield

He didn't know what to do, he didn't even dare take a step into the asylum; just paced around uncontrollably and occasionally checked his watch to assure himself that he had more time; only to groan in frustration when he realized that even a single minute had passed.

The asylum security guard - who had been watching him quizzically for the past half-hour cleared his throat "Kid, are you looking for someone?"

Startled by the second presence that he didn't notice at first, he blinked a few times to register the question - because he'd currently been occupied with his own thoughts - before answering "Oh um, no," he ran his hand through his hair and sighed.

"Well, then do you need anything?" he stepped out of the security booth to see the newcomer properly.

"No, um yes...uh I'm not sure," He stammered, not knowing what to say. Was he going in and going through with this or not?

"Then, what are you doing here?" He asked with a puzzled expression.

"I-I actually......" he trailed off unknowingly, his gaze falling to the steel prison of the asylum. "I don't really know,"

His expression changed and he chuckled, much to Adrien's surprise "Well, none of us do these days," Adrien gave him a questioning look as he continued "But take it from me, a man who's seen much more than most have and worked alongside professional psychiatrists," He said, smiling proudly "It's okay to not know what to do once in a while, believe me,"

"Why?" Adrien asked back, hoping for an answer that would be at least a tad helpful with his situation.

"Because then you won't have expectations, and that's a  good thing. We all know how unpredictable life can be, so why try to fight for control over something that can't be controlled?"

"I get it...but at the same time, I don't," The blonde answered warily, earning a hearty laugh from the man in front of him.

"Life's a ride son, so just go with the flow and don't resist it," He tipped his cap "Just enjoy it while it lasts,"

For the first time in what felt like forever, Adrien smiled; a small but genuine smile. "Thanks, I...really needed that,"

"No problem, son. That's life advice, just do me a favour and pass it around. Some people really need it," He smiled sadly as his gaze shifted to the steel walls that kept the asylum's occupants from the world outside; where they're considered a danger when in reality, most of their biggest crimes was being broken.

"I will, I promise,"

The security guard's expression displayed gratitude and satisfaction, he smiled and - for the first time since they've talked - actually appeared his age. A man in his mid forties, a tuff of grey hair spreading across his head "So son, do you know what you need to do now?"

Adrien turned to face him and nodded gratefully "Yes, here," he flashes him his sister's asylum pass "I need to see someone,"

Marinette's POV

You're a fighter

He used to say to me, my papa. "And you'll always be," He'd say when I got back up again from a harsh fall or failure. When my world stood still and all the humiliation had drowned out; when all that was left was me and me alone, surrounded by black walls that threatened to close in and crush me alive. At that time, the voices in my head would speak; one telling me to give up, and the other one begging me to fight.

Look at you, meek and small. No where to run now.

It taunted me, tortured me even. Whenever I fell, it was always there to ridicule me and push me down; making sure that I didn't get back up. Making sure that I was breakable.