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Redemption	By : Cat_Eyes Category: +M through R > Miraculous LadyBug Views: 2815 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Miraculous Ladybug. Miraculous Ladybug is the intellectual property of Thomas Astruc and released by Zag studios. No profit was made writing this story.

Chapter List
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In the end, it was Tom who escorted Adrien to the morgue. They left early the next morning, but didn't come back until after midday. Adrien refused to speak of it, so Marinette sat silently on his bed with him, while he wept into her lap, only leaving after he had fallen asleep.
Nathalie's body was claimed by her frail and elderly mother. Tom described her as someone who looked like life had been unrelentingly hard, and was on the brink of giving up.
That was the last Marinette heard of Nathalie. There was no mention of a funeral in the papers, or on the news, something she found inexplicably sad. It was as if Nathalie's existence was inconsequential, even after her role as Papillon's right hand.
Tom and Sabine helped Adrien organise a funeral for Gabriel. Invitations were limited to immediate family, and their school friends, although it was stressed that they shouldn't feel obligated to attend. In the end, it was only Adrien, Marinette, Tom, Sabine, Alya, Nino, Chloe, Kim, and Sabrina who went.
The service was short, and kept a tight secret. The media had not been informed to prevent them from cheapening the moment, as well as to keep protestors and the perpetually curious away.
Gabriel was interred beside Emilie. Adrien had replaced Emilie's tombstone, to one that would match Gabriel's. They were both freestanding white marble with gold cursive, almost beautiful in the tepid sunlight.
Adrien hadn't spoken all day. As he stood at the gravesite, he gazed wistfully at the headstones as he wiped his eyes.
Marinette took hold of his had after the service ended, and the others began to drift away.
'Do you want to stay a while?' she asked.
He shook his head and turned away.
They retired to Marinette's place for the wake, but no one stayed long. They gave Adrien their sympathies, ate a little, spoke softly among themselves, then departed.
Sabine didn't bother to cook dinner that night. Adrien went to bed early, and was soon copied by the adults. Marinette was the last one up, and remained awake long into the night, not thinking of anything.

Less than a week later, the police contacted Adrien with word of vandals attacking Gabriel's headstone.
'If you like, we can set up surveillance cameras,' Officer Antoine offered. 'Once we catch some of them, we can make an example of them.'
Adrien rested his elbows on his knees, and put his head in his hands. 'Yeah, do that.'
Antoine nodded. 'The caretakers of the cemetery have already cleaned up the tombstone, so you don't have to worry about that.'
Sabine came from the kitchen to hand Antoine a cup of tea. 'That's very generous of them.'
'They don't like people disrespecting the dead, or defacing their carefully maintained yard,' he shrugged.
Tom and Sabine spoke quietly with Antoine while Marinette sat with Adrien and rubbed his back, uncertain of what else she could do to comfort him.
Antoine took his leave just as Nadja entered the room. She stood aside to let him pass, then turned to the rest of them, taking in their morose expressions with wide eyes.
'Do I even want to know?' she asked.
Sabine sat her down at the kitchen bench to fill her in. Nadja listened carefully, then approached Adrien.
He looked up at her with bloodshot eyes, and a woeful expression.
'I know I haven't always been fair to you, but I'd like to try and make up for that. Those vandals won't stop just because someone told them to. I suggest you do an interview, wherein you publicly denounce Gabriel's actions as Papillon, but then take a humane angle, and ask that people respect the fact that he still has a family in mourning, despite his actions. I can't guarantee it'll work, but it's worth a shot.'
Adrien looked doubtful, as he bit his lip and let his gaze drop to the floor.
'It wouldn't have to be a television interview,' Nadja went on. 'I could quote something you've said, show something you've written, or we could just record your voice. Either way, I think it's important that you go on record as saying you disagreed with the measures your father took.'
'That's not a bad idea,' Tom agreed, from the kitchen counter.
Adrien heaved a sigh, and nodded. 'Where and when would you like to do this?'

'I think you should do it,' Alya told him, the following morning.
It was a showery Monday before school, so they awaited the beginning of class at their desks.
'Nadja made a good point, and considering what people have been doing,' Alya trailed off, looking away.
Adrien propped his elbow on Marinette's desk, staring at her intently. 'What have they been doing?'
Alya screwed her eyes shut. 'People have been making a sport of sneaking into the cemetery, and defacing your dad's grave. There's videos all over the internet.'
His face fell. Nino reached out to grip his shoulder, before Adrien slid back into his seat.
The rest of the day was typically average. Then, after school let out, Adrien went to the TV studio alone.
Marinette watched him go, apprehensively. He sent her a text when he arrived, letting her know he'd gotten there safely. It was ninety minutes later when he sent another, saying he was on his way home.
Marinette greeted him at the rear street door with a hug. He hugged her back, and sniffled into her shoulder. Then, she led him up to his room, and sat with him while he took some time to unwind, letting him know she was always available to listen whenever he was ready to talk.
He simply nodded in response.
His statement was aired on the evening news. He had opted for writing a letter, giving Nadja and her employers permission to show it on screen.

It read -

Paris,
I would like to formally apologise for my actions as Chat Noir, and for the actions of my father, Gabriel Agreste.
As Papillon, Gabriel thought he could bring his wife, my mother, back from the dead, if only he possessed the earrings of the Ladybug. This thinking was deluded and dangerous, but in my grief, I was taken in by his groundless promises.
Father saw no crime in his actions, and viewed other people's emotions as a tool to be utilised. For me, it was a means to an end.
Too slowly, I came to realise our actions were heinous, and cruel. I was ashamed of what we'd become, and a part of me was glad my mother would never know of the things we did, after we were stopped.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Ladybug for defeating us, that night.
I am so sorry. To all the people who were used, I'm sorry. To all the people who were hurt, I'm sorry. To all the people we frightened, I'm sorry. Unequivocally, I am sorry.
I understand that many of you are relieved, even happy that my father is now dead. I, too, hope he has found peace. However, despite everything he did, he was still my father.
He gave me life. He delivered me after the ambulance was delayed, he raised, provided for, and protected me the best way he knew how.
Yes, he was terrible. But he was all I had left.
I mourn him, just as I mourn my mother.
I don't expect forgiveness, but please allow me to grieve, just as any of you would.
Sincerely,
Adrien Agreste.

There were some criticisms, but a surprising amount of people acknowledged his right to grieve in peace, without the added stress of people vandalising Gabriel's headstone.
The number of incidents diminished, but it wasn't until two youths were arrested that it stopped completely.
It surprised Marinette that it was the caretakers of the cemetery who pushed for the men to be charged with breaking and entering, and defacing public property. She was impressed by their work ethic, and their impartial desire to protect the place they so diligently worked at.
Adrien shook each of their hands, and they nodded politely back, promising to look closely at their security measures to make sure nothing of the sort happened again.

Life calmed down, after that, and soon, twelve months had gone by.
Adrien continued to work at the bakery, taking on more and more responsibilities as the year went on. He thrived under Tom's careful tutelage, and Sabine's boundless reserves of support and maternal affection. After all those months, he was a proficient baker, and excelled at everything he put his hands to.
Marinette finished her first portfolio, and applied to be an intern at several fashion houses during that time. She was accepted by three, but ended up attending two, despite the hectic schedule. The other houses encouraged her to apply again, after she had finished high school.
Alya and Nino began going on proper dates, finally becoming official after she asked him to dinner and a movie. Blushing profusely, and grinning like a fool, Nino had accepted.
Chloe and Kim remained strong as well. They fought on occasion, but were quick to make amends, loathe to be away from each other for too long. Many had dubbed them as the Power Couple, after Kim's physical strength, and Chloe's social status. It was a title she wore proudly, while Kim just blushed and attributed their success to their outstanding partnership.
Surprisingly, after a few months, Sabrina asked Max out on a date. They had been tip toeing around each other ever since Chloe and Kim became an item, but no one had foreseen the strength of their feelings, or that Sabrina would be the one who did the asking. Max had agreed with a pleasantly shocked expression, and it was predicted they would have the smartest children out of everyone. Sabrina had blushed mightily when Alix made that declaration.
Even though a year had passed, Marinette and Adrien were still only holding hands, and giving each other chaste kisses on the cheek. By unspoken agreement, they remained exclusive, preferring to simply enjoy the other's company in their own way.

Several Years Later
'I now pronounce you, Husband and Wife.'
The guests applauded as Marinette and Adrien turned around to face them.
Marinette could feel herself glowing as she grinned up at Adrien. He smiled tenderly back, stroking her cheek with a gentle finger.
'Hello, Madame Dupain-Cheng,' he said, softly.
'Hello, Monsieur Dupain-Cheng,' she returned.
They exited the chapel to thunderous cheers from their friends and family, confetti raining down as they made their way back down the isle, arm in arm.
Marinette was radiant in a gown of her own design, closely followed by the bridal party, all bedecked in her creations. However, due to time constraints and the inherent stress that came from organising a wedding, it was only her dress she had made herself.
Cameras flashed, and people hollered, as Adrien led her to a waiting car, reporters all shouting for her attention. Although, only Alya would get an interview.
Marinette had risen through the ranks of the fashion industry like a rocket, gaining the world's attention with her innovative designs and genuine love of the craft. She now had her own label and was hailed as the Queen of Fashion. Many people were confused as to why she would fall in love with a simple baker.
After Tom had injured his back in a fall, Adrien had taken over many of his responsibilities, and had eventually taken over the everyday running of the kitchen. Sabine still managed the finances and suppliers, but it was Adrien who did all the heavy lifting.
Tom and Sabine were going to gift him ownership of the shop as a wedding present, after they returned from their honeymoon.
Marinette settled in the back seat, while Adrien circled the vehicle to enter through the other side. She placed a hand over her belly, smiling fondly at the barely noticeable bulge.
That night, she was going to tell Adrien he was going to be a father.
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Redemption