Chat Noir's mind barely processed his body's movement as he threw himself off the Eiffel Tower. The constant revelation of Gabriel Agreste is Hawk Moth ran through his mind. Tucking his limbs tight to his side, he gained distance on the falling man. Screams below flew past him like the wind, cutting into his cheeks. He could see Gabriel's face, the face revealed behind the hated villain's mask. His father's face. Chat Noir gritted his teeth and grabbed him. Flipping himself underneath the two, he extended his pole across them. Ladybug's yo-yo wound around it, and the two gently swung to safety.

The moment their feet touched the ground, Chat Noir pushed Gabriel away, unable to stand touching the man a moment longer. Ladybug landed next to him, and the two were instantly surrounded by civilians and reporters. He felt Ladybug grab his wrist, but his eyes stayed on the apprehended man before him. Gabriel looked up and their eyes met. The look of indifference left Chat Noir feeling drained. He felt his partner's fingers squeeze his wrist. That was his cue. Chat Noir grabbed Ladybug as the crowd pushed to the police cruiser and took their chance of escape.

They landed a roof a couple blocks away, safe from the commotion and with a clear view. Chat Noir moved to leave, but Ladybug grabbed his hand.

"Chat Noir," she said, "we need to talk. The Miraculouses are still out there, and we have no clue as to who could have them."

"What are you suggesting?" Chat Noir asked. He sat down and watched the retreating flashing blue lights. The crowd dispersed slowly, the grand showdown now over.

Ladybug sat beside him, her mind racing with various emotions sans joy. Her shoulders ached and she could feel the fatigue setting in. Looking over to her partner, she could see the same fatigue in his stature, but his face remained hidden behind his mask. For the first time, Ladybug felt disconnected from her partner. What was he feeling underneath his mask? Could he tell what she was feeling?

With a sigh, Ladybug leaned back on her hands and looked up at the sky. Did she know what she was feeling? "I think tomorrow we should visit Hawk–I mean Gabriel Agreste and speak with him. He may know the identity of the Peacock Miraculous holder."

"And if he doesn't?" Chat Noir bit back, finally looking over at his partner. "We don't know each other's identities."

"That's true, but our ident–"

"Our identities must remain a secret. Yeah… I know, but I want–I need–nevermind." Chat Noir dug his nails into the fibre shingles and looked back over the city. Ladybug glanced over at him.

"Chat Noir," she asked, "Are you okay?"

Chat Noir stayed silent. Ladybug sat up and tentatively placed her arm around him. Laying her head on his shoulder, she softly continued, "Everybody else is celebrating because we finally caught Hawk Moth, but I don't feel like celebrating at all. In fact, I don't even feel happy. We failed to regain his Miraculous. We tore a small family apart. I'm worried about Adrien."

"Adrien?" Chat Noir pulled back in surprise, his brow slightly furrowed. "Do you think he had something–"

"N-no," Ladybug said, shaking her head. "Not at all. I-I'm worried about how he's doing. He must be having a hard time right now. Do you think I should check on him?"

"I don't think that's a good idea."

Ladybug blinked, taken aback. "W-why not?"

Chat Noir looked at his partner for a second before standing. Offering his hand, he helped Ladybug to her feet. The two stood close together, Chat Noir studying Ladybug's hand in his. Ladybug tilted her head to see his face, but Chat Noir let go and took a step back. "Do you," he asked, "really think he wants to see the person that put his father behind bars right now?"

Ladybug felt as if she'd just been punched. She grasped at her words. "I guess not, but I don't think he wants to be alone. I don't think he should be alone right now."

Chat Noir just shrugged and pulled out his baton. "I'll see you tomorrow bright and early. Milady."

With a grand bow, Chat Noir disappeared into the night. Ladybug looked after him for a moment before heading home. The two heroes parted ways, and the city of Paris quieted to its usual buzz.

The moon was still shining high in the night sky when Chat Noir returned to his room. He slipped inside, briefly wondering if it would have made a difference coming in through the front door.

"Plagg," he said, "de-transform me."

Chat Noir disappeared, and his Kwami was released. Adrien changed clothes and headed towards the bedroom door. Plagg flew in front of Adrien, stopping him. "Hey kid, are you sure you're okay?"

Adrien brushed Plagg to the side and opened the door. "Not really, Plagg, but I need to see my mother. I'm sure she's taking this a lot harder than I am."

Adrien walked away, as Plagg hid, and made his way downstairs. As he reached the bottom, the door to his father's office opened and his mother walked out. The two stopped upon seeing each other.

Adrien swallowed hard, his voice slightly quivering as he said, "Mom."

Emilie stared blankly back at him having forgotten he was home. Adrien threw himself into her arms, startling the blonde-haired woman. She awkwardly placed her arms around him.

"There, there," she said, patting his back. "I know how upset you must be feeling, but he is a self-centered and greedy man. He wanted what wasn't his, and it ultimately brought about his downfall."

Adrien looked up at his mom, his cheeks stained red. "How are you handling this so well? I assumed you would be devastated since you were only just reunited with him."

Emilie brushed a few strands of hair out of his face. "I was very upset when I found out, but I refuse to harbor any feelings toward someone that would endanger who I care about the most."

"I don't think father would have intentionally put me in harm's way. He was very strict when it came to my whereabouts and safety." Adrien said, pulling back and wiping his eyes.

Emilie cocked her head. "You? Oh yes. And you never know, my precious son, people change."

Adrien looked behind his mother into the empty room, suddenly noticing the absence of a usually hovering secretary. "Mom, where is Nathalie?"

"She took an extended vacation. Let's go to bed though. I'm exhausted after today's events, and I'm sure you are too."

Gently ruffling his hair, Emilie shuffled around Adrien and headed up the staircase. Adrien looked after his mother until she left his sight. He felt his chest tighten. Plagg flew out and hovered near his head.

"You feel better, Adrien?"

Adrien shoved his hands into his pockets. "No. I don't know how she's able to cope so well."

Plagg trailed after his holder as the two made their way back upstairs. "Maybe it's like she said, kid. Instead of looking at him as your father, look at him as Hawk Moth, the villain that nearly destroyed Paris and harmed loved ones."

"I don't want to look at him only as his alter-ego, Plagg," Adrien said, flopping onto his bed. "There were two sides to him: Hawk Moth and my father. If I only look at him as Hawk Moth, then that completely erases the side that's my father."

The Kwami flew to a neighboring cupboard and rummaged for late night cheese. He pulled out a piece, smelled it, and then put it back. "What's so different about your father that separates him from Hawk Moth?"

Adrien stayed silent, opting to gaze at his ceiling while his mind wandered. It took him on a trail of thoughts that ended in dead ends and loops and left him tossing and turning all night. When the sun began to shine through his window, Adrien forfeited sleep and got out of bed. Passing Plagg who was clutching half-eaten cheese, he silently got ready while wrestling with his thoughts and growing anxiety.

During his shower, the heat turned almost to the maximum, Adrien rehearsed what he would say to his father when he saw him. While brushing his teeth, he practiced looking nonchalant, Gabriel's face of indifference seared into his mind as reference. Finally, throughout tussling with his clothes, he tried to come up with an answer to Plagg's question.

Adrien finished drying his hair and absentmindedly threw his towel on Plagg. The Kwami woke with a start, thrashing around a bit before phasing through the cloth. Adrien winced.

"Sorry, Plagg. I guess I'm just a little distracted."

The ancient being floated up and assessed his friend. "A little?" he asked. "You look like you didn't sleep at all last night."

"I didn't. I couldn't. I just kept thinking and–" Adrien ran a hand through his hair and sat down with a frustrated sigh. Plagg flew over and placed his hand on Adrien's.

"Small steps, Adrien," he said. "I've been on this planet for a long time, kid. You don't have to do it all at once; take it in small steps, ones that you're comfortable with. If that means putting off going to visit, then that's fine. We've got time."

Adrien gave a small smile. "Thanks, Plagg, but I need to go today. There are some things I need to know."

Plagg conspicuously made his way back to the cheese cupboard. "Are you sure? We can always stay in and–"

"Plagg, transform me."

With a wail, Plagg was sucked away, bringing out Adrien's alter-ego: Chat Noir. The blacksuit hero leapt out the window and with a pace that matched his racing heart, made his way to the police station.

Ladybug was already waiting at the front door when he arrived. He strolled up, feeling himself already withdraw. A giant wall seemed to seamlessly slide between him and his partner. She gave him a gentle smile. "Morning, kitty."

Chat Noir replied with a quick nod of his head. "Ladybug."

"No witty remark today?" Ladybug asked, nudging him with her elbow. Chat Noir coolly regarded her and opened the door.

"I guess I'm not much of a morning person," he said. "After you."

Ladybug's smile faltered, but she entered the building nonetheless. They were greeted by a jolly round officer with bright red hair. He walked up and shook each of their hands, a wide grin on his face.

"Morning Ladybug, Chat Noir. Lieutenant Raincomprix at your service, but you can call me Roger."

He motioned for them to his desk, taking a seat only after they sat down. They took in the precinct. It was spacious but filled with bustling staff. Desks were arranged all around, papers stacked high on each one. Roger's desk was similarly decorated.

"We're here for Gabriel Agreste. He was arrested last night," Ladybug said

"Ah yes, Hawk Moth. I was the officer on duty last night and took him in myself."

Roger puffed out his chest. Chat Noir rolled his eyes. "Where is he?"

"Hawk Moth? He's–"

Chat Noir stood up, cutting him off. "Where is Gabriel Agreste? We have some questions for him."

Roger slightly backed up, his eyes narrowing. Ladybug put a hand on Chat Noir's arm. "What he–we mean to ask," Ladybug interjected, "is if we could speak with Gabriel Agreste? We would like to question him about the whereabouts of his Miraculous."

She pulled Chat Noir back in his seat. Roger warily glanced at them before straightening. "We're under strict no visitation rules until after his court date."

"Please. It's very important that we speak with him," Ladybug pleaded. "If we don't find the missing Miraculouses, we could end up with another Hawk Moth."

Roger shuffled through some papers, feigning organization. Ladybug sighed. "If we manage to regain the Miraculouses, I'll be sure to include how helpful you have been, and how we wouldn't have been able to recover them if not for your help."

The Lieutenant paused and sized the two heroes up. "His court date is in five days."

Ladybug shook her head. "That's too far from now."

Roger looked around the room before opening a drawer to his desk. He pulled out a ring of keys and stood up. "You get five minutes. Stay right here. I'll bring him to an interrogation room."

"Thank you so much," Ladybug said, squeezing her partner's arm until he grumbled out a thanks. Roger nodded and left. Ladybug turned to Chat Noir. "Focus, kitty. We need to try and get as much information out of him as possible. Even the slightest bit can help."

"What if he refuses to talk? Gabriel Agreste is a stubborn man that does what he wants. Unless he wants to reveal information, he won't."

The two watched Roger lead Gabriel into an empty room. They stood up as he passed. Gabriel glanced over at them and quirked an eyebrow before disappearing into the room. Ladybug and Chat Noir shared a look.

"We'll think of something," Ladybug murmured, and the two followed after. They entered a dimly lit room, empty save for a table with three chairs. Gabriel sat with his hands chained to the table. Ladybug took a seat opposite from him, Chat Noir opting to lean against the wall.

"I'll be close," Roger said referring to the one-way mirror across the room. He closed the door, and a tense silence filled the room.

Gabriel had kept quiet during their entrance, carefully watching their every move. His eyes slid over to Chat Noir, who was regarding him with a mixture of anger and something he couldn't place. Ladybug cleared her throat.

Displaying his cuffs, Gabriel asked, "Ladybug, Chat Noir, have you come to gloat?"

"No," Ladybug said, "we need your help."

"Right. The missing Miraculouses." Gabriel shrugged and reclined back in his hair, the chains on his wrist clinking. "Apologies, but I can't help you."

Ladybug leaned forward. "I think you can. Mr. Agreste, you are an intelligent man. You have to know something."

Gabriel raised his chin, looking down on the heroine with indifference. Ladybug looked over at Chat Noir for help, but he just shook his head.

Ladybug huffed. "Why are you holding back? You've lost. Neither of us have the Miraculous, and it could be in the hands of an even more dangerous villain. Instead of being stubborn, help us get it back."

"How do you know we aren't working together?" Gabriel asked, a smirk teasing the end of his lips.

Ladybug gave him a deadpan look, "They tried to murder you by throwing you off the Eiffel Tower."

"They threw me knowing you would come to my rescue. Like the good little heroes that you are," Gabriel said mockingly.

Ladybug opened her mouth but Chat Noir grabbed her shoulder. He leaned in and whispered in her ear. Ladybug frowned and tried to turn around, but Chat Noir tightened his grip on her shoulder. Gabriel regarded the interaction lazily. Finally, Ladybug nodded her head and stood up. She threw a glare towards Gabriel and left the room.

"Is this suppose to be good-cop-bad-cop?" Gabriel asked.

Chat Noir took a seat and quietly waited. A second later, his baton began beeping. He slid it open and Ladybug's voice came out on speaker.

"Chat Noir. You've got one minute. That's all he agreed to do. He said his job would be too much at risk for any longer."

Chat Noir looked over at the one-way mirror. "And it is only the two of us?"

"Yes. Lieutenant Raincomprix says he is not to be touched."

"I promise no harm will come to Gabriel Agreste."

"Chat," Ladybug said, her voice softer. "I don't know what you're planning to do. This is really out of character... but I trust you."

There was silence for a moment, and then, "Thank you. I'll be out in sixty seconds."

Ladybug closed her yo-yo, ending the call. She looked up at Roger, a nervous smile on her face. The man just shook his head and checked his watch. Ladybug listened to the tick tick tick of the clock as the seconds passed.

Exactly sixty seconds later, the door opened and Chat Noir stepped out. He held open the door and gestured them inside. "He's ready to talk."

Roger stepped through first, going straight over to check on Gabriel. Ladybug followed, giving Chat Noir a questioning look. He motioned for her to take a seat and then closed the door.

Ladybug took her seat once more across from Gabriel. Folding her hands, she asked, "What can you tell us?"

Gabriel leaned back in his chair. "Her name is Ananta Haine, and now that she's in possession of the Peacock and the Butterfly, she'll do anything, sacrifice anyone, to get what she wants."

The End

A/N

Hello everyone,

This concludes The Consequences of His Wish. I hope everyone enjoyed it thoroughly; I definitely enjoyed writing it. I would like to thank you for following this story until its end as it was very inspiring. If you did enjoy this story, I ask that you leave a review telling me your thoughts and opinions. I'd love to hear what you liked, disliked, and what you possibly hope to see in the next story, which will begin its releasing in a couple of weeks. I will be taking this time finalizing details and getting a head start, so keep a look out for the second installment, The Consequences of His Actions.

-TheScarletofaRose