The moment she lays eyes on Adrien, she can barely keep it together and only one thing is on her mind besides having the job of her dreams... her boss giving her everything she wanted and needed... taking her over the edge and making her say his name.

He'd been shot.

That was what Adrien had heard from the passing whispers in the hall, anyway.

It had been sudden—quick and excruciating—but he barely remembered a thing. Well, except for the blinding, searing pain that had exploded in his chest, of course.

But that felt like forever ago.

All he could think about was that he was wrapped up in some uncomfortable bandages and his head was absolutely pounding. The sheets underneath his body were cold and sleek against his skin. He shivered as a gust of cool air chilled the room.

Adrien didn't feel like opening his eyes. That could wait; most things could. At the moment he focused solely on the sounds of people conversing somewhere and the gentle pitter-patter of heeled shoes on tile floor.

This didn't sound like home.

He wouldn't be surprised if he weren't in his bed. He had been nearly killed, apparently, and that did warrant time spent away from home… Right?

But still… It didn't mean he wanted to be nestled in some strange, bright room where the light shone through his closed eyelids.

He groaned. Pain shot up his spine as he adjusted his position. A cry rose from his throat, his brain jolting awake from the electricity that burned at his insides. With a wince he blinked open his eyes, the heaviness that dragged at them causing him to shut them the second sunlight filtered into his vision, the sudden burst of yellow rays sending a headache to pierce his skull.

Teeth gritting, Adrien sighed as he found himself slipping back into darkness. There were still voices outside, quiet and calm, mumbling about something that sounded as if it was of great importance. His name came up a few times, as well as the words "lucky" and "healing", which didn't do anything to clear his muddled thoughts. Truthfully, he was confused.

There was a terrible dry feeling in his mouth. His tongue felt like cotton as he ran it over his teeth. Licking his lips, Adrien wheezed, his voice nothing more than a cracked whisper as he pleaded for someone to bring him some water.

Nobody came.

Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes.

For the first time in his life, Adrien wished he were home.

He woke up again the next day to the sound of someone saying his name.

Still, it was hard to find the energy to open his eyes. Though from the lack of light penetrating his eyelids, he assumed the sun had already set.

"Adrien's doing better," someone said, their voice soft yet ultimately unfeeling. "The authorities are continuing their search for the shooter, but it's been days and there's still no sign of the culprit."

Another voice joined in, higher in pitch. They spoke with such emotion in their tone. "And what about his father?"

The first voice—one Adrien assumed belonged to a female—answered, "Gabriel's been… Drawn back. He hasn't left his room much. Hasn't visited." The woman sighed. "I'm afraid he's in shock. It's like he's pretending this whole thing hasn't even happened. Having this occur during Fashion Week of all times definitely doesn't help the situation in the slightest."

So, his father hadn't visited him once. If Adrien could've mustered the strength to move, he would have scowled—perhaps even cried. Though he supposed he shouldn't be surprised. Gabriel was never one to openly show his feelings. Not even when Adrien needed him to.

(Hell, especially when he needed him to.)

He swallowed thickly. His throat felt tight with the urge to sob.

"He hasn't even visited his own son?" the other voice asked, aghast. It was another woman, though she sounded far more kind. "What kind of father doesn't visit their own child in the hospital after he's been shot in the chest? That's despicable. Why, if it were my daughter in that bed, I'd—"

"We're well aware of what you'd do, Madame Cheng," the first woman sniffed. "But as Gabriel's assistant I must ask you to refrain from throwing insults. He's doing the best he can right now, especially considering Paris Fashion Week had to be cancelled due to this… Mishap. This whole thing has turned the event into a mess."

Madame Cheng…? Why did that name sound so familiar?

Adrien tried to speak up, but his voice fizzled and died in his chest. If only it wasn't so hard to open his eyes…

Madame Cheng huffed. "Is that all you and Gabriel care about? Fashion week? Look, I'm sorry to break it to you, but his one and only child nearly died. You were there. His father was there, my daughter was there. We all saw it. In fact—" her voice became louder, causing Adrien's head to ache, "—you can tell Gabriel that if it hadn't been for Marinette, his son would be dead right now, no thanks to him. What kind of father just stands there while his son is bleeding out on a stage in front of him—"

"You and your family have done enough," spat the first woman. "I must ask you to leave the room now, Madame Cheng, as you're causing a scene. You might wake the boy with your outbursts."

Wake him? But he was already awake.

Madame Cheng's voice cracked as she continued. "That boy is your boss' only son! His child. My daughter saved his life—not you, Nathalie, and certainly not his father. I came here to see if he was okay. What are you here for? To see him wake up and get out of bed like everything is fine? For him to be ready to go back to modelling on a stage where he was nearly murdered? What kind of a family are you?"

"This is none of your concern—"

"I'm just worried about Adrien!" Madame Cheng cried. "You treat him like he's—he's a prop to be played with, not a teenager! He deserves to be loved, Nathalie, not ignored while he's recovering from an attempted homicide. This is negligence—"

"You need to leave. This does not involve you."

"It does involve me when my daughter is at home crying her eyes out because her friend almost died and his own father acts like he doesn't even care!"

Adrien groaned, the increase in volume of the two women's voices causing his headache to assault him from the back of his neck. He hissed as he moved his arm; a needle poked at his skin from the inside. "Can you both please stop yelling?" he pleaded, raspy voice barely above a whisper. "It hurts."

Stunned silence was his reply.

He drifted off again after that.

He was flying.

Dashing across the city rooftops, he soared with his baton, spinning his wrists in a circular motion that was perfect for vaulting him into the sky. He twirled, the night's breeze flowing like salty summer air through his hair as it left memories of sunsets on his skin. The atmosphere was warm and easy, and as his metal-tipped boots skidded across the slick panels of Parisian apartments, he slipped—but he wasn't afraid.

No, he could never be. Not when he was transformed. Not when he was free.

His baton caught him in an alleyway, poised perfectly between two walls. He dropped feet-first onto the pavement below, dusting off his hands before springing himself back into the starlight. The moon's familiar weight settled on his shoulders, and it was with a grin on his face that Adrien took her for a ride, black tail whipping behind him as a reminder that he was home.

The city at night was his home.

Claws tracing down the well-worn brick of an aged building, Adrien took a moment to pause. He needn't catch his breath. No, he wasn't tired, but he wanted to simply allow himself a minute of stillness—of peace.

The brick was rough against his back. Adrien could feel his hair brushing the surface as he rested his head.

"Taking a nap on duty?"

Ladybug's voice was like honey to his ears. The sound was sweet as his eyes met hers, and that gorgeous blue he'd seen in all of his dreams shone like stars. It was—no, she was captivating, her black tresses dancing in the late night breeze as she carded her fingers through the strands. She'd forgone the twin ponytails and instead let it flow free. It was a gorgeous sight to behold.

Adrien's fingers tingled with the desire to brush her fringe out of her face.

He wanted to reply to her. He wanted to. But his voice wasn't in his chest tonight, as his heart was beating far too loudly for him to muster the strength to respond. Instead, Adrien scooted closer as she placed herself next to him, black-dotted suit matching the dark color of his own. Her skin smelled of cinnamon as he pressed his cheek against her shoulder.

"I'll always be with you," he wanted to say. "I love you."

But his lips were frozen, and suddenly he was on the ground with his gaze trained toward the sky. His chest burned wetly. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Adrien pulled his clawed hands back in terror as he noticed they were covered in blood.

His own blood, he realized, his stomach churning sickly at the gushing hole in his chest as red-stained tears flowed down his cheeks.

"Adrien," Ladybug cried, her face pale in terror. Her lips trembled as she screamed, "Get up! You have to get up! You have to be okay. Please!"

She was fading. Her face glitched like pixels in a corrupted computer program, and as she lifted her bare hands, her face—void of any mask—was blurred. But the choked sound of her sobs was unmistaken.

"Adrien," she bawled, voice full of despair. It was agony to his ears. "Please, please don't die."

His eyes snapped open.

With a throat like sandpaper, he looked around. The room he was in was small and empty save for himself, and it smelled of chemicals and cleaner. It was the same hospital room he'd been in for the last couple of days, he assumed. However, this was the first time he'd actually been able to see it.

His body hurt with every breath. Who knew breathing could be so painful?

Adrien could feel the dampness of tears on his cheeks. With a sigh so heavy it caused his chest to ache, he shuddered, trying to rid the memory of the horror his dream had presented him as a figure entered his room.

He didn't look up. No, no… That took too much energy. His eyes stayed fixed on the window. Through the barely-parted curtains, the Eiffel Tower glimmered in the far distance, and the city shone on, ignorant to the fact that Adrien was here in the hospital, aching and burning as if he'd just jumped out of a moving car on the freeway.

He pondered whether or not the citizens were missing their Chat Noir.

"Evening, honey," a woman's voice said, soft and welcoming. "It's nice to see you alert."

The feeling of sickness from his nightmare still haunted his mind. "Hi," Adrien said. He weakly turned his head to face whoever had entered.

It was a nurse. Clad in seafoam green scrubs, she was a younger woman—on the heavier side—with curly red hair and freckles to match. She approached him gently, and Adrien allowed her to check his vitals without a fuss. Her perfume had the faint scent of something floral, and her touch was soothing, even as she helped him sit up and removed the bandages around his chest and back.

He hissed, wincing as the cool air of the room came in contact with his flesh. He resisted the urge to look at the damage that had been done to his body. Adrien didn't want to see that—to see what had hit him when he couldn't save himself.

A medicinal ointment was applied to both the wound sites and the old bandages were replaced with fresh ones. Adrien sighed in relief as his muscles relaxed.

The nurse pulled the blankets back over his body. "How are you feeling, Adrien?" she asked.

Adrien swallowed. "I'm sore," he rasped. "And thirsty."

"I'll get you some water."

His nurse left the room, returning not more than a minute or two later and handing him a paper cup filled with cool, refreshing water. Adrien gulped it down gratefully.

It was quiet. Not awkward, but… Quiet.

"What happened to me?" Adrien found himself asking. He knew, but he wanted clarity. He wanted facts.

After a pause the nurse wrote something on the whiteboard that hung on the wall near the door and faced him with a gentle smile. "You were shot, hon. Bullet went in one end and out the other. Shattered a rib bone and fractured three of them. But you're okay now. Doing good. You're healing up well."

"Okay," was all he could say.

"You're one lucky kid," she said. "We're very happy to see you alert."

"Me too," he said.

"Do you need anything?" the nurse questioned, opening the curtains by the window—she must have noticed him looking outside. There was a motherly lilt to her tone as she asked, "Fresh blankets? Painkillers?"

Shaking his head, Adrien watched the city lights twinkle just out of reach. "No, thank you."

She bid him goodnight after that.

Adrien lay in silence. He wanted to move, to get up and go outside, but… All there was left to do was sleep.

But that sounded so boring. All he'd done these past few days was sleep his life away. He wanted to be out, racing through the misty rooftops of the city with his Lady by his side, grabbing a soda from the local corner store and downing it as they took a break to converse. He wanted to be next to her—to brush his gloved fingers along her own, to see her smile and laugh, and to hear her voice in his ears as she told him that she missed him and that everything was going to be fine while he recovered.

He couldn't, though. The hospital window didn't open, and he was stuck to the bed with an IV in his arm and a tube in his chest. No doubt the staff would become frantic upon finding him missing if he tried to escape. And though he knew the feeling of his transformation around his body would fill him with energy, he would still be too weak to run, much less jump across three meter gaps over alleyways.

If only he could call her—ease her nerves a little bit. No doubt Ladybug noticed him missing by now. If there had been any akuma attacks while he was out of it…

Adrien shook his head. He didn't want to think about it.

"Plagg?" he whispered, having just felt the tiny god's presence since he'd first woken. "There's no way I can leave, huh?"

The short fuzz of his kwami's fur grazed the side of his arm as Plagg poked his head out from underneath the blanket. His eyes, which were normally so bright and green with mirth, looked dull, and for the first time since he'd met him, Adrien could tell that his companion carried centuries of life on his shoulders.

"No," the kwami said. His voice was worn as his gaze fell. "You need to stay. Please. You're being taken care of here."

A sigh blew from Adrien's nose. "I just want Ladybug to know I'm okay."

Plagg opened his mouth to speak, but backtracked as his thoughts began to muddle. Silence formed a gap between them before he regarded Adrien with a stoic expression. His tail brushed against the sheets as his eyes flicked to the other side of the bed, voice cryptic as he said, "She knows."

"Yeah?" Adrien asked. Though Plagg's mannerisms were a bit strange, he breathed a sigh of relief, unsure of how that information had been delivered to her but happy nonetheless. "I'm glad to hear it."

With a twitch of his whiskers, Plagg flitted up to rest on top of his shoulder. His tail curled around his paws as he situated himself in a comfortable position and nuzzled the side of Adrien's neck, eyes drooping closed. "You're going to be just fine," Plagg said. "I promise, Adrien."

"I know," Adrien replied. He scratched the top of his kwami's head as the corners of his lips curled into a grin. "But I don't think I'm the one that needs to hear that, right?"

Plagg said nothing. Instead, he pressed his muzzle against his chosen's skin, tiny body quivering as a weakened purr rose from his throat. His eyes were squeezed shut as if he was trying to wake himself from an awful nightmare that had somehow formed into reality. Plagg looked so tired for such a small being—as if he held eons of weight in his heart, memories of previous Chat Noirs he'd seen live and perish in the past, and it became clear to him that not too long ago, Plagg had been preparing to lose one more.

Cupping the kwami into his hands, Adrien held him to his face. He pressed his cheek against the cat's forehead. "It's okay," he whispered, reassuring his friend. "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere, you hear me?"

"Okay," was all Plagg could say.

There were marigolds on his bedside table.

Marigolds, roses, and gifts adorned the wooden surface, notes piling on top of brightly colored packages and balloons floating in the corner of the room near the window. A Ladybug plushie sat propped on the chair in the corner next to a giant stuffed cat, which held a heart in its paws that read: "Love mew!"

On the windowsill were folded blankets. Rays of sunlight filtered in through the glass, bathing the dull-colored hospital room in radiant warmth. A wheelchair waited patiently in the corner. As Adrien looked up, his vision a little bleary, he could see that the television was on, but it showed only static.

Weakly he reached a trembling hand for the remote. His head was still throbbing.

He couldn't muster the strength to grasp it.

Allowing his arm to fall flat against the cushion of his sheets, Adrien sighed, his eyes burning from overuse. He was still so tired, and he didn't even know why! All he'd been doing for the past—what, week?—was sleeping, and he was so, so done with lying around all day having people talk about him. He wanted to get up, stretch his legs, and- and…

He wanted to talk to someone to rid the lonely pit that had settled in the bottom of his stomach.

The scent of food passing by in the hallway drifted into his room. Breathing in, he caught the smell of something buttery and sweet, his stomach responding in kind to the tantalizing aroma.

It reminded him of Marinette.

Marinette… Madame Cheng had said something about her the other night. Whatever it was, he couldn't remember. His head was such a mess right now that even the slightest puzzling thought caused his skull to pound.

He reached for the remote again. It slipped out of his shaking hand and clattered on the floor, the wire it was attached to dangling off of the side of the bed.

"Damn it," Adrien said, a knot forming in his throat.

Everything sucked. He was about to give up and go back to sleep when the door to his room creaked open, and the blessed smell of pastries greeted him like a hug as three familiar faces stepped into his line of sight.

He felt Plagg nudge against his arm from underneath the blanket. It was a small comfort in his world of soreness.

"Adrien," Nino said, approaching his bed with a wide grin. "You're awake! Finally." His arms connected around Adrien's shoulders, who gasped as a sudden bolt of pain shot through his chest. "Ah, shit. I'm sorry, dude. I shouldn't have—"

Alya laughed behind her hand. She walked towards him with warmth in her gaze. "Nino, the guy just narrowly escaped death. Don't try to kill him so soon."

"I'm sorry!" Nino whimpered. "It's just the last time we saw him he was in ICU, and now he's awake and I—"

"Nino," Adrien breathed, his dry lips curling upward into a smile. "Oh, man, I'm so glad to see you guys, you have no idea."

His throat burned as he spoke, but he didn't care. He was just happy to see his friends again.

"And we're glad to see you breathing, sunshine," Alya said, hands on her hips as she cocked her head to the side. Her eyes scanned his body up and down, eyebrows furrowed in concern and red hair pulled back into a ponytail. "It's a relief. We all thought you were a goner that day. Why, if it hadn't been for Marinette—"

Nino nudged her in the side with his elbow. Her glasses slipped down her nose as she regarded him with an annoyed expression.

Marinette?

Someone else had said it, now. Marinette had saved him? How?

Mind full of fuzz, Adrien asked, "What about Marinette?"

The girl in question stepped out from behind the pair, feet shuffling on the tile floor and eyes glued on her shoes. Her black hair was loose from its hold rather than tied in her usual pigtails. She was quiet. Her eyes didn't meet his as Alya gave her a gentle nudge forward, encouraging her with a whisper Adrien couldn't hear.

Marinette approached him with a paper bag in her hands, the top of it wrinkled from how tightly it was held in her grasp. Its logo was familiar: two golden wheat leaves decorating the front of the bag with a matching T&S symbol in the center. The aroma of freshly baked something filled his nostrils, and as he lifted a shaking hand to open it, he was met with the overpowering scent of two chocolate croissants, his mouth watering at just the sight alone.

Was he allowed to eat this in the hospital?

Ah, who cares. It was from Marinette—he'd eat her parents' home-baked treats even if he were on his deathbed.

(Which… He essentially had been, right?)

"Thank you," he breathed, lips curling up into a smile so wide that his cheeks hurt. He looked up with the hope of meeting her gaze, but…

Marinette wasn't looking at him.

In fact she'd barely even acknowledged him. Her eyes were trained downcast on the floor, mouth sealed tightly shut as if she had nothing to say.

Adrien's heart sank. He tore his attention away from his friend.

Wounded from her cold behavior, he looked to Alya and Nino, who only glanced away. An awkward air hit the group like a truck—it was almost as if there was some sort of elephant in the room his friends refused to recognize.

"Did I... Miss something?" he asked. His voice shook as he spoke. "What's wrong?"

The room felt stiff.

Nino adjusted his hat as he regarded him with a confused raise of his brow. "You mean… You don't remember?"

Adrien swallowed. Raising a croissant to his lips, he shook his head. "Remember what?"

Silence washed over them like a bucket of iced water. Frustrated, Adrien bit into his snack with a scowl. He wasn't dead, damn it. Why did his best friends feel the need to keep a secret from him? If something went wrong, he wanted to know—even if it was devastating. If he'd lost the ability to walk, he wanted to know. If he was infected, or- or was to become a zombie, he wanted to know!

The truth would hurt less than his friends withholding important information from him, as if he needed any sort of protection… He was Chat Noir for crying out loud—he'd heard worse things.

Marinette spoke up. "He doesn't know," she whispered. Her eyes met his for a fleeting moment before she turned her head away, hands gripping at the bottom of her shirt and panicked gaze shooting to Alya. "Oh, my god. He doesn't remember! I thought for sure he would have—"

"Remember what?" he snapped. Marinette flinched. Remorse instantly set in as the words left his mouth, and he watched his friend wilt from his aggressive tone. "I'm sorry," he said, reaching out to her with a feeble hand as she backed away from his touch. "I didn't mean to yell at you, Marinette. I'm just really lost right now. What's going on? What don't I remember? Why won't anyone tell me anything?"

He shouldn't have been so cross with her. His crankiness from waking up in a hospital bed with confusion clouding his mind was no excuse to snap at her, especially when she'd been acting so drawn back. As Marinette shook her head and backed out of the room, however, he sighed, knowing full well that she hadn't deserved to be at the forefront of his frustration.

Jerking upward to race after her (despite the little strength that remained in his legs), Adrien yelped as the IV in his arm snagged at his skin and the tube protruding from his chest was jostled, his sudden movement causing a hiss to rise from his lips as a sharp pain seared in his insides. "Wait, Marinette!" he called, voice cracking. Nino rushed over to guide him back into his bed, Alya shaking her head right behind him.

"Dude, you have to stay here," Nino said. "What the heck are you thinking?"

"I don't care," Adrien responded. "Alya, please go after Marinette and tell her I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to yell at her. I'm sorry, I'm sorry—"

Alya shushed him with a gentle press of her hands to his shoulders. Her tone was soft as she said, "It's okay, Adrien. She understands. Marinette's just… A little on edge right now, that's all."

A whine escaped his throat. "Why?"

Sharing a look, Alya and Nino sighed in unison.

"It's not really our place to tell you," Nino reasoned. "I would, but… That'd be unfair to 'Nette, you know? It's her business, not ours."

That was understandable. But still… Didn't mean Adrien wasn't aggravated with the whole situation. He'd just woken up sober for the second time in—what, a week or more?—and he was still out of the loop of the full story of what exactly had happened to him.

"I just want answers," Adrien mumbled. He chewed on his croissant bitterly.

Alya placed a hand on his bedside. "We know. But there are some answers that aren't our place to give you."

"Marinette just needs time," Nino said. He plopped down in the leather chair in the corner and sighed, adjusting his glasses and looking out the window, mind busy with muddled thoughts and emotions. "Look. What happened to you messed everyone up. We all thought you were dead. It was—" he had to pause to pinch the bridge of his nose as his voice started to crack, "—it was scary. You were fine one minute, up on stage and doing your model stuff that you do, and then all of a sudden there was a loud noise and we just…"

Nino shuddered. Alya approached him with a clouded gaze, her arm winding around his side as she consoled him. Clearing her throat, she continued, "You were shot on stage, Adrien. All of our classmates were there. We—we all saw it. Saw you. You just collapsed and there was so much blood and oh, god…"

Adrien felt sick. Stomach churning, the croissant tumbled down his chest and onto his lap, where his trembling hands picked it up and placed it back in the brown paper bag Marinette had gifted him just minutes before. His breath was coming in quick, short gasps, and he- he- he…

He couldn't believe it. Everyone—everyone had seen him get- get shot, on stage in public, and here he was still alive, in a hospital room with flowers and gifts and knowing well enough that the damn thing was probably being broadcasted on every news station in the city. Everyone he knew had seen him get shot. Everyone.

Including Alya, Nino and—

...Marinette.

Marinette had seen him get shot and he'd yelled at her.

Tears began to flood his vision. Sniffling at the congestion in his nostrils, Adrien placed the bag of pastries on the bedside table, his chest burning with the reminder that someone had shot him with the intent to kill. And yet here he was, conscious and breathing…

But he'd barely been.

If he'd been shot right in the chest, how had he survived…? His luck wasn't that good.

The only person with luck that prosperous was- was…

Was Ladybug.

Why did it feel weird to think about her…?

"Are you okay?" came Nino's voice, quietly concerned.

Adrien could feel the tears rolling down his cheeks. He didn't know how to answer that question.

The back of his hand was wet as he wiped his eyes. He met the gaze of his friends as he said, "I want to apologize to Marinette."

The room felt thick. Sharing a look, Alya and Nino frowned, the pair regarding him with a pained expression—one that revealed that while they wanted him to speak with her as well, they both knew now wasn't the right time.

Adrien sighed. "Thank you both for visiting," he said. "But… Right now, I just need some time to think."

Taking the hint, his friends' expressions wilted with hurt for a passing moment before they nodded.

Alya wrapped him a light hug. "Okay, sunshine. You take all the time you need. We'll come back tomorrow if you want."

"Yeah," Nino said. He patted Adrien's hand. "We'll visit every day if you need, man. I know it probably gets lonely here. And, hey… If it's worth anything…"

"...We're proud of you," Alya finished. "You're stronger than anyone thought, Adrien. You're your own superhero."

His sight was watery as tears filled his vision once again. "I don't deserve friends like you guys."

"Oh, yes, you do," Nino said. "We'll see you again soon. Promise."

They waved as they left, shutting the door behind them.

He was alone again after that.

Three more days passed.

In two he would have been at the hospital for two weeks.

Adrien found out from Nino that he had gone through surgery to repair his shattered rib. He was in ICU for three days before he'd become lucid and had been relocated to a room on the eighth floor, where he was currently recovering.

It hurt to move around most of the time. Breathing wasn't a challenge, but it was painful.

He wasn't allowed to lie back. Due to the injuries to his ribs, he had to sit up straight all day and all night, though he was allowed to get up and walk around every once and a while to get the strength back in his muscles. For the most part, he stayed put in bed. However, even the slightest amount of movement caused a searing pain to clutch at his insides, and he wanted to avoid the discomfort in any way possible.

Unlike the tube and IV, the stitches in his chest and back would stay until his bullet wounds had healed. A nurse came in twice a day to help him with breathing exercises that were supposed to assist in the healing of his ribs.

Adrien didn't like to look at himself whenever he had the chance to. His skin was mottled with blue and yellow from the bruising, and the injuries were a nasty sight to behold. It was just unpleasant.

He sighed, eyes glued to the city that sat just outside his window. The sunrise was particularly pretty this morning. By the mist on the window he could tell the air outside was cool and that the fall season was nearly in full swing.

As he pulled his blanket up higher, Adrien wondered what time his friends were going to drop by. Before school? During lunch? Maybe sometime in the evening.?

It didn't matter to him. So long as he got to see their faces, he was happy.

Nino and Alya made sure they visited each day. They brought him gifts and food, fresh blankets, his favorite movies from home, as well as a few books and magazines to flip through in case he got too bored. They talked and joked and filled him in on what he was missing in school, going on about dramatic events Chloé had pulled or what Akuma had tried (and failed) to seize the Miraculous that day.

They hadn't once mentioned Chat Noir's disappearance.

No matter—Adrien was just glad to hear that Ladybug was doing alright on her own.

(But he'd never really had any doubts.)

Nino and Alya's daily presence was a welcome sight to his weary eyes. Marinette, well…

She hadn't visited again.

Adrien frowned. No use dwelling on thoughts that made him sad.

For the most part, Adrien was okay. He wasn't happy, but he was okay. Alive. Breathing. Bruised, broken, and injured, but fine.

He'd be fine.

The hospital had a garden.

It was charming. It adorned the outdoor terrace of the sixth floor, which overlooked his home city as it bathed in the warmth of autumn sunshine.

There was a fountain in the center while perfectly landscaped flower beds lined the hedges around the walls, which vines greedily climbed like they were poised on an invisible ladder. Various benches were situated around the display. A rose bush grew pleasantly along white lattice next to a magnolia tree, and as Adrien approached the outer walls, he was just tall enough to peek over the edge of their painted concrete surface.

The height was a familiar comfort to him. Clouds trailed lazily in the sky above him, which was so blue and bright, and as a cool breeze blew through his hair, he breathed in deeply, relishing the feeling of being outdoors for the first time in two weeks.

He was thankful that his friends had brought him a pair of personal pajamas from home so he could walk around without being embarrassed. That ugly open-backed hospital gown had really started to get on his nerves.

Adrien smiled. The atmosphere outside was calming. He felt like a cat in a patch of sunlight—so comfortable and full of warmth that he didn't ever want to go back indoors. No, not back to that same old bed and stupid TV that never played anything interesting with that thin hospital gown on… He wanted to be here, outdoors where the air was cool and he could taste the air of his city—his home—up on the rooftops where he belonged.

No more IVs in his arm or a clear tube in his chest, and certainly no more being woken up four or five times in the night to be checked on... Just clean, fresh air, outside of the hospital with no sterile walls to contain him.

"Adrien!"

Oh, great.

"There you are," said Nino, chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. He gave himself a moment to pause before approaching him with a hand connecting to his shoulder, using the other to fix his hat as it fell in his face. "Dude, you can't just go wandering off like that. You're hurt."

Adrien sighed. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "I'm fine," he said, giving his friend a reassuring smile. "See? I can stand up and walk around."

Exasperated, Nino fumbled to find his words. "B-but you didn't ask anyone if you could—"

"I don't want to be here anymore," he said, gazing wistfully at the Eiffel Tower which sat tauntingly in the distance. "I want to get out of that stuffy room and go out somewhere. I'm tired of being cooped up. You know I don't like being forced to stay indoors—"

"Oh, my god." Alya placed her hands on Adrien's shoulders as she approached him. "You idiot, what were you thinking?"

Adrien walked away from the pair, wincing as he sat at one of the benches. A hand instinctively connected to his back as pain burned at his skin. He rubbed at the soreness under his shirt lightly. "I was thinking that I couldn't stand to sit in that room anymore," he replied, swallowing the whimper that wanted to escape his lips. "With that freezing cold air conditioning. I'm happy out here. This is where I want to be."

Nino and Alya sighed in unison.

"We're just worried about you," Nino said. He sat next to him and removed his glasses, polishing a lens on his shirt before replacing them on his face. "I don't know how this stuff works. I've never known anyone who's been shot before. I mean, you were in ICU nearly two weeks ago and now you're up and walking around, it's… Weird. You're healing really fast."

"Was I hurt all that bad to begin with?" asked Adrien, though he knew the answer. "I mean, both my nurse and doctor told me that the bullet went right back out my body and didn't touch any organs, so…"

"But it got your bones," Alya added.

Adrien shrugged. "I'm okay. In pain, tired and a little out of it, but okay. I'll be going home in a few days, no doubt."

Both of his friends shared an uncomfortable glance.

"Well, if you're sure…" Nino said.

"I'm sure."

The sun was just beginning to set. Hints of gold began to paint the outer edges of clouds, and in the distance a soft gradient of pink was rising into the air. A flock of pigeons cooed as they soared above the terrace; Adrien envied their freedom.

He leaned into Nino's side and breathed out a sigh. With a comforting hand Nino rubbed his shoulder, careful not to touch him anywhere he'd been hurt.

"It'll be alright, Adrien," Alya said. She sat on Nino's other side, leaning forward slightly to get a better look at her injured friend. "Cheer up."

"I feel gross," Adrien said. "I want to brush my hair and take a proper shower and go home. I'm tired of being here with people breathing down my neck. I'm used to that in my normal life, I just wish I could go out as Ch—" he swallowed. "As myself."

Nino gave him a light hug with his one arm. "You will," he said. "You will."

The hospital staff retrieved him after that, gently reminding him that it wasn't advisable to walk off without informing anyone and led him back to his room where his nurse was waiting to administer his pain medication and to help him back into bed.

Nino and Alya's visit lasted through dinner. The hospital food was bland, as it had been throughout his entire stay, and as he sat up at the rolling side table, Adrien began to feel a familiar soreness creep up his spine. His two friends secretly stashed a bag of Marinette's pastries behind his pillow for later consumption and Adrien thanked them as they left, having to return to home since the hours were ticking by and it was starting to get late.

He hugged them each, though their contact was light due to his injuries. Lying back in bed after his plate had been cleared helped the discomfort ease.

It was late. Adrien could hear the murmur outside begin to die down. Pulling his blanket over his body, he felt Plagg press against his side just as the day's weariness caught up with him and caused his eyes to droop with the weight of exhaustion.

His thoughts were swimming, however, as it hit him with a bitter realization that a particular friend had been missing from his group's visit that afternoon.

Marinette hadn't come. Again.

And that was a thought that hurt him more than any other. Though he couldn't exactly place why, it was futile to ignore the way his heart ached in his chest.

A nap was welcome to his weary mind. He slept until the sun had long past set, waking with a dry mouth and groggy thoughts before he forced himself out of bed for a cup of water and to use the toilet. Adrien's body twinged with pain and his thoughts buzzed with depressing reminders that he felt defeated.

It didn't feel good to sit and be weak without a means to escape. He felt sad—anxious—with the desire to run out to the garden and transform burning at his gut. Adrien had never gone so long without transforming before…

The need to feel the wind whipping at his sides was almost nauseating. He wanted to get up, to run around and jump and swing from roof to roof with Ladybug by his side and his worries long forgotten, the shadow of his partner enveloping his own as she swung across the skyline at the grace of her yo-yo...

He didn't want to be here anymore. It sucked.

Adrien knew he wasn't some feeble kid who needed constant rest. He was strong enough to go out for just ten minutes, right?

Yeah. Ten minutes as Chat was all he needed.

"Hey, Plagg," he whispered to his pillow. "You wanna—?"

"Adrien?"

He yelped.

Throwing himself back against his bed, Adrien froze, gazing doe-eyed at the thin figure in the doorway. Her silhouette was a bit skewed from the lights of the hall, but as she shut the door behind herself and approached his bedside, Adrien sighed in relief at the sight of Marinette.

Well. Alright. Better late than never.

"H-hey," he breathed, swallowing around the nervous lump in his throat. He wasn't sure why he was feeling awkward in her presence, but the anxiety nagging at his gut refused to leave him in peace. With a brief glance to the clock, he asked, "What are you doing here? It's…" he squinted at the time, "...past midnight."

Marinette rolled on the balls of her feet. "I know," she said.

"Visiting hours are over."

"I know."

Puzzled, Adrien sat up, hissing as he hovered a hand over his torso. "How… How did you get in here?"

"Th-that's not important," Marinette said, effectively dismissing his question. She rubbed at her arm, eyes rising from the floor to meet his own. "How are you feeling?"

After looking her up and down, Adrien said, "You're in pajamas."

Marinette's cheeks reddened as she pulled on her sleep shirt self consciously. "I know." Clasping her hands behind her back, she said, "You, um, didn't answer my question."

"Oh." He pointed to the entrance wound on his chest. "I'm okay. Still kind of in pain."

She stepped forward to sit with him, but hesitated as he regarded her with a confused raise of his brow, instead opting to place herself on the leather chair adjacent to his bed with her legs crossed atop the cushion. "Sorry," she said, voice quiet—as if she was embarrassed that she had even thought to sit by his side.

Adrien felt his stomach burn with irritation. Not at Marinette, no, never—but at himself.

"No, it's okay," he said. He scoot over with a pat on the mattress in invitation. "You can sit."

With a clearing of her throat, Marinette stayed put. "Are you healing up well?"

Oof. The awkward air in this room was so thick that it almost hard to breathe.

Adrien glanced toward the spot he'd been expecting his friend to occupy and nodded. His hair, which was shaggy due to its recently unkempt nature, swayed in front of his eyes as he moved. He combed his bangs out of his face with a quick brush of his hand. "Yeah, I'm… I'm okay. The wound doesn't look as gross as it did a few days ago. So I think that's a plus, though it was kind of weird having a hole in my body. I felt like a doughnut."

He chuckled at that last part, but Marinette was quiet. Really quiet...

"Are you… Okay?" he asked. She wasn't looking at him. "You seem off."

Marinette simply shook her head and presented him with a faux smile. "You don't know what really happened that day, do you?"

His grin immediately fell. Throat becoming dry, Adrien swallowed. "...No." His voice was raspy as he asked, "What really happened, then?"

She opened her mouth to speak. A sound came out, something small and tired, but then she shut her lips and frowned, her blue eyes (which were normally full of light and joy and laughter) dulling like a gray cloud pregnant with rain.

And that's when he was able to get a decent look at her.

Her sclera was reddened around the edges as if she'd been crying for hours (perhaps even days) on end. The bags that hung underneath her eyes were heavy, and her skin—the skin that always looked so soft and clear—was pale. Marinette appeared small, thin like a victim who'd witnessed a gruesome event, and it was… Strange to see her looking such a way when Adrien knew her as the girl who wore confidence with pride, whose hair shone like starlight and whose demeanor was strong, positive, and self-assured.

Marinette looked broken.

And that—that was a painful sight to see.

"I'm sorry," she murmured, hurriedly removing herself from the chair and wrapping her arms around her body. "I should go. You need your rest and I—"

She was almost out the door.

Please, please don't leave, Adrien begged internally, watching as his friend curled her fingers around the handle, his heart leaping into his throat and stomach bubbling uncomfortably from the words that were lost in its pit.

"W-wait, Mari," he pleaded, forcing his weakened legs to carry him to her side, where he grasped her delicate hand within his own and squeezed it tight. "Please. You don't have to go. Just… Talk to me. Tell me what's going on."

With her back turned to him, she was silent. The room was still. A shudder rose up Adrien's spine.

A snivel broke through the ice of silence, Marinette's shoulders trembling as tears began to drip from her cheeks and onto the tile floor. She whimpered, her hand slipping from its grasp on the door handle and body curling in on itself as she cried, her quiet weeping escalating into heavy sobs by the time Adrien had enveloped her in his arms.

He gripped her with every ounce of strength he had left. Her tears leaked through the cotton fabric of his pajamas, but Adrien didn't care. Marinette needed him. Marinette was crying—desperately crying—and her happiness was the most important factor. Rubbing a hand up and down her back, he ignored the pain he felt at the contact to his chest and whispered reassuring words against her fringe as his cheek rested on the top of her head.

"It's okay," he told her—he promised. "It's alright. Everything is going to be okay now. I'm safe, see? I'm alive."

Marinette's voice shook. "But you weren't."

Not pausing his ministrations, Adrien frowned, tightening their embrace. "I know I wasn't safe, but I am now, right? I'm—"

"No, Adrien," she said. "You were dying. I-If I hadn't swooped in a-and—"

She was getting hysterical. Whatever had happened that day didn't matter at the moment—all Marinette needed right now was to be held and comforted, and damn it, that's what Adrien was going to do.

He might have been physically injured, but Marinette had some deep internal wounds that needed healing.

Adrien held her tight in his hold even as he led her to sit on the bed by his side. "Hey," he soothed, voice gentle and calm. "Hey. It's okay… It's alright, Marinette. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. You've got me."

"I've got you," she said, voice cracked from the exhaustion of her tears, which had faded from wracking sobs to a gentle, dejected whimper. "Y-Yeah. I do."

He said nothing after that.

Marinette appeared to have no intentions of leaving that night. Though they weren't speaking, they hadn't separated their contact. At some point they'd moved to lie back on the mattress. Adrien wasn't exactly sure how they'd managed that—and he also didn't recall how he'd ended up with an arm snaked around his friend's waist, whose head had apparently found a perfect pillow on his left shoulder.

It was quiet for a while. The white noise of the TV in the background filled the otherwise stagnant air, and the muffled voices outside the door slipped out of his mind as exhaustion weighed down his eyes.

He'd nearly fallen asleep when Marinette murmured, "I'm sorry I've been acting weird."

Adrien's eyelids groggily lifted. "It's okay," he said, voice thick with sleep. He went to meet her gaze, but she wasn't looking at him. "I mean, if I'd witnessed anything like you did, I wouldn't be doing so good either."

Her eyes shifted to him. She looked so tired… Why wasn't she sleeping?

"I… I want to tell you what really happened," she said. "But I—I can't. Not now, at least."

Adrien cocked his head to the side. "Why are you afraid? I can handle it. Hey, if I can live through being shot in the chest, then I—"

"Stop making jokes about it," Marinette said curtly. "It's not funny, Adrien. And I'm not afraid, it's just… It's a lot. I know something I shouldn't know and it's only made me more worried about you. And I know you can take care of yourself but it still… I still want to make sure you're okay."

….Know something I don't?

His brain was beginning to wrack with what he hoped she hadn't figured out, because it was near impossible she could have… Though, he had no recollection of what had happened to him when he'd been shot, so it wasn't entirely implausible…

"What do you mean?" he asked.

Marinette shook her head. A small smile graced her lips. "I think you need to focus on getting better first before I tell you anything. And I should probably get going... Let you rest. I can always come back tomorrow."

She shuffled her position and made to get up, but Adrien felt something painful pull at his heart at the thought of her departure. With a shake of his head he placed a hand over her own, trailing her fingers as she brushed her palm over the sheets. He said nothing—made no move to force her. But he knew what he wanted, and he knew what she needed.

The look in his eyes was all it took to convince her. She was back by his side in an instant, and within minutes they had crawled underneath the covers and simply held each other—the best they could with his fractured ribs, anyway—and that was all that mattered in the world.

Adrien was drawn to her. He always had been.

No, he didn't have any explanation as to why… But he didn't care. Marinette was warm and he felt safe.

For the first time in two weeks, Adrien felt content.

It didn't take long for her to doze off.

The TV played in the background. Adrien watched with little interest, mostly using it as a distraction to help ease him into sleep, but just as his eyes began to finally fall to a state of peace he heard his name.

The voice wasn't coming from outside. No—the television that hung innocently in the corner of the wall was the culprit, its blue lights flashing like lightning in the dull room.

He watched the screen.

Within two seconds he wished he hadn't.

There it was, the footage of his shooting. A clip an innocent bystander had filmed was displayed on the channel, most likely having been recording to catch a glimpse of himself as he strolled down the runway in one of his father's signature designs, and then—

Bam.

Screams of terror erupted in the audience. The news station cut out the gruesome footage, as this was old news by now, probably only being covered as overnight filler—but it still caused a sinking, sickly feeling to begin to pool within his gut.

He'd intended to look away. He had.

But he saw Marinette on the screen.

A clip showed her bursting through the audience, her face stark white and eyes flooded with tears of horror as she rushed to his side and lifted him in her arms. There was blood on her clothes—his blood—staining the white of her T-shirt until she uttered two words that were deafened by the panic of the crowd, yet the movement of her lips was unmistakable.

"Spots on."

Suddenly, his eyes slammed open and she threw herself backwards, crashing onto the floor with a startled gasp. Her blue eyes locked with his green ones and she couldn’t move. Those emerald eyes that once looked at her with love now rent through her soul with more malice and hate than she could even fathom. It tore her in two. He let out a low and rumbling growl.

Hands grabbed her and started dragging her to the door, pulling her away from the wild beast in the room.

“MOVE!” yelled a voice, half dragging her scrambling body to her feet. She made herself obey. She willed herself through that door and listened to them slam it behind her. Then she broke.

Ao3 or FFnet.

Adrien & Marinette have lived a miraculous life together. Marinette is reminded of that when, post-Adrien’s death, she finds his journal - a series of memoirs about his life. For Adrien AUG-reste Month.

Ao3 or FFnet

Every year, the village chooses a young woman to give to the God of Fire as a bride to appease him, so he won’t destroy their land. Somehow, she was sent to the God of Mischief instead, who has no idea why this random (very pretty) girl just showed up on his doorstep. How could he pass up such an opportunity? (Based on an AU idea from @sidsinning on Tumblr) - IN PROGRESS

Ao3 or FFnet

Plus a whole bunch of other projects where I teamed up with my Miraculous Writing (s)Quad in various formations. Honestly, this is one of the biggest rewards of the year - finding a team of likeminded friends who encourage each other in our writing adventures, no matter what stage we are out. Shout out to @livrever​, @epcot97​, and DearestMrIcarus for chatting all day long and both keeping me on task and completely derailing my tasks at the same time! <3 ;) 

So, now we’re at 2020. And, because what’s life without big goals, I’ve decided to be CRAZY. Crazy, I tell you. 

I decided to join a challenge to write a million words in 2020. 

ONE MILLION WORDS! 

(See? Crazy!). It won’t just be fiction stuff that I’m counting, but non-fiction projects that I’ve been wanting to accomplish for a long time, and blog posts (not Tumblr ones though). I have no idea if it will be possible to accomplish or not, but what’s the harm in trying? 

Here’s to an awesome 2020. 

Time to get caught up on the fanfics I was reading writing something, I guess, right?

Happy New Year! :) 

A little yawn coming from the bed made Chloe check the time. “I should wake up Nicole soon. Where is the cafeteria?”

Nathaniel hands her a menu that he keeps in his room. “You can order food, and they will send it up.”

Chloe takes the menu. “If we order now the food should be here when Nicole wakes up.”

Chloe opens the menu. Nathaniel brings the phone over. “We need something light for Nicole,” Chloe says to herself out loud. “Now, how do we place the order?”

As soon as Chloe looks up at Nathaniel, he had the phone ready. “I already know what I want. Just tell me what you want and what we should get for Nicole.”

The order now placed Chloe relaxes a bit more. Soon another little yawn is heard. The couple sees their little one opening her eyes. It looks like Chloe doesn’t need to wake up Nicole for lunch after all. A knock on the door had Nathaniel get up to answer it as Chloe tends to the small child.

“Food, now?” The hungry two years old ask as her mother sets her down at the table.

Her answer was lunch being served to her. After lunch, Chloe decides they should leave. Even though Nathaniel wants them to stay. If he could, he would have them with him until they release him from the hospital. Chloe made sure he knew that she will be bringing Nicole with her from now on.

“Chloe Calm down. No need to panic. It’s just your mother wanting to see her granddaughter,” Nathaniel trying to calm down a panic Chloe who is playing with her ponytail.

“You don’t know my mother. The last time she was in Paris was at our engagement party. She didn’t even come to our wedding,” Chloe complains, “She didn’t care when I told her I was pregnant.”

The sound of a crying baby snaps Chloe away from thoughts of her mother. She rushes to the nursery. “Mommy’s here now,” she picks up Nicole. “Is someone hungry?”

Nathaniel hands Chloe a warmed up bottle so she could feed their baby. While feeding, Chloe goes back to her own mother. “I know the only reason she’s here is because of fashion week and this will be Gabriel’s last show. I bet you anything my mother doesn’t give a damn about our beautiful baby. We don’t need her. Nicole has everything she needs right here. Isn’t that right honey bear,” Chloe looks down at her baby.

Nathaniel sits down next to his wife. “Still she is your mother. Plus a small visit isn’t going to harm anything.”

“I still don’t want her to know where we live,” Chloe growls.

Nathaniel just roles his eye and sighs, “Is that why we’re meeting her at the hotel?”

“She’s already staying there.”

Nathaniel woke up not because he had a bad dream he hears a humming sound. While looking for it, the humming stops. Nathaniel notices that his hand is on the desk drawer where the box that has his miraculous is hiding. For some reason, he opens the drawer.

Nothing seems out of the ordinary. Nathaniel still picks up the box to examine it. Nothing unusual until he opens it and sees the miraculous glowing very faintly. “I don’t think that’s suppose to happen,” he whispers.

Chloe brought Nicole with her again. This time with some lunch she made at home along with some toys for Nicole. Just like last time Nathaniel was thrilled to see his daughter. They greeted each other in a family hug.

While Nicole is playing with some toys, Nathaniel leans closer to Chloe. “There’s something I think you should know. Last night I woke up to a humming sound. It seemed to be coming from my miraculous. When I open the box, it was glowing. It was very faint, but still.”

“What? Really. I think I should tell Master Fu this.” “If you want, I can watch Nicole while you do.” “You just want to spend more time with her.” Nathaniel smiles, and Chloe laughs. “With a goofy smile like that I know I’m right. I’m sure Dr.Tumble won’t mind. I’ll go when she takes her nap.”

Nathaniel kisses his wife. “Thank you.”

As soon a the tiny yawn was heard, Chloe and Nathaniel knew what that meant. Nathaniel gets Nicole ready for her nap while Chloe sneaks out.

Chloe, being Chloe, doesn’t even knock just slams open the door. “Fu!”

“Hello, Queen Bee. What brings you here?” He sips his tea.

Even though Master Fu gave his turtle miraculous to Nino, he’s still the guardian of the miraculouses. “We need to talk,” Chloe sits on her knees at the small table.

Master Fu slides a cup of tea towards her. “Royal Blu is feeling better now?”

Chloe doesn’t take the tea. “Royal Blu miraculous is glowing,” Chloe stated. The calmness of Master Fu seemed to annoyed her. “You know, don’t you?”

Master Fu just sips his tea.

“What’s the point of telling you? Can you please tell me what that means?” It almost sounds like Chloe is begging.

A smile forms from Master Fu’s lips. “Miraculouses are all unique. Each their own special power. Both in and out of battle,” he takes another sip, “I’m sure none of you have noticed. I could tell you, I should tell you. I won’t tell you what yours does. I will tell you what the peacock miraculous does.”

Chloe hates it when Master Fu talks like that. All she wants is for him to get right to the point, with no riddles. She finally takes a sip of the tea offered to her. “Alright, then, do tell.”

As soon as Chloe left, Nathaniel starts to draw his sleeping child. Chloe brought Mr. Cuddly with. While sleeping, Nicole is hugging her teddy bear. One that her mother gave her when she was a baby. Chloe has this teddy bear all through her childhood and felt like it will be a great friend for her own daughter.

Nathaniel puts his drawing on the table once he was finished. That humming sound is back. Right away, Nathaniel gets up, but before he does, he just ends up frozen in place as everything merges into a hotel lobby. People started talking and moving around him.

“It’s about time. You two are late.”

A blond woman wearing a white pants suit with a black stripe on both sides, white small open jacket with no buttons or zipper, black high heeled boots that don’t go past her ankle, sunglasses on her face with a big black floppy hat with a gold rose on it, is standing arms crossed tapping her foot.

“Hello, mother. Sorry, we’re late,” Chloe growl through her fake smile.

“Now, where is my grandchild?” Audrey demands.

Nathaniel comes walking up towards Chloe, holding their baby in his arms. Andre smiles as he walks next to his son in law and granddaughter. Andre always enjoys spending time with his family. Audrey, on the other hand, only likes to spend time with people that will increase her power, money, or worship her.

Sadly her daughter’s family doesn’t do any of that. Audrey slowly makes her way to the baby, as Chloe moves closer to her baby. Audrey doesn’t uncross her arms, she looks at the baby. “Her name is Nicole,” Andre tells her.

“Is that the best you could come up with. A stupid name I hate it. My daughter should have better taste than that,” Audrey points to Nathaniel.

Chloe glares at her mother, her hands becoming fist and they shake. Try as she may, Chloe unable to remain as calm as she would like to be. Nathaniel moves closer so Audrey can take a look at Nicole. “This tiny thing is my granddaughter. I don’t accept this ugly nonhuman thing as my granddaughter. Get it out of my site.”

That was it Chloe can’t hold back anymore. “How can you be so self-centered? Not everything is about you. There is more in the world than money and power. I just hope you can realize that before it’s too late.”

Nathaniel surprised everyone when he snapped at Audrey like that. Nathaniel was never known to raise his voice towards anyone, especially in public. Everyone staring at them now. Audrey takes off her sunglasses, looking at Nathaniel she’s smiles. “Carrie I mean Chloe it seems your husband has a pair after all,” she puts her sunglasses back on. “There may be hope for this child after all,” she walks away.

Nathaniel is back in his hospital room. He’s now standing with his arms up like he’s holding a baby. There is a bring glow coming from the miraculous. Once Nathaniel puts his arms down the glowing stops. “Daddy?”

The glow must have woken up Nicole. Nathaniel moves to his daughter’s side. The little girl rubs her eyes and looks around. “Mommy, gone?”

“Don’t worry. Mommy stepped out for a bit. Your mother will be back soon,” Nathaniel pats Nicole’s head.

Nathaniel got lunch ready while they wait for Chloe to return. Lucky, she came back shortly after the table was set. “I had a nice walk,” Chloe kisses her husband.

Just like last time they stayed as long as they could. “Nicole time to put your toys away and say goodbye to daddy. We’ll revisit him tomorrow.”

As Nicole was gathering her things, Nathaniel pulls Chloe a bit away. “What did Master Fu say?”

Chloe checks their daughter. “Queen Bee will give you a report tonight,” Chloe whispers. “Are you ready honey, sweetie?”

Nicole hugs her father before she rushed to her mother’s side. Chloe picks up Nicole, and they both wave goodbye. Nathaniel waves in return with a smile on his face. He’s always smiling when Nicole or Chloe is around. His smile is bigger when both are near.

That night being true to her word Queen Bee taps on the closed window, only to find it’s unlocked and slightly open. She enters the room to see Royal Blu waiting for her. “I thought we could talk up high and in private, my queen,” he grins as he kisses her hand.

Queen Bee smiles,” I know just the place.”

They had a usual place to talk after patrol at night. Queen Bee takes Royal Blu to that place. “This place is nice. We’ve been here before?”

Queen Bee frowns a little. She was hoping he would at least remember this by now. Then again, they haven’t been here since Chloe was pregnant. “This is a nice quiet place where no one will be able to find us. We can talk about anything here.”

Royal Blu likes that thought of them being totally alone together. Right now they are there to talk, maybe later they can make out. Sitting on the edge next to each other, Royal Blu wraps his arm around Queen Bee’s shoulders. Pulling her closer to him.

“According to Master Fu, you have nothing to worry about. There’s nothing wrong with your miraculous. It seems all the miraculouses have powers used outside of battle to help the owner,” Queen Bee takes a little breath before she continues.

“Did he tell you what they all are?” Royal Blu asked before Queen Bee could continue.

Queen Bee places her finger on Royal Blu’s lips. “Let me finished, please.”

Royal Blu nods and Queen Bee removes her finger from his face. “I only know what the peacock can do,” she shrugs, “Master Fu notice that your memories are starting to come back faster and more clear since you used it that one night. The peacock miraculous has the power of the past. It can take you to the past. What I think it means is that it’s helping you get your memories back.”

Royal Blu looks up into the night sky. Deep in thought. ‘Maybe if I transform more my memories will come back faster. Then I could leave the hospital and rejoin my family.’ He smiles as the idea comes to him. “I think you’re right. That does make sense. Also explains the glowing.”

After the short meeting, they went back to the hospital. They kissed, and Queen Bee really went home this time. Royal Blu goes back to being Nathaniel. The only reason he puts the miraculous back in its box is so he can keep it hidden from Dr. Tumble.

Royal Blu thought he had the upper hand. Sadly he was proven wrong when the smoke or fog like akuma not only dodge the hero’s attack but also made its own counter-attack. Pinning Royal Blu down, knocking his fan out of his hand. That doesn’t matter; it didn’t land far, and Royal Blu was able to grab it.

He wasn’t able to free himself from this odd akuma. When Carapace tossed his shield at it, Royal Blu was able to escape. The shield didn’t hit anything solid. The shield just past through the fog like akuma, but it did make it spread itself thin. While is a thinned out Ladybug did notice something odd and shiny.

Soon the fog starts to return and cover the item. Thinking fast Ladybug dashed to grab it. She’s now holding a black pin in the shape of an owl. Breaking freed the akuma as it flies away. Ladybug purified it with her yo-yo before it could get too far. Now they need to stop Fairy Queen and Lady Papillon.

                                                     ******

Across a few arrondissements, at the Tom and Sabine boulangerie, Marinette is sitting along her chaise with discarded fabrics, scissors, assortments of beads and other fabric decorative items scattered around her.  Assortments along her chaise and scattered on her bedroom floor, it was clear that Marinette was in her prime and space of fashion.  And she had a goal of finishing her last minute design for a special occasion.

Since the past three days after Adrien’s unfortunate, unexpected approaching rut cycle, Marinette planned a special outfit for her alpha.  A tingle circulated through her body at the thought of calling Adrien her alpha.  Though it was fairly new of her to take such action, something inside of her was convinced that if Adrien was going to refer her as his omega, then why not refer him as her alpha.  And if she were being completely honest with herself, it felt magnificent calling Adrien hers.

After being asked to participate in a private photoshoot to model and dress in Agreste clothing for Adrien’s benefit, Mme. Agreste offered Marinette a shirt design that was to be released in their next catalog.  She was ecstatic to say the least when she was gifted with this item, but it offered Marinette design inspiration to create a full outfit with the new shirt given to her.  And once she received a text from the Agreste about Adrien’s party being held Saturday, it offered Marinette a perfect opportunity to show off and impress her alpha.

With Adrien’s party being today, she couldn’t wait to prepare and dress in the outfit she had been planning since receiving the text.  And even though she and Adrien never planned on showing much affection other than the typical cuddling and contact of touch, a big part of her was feeling that he wanted a little more just like her.

Ever since he kissed her, well, on the corner of her lips and cheek, she’s never wanted anything more than to fully kiss the young man fully on the lips.  With it being Adrien’s eighteenth birthday today, a large part of her wants to give him a special gift of giving them their first kiss.  And if she truly thought about it, Alya and Nino were right.  Her and Adrien shouldn’t wait and rely until they were both eighteen and rely on the possibility of the 'destined' mate.  If they were able to be happy without even knowing now, they’ll still be happy even after knowing then.

Hopefully, those photoshoot images was enough to give Adrien the hint that she was there for him whether she was in person or not.

Stitching the last glitter disc shape piece on the lining of her red stain jean shorts, Marinette finally completed her outfit for Adrien’s birthday bash.  With two hours to spare it was time for her to get ready and dressed for the party.

Standing from her chaise, Marinette gathered all the mess of scattered fabric supplies and cleaned up.  Placing leftover fabric and other small pieces from being cut into her basket of fabrics, organizing accordingly so the leftover cut strips of fabric didn’t mix with the unused fabrics.  Securing all her sewing utensils into her sewing box, Marinette set her finished product on her chaise.

Heading to the closet, Marinette retrieved her new shirt gifted to her by Mme. Agreste and brought it to her chaise to set beside her red jean shorts.  Bending down, she reached under her chaise and grabbed her black converse shoes to wear with the outfit.  Satisfied, Marinette grabbed a towel and headed to her bathroom to get ready for Adrien’s birthday.

                                             ******

Stepping out of her bathroom forty minutes later, wrapped in a fluff pink towel, she strolls to one of her drawers and picks out a lovely black lace bra and panties.  Sure she thinks it might be unnecessary, it always felt pleasant to feel sexy.  That, and she wants to use it as a confidence builder when she arrives at the party and interact with her awaited alpha.

Dropping the towel, Marinette put on her black lace bra and panties; feeling the comfort of the lce and soft fabric hug her body.  Strolling back towards her chaise, Marinette reached for the red shorts and pulled them along her legs and secured the button closed.  Glancing in her mirror, she smiled at the glimmer and reflective surface of the red bedding shining from the light of the window and room lamp.  Turning back to her chaise, she reached for her new shirt and threw over her head and slid her arms through the sleeves and spun back around to look in the mirror.  

Her smile grew as she looked at the outfit.  The shirt gifted to her was a light grey hue in color that ran from her sleeves and down towards the bottom hem of her shirt, though gradually fading in gradients along the way down.  In the front of her shirt, a light sepia, mixed with gradients of red and pink, was an image of the Eiffel Tower stood near the left side with some Parisian buildings running across the other side, the Champs Elysees taking place in the background behind some of the buildings.  In the bottom right corner was a small image of red heeled, styled shoes and a pair or pink rings.  The center of the shirt with perfect cursive text that said Paris, France.  Finished with black and white zebra patterns blended towards the bottom to the end of the shirt.

In all, the shirt and shorts fit perfectly against the curves of her body.  She couldn’t feel more proud of her comforting attire.  And she couldn’t wait for Adrien to see her show up and admire the design.  Even though the shirt wasn’t hers, the rest was created by her and designed to match along the Agreste original.

Turning to look at her cat, Tikki, lying in one of her cat hammy, the blue-eyed calico watched in comfort as her owner prepared for her mate’s party.

“What do you think, Tikki?  Does it look good to you?” Marinette asked her calico.

Lifting her head, Tikki gave a pleasant and agreeable response, a smile running along her muzzle; tail swaying side to side in happiness and content.

Moving away from the stand alone mirror, Marinette heads to her vanity and reaches for her hairbrush to begin styling her hair.  Looking into the smaller mirror of her vanity, she gazes at her raven hair and decides on a hairstyle.  Her hair grown out through the previous years, passing a little further from her shoulder, almost reaching mid shoulder blade.

Brushing her hair straight, Marinette grabs the top half of her hair and ties it up in a small ponytail.  The tail end resting and nearly blending with the lower half of her hair.  Grabbing her flat iron, Marinette curled the ends of her hair until they flipped up, the different layers flipping in different lengths to offer volume.  Then finally, she styled her bangs to one side, using hairspray to hold everything together.

Applying a light touch of blush, soft rose eyeshadow, and clear glitter lip gloss, Marinette was finished and ready for Adrien’s party.

Heading back to her chaise, Marinette placed a pair of grey socks and her black converse shoes on.  Tying the laces, Marinette jumped up, giving a twirl in excitement, and headed to her desk to retrieve her gift for Adrien.  Giving Tikki a pet goodbye, she headed downstairs and down to the bakery where her parents were finishing the last touches of Adrien’s birthday cake.

Once the decision was announced that Adrien’s birthday bash was scheduled for today, Gabriel and Emilie called Tom and Sabine about making a five layered cake for Adrien.  The Dupain-Cheng’s happily accepted, agreeing to make other treats for other party goers.  Besides, Tom and Sabine would take any opportunity to make something for their future son-in-law.  It was pretty clear to both set of parents that their children were bonded to the end.

Finished with the cake, Marinette helped her parents with the pastry, holding the large box as her parents picked up the five layered creation and set in carefully inside the box.  Securing it closed and tapping the ends shut, Sabine and Tom removed their aprons, both already dressed in nicer clothing for the party.  Hanging up the aprons, the family of three locked up the bakery and exited through the back of the bakery’s kitchen the family’s car, a silver Peugeot.  Placing the cake in the back of the trunk of their car, all three enter the car and drive off towards the Agreste home.

                                                ******

Back at the Agreste Mansion.

Adrien was standing in front of his large bathroom mirror, finishing the last minute touches before heading down to his party.  Grooming his hair and styling it in his familiar, but the sides combed back more, and his bangs flipped and flowing closer.  Shaving and trimming his jaw line, leaving a small stubble of blond facial hair.  Though it’s not thick and still early in the growth process, Adrien couldn’t help but leave the new development of his growth.  If he’s lucky, maybe Marinette would find it attractive.

Shaved, hair styled to his liking; Adrien takes a few steps back to get a better look of himself in the mirror.  Standing tall, Adrien wore a green t-shirt, similar to the color of his eyes, with three gold stripes running across his chest.  A thin black jacket over top his shirt with neon green trimming and interior, smokey grey fitted jeans, and green converse with his parent’s logo on the sides.  And finally, Marinette’s lucky charm bracelet on his left wrist.

Hearing the doorbell of the mansion ring, all the guest begin arriving signaling Adrien to head down stairs.  Grabbing his phone from his desk, he places the phone in his back jean pocket and turns to his bed where Plagg is lying and staring at him.  Adrien stares back at the cat with a warning glare.

Pointing a finger at his cat, “Don’t get into anything, Plagg.”

Plagg raises a brow, questioning the boy before laying his head down on the bed.  A huff escaping the cat as he flicks his tail.

Adrien closes the door and mutters, “Damn cat.”  

Heading down the hallways and main stairway, Adrien comes into view of the entire entry way and side rooms where classmates and fellow models from his job begin crowding and filing in.  Reaching the bottom of the steps, Adrien begins greeting everyone who’s arrived.

All greeting Adrien in return, Kim gives a playful punch into his shoulder, giving him a side hug afterwards.  

Max coming up next to pat Adrien on shoulder, wishing him a happy birthday.  It was still weird seeing Max at the same height as him, but was a great change when playing basketball with the others at school.

Alix came forward next, giving Adrien a quick hug, wishing him happy birthday, before giving a more forceful, playful punch to his shoulder, opposite of the one Kim punched.

Following the three came Juleka and Rose, both giving Adrien a hug with Rose becoming all gidding.  Nathanael and Chloe following after, offering him birthday wishes and congratulating him for reaching his alpha maturity.  Thanking them, the couple head off towards the food catering table for refreshments.

Ivan and Mylene following close behind after a few minutes, giving their greetings and heading off to refreshments table.

With others trickling in, Adrien moves aside and begins roaming around for his closest friends when he hears a familiar voice.

“Hey, bro!”

Turning around, Adrien catches Nino and Alya approaching the blond with smiles.  Entering a three group hug, Nino is beaming when he looks around at all the decorations, foods, and refreshments set up.

“Damn, Adrien, you’re parents went all out from this party.  It’s insane what you all have set up.  Even the DJ they hired to play in the small hall over there is actually good.”  Altering his features, Nino gives Adrien a glare, a playful gleam flowing within, “Though I’m hurt you didn’t ask your best friend to DJ for you.  My heart crumbled when I saw that a DJ was hired instead of me.”

Chuckling, Adrien pats his friends shoulder, “My apologies, Nino.  You know if I had any say in this, I would have most definitely hired you as the DJ.  Unfortunately, my parents planned this all during my previous situation of being housed and spending majority of my time in the heat room.  Though I will admit my parents did a pretty good job with this.”

“I’d have to agree with you sunshine.”  Alya spoke up, “This is probably the most lively party of yours you’ve had.  But I won’t mark it against you since you’re parents planned this one.”

“Thanks, Alya.”  Adrien returned.  “Did Marinette arrive with you two?”

He hadn’t seen his love anywhere amongst the crowd in the rooms.  He would have thought his lady would have arrived by now.  He wanted to be near her and hold her.

Adrien lets out a frustrated whimper, Alya and Nino laughing at his behavior.

“Calm down, lover boy.  Mari should be here shortly.  Be patient, Adrien.”  Alya said as she tried to calm the blond.

Releasing a sigh, Adrien looks at Alya, “I’m sorry.  I just haven’t seen her in...three days?  I just feel like I have Mari withdrawal.”

The sound of whooping and clapping began echoing through the first floor of the mansion as Adrien, Alya, and Nino walked towards the entryway to see the commotion taking place.  Reaching the entryway, all three peaked their heads up and watched as Tom and Sabine Dupain-Cheng entered through the front doors holding a large box.  His mother and father walked forward and guided them towards a circular table standing in the middle of the foyer, right in front of the main stairway.  No doubt his parents placed it there moments ago.

Walking towards the table, Tom and Sabine carefully placed the large box on the round table.  Cutting the edges of the box where the tape resided, the couple pulled apart the sides of the box to reveal the five layered birthday cake.  All the party goers were in awe at the intriquent and carefully crafted design of the five layered creation.  Adrien himself was blown away at the creation, still amazed by the steady hands of the bakers.  People took out there phones to take photos of the intriquent cake.

“Do you like it, minou?  They worked really hard on it.”

Hearing the familiar voice from behind, Adrien spun around and came face to face with the love of his life.  However, he wasn’t prepared for the gorgeousness that is his lady in the breathtaking spunky attire that she wore.  The shirt being recognized from his parents next line and her red shorts hugging her hips and lower thighs wonderfully.  But what caught his breath was the way her hair was styled.  Beautifully framed around her face, and curled at the ends, the little amount of makeup breaking out her features further.

The entire image of Marinette standing before him brought back those distracting, enchanting, lovely photoshoot pictures.

OH FUCK.

Gods, his omega was going to kill him.

Her giggling broke Adrien out of his hormone induced brain to find her smiling up at him, her cheeks tinted in a soft pink.  Wait.  Did she know what he was just imagining?!

“Do you like it?”  Marinette asked, taking a hand and flattening her shirt.  “I specifically designed this around the shirt.”  She looks up and moves closer to Adrien, resting her left hand on his chest.  The heat of her touch could be felt through his clothing and it felt wonderful.  “I wanted to make sure I impressed my alpha.”

Adrien’s green eyes bugged out a bit.  Was he hearing things correctly?  Did his omega just call him hers?!

Taking everything in, he watches Marinette slightly lean back, biting her lip in that adorable fashion that always drew him in and glancing towards her lips.  Witnessing her saying he was her alpha ignited a spark of desire, possession, and relief.  All the stress he built on himself had finally dissipate.  A long waited breath leaving Adrien.

Wrapping an arm around her waist, Adrien pulls Marinette towards him until she was flat against his chest.  Eliciting a giggle from Marinette, she leans against him without hesitation and rests her head against her alpha’s chest.  Neither of them thought they’d break away from waiting til they were both eighteen to wait to grow more physical.  But, if they were being true to themselves, they were thrilled to have broken that promise.  

Both desired the closer physical contact.  Whether it was for instinctual purposes or relationship purposes, Adrien and Marinette would gladly take the new bond as is.  And to think, all it took to push the contact and relationship (one they will have to talk about) further was an unexpected early presentation cycle and the self confidence of a photoshoot for a mate.

“Your alpha, huh?”  Adrien asked, looking down at Marinette.

Pushing her head up, leaning her chin in his chest, she gazed at Adrien, looking into those gorgeous emerald green eyes of his and simply smiled warmly back at him.  “I figured since you keep referring me as your omega, I should return the favor and begin referring you as my alpha.  I thought it only be fitting that we called each other ours.”

Suddenly feeling sheepish, she asks, “Is that alright with you, Adrien?  I didn’t stop to consider to ask your feelings on this.”

Adrien’s heart burst further with affection for this amazing young woman in his arms.  She didn’t have to worry about him feeling anything against this new development into their new bond, this new, dare he say it, relationship.  He’s waited for so long to claim her as his own and he’s not gonna risk losing her now.

“I’ve waited four years to call you mine.”  Returning the smile, “As long as you’ll have me as your alpha.”

Standing on her toes, Marinette leans up to rest her forehead against Adrien’s, him leaning down to accommodate the height difference.

“Yes.”  Marinette replied.

Leaning away from from Adrien, Marinette unwrapped herself from his arms and handed him her gift for his birthday.  “Happy birthday, minou.”

Taking the gift from her hands, Adrien pulled the ribbon wrapped around the decorative box, tossing the ribbon to the nearest side of the room, and opened the lid.  What he saw inside pulled him into awe and warmth to burst into his chest yet again.  He recalls all the gifts his parents had ever given him through his entire childhood growing up, but he couldn’t recall the last time he ever received a handmade gift.

People may question how he would know this gift was handmade, but if there was anything he knew about Marinette, and he knew a lot, was that she always created handmade gifts.  So when he saw two handmade knitted scarfs in the box, he was breathless.  Even without touching them, Adrien could see how comfortably soft the fabric was and no doubt how warm they would be upon wearing them.

Slipping the top of the lid underneath the bottom of the box, Adrien reached in to pull one of the scarfs out, rubbing his thumb along the fabric and knitted patterns, completely admiring the craftsmanship and dedication stitched into this gift.   It felt incredibly soft to the touch, almost like he was running his fingers against silk.  The creativity in this family never cease to amaze him.

“These are incredible, Mari.”  Marinette watched the sincerity in his eyes as they gleamed in adoration.  And Adrien indeed was worshipping these scarfs.  A Marinette original.  “Thank you.”

“Your welcome.  I wasn’t sure about colors at first, but I thought blue would look rather charming on you, especially with your eyes during certain seasons or whenever it got cold.  I also thought green would look gorgeous on you as well, since it would really go along with your eyes.  So I decided to do both to save trouble.  Figured you could wear whichever you preferred or whichever goes along with a certain outfit of yours.”

Wrapping his arms around Marinette again, Adrien draws her in and nuzzles his head against hers, leaning to to leave a kiss against her temple.  A small tingle shooting throughout both their bodies from the contact.

“Alright everyone!  Let’s get this party in motion!”  Shouted Mme. Agreste.

Finding Nathalie, Adrien asked her to place Marinette’s gift up in his bedroom for safe keeping.  He didn’t want to risk losing her gift amongst the others or risk someone stealing them.

Thanking Nathalie, Adrien reached for Marinette’s hand and walked her across the foyer to the other side of the house, opposite of the food and refreshments side.  Making their way to the right side of the house, Adrien and Marinette arrived to the dance room.  

Others were already dancing amongst each other, stepping to the bass of the beat from the music.  The DJ dancing at his spot near the mixing soundboard as lights danced and glowed along with the bands being played.  The current song featuring Adrien and Marinette’s favorite, Jagged Stone.

Stepping onto the dance floor, Adrien positioned Marinette in front of him, both facing each other as they begin dancing and swinging to the music.  The beat moving their bodies as everyone attempts to match the tempo.

Grasping Marinette’s hand, Adrien twirls her around and spins her away and pulls her back in.  Both falling in sync with each other and matching step for step.  Following and repeating the same motions and movements.

As rock and pop instrumentals blend to a slow musical beat for the first slow dance, Adrien and Marinette moved in sync, as her arms wrapped around his shoulders, his wrapped around her waist.  Pulling her closer, Marinette rest her head against his chest a second time today.  The current moment being shared between them becoming one of their favorite memories.  Yes, they’ve danced previously in the past, but to them, this is the first time officially bonded and within the realms of a relationship.

For Adrien this day couldn’t get any better.

As the slow song switched to a more upbeat song, Adrien and Marinette leaned back from each other.  Small streams a sweat beginning to gather along their foreheads from the heat encased in the room from the amount of bodies scattered along the dance floor.

“Would you like a drink, my lady?”  

“Yes, please.”

Agreeing on a refreshment, Marinette informed Adrien that she’ll step aside by the wall on the right side of the dance floor.  Waiting for his return with the drinks.  Nodding, Adrien exits the dance area and heads to the other side of the foyer to retrieve their beverages.

For Marinette, she found an empty space along the right wall of the dance floor, gazing out to the floor and watching others continue dancing amongst the music.  

Following some of the dancers, she managed to find Alya and Nino amongst the other dance goers.  Dancing and swinging freely with one another as the duo swerved along the other dancers like professional dancers; in complete flow and in sync like water running through various rocks along a stream.

Watching her two friends dance gave her happiness.  She was happy for those two as they were always in sync.  The two of them always there for the other, always supporting one another and their dreams.  She couldn’t wait herself to finally begin a life with her bonded mate.  To have the happiness as a whole from both halves like Alya and Nino do, as well as Chloe and Nathanael.

Caught in her own thoughts of the hopeful future for her and Adrien, Marinette failed to sense the unpleasant presence of another body standing beside her.

The pheromones and energy growing heavy, it was enough to snap Marinette out of her reverie and twist her head over her shoulder to greet the other person standing beside her.

Standing beside her stood another young man, though based on the physical features, she was able to pick that this guest was older, if anything him at least two years older than Adrien.  Though, she did not recognize this young man.  Nothing about him offered a sense of recognition.

Marinette will acknowledge and agree that this young man was indeed attractive, pleasant features along his face.  Light brown hair, styled with strands slightly spiked but with softness rather than hardness, probably held by a medium textured hair paste.  Eyes coated with hazel, almost like honey itself was trapped within when striked by the right angle of light.  

His physical body presenting muscular in every way.  Nicely toned chest, small ab details seen from his smokey grey muscle shirt, arms built to perfect that common jock appearance.  Overall, this young man screamed alpha.

Even with everything about this young man appeared attractive and perfect, nothing stood out more than the overall aura of this alpha that made Marinette feel uncomfortable and on defense.

Maybe it was due to her bond with Adrien and her complete devotion to him, but her instincts never strayed her the wrong way when an un-tameness sort of energy approaches and swerves around her.

Marinette watches as the man leans against the wall on his side, leaning in closely towards her.

“Hello, beautiful.”  The stranger introduced, a slight hungry growl mixed within.

The simple greeting set alarms ranging within Marinette’s body.  All sense of discomfort flowing around her as her instincts send brain signals to move away from this alpha.  To leave this spot and search for the safety of her alpha.

As Marinette attempted to lean away from the wall and walk around the alpha, she was halted in her steps as the alpha stood in front of her and leaned into her space, his arms falling along her sides against the wall, trapping her in a small cage.  Her omega senses increasing with the threat of this presence in front of her.

“Let me go.”  Marinette demanded, a small snarl escaping as she glared into the young man’s eyes.

“Come now.  Why the rush.  Don’t you want an alpha to be claimed by.”  The alpha lent further until he was face to face with Marinette.  “I can give you all that your heart desires.  I can even make it a wild ride and fun in the bedroom.”

The grin that he gave was nothing but predatory.  Nothing came good from an alpha who bared an aura like the one he’s giving.  And that grin all but sent shivers down her body, and the young man took that reaction in a completely different way.

As the alpha did seconds ago, he moved closer, until he pushed himself against her body.  Her’s stuck between his and the wall, nowhere to move or go.  

The last thing she expected was his head leaning against the space of her neck, the touch his nose running along the structure of her neck.  Her body electrifying from the discomfort and assault.  It was all wrong; everything about this man and his actions against her was assault and she wouldn’t stand by this.

Throwing all the strength she possessed as her current omega form, she shoved the alpha’s arms away and shoved the man’s face away from her neck.  However, her actions were for naught, as the alpha grasped her wrist and slammed them against the wall, pinning her body between his and the wall.  

He snarled at Marinette, anger and amusement seeping off the alpha.  Looking up, she could see the alpha’s eyes bare gold, canines elongated as he bared his teeth at her.  His grip tightened around her wrist.  All she could do was snarl back, her own canines elongating, her eyes shifting to a light white-silver.

“My, my, we have ourselves a fighter.”  He chuckled as he gave Marinette’s wrist a squeeze.  Pain beginning to tingle along her skin.  “I’ll make sure to break you from that.  Can’t have that running through your mind and body.  I need you as the submissive type.”

He moved her arms above her head, freeing one of his hands.  Taking the free hand, he ran his fingers along the bare skin of her legs.  The unwanted touch sending wrongness throughout her body.  He wasn’t meant to touch her.  She wasn’t his to touch, he wasn’t meant anything when it came to her body.  The only person who had the right and privilege to touch her body was her alpha.  Her Adrien.  And she’d be damn that anyone else touch her.

“Get your hands off me!”  Marinette snarled out.  Her shouts falling short from the overbearing music overhead.  She knew her strength wasn’t an equal match against him.  She wasn’t in her maturity stage yet, but damn it she wished above anything that she hit her maturity age.  That way it would have been an even playing field.  But until then, she was vulnerable to him.

“I’ll release you once I claim you.”

“I’ve already been claimed asshole.”

The alpha jackass had the audacity to laugh in her face.

“Even if you were, my dear.  The markless skin of your neck says otherwise.  And as long as an omega has a bareless, markless neck, she’s all fair game.  And you’re too gorgeous to escape.”

Her eyes widened when the facts displayed in her head.  He was one of those alphas.  He was one of those that felt privileged; felt that he could enforce any being below an alpha rank.  This asshole where amongst the few who believed an omega is free for all as long as they bared markless on the neck, be damned if they had a destined or current relationship.  If they desired an omega they had their sights on, and they were unclaimed, they were up for bid in their eyes.

To them, omegas where nothing but to cater to the alpha needs.  Anything from catering their food, cleaning, and any sexual cravings and activities that the alpha desired.  In their eyes, an omega was nothing but to please and cater to their every whim.

Unfortunately, some unlucky souls of an omega or even a beta who captures the radar of one of these alphas, are broken until they become the submissive partner.

She was not going to end up like those broken souls, not while she has a chance or say about it.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make it quick.”  His grin displayed his canines as she shut her eyes, praying for any miracle as she felt him lean closer.

But as soon as she felt him lean towards her, the weight and grip on her wrist vanished.  A breeze brushing against her, a loud bang echoed throughout the entire dance room causing her eyes to snap open.

And standing in front of her was the miracle she dearly hoped for.

                                                ******

Entering the other side of the of the foyer, Adrien walked towards the refreshment table and grabbed two plastic cups.  Waiting patiently, he filled the two cups with ice from the ice bowl and filled the cups with fruit juice mix.

Weaving around the other party goers, dodging some of the large groups and fellow Agreste employees, Adrien crossed the foyer and re-entered the dance floor, glancing over to the far side of the wall for Marinette, only to come face to face with an unpleasant site.

Standing before him, across the wall, Adrien watched as young man, an alpha based off his pose structure, pressed himself against his omega, his princess .  And worse, he saw the disgrace of a man and alpha as he touched her without her consent.  He dared touch her against her will.

Seeing the alpha raise his lady’s arms above her head, taking his free hand and running along her bare legs set Adrien off.  If there was one thing to piss him off more, it was another alpha, an unwanted one, touching his omega.  Anger and rage began running though his body, his green eyes switching to a fiery gold as he glared at the alpha.

When the alpha grinned at Marinette and bared his teeth, leaning towards her to mark her, everything inside Adrien snapped.  Instincts taking over as his canines elongated, dropping the drinks, and running to his omega’s aid.

Running at top speed, Adrien reached the two in a few strides.  Gripping at the alpha’s shirt, Adrien honed all his alpha strength and flung him off Marinette, throwing the alpha across a few feet into one of the sound systems.  The dance room falling into complete silence as all the guests halt in their movement and snap their attention towards the ruckus taking place near the entrance of the room.

For some of the party goers, manly friends of the two in the midst of the ruckus, all eyes were on the three.  Alya, Nino, Chloe and Nathanael being one of the top few who were stunned and startled at what was taking place before them.  Though out of the four, Chloe and Nathanael were able to figure out what was occuring based on the aura and mood taking hold amongst Adrien, Marinette, and the other alpha.

With all eyes on Adrien and the other alpha, none of the surroundings Adrien paid attention too.  His focus was purely on the alpha in front of him.  An alpha he had the displeasure of working with at his parents company.  

Markus Blanceux.  A fellow model at Agreste company.  A fellow model and alpha with a disrespectful behavior and attitude amongst his fellow peers.

“Agreste.”  Markus snarled, “She’s mine.”

A growl escapes through Adrien’s clenched teeth as he launched himself at Markus, slamming him against the marble flooring as both alphas began brawling against one another.

Both males snarling, each letting out a loud roar of rage.  Tumbling and throwing each other across the space of the room that was given to them from the other guests.  None wanting to speak up, fearing to intervene whatsoever.

The audience gathered stood speechless and in awe as they watch two alphas battle against each other.  Amazed by the strength from Adrien as he landed fist after fist into Markus’s jaw and nose.  A loud snap and a pained growl coming from Markus, his nose broken from one of Adrien’s punches.

However, Adrien hadn’t escaped any injury either.  Markus managed to land a few punches at Adrien’s face, landing the Agreste’s jaw, nose, and eye.  Resulting the Areste model with a busted lip and bloody nose.

Falling on his back, Adrien blocks another punch from Markus when he uses his feet to kick the alpha back, launching him against the marble flooring.  

Before Markus could attack again, strong, bulk arms encased the young man as he turns to find the Agreste’s bodyguard holding him back.  A glare engraving into the model.  From behind, Gabriel, Emilie, along with Tom and Sabine come from behind.  Hearing the noise and chaos coming from the room, the parents rushed in with the bodyguard rushing into duty.

Approaching the teens, Gabriel looks upon the situation and shoots a glare at Markus.  Very familiar with the model from his and his wife’s company.

“Remove this man from my home.  Keep him outside as I would like a word with him.”  Gabriel demanded, his alpha voice seething through as he watched, with pride and pleasure, that Markus wilted at his employer's glare.

Turning back at Adrien, he saw the blood from his busted lip and nose.  “Are you alright, Adrien?”

“I’ll be fine..for now anyways.”  Came Adrien’s reply.

Lips thinning, Gabriel turned to Marinette, her body still stunned from the event.  A inkling of a feeling of what occurred based on the scene.

“Marinette, will take Adrien up to his room and treat his wounds, please.” Gabriel asked.

Without any hesitation, Marinette removed herself from the wall and rushed to Adrien’s side.  Helping him up to his feet as she walked beside him and headed up the main stairway towards his bedroom.  Leaving the guests in silence from what occured, they’re friends worried about Adrien and Marinette.

Once the two were out of sight, Gabriel and Emilie requested the music continue and the guest mingle until Adrien and Marinette were able to return.

                                                    ******

Up in Adrien’s room, Marinette set him on his bed as she ran into his bathroom to retrieve his first aid kit.  Knowing where exactly the box was, Marinette returned with the kit in hand.

Sitting beside Adrien, Marinette handed the blond a cloth to hold against his nose, while she removed a disinfectant wipe and began wiping away the blood around his cut lip.

Feeling the comforting silence, Adrien placed his left hand on Marinette’s knee, rubbing his thumb in circular motions along the joint.  The touch from Adrien felt soothing and welcomed for Marinette.  The contact from him felt safe and protected.

“Thank you, Adrien.”  Adrien turned his head to look at his lady, her movements to cleaning his lip stopping as she returned his gaze.  “Thank you for saving me.”

Adrien gave her a smile full of warmth, “I will always be there for you, Mari.  I will never let anyone harm you as long as I live.”  He reaches for her left hand and brings it forwards towards his lips, leaving a kiss against her knuckles.

Both chest warming from the contact, Marinette leans forwards, removing her hand from his grip and places it along his cheek; her body leaning in as she presses her lips against his, igniting their first kiss.  Adrien lent into the touch.  Wrapping an arm around Marinette as he embraced her against his body.

Breaking the kiss, they rest their foreheads against each other, both gazing lovely into each other’s eyes.

“Happy birthday, Adrien.  I love you.”  She said as her lips brushed against his.

Oh, how lucky she was to have Adrien, the smartest and most amazing guy, as her lab partner! It was like a dream come true, to be working with Adrien, her crush, and it was all thanks to Alya! Since it was the new school year, the students were allowed to pick new partners, and so, Alya decided to pair up with Nino. Nino, who was in the game with Alya, suggested to Adrien that he, should pick Marinette, since she didn't have a partner yet.

Marinette's heart nearly leaped out of her mouth when Adrien came to her in the locker room before the class began.

"Hey Marinette!" Adrien said with his usual friendliness.

Marinette, who had been talking to Alya, jumped, "Oh um, hey there! Adrien! What brings you here?"

"Nino told me you don't have a partner yet for Science class." Adrien started but was interrupted by Marinette's nervous bumbling.

"Oh yes! It's a great tragedy! I'm so bad at Chemistry; I'm barely passing the tests! And with my luck I would probably get paired with Chloe," Marinette scoffed to herself. "It would be a disaster of great! I mean great disaster. Ugh, what am I saying?" Her shoulders drooped in dismay, while Alya could only face-palm.

"Well, then if it's okay with you, perhaps I could become your partner!" Adrien continued nevertheless.

"Me? Your partner? No way!" Marinette exclaimed in surprise.

"Oh! Then I suppose I'll have to ask someone else." Adrien said apologetically.

"No, I mean, of course I want to be your partner, Adrien!" Marinette quickly covered up.

"That's great! See you in class then!" Adrien winked and went off to his way.

Marinette waved to him dreamily, "Yes, see you in class!"

She snapped out of her trance when she realized that Adrien was saying something to her.

"Did you say something?" she asked.

"I was asking if you could write notes on the plant cells." Adrien repeated patiently.

"Yes, of course! Leave it to me!" Marinette said excitedly and got to work, while Adrien began working on the Oscillating clock reaction. She picked out a leaf and after gently cutting a thin piece of the leaf, she placed it gently onto the glass before adding a drop of water, following the instructions in the book.

She placed the glass under the microscope for observation and pulled out her pink notebook to take notes. All she could see what some swirling patterns of green dotes, shaped like clouds. She continued observing, trying to make sense of the plant cell and drawing its shape on the notebook, when she felt Adrien move close to her. Her breath hitched and a shiver when down her spine when he whispered, "Marinette, there's something you need to know…"

"Um, yes?" Marinette looked up from the microscope, her heart throbbing in anticipation. Before she could let her fantasies run wild, Adrien pulled up the USB plug of the microscope. "I think you're supposed to plug this thing in before you begin your observations."

"Oh…um, right! I totally forgot about that! Thanks!" She smiled nervously as she plugged it in.

"No problem!" Adrien smiled back and returned to his experiment.

Marinette sighed to herself, "Oh, I'm such a dork! I won't be able to survive this!"

"It's okay Marinette! Trust yourself!" Tikki whispered from her little purse.

"Hide Tikki!" Marinette exclaimed, glancing around nervously.

She tried observing the plant cells, but it still didn't make any sense to her. She opened her text book for some clues, but the picture in the book in no way resembled the one she was seeing through the microscope.

"Need any help?" Adrien asked, placing the flask over the stand.

"I followed all the steps, but these plant cells don't make any sense! I just don't know where I'm going wrong! "Marinette explained dejectedly.

Adrien placed a hand over her shoulder encouragingly, "Hey, don't worry! Let me have a look." He bent over the microscope, surprising her. With their faces inches away, Adrien said, "See, you just have to focus on it using this dial," he demonstrated.

She quickly reacted, "I see! Thank you, Adrien!" she smiled nervously.

"You're welcome," Adrien nodded. She used the dial to focus and found the cell matching the images and wrote down her observations.

When Miss Mendeleive came by their desk, she was impressed by Adrien's experiment, the liquid in the flask oscillating from clear, amber, blue and later, a black color. She bent down to see the plant cell and to Marinette's relief, she nodded with approval.

"Looks like we make a good team, eh?" Adrien smiled.

Marinette squealed with excitement internally, "I think so too!" They gave each other a high-five. Marinette couldn't help but feel some connection as their hands met, but she shook off the feeling.

Chloe, who had been observing all this with detest, remarked snobbishly, "I bet you can't do a single experiment without Adrien's help, Marinette Dupain-Cheng! You're just a tiny little klutz!" she laughed wickedly.

Marinette growled, "That is not true!"

"That's not nice, Chloe!" Adrien defended Marinette.

"You're just jealous because your experiment failed!" Alya pointed out at her flask that was frothing all over the desk.

"Jealous of not inheriting her lameness? You wish!" Chloe snickered once again.

"Enough talking, class!" Miss Mendeleive clapped her hands to draw attention. "Now open page 29, we are going to try a new experiment before the class ends."

Marinette angrily flipped the pages of her textbook. "What does she think of herself? She's just jealous that Adrien asked me and not her for being lab partners." She mumbled to herself. "I can do the experiment without anybody's help."

"Now, carefully light the burner and place the flask with water over it." The teacher instructed.

Marinette, fuming with anger, lit the fire and placed the flask over it.

"Don't forget to wear your safety goggles and gloves. We don't want any accidents in this class." The teacher warned and the students followed.

"Marinette, are you okay?" Adrien asked, looking concerned.

"Yes, I'm fine." She said, still burning with rage.

"Now wait till the water boils with tiny bubbles. Till then, keep all the other materials ready."

The class followed all the instructions, including Marinette, who was performing the experiment with great vigor. It was like she was a whole new person all together. The bubbling red chemical seemed to mirror the fire in her blue eyes.

"I don't think we're supposed to get a red colored solution..." Adrien said raising his eyebrows as he flipped through the pages of the textbook. "Let's just start over, okay Marinette? I'll fetch the supplies," He started looking in the drawers of the desk.

"Now mixing sodium generates an exothermic reaction, which means that if you mix it, there will be-"

Marinette, clouded by her anger, swiftly picked up the bottle of sodium to mix it with the smoking solution. Adrien, noticing what she was doing, raised his arm in alarm, "Marinette, wait!"

A huge explosion sounded as the room tremored under its shock. It left a classroom of baffled and sooty students and a teacher, and a very startled Marinette, whose face and lab coat had been blackened by the ashes of the explosion, hair blown back as if she had walked through a windstorm. She took off her goggles that only revealed a pair of heavenly blue eyes twinkling in all innocence.

"-an explosion." Miss Mendeleive finished and sighed.

"Oops?" she smiled a nervous grin.

Adrien couldn't help but burst out laughing, as the whole class joined in, including Marinette. And even though he was made to scrub the desks of the classroom from the disaster along with Marinette, he still looked upon the day fondly and endearingly upon Marinette's beautiful twinkling eyes. He wouldn't want to trade her as partner for anyone else in the class.

a/n: I literally have no about the chemicals but this was really fun to write! This is my first time writing a miraculous fanfiction, so I'm really excited to post this! I hope you like it :)