Life doesn't always go the way you expect it to go. For Marinette, she expected to become a fashion designer and her parents would be there to support her. She expected Alya to be her best friend forever and be each other's bridesmaids at their weddings. Her wedding to Adrien Agreste would lead to a lifetime of happiness with three kids, a dog or a cat and a hamster. Marinette expected the best was yet to come, but life has a way of changing expectations. She was in class when Principal Damocles walked in and asked to see Marinette in his office. The look on his face meant it was serious and she was afraid she was in trouble. She had a feeling it was about her tardiness and un-excused absences. Alya placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and smiled in order to reassure her friend. Marinette gathered her things, stood up and walked toward the Principal. She felt everyone's eyes on her but she only looked at his, Adrien's green eyes. He smiled at her as his way of encouraging her and she blushed and smiled back. She followed behind Mr. Damocles to his office and stood in front of his desk as he took a seat.

"Marinette, I think you'd best sit down."

She did so.

"What's this about, sir?"

"Your parents are out of town, yes?"

"They left for a bakers convention this week. I am staying at home but I do have my friend Alya to come over sometimes so I'm not by myself. What's going on? I'm getting worried now."

"I don't know how to say this but, I got a call from the local authorities. The bus that was traveling to the bakers convention had an accident. A tire blew out and the bus crashed."

"Was anyone hurt," she gasped in shock.

"Yes, several people on the bus were. Some in critical condition. Others weren't so lucky."

"Oh dear. Did-did my parents survive? Did they get hurt?"

Marinette was scared now; she didn't want to think the worst. She hoped it wasn't the worst.

"I'm sorry, Marinette. They did not survive."

It was then that Marinette's world shattered. They were gone. No more hugs and kisses. No more game nights and dinners. No more hearing mom's humming in the kitchen. No more of dad's silly puns. She'd never hear them yell at her to get up for school. She'd never hear them telling her good night or good morning. She'd never hear them say, "I love you" ever again.

"Ms. Bustier, please send Alya here," said Mr. Damocles over the intercom.

When everyone in the class heard the message atmosphere was heavy. Alya gathered her things and headed out the door. She shared a glance at Nino and Adrien, silently telling them she'd tell them later. She approached the office and knocked. After being signaled to enter, she opened to see Marinette still sitting in the chair with her back facing Alya. She was stiff from shock.

"What's going on? Is Marinette ok?"

"I need you to help Miss Cheng home."

"What happened? Please, sir," Alya pleaded.

"That is something Marinette should tell you. You are free to go now. And Miss Cheng; I am so sorry."

Alya didn't like the way that sounded. She came over and touched Marinette on the shoulder and helped her up and out of the office. They didn't say anything on the way to the school entrance. Alya was shocked to see Nino and Adrien waiting for them there.

"What are you guys doing," Alya asked.

"We wanted to make sure things were ok," said Nino worriedly.

Adrien looked at Marinette; she had a far off look on her face. Her blue eyes seemed duller. He didn't like the look on her.

"I'm taking her home now. Once I find out what happened I will let you know."

"They can come," Marinette said quietly.

The three of them were shocked.

"Are you sure," asked Adrien.

Marinette nodded and the four of them headed for the bakery. She opened the door to hear the chime and it no longer felt the same to her, as if it lost its magic. They made it up the stairs and they settled into the living room. No one spoke; unsure of what to say.

"Marinette, what did Mr. Damocles tell you," asked Alya.

Marinette took a deep breath.

"Bakers convention bus...crashed," she whispered out.

"Crashed? Are your parents ok," asked Nino.

"Did they get hurt," asked Adrien.

"Please tell us, are they ok," pleaded Alya.

Marinette's friends loved the Dupain-Chengs. They were like a second family to them and they were worried that something happened to them.

"No, they're...they're...oh gawd!"

It was then that it finally sank in for Marinette. Alya's eyes went wide, Nino's jaw dropped and Adrien sucked in his breath.

"Oh, Mari," cried Alya as she grabbed her best friend into a hug.

Tears began to fall from everyone's eyes. Nino and Adrien wrapped themselves around Marinette and Alya. Marinette let out a wail and that set everyone else off. They stayed like that for a while till they felt the need to separate.

"Hey girl, I'm going to go home and get my stuff. I'll come back and stay with you ok," said Alya.

"Ok," Marinette said quietly.

"Will you be at school tomorrow," asked Adrien.

"You don't have to. I don't think anyone would expect you to," said Nino.

"I-I'm not sure right now."

The three friends headed for the door when Alya stopped Adrien.

"Can you stay until I get back?"

"What if she wants to be alone?"

"I just want to make sure she doesn't hurt herself. Please, Adrien."

Adrien saw how worried Alya was and frankly, he was as well. He didn't know what Marinette was like whenever she got really depressed and grief made people do crazy stuff. He nodded and shut the door behind Alya and Nino. The tension was palpable. She sat on her couch with her knees to her chest staring at the wall. He nervously sat next to her. She didn't move an inch or acknowledged him.

"Can-can I, get you something? To eat or drink," he asked cautiously.

"No, thank you. But you can help yourself."

"I'm alright. I don't think I could if I wanted to."

The two of them sat in silence, unsure of what to say next. Adrien kept glancing over at Marinette who curled into herself. She wrapped her arms around her legs close to her chest and her head on her knees. She just stared off into space. Adrien decided to get closer, slowly but surely. He tentatively placed a hand on her shoulder. She didn't move so he moved his hand across her back to the other shoulder and scooted closer. He wrapped his arm around her and she relaxed her posture and placed her head on his shoulder. He gave her a squeeze and she sighed.

"Thank you for staying with me," she whispered.

"Just know I'm here for you, ok." When he realized what he said, he blushed. "I mean, we are here for you. Alya, Nino and I."

"I know. Thank you."

She didn't acknowledge what he said but it made her blush a bit as well. She didn't know what it was but she wanted to be closer. She wanted physical contact and since he was close by he would have to do. Marinette turned to look at him and Adrien's eyes met her's. He saw her sadness dulling the blue and pull her lips to a frown. He smiled gently at her and pulled her closer as if sensing that was what she needed. He let her climb into his lap and he tucked her head under his chin. One arm cradled her back as his hand settled on her hip. The other hand cupped her face and his thumb stroked her cheek. Her legs tucked in close and her arms tucked to her chest and her hands rested on Adrien's chest. Her fingers traced small circles on his shirt.

"Better," he asked.

"Yeah, my dad used to hold me when I felt upset and well," she said blushing.

"It's ok. I'm not as big as your dad but I'm glad to be a stand in whenever you need it."

Marinette started to sniffle again.

"I'm sorry," she said softly. "I don't mean to cry so much."

"It's alright, cry as much as you need to. Don't be surprised if I start, too. Your parents were the closest thing to family for me. For a lot of people."

Marinette let her tears fall silently. Adrien felt them on his thumb and would wipe them. A few minuets later, Alya returned. She smiled at the cute scene before her.

"Thanks for staying with her, Adrien."

"Sure. I'm sorry Mari, but I better go." Marinette whined and both Adrien and Alya chuckled. "I really do have to head home. I'll see you later, ok?"

"Come on girl, we need a girls night and I don't think Adrien is willing to try my new eyeshadow."

"I'll have you know that purple goes great with my eyes," teased Adrien.

Marinette giggled as well. Adrien was glad he helped put a smile back on her face. She reluctantly let him up and gave him a hug.

"Thank you," she said in his ear.

"Any time," he whispered and pulled back. "See you at school."

Marinette and Alya spent their time doing normal sleepover activities and remembering the Dupain-Cheng's and having a few good cries. The next morning, Alya was surprised to see Marinette getting ready for school.

"Are you sure about this? It's ok to take time to grieve."

"I think it will be better for me to try to continue my life as normal as possible. It's what my parents would have wanted."

"Ok, but if you're not up for it, say the word and I'll come home with you."

"Thanks, Alya."

Meanwhile at school, Adrien and Nino were waiting at the front steps.

"Do you think she'll come today," asked Adrien.

"I don't know. I'd be shocked if she does," said Nino.

"I hope she'll be ok."

"Mari's strong, I have no doubt she'll pull through. If not, we will be there for her."

"Yeah, you're right."

"Dude, she did come," said a shocked Nino.

Adrien looked to see Alya walking up with Marinette. He too was shocked to see her.

"Hey Mari," greeted Nino.

"How are you," asked Adrien.

"Honestly, if you all could refrain from asking how I am I would appreciate it," sighed the pigtailed girl.

"Do you want me to address the class about it," asked Alya.

"If you don't mind."

"Not at all."

The bell rang and the four of them headed for class. While Nino and Alya went in, Marinette held back and Adrien waited next to her. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and she smiled at him as thanks. Meanwhile, Alya whispered to the teacher and she gave Alya the floor.

"Hey guys, umm, I'm sure most of you are wondering about what happened yesterday and long story short, Mr. and Mrs. Dupain-Cheng passed away."

There were a few gasps from the students and some were speechless.

"Is Marinette ok," asked Rose.

"That's the thing," began Alya. "She's asked if people not constantly ask her how she's doing. Condolences are fine, but we shouldn't overwhelm her."

Alya signaled for Marinette and Adrien to walk in. Adrien held her hand and gently pulled her in. She felt everyone's eyes on her, full of pity for her. She knew they cared but she didn't want them to feel sorry for her. It was becoming too much; she should have stayed home but even then, it didn't feel like home anymore. Adrien noticed her scared expression and squeezed her hand.

"Mari," he asked.

Marinette let go and ran. Adrien looked back at the teacher, who nodded and Adrien took off after Marinette. He chased her out of the school trying to get her to stop or slow down. He never realized how fast she was for such a small girl. He kept up though and followed her to the park. She collapsed onto a bench and covered her face with her hands. Adrien approached Marinette cautiously and knelt before her.

"Marinette," he called gently.

She sniffled, tears came out again.

"I can't. I can't do it," she sobbed.

"It's ok, Mari. No one expected you to do so," said Adrien as he gently removed her hands and held them. "I know you wanted to be brave but you don't have to force yourself right now."

Marinette once again let out a sob and Adrien wrapped his arms around her. She grabbed his shirt tightly and buried her face into his neck. He rubbed her back gently and eased his way onto the bench. Marinette then crawled into his lap again and he let her. Her sobbing subsided but the tears kept falling.

"I'm sorry, your shirt."

"Don't apologize. It's alright."

"I don't know what to do. I want to go home but, it doesn't feel like it anymore."

"Do you have anyone you can stay with? Any relatives?"

"No," said Marinette shaking her head. "They live either in China or other places around the world."

"What about Alya?"

"I'm sure she would offer but, her house is pretty full already. I don't want to be an extra burden for them. And I don't know anyone else in class well enough to ask."

Adrien thought for a moment; Nino was out of the question as his family situation wouldn't be suitable for her. Then it hit him, it was a long shot but he had to take it. He couldn't let his friend suffer like this, especially alone.

"What if, you stayed with me?"

*hides in corner* Please don't hurt me! I'm sorry for the heavy feels this creates!