Chapter Text
It was the first day of the new school year. Not that it made much of a difference to Adrien, having been home-schooled his whole life. Just because your dad is the head of a fashion empire, and you were his premier model, doesn’t mean you had to spend all of his time cooped up in the house.
Still, Adrien got ready as he usually did. He took a shower, brushed his teeth, got dressed, and waited until his father’s assistant came to get him. He’d usually pass this time by reading. Today, he felt drawn to a fashion magazine. He was excited to read this particular issue.
He had to admit, being a model for his father’s company had its perks. Sure, there was the usual things; a life of luxury, fancy parties, and notoriety. As much as he enjoyed those things, Adrien loved the little things more. Like seeing the smiles on the faces of the people who admired him. Or helping others with his brand. Or even getting to know Vincent, the photographer.
One thing Adrien especially liked was all of the different styles of clothes he was given to wear. That was thanks to the amount of designers his father had hired. They all had such unique styles, and Adrien loved each and every one of them.
However, there was a new designer that was quickly rising to the top in Adrien’s heart. A mysterious and enigmatic designer who refers to herself as “Ladybug”. She started sending his father designs months ago. His father liked them so much that he agreed to hire her on the spot. She agreed, but on the condition that she continue submitting designs electronically, and refused personal contact. His father was curious, but agreed to it. Since then, Ladybug has been supplying various designs for the company, and Adrien loved each and every one of them.
Adrien had hopes of one day meeting Ladybug as well. However, he had very little to go on. All he knew was she lived in Paris, she would always initiate contact with his father, and her real first name.
Being around a lot of fashion people taught him a few things. One such thing was that artists tended to sign their work. Sure, people could spot the “LB” logo on the designs, but Adrien was determined. When looking though some of the patterns on some of her designs, Adrien figured that if you reorient it, you can clearly see her name. “Marinette.”
Adrien was excited because Ladybug had agreed to an interview. He read the entirety of it back and forth a few times. He picked up a few new details, but nothing that would help him find this mystery designer. “Drat. I was hoping this could help.”
There was a knock at the door. “Adrien. Breakfast is ready” said Nathalie, his father’s assistant.
“I’ll be right there,” he said.
“Before you go about your usual demeanor,” Nathalie said, “your parents have a surprise for you.”
A surprise? What could that be. “Alright, I’m coming!” he said. Before he left, he grabbed his favorite piece of Ladybug merch; a lucky charm. Adrien loved every little bit of it. Plus, he found that it also brought him good luck.
When Adrien came down to the dining room, he was surprised. Standing there were his father and mother. “Father? Mother?”
“Hi sweetie” Emilie, his mother, said.
“We need to talk to you,” Gabriel, his father, and namesake of the business, said.
Adrien was stunned. He sat down. “When did you get back from your shoot, mother?”
“Just last night” Emilie said. “Nathalie had informed me that you had gone to bed by the time I got back.”
Adrien smiled. His mother was an actress, and he loved seeing her onscreen. Still, it was nice when she was here as well. “So, what’s this about then?”
“Well, your father and I have been talking,” Emilie said. “We wanted to do tell you last night, but, well, you know. Anyway, we finally agreed to let you go to school.”
Adrien’s face lit up. “No way!”
Gabriel smiled. “Yes son. We’ve seen how exhausted you’ve been getting being cooped up here. We decided that it was best for you to experience the world as it is.”
Adrien hugged his parents. “Thank you father. Mother.”
His parents returned the hug. Once it was done, his father informed him “You start today.”
“TODAY?!” Adrien shrieked “But I don’t have anything prepared!”
Gabriel smiled. “Relax. We’ve been taking care of it” he said.
“We wanted it to be a surprise,” Emilie said.
Adrien smiled. “Thanks again!” he said.
“Your bodyguard has all your supplies in the car,” Gabriel said. “He won’t accompany you to class, but he will be on standby in case anything happens.” Adrien nodded. “Also, you are to keep up with your extracurriculars, as well as continuing to model. Do you understand?” Adrien nodded again. “If it gets too overwhelming, you can always pull out.”
“Oh stop” Emilie said, smacking her husband. “He really wants this. He’s not going to pull out at the first sign of trouble.”
Gabriel smiled embarrassed. “I know…it’s just hard.”
Emilie put her hand on his shoulder. “I know sweetie, but it’s the right choice.” She kissed him on the cheek.
Gabriel smiled. He turned back to Adrien. “Now, eat up. You have a big day ahead of you.”
“Yes sir!” Adrien said. He sat down and had breakfast with his family. This didn’t happen terribly often, what with his parents being busy a lot, so he got to appreciate moments like this. To him, this was the best breakfast ever. On top of being delicious as always, his parents were here, AND he was going to school. How lucky could one guy get? “So, where am I going to school?” he asked.
“I believe it’s called Francois Dupont High” Gabriel chimed in.
“Yes. It’s where your friend Chloe goes” Emilie added. “I had a talk with Audrey about it, and she says it’s great!”
Adrien’s day was getting better and better. Not only is he going to school, but his friend is there already? He smiled. “I can’t wait!” He started eating faster.
Gabriel chuckled. “Settle down son” he said. “I know you’re excited, but you must remember your manners.”
“Yes father,” Adrien said. He wasn’t really sorry. He was too excited to be sorry. Still, he slowed down. He didn’t want to ruin his first day of school after all.
After breakfast, he made his way to the car. Just as his father said, all his supplies were there. Textbooks, notebooks, pencils, pens, and of course a designer bag from Gabriel to put it all in. Adrien smiled, took out his lucky charm, and attached it to the bag. He got buckled in, and his bodyguard drove off.
He was dropped off in front of the school. “Thank you,” he said. The bodyguard gave an appreciative grunt. He then drove off. Adrien took a second to take in his surroundings. The school building seemed immaculate. And right outside was a lovely park. And on the other side, there appeared to be a bakery. Adrien loved his first taste of freedom.
Suddenly, Adrien looked at a window above the bakery. He could see a pair of bluebell eyes looking back at him. He was confused. The eyes turned away and the blinds were closed. Adrien noted that moment as a curiosity for him.
He entered school and made his way to his classroom. Once class, his new teacher, Ms. Bustier, introduced him. “Class, this is Adrien Agreste. He is new to school life. Please treat him with kindness.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet all of you,” he said. His class was in awe. It couldn’t be helped. He was a celebrity after all. “I just want you to know, despite me being a model, I just want you to treat me like any other student.” They all murmured in agreement.
“Thank you” Ms. Bustier said. Now, let us begin. Adrien, why don’t you take a seat next to Nino?” She pointed out an empty seat in the front row.
“OK” Adrien said. He took his seat, and class began.
During break,he turned to his new seat buddy and asked “So, how do you like it here?”
Nino looked at him weird. “Oh right. You haven’t gone to school at all.”
“Yeah,” Adrien said.
“Well, don’t worry, if you need someone to show you the ropes, I’m your man” Nino said.
Adrien smiled at Nino’s confidence. “Thanks,” he said.
“Oh, and how are you going to guide him through school?” said a girl. Adrien and Nino turned to meet her. “From my understanding, you’re not doing so hot.”
“Lighten up, Alya,” Nino said jokingly. “I’m helping him with the social aspects. The dude is by himself. All alone out in the world for the first time.”
“Well, actually, I have a friend,” Adrien interjected.
Alya and Nino looked at him. “Who?” Nino asked.
“Chloe Bourgeois” Adrien answered. “But I’d love to make new friends.”
Nino seemed concerned, but he accepted. “Very well. I’ll be your friend” he said, reaching out his hand.
Adrien shook it. “Thanks.”
“By the way, if this one ever leads you astray, you can contact me” Alya said. She also shook hands with Adrien.
“Alya…” Nino whined. “Don’t embarrass me like that.”
“I can’t help it,” she said, wearing a grin. The two started laughing and playfully shoving each other.
Adrien smiled. “So, how long have you two been dating?” he asked.
Alya and Nino stopped. “Um, well…” Alya stuttered.
“We’re not actually dating,” Nino said.
“Oh” Adrien said. “I’m sorry. It just seemed like…”
Nino put his hand on Adrien’s shoulder. “It’s OK dude. I get it. You’re new to this whole thing.”
Adrien was perplexed. He wasn’t going to say that, but to keep the awkward conversation to a minimum, he said “Sure.”
“Oh come on, you can’t blame him,” Alya said. “A lot of people ask that about us.”
“True,” Nino said. “I think one more and we get a free sandwich.”
Alya turned to Adrien. “We just hang out a lot. You really lucked out. This class is pretty tightly knit.”
Adrien smiled. “Cool!”
“So, if you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask us” Nino said. “Either of us!” He gave Alya a stern look. Alya rolled her eyes.
Adrien figured it would be a good time to ask. “Well, something happened earlier today,” Adrien said.
“What is it, dude?” Nino asked.
Adrien seemed confused. “Well, when I got here, I looked around and saw that there was a bakery nearby. I saw someone looking at me from there. They had these bluebell eyes.”
Nino and Alya turned grim. “Oh. Her” Nino said.
“Don’t worry about it,” Alya said. “That’s just some parasite. She’s just trying to spy on you. She used to go to school here, but had to leave.”
Adrien was concerned. “What happened?”
Nino turned him to another student. “See that girl over there?” Adrien took note of the Italian girl that Nino was pointing at. She glanced at him and waived her fingers. Adrien waived back. “Her name is Lila. The girl you saw bullied her extensively. Eventually, she was kicked out of school.”
“Oh my” Adrien said.
“You don’t need to worry about that,” Alya said. “That was a while ago. Everything’s cool now.”
“Are you sure?” Adrien asked.
“Totally” Alya said. “Now that Marinette is out of the school, everything is great.”
Adrien froze. That name. Marinette. It hit him like a ton of bricks. Could it be…?
Meanwhile, at his workstation, Gabriel received an email from Ladybug. He opened it curiously. “I saw your son going to school today, and, well, I got inspired. I spent all morning sketching these ‘Back to School’ outfits that I think he would like. I’m sorry if this’ll be too late, but it was a surprise seeing him out and about like that. Thanks anyway. -LB”
Gabriel took a look at the sketches. He smiled at them. “A wonderful job, as usual” he said.