Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Felix, pack your bags, sweetheart! We’re going on a trip!” Was what greeted Felix the moment he stepped into the kitchen for breakfast. 

He frowned, wondering why his mother would ask him to do such a thing. His father had just passed two weeks ago and the funeral had been last week. He hadn’t expected his mother to move on so quickly.

Felix though, he had moved on from his father the moment he began treating him like a monster. 

Because he was one.

Felix swallowed roughly at the thought. There went his appetite.

“Where are we going?” Felix asked softly as he sat down at the little breakfast nook by the large windows in the kitchen.

“We’ll be going to Paris!”

His eyes narrowed at his mother's words. Why would they visit Paris? For family? Despite Felix not caring about his father at all, his aunt, uncle, and cousin not attending the funeral had still stung just a bit. 

Maybe they didn’t come because they didn’t want his family’s bad luck seeping into theirs. Their picture-perfect family. Where both of his cousin’s parents adored him. 

Where Adrien had been conceived out of love, he had been conceived out of jealousy. And he knew that now. And it made his heart twist bitterly in his chest.

Maybe that’s what made him more of a monster than Adrien. 

“How long will we be staying?” Felix asks as his mother sets down a plate of scrambled eggs before him.

“A while.” His mother replied.

That set something off in Felix’s mind. Why was his mother being so vague? 

Felix looked down at his breakfast. Then back up at his mother. She smiled. But Felix could see the strain in her lips. The way it didn’t reach her eyes. She brushed some hair out of his face and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. 

Felix gave her a strained smile as well. When her back was turned, the smile was instantly wiped off his face.

It was possible his mother was still coping. Despite everything his father had done. Despite not marrying him for love, but out of necessity, she still grieved and mourned him.

Felix couldn’t understand how she could grieve someone she never loved. How could she grieve someone she would get into screaming matches with? How could she grieve someone she always had to fake a smile around? Who would at times lay his hands on her?

Maybe you can’t understand because your emotions aren’t human. You aren’t human.

Felix couldn’t force anything else down his throat. He took his half-eaten plate of eggs and put them on the counter. His mother frowned. 

“Not hungry?”

“No, not really. I’m going to start packing.”

He left without another word. He silently packed his bags in his room. He didn’t know how long they would be staying. But he packed enough clothes for a three-week stay. 

When he finished, he walked to the main foyer and dropped his bags off. He was surprised to see his mother already there with all her bags packed as well. His mother seemed to have packed…unusually light. Instead of the usual three suitcases she usually had with her when traveling, she only had one.

Something wasn’t right.

“Ready to go?” She asked.

Felix hesitated but nodded. 

Their chauffeur took their bags and placed them in the back of the car. Felix nervously fiddled with the ring on his finger. The ring that had allowed his father to ruthlessly control him all of his life. 

He didn’t know what it was. But a sinking feeling was beginning to settle in his gut. Something wasn’t right. 

He got in the backseat, his mother sitting next to him. That same strained smile adorned her face. There was something wrong. Something she wasn’t telling him. 

Just as the car pulled out of the manor’s long driveway, Felix began to speak. 

“You never told me why we’re going to Paris, mom.” He said softly. He hesitantly turned to face his mother, still fiddling with the ring on his hand. 

His mother’s eyes drifted down to the ring he was wearing for a split second. He caught the dark look in her green irises. It was only for a brief second before it was replaced with that same smile. It still made his heart drop nonetheless.

“We’re going to visit Aunt Emilie.”

“Is something wrong?” 

“Why must something be wrong for us to visit?” 

Felix bit back a response. There were plenty of reasons that were floating around in Felix’s head as to what was possibly wrong with this entire scenario. But he chose to remain silent. 

Eventually, they arrived at the train station. Their chauffeur helped them with their luggage before driving away. His mother, having apparently already bought tickets, led him straight to the boarding area. 

Felix’s heart continued to relentlessly beat against his ribcage the more that time passed. Having boarded the Eurostar, they placed their luggage above their seats and sat down. 

It wasn’t long before the train departed London and began to make its way to Paris. 

Felix would admit that he was nervous. Incredibly nervous. His mother was planning something. He was sure of it. Her odd behavior and this sudden trip to Paris only two weeks after his father’s passing. None of it made sense. 

He wanted to simply believe his mother was just coping in some weird way. Maybe seeing her sister would help her sort through the no doubt complicated emotions she was feeling. Maybe she just needed some time away from the manor and all of the troublesome memories it brought with it.

Felix wasn’t sure. And not knowing…it scared him.

Felix didn’t like not knowing. 

His father had at times been unpredictable. Some days, he would try his hardest to pretend Felix didn’t exist. And some days, the simple fact that Felix was breathing would irk him to no end. And there was no telling what punishment he would receive. It was all dependent on his father’s sporadic mood. 

Sometimes the punishment was simply sitting in a dark closet for however long his father saw fit. Sometimes it was a slap to the face or a kick to his legs. Sometimes it was having beloved things taken away and destroyed. Sometimes it was going to bed with no dinner. Sometimes it was making him rapidly switch between sitting and standing and running and jumping and anything that would make him exhausted using the ring.

He had been nothing but a puppet on strings. 

Not knowing meant not knowing how to prepare for punishment. Not knowing meant the ring was twisted around someone’s finger and he would lose complete control over his body and mind. 

Sometimes, Felix hated himself. 

Sometimes, just sometimes, he wished he could be a real boy. Not a sentibeing. Sure, being a sentibeing meant being a bit stronger and more durable than the average human, but to him, it didn’t matter. He still wasn’t like everyone else. He wondered if his father would have loved him if he were human. Or if he still would have been the same man he grew to hate. 

The train arrived in Paris far too quickly for Felix’s liking. And it wasn’t long before he and his mother were taking their luggage off the train and walking through the train station.

Felix hesitantly glanced at his mother. She had been silent the entire time. Occasionally, she would look down at her phone, her fingers flying across the screen every once in a while. Most likely texting someone. If he had to guess, it was Aunt Emilie. 

Just outside the station was someone who worked for his cousin’s family. He remembered Adrien telling him once that he called the man “The Gorilla” for his huge burly physique. 

His mother smiled and waved at him. “Come, Felix.” She says.

Felix obediently follows. The man doesn’t say a word besides silently offering to take their bags. He places them in the trunk of the car and it isn’t long before they’re making their way towards the Agreste Mansion.

Felix stares out the window, watching people walk along the forever-busy streets of Paris. 

“Are you excited to see Adrien?” His mother asks suddenly, breaking the silence.

Felix glances at his mother. He’s a bit surprised by the question, considering how quiet she has been. He shrugs. “I guess. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him.” He answers. In all honesty, he could care less.

His mom smiles. “I’m excited to see everyone again. It has been a while since we’ve seen them, hasn’t it? It’s a shame they couldn’t come to your father’s funeral. It would’ve been nice to see them. Even despite the circumstances.”

Felix hums in response. 

They’re silent the rest of the way.

Once they arrive at the Agreste Mansion, “The Gorilla” unloads their luggage. His uncle’s assistant, Nathalie, is waiting by the front steps. His mother is quick to greet the woman with a hug and a friendly kiss on each cheek. 

Felix grabs his bag from the car trunk and walks up the steps to the front doors. 

Nathalie sees him and gives him a small smile. “It’s good to see you, Felix.”

“Likewise,” He replies with a curt nod. 

They enter the mansion. “Your room is the same as usual.” Nathalie says.

“Thank you.” Felix responds and begins to make his way up the stairs. He subtly glances back to see his mother speaking with Nathalie in a low tone. He can’t place the expression on his mother’s face. But if there’s one thing Felix is sure about, something is definitely wrong. And the source of whatever is causing his mother to act so strangely is here in Paris.

Felix silently makes his way up to the guest room that he has claimed as his own over the years. He opens the door. The bed is neatly made and the curtains are open, letting in the early afternoon sun. Rays of glittering gold fill his room. There’s not a speck of dust in sight.

Felix quietly closes the door behind him as he makes his way inside his room. He places his suitcase on his bed and begins to unpack. His mother had said that they would be staying here for a while. He might as well unpack and get comfortable.

Just as he finished, he heard the door to his room open. Adrien peeked inside, clearly surprised to see Felix.

“Felix? I saw Aunt Amelie but wasn’t sure if you were here…”

“Surprise surprise.” Felix replies bluntly. He turns away to place his now empty suitcase on the top shelf in his closet.

“What are you guys doing here anyway?” Adrien asks, a smile replacing the confusion he had worn on his face.

“I don’t know.” He replies bluntly once more.

“Oh…well, do you want to hang out in my room? We could—”

“Where were you guys?” 

Felix turns to face Adrien, trying to gauge his cousin’s reaction. 

“...What do you mean?”

Felix’s eyes widen slightly. Felix hated his father. He despised him. Loathed him with every fiber of his being for all of the suffering he had endured at the man’s hands. No, he wasn’t his father. He was simply Colt Fathom. His master. The one who had once controlled his life by simply twisting the ring Felix now wore. 

But even despite hating the man, Adrien and his family not coming to the funeral had hurt. Family was supposed to be there for one another. So why hadn’t they been there for him and his mother? 

Once upon a time, he and Adrien used to be best friends. They were attached at the hip. Until his father started growing more aggressive and Adrien’s father began to become more protective of his son. And the trips to and from Paris became less frequent. 

But Felix had still held out hope that maybe his cousin, his best friend, would have been there for him while he was experiencing one of the worst moments of his life. The fact that his world had been flipped upside down with the reveal that he wasn’t human, and the fact that his abuser had died and he suddenly had control over his life now. 

And yet nobody came. 

Even his mother had been absent during that time. She had been quiet and distant. And Felix hadn’t understood.

And it had scared him and hurt him and made him feel so many emotions that he had been afraid he would burst.

“The funeral.” Felix eventually answers. “Where were you?”

Adrien’s eyes widened before they began to fill with regret and sorrow. “I’m sorry we couldn’t go. I wanted to. I…I can’t imagine how hard that all was. Probably still is…”

Felix raises a brow. Was that really all he had to say?

“But…mom has fallen very ill.”

Felix’s eyes widened at that. He hadn’t realized his fists had been clenched at his sides until his fists loosened, leaving marks on his palms from how tight his nails had dug into his skin. 

“She’s fallen ill?” Felix repeats in a near whisper.

Adrien nods, a terrified sadness in his eyes. 

Felix looks away, rubbing his arm. 

“That’s why we couldn’t attend the funeral. I’m sorry…”

“It’s…” Felix lets out a sigh. “It’s fine…I’m sorry about Aunt Emilie…”

“It’s fine…” Adrien says. 

They’re left in awkward silence.

Well, Felix supposes this is most likely why his mother had wanted to come down to Paris. Guilt and shame curdle in his gut. And to think he had been suspicious of his mother. That something bad had happened.

Well, something bad had happened. But not what he was expecting. He felt horrible.

And not just misjudging his mom’s intentions. But also, blaming Adrien for not attending his father’s funeral. 

“Well,” Adrien begins, breaking the silence. “You’re here now. I'm here now, right?”

Felix looks up to meet Adrien’s eyes. He hesitantly nods. “I suppose—”

He’s cut off by Adrien lunging forward and pulling him into a tight hug. Felix freezes, having not expected the hug. But after a few seconds, he lets his shoulders fall and he quickly wraps his arms around Adrien.

He feels tears burn his eyes. He can’t help himself when he lowers his face to Adrien’s shoulder. He lets out a shaky breath he hadn't known he had been holding. He knows Adrien can feel his shirt growing wet. But he thankfully doesn’t say anything. He just continues to hold him.

They stay that way for a few seconds before they eventually break away from the embrace. 

Felix rubs his eyes. He turns away from his cousin, embarrassed to have been crying. 

“Want to head to my room?” Adrien asks.

Felix glances at Adrien. He can’t help the small smile that tugs at his lips. He nods and allows Adrien to grab his hand and tug him out of his room.

⚭

Felix stares up at the ceiling. It was completely silent in the room besides Adrien’s quiet breathing next to him. 

Felix didn’t know what time it was. He just knew it was late. The two of them had long since retired to bed about three hours ago.

Adrien, not wanting Felix to sleep alone, had insisted they both sleep in his room. “It’ll be just like what we used to do when we were younger.” He had said. And Felix hadn’t put up much of an argument. 

Which brought him to now. Felix turned over to look at Adrien. Even in his sleep he seemed perfect. Just like how his parents crafted him to be.

The urge to wake up Adrien and tell him everything. That they both were not human. Tell him everything his mom had told him. He didn’t just want to. He felt a need to. There was a pressing in the back of his throat, as if the words were just waiting for his mouth to open so he could spill his proverbial guts to him. 

But he was scared. There was a reason his father and mother had kept this a secret from him his entire life. And Aunt Emilie and Uncle Gabriel had been keeping this a secret from Adrien too.

Felix sat up in bed and sighed. He ran a hand down his face. He couldn’t sleep. 

He hadn’t seen his mother all day. In fact, besides the usual staff that ran the Agreste mansion, he hadn’t seen any of his family today. 

He should check up on her. He was sure she would be pleased to hear how he had actually had a good time with Adrien today.

Felix slowly peeled the covers off his body and quietly got out of bed. He made sure to not make a sound as he crept out of Adrien’s room.

The hallways were equally as dark. Felix held his hands out in front of him, hoping to let the walls and banisters guide him to the first floor. 

Just as he made it to the stairs, he paused. There was light spilling out from underneath the door leading to his uncle’s office. 

Curious, he made his way down the stairs and to the office. He could hear voices inside. His mom and his uncle. 

Felix was about to peek inside, hoping he could talk to his mother when he heard a loud slamming sound.

“THIS WAS YOUR FAULT, GABRIEL!” He heard his mother shout.

Felix froze. His heart dropped so suddenly into his stomach that he felt nauseous. He hadn’t heard his mother shout like that in a while. He wanted to go inside. He wanted to comfort his mother, ask what was wrong.

But something was holding him back.

“This whole miraculous thing. It took Colt’s life and now it’s taking my sisters’!” His mother spat venomously.

“And it gave you your son and it gave me Adrien! Emilie will be fine. Besides, I thought you’d be glad your husband was gone!” Gabriel spat back.

“The only reason he acted like a monster was because he hated Felix!” 

His mother let out a sob and Felix felt his knees buckle. 

“I’ve always listened to other people. I’ve always done what needed to be done. I married Colt to make my parents happy. I reluctantly agreed to using the peacock miraculous because Colt and my parents wanted an heir to our fortune. I let Colt have his way with Felix and I’ve let that boy’s existence take away Colt’s life! I’ve been miserable for the past fifteen years, Gabriel! I want to live my own life! Away from expectations, away from magic, away from boys that aren’t even real!”

Felix felt his heart stop. He couldn’t breathe. His mother…surely his mother didn’t mean her words.

It was silent inside the office. 

“Emilie is going to get better.” Gabriel hissed. “I’m sure of it. I have the best caretakers here and more knowledge of the miraculouses than you.”

It was silent for a beat before Gabriel spoke again. 

“I’ll make you a deal. If Emilie doesn’t recover, then I’ll keep Felix here and you can leave and move on with your life. But if she does recover, you take Felix back with you and never bring this up again.”

Felix felt hands squeezing his lungs and throat. 

“Please don’t…” He whispered into the night, hot tears burning his eyes. 

“…Fine.” His mother said quietly.

Felix covered his mouth with his hands. He had to have heard his mother wrong. She wouldn’t…she wouldn’t just…

Felix quickly ran back up the stairs before he could hear anything else. 

He couldn’t fall back asleep after that.

The next morning, Adrien was as energetic and cheerful as ever. And Felix had to pretend like he hadn’t just heard his mother make a deal with his uncle last night. 

After breakfast (a breakfast Felix could barely force himself to eat), he and Adrien hung out. Felix tried to distract himself. He tried to get lost in video games, walks in the garden, magic tricks, and more. 

But his mind always wandered back to what he had overheard last night. And Felix couldn’t help but ask his cousin a question.

The two of them were in Adrien’s room, playing chess. Adrien was no better than the last time they had played together. 

Felix watched Adrien move a pawn to a different spot on the board. If Felix wasn’t in so much distress, he would’ve snickered and smirked and teased Adrien at how awful his move was. Currently, all he could manage was a slight lift of his brow.

Felix sucked in a breath, trying to suck in some courage as well as he opened his mouth.

“Adrien…how long has Aunt Emilie been sick for?”

Adrien looked up to meet Felix’s eyes before he stared at a random spot on the ceiling, his head tilted back and his brows furrowed in thought.

“Uh, I would say for a few months now. I mean, it could’ve been longer. It just started getting worse recently. Mom said she’d been having more dizzy spells and…she’s been having these really bad coughing fits.”

Felix feels his stomach clench painfully in his abdomen. 

His father had experienced similar symptoms before he died. 

Felix knew what would come next.

His aunt would eventually lose the strength to walk. She would lose the strength to eat. Her skin would lose all color until she was practically a breathing corpse. 

Felix however, did not tell Adrien that. How could he?

Felix nods in response to Adrien’s answer. “I see…”

Adrien smiles hesitantly. “But father assured me that mom was getting the best care that Paris, all of Europe, had to offer.”

Felix swallowed roughly. He forced a smile onto his face. “I don’t doubt that.”

Things don’t get worse until a week later.

Aunt Emilie takes a turn for the worse. More doctors arrive. Uncle Gabriel is more tense. And so is his mom. 

Felix barely gets to talk to his mom. The only people Felix ever interacts with are Adrien, Nathalie, and the other house staff. 

Felix feels like he’s walking on eggshells all week, despite not being anywhere near said shells. 

And finally, the other shoe drops.

His aunt passes. 

And while a deep sense of loss and sadness wash over him at the fact that he has just lost another family member, dread overpowers any sort of loss he was feeling. 

Felix keeps himself busy by consoling Adrien. His cousin sobs and weeps for his mother, absolutely inconsolable.

And Felix doesn’t blame Adrien. His mother had loved him dearly. That much was obviously clear. 

But now, Felix is terrified. 

And it all comes to fruition two days after his aunt’s funeral, just a little after midnight.

Felix sees his mother with her bags in hand, approaching the front door, eagerness and determination in each step.

“Mom.” He says loud enough for her to hear, but quiet enough so he won’t disturb the sleeping house.

His mother freezes. She doesn’t turn to face him.

Felix feels his breathing begin to hitch. His eyes burn. He swallows and forces his voice to remain level.

“Where are you going? Are we leaving? Should I pack my bags too?”

His mother is silent for a beat before answering. “No, sweetheart.” The term of endearment makes something sour settle in his gut rather than fill his chest with warmth. “You don’t need to pack your things.”

“Then why do you have your things?” Felix asks, his voice coming out clipped and pained rather than the controlled and level tone he had been hoping for.

“It’s nothing, Felix—”

“Don’t lie to me, mom.” Felix bites out, unable to hold back.

“I’m tired of lies. You and Colt lied to me all of my life. And now you’re about to walk out of my life and lie again. I want to hear the truth for once.” Felix says, not having realized he had begun to cry.

He feels a bit pathetic, tears rolling down his cheeks. But he doesn’t care at the moment. He needs to hear it from his mother. He wants to hear and see the words fall from her own lips. 

Finally, his mother turns to face him. Her face is a mess of emotions. Guilt, relief, love, hate. So many contrasting emotions that Felix is sure would have left his head spinning had he been the one to feel all of those things at once.

“I love—” She stops herself. She sucks in a deep breath and releases it. “I got attached to you, Felix.”

The sudden changes in words hurt Felix more than any blow to his body could have. 

“What—”

“You may look the part and act the part but…”

His mother's eyes shine with tears. “I just want a normal life. I’ve lost two people now, thanks to the cursed jewel that brought you to life. And I want no part of it anymore. I’m done.” His mother says, her voice growing firmer yet shakier at the same time the more she speaks.

Felix shakes his head, denial swirling through his chest and grabbing hold of his heart. He barely even realized that he’d moved until he’s suddenly in front of his mother, desperately grabbing her arms.

“No! That’s not true! You love me! I love you!” Felix says. 

As if saying the words will make her change her mind. She had been prepared to give up Felix the moment she made that deal with Uncle Gabriel. 

“Please don’t leave! I can do better! Whatever it is you need me to do, I will do it!” Felix begs, falling to his knees and gazing up at his mom with tears cascading down his cheeks.

His mother looks down at him. She leans over him just the slightest bit to brush some hair out of his face and cup his cheeks. He leans into her touch, drinking up her presence and silently pleading her to not let go. To stay. He could do better. He would do better.

“What I need you to do is let me go.” His mother says softly.

And Felix feels his heart shatter. 

His hands slowly fall to his sides. And suddenly, his mother’s hands aren't comforting against his face. They burn his skin. 

His mother lets go. She doesn't smile. She doesn't say anything else. She barely spares him a second glance before she’s walking out of the Agreste Mansion, and out of his life.

Felix is left speechless on his knees, unsure of what to do or how to react. He wants to scream and shout. But all he can do is stare at where his mother had been, tears still rolling down his cheeks, and his breaths wheezing their way in and out of his lungs. His body trembles.

A firm hand lands on his shoulder. He jumps and looks up to meet Uncle Gabriel’s eyes. Felix can’t tell what the man is feeling. But he knows that it isn't pleasant.

Uncle Gabriel looks at the ring on Felix’s hand. The one that controls him. 

Gabriel sneers at him in disgust. As if he’s seeing Felix in an entirely new light now. 

“Get up.” Gabriel orders.

Gabriel isn’t like Colt. But the command is familiar. And not following orders leads to punishment. Felix reluctantly stands.

He hates the unknown.

Gabriel grabs Felix by his ear. Felix yelps in pain and shock. “The only reason you’re here is because I lost a deal. You will listen to my rules and do as I say. I have no problem taking back your ring should I find it necessary.”

And the threat of taking away the ring has Felix frantically nodding his head. 

“I-I understand…” He whispers.

“Good.” Gabriel says. He lets Felix go and walks off. 

Felix is the only one left in the main entrance hall of the mansion. All Felix can do is head back up the stairs and to bed. 

His permanent bed now.

Chapter Text

⚭ Two Years Later ⚭

Felix silently stares out the window of the car, his hands folded in his lap. He can hear Adrien excitedly rambling next to him. But none of the words resonate. Felix nods and hums at moments he thinks are appropriate. But other than that, he is not paying attention.

Adrien had managed to unfortunately convince Gabriel that he should let Felix attend school with him.

Apparently, so that Felix could make friends like Adrien. Which was just a nicer way of saying that Felix needed a social life.

Felix found it a waste of time. He had graduated from school. He had graduated from college . There would be no point in going to school if he wasn’t going to learn. He could care less about friends. He had Adrien. And that was enough.

But he supposed he was never enough for his cousin.

“Felix.” 

Felix blinked and turned to face Adrien. “Yes?”

There was a slight frown on his cousin’s face. “Are you ok?”

Felix nods and turns back to face the window. “Yes.”

Adrien goes silent for a beat before speaking. “You know, if you really don't want to go, you could go home. I’ll understand.”

Felix clenches his fists. The last thing he wants to do is back down now. Felix is in no way afraid of going to school. He just finds it all pointless. 

And it’s been four months since school started. Friend groups have been established. Felix would be doing nothing but breaking the peace and normality. 

And no doubt, people will ask questions.

And how could they not? He and Adrien were maternal cousins yet looked like identical twins. How could they explain that? How could Felix explain that without bringing up the fact that they were both sentibeings? A fact that Felix had yet to tell Adrien. 

Felix sighed and slowly unclenched his fists. “It’s fine. I’ll be fine.” He replies and turns to face Adrien.

Adrien offers him a smile. Felix hesitantly adds his own, albeit smaller and less enthusiastic. 

The car stops in front of the lycée. “Thanks.” Adrien says to The Gorilla. The man does nothing but grunt in response. Felix gives him a nod before stepping out as well.

Felix looks up at the building before him and feels the contents of his stomach churn uneasily.

So maybe he was a bit nervous. 

There was half an hour before classes started, and already the school was bustling with students. 

Adrien gently bumped his shoulder. “Come on. I’ll introduce you to my friends.” Adrien says eagerly.

“You really don’t have to.” Felix says, gripping the strap of the schoolbag he has and silently pleading for the color to return to his skin.

Already, he can see the wide eyes and hear the whispers as he and Adrien walk side-by-side up the stairs. 

Despite the emotions of unease, Felix’s face shows one of indifference. A face he has schooled to perfection. 

As they walk inside the building, he can see Adrien looking around for someone. When he spots who he’s looking for, he grabs Felix’s hand and eagerly walks over, all but dragging Felix along with him.

“Nino!” Adrien says.

A boy with dark skin and thick-rimmed glasses looks up from his phone. He smiles and takes off his headphones, letting them fall to his neck.

“Hey Adri— woah…” Nino says, eyes wide as he spots Felix. 

Adrien smiles brightly and wraps an arm around Felix. “Nino, this is my cousin, Felix. Felix, this is one of my best friends, Nino.”

Nino looks between the two and laughs. “Wow. Cousins? You two look identical.” Nino says.

Adrien laughs. “We get that a lot.”

If only you knew… Felix can’t help but think.

“Nice to meet you, dude. You just move here?” Nino asks, holding out his hand for Felix to shake.

Felix does so, his face remaining impassive. “No. I’ve been living in Paris for the past two years.”

Nino raises his eyebrows. Adrien nods with a smile. “Father is letting him attend school with me.”

Nino smiles. “Cool. Well, if you ever need anything, you can come to me, dude. I did the same for Adrien.”

Felix nods. “I appreciate it.” 

He wants to leave.

Felix hears Adrien and Nino talking. He can see their lips moving. But they both might as well be speaking in a foreign language. His brain did not want to comprehend what they were saying. 

He felt like an outsider. This never normally bothered Felix. He tended to keep to himself anyway. And besides, it had always just been him and Adrien, so there was never this feeling of being an intruder.

But that was the problem.

It was no longer just him and Adrien.

It used to be.

When Adrien learned that his mom had left and hadn’t taken Felix with her, he stayed by Felix’s side as he sorted through his grief. 

And even if Felix wouldn’t admit it out loud, he had appreciated it greatly. And it wasn’t long before they were able to fall back into their usual dynamic. And it had felt nice, despite the circumstances.

Despite the fact that Adrien’s mother was dead. Despite the fact his mom had left him. Despite the fact that Gabriel would glare at him as if he were the scum of the earth.

But then Adrien had begged his father to let him attend school this year. And his father had eventually agreed, much to Felix’s surprise. 

And then Adrien began to make more friends. He began to have a life outside of the mansion.

Sure, Felix knew it was a bit selfish to be thinking like this. Adrien was allowed to have a life. But…it only seemed to skew Felix’s own view of himself.

Adrien. The perfect son made to be perfect and with the perfect life.

Felix’s parents hadn't loved him. 

“Felix.”

Felix looked up to see Adrien and Nino looking at him with concern.

“Sorry. What is it?” Felix asks.

“Classes are about to start soon. We’re heading over. Father put us in the same classes so you’ll be with me.” Adrien says, a bright and excited smile on his face.

Felix can’t bring himself to be upset when Adrien looks so excited. So he nods and allows Adrien and Nino to lead him to the classroom.

When they arrive, the classroom is filled with students. He ignores the eyes that immediately fall on him. He ignores the gasps.

“Woah, Adrien! You never told us you had a twin brother.” A tall student with the lean build of an athlete proclaims from his seat.

Before either Felix or Adrien can open their mouths and refute his words, a voice speaks up from the front.

“He’s no brother of Adrikins. Just the cheap knock-off that everyone forgets about.” Chloé says with a smirk on her face.

Felix, ever familiar with her games, only smirks back. “Well, I must not be so forgettable if you still remember me. Say, Chloé, is your mother still in Paris? I would love to have a chat with her about your emotional growth. You still have the emotional stability of a toddler and at your grown age, it could become a problem.”

Felix hears a few startled laughs from the other students in the class and Chloé’s cheeks burn bright red from a mixture of embarrassment and rage.

“Felix, was that really necessary?” Adrien asks, shooting him a look.

“Oh relax, Adrien. She only got what she deserved.” Felix turned to Chloé once again, a smirk still on his face. “Good to see you too, Chloé.”

Before anyone can say or ask anything else, the teacher walks into the classroom at that moment. “Good morning, everyone. We have a new student who will be joining us for the rest of the year. Why don’t you introduce yourself?”

Felix has to refrain from rolling his eyes before he turns to face the class, cataloging everyone’s faces in his mind.

“Felix Gr—” Felix pauses for a second. Did he associate himself with his mother’s maiden name? There was no way he was ever taking his father’s name. 

“...Just Felix.” He eventually settles on.

His teacher gives him a smile and points to an empty seat at the back of a classroom next to a girl with long brown hair. 

“Your seat is right next to Lila. Lila, why don’t you raise your hand?”

The girl smiles brightly and raises her hand. Felix silently makes his way to the back of the classroom and sits down next to her.

“Alright everyone. Grab your textbooks and turn to page 135.” 

Felix rests his head on his hand, already bored out of his mind. He knows everything. He doesn't feel like learning it all again.

He can feel Lila’s eyes on him. They’re only about five minutes into the lecture when the girl breaks her silence. She leans over slightly and whispers.

“It’s nice to meet you, Felix. You’re related to Adrien, yes?”

Felix glances her way. He takes in her face. Her body language. Already, he doesn’t trust her. The sickly sweet smile. The tone of her voice. It takes every ounce of self-control and patience to keep from outright sneering at her.

“Yes, I am.” He whispers back.

“Wow. I know Chloé said you guys weren’t brothers, but you look so alike!”

“We’re cousins.” Felix replies in a clipped tone.

“Cousins? I never knew cousins could look so similar.”

Felix keeps from clenching his fists. He doesn’t like where this conversation is going.

“Say, Felix. How long have you been living in Paris?”

“…A little over two years now.”

“How are you and your family liking it so far?”

Felix sucks in a controlled breath. “We’re liking it just fine, thank you.”

“Where did you guys move from?”

“…London.”

Felix really needed to find a way out of the conversation.

“London? That’s so cool! Why did you guys move?”

“I’d rather not talk about it.” 

“Is it a sensitive subject? I completely understand. You know, I moved here from Italy a little while ago. There was some drama going on in my family so me and my mother were forced to leave. But, if you ever need anyone to talk to, I’ll always listen.” She whispers, that same sickly sweet smile on her face. It was so sugary, it was making Felix feel nauseous just looking at it.

Felix simply nods. “I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you.”

He turns back to the board, pretending to pay attention to the lecture. And while Lila doesn’t try to talk to him for the rest of the class, he can feel her eyes resting on him every so often.

He doesn’t like it. When the bell rings and class ends, Felix grabs his bag and stands up. He hates this. While getting out of the mansion and away from Gabriel is nice, he doesn’t like this whole idea of school. But he really didn’t have any good options either way.

Felix could see and tell that everyone else was eager to get to know him. He however, was not interested at all. 

“Hey, you ok?” Adrien asks, grabbing Felix by his wrist.

Felix freezes. Adrien quickly lets go, taking note of the way Felix goes tense under his grip. 

“I’m fine. I’m going to use the bathroom.” Felix gets out quickly before leaving the classroom. He has no idea where the bathroom is, but he could care less. He just needs a second to breathe.

Felix walks around aimlessly for a bit before managing to stumble upon the boys’ restroom. He opens the door and finds an empty stall. He closes and locks the door behind him before simply leaning against the stall and fidgeting with the ring on his finger.

It was just school. School with people who were no doubt nosy. People who would try and get to know him. Who would try to become his friend.

Felix didn’t want friends. 

Besides, he had Adrien. And that was enough for him. 

But he wasn’t enough for his cousin.

⚭

Adrien watched Felix quickly leave the classroom, worry written all over his face. He sighed and finally let his hand fall back to his side.

“Dude, is he ok?” Nino asks, turning to face Adrien.

Adrien sighs. “I don’t know…he’s never been the most social type. Maybe this was too much for him to handle at once.”

“Has he never been to school before?” Alya asks, leaning over her desk to join in on the conversation.

“He’s like me. He’s never been to a public school before. He did everything remotely.” Adrien answers.

Alya’s eyes widened. “His family is just as strict as yours?!”

Adrien rubs the back of his neck. He wasn’t sure how to phrase it. “To put it simply, yeah.” Adrien settles on saying.

“Felix told me he moved from London. Is that true, Adrien?” Lila asks as she joins the group of gathered students.

“Yeah.”

Lila frowns. “Is there something going on with his family? When I asked why he moved, he seemed very subdued.”

Adrien grinds his teeth. He knows what Lila is trying to do. He glances over at Marinette, seeing how the girl watches Lila skeptically. Adrien sucks in a breath and forces a smile on his face. 

“It’s complicated. Some things happened with our family so now, Felix is living with me and my father.” 

Lila’s eyes widen and she places a hand over her mouth. “Oh…was he…” She lowers her voice before speaking again. “abused?”

Everyone’s eyes widen at her words. 

“What makes you say that?!” Rose asks in horror. 

“Woah, we can’t just go around assuming the worst.” Alix is also quick to cut in.

“I didn’t mean it like that! It’s just that when Adrien grabbed Felix by his wrist, he froze up. You know, I occasionally volunteer at this counseling place, and I sometimes run into abuse victims. I didn’t mean to assume anything, Adrien.”

Adrien’s lips are pressed thin. 

He rarely went to London to visit his cousin. He and his family always came here. And while he hadn’t interacted with his Uncle Colt often (he was too afraid of the man to say anything other than a polite hello), he knew his uncle was often mean to his cousin. He never knew why and he never saw anything beyond a sharp reprimand. But still…the word abuse. It sat heavily in Adrien’s gut.

Adrien didn’t want to tell his classmates the real reason why Felix was here. That was his and Felix’s business. And the truth was, Adrien didn’t know why Aunt Amelie left. Just that she did. And while he knew most of his classmates only meant well, Felix would not take it as such. Felix wasn’t very trusting.

“Just…some things happened. Both of his parents are no longer in the picture. That’s all I’ll say. If he wants to say more, he will.” And Adrien leaves it at that. 

The group of students begin to disperse, muttering to their friends. Adrien sighs.

He feels someone tapping his shoulder. He turns around to see Marinette. She looks a bit nervous before she gathers the courage to speak.

“Do you think Felix would like some of the stuff from the bakery?”

Adrien’s eyes widen.

Marinette is quick to explain herself. “It’s just, you know, moving here and now attending school barely knowing anyone is tough. I figured, you know…maybe some croissants would be a nice welcome gift…?” 

Adrien smiles. Marinette truly was such a caring girl.

“I think he would like that. Thanks, Marinette.”

Marinette smiles, her cheeks flushing a bright pink. “Of course.”

Chapter Text

Felix silently stared out the window of the car as he and Adrien were driven home. School had ended for the day. And thank goodness it had. He was already tired of the stares and whispers and Adrien’s classmates trying to get to know him. Felix was starting to think they had some sort of ulterior motive. 

Adrien was silent next to him as well. He hadn’t spoken since saying goodbye to his friends at school. 

“Felix.” Adrien says, breaking the silence.

Felix turns to face his cousin. 

“I…I’m sorry.” 

Felix can’t help it when his face contorts into one of confusion. “Why are you apologizing?”

“I know I can be oblivious at times, but I’m not stupid. I saw how uncomfortable you were today. I shouldn’t have asked Father to let you come to school without asking you first.”

Felix was silent, taking in his cousin. He seemed truly sincere in his apology. 

Felix turned away. “It’s fine, Adrien. It’s not like I can stay holed up in the mansion forever.”

However, if Gabriel really wanted to, he would keep him locked away. After all, who wants the imperfect sentibeing running around to potentially ruin his image and company? It was why Gabriel never bothered getting him into modeling along with Adrien. Not like Felix would’ve agreed so easily. He wasn’t into modeling. And he knew the crazy diets, scheduling, and regimens Adrien had to go through regularly for photoshoots. Felix wants no part of it. He sympathizes with his cousin in that respect.

“Still…” Adrien trails off. “I just…I don’t know. I was so excited when Father let me attend school. Finally being able to connect with other people. It felt nice. I just wanted the same thing for you.”

All Felix heard was “I was getting tired of you and needed a new change of pace”. Felix knew it was selfish. He knew he was being very selfish. 

But…

Felix clenched his fists. He had only ever had Adrien. Colt never allowed him to have friends. Colt had even told him that he didn’t deserve friends. That nobody would want a monster like him. And while Felix hated the man and knew he was lying, a part of him couldn’t help but believe the man’s acidic words. 

Colt’s words poisoned him. They remained like venom continuously circulating through his veins. 

Adrien gently nudged him, glancing at him with concerned eyes. Felix forced a small smile on his face. “I’m fine, Adrien. Truly.”

He sucked in a deep breath before speaking. “If going to school makes you happy, and me being by your side even more so, I will continue to attend.”

Adrien’s eyes widened.

“Felix—”

“You’ve been through enough, Adrien. We could…both use some happiness in our lives. And seeing you happy makes me happy.” 

Adrien stared at his cousin in shock before a smile as bright as the sun split across his face. He lunged forward and pulled Felix in for a hug, ignoring the way the seatbelt pinched at his skin. Felix hesitated before hugging Adrien back. 

This was all for Adrien. 

Felix could do that. 

Even if he wasn’t happy about any of it.

When they arrived back at the mansion, they both went their separate ways to their rooms. Felix quickly knocked out the assigned homework before grabbing a book and lounging on his bed. 

Not long later, Gabriel walked in, his arms folded behind his back and a scowl on his face. 

Felix ignored him. The man always wore a scowl whenever he was near. Felix knew the man was livid that Felix was here. Because he had lost the deal with his mother. And instead of his wife still alive and breathing, he got the imperfect sentibeing. 

“How was school?” Gabriel asks.

Felix lets out a huff and flips to the next page in his book, not sparing his uncle a glance. He knew the man wasn’t asking out of courtesy or trying to make small talk or like he even cared. 

“Fine.” 

In the blink of an eye, Gabriel grabbed Felix’s book out of his hands. Felix reached for it but his uncle was faster, throwing it across the room. 

“Look at me when I talk to you.” Gabriel snaps.

Felix glares daggers at the man. “School was fine.” Felix repeats, spitting out each word like they were an insult.

“Watch your tongue with me, Felix.” 

“If you don’t have anything important to say, then leave.” Felix responds. 

A sharp slap echoes in the room. Felix feels his cheek burn and no doubt, the skin begins to turn red. 

“Keep speaking out of line and next time I won’t be so gentle. Just because you have your amok doesn’t mean you can do and say whatever you want. I still have complete control. Whether you like it or not.”

Felix clenches his fists and looks away, eyes narrowed fiercely. Funny how he went from one abuser to the next. He truly was the epitome of bad luck. Maybe jealousy wasn’t the only emotion he had been conceived from. Was bad luck an emotion?

“Dinner is at 19:30. If you’re late, you won’t be getting any.” Gabriel says and leaves without another word. 

Felix watches the man leave with a sharp glare. He huffs. He can’t help himself when he stamps his foot in anger. It isn’t enough. So he grabs a pillow from his bed and throws it. It falls to the ground on the other side of his room. Felix huffs. He grabs at his hair and tugs desperately. 

He hates this. He hates this. He hates this. He feels traitorous tears sting his eyes. He quickly wipes them away. 

Felix would rather go to bed hungry than face Adrien or his uncle again. He just couldn’t today. 

Felix can’t help but despise his parents. He hates Colt for being so mean to him. For treating him like a monster. For lying to him. For dying. 

He hates his mother for abandoning him here. Leaving him to suffer alone. 

He hates Gabriel for filling in the spot where his father used to be perfectly. And while he can’t hurt him as often as his father did, he still goes out of his way to ensure Felix understands how much he resents him and his presence. 

And…Felix hates himself. 

He had caused all of this after all. His existence was basically a curse. 

Even if Adrien was a sentibeing like him, he couldn’t help but be overwhelmingly jealous of his cousin. Gabriel wasn’t present and was often neglectful of Adrien, talking down and expecting a level of perfection that wasn’t possible. But, at least he had never laid a hand on Adrien. Yet . At least Adrien had been loved by his parents at some point. He had friends.

And what did Felix have? None of that, that’s for sure. 

Felix sighs and lays back in bed, staring at the ceiling. 

Tomorrow he had to go to school again. He could survive. 

He had to. 

For Adrien’s sake.

⚭

Felix quietly walked next to Adrien as they entered the school. Nino walked next to Adrien, the two deep in a conversation Felix was not paying attention to. 

He was more focused on just trying to get through the day. 

Felix glanced at Adrien, watching as he laughed at something Nino said. Something bitter twisted in his chest. 

Felix would go to school for Adrien’s sake. But that didn’t mean he would like it, nor would he interact with Adrien’s friends.

So while Adrien and Nino kept on walking forward and talking, Felix stayed put. He watched the two continue to walk.

Felix wasn’t jealous. 

He wasn’t growing to despise Adrien’s friends. 

Felix clenched his fists and took in a deep breath before exhaling. The locker rooms were nearby. Felix silently walked in. Thankfully, it was empty. 

He sat down on one of the empty benches. He twisted his ring a few times, feeling the connection between himself and the amok that kept him alive. 

He felt sick yet comforted at the same time.

“Oh.” He heard someone say as they entered the locker room.

His head snapped up to see who it was. 

A girl with raven hair tied in pigtails that shone blue under the lights. She had deep blue eyes, rosy cheeks, and a few barely visible freckles dotting the bridge of her nose. Felix recognized her as someone in his class.

He narrowed his eyes suspiciously as she stood there, seemingly frozen. 

“Can I help you?” He asked, breaking her out of whatever stupor she had been in.

“Right! Sorry. I just…” She hesitated, clearly a bit nervous, before she held out the box she had been holding in her hands. 

Felix looked down at the box. On top was a logo that read “La Boulangerie Dupain-Cheng”. Felix’s eyes narrowed even further in suspicion. 

“What is this?” He asked, looking up to meet the girl’s eyes.

“Well…” She seemed to take a calming breath before speaking again. “Being the new kid is always hard. These are a welcome gift.” 

The girl smiled brightly. “Welcome to Francois Dupont, Felix. My name is Marinette, by the way.” 

Felix didn’t trust anything Marinette said. There had to be some ulterior motive. However, it would also be rude to simply not take the gift she was offering. If this truly was a ruse to humiliate him, he could deal with it later. 

For now, whatever was in the box smelled heavenly and Felix had skipped breakfast this morning. 

He hesitantly takes the box from Marinette. Her smile grows. “If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask for help. We’re all super excited to meet you, Felix. And any friend of Adrien’s is a friend of mine.” With that, Marinette leaves the locker room.

Felix watches her go silently. His eyes drift down to the box in his hands. He hesitates before cautiously opening the box. 

Inside are croissants and macarons. He stares at them for a few seconds, looking it all over. Trying to find the trick. The ruse. He looks around, waiting to see if Marinette or anyone else is watching him. But all he’s met with is the empty locker room and the box of baked goods.

Felix eventually relents as his stomach grumbles. He takes a croissant from the box and takes a bite. Buttery and flaky. 

It was very good. 

Felix looks down at the box of baked goods before glancing at the locker room door. 

Maybe his time here wouldn’t be too bad.

He went to class like normal and pretended to pay attention. When lunch rolled around, he was about to find somewhere else to hang out when Adrien seemed to appear out of nowhere, a small smirk on his face.

“Where’re you going, Felix?”

“To the bathroom.” He replies quickly.

“I’ve heard that excuse enough times to know what you plan on doing. Come on.” 

Felix tries to walk away but Adrien, with cat-like reflexes, grabs Felix’s hand. 

“Why don't you sit with me and my friends?”

“I’m fine Adrien. Really.”

His cousin must have suddenly gone deaf as he ignores Felix’s pleas and drags him over to a table in the cafeteria. Felix feels a light blush crawl up his neck in humiliation and embarrassment. 

“I’m back.” Adrien says to the people at the table. 

Sitting there, Felix recognizes Nino, Marinette, and one other girl he knows is in his class, but he doesn’t know her name. She has dark skin and reddish-brown hair. Black-rimmed glasses adorn her face.

“Hey, Felix.” Nino says with a smile and wave. 

Felix clenches his fists and gives him a polite nod before reluctantly sitting down next to Adrien. The girl he doesn’t know the name of holds out her hand, a smile on her face.

“I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced. I’m Alya.”

Felix shakes her hand. “Nice to meet you.” He replies, leveling his voice to one of polite interest. 

“So Felix, how are you liking school here so far?” Alya asks.

Felix could be honest and say that he’s bored out of his mind and that the only reason he’s here is to escape his uncle and for Adrien’s sake. Instead, he lies.

“It’s…not bad for my first time at a public school.”

“I still can’t believe you both were homeschooled. Is it a family thing?”

Marinette lightly slaps Alya’s arm, shooting her a glare. “Alya!”

“What?! It’s just a question!” Alya says.

“Both of our parents were protective of us. It was easier to keep track of us if we were home.” Felix answers. And even that lie tastes sour on his tongue.

Felix calling Colt protective was like saying the Earth was flat. 

“And you’re sure you two are cousins?” Alya asks. Felix can hear the teasing in her voice. But still, the question makes him bristle.

“Babe, I think you’re gonna have to drop it.” Nino says, placing a hand on Alya’s shoulder.

Adrien simply smiles, amused. “It’s fine. And yeah. Whenever we went out together, everyone would think we were twins. But us looking so alike made for some great pranks. Oh! Felix, remember that time we switched places?” Adrien asks and elbows Felix.

Felix feels his heart skip a beat. Yes, he certainly remembers. Colt had not been pleased at all. 

Felix forces a smile onto his face and nods. “Yes, I do.”

“What happened?” Marinette asks, interested.

“Well, me and Felix were both around nine and we decided to try and pull a prank on our parents. So, when it was time for Felix to head back to London, I went in his place and Felix stayed here in Paris. It wasn’t until we were home that Uncle Colt figured out we had switched places.” Adrien rubs the back of his neck in embarrassment. “I had thought it would take longer for us to be figured out. A day or two at least. But, it was fun while it lasted.”

Felix hears Adrien’s friends laugh. Felix however, doesn’t laugh. Because he knows why it hadn’t taken Colt long to figure out what had happened. Colt had requested his presence, using the ring to call him. 

And Adrien hadn’t heeded his call. But Felix, back in Paris, had aimlessly tried to leave the Agreste Mansion and return to London to heed his father’s command. 

He and Adrien had been quickly swapped back afterward. Colt had been furious. And the punishment that followed had clearly shown how displeased Colt had been with him.

Felix doesn’t hear the rest of the conversation Adrien is having with his friends. Because at that moment, everyone’s phone buzzes. Felix pulls out his phone to see an akuma alert. 

He narrows his eyes slightly. 

Just a few months after he had begun living with Adrien and Gabriel, the amuka attacks had started. And with them, the rise of Paris’ two heroes, Ladybug and Chat Noir. 

And like clockwork, Felix watched as Adrien made an excuse to use the bathroom and left. He watched as Marinette got up with him.

Felix had a sneaking suspicion that Adrien really was Chat Noir. Adrien hadn’t told him anything yet and it was clearly a secret for a reason. So, Felix never said anything. 

If Gabriel were a more present parent, he might’ve noticed that Adrien was Chat Noir by now. But, maybe that was for the best. Felix could see on the news how happy Chat Noir always was, leaping and bounding across the rooftops of Paris. Even when he was getting thrown around by akumas. And Felix really didn’t want to spoil Adrien’s fun. 

Felix felt like it was his responsibility to watch over Adrien. Even if Adrien was technically older than him by a few months. 

Felix heard Alya and Nino talking to each other. But in all honesty, he really didn’t care what they were saying. Felix simply messed around on his phone, opening the weather app and examining each of the few apps installed on his phone, hoping he looked busy.

Felix cared about Adrien. He really did. But that didn’t mean Felix would have to do everything his cousin put him up to. Even the notion of trying to get Felix to socialize.

The less people knew about him, the better. That way, if someone ever figured him out, they would never have the chance to walk out of his life.

Felix wasn’t keen on getting hurt again.

Chapter Text

Breakfast was a silent affair like usual when Gabriel was present. And today just so happened to be a day when Gabriel finally thought it ok to grace him and Adrien with his presence. If Felix didn’t know how much Adrien always longed for his father to eat meals with all of his family again, Felix would have left the moment Gabriel stepped into the dining room. 

Felix found it disgusting how Adrien had to set up appointments with his father if he wanted to spend time with him. And Adrien, having become used to it within the past few years, found nothing wrong with it. Every time Felix tried to subtly let Adrien know that the way his father was treating him wasn’t right, he would immediately go into denial. 

“Father’s just busy. I know he loves me!”

But even Felix could see the slight strain in Adrien’s smile when he always repeated that same thing. Felix could tell that even Adrien was starting to doubt his own words. 

Felix subtly glanced at Adrien.

Adrien met his eyes. He tensed a bit under Felix’s gaze. 

Felix rolled his eyes. Adrien glared at him and Felix responded with a smirk. 

He and Adrien had perfected the art of simply talking to each other with their eyes and facial expressions. 

“Are you going to ask him?” Felix asks with his eyes as he cuts a piece of French toast.

“Why can’t you ask for me?” Adrien pouts, taking a sip of water.

“Because you’re the one who wants to go out with friends, not me.” Felix replies, taking a bite of his toast.

Adrien sighs before glancing at Gabriel, who was none the wiser to the silent conversation the two were having.  

Adrien clears his throat before speaking. “Uh, Father, could I ask you something?”

“What is it, Adrien?” Gabriel responds.

“Well, uh…I was wondering if Felix and I could study with some friends today…?” 

Gabriel’s brows furrowed. He places his fork and knife down neatly before turning to face Adrien fully. “Why? Are your grades falling?”

“No! No, but we have a test coming up, and my friends wanted some help. And Felix is very good at the subject.” Adrien is quick to respond.

Gabriel looks at Felix to confirm if it’s true. It’s a good thing Felix has always been pretty good at lying. 

“It wouldn’t hurt for us to study with others, Uncle Gabriel.”

Gabriel sighs and thinks it over briefly before relenting. “Very well.”

Adrien lights up. “Thank you, Father.”

Felix can’t help but smile a bit, glad he was able to help in some way. 

When breakfast is finished, they finish getting ready and grab their school bags. The Gorilla drives them to a bakery. The sign on the building reads, “La Boulangerie Dupain-Cheng”. 

The Dupain-Cheng Bakery. It sounded familiar to Felix. His eyes widened a bit. That girl, Marinette, had given him croissants and macarons from there.

Felix glanced at Adrien. “Why are we here? Your father would be livid if he saw you trying to get anything from here.”

"Marinette lives here. Just above the bakery.” Adrien explains and points to the top of the bakery. Felix follows his finger. The Gorilla pulls up in front of the bakery and stops.

“Have fun, Adrien.” Felix says.

Adrien whips around to face Felix so fast, Felix worries for his neck. 

“What? No, you’re coming with me.”

“Adrien, I only agreed to this so you could spend time with your friends. I wasn’t going to actually hang out with you guys.”

Adrien's eyes furrow with hurt and oh, now Felix feels a bit bad. 

Adrien glares at him before it smooths over. 

“Felix, what’s wrong?”

“There’s nothing wrong.”

“Felix, I know you’re not a social butterfly but you can’t even come to study with friends? It’s not like I’m going to leave you alone.”

“Adrien, they're not my friends. They’re yours. And we both know the “studying” was just an excuse so you could hang out with them.”

“Still! They could be your friends if you gave them a chance.”

“And what if I don’t want to give them a chance?” Felix bites out, surprising both himself and Adrien.

And there it was. 

Adrien’s eyes soften. Felix quickly looks away, unable to handle Adrien’s eyes on him. 

“Felix—”

“Just don’t—”

“No, Felix. You’ve gotta tell me what’s going on.”

Felix is silent. He wants to stubbornly remain silent. But he knows that the longer he sits here and refuses to talk, the more he’s taking away from Adrien’s time with his friends. Felix silently sighs, cursing his softness towards his cousin.

“I’m sorry, Adrien. I don’t mean to ruin this for you.”

“You’re not ruining anything. I’m just concerned.” Adrien replies and takes Felix’s hand in his.

Felix looks up to meet Adrien’s eyes before he quickly looks away. 

“I guess I’m just…nervous. I won’t have the environment of a school setting to protect me. It will just be the five of us.”

It’s somewhat true. And it’s good enough of a reason for Adrien as he smiles and squeezes his hand. 

“You don’t have to worry, Felix. I’m here. If you want to just stay around me the whole time, that’s fine. Just know that I’m not gonna abandon you.”

Well, Felix doesn’t want to appear weak and pathetic, but he appreciates Adrien’s sentiment.

“Thank you, Adrien.”

Adrien smiles. “Of course.”

They both finally leave the car and The Gorilla drives away. Already, Felix can smell freshly baked bread and pastries. 

The two walk inside, a little bell ringing above them, indicating their entrance. The bakery is decently busy and a petite Asian woman mans the register. 

Felix can’t help but admire all of the baked goods on display. His mouth waters from the sight and smell alone. 

“Oh! Good morning, Adrien.” The woman at the counter says with a warm smile.

“Good morning, Mme. Dupain-Cheng.”

“Who have you brought with you?” 

Adrien wraps an arm around Felix, taking him away from ogling at all the pastries.

“This is my cousin, Felix.”

Mme. Dupain-Cheng appears surprised by Adrien’s statement (as she should be), but it’s quickly smoothed over with a smile. 

“Nice to meet you, Felix. The others are already upstairs in Marinette’s room. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask, ok?”

Felix and Adrien nod and thank her before Adrien leads the way, back and up a few flights of stairs, before they reach the residential area. 

Felix quietly takes it in. It seems a bit small, but it is definitely cozy. There’s a sort of homey feel that makes Felix feel warm. 

He’s never felt such a thing in any home he’s been in. He can tell Adrien feels the same homey feeling as his body grows less tense and more relaxed.

Adrien leads him up some stairs and knocks on a door on the ceiling. 

The door opens and Felix hears voices talking. He doesn’t want to be here. 

He can hear his heart thumping in his ears. One word echoes in his head over and over again.

Outsider.

Outsider.

Outsider.

But Felix’s chance of trying to hide in a bathroom is ruined as Adrien grabs his wrist and drags him up.

Felix blinks as he takes in the room. It’s very pink. But…glancing at the owner of said room, he can tell it fits her. He sees mannequins with half-finished designs, a chaise lounge chair, and a desk messy with papers and notebooks. 

Felix hears Adrien’s friends greet him with smiles and friendly hugs. Felix can’t help but stand back and watch. 

Marinette approaches him with a kind smile. “Glad you could make it, Felix.”

Felix gives a stilted nod. “Likewise.” He replies politely. 

It isn’t long before the others delve into conversation and simply talk. He doesn’t pay much attention, more focused on twisting his ring around his finger and examining the smooth, shiny metal.

“Felix.”

He quickly looks up, having heard his name.

Adrien smiles and gives him a gentle nudge. “They wanted to know if you had the same hobbies as me.” 

Felix is about to retort by saying that Adrien’s hobbies are anything but and simply things his father forces him to do, when he pauses. He knows what his cousin is doing. Trying to pull him into the conversation. He holds back a sigh. Well, he can’t just not answer. 

“I don’t fence or play piano, if that’s what you’re wondering.” He replies, facing Adrien’s friends. 

“What about Chinese?” Marinette asks.

“No. But I have done karate and I dabble in magic.” Felix answers.

“Karate?! Woah, what belt are you?” Nino asks.

“Black, of course.” Felix responds and can’t help the small smile that tugs at his lips.

“And by magic…?” Alya asks.

“Just simple card tricks.”

“Do you have a deck of cards laying around?” Adrien asks Marinette. 

The girls blushes a little at being addressed but she nods quickly. “Y-Yeah! I’ll be right back.” Marinette says and leaves her room. 

Marinette comes back not long later with a deck of cards. 

“Thank you.” He says, taking the cards from her.

Felix takes the cards out of the box and begins to shuffle them. Felix can’t help but feel his heart pounding excitedly in his chest. It’s been a while since he’s had an audience. 

“I’ll start with just a simple trick.” Felix says casually. 

Adrien and his friends eagerly lean forward to see. Felix shows everyone the deck. The card on the top is a 9 of spades. He then lowers his hand so his palm his flat. He lifts the 9 of spades using his thumb before letting it fall and moves his other hand over the deck. When he lifts his hand, instead of the 9 of spades, a 3 of diamonds card is now on top instead. 

Everyone’s eyes widen and they clap eagerly. “How’d you do that?” Alya asks.

“A magician never reveals his secrets.” Felix replies with a small smirk. 

“Show them another one.” Adrien says.

“Alright then.” 

Felix shuffles the deck once again before holding out the deck of cards in a fan shape to Nino. “Pick a card.” 

The teen eagerly looks over the deck before grabbing one at random. Felix reshuffles the deck and holds out his hand. Nino gives him the card. A 3 of hearts. Felix places the card face up on the deck of cards before picking it back up again, holding the card by two opposite corners.

“Three, two, one…” Felix counts down and releases the corners he had been holding. In the 3 of hearts place is the queen of hearts. 

“Woah woah woah, do that again.” Nino says, causing everyone to laugh. 

Felix smiles and places the cards down and reshuffles the deck before allowing Nino to pick another card. With his card picked, Felix repeats the same process and when he lets go of the corners of the card, another card is in its place instead.

“...I don’t understand how you’re doing that.” Nino eventually says after squinting and watching Felix very carefully.

“I still don’t understand how he does it either and he’s been doing that trick for years.” Adrien says.

“These aren’t anything special. Just simple card tricks.”

“Simple?! I thought you were gonna do something like “is this your card” but you’re like changing cards!” Nino cries out.

Felix smiles and puts the cards back in the box. “Like I said, nothing crazy.”

“Do you have any other hobbies, Felix?” Alya asks.

Felix pauses and thinks. “Uh…well, I used to go horseback riding.”

“Really?” Alya asks.

“Yes. My uh…Father had a house in Waller, Texas. It's a small city about a 45-minute drive from Houston. Twice a year, my family would fly to America and spend around two weeks there. We would go horseback riding.” Felix says with a small shrug.

“What kind of horse did you have?” Marinette asks next.

Felix can’t help but smile. “A lovely Friesian horse named Midnight.” 

“Do you still go to Waller?” Alya asks.

Felix tenses slightly. “No. Not since my Father passed.” 

“Oh…I’m sorry.” Alya says quickly. 

Felix holds back a scoff. “It’s fine. Really.” And he means it. While he did occasionally miss horseback riding, he did not miss all of the memories made in Texas, nor his Father. Never his Father. 

And thankfully, conversation continues like normal. And Felix finds it…surprisingly easy to talk to Adrien’s friends. While they are all very bright and bubbly and very loud (a stark difference to Felix’s more quiet and calm demeanor), they are also fun to be around. 

Felix would (reluctantly) admit that he had been wrong about Adrien’s friends.

They weren’t…half bad. 

Now, Felix watched as Adrien and Marinette tried to beat each other in a game of Mecha Strike III. However, it seemed that Marinette was winning.

Felix was content to watch Adrien lose with a smirk on his face and a plate of cookies in his lap. 

“Ha! YES! Marinette 5, Adrien 0.” Marinette says and does a little victory dance. 

Adrien groans and runs a hand through his hair. “You have to be cheating. There’s no way!”

“Cheating? Please. This is all pure skill.” Marinette retorts with a grin. 

“Alright, lovebirds. Our turn.” Alya teases, causing Marinette to grow bright red and send a glare Alya’s way as the girl takes the controller out of Marinette’s hands. 

Adrien hands the other controller to Nino.

Ah, so Felix was right. Marinette did have a crush on his cousin. He glances at Adrien, who seems none the wiser to Marinette’s behavior. Felix has to hold back from rolling his eyes. He loved Adrien, really, he did. But his cousin could be just a bit oblivious.

If this Marinette girl wasn’t going to make a move, Felix just might do it for her and tell Adrien. Just for fun. 

Felix always enjoyed starting metaphorical fires and waiting to see who would be the first to douse them in oil. Purposefully or by accident.  

As Felix continued to simply observe the others play and watch Marinette and Adrien talk to each other, he couldn’t help but think. Maybe going to school with Adrien wasn’t such a bad thing.

⚭

They both sat in comfortable silence. They had left the Dupain-Cheng Bakery and were on their way back to the mansion. Felix calmly looked out the window, his chin resting on his knuckles. 

He would admit, he had enjoyed himself. It…hadn’t been as bad as he had thought. 

But despite that, he wasn’t going to get comfortable. He didn’t care how nice they were. He didn’t want to be hurt again. 

“So,” Adrien began, causing Felix to glance his way. “Did you have fun?”

Felix sighed and gave Adrien a small smile. “Yes, I did. And that’s the only time you will hear me admit that I was wrong about this.”

“I’ll take it.” Adrien says, causing Felix to lightly laugh.

As the car pulls up to the mansion, Felix feels his smile fade. Gabriel was either in his office or was waiting for the two to walk inside and interrogate them on their “study session”. Felix holds back a sigh as he gets out of the car. 

Much to Felix’s dismay, Gabriel is in fact waiting for them at the top of the stairs. Both he and Adrien pause as they watch the man begin to make his descent. 

“I trust you both were productive?” Gabriel asks.

Adrien nods quickly. “Yes, Father.”

Gabriel raises a brow, but doesn’t question them further. He doesn’t spare the two another glance before making his way to his office, the door shutting behind him. 

Adrien untenses beside him and sighs. He turns to face Felix with a smile. “Want to hang out in my room?” 

Felix shrugs. “Sure.” And the two make their way up the stairs and to Adrien’s room.

Chapter Text

Felix hated it when Gabriel forced him to come along to Adrien’s photoshoots. They were always so boring. But his uncle didn’t trust him as far as he could throw him. Which wasn’t very far. Felix often just sat there as he watched photographers tell Adrien how to pose. Which is what he was doing right now.

But Felix couldn’t even focus on the boring aspects of it. All he was focused on was Lila. Somehow, the girl who he sat next to in class was a model. He supposed she was pretty enough and had the thin physique needed of a model. But he never imagined she would be one or into the career.

It wasn’t until Adrien was sent back to his trailer for an outfit change that Felix sprung the question on his cousin. 

“Father likes her, for whatever reason. When I asked, he simply said that she has “potential”. He wouldn’t elaborate on what he meant.”

Felix smirked as he leaned against the back of a chair, watching Adrien button up a shirt. 

“But you don’t like her.”

Adrien sighs loud and long, making Felix snort in amusement. Adrien turns to face his cousin, a grin of his own on his face. “That obvious?”

“Oh, please. It doesn’t take a genius to realize how uncomfortable you are whenever she gets in your personal space. You aren’t even this bad when Chloé pounces on you.” Felix points out.

“That’s different. We’ve known Chloé since we were toddlers. Lila is just…” 

Felix raises a brow. “Go on. You know you can tell me anything. Even gossip among co-workers.” 

Adrien playfully rolls his eyes before slumping in the chair Felix is leaning against. He leans backwards so his head is resting on the back of the chair and he’s looking up at his cousin. “She’s a liar.” Adrien states bluntly.

“You’re going to have to elaborate. Everyone lies.” Felix replies.

“Yeah well, she isn’t like everyone else. She lies like her life depends on it. I don’t know what it is, but…you remember Marinette?” 

“Yes.” 

“Lila’s lied multiple times, trying to get our class to turn against her. She even nearly got her expelled trying to sew lies about her.” 

Felix narrows his eyes at this. “Has Marinette ever done anything to her?” 

“Not that I know of. Lila’s just a huge jerk, I suppose.” Adrien says. “Marinette and I are quite literally the only people who don’t fall for her lies. What makes her so good is that she’s charismatic and has charm. She has a talent for making whatever she says sound believable.” 

Felix hums. “If we didn’t despise this girl, I perhaps would have found her talent of lying to be impressive.” 

Adrien laughs. Felix smiles at the sound of Adrien’s laughter. “Well, I’ll definitely keep my distance.” Felix replies. 

“You should if you can.” Adrien says. 

They’re both interrupted from their conversation by frantic knocking. “Adrien, are you almost done changing? We still need to do makeup!” His makeup artist shouts from the other side. 

“Yes! Give me a second!” Adrien shouts back. 

He sighs and looks up into Felix’s eyes. “Do you think if we swapped places they would notice?” 

Felix snorts. “There’s no way I’m swapping places with you for this.” 

“Not even if I bribed you?” Adrien asks with pleading eyes. 

“I guess that depends on your price.” Felix says with a smirk.

Adrien opens his mouth to speak when the banging on the door starts up again. “One moment!” Adrien shouts. 

He sighs and reluctantly gets up from his chair. “How much more time before I’m free?” Adrien groans.

“About two hours.” Felix says, looking at the time on his phone. 

“Great. I’m starving.” Adrien mutters as he approaches the door. 

“Want to get something after?” Felix asks, following Adrien to the door.

Adrien opens the door and gives his makeup artist a polite smile and nod in greeting before following her to a trailer just a few paces away from his. “Father won’t let me, you know.”

“Who says Uncle Gabriel has to know?” Felix responds as he types away on his phone.

“We could get in serious trouble though, Felix.” Adrien reminds his cousin.

“Not unless we tell him what we’re doing. What’re you in the mood for? A new café opened two miles away from here.”

Felix smirks as he taps on the website and checks out the menu, knowing exactly how to get Adrien to sneak out with him. 

“Felix—”

“Croque monsieurs, croissants, and ooh, you can even customize crêpes. How fancy. Doesn’t that sound wonderful, Adrien?” Felix asks and shows the menu to his cousin.

“Please stop.” Adrien says in a near whine that makes Felix laugh.

“Be still.” His makeup artist says, forcing Adrien to look forward once again as she touches up his brows. 

“Sorry.” Adrien mutters.

“I know you want to, Adrien. I’ll even pay.” Felix says.

Adrien relents with a smile. “Alright, fine. We can go.” 

“Perfect.” Felix says with a triumphant smile on his face. 

As soon as Adrien is deemed good to go by his makeup artist, Felix follows his cousin out of the trailers and to where the photoshoot is taking place. Lila immediately pounces on his cousin as soon as he’s within view, hugging him and laughing. He can practically feel the discomfort radiating off of Adrien from here. 

Empathy tugs at his heart. Maybe he should switch places with Adrien sometime to give him a break. That is, if Gabriel wasn’t planning on using Adrien’s amok against him that day. 

Felix watches as the two pose for the photographers. The photoshoot was taking place near the Seine. The way the sun sparkled against the water and the general scenery really did complement the outfits the two were wearing, he would admit. After the remaining two hours were finally over, Adrien was free to change out of the outfits he was modeling and into something more casual.

Felix met him in the car that would take them back to the mansion. Felix sat in the backseat along with his cousin. He watched as Nathalie took her place up front with the Gorilla, and Gabriel sat in the back as well. Even though it was Adrien sitting in the middle, Felix tried to scooch as far away from his uncle as he could. 

As the car started moving, Gabriel spoke. “The pictures came out well.” 

Felix watched as Adrien’s face lit up. It was the closest to a “good job, Adrien” he would get. “As soon as you get home, I expect you to start on your piano lessons.” 

Gabriel glares at Felix out of the corner of his eye. “And I expect you to leave him be to practice.”

“Wouldn’t dream of disturbing him, Uncle.” Felix states with a small downturn of his lips. 

“Watch your tone with me, Felix.” Gabriel warns. Felix bites back a sarcastic remark and instead rolls his eyes and stares out of the window. He can hear his uncle and Nathalie having a conversation about his schedule for the rest of the day. Felix doesn’t care to listen. 

Adrien sits quietly next to him, his hands folded in his lap. Felix glances at Adrien. Adrien takes notice and smiles. Felix smiles back.

As soon as they make it back to the mansion, they both head up the stairs. Felix watches as his uncle walks to his office, Nathalie following. With him out of the picture, Felix smirks and makes his way to his room to grab his wallet. 

He then makes his way to Adrien’s room, allowing himself in. “Ready?” 

Adrien has a tablet set up on his piano, connected to a few speakers. Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 begins to fill the bedroom. 

“Now I am.” Adrien says, grabbing his phone and leaving his room, making sure to shut his door behind him.

Felix leads the way as they both sneak out of the mansion. As soon as they’re on the streets of Paris, the slight tension in their shoulders fades as they walk. Felix looks down at the map on his phone, making sure they know where it is they’re going. 

As soon as they arrive, Adrien lights up, taking the place in. Felix would admit, the café was nice, with a cozy atmosphere to it. The place was rather busy, but not overly crowded. 

The two of them sit down at an empty table and order their food. A few minutes later, a waitress returns with their food. Adrien barely remembers to thank the waitress before he’s eagerly chowing down. 

Felix fondly rolls his eyes. “At least try to pretend you have some table manners.” 

Adrien scoffs. “You try being on these crazy model diets.”

“Thankfully, I don’t have to.” Felix responds with a smirk. 

Adrien huffs. “Maybe I should ask Father to make you a model as well. Then we can suffer together.”

“Please don’t.” Felix replies bluntly. He smiles as Adrien laughs. He always enjoyed hanging out with Adrien. Just the two of them. No worry about Gabriel’s influence, school, secrets, nothing. Here, Felix could just be Felix and Adrien could just be Adrien. 

They stay even long after they’ve finished eating and paid the check, simply talking and enjoying each other’s company. It isn’t until Felix sees the sun beginning to edge closer to the top of a nearby building that he freezes. How long have they been here? He checks his phone.

Felix feels his stomach drop. “We have to go.” He says and all but grabs Adrien’s hand and drags him out of the café.

When they arrive back at the manor, Gabriel is there waiting for them. He mentally curses himself. He had lost track of time and now Adrien was going to pay for his mistakes. 

“Where have you two been?” Gabriel asks sharply. 

“Father I—”

“It’s all my fault.” Felix cuts in. Adrien turns to face Felix, his eyes wide. “Felix!” He hisses.

Felix ignores his cousin and continues to explain. “It was my idea. I wanted to go out to this new café and dragged Adrien along with me. If you’re going to punish someone, punish me.” 

“So not only did you drag Adrien out of his piano lessons, but you encouraged him to eat junk.” Gabriel says sternly. 

“Father, I did that on my own. Felix didn’t make me do anything I didn’t want to do.” Adrien says, hoping to make the punishment on his cousin less intense. 

“You should know better than to compromise your diet, Adrien. Not only that, but this isn’t the first time I’ve caught you outside of the manor without permission. I can still easily take you out of school whenever I wish.” Gabriel reminds Adrien with a glare. 

Adrien freezes under Gabriel’s threat. 

“I’ve grown tired of your disobedience, Adrien. To your room, please. I don’t want to see you for the rest of the night.” Gabriel commands. 

“Yes, Father.” Adrien says quietly. He glances back at Felix with an apologetic look in his eyes. Felix wants to tell Adrien that he has nothing to apologize for. But with Gabriel still staring him down, he doesn’t dare speak.

As soon as Adrien is out of sight, Gabriel harshly slaps Felix across the cheek. Felix winces slightly, but doesn’t dare give his uncle much of a reaction. 

“I’ve been incredibly lenient with you, Felix. Allowing you to attend school with Adrien, going with him to study with his friends, and allowing you to tag along for Adrien’s photoshoots. These have all been privileges, not rights. I won’t have you negatively influencing him. Not with his “friends” already doing plenty of that. I don’t know what Amelie or Colt let you get away with back in London. But in case you’ve forgotten since she left you here, this is my house. And you will follow my rules.” Gabriel spits out with such hatred that Felix feels every word sink under his skin and into his chest like a rock. 

“Let this be your only warning. Next time, I won’t be so nice.” 

Felix watches Gabriel leave, a scowl on his face. How he wishes for his uncle to drop dead right now. 

He huffs and makes his way back to his room. He locks himself in there for the rest of the afternoon, only leaving when his stomach forces his hand. He’s just grateful his uncle isn’t present when he makes his way to the dining room. Whether he was hungry or not, he would have skipped dinner if Gabriel were there. 

But despite being hungry, Felix can barely bring himself to eat. He eventually manages to choke down his meal. The spot Adrien usually sits at remains empty. Felix plays with his fork, worry making his insides twist. It does nothing to help his appetite. 

The food on Adrien’s plate is starting to grow cold. That same small portion. Felix sighs. Just as Nathalie goes to dispose of Adrien’s food, he speaks. 

“Nathalie, can you save it for Adrien?” 

Nathalie turns to face Felix. She gives him a small smile. “Of course. I’ll leave it in the refrigerator for him.”

“Thank you.” Felix says. Finished with his own dinner, he makes his way back upstairs. He pauses and decides to go to Adrien’s room and check on him. And to apologize. He hadn’t meant for the two of them to get in such trouble. And now there was the possibility that Adrien could be taken out of school all because of Felix’s foolish behavior. 

He pauses at Adrien’s door. He sucks in a breath before knocking. “Adrien?” He calls. Not too loudly. If Gabriel was out of his office and roaming the halls, the last thing he wants is for the man to punish him for trying to “negatively influence Adrien’s behavior once more”. 

It’s quiet on the other side. It’s too early for Adrien to be sleeping. Even if it was a school night. He knocks again. A bit more insistent. “Adrien?” 

Nothing. 

Felix sighs. “Adrien, if you’re mad at me for earlier, I really am sorry. I just want to talk.” He says. 

There’s still nothing. Felix frowns. Something was definitely wrong. He goes to open the door when he realizes it’s locked. 

Felix sighs. He makes a trip to his bathroom to grab a hairpin before making his way back to Adrien’s room. It does not take long at all to unlock the door. Hearing a click, he opens the door. 

Felix hesitantly walks inside. 

Adrien isn’t in his room.

“Adrien?” He calls. 

Nothing. 

He walks over to Adrien’s bathroom. He doesn’t hear anything inside. He knocks. Nothing. Felix feels a sinking feeling settle in his chest. Had…had Adrien somehow managed to sneak out again?! How?! He pauses, seeing an open window in Adrien’s room. Had he snuck out through there? Felix peers out of the open window. Unless Adrien had somehow jumped out, safely landed in the tree just outside his window, and then jumped to the top of the wall surrounding the property and made a run for it, Felix had no idea how his cousin had managed to leave. 

Felix tries not to panic. If Gabriel knew…

Well, Felix would just have to cover for Adrien until he returned. In the meantime, he leaves Adrien’s room, making sure to close the door behind him.

He makes his way to the kitchen and grabs Adrien’s dinner. He reheats it before making his way back to Adrien’s room. Surely he wouldn’t be out for long. He sits down on Adrien’s couch, waiting. 

Felix doesn’t remember dozing off. But the next thing he knows, he’s being awoken by someone entering the room. Felix jumps. He blinks, trying to adjust to the darkness. It must be rather late, considering the room is incredibly dark. 

He looks around, trying to see who has entered the room. A familiar voice speaks, answering his question.

“Plagg, claws in.” 

Felix watches in shock as a bright green light fills the room. He watches as Adrien walks over to his bedside table and turns on a lamp, illuminating the room. 

Adrien turns around and freezes. A weird cat-like creature that floats by his head freezes along with him. 

It’s dead silent for a bit before Felix moves. He quickly stands up and moves toward his cousin. “I knew it. I knew you were Chat Noir.”

“Wh-What are you talking about?” Adrien asks. 

Felix gives Adrien a blank stare. “Adrien, I just watched you de-transform. I’m not stupid. And there’s a floating cat by your head.” 

“Hey! I’m no floating cat!” The floating cat says, glaring at Felix. 

Adrien sighs. “Felix, this is Plagg. He’s a kwami. He helps me transform.” 

“A kwami…” Felix repeats, examining Plagg. 

“And Plagg, you already know Felix.” Adrien says. 

“Well obviously, considering I live in this house too.” Plagg says with a roll of his large green eyes. “Anyway, there’s a roll of camembert with my name on it.” 

Felix watches Plagg fly over to a small fridge in Adrien’s room. Felix smirks. “Ah. So that’s why your room always smells like cheese.” 

Felix can’t help but laugh as Adrien’s face goes bright red at his comment. “If only he weren’t so obsessed with the stuff. You have no idea how much money I spend on camembert.” Adrien groans, rubbing a hand down his face. 

“Speaking of food, I brought you dinner from earlier.” Felix says and walks back over to the couch where the plate is resting on the arm. “It’s no doubt gotten cold again, but I can go down to the kitchen and reheat it for you.” 

“Thanks, Felix.” Adrien says and takes the plate from his cousin, not wasting a second to start eating. 

Felix sighs and watches Adrien eat for a few seconds before breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. “Look, Adrien, I’m really sorry about earlier. It wasn’t my intention to get you in trouble.”

Adrien offers him a smile. “I know. You don’t have to apologize.”

Felix nods before glancing curiously at the window Adrien had entered through earlier. “Where have you been this whole time?”

“Oh. I was patrolling with Ladybug. Nothing major.” Adrien answers. 

“I see. Does she know you’re…you know.” Felix says.

Adrien shakes his head. “No. In fact, you’re the only one who does. Ladybug’s super adamant about keeping our identities a secret.”

“So you don’t know her?”

“Not exactly. I mean, I don’t know who she is but I still know plenty.” Adrien says and goes on a whole tangent about his crime fighting partner. 

It’s clear Adrien admires her. Even possibly loves her. Felix can only sit and listen. It’s good to know that Adrien has some form of escape from this prison they call home. 

If only Felix were so lucky. 

Chapter Text

“Should I get you a scratching post for your next birthday?”

“What?! No!”

“But you’re Chat Noir.”

“I’m not a cat, Felix.”

Felix turns his head from where he’s lying and smirks. After Adrien had finished his dinner, they both of them had moved to his bed, lying down and continuing to talk. 

“But surely you gain some sort of cat-like qualities. Your kwami gives you your powers, so it would make sense if you gained some of your kwami’s tendencies.” Felix explains.

“Plagg is not a cat.” Adrien says, rolling over on his side to fully face Felix. 

“He doesn’t purr?”

Adrien goes silent. Felix can see the way Adrien quickly averts his eyes. He smirks. “Have you ever purred?”

“I’m not answering that.” Adrien responds, getting a laugh out of Felix. 

They fall into a comfortable silence, the only sounds being the ambient nightlife of Paris from outside and the sound of their breathing. Felix bites the inside of his cheek before speaking. “How did you get your miraculous?”

Adrien is quiet for a beat before speaking in a low voice. “I was on my way to a photoshoot site, and there was this old man who needed help crossing the street. I helped him cross and went about my day. When I got back home, I noticed a little box in my bag. He had slipped the box to me sometime after helping him cross.”

“Who was it?” Felix asks, curious. 

“I can’t tell you.”

Felix frowns before playfully nudging Adrien. “Why not? You know I won’t tell anybody. Who would I even tell?”

“It’s to protect him, Felix.”

“What, do you think I would hurt him?” Felix asks, hurt quickly sinking in between his ribs and making his chest feel heavy. 

“No! No. Still, he deserves some privacy.” Adrien quickly says.

“Adrien—”

“Felix, I’m allowed to have my secrets just like you’re allowed to have yours.” 

Felix quickly shuts up at Adrien’s words. Did…no, surely he didn’t know. “What…What secrets?” He asks hesitantly.

Adrien quickly looks away and turns so he’s lying on his back, staring up at the ceiling. “You know…why Aunt Amelie left…” He says so quietly, Felix almost misses it.

Felix relaxes minutely, glad Adrien wasn’t referring to what he thought he might have been, but it still wasn’t an ideal answer. It may have been two years since his mother had dumped him here, but the wound may as well still be fresh with how much it hurt to hear Adrien mention that…incident. They both remain silent, neither one knowing what to say at the moment. 

Adrien sighs. “You don’t have to tell me. You don’t ever have to tell me, by the way. I understand why you don’t want to talk about it.” 

Felix feels the hurt ease up just a bit at Adrien’s considerate words. Felix clenches his fists. And to think just a few minutes ago, he was trying to pester Adrien to give up the identity of the man who gave him his miraculous because he was curious. Felix felt just a tad horrible. Just another example of how Adrien was just so much better than him. Just another thing his parents had failed to perfect when creating him. 

Felix wonders if Aunt Emilie and Gabriel had been the ones to create him with the peacock miraculous rather than Amelie and Colt, if he would have ended up more like Adrien. 

“Do you…know where Aunt Amelie is?” Adrien asks hesitantly. As if Felix will shatter like glass. It irritates him just a bit, but he doesn’t say anything.

“No. And why would I waste my time trying to figure out where she is? She could be living it up on some cruise in the Maldives, sipping on a mai tai, back in the manor in London, or even homeless on the streets in New York City, and I wouldn’t care. I don’t care. She left me here. She abandoned me. She didn’t care about me, so why should I care about her?” He rambles on, feeling a bit embarrassed by the end of it. He hadn’t meant to be so…honest. He’s never told Adrien his true feelings on the matter. Sure, he may have said that his mother leaving hurt, but…never that he stopped caring about her. 

And Felix felt like he had every right not to care. If she didn’t want to care for him anymore after fourteen years of raising him, why should he still waste his time and energy with her?

“Are you ok?” Adrien asks. 

Felix scoffs. “Do you really want me to answer that question?”

“As a matter of fact, yes, I do.” Adrien replies. 

Felix rolls his eyes, bitterness burning in the back of his throat. “No. I’m not ok. And I probably never will be, concerning her.”

Adrien is silent. He doesn’t say anything. And Felix thinks that’s worse than him speaking up and saying something to try and comfort him. He’s giving him the opportunity to say more. And as Felix’s eyes begin to burn and a lump swells in his throat, he’s worried he’ll actually take the floor and begin spilling his guts. 

He swallows roughly and tries to regain composure when he looks into Adrien’s eyes. 

The dam breaks. 

“I just…did my life mean nothing to her?” His voice breaks and a tear rolls down his cheek. He feels like he’s dying a little on the inside. It certainly isn’t the first time Adrien has seen him cry, but this topic is dangerous for him. Like walking along a minefield, not knowing when something will blow up. 

“I hate her. I still love her. I’m mad at her. I hope she found what she was looking for. But I also hope she dies alone. How could— How could she just leave me here?! All alone?! I understand that she was miserable. She never wanted to marry Colt. But was I just never special enough in her life to make it worth living with me? Was I too much of a mon—” Felix quickly catches himself before he can continue, tears streaming down his cheeks and his eyes blurry and burning. 

He faces the ceiling and presses his hands into his eyes, each breath quivering in his lungs as he tries to calm down. 

Adrien is silent beside him for a beat before he sits up and pulls Felix up with him. Felix lets his hands fall into his lap, curious as to what Adrien is planning when he suddenly pulls him into a hug. Felix freezes at first before he quickly wraps his arms around him, silently sobbing into his shoulder.

Felix won’t lie, he feels a bit better as the minutes go by. He hadn’t realized there was still a heavy weight on his shoulders until he began to feel it being lifted just a bit as he cried in Adrien’s arms. 

When he calms down, he pulls away, rubbing his red eyes and his nose. He no doubt looks a mess. But at the moment, he’s too tired to care. He sighs. “Sorry…”

“Hey, it’s fine. Besides, you needed it.” Adrien replies.

Felix nods. “It’s late. We have school tomorrow.” 

“You sure you don’t want to stay a little longer? I won’t mind.”

Felix gives Adrien a small smile. “Thanks. But you’re probably tired after your patrol. I don’t want to keep you up.” 

He gets out of bed and gives Adrien another smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Adrien nods, a smile of his own on his face. “See you tomorrow.” 

Felix quietly leaves Adrien’s room, careful not to make a sound. He was positive Gabriel wasn’t awake at this hour, but he was not willing to take the risk and be careless in making his way back to his room. If Gabriel knew he had been in Adrien’s room, he would be punished severely. 

Upon arriving at his room, he quietly made his way in and silently closed his door. He flopped down on his bed, feeling exhausted. He lay there for a good few minutes before finding the energy to make his way to the bathroom connected to his room and take a quick shower before making his way back to his room. The moment his head touched his pillow, he was asleep.

⚭

“En garde. Prêt. Allez!”

The sound of sabres clashing against each other fills the gym as the match starts. Felix watches silently from where he sits in the bleachers. Adrien had fencing practice today and he was more than willing to stay and watch him fence for an hour or two before heading back to the manor. 

He got lucky. He hadn’t faced Gabriel at all today and he would like to keep it that way. 

His eyes lazily track Adrien as he fights. He will say, Adrien is adept at handling his sabre. He fences with finesse and he’s light on his feet. He wonders if being Chat Noir for so long has helped improve his fencing skills. Or if it was the other way around. 

As the match finishes, the fencers begin to match up with someone else. Felix watches as someone dressed in all red fencing gear approaches Adrien. His eyes had briefly fallen over them before. They stuck out like a sore thumb, all red among the white uniforms. But other than that, he hadn’t paid them any mind. 

However, seeing as they approach Adrien for a match, his eyes can’t help but focus on them rather than Adrien. 

With everyone matched up with a partner, the fencing coach loudly proclaims, “En garde!”

Everyone gets in position.

“Prêt. Allez!”

The one in red immediately lunges forward. Felix sits up a bit straighter as he watches the match. They were talented. Extremely so. They were graceful yet had power behind each thrust of their sabre. 

To Felix’s surprise, they manage to beat Adrien, their sabre managing to hit Adrien’s chest. 

The coach calls a five-minute water break. He watches Adrien take off his mask, his hair a little damp with sweat, but he has a smile on his face as he talks to the one in red. The one in red takes off their mask and Felix’s breath catches in his throat. 

It was a girl with short black hair, her hair shining blue in the light. 

He slowly brings a hand up to his cheek and, yep, his face is warm. 

But there’s something about her. Just by looking at her…there’s something that he recognizes in her. Which makes no sense. He’s never met or seen her before. Still. He wonders if the feeling has anything to do with the fluttering sensation in his chest or if it’s something else.

When fencing practice ends for the day, he decides to approach Adrien rather than wait for him with the excuse of hoping to get closer to the girl. He gets lucky when Nathalie sends him a text.

“Oh, hey Felix!” Adrien says, watching him approach with a wave. 

Felix nods, phone in hand. “Nathalie texted me. She said Uncle Gabriel will be joining us for dinner tonight.”

Adrien lights up. It helps loosen the knot in his chest just a bit.

“Who’s this, Adrien?” The girl asks, putting her water bottle in her bag. 

“Kagami, this is my cousin, Felix. Felix, this is Kagami.” 

Kagami. 

“Nice to meet you.” Felix says, holding out his hand for her to shake, his heart skipping a beat. Kagami gives him a small smile. 

“You as well, Felix.”

He feels it the moment he takes her hand. It takes all of Felix’s effort not to tense up. She’s a sentibeing. Just like him and Adrien. Who had created her? When had they gotten a hold of the peacock miraculous? Did she know what she was? He can feel her amok nearby. But he isn’t sure what it is. 

He realizes he’s holding her hand for too long. He can feel heat crawling up his neck and he quickly releases her hand. Felix clears his throat and takes a hesitant step back. He watches Kagami raise a brow, only making Felix feel more embarrassed by his actions. 

He grabs Adrien’s wrist. “Come on, Adrien. We shouldn’t keep your father waiting.” And he quickly drags him away.

“Oh. Ok. Bye, Kagami!” Adrien says, waving goodbye to the girl. 

She smiles. “Bye, Adrien. It was good to meet you, Felix.” 

Felix doesn’t look back, feeling his face heat up even more. He has so many questions. But he figures that’s for another time as they approach the car. Felix all but shoves Adrien inside before following after him. 

It’s silent as The Gorilla begins to drive them back to the mansion. Adrien leans closer to him, a smirk on his face. “Why the rush?” 

Felix sends Adrien a glare, his traitorous cheeks only growing redder. Adrien laughs and holds up his hands in surrender. “Fine. I won’t say anything.”

“Good. You better not.” 

It’s silent before Adrien speaks again. “I can give you her number.” 

Felix shoves him. “Shut up! How are you trying to set me up when you— never mind.” Felix grumbles.

“What were you saying?” Adrien asks, all joking gone.

Now it’s Felix’s turn to smirk. “Nothing.”

“Why won’t you tell me?”

“You’ve said so yourself many times, Adrien. You can be oblivious. There’s nothing for me to say.”

“Oblivious? About what?”

“You have to figure that out yourself. But I think you should pay more attention to that girl who lives above the bakery. Oh, what was her name again?”

Felix watches as Adrien’s eyes widen. “What about Marinette?”

“I don’t know? What about her?” Felix retorts. 

Adrien frowns and huffs. “Why do you always make things so difficult?”

“You do that to yourself.” Felix replies with a proud grin on his face. 

Adrien shoves him and it only causes Felix to laugh. It makes the knot in his chest loosen again just a bit more. 

It’s silent for a beat before Felix breaks the silence. “Kagami.”

Adrien glances at him, his smirk back on his face. “What about her?”

Felix clenches his fists and tries to send Adrien the most withering glare he can muster before he forces himself to calm down. Adrien was trying to get a rise out of him. He knew his cousin. He often fooled people with his seemingly innocent facade but Felix knew Adrien. 

“She attends Francois Dupont?” 

Adrien shakes his head. “She’s just here for the fencing team.”

Felix slowly nods. “She’s talented.”

“She is.” Adrien agrees. “She comes from a family of talented fencers. She’s like you a bit, you know.”

Felix freezes at that. He hesitantly glances at his cousin. “Like me?”

“Yeah. She was born in Japan and moved to France a few years ago.”

Ah.

“I see.” Felix replies, his heart slowing from its sprint in his chest.

With that, the conversation tapers off from there. Felix talks with Adrien and for now, everything seems good. Fine. Maybe dinner with Gabriel won’t be so bad tonight with Adrien there to brighten things.