A/N: Thank you for checking out my story! This is the first chapter of Just Friends Week. It is the first of seven. I have published three stories at once. Chapter one and three are a part of the same story. Chapter two is a stand alone I wrote for last years prompts. Feel free to skip the 2017 prompts! I hope you enjoy!

Season of Love 2018

Adrinette April

Week 1: Just friends

Day 1: Hide

Adrien craved freedom like a cat craves the sunshine. He felt tied down and repressed at home no matter what he did. He and Nino played games online all the time and of course he and Alya could talk about Ladybug until the sun came up. His career kept him occupied for several hours a day and spending time with his partner was amazing but it left Adrien feeling restless. It wasn't enough to escape. He wanted to live.

The short span of time with Marinette gave him a taste of what he was missing. It wasn't enough to leave his prison-like room. It wasn't enough to communicate with peers. Adrien wanted to interact with people. It was risking a lot, but Adrien wanted to actually escape the house and visit friends. It made his head rush with adrenaline.

Adrien gathered his things and turned on his recording. He wasn't even trying to fool his caretakers anymore. He just needed to slip their nooses. It had certainly got tougher to do since Christmas and every time he runs away it'll just keep getting worse, but this was nothing new. He used to run to Chloe's. He'd run to his parents's workplaces when he got bored. He ran from chores and lessons and then he ran to school last year.

His father certainly freaked after Christmas but that wasn't the first time he ran. It was just the first time no one knew where he was.

(As far as they know.)

After he had everything he needed packed together, he exited his room to let Nathalie know where to find him. The key to escaping is to not let them worry. With Christmas, he was visibly upset. Nathalie had no places to back up to because he was upset with his father. She had no idea where to look for him at. It freaked her out and she caused a big mess. The movie escapade was similar to his career escapes. He couldn't let them know where he was because he was pretty sure they wouldn't approve.

When he ran away to Chloe's or to school, Nathalie knew exactly where to look for him. Going to the movies or visiting his parents at work could be traced back to Adrien asking to go in the first place. Nathalie is used to it and doesn't panic as much.

If he just disappeared, he'd get in trouble. Asking for permission and being denied pretty much promises Nathalie he's going to escape. His father will never know.

"Nathalie," Adrien asked, knocking on her door.

She sighed. Nathalie already knew what he was going to do. "Adrien, your father doesn't want you leaving the house. You are not to leave this house!"

One of these days, he's going to be the reason Nathalie snaps. She won't even need magic. "Then let me go and don't tell my father."

"You know I can't do that."

Adrien knew her answer before he asked. He spun around, hiding his disappointment. It really was unfair that he has to go through all this to hang out with a friend. "Marinette lives in that bakery down the street. She's cool. The Dupain-Cheng in my phone is her mother. You can confirm with her."

"I'm going to figure out how you're getting out," Nathalie promised. Adrien left her office, nodding to Gorilla as he entered his room. Adrien could hear Nathalie telling his bodyguard that Adrien was preparing to escape. They were too busy watching the door they completely missed Adrien going through the service elevator. It was tight but that wasn't a problem for him. Once he was in the laundry room, he was free to move about.

Out the service exit and away he went. It was easier when he was smaller but it still wasn't a problem. Nathalie never checked the log book because she had no idea he knew the code.

Adrien made it to the bakery rather quickly.

"Good morning, Adrien," Sabine welcomed him. "Your usual?"

He smiled, always happy to be here. "No ma'am. I was wondering if Marinette was home. My dad's assistant will probably call you soon. Could you please let her know I'm safe."

"Of course. Alya, Juleka and Rose were upstairs earlier. Will you be staying for lunch?"

Adrien hoped so but it all depended on how Nathalie took it. Marinette was already hanging out with friends. He wouldn't jeopardize their good time because his father was overbearing.

Adrien made his way upstairs and he could hear the girls giggling. It made Adrien's heart grow warm. In the past two months, he had befriended Marinette's mother and found a reliable coffee supplier, Marinette's father wouldn't let him dream of going hungry and Marinette seemed to warm up considerably around him. It was a true blessing because with he and his partner meeting up nightly now, he didn't have much time to sit with Marinette.

Seeing her in the daytime helps soothe his craving for Marinette.

The girls were in the living room part of the fourth floor. One night he and Marinette had stayed up until four in the morning. They could actually hear her parents downstairs. Instead of being trapped in her canopy or heaven forbid her balcony, they had camped out in the living room. Marinette told him the next night her mother accused her of hiding Alya.

They certainly had fun but after spending three to four hours with Ladybug, he can't come in on Marinette at one in the morning. Still, his princess was a stubborn one and if he didn't visit, she'd plaster the city with lost posters. At least he has the daytime to spend with her like he wants.

Adrien rang the doorbell, nerves trying to get in his head. Marinette had always said he'd be welcome any time, day or night. Sure, she said that to him when she didn't know it was him but she wouldn't know it was him anyway. Right? Adrien liked being around Marinette. He's liked her practically since the moment he met her and even if the first semester of their friendship had been strained, they had come to a good place as friends.

Adrien wasn't about to give up this which he fought hard for. He didn't know how he would handle his life if he has to lose Marinette. She's quite frankly one of his best friends, along with Ladybug, Nino and Chloe.

The door pushed open, the girls exploding into another bout of giggles. Adrien could feel his heart skipping a beat as she came into view, her face shying from sight as she bent with the force of her laughter. She was so pretty and Adrien didn't know how to deal with that. Sure, he's had attractions to others before. His love for Ladybug was too strong, though. Love wasn't something that came easily. He had to want to love someone and that left no room for anyone else.

Marinette stopped laughing abruptly when she saw who was at the door. Adrien gave a weak smile, poor for his nerves as well as his internal conflict. "Hi, Marinette. I hope this isn't a bad time."

She gave a smile and Adrien hated how he could see the insincerity in her eyes. "No! No, come on in." She stepped to the side and Adrien almost considered turning around. He had to remind himself she'd never get over her insecurities about him if he never put in the work. He was mistakenly content with just being her classmate before the gaming tournament and he wasn't about to go through that again.

Suck it up, Agreste, he reminded himself. Can you live with six hours a week or are you going to find another way to be with your princess?

This was better anyway. He got to be with her without any restrictions or risk. This is what he's always wanted anyway. Marinette is with Adrien and she knows it's him. Marinette enjoys his company, so much so she practically refuses him to leave some nights. If Adrien can get her to open up to him the way she does when she doesn't know it's him, she will become just as close to him here as she is on her balcony.

Adrien allowed himself to be welcomed in her home.

Juleka and Rose were sitting on the couch as pillows and blankets spread out around the floor. Alya was sitting against the couch and Adrien could see where Marinette had been sitting before. The three girls looked up and he could see the light in their eyes. Alya had that little wicked look in her eyes he's seen through his career experiences. He and Marinette were about to be set up.

"Adrien."

"Hey," Rose said excitedly.

"Way cool," Juleka added in her minimalistic way.

"Hey, girls, guess who's here." She didn't sound as stressed now as she did at the door. "Have Mylene, Alix or Sabrina responded?"

"Mylene texted. She was held up. She's on her way."

Marinette nodded to Rose. "Sabrina is probably a no show but Alix is undecided."

"She cancels at the last minute, you know," Alya put in. "But now that Adrien's here..."

"We should totally reschedule this girls night out," Rose added.

"No," Adrien objected. "I'm sorry. I should have totally called Marinette first."

"Nonsense," Marinette added. Her back was to him and he was glad. He knows his skin flushed. He thought of Ladybug again. What would she say if she knew he was blushing over another girl. "We'll just plan accordingly. Instead of a girls night out, we'll have friends's night out."

"Really, it'd be no trouble," Adrien tried. Stupid. How could he just show up uninvited? People only say you're welcome day or night to be polite. No one means it.

"Okay, we've got snacks on the counter. Help yourself to anything in the fridge too. Of course you know the bakery is right downstairs." She sounded so certain, like he hadn't just ruined her entire day. Adrien allowed himself to smile, reminded how he usually saw her: fierce, unapologetic and ready for anything.

She was incredible and he was lucky to call her his friend. Unconsciously, he rubbed where the lucky charm was in his pocket. He never went anywhere without it.

Within a few minutes, they were readjusted with his arrival. As predicted, Mylene arrived shortly after he did. She apologized, explaining her father was running behind and she was trying to help him get back on schedule. Alix never showed up and Adrien could have told them Sabrina wouldn't be here but it was nice to invite her.

The girls proceeded with their plan of junk food and television until the afternoon hours. Adrien was around Marinette the entire time. "Okay, truth or dare."

Marinette gave Mylene a dark look and Adrien considered faking a phone call from his father.

"Ooh, good idea," Alya said, looking sinister. Adrien didn't know what would be the worst alternative: being asked if he had any crushes or any secrets.

"No, no truth or dare."

"Spin the bottle," Juleka added slyly.

It was time to abandon ship.

"How about we play dress up," Rose added.

Adrien almost deflated in relief.

"Rose, we have a member of the opposite sex here," Marinette added in a hiss.

"I think I'm wearing more makeup than anyone here, besides Juleka."

The room was filled with giggles again but Marinette just looked at him in shock. "I'm sure we could find something else to do," Marinette offered.

"No. Can you show me how to do my own makeup? It'd be helpful information for my photo shoots." Adrien actually welcomed the thought of doing his own makeup. He had a photo shoot this morning and hadn't cleaned it off.

"It's not hard," Juleka said. She was the artist during their filming days. Anything Adrien doesn't have to rely on for his father's career, the better for him.

It was just before two when they started. The girls were showing him how to blend when the door opened. Adrien was disappointed but not surprised when Nathalie walked in behind Sabine.

"What is my son wearing?" Adrien was surprised there. Thankfully he was on screen and not in person. If his father left the house, he was a dead man.

"Father," Adrien yelped, coming to the front. He didn't hide nor did he try to remove the clothes or makeup. "These are my friends. They're showing me how to put on makeup."

"I see," his father said simply. "Who is the Dupain-Cheng?"

Marinette stepped forward. "I am, sir. Marinette."

"Oh. I remember you," he said and he noticed Marinette's uneasiness. "Mrs. Dupain-Cheng, I would like to invite you and your family to dinner." Adrien's heart dropped to his stomach. "Would Monday be good for you."

"Father," Adrien interrupted. They had the bakery and he didn't need to have a formal setting to insult them at.

"Adrien, I am not talking to you."

"If you would like to meet us, Monday would be fine, Mr. Agreste." Sabine stepped closer to Adrien. "Don't worry, Adrien. What time is this dinner?"

"We eat at seven."

"We'll be there."

"Adrien, clean up. We're leaving," Nathalie announced.

"No. Marinette, are those your clothes?" Adrien really had a bad feeling.

"Yes, Mr. Agreste."

"I would like to examine them. How much?"

Marinette blinked. "Sir, you are welcome to keep them. I was just practicing."

"Nathalie, give Miss Dupain-Cheng two hundred and ninety euros. Adrien, you are to come straight to my office."

Adrien looked apologetic to Marinette's shell shocked form. "I'm really sorry."

Marinette shook her head. "No. Come over any time, Adrien. You will always be welcomed."

"Day or night," Sabine added. Nathalie's tablet went dark and she escorted him out of the home. At least he got three hours.

Nathalie wrote Marinette a check and despite her objections, she eventually accepted it. Everyone said their goodbyes and Adrien was taken home.

"Did you pay the young lady," his father asked, approaching him.

"I don't think she'll cash it," Nathalie admitted.

"Which is why I said to give her euros." He examined his clothing. "It's well crafted. She said she was practicing."

"Yes, Sir," Adrien said, thankful not to be the focus of his father's attention. Adrien could brag about his friends all day long, especially Marinette. "All of my friends were wearing Marinette's own designs. She produces clothing in the summer and commissions all year long. We were testing out the endurability of her designs."

"She's got talent. She won the derby hat competition as well, am I wrong?" Adrien thought he remembered her.

"No sir. I wore the hat she designed in the Christmas collection. It had a feather if you remember."

"We had to replace it with a plastic decoy. Bourgeois's daughter tried to steal the design?"

Adrien nodded. His father didn't seem all that upset.

"You've been friends with her for a while, have you not?"

So long as Adrien could keep Marinette on his father's good side, Adrien would be happy. "She's in my class. We just recently became friends."

Marinette felt sorry for Adrien as he and the assistant disappeared. Something bigger was going on and everytime she thought she understood, something else was revealed. Adrien had been at her house for three hours but when someone was summoned to get him, his father was there (or watching from a tablet). Marinette had suspected he never left his house before. That was a bit extreme, though.

Had Gabriel Agreste even looked for his own himself when he disappeared Christmas Eve?

Alya hugged her as Juleka, Rose and Mylene left. "At least you got to spend a little time with him."

Marinette smiled briefly. "I really need to understand his situation better."

"Just remember, M. It's better to be told knowledge than to dig it up yourself."

Marinette nodded but it wouldn't matter if she figured it out or he told her. The important thing was helping a friend and giving him the support he needed. As it was, she had no idea how to help him.

"Marinette, I'm needed in the bakery. Follow me," her mom asked.

"Of course, Maman." Marinette and Sabine followed Alya down the stairs. Alya exited the complex as the mother and daughter entered the shop. A line of individuals were waiting to pay for their purchases. The duo tag teamed to take orders, clearing out the twenty or so souls in a manner of minutes.

As the last customer left, her father returned. "I'm sorry, dear. The calzone needed to come out of the oven."

Sabine nodded. "Of course. Marinette, you need to handle this delicately."

"What happened," Tom asked, starting to rearrange the displays. Being about fourteen and a half hours in the day, much of their supply had been purchased already.

"Nathalie called me shortly after he arrived. She knew where he was. Make no mistake, Adrien was called away because his father wanted to know where he was, not the assistant."

"Adrien just wanted to hang out with friends," Marinette said, the injustice of it all burning her up. "His father never lets him spend time with friends."

Her mother held up her hand. "It's that kind of reaction I need you to control." Marinette understood. "Mr. Agreste wants us to have dinner with him Monday evening. Seven o'clock."

"We'll close the bakery early then," her father said without hesitation.

"We do not understand their family situation," Sabine said simply.

"Adrien is our primary concern," Marinette agreed. "It will not help him to make him feel bad about his father." She understood too well.

"That's right," Tom agreed. "This is an opportunity, peanut. If we impress Mr. Agreste he may let Adrien spend more time with us."

Marinette hoped so. Adrien deserved so much. It wasn't fair that he had to settle for so little.

Marinette helped out in the bakery for a couple hours but after the evening rush was over and ninety minutes before they closed, she retreated. Marinette paced as she thought about everything she knew about Adrien.

The thoughts of him being a happy and well rounded individual have long gone. She overlooked Christmas but obviously that was a cry for help. She recognized him being upset when his father didn't come for career week. How stupid Marinette was for ignoring that moment in front of the computer monitor for what it was. Adrien was chained down and he sought for freedom.

If she had been ignorant to it before, it was undeniable now. His father taking public school from him for a missing book. Adrien having to run away to watch a movie starring his own mother, especially when his father owned a copy. So many times Adrien was invited to something and he had to reschedule. Marinette once thought it was his busy schedule keeping him from his friends but now Marinette thinks she understands.

His busy schedule was created to keep him from his friends.

Marinette pulled her phone from her pocket and pulled up the chat with Nino. Alya's words echoed in her head, though and she closed it out.

Can you talk?

Yeah. What's up?

Marinette sucked up her nerve and hit the call button.

"I'm so sorry about my father," Adrien answered, forgoing a greeting. "I have no idea what he's planning but I swear, I'll never do this again…

"Adrien," Marinette interrupted, "it's cool. You didn't do anything wrong."

"So you're not telling me you never want to see me again because that's what…"

Has he always been so self-conscious? "Never. Adrien, you better come back to this house. We meant what we said. You are always welcomed here."

Adrien faintly released a breath he had been holding. Marinette doubted she would have been able to hear it if she had been normal. "I was stupid, Marinette. Now I've involved you and your family. What are your parents going to do about the bakery?"

"We'll close it a couple hours early. It's no big deal." Adrien sighed, believing it to be a problem. "Look, if we can convince your father you're okay when you're with us, then maybe he'll give you more freedom. I just want to know what's going on, Adrien. What are you feeling?"

Her feelings for this boy have never been higher. He was so sweet and cared for other people and he sacrificed his freedom to just hang out with friends. He could have went to the movies, he could have spent time with a girl, he could have disappeared anywhere in Paris but he wanted to spend the little time he had (he had to know he didn't have long) watching television, eating junk food and playing dress up with four girls from school.

"I'm feeling really guilty right now. I was selfish and got a close friend in trouble just because I couldn't follow the rules."

"Those rules were a bit excessive," Marinette said, trying not to invalidate his feelings. "You rebelled against an order you knew to be unfair. I'm honored you wanted to spend the day with me."

Adrien released a soft laugh. "Really? Everything seems right when I'm with you."

For someone who normally combusts if she even thinks of Adrien, Marinette was surprised she survived hearing her long-time crush saying he feels good when he's with her. "I like spending time with you too, Adrien. I don't care how much trouble I can get into. If I can make your day a little better, it'll be worth it."

"My father and Nino hate each other because Nino came to my house and asked if I could have a party on my birthday." Marinette furrowed her brow. Did he not have a party on his birthday? The Bubbler crashed it. "I have no idea what's going to happen in a few days."

"My parents and I can handle it. Your father is just worried about you. I am too. Did you ask if you could come over before you ran away?"

"I tried but I knew they wouldn't let me. My father doesn't like me leaving the house. Especially without an escort."

So he just didn't want someone following him. What was so wrong about that? Couldn't Adrien's bodyguard drop him off and pick him up when he was done? Does he always have an escort?

"Maybe me and my parents can change that for you," Marinette offered inspiration.

"Doubt it," Adrien said, sounding depressed. "He's probably going to make a scene. I'm so sorry, Marinette."

"Don't be. Adrien, we care about you. We take care of family. You're family and you always will be." It wasn't just because she has a crush on him. Marinette may love Adrien but family went much deeper than attraction. All of her friends were a part of the family. It's always been that way.

"I appreciate that, Marinette," Adrien said, his voice low. She just wished he could be here. This is obviously where he wanted to be. It really wasn't fair.

"Don't worry about Monday," Marinette said, trying to put his mind at ease. "We're not worried. What happened with your father and Nino? I can't see Nino being disrespectful."

"Of course not," Adrien said lightly. "My father is just that way. Once he has something in his mind, it's hard to change it." Marinette could hear him shifting his phone, probably resting it against the other ear. "Nino just tried to fight a non-winning battle. I didn't realize how far my father could take it back then. Now I know."

Because he was home schooled. What friends did he have to introduce his father to? Nino was the first person he's probably had over.

"What was with you guys inviting Alix and Sabrina," Adrien changed the subject.

Marinette did not want to talk about anything else but she could always talk with him about this later. She really didn't need Adrien stressing anyway, so changing the subject could be what they need right now. Besides, she had Adrien on the phone! This was an excellent opportunity for her.

"While it's true Alya, Juleka, Rose, Mylene and I are closer, Alix sometimes join us. She's kind of someone who acts like she's too cool. It doesn't fool me. She's a big softie and a dork. Never know when she'll stop by, though. Every once and a while, I get in a mood to try to help Sabrina. I used to think it was impossible but one time she did get away from Chloe. Maybe it'll work again and this time we can keep Chloe away from her."

Adrien cleared his throat. "Are you sure it's a good idea to try to befriend her and alienate yourself from her only friend." Marinette wanted to roll her eyes at the thought that Chloe is Sabrina's friend. Adrien and Chloe have been friends since childhood, though, and she's a part of his life. The same as his father, she can't talk bad about Chloe to Adrien. He is one of the only people she treats humanely.

"Chloe's not the way with others that she's with you," Marinette said, trying to find the best way to voice this. "Chloe and Sabrina's friendship is…"

"Toxic," Adrien agreed. "I'm not blind, Marinette. Chloe can be a cool girl when you get to know her but she has had some growing pains. But Sabrina is used to Chloe. She can't see it because of blinders. Believe me, I've been there. But I met new people, I figured out how she treated others. True, Chloe never treated me wrong but I started to realize that wasn't right. Sabrina can realize that too. Once she has something to compare it to. And maybe instead of saving Sabrina, you could save Chloe too."

Save Chloe?! She should have known her sunshine Adonis was a dreamer. Marinette really had to treat this gently but she had nothing prepared that was suitable for the girl's friend.

"She has it in her, Marinette," Adrien continued when she didn't speak. "If you show her how people need to be treated by treating her right, then she'll return the act."

"Adrien, I don't know if that's possible. Chloe…"

"Chloe had a tough childhood," Adrien interrupted. "I look at Chloe and I see what I could have become. Tragic backstories doesn't excuse her behavior, I know, but you shouldn't give up on her because she doesn't know how to act. We can be better examples for her and she can choose to change."

Getting tied up with Chloe was a good way to get in trouble, Marinette thought. Chloe is a plague, an evil in the world. She needed to be stopped, not helped.

"There's no way you could be someone like Chloe. Adrien, I know she's your friend but you have to know she's not friend material."

Marinette didn't know how to balance being honest and respecting Adrien's friendship with Chloe. She just spoke softly and tried to say things true, not felt. Emotions sometimes superseded logic.

"I promise you, I could have. We both had absentee parents, being raised by our caretakers more than our family with one parent that coddled and one that was strict. Audrey was the structure in Chloe's life but when she disappeared, all she had was someone who gave into any demand. Chloe was spoiled while I was the one with a parent who didn't believe in sparing the rod. Chloe's mom disappeared a long time ago, so she's been surrounded by that kind of structure for most of her life. Heck, I'm starting to rebel and run away from home. I'm turning into a juvenile delinquent."

Marinette laughed at his joke. "I think Chloe knows exactly what she's doing. I'm sorry, but I've been burned by her too many times."

Adrien sighed. "Chloe really has it out for you, doesn't she?" He paused, "I can understand your point of view. It's really unfair for me to ask you to overlook everything she's done. Mostly to you. I can't blame you for not trusting her."

Marinette said softly, "I can't understand how anyone trusts her. I'm sorry, Adrien. She's your friend, and I respect that. I just can't treat her the same way."

"Maybe someone else can," Adrien said, his voice bouncing back to the liveliness of before. "You want to give Sabrina a chance. Maybe someone else who can give Chloe the benefit of the doubt - not to imply that you owe her that - can try to reach out to them. If you don't include Chloe, Sabrina will never come."

But who could she sentence with Chloe duty? But if the brat's party was any indicator, she's the only one who sees the hopelessness that is Chloe Bourgeois.

"That might be a good idea," Marinette said, accepting the disaster this conversation was. If she can't respect Chloe when she's talking to her friend, how is she going to get through a dinner with the father of the boy he's holding prisoner?

Adrien and she talked for a few minutes more but Marinette couldn't get back to Adrien's feelings and she couldn't bring herself to talk anything romantic with him. Adrien was called away for something and Marinette disconnected the call.

"Ooh," Marinette yelled dramatically, falling all the way back on her daybed. Tikki came closer, her charge's distress summoning her. "I don't know what to do, Tikki."

"What are your instincts telling you," Tikki asked.

"Adrien's unhappy. He mentioned his parents. That was the first time he's even insinuated his mother was problematic."

"She's not a part of his life, and probably not in a good way. Adrien's dad is strict. That means his mother was loving. Smothering. Considering that's the only interaction he had, he's probably thought about her with rose colored glasses."

Marinette believed that could be the case. Maybe hearing his best friend being trashed talked by another friend of his made him reevaluate his mother's actions post absenteeism. "What about Chloe? Is there still hope for her? He's just wishful thinking, isn't he?"

"You are a victim of Chloe." Marinette did not like those words. "It's harder for you to forgive. It's easier for him to ignore. Chloe is but a child, though, and her life isn't defined by the first fourteen years of her life. The same as you."

"But she's an adult now," Marinette argued. "We've outgrown our childish tendencies. She'll always be this way."

Tikki giggled. "Oh, my little bug. In your mind you are an adult. You have a long way to go. She may never change. That doesn't mean she won't."

Chloe change? Marinette couldn't see it possible. Chloe was the last person she'd trust.

But she did trust her.

"Give us luck, Tikki," Marinette said, sitting up. She held her hand out and Tikki landed upon her palm. "I think I'm just beginning to scratch the surface of Agreste Drama."

"Most definitely," her Kwami agreed. "You have no idea how right you are."