Shattered

13) Listening Skills

Adrien's POV
Ever since my father's alter ego had been revealed, I received my fair share of grief.

Oh! It's Hawkmoth's kid! What's it like to be related to a supervillain? How did you not know your father well enough to figure it out?

Or the one that hit me the most...

This was all your fault.

I had enough of the snarky comments, even the sympathetic ones too. I wanted nothing to do with the man, but my last name was still a common bond that always seemed to tie us together.

Mari always helped. She knew how hard it was for me both as a son and as a hero, but her support wasn't enough to calm my nerves when anyone brought him up.

Even the mention of my father's brand and company had the ability to unnerve me.

And then Lila took it a step too far.

She threatened me, the love of my life, my friends, my city, and then had the nerve to bring up him.

It's decided. I thought as we made our way outside, everyone attempting to devise a plan.

I don't give a dam if I rip her to shreds.

- • - • - • - • - • -
Marinette's POV
As the kids, Nino, Adrien, and I made our way down the street, one thing was decided.

We had to go to the Eiffel Tower.

There was no question about it, the Miracle Box and Alya were at risk, and as a friend or as a weapon, we couldn't lose either.

"So, what's our master strategy? How are we going to go into this?" I promptly ask.

"Easy." My boyfriend replied. "We go in and fight. Hand to hand. Two against one, she doesn't stand a chance."

"But what if we don't get to fight? She has our best friend as hostage! If we threaten her she'll just hurt Alya!"

"I don't think so," Hugo butted in. "Lila Rossi is one for theatrics, correct?"

We all nodded in reply, remembering her dramatic plots and schemes in the past.

"She's going to go in trying to negotiate with you, your miraculous' for Alya's life. Chances are though, she'll make a huge scene about it. Whether she's recording the encounter or just standing tall for all of Paris to see, she's going to be focusing on you and your reactions."

"And this means..." Nino prompted.

"It means that if Emma, Louis, and I go with you two," he gestured at Adrien and me before continuing, "then we should be able to help Alya and get a better view on the box while Vixen focuses on her public spectacle."

"No." I quickly vetoed the request.

"What? Mom! This is the best way to help everyone! She'll manipulate you, there's no way you'll make it out with Alya and the mira-"

I cut him off before he could continue his ramble.

"It's the smartest plan, yes, but we will not put you in danger. We aren't willing to risk you getting hurt. Adrien's right, we'll have to fight and negotiate our way through." I sighed.

"Fine. When you lose everything, don't come crying to us. We'll be watching you on the news." And with that Hugo dragged his siblings off towards the Agreste manor as the boys and I stopped in our tracks.

"Will you," I began, but Nino knew me well enough to anticipate my question.

"Yes dudette, I'll go check on them. You two just focus on getting our girl back." He smiled.