Although she was cleared of immediate danger, thanks to Chat Noir, Marinette still bolted away. Away from the alley, away from the school, away from-

from Alya, and Nino. Chat, too. She couldn't read them anymore, she didn't know what their intentions could be beyond the words that came out of their mouths. If Alya's apology was true, why now? Now, after what Marinette's evil counterpart did to her? After she already tried to explain that she didn't want to hurt anybody, after all the time that has passed.

No, she couldn't just trust on a whim. Not anymore.

Despite the frailty of her figure, Marinette managed to make a comfortable distance in minimal time. Now in a different alley, she slid down in a huff against a dumpster. This was an okay spot for now, it was doable for a hiding space. Just until she felt that she was forgotten about.

With luck (as if she had any), Miss Bustier wouldn't have called the bakery to see if Marinette went home. With that same luck, Chat Noir would've de-transformed and went his merry-way as a civilian. Maybe luck would've made sure that Alya and Nino returned to school.

After a while, Marinette found herself feeling groggy. She was teetering off to the side, her head bobbing forward. She was truly exhausted. The alleyway she lay in became cloaked in shadows; the sun was drifting, settling Paris into night.

The dark didn't worry her anymore, she had already spent so much time in it that it was almost pleasant. Like home. The odor from the waste bins penetrated her sinuses, yet it started to feel more familiar than the warm aroma of fresh-baked bread. The emptiness that nighttime Pairs could hold was more worth looking forward to than roaming rooftops with a black-clad figure at her side.

But the memory of those times suddenly made Marinette feel like she was living it again. It brought a gentle sob out of her and she shivered in response. A flashback of gliding across the skyline, air beating against her masked face, a shadow following along with the most vibrant of eyes. Mostly, she felt she wasn't alone.

Literally.

Marinette folded in on herself with a gasp when glowing eyes landed on her. "C-Ch..."

"It's okay, Marinette," Chat Noir crouched down to reach her level, "you're scared... yeah?" He tried to hold back his wince when he saw her back into the wall, eyeing him. Of course she's scared, of you!

Shit

, Plagg's words came to him a little too late. They had thoroughly discussed how this exact scenario would do no good for the girl.

His ears did perk up at the sound of her, "what... are-" Marinette audibly gulped, her eyes darting around. "A-Akuma?"

Adrien figured that Marinette didn't think Chat Noir, of all people, would be out here just to check on her. Surely he was trying to hunt down an akuma, tend to a cry for help from an innocent civilian- anything that didn't involve the supposed murderer of his lady.

"No-," Chat didn't get to finish his answer before Marinette let out another gasp, and quickly stood up.

"A-Alya was-... she was out looking for me!" The bluenette squeezed her hands together nervously as she started to look past the alley. "Find them! Chat-... find them!" With a whirl, she turned to face Chat with terrified eyes.

Adrien's heart dropped to his stomach. Out of all things, he never expected Marinette to be selfless after everything that happened. She still worried about other, in the event there was danger. Everyone ignored her, and when they didn't they tried to hurt her. Marinette's health was declining, her body getting thinner and her skin getting more translucent. She had to seek relief through loneliness and alcohol, because at least those things didn't judge her.

And despite it all, Marinette Dupain-Cheng was still part of the same girl who everyone had loved. That never changed, she never changed. Everyone else is what changed, and Adrien finally realized it.

"Marinette," Chat stood and stepped forward, slowly, "they're okay."

She blinked hard a few times, then her eyelids fluttered. Marinette looked on the verge of passing out, she switched into a wavering, pale mess. But she kept her composure. "R-Really? Then why-... you're transformed so I f-figured..."

Chat nodded, watching her closely. "I was made aware that you didn't go home." He clasped his hands together. He needed to avoid talking with his hands too much. Last thing Adrien needed to was to startle her further. "I don't trust those-... those guys to listen to me."

Suddenly Marinette appeared confused and... flustered? "..." Her mouth opened in thought, quickly shut, then opened again. She mumbled what sounded like a question, but Adrien didn't quite catch it.

"Hm?"

"... Why?"

Chat was puzzled. Why what? Why did he not trust her attackers? Surely she understood the reason for that, they could've hurt her!

Marinette must've noticed this weariness in Chat and sighed, biting her lip and glancing away. "Y-You should hate me." Her chest rose and fell harshly as words churned in her throat. "Why don't you-... why don't you throw me to t-them? I'm just a p-pathetic girl who made you suffer, youdon'tneedme!" The outburst rattled through Marinette and into Chat.

"The last thing I need now is a girl, humiliated by her fucking classmate like everyday." Adrien knew where Marinette's words stemmed from, they were a reflection of what he told her all those weeks ago. As much as it hurt, he needed that reminder.

Chat stayed calm, his posture was straight, he surely didn't let his eyes get wet. He needed to show her that he wasn't pained by her presence. "Marinette."

The name cut through the air, and the bluenette's gaze jumped to his. She was listening.

"I've only suffered as much as I let myself suffer." He took in a deep breath, in attempt to steady himself. "As much as Hawkmoth l-let me." Get it together. "But you-... you've endured enough. More than enough. You shouldn't have gone through t-this." His voice cracked on the last syllable, Marinette's clouded eyes pierced straight through him.

A tremble visibly shook her small frame. "I-I don't-..."

Adrien gulped back his emotions. "You don't understand, I know. So let me help you."

Marinette continue to chew her lip, clutching the bottom hem of her shirt. Chat worried he was losing her.

So he acted quickly. Right in front of Marinette, Chat knelt down on one knee, bowing his head.

"Please."

There was a moment of silence. Raindrops splashed on the pavement in front of Chat.

No, wait.

Not raindrops. Adrien confirmed this when the sound of sobs came from the girl before him. Chat quickly looked up to see Marinette's head dropped, tears trickling down her face to the ground, a single hand covering her mouth while the other was crossed over her stomach.

This is when Adrien felt her lost her, that she was panicked and overwhelmed and would run again like she did from Alya. He started to lose hope that he could get her to open back up, to trust again.

But that fear haled when Marinette fell to her knees with him, balling her fists on her thighs. "I d-don't understand-...!" A sharp sob emitted from her. "Why do you care, why-why-why..." Marinette continued to cry, hunching in further. She had closed most of the distance between the two of them, which surprised Adrien. He didn't move.

"Mari?"

She kept rambling in between her depressed moans, about how she didn't deserve help, that she didn't understand why Chat even looked in her direction. It melded into her expressed her confusion about Alya's apology, Miss Bustier comforting her (that, Adrien was not aware of), that Nino continued to support her.

Marinette truly didn't get why people were starting to acknowledge her again. As much as that pained Adrien, it also dawned on him that Marinette didn't want to shut people out. She was scared of recognition, and was so confused. She just wanted clarity.

"It was... a difficult period. We needed time." Chat sighed. "But, time has passed, and now you need support." Marinette had finally dwindled down to soft sniffles, clearing her face with her sleeve. "If you're willing... people want to care for you." He ducked his head down to grasp Marinette's gaze. "But we wont unless you let us. If you say no, we will not." Chat put his open palm towards her as a sign of agreement. Of trust. "Deal?"

One more tear rolled down her face. Marinette studied Chat's hand for a solid minute. "... Deal." And she took his hand into hers, putting her other hand on top of their joined ones. "I-... I'll let you."

Chat Noir led Marinette home, stopping her at her front door to instruct her to eat something warm before resting. He gently introduced the idea of her talking to her mom, if she wanted to. Marinette seemed against it for a moment, but nodded. She decided she would ask her mom to eat with her, even if they didn't actually talk while doing so.

It was enough, for Adrien. The fact that Marinette accepted an idea of his that could possibly help her meant so much. He stepped aside to watch her enter the bakery, and stayed just a few moments longer to guard the door. He had to make sure nobody would come to attack. When he felt sure all was well, Adrien made way to an alley to drop his transformation. He dropped his walls.

Plagg flew up to his chosen's face immediately, huddling up as Adrien let out what he was holding back from Marinette.

Adrien was relieved, without a doubt. But he'd be lying if he said he hadn't felt scared. Not scared of her, but scared for her. He worried she would run off, or simply push him away.

He was just thankful Plagg wasn't bringing up the fact that he went up to her as Chat. Perhaps, it was better that he did? Adrien knew Marinette could be scared of his feline alter-ego, ever since he assaulted her when Miss Fortune attacked. Maybe having her warm up to Chat Noir sooner than later was a good thing.

It happened again. She was merely feet away from the front steps of the school when Marinette heard a deep yell. She didn't have to turn to know that this was not a good time to be visible.

She knew her safest bet would be to run into the school, alert someone, and hope the attackers would run off. Marinette also knew that she could possibly put others in danger by leading the group into the school. No. She couldn't let that happen. Last time she did that, the attacks nearly entered the building.

Panic grew in her chest, she squeezed the strap to her purse tightly. There was another yell and she could hear heavy footsteps getting closer. Closer. Closer. Marinette prayed that vigilantes wouldn't recognize her, that they'd assume it's not her if she didn't react. Maybe if she kept her pace towards the school, someone inside would notice the commotion and shoo the group away.

Her luck didn't quite work that way, she found out. There was a fist clenched into the back of her head, nails scraped at her scalp, Marinette was pulled backwards into the pavement.

"The kid wants as education, huh?"

One of the men chuckled. "Won't do much good if she's late."

Marinette felt the color drain from her face as she brought her hands up to claw at the hand tangled in her hair. "Get-... off!" She'd fight regardless of who she was.

A frustrated yell came from the one who had hold of her head, his hand snatching away. "Ugh, she- you bitch!" Within a second, his hand was back to shove Marinette forward.

The side of her face connected with the ground, tiny rocks lodging themselves into her cheek and brow.

"That's it, grab her. We're leaving."

The panic quickly returned. Marinette's eyes shot open, she tried to get up to her feet and run away.

"Oh ho ho, where do you think you're-"

With a start, both Marinette and the man speaking let out a yelp when a harsh horn sounded out. In the road next to them was a sleek, white limo. A tall figure exited said vehicle, a man much larger than the ones who attacked her.

She recognized him: Gorilla. Adrien's bodyguard. He walked over to the group, stepping between them and Marinette. All it took was a snarl and the vigilantes were gone in a flash.

Safety. She was safe now. The bluenette's walls were safe to fall. She tried to keep them up, but soon quiet tears fell down her cheeks.

A tuft of blonde came into her clouded vision, a feathery light hand touched her shoulder. "Mari?"

A pair of glowing green eyes flashed in her mind, reminding her of the cat who comforted her a few nights ago. "Ch-..." Once her eyes cleared up, the boy came into focus. "O-oh, Adrien?"

"I wasn't too late, was I? We were down the road when we saw- how bad are you hurt?" Adrien looked her over, he noticed the rocks sticking to her face and nodded towards it. "May I?"

Marinette touched her cheek. A couple bits of gravel came back with her hand, along with a smear of red. Adrien was offering to brush it away. He'd have to touch her face.

"If you're willing... people want to care for you. But we won't unless you let us."

She has a choice. Nobody could force her into this, she could say no.

It also meant she could say yes.

A light nod made joy bubble in Adrien's chest. Marinette was letting him help her. He kept his left hand on her shoulder, and brought the right up to her face.

"I'm going to brush them off now, okay?" Another nod. "Alright. Tell me if I need to stop." And Adrien proceeded to pluck bits of rock out of Marinette's face. Luckily the pieces hadn't gone into her skin too far, just a few minor scratches blemished her skin. He still needed to make sure this was all that happened.

Marinette flinched a couple of times, mainly when he would brush his hand over the area. He'd apologize, stop for a moment until she would nod, and then continue. The Gorilla stayed behind the pair, keeping watch. Adrien was grateful for him.

A couple of minutes later and Marinette's face was clear of gravel. She reached into her purse to get a tissue, then dabbed her face. Adrien noted how she scrunched her nose up at the sight of faint blood on her tissue. A little peek past the steely shield Marinette had put up.

"Are you well enough for class?" The question made her bite her lip, a habit she'd really need to quit. "Of course, you don't have to. I can tell Miss Bustier that you needed a day off." Adrien let a small smile appear.

He could see the gears turning, the insecurity flickering in and out. Adrien had to remind himself, leave options open. Give her a moment to think, to choose if she wants to choose. He wanted her to feel like she had just as much control as he did, if not more.

"Uh..." Marinette's gaze eventually met his. "I will, uh... I'll go." She inhaled deeply. "Class. I'll go. But- but I want to rinse my face." Adrien nodded, but said nothing in case she needed to continue. "So, bathroom. Tell Miss Bustier I-I'll be there in a minute?"

He gave her another light smile. "Will do." He got up to his feet, dusting off his jeans, and held an open palm out to Marinette.

His heart nearly fluttered when she let him help her stand up.

In the bathroom, Marinette recalled the familiarity of what just happened. Adrien had helped her to her feet plenty of times in the past, she was always a klutz and he was always a gentleman. She hadn't really spoken with him in forever, yet- yet it felt somewhat natural? To communicate with the model, as if they had been on speaking terms for a while.

And Adrien's eyes had a glint, one could really believe they were glimmering like a neon glow stick. The open palm that was a sign of trust. It felt so domestic. "Mari?"

She hastily splashed cold water onto her face again. She needed to stop thinking of that comparison. It just wasn't possible. Simply a coincidence.

"No! How could you compare a sane nice guy like Adrien to a guy like Chat?!"

"Marinette?"

She nearly jumped out of her skin, turning towards the bathroom door. In the doorway stood a brunette.

Alya. "Miss Bustier wanted to check on you, but-... you know, couldn't leave the class." Her hazel eyes trailed over to Marinette's brow and she frowned. "How about a bandaid?" Alya rummaged through her messenger bag, letting her tongue click when she found what she was looking for.

She stretched her hand out, offering the bandaid to Marinette. Alya was offering help. This time she wasn't crying, wasn't talking about the past. Just something small.

Marinette could do small.

She dried her face off with a paper towel, accepted the bandage, and adhered it to one of the bigger cuts on her face. Definitely looked better than leaving it exposed.

Alya had stayed by the door, waiting until Marinette was done with cleaning up. "D-do you need more time? I can tell Mi-..."

"Thank you." The words made way out of Marinette's mouth before she even realized it. "I-... thank you."

The brunette didn't know what to say. You're welcome? Of course? You obviously needed a bandage? No, god, that's terrible... "Anytime."

Anytime. Typical Alya, reminding Marinette of just how good this girl truly is.

How she didn't have her anymore.

That's it, she couldn't hold herself back from this. The blogger seemed to have taken Marinette's silence as an end to the conversation, and started to head towards the door.

"A-Alya, Alya!" She hoped she wouldn't regret this. With a huff, she continued, "I'm sorry." Each syllable was hard and forced- not that she didn't want to say it, she was scared to do so. What if Alya didn't believe her apology?

"A-ah, what?" The girl before Marinette still had a hand on the door handle, seemingly frozen in place.

She could feel the disbelief in the air.

Marinette rubbed her nose, turning so her body faced Alya, although their eyes still didn't quite meet. "You-... I never could've asked-... asked for a better-... f-friend." Oh man, her cheeks burned with anxiety, the skin under her eyes tingled with tears that tried to escape. "Yet... I doubted you."

She was distraught inside. Marinette had known, ever since the incident, she misunderstood Alya's response. She didn't pity her because she's a klutz, or because she was socially awkward on many levels. The hazel-eyed blogger only pitied her for being bullied day after day. Alya hated seeing Marinette get pushed around and teased by Chloe for every little thing.

Sure, Chloe was partially correct: Alya did have pity. But not like she tried to make Marinette believe.

"Alya..." Hiccup. "I'm s-sorry. I'm so sorry-..." And the dam broke. Marinette trembled with distress, they was no shielding it from her once-best friend anymore. "I hurt you, I hurt you..." Over and over, as if those were the only words she knew. Over and over, until Marinette was embraced.

Alya got the courage to pull the crying girl into a hug. A very needed hug, for both of them.

No more fear.

Synovelle here! So I seriously needed to get this oneshot off my chest. It's a direct fanwork of a Miraculous fic called "Breeze", by 3laxx. She is SO good at writing, if you love a good, angsty MLB fic then 3laxx is your author.

Here is a link to Breeze: fanfiction,com/s/12596221/1/Breeze

Annnd here's a link to 3laxx: fanfiction,com/u/8237448/3laxx

(If the links work, remove the commas)

She also has an ao3 account under the same name, Breeze is posted on there too.

Btw, this is my first Miraculous fanfic! So it's kinda out-of-character, aside from it being obviously ooc due to it being a fanfic of a fanfic. Thanks for reading tho!