The Burden of Expectation
Word Count: 1,995 words
Summary: Expectation. Adoration. Assumed perfection. Not only are these capable of evoking immense pressure for just about anyone, but they're words that both Ladybug and Adrien are used to being burdened by. And when Ladybug catches Adrien escaping from one of his final modeling shoots one evening, they finally find the cathartic outlet they've both needed: to share their fears with someone who understands.
Notes: This was written for the @goldenhourzine, be sure to check out the other wonderful creators, please!
It may have been Adrien’s final modeling shoot, but somehow that failed to make it any less unbearable.
The afternoon had grown long, the evening eventually creeping up on him faster than he had realized. At this rate, he’d probably remain subject to the camera until long after dark.
And now, slumped on the ground against the back exterior wall of the studio, all Adrien could do was stare listlessly at the sky. He could only barely make out the lower bands of the sunset through the neighboring buildings.
Using the knuckles of his left hand, Adrien gently massaged one cheek, then the other. The best part about his breaks was that he got to stop smiling, regardless of whether or not he felt down.
Sure, he did feel down tonight, but either way, he’d relish any moment he didn’t have to plaster on the veneer of the amicable celebrity he was always expected to be.
The perfect golden boy that smiled at all of Paris on billboards and signs for miles around.
They’d probably continue to expect as much from him for years to come, regardless of what he pursued after his modeling career had formally ended.
Adrien returned his ministrations to his left cheek when a shadow fell over him. He froze and looked up, his eyebrows knit together even tighter than before.
His heart lodged momentarily in his throat.
“Ladybug,” he said, standing. “Is that you?”