Wednesday 6:13 a.m.─

Shaking out of her dazed state, Marinette smiled up at the blonde boy and greeted him. "Good morning Adrien." Adrien's lips sketched into a bright smile as he returned Marinette's greeting. Clovis took a small glance over at the golden-haired child as he took into account on how nervous he was acting in front of the young girl.

"Could it be…?" Clovis thought as he let his gaze linger a bit longer on the blonde.

"So, what brings you boys here so early in the morning?" Sabine asked bringing Clovis back to reality.

"Ah, I came to pick up the order Angel had placed with you guys about two days ago." With a smile, Sabine nodded her head. "Oh! And if you have some of your famous hot chocolate already made then I'll take some in a large cup please, to go." Sabine tilted her head before understanding the reason behind his request.

"Rough morning?" The older woman asked as she and Tom started to gather the large order their eldest daughter had asked of them in the meantime Marinette was placing the hot sweet liquid into the disposable cup. Clovis gave out a soft chuckle as he rubbed the back of his neck and answered his girlfriend's mother's question.

"More like rough rising," the three Dupain-Cheng's looked at Clovis with a questionable gaze. "She only got about two and a half hours of sleep when a call came in from the main branch. Since that call, she hasn't gone back to sleep." Worry and concern began to embed into the faces of the Dupain-Chang's.

"What time was it when the call came through?" Marinette asked.

"It was 3:32 a.m. when she got the call." Marinette placed her chin in between her thumb and index finger.

"That would mean that it was 9:32 p.m. over there." Clovis nodded.

"What happened?" Tom asked concern laced into his words, but to his disappointment, Clovis only shook his head in response.

"I don't know the whole situation yet, though it seems to have something to do with that VP she has back in the states." The whole room became silent. Tom and Sabine had heard stories but before they can ask their daughter anything she would dismiss the entire thing as something not worth worrying.

"Is it serious?" Adrien asked breaking the silence.

"I'm not sure yet," was all Clovis could answer with, which in truth didn't set the Dupain-Cheng's at ease. Clovis let out a sigh, he was well aware that Angel didn't want to involve her family in the company's problem's because she knew they would want to lend a helping hand. That was something that she could not allow them to do. She knew that her parents had enough with running the bakery along with still having to raise her younger sister. Clovis mentally sighed as he tried to think of a topic changer. "Well, enough about me, the company and Angel. Please do tell us, Adrien." Clovis turned his attention to the young blonde boy hoping that would change the topic. "What brings you here so early in the morning?" Adrien's eyes widen slightly as his cheeks began to heat up in embarrassment.

"Sorry kid, I just need to get the attention off of me before Angel kills me later," Clovis thought as the Dupain-Cheng's changed their attention to the blonde model.

"I-I…" Adrien was at a loss of words, how exactly was he going to explain to everyone present that he decided to head to school two hours early, not only for him to escape his father's interrogation on why had he arrived so late the night before but also because he wanted to see Marinette. "I wanted to buy a─I wanted to be the first one to come and buy a pastry here today!" Adrien blurted out throwing composure out the window. Adrien along with Clovis mentally face-palmed themselves upon hearing the blonde's excuse; The Dupain-Cheng's were slightly dumbfounded when listening to the reason for the blonde's early arrival. Though because of that the small tension that was slowly forming dissipated when a cheerful giggle filled the room. Everyone's head turned towards the ringing laughter and saw Marinette laughing at Adrien's words. Tom and Sabine looked at one another before a tender smile spread upon their lips.

"Adrien, you're so funny hehe," Marinette said while Adrien scratches the back of his head sheepishly.

"Yes, quiet," Clovis added. Clovis began to open his mouth once more. However, he was cut off by the ringing of his phone. "Excuse me." Was all the young man said before he walked out of the bakery to take the phone call.

"Well, my dear lad since you're here already why not help us out prepping the store for opening," Tom glanced down at his phone and looked at the time. "Which is in about forty minutes," Tom said as he handed Adrien an apron. Adrien smiled brightly up at the elder man as he nodded his head with excitement. Taking the apron from Tom's hand, Adrien places his bag by the door so that he would be able to tie the protective fabric around his waist. Before Adrien had a chance to ask where he should start helping out, Clovis hastily rushed back in with a slight horrid expression.

"Is everything alright, dear?" Sabine asked.

"Sorry Sabine, Tom but do you think you can hold on to that order? I'll pick it up later. Something came up at work." The bluenette said slightly rushed.

"Uhm...sure sweetie that is no problem." Thought Sabine said that there was something within her telling her that something wasn't right. "Is everything alright?" Sabine tried to ask one last time.

"I am not sure, but I will try to keep you posted okay." With those parting words, Clovis disappeared from the door. Tom and Sabine looked at one another, worry wholly written in their expression. Adrien and Marinette looked at one another wondering if everything was alright.

"What do you think happened?" Adrien asked in a whisper towards the blue-haired girl.

"I don't know," Was all the bluenette could answer. "But…from what I can tell─it's nothing good." Adrien knitted his brows in concern from the words Marinette had uttered.

"What makes you say that?" Marinette's gaze shifted towards the door in which her dear friend had rushed out of uneasiness written all over her expression.

"Because Clovis would never lose his composure unless something has happened to the things most precious to him." The two teens looked at the empty door before going back to what they were once doing before the tall bluenette male rush in and out.

"Oh my, would you look at the time," Sabine called out as she looked at the time on her phone screen ─6:39 a.m.─ "It's nearly time to open; we have to hurry."

"What do you want me to help with Sabine?" Adrien asked the older woman.

"Adrien dear, you can go ahead and help Mari with the display cases." The blonde nodded his head as he walked over towards where Marinette was; the young girl was holding a large tray plater with freshly baked bread and cookies. Along with a pair of tongues to move the lovely baked goods around. Adrien was quick to jump towards the young bluenette and slipped his hands under the plater to shift the weight of it towards him. Marinette was swift to notice the change and turn to face the golden-haired teen. The blonde just smiled at her as he lifted up a pair of tongues himself.

"If we work together we can finish much faster." Marinette gave out a breathless laugh as she nodded not even trying to fight him. The two continued placing each baked goods into the case, quietly next to one another; just at a distance, a pair of eyes were observing the two young teens working together.

"Don't they look so cute together like that?" Sabine asked as she looked at the two children in front of her with loving eyes.

"Yeah, they do…don't they remind you of another pair of them?" Tom asked. Sabine glances up at her husband as she searches for an answer in her when it finally dawns on her.

"…I think─ I think this is different from Angel and that boy…" Sabine said a slight hesitant in her voice.

"Different how?" Sabine wrapped her arms around herself as she narrowed her eyes; shifting them to the brown designed titles.

"That boy was so troubled and lonely that we couldn't help the poor thing," Tom looked down at his beloved wife, sorrow filling his eyes. "Then one day that boy just disappeared without a trace…poor Angel was so devastated─that is until she found Clovis." Tom rubbed his hand against Sabine's back trying to soothe her.

"Maybe this time it will be different my love. We just have to expect the unexpected." Sabine nodded, the two said nothing more on the subject and continued with the preparation to open the store but not before stealing another glance at the two teens.

Bel Étranger

7:29 a.m.─

"Thank you for all your help Adrien," Sabine said as she placed the cash register on the counter.

"It was no problem what so ever Sabine." The elder woman smiled. Adrien noticed that Sabine had been rubbing her chest just above her heart, though as soon as Adrien saw the action, Sabine dropped her hand playing it off like nothing was wrong. Adrien gave her a concerned look as his mouth slowly drew opened to say something but was cut off when Marinette came rushing in through the small back door of the bakery.

"Ready! See you later maman, papa!" Marinette said in a rushed sing-song voice. Marinette rushed towards her mother quickly placed a tender kiss on her mother's cheek as she waved goodbye to her father and grabbed Adrien's hand and hastily guided him out of the bakery.

"Ah─ Hah-Have a nice day Mr. and Mrs. Dupain-Cheng!" With a click of the door, the two teens were out of the door and slowed down their pace once outside the bakery. The two slowly made their way to their school, now waiting for the street lights to change for them to cross to the other side. Adrien knew that the walk to school from the bluenette female's house was rather short, but that didn't stop him from trying to make small talk with the young female. However, before he allowed his words to escape from between his lips, he stopped himself from seeing Marinette's expression. Her face contorted with many emotions; fear, worry, concern, anxious, stressed, troubled, fluster, etc. He also picked up on the fact that she was biting her thumbnail. Lost in her thoughts. "Is─Is everything alright?" Marinette was shaken out of her train of thought when Adrien spoke out. She turned her head towards Adrien with a bewildered expression.

"Huh─? Oh, ah─ Uhm…no it's nothing─ just th-thinking." Adrien raised a brow not buying her words. The young blonde lad kept eyeing the young bluenette. He wants to help her in any way he could. He also wanted her to rely on him, not only as Adrien Agreste, the shy lonely boy model but also as Chat Noir as well.

"Marinette, I know you better than you think. And I know for a fact that it is most definitely not nothing, just like you say." Marinette hesitated as she looked up at the blonde boy that was standing right there in front of her. Biting her bottom lip, she thought over her opinions; everyone seems to trust him, not only that but people were telling her that she and he already knew each other before her accident.

"Maybe…Maybe I can trust him," Marinette though as she let out a sigh of defeat finally giving in to the blondes. "It's about my sister…" Adrien looked at the bluenette, his eyes never leaving her face.

"Angel?" The young girl nodded say nothing more. "Why? Do you think something is wrong?" Lifting up her face so that their eyes met bluebell clashing with emerald green.

"It's not that I think something is wrong…I just─ I know something is wrong. And the way Clovis was reacting is proof." Adrien raised a brow not grasping what Marinette was trying to get at.

"What makes you say that?" Marinette warped her arms around herself, her eyes never leaving the models. Gathering her thoughts Marinette parted her lips to voice out her opinions.

"Last night, Angel and I were talking…at first, it was about my amnesia, but then I changed the subject to ask her about the Ladybug of her time. How they didn't have a blog like the current Ladybug and Chat Noir do, we also talked about how the last Ladybug had two Chat Noir's during her time. Not only that but the ring of the black cat was in fact cursed before and how the curse was lifted." Adrien's eyes widen slightly as he unconsciously rubbed his fingers against the band of his silver ring.

"Ah─A curse on the ring?" Adrien thought as the question floated up in his mind.

"After that, she decided to head back home, but before she left, she mentioned a few things about the main branch office in New York. And how her Vice President thinks he owns her company, but that's all she told me on the subject before she decided to close the topic and left her apartment." Marinette dropped her arms, allowing them to drape to her sides. "I─I think there's more to that Vice President then what my sister led on. And the fact that she always avoids the subject of her company or gives vague answers to maman and papa. I'm sure she even told Clovis to not give much information to them either ─including me…" As Adrien heard Marinette's words he could argue with her om what she was saying but in truth what could the two of them do if what Marinette said was true. This was something that a pair of teens couldn't do anything about. Truth be told something like this is meant that to be settle in court. Adrien mentally sighs as he steeled his emotions and reached out to place his hand on top of Marinette's shoulder. The bluenette looked up at Adrien to have their eyes locked with one another.

"Look Marinette I can tell that your worry…But honestly there nothing you or anyone but Angel and Clovis can do." Adrien paused to allow his words to sink into Marinette's head. "From what I've gathered from what you just told me it seems like this matter had to be handled in a courthouse." Marinette's shoulder's slumped upon hearing Adrien's words.

"I know─ I just…I can't help thinking there's something that I can do to help them." Adrien gave Marinette a kind smile as he squeezed her shoulders to show her his support. The two said nothing more as they both continued their small walk to their school just as they reached the top of the stairs of the school they encountered their best friends; Alya and Nino.

"Hey Nino," Adrien said as he greeted his bud with a fist bump, while Marinette walked over towards Alya as they waved at each other; Alya didn't miss a beat as she hooked her arms around Marinette bringing her closer to her.

"Hey, any changes with Adrien?" Alya whispered loudly enough for only the young teen to hear. Marinette looked at her best friend and shook her head.

"Hey Alya, Marinette," The girls turned towards the boys seems to be waiting for them. "Come on; we should be heading to class, the bell is about to ring." The girls said nothing but merely nodded as they walked side by side. It didn't take the four friends to enter their classroom and take their seat just as the bell rang.

"All right everyone, please return to your seat's so we can start class." The rest of the class took their seats and came into complete silence, Ms. Bustier took that as a signal and commence with her lecture. The class ran smoothly with only one interruption from the blonde-haired girl; to most that was a new record for the blonde. The truth is that even Chloé was thrown into a loss from Marinette's amnesia since she can't mess with her like she used to. It just wasn't the same when the bluenette isn't fighting back with her witty remarks towards the blonde girl. ─There were about fifteen minutes left of class before the students went along to their next class when Madam Bustier announced her students. "Before you head on out to your next class let me tell you what your homework will be for the next two weeks." The students stopped packing their things away and paid attention to what Madam Bustier had to say.

"You will be placed in pairs." Madam Bustier said calmly, however, before anyone ─ and by anyone meaning Chloé can cut her off she quickly added: "And I will be choosing who will you be working with." Upon hearing Madam Bustier's words, Chloé slammed her hands on her desk as she pushed herself up from her seat.

"Wait just a minute I want to be paired up with Adrikins!" Everyone besides Sabrina and Marinette shook their heads and gave out a sigh.

"I'm sorry Chloé but I've already decided on the pairs." Chloé didn't back down and continued to push for her demand.

"I don't think my father~ would see it your way." The blonde threatens.

"Chloé, is your father a teacher?" Chloé was caught off guard by Madam Bustier's words.

"Ah─ Mmm…well no, he's─" Before the young blonde had a chance to finish her sentence Madam Bustier cut her off.

"Well then, I'm sorry to disappoint you Chloé, but I am, and this is my classroom so what I say is pretty much law," the students were awestruck at what they were just witnessing and hearing from their lovable teacher. "So please take your seat so that I may be able to pair you off and tell you about the project." With a pout on her lips and a glare in her eye's Chloé reluctantly sat back down in her seat with her arms crossed over her chest.

"Now then, where was I…Oh right! The pairs are as follow; Alya and Chloé, Nino and Sabrina, Alix and Ivan, Juleka and Kim, Max and Mylène, Nathaniel and Rose, and finally Marinette and Adrien. You will be creating a storyboard on any literature book of your choosing; please do not choose a book that has a movie out already. However, if you have not seen the movie, then please go along on making the storyboard base on the book and please tell us what you would expect the movie to contain and what you think they might have changed. Of course, as extra credit." Just as Madam Bustier finished talking the bell rang signaling for the students to move to their next class.

"Remember the book has to be a book you've read already." She called out as her students filed out of her classroom.

Bel Étranger

SCREEEECCCHHH─

Clovis came to a screeching halt in front of the tall office building. He clumsily got out of his car and ran towards the building in front of him. Bursting through the doors, Clovis noticed that the whole staff had gathered in the large foyer. Everyone had a troubled look on them and were muttering among themselves about the situation that had unfolded in front of them. Clovis looked around, in search of two people in particular. "Gustave! Désirée!" The bluenette called out into the vast crowd; everyone turns to face him. That's when he noticed the hope that started to fill their eyes. Gustave and Désirée made their way to the front to stand face to face with their CEO.

"Monsieur Clovis!" The two called out in unison.

"What happened? Where is she?" Clovis wasted no time in asking the main two questions he wanted answers to.

"She isn't here anymore," Désirée answered. "The police took her away just a few moments ago." The female secretary shifted her gaze to the marble floor with a defeated expression written all over.

"We were going to stop them, but Madam Dupain-Cheng stops us from doing so. She told us not to do anything reckless." Clovis balled his hands into fist…there was not much he could do to express his anger but that.

"Alright what happened before that?" Clovis asked through gritted teeth; he forced the words out of his lips.

"Two police officers came into the building asking to see Madam Dupain-Cheng. Of course, I asked if they had an appointment in which they answered with a no, I carried on and apologized to them and told them I could not allow them to go through to see Madam Dupain-Cheng if they did not have an appointment to see her. They kept on insisting until finally, they asked one last time while holding out a warrant for her arrest." Gustave said defectively. "I had no choice but to allow them through. Before they reach Madam's office, I called her to give her a warning." Clovis roughly ran his hands through his hair in frustration and slightly tugged his hair in the process. The bluenette paced back and forth not knowing what to do he only had one thing in his mind and that was, he needed to go to her. He needed to be at her side not be there at the company. Making up his mind, Clovis turned on his heels and headed straight towards the doors.

"Monsieur Clovis! Where are, you going!? Wait!" The two people he was once talking to call out to the bluenette to step him; only to fail. Gustave ran towards him trying to reason with him to not leave right then and there, but he was failing miserably. Not know what else to do, Désirée took out a recording device that Angel had handed to her just before she was escorted out of the building.

"You'll know when to use it, okay."

Angel said it with such a gentle smile that Désirée didn't know what to do but to take it. Gripping it tightly in her hands Désirée thought that this was that time that Angel was talking about without a second thought, Désirée pushed the button on the device and allowed the audio to follow through.

"Clovis! Stop walking right now!" A female voice called out but not just any female voice it was the exact one the male needed to hear at that exact moment. The male turned his body at an angle to see if his ears weren't deceiving him. His eyes were only greeted with the sight of his whole staff and there in the front were Gustave and Désirée were looking with such a downcast expression. Désirée had her arm extended out with the recording device in her hand. "I am not there so stop looking for me. I made this recording and handed it to Désirée in case something like this happened to you…Now listen do not do something stupid like running off to be at my side─ I'm fine I don't need you right now, but they do though. They're scared and confuse and you acting the way you are right now isn't helping the situation. So, talk to them and then talk to Gustave and Désirée I left instructions with them…Je t'aime and I will see you soon." With that, the recording ended allowing Désirée to bring her arm to her side once more. Upon hearing Angel's recording, Clovis finally noticed the panic, worry, anxiety, fear and tears from everyone. Clovis couldn't help but decorate his face with a frown and knit his brows together.

"How could I have been so blind," the bluenette questioned himself. Letting out a sigh and readjusting his asymmetric black pleather biker jacket and turned to face everyone. Clearing his throat, Clovis inhaled and exhaled another sigh as he steeled his nerves. "I'm sorry you all had to see me like that just a few moments ago. Ahem, as you all know Angel Dupain-Cheng was just taken into custody─I am not sure at the moment as to why but I'm more than certain that there was some misunderstanding. I understand if you are overwhelmed by this situation, so I will not blame you all for wanting to take the rest of the day off; if so please go ahead…" Clovis waited for anyone to head towards elevator to gather their belongings and head home but no one moved.

"We'll stay…we won't leave Madam Dupain-Cheng or you Monsieur Fortier. You've done so much for us we won't leave you at a time like this." Gustave voiced out his thoughts while everyone else behind him yelled out in agreement. A soft, gentle smile painted itself onto his lips.

"Thank you, everyone," Clovis gave a bow to the crowd of employees to show is gratitude towards them. When Clovis stood up straight once again, he saw the fire in everyone's eyes as each department managers turned to face their workers.

"Alright we're wasted enough time let's get back to making up for lost time we'll be working overtime!" Everyone pumped their fist up into the air as they filed towards the elevator while others used the stairs. Clovis stared at the retreating back of his workers with a thankful expression. As he waited for the foyer to become what it usually is; while that was happening Gustave and Désirée took this chance to walk up to the grateful man.

"Monsieur Clovis," Gustave called out to the blue haired man, bringing him back to the reality of what was happening with his lover.

"Madam Dupain-Cheng wanted you to head to her office." Désirée handed him a key in which the man took. "This is the key to her office she had asked me to lock her door before the police officers had a chance to raid her office ─ She also said to be cautious with her family." Clovis thanked the two from the bottom of his heart as he walked towards the elevator to head to Angel's office. It took Clovis about five minutes to reach Angel's office; he wasted no time as he darted straight to her office door, unlocked it and walked into the empty room. Standing at the foot of the entrance Clovis took in everything and the emptiness, he started to feel a feeling he had thought he would never feel ever again shaking the negative thoughts out of his mind he walked towards the cluttered desk to find a letter addressed to him. Hesitation overtook him as he took in a deep breath as he grabbed hold of the thin piece of paper and opened it to read it.

My Love,

It seems that things took a turn for the worst. The company is being sued for not only fraud but for tax evasion. Before the police could take action, I had made sure to remove your name off of the deed to our beloved company about a month or so ago, so they wouldn't take you either. I'm sure you're wondering what the phone call I had received hours before dawn was; it was Kyoko informing me of the situation and how Alan Miller has disappeared with stolen designs for about five seasons worth. I suppose that was the next best thing for him to take since he couldn't access any of the company's financial accounts. But he was able to make sure to set up the company for felony tax evasions and spread rumors about us to our buyers.

Kyoko is trying to settle things with the financial details, so I need you to solve things with our buyers. Get in contact with Kyoko; work together to find Alan so we can clean up our loose ends with him and then turn him into the official's and they can take care of him from there.

Je t'aime, Clovis. Never forget that─You are my other half, just like I am to you. Find Alan first, please I don't want you to see me until you have news on that bastard's whereabouts. S'il vous plait─ Clovis.

Love,

Angel

Clovis's grip tightens, resulting in crumbling the paper in his hands. Tears started to well up in his eyes as he brings the written letter, which his beloved had left him, to his face. The last thing that she had left him before she was taken away from him. "How did things end up like this…?" His vision started to blur, but he wouldn't allow them to fall. He needed to be strong, just like Angel is at that very moment. Clovis relaxed his arms as he walked over towards the window, placing his forearm against the cold glass as he rested his forehead against it; allowing a sigh to escape his lips. "I wish you were still here…Plagg you would be able to tell me what to do…" Chuckling Clovis shook his head as he pushed himself off the glass, slowly he turned giving his back to the stain glass window and began walking towards the door to leave the silent office that wouldn't hear a sound of laughter, yelling or any sounds for quite a long time.

Bel Étranger

The four friends walked out of the school as they talked about the project that Madam Bustier had assigned to her students. "Argh! I cannot believe that I got paired up with Chloé!" The three friends besides her gave her a pity smile as they each patted her shoulder showing their condolence to her.

"Sorry Alya, but look at it this way now you'll know what I had to go through with Chloé in the last project," Marinette added. Alya turns to glare at her best friend.

"Geez Marinette thanks," The reddish-brown wavy-haired girl rolled her eyes. "At least you're lucky this time you're paired with Adrien and Nino, here has Sabrina who does something, unlike my partner!" Nino, Marinette, and Adrien looked at one another as they felt sorry for their friend's misfortune. Marinette took a step forward to walk right beside her best friend and hooked her arm around the girl's neck.

"Come on Alya; you're going to be okay. And you know how I know?" The young bluenette asked only to get a shake of the need as a response. "Because you were the first person that I know that stood up to Chloé." Marinette smiled brightly at Alya as she then brought up her pointer finger up at random. "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good person so nothing." Alya's eyes widen as she stared at her first and best friend since coming to Paris. A small smile started to sketch on her lips. Replicating Marinette, Alya hooked her arm around Marinette and allowed some of her weight onto the girl.

"Oh M, I don't know what I'll do without you." The girls laughed while the boy's simply smile at the heartwarming scene. The four friends walked towards the Dupain-Cheng bakery to enjoy their lunch there. As they walked for the light to change for them cross the small distance; Marinette notices the people carrying out six boxes of baked goods towards a parked car that was stationed in front of the bakery. The blue haired girl eyed the two as they packed the boxes into the car when Marinette got a clear view of the people, she took notice that she, in fact, knew the two.

"Gustave? Désirée?" Marinette ears perked up when hearing those names flowing out of someone elses lips other than her. "What are they doing here?" A blonde male asked under his breath though it was still loud enough for the bluenette to hear; turning her gaze towards Adrien, Marinette began to eye the young blonde. Unconsciously Marinette extended her arm out just as the light changed, allowing pedestrians to cross the street, however, before Adrien had a chance even to take a step forward onto the black pavement he felt a tug on the back of his shirt pulling him back. The blonde turned at an angle to see what/who was causing the tug only to see Marinette tugging on his shirt. Alya and Nino continued walking without noticing that their best friends were being left behind. Emerald green gazed downed at bluebell eyes, confusion was written within her gaze.

"Marine " Before Adrien was able to finish calling out the young girl's name she cut him off.

"How do you know Gustave and Désirée?" When hearing the question, Adrien now noted why confusion was swimming in Marinette's eyes. The longer he stared down at her, the more he started to notice the determination that was mixing into the confusion. Adrien opened his mouth to answer the girl's question. However, he wasn't able to form the words he wanted. Marinette's gaze started to form a glare as she tugged harder on the blonde's shirt to get back his attention. "How is it that you know them Adrien." Adrien gulped. He didn't know what exactly he was supposed to say to the girl in front of him.

"I I," Adrien tried searching through his brain trying to think of something believable to tell Marinette. "I met them a few times when I tagged along with my father. Yeah, yeah he had a couple of meetings at your sister's company a few times, and I had to tag along." Adrien gave out a nervous laugh as he rubbed the back of his neck. Marinette just stared at him with a raised eyebrow not entirely believing him.

"I…see." Marinette's hand went limp, letting go of Adrien's shirt.

"Hey, you two! If you don't hurry up, we'll leave you behind~!" Marinette and Adrien turned to face their two best friends and rushed to cross the street with seconds to spare as the light was about to change. When the two reach Alya and Nino, their friends gave them a mysterious look. "What were you two talking about that made you take so long?" Nino nodded in agreement wondering the same thing. Both Adrien and Marinette looked at one another before turning back to face their friends with a shake of their heads.

"Nothing." The two said in unison. Not buying their friends excuse the two-eyed them until they decided to let it go for the time being due to their empty stomachs that was crying to be fed. They wasted no time to head to the bakery and paid to greet to Mr. and Mrs. Dupain-Cheng. The two adults smiled and waved to the kids as the four returned the gestured, Marinette walked up to both her parents and gave them a peck on their cheeks just before she trailed back to catch up with her friends.

"I left you kids some croissants and came mini panini sandwiches to eat on the kitchen counter!" Sabine called out to her daughter as the young girl ran up the staircase up to their home.

"Thank you maman!" Replying back with a faded voice as she was climbing further up the stairs. What it didn't take long for Marinette was in front of her front door. Her friends were nowhere in sight, assuming they had let themselves in –and by 'they' Marinette meant Alya. She reached out and opened the door to her home to be greeted by her three friends munching down on a croissant and the mini panni's. "Jeez~ guy's thanks for waiting for me." Alya swallowed the food in her mouth to reply back to her best friend

"Sorry not sorry, M. You were taking too long, so we decided to help ourselves." A smile played on the bluenette's lips as she tried to glare at the red-haired girl. "We did save you your share though, so you can't call us heartless." With a roll of her eyes, a smile slowly sketched its way onto her lips as she reached out for a croissant only for her hand to grab something else. Her eyes darted up to see what she was touching; bluebell eyes came into contact with the emerald green. The two stared at one another until a flash of memory came into the bluenette's train of thought emerald green eyes smiling down at the bewildered bluenette with the sound of rain surrounding them. If the girl could tell, she would have loved to only stare at the beautiful emerald green eyes and forever get lost in them, however before she could do anything stupid something blocked her vision bringing her back to her senses. Also, making her realize the throbbing pain that was slowly but surely making itself known. Wincing and pulling back her hand so that it can cradle her head. Her three friends noticed the sudden change of their friend's beloved bluenette. They quickly gathered around her to be there for support. However, before she could lean onto either of her friend's shoulder, Marinette supported herself on the kitchen counter.

"Marinette!" The three cried out worry and concern laced into their voices.

"Dude, are you okay?!" Nino asked.

"M, what's wrong? Do you need water? Something?" Alya shot question after question that the poor bluenette couldn't even process them quickly as they came.

"Marinette, do you need to sit down?" Adrien finally asked. In which Marinette nodded in response. Quickly Adrien and Alya guided the disoriented girl towards the couch. Once Marinette was seated, the three friends hovered over her making sure they didn't miss anything the young girl might say.

"Dude's, we should probably tell her parent's," said Nino

"Yeah, we " Before Alya had a chance to finish her sentence Marinette stopped her by reaching out to touch the red-headed hands; Alya looked at her best friend. Despite seeing that she was still gripping her head, the inspiring young designer shook her head rejecting the idea of involving her parents with what was happening to her.

"No, don't call them." Alya's brows knitted together in worry as she heard her best friend refusing to seek help from her parent's.

"But M. you look like you're going to faint." Marinette continued to shake her head rejecting the very thought of it once again.

"I'm fine; it's passing. It's not like this isn't the first time it's happened to me anyways." The young girl stated.

"This happened a few days ago too." Adrien voiced out; Alya looked over at Adrien and then back at Marinette ready to add her two cents to the comment the blonde boy made. However, before she could get a single word let alone a sound out, Marinette cut her off.

"Yeah but like last time it's fading…"

"But, M." Alya started off, but Marinette didn't allow her to finish her sentence.

"If it brings you some peace of mind I'll take a nap and also take the rest of the day off from school, okay?" Despite her lips forming a tight line, Alya nodded in agreement. She truthfully would rather have her safe and sound in her bed then on the cold grounds of the school's floors.

"Think you can make it up to your room, Marinette?" Nino asked as his eyebrows knitted together in concern. Marinette strained a smile as she looked up at Nino.

"Yeah, I think so,' said the bluenette as she slowly pushed herself up from the couch only to start swaying to the side losing her balance.

"Careful," Adrien supported her as he let her body relax in his arms. "maybe, one of us should stay with you…just in case."

"No, it's fine…you guys have to go back to school anyways." Marinette insisted. The three other friends looked at one another with concern written all over their face's. Alya turned to the disoriented girl and was about to open her mouth but was quickly cut off. "Don't even think about it Alya…" With a pout, Alya crossed her arms.

"Someone has to stay with you M. Your parents are working and knowing you I'm more than sure you're not going to let them close the bakery to just look after you." Alya tried convincing the bluenette as Adrien helped her stand her ground as he began to guide her towards the stair leading up to her bedroom.

"It's fine I'm just going to sleep anyways. So, no one needs to look after me." Climbing the stairs one step at a time to reach the young girl's room; with the help of Adrien of course. The two soon disappeared up through the trap door that acted as the bluenette's bedroom entrance leaving both Nino and Alya alone in the small living room. Alya pitched the bridge of her nose trying to control the annoyance and anger that was simmering in her system by Marinette's stubbornness.

"Argh! Why won't she just listen to me!" Nino patted Alya's shoulder trying to give her some comfort.

"What if we tell her parents without letting Marinette knowing about it?" Alya looked up at the stairs to see Adrien descending from the girl's room.

"No, I can't just go behind Marinette's back. Plus, I have to agree with Marinette…if I were in her position, I wouldn't want to let my parents take the day off when I know they're trying to earn money to give my sibling and I a good living. I'm hoping Marinette is right and all she needs is rest." Alya said as Adrien walked closer to his two friends. Looking over her shoulder, Alya saw Adrien coming closer. "How is she?" She asks the blonde-haired boy.

"She went straight to sleep." The blonde said with a small smile. His brows soon knitted as he thought about Marinette's condition. "What if we call Angel?" Adrien suggested.

"I don't have her number, and I don't know where Marinette's phone might be…" Adrien looked down at his phone that was in his hand. Glancing at the black screen, he closed his eyes as he gripped down on the small handheld device as he slightly shook his head deciding not to contact the older woman.

"I don't want to bother her especially if she might be busy," Adrien thought as he placed his cell phone in his pocket. Looking up to his two friends –who were talking to one another trying to decide what to do with their sick friend who was sleeping upstairs. Adrien took a step forward as he voiced out his thoughts.

"What if I stay?" Both Alya and Nino turn to face their blonde friend with a raised brow.

"Toi Adrien? Êtes-vous sûr? I mean not to be rude dude, but have you ever taken care of someone before?" Nino asked as he stood in front of the blonde.

"Yeah; are you okay looking after another person Adrien?" Adrien steeled himself as he looked at his two friends with confidence.

"I can do it, just leave Marinette to me." Both Alya and Nino looked at one another concern and worried written on their faces.

Bel Étranger

Pacing back and forth in the small room, looking around at all the pictures and books that were around the Dupain-Cheng's household living room on display. Emerald green eyes soon landed on a particular photo; a picture of Mr. and Mrs. Dupain-Cheng with their two daughters –Marinette and Angel- Marinette was standing on the right side of her father while Angel was standing on the left side of her mother. A smile started to form on the boy's lips until he noticed something from the corner of his eyes. There standing next to Angel was another blue-haired person –Clovis Fortier- He was smiling, a real smile that looked entirely and completely sincere towards that camera. Adrien has seen countless pictures of the man in magazines, news reports, blogs, etc. And not once did he ever smile for that particular article it was always his infamous stoic expression that he would give to the press. Adrien also noted that the picture looked to be a few years old. "I wonder how old the three were when this picture was taken?"

"Marinette was just graduating middle school, and both Angie and Clovis were just graduating high school." A small tiny sweet voice responded. Adrien jumped as he looked over his shoulder to see the owner of the view only to see a little red ladybug floating in the air.

"Oh, Tikki you startled me." Tikki giggled as she flew over towards Adrien's shoulders.

"Sorry Adrien," Tikki said as she nestled herself on Adrien's shoulder. Adrien smiled at the little red kwami as his eyes soon found their way back to the picture he was looking at.

"You said this was taken when the girls graduated from their respective grades?" Tikki nodded. Adrien stared at the photo as he took in how happy the family looked. "So, this photo must've been taken before Angel moved to the state's then…"

"Oh, did she tell you about that?" Adrien gave Tikki a sheepish smile.

"Something like that…" Tikki tilted her head in confusion. "More like I researched her to find out more about her," Adrien confessed as he rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment. Tikki chuckled at Adrien confession as she patted him on his cheek.

"It's okay." Adrien started to pull himself away from the pictures and began to head towards the small kitchen counter and took a seat. Letting out a sigh Adrien leaned onto the table; Tikki flew off his shoulder and made her way towards a jar. The blonde boy was about to open his mouth to say something to the red kwami but was cut off by a small male voice.

"I'm~ Hungry~!" A tiny black cat flew in front of the blonde's face whining about his hunger. "I need my camembert!" Rolling his eyes Adrien stood up from his chair to get some of the stinky cheese from his bag to give to his kwami.

"I still don't understand why you like that smelly cheese, Plagg." Said Tikki as she shook her head and took out a cookie from the cookie jar that was next to the window.

"Hmph! Well, I don't get why you like cookies so much there just too sweet!" Adrien playfully rolled his eyes at the two's banter with one another he then turns to face the sweet and kind kwami.

"…How's Marinette?" He asked.

"She's still sleeping," Tikki said as she sat down in front of the blonde boy. "I guess that headache must have drained her energy." Adrien nodded as he shifted his gaze towards the trap door. Seconds passed as his eyes didn't dare to tear away from the door thinking that at any moment the bluenette might descend from her chambers wanting something that he can provide; nothing, the door didn't even crack open breathing out a heavy sigh. Adrien turned his head toward his phone –which was laying in front of him on the white tiled table.

"Maybe I should call Angel…" Adrien voiced out his thoughts. Both kwami's turned to look up at the blonde boy who was having a battle against himself on whether or not to contact the eldest of the Dupain-Cheng's children.

"If you're that worry about the girl, why don't you just call her already!" Plagg called out as he stuffed his face with the oh so stinky cheese that he loves so much.

"What if she's busy?" I don't want to get in the way of her work."

"Then call the campany if you're worried about that. Then you'll know if she's busy or not —no harm on that now is there." Plagg added as he paused in eating his beloved cheese.

"Plagg's right Adrien, there's no harm calling Désirée. She can transfer your call to Angie —that's if she's not busy. And if she then just leave her a message for her to pass along." Adrien nodded with resolve in his eyes, he picked up his phone and started to tap away on the screen. He pushed the green icon and waited for the dialing tone to ring. It didn't take long before someone answered on the other end of the line.

"B.C. Kiss, Désirée speaking."

"Hey Désirée, it's Adrien —Adrien Agreste." Adrien fidgeted in his seat hoping that Désirée remembered him.

"Oh! Adrien, how are you?!" Adrien let out the breath he didn't know he was holding in as a small smile sketched itself on his lips.

"I'm good; I'm good just here at the Dupain-Cheng's house looking after Marinette." A small gasp could be heard on the other side of the line.

"Did something happen to Marinette? Do her parents know? Oh, my sky, this day just keeps getting worse." Adrien tilted his head to the side in confusion.

"She just got lightheaded, so she's just resting up in her room. Yes, her parents know. I offered to help them by looking after Marinette while they continued running the bakery without worrying about Marinette…Désirée what did you mean by 'the day keep's getting worse'? Is something going on?" Adrien can hear the hesitation in Désirée's voice.

"Hm…Well, I'm not sure if I'm supposed to tell you but…I mean you are close to Madam Dupain-Cheng and her family so…" There was a pause as the blonde could hear the woman clear her throat. "You didn't hear this from me okay…but this morning Madam Dupain-Cheng was…arrested." Adrien's eyes widen in shock and disbelief.

"WHAT?!"