ONLY authors note:

This is rated M. You should know what that could mean. M rating chapters will be marked with a * (I don't know where I'm going with this, so we'll see). I'm thinking of uploading the same story (Minus the M parts) with a T rating, so others who specifically search for anything less than M can read it. It may switch from 1st to 3rd person occasionally. (Only at chapter breaks, but not all.) I don't like OC's and I know many of you don't either. But I needed Kagami, Lila and Chloe to play their actual roles in Miraculous so I had to come up with an OC. They will only be mentioned for; Character development for an original miraculous Character, and or if it's important for future plot references. No backstory, no first-person for the OC. Follows miraculous story for the most part ish. However not including the finale because I'd rather not try to write out what would happen after Marinette becomes the Guardian. Important. Not so Important If there is something you'd like changed. Rather it be all first-person, or all third person just let me know. I don't care much for reviews, but anything is welcome. I'm writing this simply to get it out of my head. With that being said, I do not own anything regarding the Miraculous universe

A Quiet Thought

Prologue

There's a ringing in my ears. The kind you get when you think too hard and the sounds of the world fall away. This is a sound I welcome because hearing nothing is better than hearing this something. Their shrill chatter won't invade my ears, not if I can help it. But when I'm stopped abruptly by an older gentleman in a dark suit my ears pop, and the sound reaches my ears. I reach my hand out to take his open-palmed one. I want to cover my ears and run away. I want to transform, to hide behind the miraculous magic and run out of here. Before it's too late.

Chapter 1

Blinded by a sea of white. Nauseated by the smell of expensive Guerlain perfume. Groped by the hands of strangers. Adrien Agreste walked aimlessly around his own home; the same fake smile he'd perfected over the years displayed on his face. As party guests approached him to exchange pleasantries, he was aware of the eyes that ogled his body. His gaze however never faltered, he was a professional if nothing else. Over the years he perfected his smile, he would show the world the happy carefree boy they all expected him to be. Eventually he had convinced himself, that's just how good of a liar he was. Even as he walked around, uncomfortable, and alone, his face remained pleasant. He took another sip of his wine, poured from an overpriced bottle, before placing the half-empty glass on a waiter's plate. This evening's party had been quickly thrown together by his father, still elegantly planned as always thanks to Natalie. Something about expanding the business. Regardless of the occasion he was losing interest fast.

"Adrien" The monotone voice spoke

"Father" He acknowledged, not bothering to turn to face him.

"There is a matter I'd like to discuss with you"

As he turned in the direction of his father, he was met with his receding form, not needing to be told, he followed. His own pace eventually met his, and they walked in sync up the flight of stairs.

"Are you trying to cause a scandal. Drinking so publicly"

"It was only a sip." He wouldn't be 18 for another year. Not that he would be one to drink anyway. He just needed something to calm his nerves. Parties like these were not anything new, he had attended hundreds in his life. There was just something about this one that had him feeling on edge. Truly he had nothing to fear, he was Chat Noir after all. Hero of the people of Paris. Possessor of the cat miraculous, the power of destruction at his very fingertips. And yet as he reached the top landing he couldn't help but feel the slightest twinge of fear.

He let his father take the lead, falling back just a step. When they reached the door to his father's second office the anxiety in his chest threatened to spill over. His father hardly ever came in here, the spacious darkroom was furnished with a large mahogany desk, two white couches, and an antique French coffee table. When his mother became ill—and before she had disappeared —, walking downstairs had become a difficult task, the extra upstairs room was then converted into an office, allowing her to work closer to her room. However, what once was a lively office with walls filled with designs, posters, and lively family photos now stood naked and dull. Only the generic furniture remained.

His father pushed the door open allowing him to walk in first. As he crossed the door frame, his eyes set upon a large built man. His sandy-colored hair pushed back into a neat ponytail. Beside him sat a petite girl. Her long blond hair braided and twisted into a bun. With a few loose strands that framed her heart-shaped face. The navy-blue dress she wore looked like it cost a fortune, and yet he couldn't recognize the brand, something he could usually point out. At the sight of him entering, the new company rose and faced him.

"Bonjour Adrien, it is a pleasure to finally meet the son of the great Gabriel Agreste" The man extended his hand out and he met him with his own. In the few seconds that they shook hands, recognition flashed through his eyes. He'd seen this man before, never in person but on the cover of the business magazines that were laid out on their coffee table in the main living room. This man, Raphael Chastain was a well known and very wealthy French tycoon that owned malls and outlets all around Western Europe and East Asia. He could buy out any business he wanted. His wife Madelia Chastain was a fashion designer, whose work was only sold to a select group of people. He had only ever seen 2 of her pieces in his father's folders.

"This is my daughter, Charlotte Madeline Chastain" he stepped sideways to allow Adrien a better view of the petite girl.

"Bonjour Mr. Agreste" she spoke softly and extended her hand with a curt nod. He took it subconsciously, placing a light kiss on her knuckles.

"Bonjour Mr. Chastain, the pleasure is all mine. Bonjour Charlotte, please call me Adrien." He had done this routine only a million times. Every shake, every light hand kiss was out of pure habit. His father's parties meant nothing if not a chance to meet and form ties with wealthy business people, in which Adrien would present himself and entertain their accompanying children. They were after all, the future of their parent's companies. Charlotte gave a small nod and smiled, "If I am to address you as Adrien then please address me as Charlotte" She'd seemed nice enough if it weren't for the way she was eyeing him. He nodded either way and kept his composure. If they were here, in this room, hidden away from their own party then it meant whatever was to be discussed was of importance.

"Looks like they'll get along just wonderfully" Mr. Chastain chuckled before taking a seat once more. Adrien and his father moved to sit on the opposing couch.
"Let's discuss the reason I've called you up here," His father began, reaching out for the bottle of scotch that sat on the coffee table, pouring himself and the other man a drink.

"Raphael and I have been discussing a future business arrangement. One that would be beneficial to both our families. This would be a long-term agreement, and while we're still working out the kinks in the contract, we came to something we can both agree on-"

"Uniting the Chastain's and the Agreste's," interjected the large man while lifting the glass to his lips. "Under one roof."

Gabriel sipped his own glass, facing straight ahead at their company, ignoring the sudden panic look that was making its way onto his sons' face. Realization sunk in as the man's words repeated themselves in his head. Under one roof.

"I'm sorry sir, but I don't understand..." he feigned ignorance. Surely his father would have discussed something like this with him before putting him in this situation. Surely his father wouldn't put him in this situation to begin with.

Another hardy chuckle emitted from the man. Placing an arm around his daughter and setting his glass down.

"It would be an honor to give my daughter to you. Your father and I have had many discussions on the matter. He regards you as an intelligent and respectful young man. One with a very promising future" The girl beside him hadn't moved. Her eyes still roamed his body before landing on his own. Her composure was stiff but proper, she eyed him curiously but the twitch in her laced hands gave her away. He knew better than to think she had any choice in the matter either.

"Father, may I speak with you in the hall" he stood abruptly. Attempting to hold the anger in his voice. His whole life had been spent under his father's rules. His childhood reduced to tutorings, lectures, photoshoots, and complete isolation. His teen life had only gotten slightly better with his father allowing him to attend school. His father showed little leniency to unfollowed orders, but even then that was a step up from the way his childhood had been. But now...even his future was becoming another business arrangement. His love life another pawn in his father's game.

"Sit down Adrien. Do not cause a show. The agreement is set, and the deal will be closed. I'd suggest you hold your tongue"

"But father-"

"Adrien would be happy to take you as his bride Ms. Charlotte," shutting down his son and facing the young girl "He knows what this would mean for both our families, I assure you he will make a good and honorable husband"

"Father-"

Mr. Chastain's chuckle cut him off again, "And I know my little girl will make you a wonderful wife Adrien, she's quite the intelligent young woman, runs half of my businesses already anyways. I just know that both of you will work great together"

This was insane. He had heard of arranged marriages, in this line of work plenty of competing businesses had married their kids off to those they thought would be most beneficial. But his father had felt love before, his father did not marry his mother over some contract. Never had he thought he would force him into something as inconceivable as this?

He quickly tried to get his say out before they would cut him off again "Mr. Chastain, with all due respect to you and your daughter, this is redic-"

"Hold your tongue" His father snapped, turning to look up into his son's panicking eyes. Clearly irritated on his behavior.

"I will speak with my son about working on his manners, I do apologize. As for the agreement. You and Ms. Charlotte will wed after your graduation. I trust it'll give us enough time to plan everything, as well as give you and Ms. Charlotte enough time to become well acquainted."

He needed an out. This was all too much. His life had always been dictated by his father. He didn't want to be married to some random tycoons' daughter. He never asked for any of this. Why him, why now? Then it hit him. Ladybug. What would she think? Not that she would know but... He loved Ladybug. His heart belonged to his lady. His heart, his life, everything he planned to give Ladybug was suddenly being handed over to someone else. What about his life as Chat noir? How would he protect Paris if he were married to someone who couldn't even know his identity? The room's air had become too heavy, he didn't know whether to cry or scream.

He felt a squirming in his breast pocket. Plagg must be awake and overhearing everything that was being said. He brought his hand up to hold the kwami still before he brought attention to himself. He didn't realize he was squeezing the little guy until he felt Plagg might him through the fabric.

Raphael stood and clapped a hand on his shoulder, interrupting his train of panic-induced thoughts "Well now that that's settled, the guests await. Time to announce your engagement"

He looked back at his father horrified. He was sure his heart had dropped out of his chest. This party had been a set up all along. There wouldn't be time to change his father's mind. There wouldn't be time to beg and plead with his father to reconsider what he was doing. He was losing the last choice he thought he had left, to be with someone he loved. To be with someone of his own choosing...

The rest of the evening went by in a blur. He didn't hear the claps and the congratulations of the people at the bottom of the stairs. Didn't feel the hands that shook his and patted his back. He couldn't see their faces, their facial features a colored blur. As he continued through the crowd the only thing he was aware of was the metallic taste that laced his taste buds. Hold your tongue his father had said, and between clenched teeth, that's exactly what he was doing.