fall from grace

by aura gurdian

it has been over a year scenes the the defeat of hawkmoth and his imprisonment. but even though the war is over the battles go on for one blond. with no home, no family, no love unwilling to let others in. however one day a blue haired girl will find a stray ally cat and will try to heal him. the only question is will he say or will he leave again into the shadows.

10. Chapter viii seven day

Hello my readers. Thanks again for all your patience in waiting for this up date. I will keep this as short as I can. But ya. Anyway thanks everyone for tuning in again and sorry for the long wait, but I think it will be worth it as this chapter is quite a doozy as its nearly forty pages in length. I would have had it out soon or rather I would like to have had it out sooner but we myself included don't always get things done as fast as we want them too. And for those wanting the plot to pick up well this is the last chapter before things heat up and to a light extent it heats up in this chapter. But also this chapter will have a fair amount of character interactions so there is that for development.

Any way I promised to keep it short and I will. So without further adue please enjoy this chapter I have laid out for you and thank you all for waiting. Please enjoy and have a wonderful day.

-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-

Chapter eight seven days before disaster

thursday

It was early morning in paris with bright morning sun finally beginning to penetrate the dense could layer that covered much of europe. It was around nine am as and breaking from tradition a certain blue haired parisian girl had woken up early...for once. Marinette the youthful and positive hope bringer of paris, also known by her alter ego ladybug.

Marinette was not a morning person vary early even getting up much less out of bed before nine on a good day. Which was part of the reason why she had so much trouble getting to school on time even before she became lady bug. So unless it was necessary she really got up before which was fine with her as she usually worked late of her fashion projects. So with this in mind one might ask why she was up so early having already gotten dressed in a blue shirt with the kanji lucky on with with matching blue pants. Well she was delivering breakfast.

Walking up the stairs to her room tray in hand with a rich bowl of creamed rice and meant that her mother had made from the family and especially adrian. Which he would likely need to put the meat back on his bones. Speaking of adrian as she got the trap open she began to think about his condition. It had been a few days since adrian had woken up and his fever was was finally going into the more normal range of a hundred. They still needed to bring it down a bit more thought it was a stark improvement to his temperature when she first found him. And her mother had assured her that while they had quite a ways to go he was out of the woods and the worst had passed.

Hearing that adrian had survived the worst part of his illness and that he would be fine solong as nothing added insult to injury had been a loud of her mind. That night after hearing all the good news she had the best night of sleep she in her life.

"Speaking of sleep." she said to herself as she approached the bed she could hear the stuffed up muffled breathing of adrian. "'Sigh' poor adrian he just can't seem to catch a break." she said to no one in particular. See it was not all good news as while he may have recovered from his previous illness he unfortunately caught a light cold in the process. So in the end he gets out of one illness and right into another one.

Going up the stairs to adrians temporary bed she could see his form in the blankets before seeing his slightly flush skin. While it was somewhat cruel that he had to suffer more only after just recovering. But when she considered that his immune system was likely running on fumes, so while it was cruel it was also not very surprising.

In fact even though it had been a few days since he woke up he still could not speak as his throat was still pretty badly swollen. And unfortunately there was no telling how long it would remain that way. So till then it was charades to try and understand him.

Setting the tray down a safe distance away incase he moved before kneeling on his left side back facing the wall. As she looked him over she had to note how much better he looked now compared to earlier that month when the found him. Looking on his chest she could see tikki sleeping peacefully. Smiling at her red friend she would have to remember to do something for the kwami. After all the occasional patrols and using her magic on adrian had really teken there tole so she owed the little spirit.

Simply sitting watching adrian as he slept she began to think about what happened the other day when he woke up and the way he acted. Her ma ma told her that he was likely hallucinating, imagining someone he falt safer with rather than herself. And while the idea that adrian did not feel safe around hurt. At the same time she also did not blame him ether as after everything that had happened he would want to feel an unrivaled sense of security.

However that was beside the point as she needed to get adrian fed se he could recover. As he would need the energy for when he was strong enough to try get back on his feet, something she suspected would be a lot easier said than done.

So putting a hand on the blond boy's shoulder she gave him a slight nudge not wanting to case to much discomfort to his. As she did this she noticed that the blindness of his hair was starting to return as it seemed somewhat faded before. As she continued to prod the boy into waking she finally heard him give a disgruntled grown. Shaking adrian a bit harder this time she heard another grown of protest from him. "Is this how I sound in the morning?" she asked herself in genuin wonder.

Ignoring that though as she continued to try and rouse the boy from slumber adrian continued his protest till at last. His eyes opened up slowly growning in discomfort from the light in his eyes. She watched as he closed his eyes for a moment, most likely because his eyes had yet to adjust to the light. Then watched as he opened them again to reveal his bright green eyes to her.

She was taken aback by those green eyes the same ones she had fallen in love with years ago, but at the same time also felt guilt from them as well. After for over a year and even now she was clambering for his love and attention. And while most of the girls in there school, and the country for that matter did so aswell...did it make it right. Just because she had fallen in love with the boy did it really justify her actions, after what if he was in love with someone else. And while true she knew he had a thing for ladybug most boy's his age did, one thing she did miss having chat around for as it keeps the male groupies away. Still what if he had his eye on someone else entirely.

Her stream of thought was broken however as adrian seemed to finaly fully come round and began to look at her. Immediately putting on a happy face to hide the depressive thoughts she felt. "Good morning" she started off "how are you feeling" she then asked the tired blond. He looked as though he was thinking about it for a minute before nodding slightly. "That's good." she responded her smile widening a bit at the answer.

After adrian started acting somewhat normally knowing he could not speak they had eventually made a line of communication. So when asked if he was feeling better a nod meant yes he was feeling better and a shack meant no. so to see the nod of yes was good news for marinette, "i'm glad your feeling better today."

'Are you hungry?" she then asked the blind patiently waiting for him to answer not wanting to rush him. Again he seemed to take what she said and thought about his words for a few minutes before nodding his head. After seeing this marinette set about her work to get him to wear she could feed him. Moving a hand under his wiry frame "relax, I'm going to lift you up now, is that alright?" she said to him to which he again nodded.

Both she and her ma ma had developled a system over the past three days working on four. And while by now adrian knew the drill and would not struggle against her she still asked him every time to make sure he was ready. Having the all clear though she proceeded to lift up adrians torso before propping a pillow she had stored nearby underneath his midsection torso and head. This left him in an upright in a reclined sitting position which would allow him to be fed with out all the hassle on her and her mothers part. And this left out all the embarrassment on his part. As being spoon fed like an infant was probably bad enough, but add being cradilled like one. Well she was not going to completely strip him of his dignity. After everything that and his pride was about all he probably had left to his name.

With adrian upright she re adjusted the fallen blanket before putting his frail hands in his lap. Checking his over to make sure he was comfortable she then brought the bowl of creamed rice in hand and a spoon.

Filling up the spoon full of one of her favorite dishes bridging over to adrians waiting lips as he turn his head slightly to great it. Thankful for marinette she did not have to practically forced adrian to eat it as he opened her mouth on his own accepting it. Once it was in his mouth marinette had to wait a few seconds before pulling away to give adrien time to get it all. However once she was sure he had it she pulled away equally slowly not to rush him.

All in all it took nearly a minute for a single spoon full. However for marinette this was acceptable as only a few days ago they had to try feed him in his sleep. So for her it was a major improvement and she would wait.

As she pulled away from adrian to give him more she tried to think of something to say to him. "Ma ma said that she hoped you liked this, she made it special for you." she suddenly berted out without thinking. Adrian's gaze then went to her own before looking at the bowl in her hands then absently went back to staring at the wall. This however made marinette's heart sink greatly.

Ever since waking up adrian had been strangely, instead of his usual polit self he seemed vary with drawn and even avoiding her all together. What was worse was she did not know why he was acting this way towards her. Which was wired as she remembered back when adrian used to visit during school he used to love it at her parents home. He never explained why he always said that it was because " I'm just tired of living in a big house, i like small" he would say. But marinette never did buy this, she did not know why it sounded like a lie but it did.

Of course as much as she wanted to know the truth marinette was not about to force it out of him as they wear his secrets to keep. She just wished that he trusted her enough to tell her what was the real reason. And maybe even what was bothering him.

However that still did not change the problem at hand as he still refused to look at her face anymore then necessary. Much less look her in the eyes. It was so odd the way he acted, and its was not just herself he had even acted that way towards her ma'ma and pa'pa. And while marinette could understand why he would act a bit reclusive around her pa'pa as he did have a slight tendency to go overboard in moments like this. Her ma'ma sabine was the dream mother being in her mind perfect in every possible way.

So as she continued to feed a hungry adrian she silently prayed that he would open up when he got his voice back later that week. Till then she would continue to care for him as best she could. So to help pass the time and try coxe the blond out of his shell marinette began talking about the happenings around the house.

-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-meow-

Friday

Adrians day had started like any other after waking up in marinette's room. He had been awake for around five days but he knew he had been more. However he could not remember for sure how long. Maybe a day, or two… he had no idea how many for sure he just knew it was at least a day. The only thing he could remember was the image of his mother, however that was impossible as his mother was gone so it must have been a dream. But like the day's before this day was no different than the day before.

It started with ether sabine or marinette waking him up for breakfast, today it was sabine's turn to wake him. As with the day's before he still could not speak he had tried several times before but all it did was come out like a garbled croak. After the first few embarrassments in front of marinette and sabine he only scratched his voice in private.

As with every day now he was also still to weak to move muchless sit up on his own so when the mother of marinette woke him she immediately went about propping him into a reclining position. When she was done she asked him if he rested well to which he nodded as best he could.

After she had re adjusted his blankets and moved a little ladybug toy off to the side which he had become aware of a few day's trailer. Then came his food he did not pay attention to the mother as she told him what it was. To be honest adrian's mind was elsewhere likely to stay there if not for the spoon nudging his mouth. By this point he did not even look he simply opened his mouth to accepted the food given to him. When the spoon hit his young and the food slipped from the metal surface in his mouth he had a moment of euphoria simply from the taste itself. He had no idea what it was given the taste and the cook however it was chinese. The taste was like nothing even his private chef could make it was so good that he honestly purred in deltight. It wasn't till he heard a laugh from sabine that he stopped himself in embarrassment. This made him thankful that he was still a bit feverish as to hid his red cheeks.

After this bit of embarrassment he began to listen to sabine as she talked about this and that. She explained why marinette was out that day as apparently she needed to get more fabric for a customer as she ran out mid project. Hearing this did make a small smile walk on his lips at hear what marinette had accomplished. He knew she wanted to be in the fashion industry almost as long as he knew her. So to hear that she was doing so well after the internship with his...father fell through,...and that she was doing so well on her own.

Sabien did stress that marinette would be back around noon if all went well and she would give him his lunch. That was another thing that was problematic though as lunch was usually breakfast. While he was not a biology major he knew enough to know that his stomach had shrunk down to the point where he just could not eat that much. So that meant leftovers for lunch...not that he necessarily minded.

That was the other problem though as adrian knew he could not stay with them as he possed to much risk to the family. Not only that but he was honestly could not allow himself to stay even if he wasn't a danger. As he had no money to give them in return. After all how much money had the spent caring for him all ready a hundred? A thousand? More? He could not know for sure but adrian knew that he would never be able to pay it back. He did not have a single cent to his name, and who would give him a job. Much less give him a job the way he was now.

There was also the fact that he had already brought enough shame on paris and adrian would not let them live with his shame any longer than needed. Marinette's family was a good family and he would not let a disgrace like himself tarnish that. The only problem was adrian did not know wear plagg or his ring was.

That was honestly the biggest problem he had to solve right now was getting the black cat ring back. And yes adrian was aware that it was tecnily silver despite its name, the silver coloring according to plagg came about after people tried to steal it as a defence mechanism. And while the defence was weak it was more than enough to protect it as only people who could use magic and masters of it would be able to tell the difference. And in plaggs words any master of magic would have no need for it as they would be more powerful the the ring on its own under their own power.

History aside though the issue came out as the other day when marinette set his hands in his lap after waking him. And he had noticed that the ring was not in its usual place making him worry he had dropped it before coming here. If so that was a major problem as there was no telling wear it could end up in the meantime. However the main problem he faced right now was that he could barely move much less walk. So till he could leave on his own and get out of bed he would have to wait.

There was also something else he had noticed and that was what looked like a handmade wooden necklace around his neck in the shape of a cat held together by a leather cord. It was odd and a bit ironic that it was a cat as well given who his alter was. But there came the fact of how he got it as he was positive that he did not have it before he passed out. The only answer was that it was given to him by marinette or her parents. And that was another thing he could not take as it was another thing he did not deserve in the slightest.

His thoughts wear drawn away from this problem when he began to feel his stomach grown in protest. He in just a few minute had all he could stomach and could eat no more. So when sabine brought the spoon to his lips again he was force to turn away from her like a stubborn child.

"Full?" sabine asked seemingly catching on quickly to what he was doing. Adrian just nodded in response making her pull the spoon away from him. He then heard the older woman putting the food back on its tray. it was then he heard her take a breath that sounded quite depressed. While he couldn't quite tell why she did this but if he had to guess that she was saddened that he couldn't eat more. He then silently listened as she began to speak once again however once again he was not listening. Instead just continued to think.

While he was not really thinking about anything important or doing major planning as that was ladybugs job, he was still in his own head till sabine mentioned marinette. "-should be back soon however I will come to check on you in a little while. Unfortunately I need to get back down to the shop now." she finished saying not knowing adrian ignored most of what she said.

Standing up heading towards the stairs of marinette's bed which made adrian momentarily paild (if that was possible) at the thought of getting down four flights of steps when he finally left. Before leaving however she turned to face him showing a loving smile on her face before asking "you will be alright for a little while won't you?" she asked. He silently nodded in response making the woman's study his face carefully for a moment. But her smile returned a moment later as if nothing changed. "That's good. I will be back up soon to check on you" she repeated a flash of concern through her eyes. Though it was only briefly before she gave him a poliht look before walking away.

Adrian laid there and listened to the sound of marinette's mother leave the room leaving him alone once again in quite something he had grown used to. Alone he was used to it in fact he dare say he both preferred it now and enjoyed it. Things wear less complicated being alone less to worry about. So long as he was alone he did not have to worry about anyone getting hurt at his expense. All he had to worry about was keeping out of sight and out of mind day in day out. That way no one else would get hurt. Save himself.

Now however he had to worry about other people not only checking on him over half hour or so, but also had to worry about them potentially getting hurt due to him living in there house. Though he supposed there was one perk he could not complain about. And that was him not having to hear plagg complaining about not having that lord awful cheese all day. So there was at least one plus. But that still did not change the fact that he still needed to find the ring.

'I'm in a real mess this time' he thought dismally as tried to think of a solution that did not involve waiting months in marinette bed. Which in itself was embarrassing enough as not only wear these people helping him. He woke up in one of his best friend's beds. And if nothing else could it have at least have been nino as waking up in a girls room, and bed was just embarrassing. After all he was cat noir he was known for being the strong man amongst foolish men. He should be the one wooing girls not waking up in one's bed.

And true he only had eyes for one girl it was not going to stop him from having a little fun once and awhile teasing some fan girls. What was worse though was the fact that he felt like a betrayer as he swore to ladybug he would always be there for her. And just looking at himself he felt disgusted. 'I'm supposed to be helping ladybug, not having a girl who for all intensive purposes was just an ordinary civilian help me.' he thought a little burnt by his own weakened state.

still try as he might there was precious little he could do until he ether got the ring back or became strong enough to leave on his own. And with that he decided to get some much needed sleep till sabine are marinette returned to check on him. After all what else could he do then just sleep the day away.

Saterday

Marinette was sitting by the window with laptop on her lap with bags under her eyes from lack of sleep as she was out most of the day on patrol. And to make matters worse an accident at an apartment complex that caused it catch fire in the middle of the night forced her to lose precios hours of sleep. This combined with having to help take care of adrian in the morning and the night before she decided to take it easy.

So as she lazaly looked over her social media she looking over her to friends list and noticed alya was online and typing her a message. Sitting up as she waited eagerly for the message her bff was going to send her.

(hay how's it going girl)

Looking at the post on messaging even though it was more a statement rather than a question it was something she had to think about. ' how was she doing?'. With everything going on with her job, her duties as ladybug, and watching adrian, not including helping her parents she had a pretty full plate. But deciding it best not to worry alya she decided to give her answer.

(alright. Just tired I was super busy last night)

While she omitted the what in the busy part she did speak or rather type truthfully. And less than ten seconds later alya begin typing the next response. Marinette growed at the swiftness as then meant she was going to get asked what she was doing. Realizing the the mistake she made in her answer too late just waited for alya's next message.

(girl what's going on that's got you so drained?)

Alya typed but marinette had no time to respond to this as alya begin typing again making the blue bell wonder what else the girl had in mind..

(Don't tell me your getting closer to adrian than your supposed to while adrians stuck in bed. ,) )

Marinette's face turned bright red at hearing this losing some of her tiredness in the process.

(alya that's not funny! You should not talk about stuff like that!)

The blue haired girl countered greatly irritated by alya. After all the nerve of her suggesting such a thing of her and adrian. It was most certainly not something to laugh at which she was positive alya was doing on her end of the computer.

(relax I was only kidding :p)

Marinette growned eritibly at the girl on the other side of her computer screen at how imiture she could be. No how immature she was not could be because she was always acting like this ever since they wear kids.

Deciding to ignore who was probably falling out of her chair laughing looked through her notifications. Looking through her notifications she noticed a few ads that had somhome showing up on her list and quickly dismissed them. There were a few from school mates max got a job teaching which was no surprise, sabriena posted she was seeing someone which marinette immediately liked as she deserved it. There was also one from roger which showed him giving awards to three of his officers for pulling people out the the building before she arrived as ladybug. There was even an engagement on the list which greatly surprised marinette.

All in all things seemed to be going more than well in the world around her, well almost everything. Looking over she shoulder to wear her bed was and wear adrian was resting. She was not sure if he was awake or not anymore. While he had woken up and been awake for several days he after ignored her presence by pretending to be asleep.

Her ma'ma told her it was most likly caused by him being alone so much that he was having trouble adapting to being around others again. And while marinette was sceptical she had to admit this did make some sense as adrian was alone for a few years. And having to hide all the time was probably why he was acting so reclusive right now. Well she was just thankful that he was almost cured of his illness as turning into ladybug while having to give a good amount of energy each time she turned into ladybug so he could heal faster. At least now he was almost recovered and would no longer need her help in a few days time.

Looking back towards her laptop beginning to look through more of her recent notifications. Seeing one from chole under her fake user name. (which she uses to make sure no one finds out who she is) it showed a private picture sent to her and marinette had to say she was impressed by what she saw. It was only about two weeks ago that she saw the blond and already so look great. She had lost some of the unhealthy wight she had gained. Her skin was showing some great color again, and her hair was much more vibrant than before. Marinette then clicked comment before typing.

(you look great chole keep it up.)

Clicking send she did not have to wait long to see the blond like the comment she sent which made marinette happy. "I never would have thought the two of us could ever get along. And yet here we are messaging each other and liking eachothers photos." she said out loud not real caring if adrian heard mostly due to her hoping that maybe he would eventually want to join her.

Regardless she then went back to her notifications once more this time noticing a post from nino of all people. Clicking on the link turned into a page showing nino on stage who was currently in the U.S on a tour at anime conventions. She had to smile at the photo and even contemplated showing adrian. But remembering how he was avoiding her unless he needed foo sided against it till later when he might be more agreeable.

Liking the photo and leaving a comment she then clicked back over to alya's message board to see if she was still on. Seeing the green symbol above her name begin typing a question she had been wondering for a while now.

(Hay alya have you told nino about adrian yet?)

Marinette asked wondering if nino knew. While she half expected the answer she was going to get she wanted to be sure. And sure as tikki loving cookies alya was quick to answer.

(no not yet.)

Marinette clicked her tongue in irritation as she knew this was going to happen. She and alya had talked about telling nino and alya promised to tell him soon. However two weeks pulse in her mind was not soon unless your going to mars.

(alya you have talked about this. Nino is adrian's best friend he needs to know about this.)

Marinette typed back to her redhead friend and even though she could not see it she could almost feel her friend rolling her eyes and she watched the now typing message play.

(ya girl I know.)

(but I'm not going to tell him till he's on his way back to france. If I tell him before he will blow off his last few cons to come home.)

"I should have known!" Marinette huffed out. She should be surprised but honestly wasn't how could she be this was something alya was known for selective information. This was not the first time she selectively neglected to give information about certain things to people in order for them to do what she wants.

(alya we talked about this you need to tell nino about this no more stalling. He is going to be very mad at you if he finds out you wear stalling. Well I don't want to think about it)

Marinette was being honest she literally did not want to be in the room when if nino found out she had been lying to him. Nino while the coolest guy around arguable could be vary cold if he wanted to be.

Still that was beside the point what was is the fact that alya was withholding information she promised to give, but was clearly happy to ignore and withhold till nino was ether on his was or was back. And marinette was about to tell her this much and tell her that she would tell nino if alya did not. But once again she was stopped by the typing message bar.

(nino has been waiting to long for this opportunity to play his music at this level for nearly four year girl if he skips out now he may never have another chance. Once he comes back in december I'll tell him. So will he be mad at me sure will it mean I sleep on the couch instead of in bed for a few weeks sure.

But nino will get over eventually it and he will understand

I hope.)

If there was one thing that marinette knew was that alya had a habit of giving too much information. Namly about her and nino's sleeping arrangements, something she did not need to know. But she also knew that alya truly loved nino and was doing this for his sake. So she supposed she would let her tell nino at her own pace.

Besides she did not live or share a bed with nino so even if she did tell him she would not have to be the one who deals with the fall out for alya's mistake.

She was sure that nino would be mad at her as well but she also knew that she needed to let alya learn from her own mistakes. That and she could not save everyone.

(You have your will wrote out right?)

She typed mischievously waiting for the expected response.

(girl why would I need a will at my age?)

Alya sked clearly taking the bait that she had set for the freelance reporter.

(Because you will need one when nino finds out.)

Marinette had to put a hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh at her joke. Then another idea popped into her head at that thought.

(after nino finds out can you bequeath your office to me I could really use the work space when your gone.)

The pain in her said as she tried to control her laughter at this point was almost unbearable as she watch as like lightning alya's response popped up.

(Ha Ha)

Was the girls only response back to marinette as the blue bell decided to add one more detail.

(sorry :P)

-MEOW-MEOW-MEOW-MEOW-MEOW-MEOW-MEOW-MEOW-MEOW-MEOW-MEOW-

Sunday

It was now sunday afternoon and it was very loud downstairs as adrian could hear the murmores of conversations and movement of objects in the living area. This day there was no early morning baking and the shop was closed. As today every week sunday was the family's day off from work.

And while the dupan-chang family enjoying their sunday morning off adrien was alone upstairs alone doing nothing in particular laying in bed. As he lay there he thought back to earlier that morning when he tested his strength and he could feel himself being stronger. As he began to have more control over his body finding it becoming increasingly easier to move. But while this was a booster to his moral it was tempered by the fact that he still could not feel his legs. He could move his toes so he knew he was not paralyzed but the felt numb to him unable to move.

He silently groaned in frustration as he still had yet to reclaim his voice his throat to sore to even try, Wishing the whole time he had the ring. He knew that he the black cat ring was on his finger wear it belonged he could leave then and there. As he had more than enough strength to use the ring with plagges help so he could leave on his own as cat noir.

Till he could move on his own to go and look for his ring who would just have to wait while his strength recovered on its own. The wait however would be what killed him though not that his death would be a bad thing. As he had no idea how many people his father had ticked off, so for all he knew he could have a mob pinning for his head along with most of paris. And that was something he did not want to chace marinette's safety with.

"If only i had that stupid ring" he thought bitterly in his mind feeling like a fool for losing it. He wanted to scream in frustration if not for his throat but that would do nothing but give his position away and he also knew better.

Laying there trying to think of something to do as his mind why not all there was well enough to be bored. Craving something to do at this point he would have even taken a test to give him something to keep his mind occupied. But as he could not move more than his fingers and toes that was impossible. Unless someone was in the room with him. Though thinking about it if he could move he wouldn't need anything to distract himself as he would have simply left already if he could.

Right now at least he was just wishing he could see or if nothing else hear what what was going on downstairs. If only to keep him from dying of boredom especially when he knew things going on downstairs to see and ocupi his attention if he could see them. Considering all the noise of stuff moving around downstairs to was killing him not to know what was going on. Considering the amount of noise going on down stairs making him wonder if they wear rearranging the living room.

And as if on que to answer his question he could hear the trap door open up below him to his right. He was vaguely questioning who it was as it was too early for dinner so it could not be that. Once again as if by psychic power and command he got his answer "adrian its my marinette" he heard the bluebell call out his name announcing her arrival.

He then heard the girl close the trap door before quickly moving around to walk up the stairs relieving herself. Her appearance was slightly disheveled along with her cheeks being slightly red giving the impression of physical exertion.

"Hay sorry for not being here with you all day" marinette said sounding somewhat out of breath confirming adrians theory about her working hard. His face must have been quit telling as she looked puzzled look when you could see the light bulb go off. "Oh you must be wondering what all that noise was." she stated more than asked. Not that it would matter as he could not answer veritably anyway. But he nodded anyway.

Marinette saw this but said nothing as she moved to his right side sitting down. Adrian watched her as she place a hand on his head to check his temperature before continuing wear she left off. "A relative of ma'ma is in town today and my parents invited him and his wife over for dinner. And we have been rushing to clean things to make them perfect for when they arrive a bit later." . Adrian listened to the girl sputter off in quick time though still legible thankful as adrian could not ask for her to repeat it. Pulling her hand away finally a few moments later as the boy just watched her.

The pair then being to stair at each other for a short while "Sorry for not giving you much attention today." she said suddenly a hint of red on her face. Adrian was somewhat taken aback at her random statement and her now slightly reddened face that seemed to be a blush. "But that can't be why would she blush. Wondering silently curious if she was coming down with something. 'I hope I did not pass what ever I have to her.' he prayed as they stared for a few seconds more.

"Well any way" marinette came out with finally getting up "we are nearly done down stairs and when we are I'll come back with dinner when ma'ma is finished." she stated somewhat flustered almost. Clearly trying to cover up from her last attempted to speak she took a breath be for saying something else. "The dinner is sort of a private event so I'll be up hear when it's happening so don't worry" finishing her statement somewhat down cast .this made adrian wonder if she actually wanted to be at the dinner but did not wish to admit it. Marinette stood unmoving for a while finally saying "I'll see you a little later then." she finished quickly before leaving. Leaving adrian to wonder what he had just seen unsure of what was going on.

Adrian then listened as she walked down stairs walking over to the trap door and down into the houses living area. After a short brake of silence he could vaguely hear marinette's voice as she mentioned his name. Most likely telling her parents he was alright after she checked up on him.

While he did not mind being alone again as he struggled to figure out what was wrong with marinette it left him with nothing to do again. And the long wait between visits or something to occupy his mind was maddening. For now though he would just have to wait about listening to what happened below him for anything that he could make out.

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Adrian listened to what was happening in the living room and kitchen for at least an hour or more though it was hard to tell. In honesty he was glad he did not have a clock or it would have drove him stir crazy.

But eventually he heard the trap door open again however this time he heard the clinking of class wear or porcelain. This told adrian that dinner as promised was being brought up. As he waited for her to arrive he could make out the smell of cooked meat and vegetables mixed with some exotic spices or something. It was hard to tell for sure but it was a good guess plus with marinette's mother having chinese roots it make scenes that he would not recognise some of her cook, despite having eaten it for over a week now.

He then heard the clear pitter patter of foot on the stairs leading up to his his current place of logging. And a second later he saw marinette's head pop up into his line of sight holding a large tray of things.

The blond watched somewhat impressed that she could carry it all as the tray was piled with things that looked far to heaven even for him. Well to heavy before he got the boost is strength from plagg being near by all day.

However despite this she maneuvered the try over to wear he lay which allowed him to get a better look at what was on it. And quite a lot there was if had a virtual mountain of food on the tray. Fried rice, pork, dumplings, and few things he was not so sure about. 'Is all this for me?' he thought worried not licking the idea of even eating a fraction of what he was seeing before him.

He then heard a short laugh from marinette making him look at the girl who had a vary amused look on her face. "Don't worry not all of its for you." she said hurmer still in her system. Adrians face reddened slightly he could feel it as his cheek felt warm. Clearly his reaction at seeing so much food had made her come to such an assumption.

The girl sighed slightly as she picked up one of the empty bowls separating it revealing two bowls one inside the other. Adrian was slightly confused while he knew that marinette said she would not being joining her parents for the dinner party he didn't really believe it. He figured that she would come up and feed him before coming back down to join them.

However his thoughts wear cut off when marinette began to speak again. "Sorry I took so long the guests came earlier than expected and pa'pa had to stall them downstairs while me and ma'am finished up." she said quickle as she moved around the dishes revailing two of everything. A pair of bowls that he seen earlier, pair of plates, a pair of utensils(adrian was just glad they wear forks and spoons not chopsticks.), and a pair of cups.

As he watched he noticed minus the dumplings there was a lot of food that was soft a lot of it required chewing. And while adrian craved being able to chew again it was a bit odd. Adrian then watched as marinette moved to leaver him into a reclined sitting position. Adrian noted how she seemed to take great care in making sure he was comfortable even asking him several times if he wanted to be adjusted.

Once she was finished she adrian watched as the girl began plating up a portion for them. As marinette did this adrian raised his hand to test his strength. He was not becoming able to lift his arm on his own. But as far as anything else was concerned it was not great as when he tested his grip it was lame and loose. While a stark improvement over what he had been putting up with he still had a long way to go.

"Just to warn you" marinette started to say taking adrians attention away from his hands back to the girl who was still plating. "There is some solid chunks in your food." she said to him making adrian look and confirming his earlier suspicions there wear a number of things with bits that needed chewing. A few moments later marinette not even looking from her work continued explaining, "ma'ma said she wanted to start weaning you off soft food and introducing you more to solid food now that you have gotten some of your strength back." the bluenette explained.

Adrian was not sure how he felt about this to be honest. On one hand he wanted to be able to eat normally again like before, on the other hand however he was also not sure he could without choking. Though given how well marinette's mother had seemed to help him he had to consider the fact that she thought of this already. For now he decided just to wait and see how things worked, besides it had been a while and while he was not fully recovered he wanted to know if he could eat properly now.

Once marinette was finished she leaned closer to adrian with a spoon in one hand and a bowl of fried rice in the other. He had done this dance many times recently so this was nothing new to him now. Adrian opened his mouth to receive his meal as he waited for marinette to put the spoon in his mouth.

And immediately after there was an explosion of flavor in his mouth that made his eyes go wide at the taste. "It's good huh?" marinette asked, but adrian was not listening as he was just tasting the food that was on his tongue not bothering to chew just left it on his tongue for the taste.

Her heard marinette laugh again now that his food high was dying before hearing her say "don't forget to chew it." she said making him pause. After a moment he did indeed begin to chew his food, while it was hard at first given how he had not chewed anothing in quite some time he was still glad he could without much problem.

Once he chewed what he felt like enough swallowed with a little extra effort but ultimately without trouble. Taking a few moments to make sure he got it down before looking over to marinette again who had a smile on her face at his expression. "Alright hang on I'll give you more." she commented humorously before repeating the previous process again.

And for over the next hour or so the pair sait quietly eating there food marinette feeding adiran while also eating her own food in between bites. While they did this the pair could also could hear the loud conversations and laughter from down stairs which made both of them laugh if silently in adrians case. Some of the things they overheard even made both of them blush at the explicit content that nether wanted to hear about. And maybe they were not meant to, making them both wonder if wine was added in the mix.

As the evening went on and the food began to dwindle upstairs along with adrians energy and the stories quieted down downstairs. After finishing their respective dinners marinette brought the tray to her dest before returning with her computer and putting on a movie for adrian to watch with her.

However there stomachs full from there meal and marinette tired from her day working and frantic cleaning, and adrian's strength not fully recovered yet there energy was spent trying to digest. Combined with the now slightly quite darkened and warm atmosphere in the the did not watch vary much of the movie. And soon the pair dozed off and fell asleep.

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It was late in the home of the dupan-change residence as time walked up the stairs to his daughters room. It was nearly midnight by the time that there out of town guest left and neither he nor sabine wanted to clean up the mess. After the long evening and a bottle later, not counting all the cleaning they had to do being the hosts. Well the pair had seen better days or night as it were.

As tom aprotched the hatch he almost forgot to raise a hand to open it nearly smashing his head into the ceiling door. Stopping before he hurt himself grumbling eritibly about how tired he was raised a hand and opened the door. Going into the room he could see it was dark the lights wear off. Looking around to could see a small red light blinking on the wall wear the switch was telling him that the lights turned off on their own after not scences any moving objects for a while.

Entering fully in the room leaving the trap open he looked about but did not see marinette anywhere. Wondering where the girl could have gotten off to questioning whether or not she somewhere slipped down stairs without ether him or sabin noticing. Deciding it best to check on adrian while he was there he proceeded to walk over to the stairwell wear his girl's bed was and wear adrian was temporarily staying. Key word temporary, though he would not deny that he would love to have the boy stay.

As he claimed he could hear the faint sounds of someone else climbing up the stairs to the marinette's room. Thinking nothing of it believing it to be marinette return ignored it not looking to see who it was. However as he reached the top he was met with a surprise.

"Well now this is different." tom commented a smile growing on his face is witness fading from his at the scene. "Hun is marinette up there?" he heard sabine say coming up behind him, but he said nothing as he simply waited for her to join him. And as predicted a few seconds later "tom" her heard her ask again this time literally behind him, he then felt her slip around him to see what he was looking at when "oh my." sabine gaspe in surprise.

Before the two was marinette and adrian sleeping side by side leaning against each other was marinette who had slid over being held up by adrian who was also fast asleep. The laptop off to the side playing the constant loop of the main menu of the movie they wear watching. The married parents faces grew wide with smiles at the cute sight before them. It was hard not to smile at the seen even despite everything that had happened to poor adrian. It was moments like this that always made hardship worth the effort.

There was also the fact that both of them knew that the pair wear perfect for each other, even if they did not see it yet. Watching their daughter and the boy work, play and study together for several years. They wear able to see just how well the two fit together. Which made it ever more sad when adrian fled, both of them remembering how broken marinette was when she found out. But now it seems that things might finally be turning out for the pair.

Tom then at that moment slid his arm around his wife sabine which made her lean into the large mans side. "They are a cute couple aren't they?" sabine said reminded of when she and tom wear dating. Tom then clung tighter to his wife before replying with "they certainly are.". There was a short pause before tom came back and said "now if only they could see what we have for year now already.". The pair then shared a stifled laugh at the joking remark at the expense of the sleeping pair.

The two stood quite for several minutes before tom gave a slight tug on sabines side. Looking up the mother seeing her husband looking down at her. "Lets leave them alone to sleep." he said to her making her pout slightly as she was enjoying looking at the pair. Tom seeing this just smiled wider "don't worry we can tease them about it later" he man suggested showing his dark said in that moment.

Sabines smile widened greatly as the sedjustion nodding to her husband before allowing tom to guild her away. However sabine stopped this before pulling out her cellular phone. Turning around turning it up and switching it to night time camera mode then "click". Once done and seeing the pair had not even sure she turned back to her husband simply mouthing "just in case" before walking down the stairs with tom.

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Monday

As monday came round and the sun began to rise over the horizon and began to light the streets of paris. As the darn light begin to filter into the homes of the people of france the day for many was beginning. And for one resident of the city in particular was in for quite a surprise.

As the sun came into the window of one blue haired parisian girl. As the light begin to crawl along the floors and walls making its way upwards the occupants slept unaware. The light continued its path before finally reaching the face of marinette. Irritated by the bright intrusion she raised a hand to shield her face growing agitated by it. However this was not a effective measure as light continued to bother the girl. Eventually the invading light became too much and the parisian girl opened her eyes for the first time that day.

As marinette lay in bed he eye's open staring ahead at the light that was intruding in on her she wishing it would go away. She simply tried to get closer to the warm object next to her that she had previously snuggled up to. 'So warm' her mind thought fondly as she squeezed the warm object next to her. Closing her eyes again thanks to the comforting and inviting warm body next to her.

'Wait?' her mind stopped the pleasant feeling while still there was no longer affecting her as her eyes snapped open. Looking over to her right to see exactly what she was holding and as she looked over to her side her eyes went wide. Laying back propped up against his pillow booster with her arms around his midsection was adrian agrest.

Marinette's face went red as ladybugs suit, her eyes wide and pastry platters, jaw hanging from a slack hinge. And all the while adrian sleeps unaware of all the panic beside him.

As her mouth hung agape she had to force herself to not yelp in surprise from the shear shock of the situation before her. Almost immediately she tried to get untangled from the blond only stopping her frantic struggle when he moved in response. The boy moved in no particular way as if unconsciously trying to get more comfortable. However after a few seconds she could feel his one arm move as his body turned to face hers. Then the unthinkable his right arm snaked its way around her midsection before so what weakly pulled her close into a hug.

If it was possible for marinette's eyes to go any wider they would have as her face was now less than six inches from adrians. She could feel the faint tingling of his breath from there close proximity to one another. As she stared at adrian she had to force herself not to move a completely break down and start freaking out because of it.

'Ok marinette just breath. Just calm down and breath' she told herself trying to avert panic while her mind tried to find a way to get out of this mess. Looking around she could see that the arm that she had underneath adrian was almost free. So starting there she started to gently wriggle her hand loose. It was slow as she had to keep from waking adrian up. It was difficult but by applying constant pull she was eventually able to free her hand.

However once her hand was free adrian began to stir making her freeze in place as adrian began moving again. The blond squirmed and growed as the movement of her removing her arm clearly disturbed him. Thankfully this did not last long as as he soon stopped moving again.

Breathing I silent sigh of relief now that adrian stopped moving again. 'That was way to close' she thought as she knew any more interruptions like that he would wake. So she would need to be more careful from that moment on. So using her free left hand she lifted the arm that he had around her waist. Taking her time lifting it only a small amount ever so gently. It took a minute to do so without alerting him but once she lifted if enough that she could slip out she did so.

Once again taking her time and being patent she slowly worked her way out of his arms. There was just a problem. Once she got a small distance away his arm moved to incricle her again. And despite his weakened state he had quite a respectable grip now.

Gowning in displeasure at her luck 'figures' she grumbled to herself now having to find another way around this new problem. Trying to find a way out of this new problem looking around when she noticed the large ladybug plushi alya gave her for christmas last year. Smiling to herself at the idea she just had if she could speak without waking adrian she would have said "perfect".

So once again using the arm she was not laying on marinette reached up and grabbed the very large doll. Then slowly and carefully she began to slide it in between herself and adrian. Ever so slowly and deliberately she pulled it between them inch by inch. Until finally the plushie was in between her and adrian. Or at the least in between both of their mid sections.

Having achieved phase one she needed to get the second part done. Next she began to lift adrians arm again. This time however she used her other hand to keep the doll up right and slipped it into the boys hand. Once she was sure it was in his hands she began to slide herself out once again.

And just like last time adrian tried to prevent her from leaving, but this time with the doll in his hand his arm snaked around the doll pulling it closer instead of her. Spurred on by her success she rolled over onto her back before rolling one more onto her other side. Then like that angled herself upwards into a sitting position.

Free of adrians grip marinette could finally stretch herself out from the long night in an odd position. Her back was sore from the way she was sleeping so raising her hands above her head until she heard her back pop. letting out a sigh as her back instantly felt better lowering her arms once again.

With that done her attention went to adrian who was sleeping on his left side sleeping with the ladybug doll with both arms close to his chest. Marinette could not help but smile at the scene now that she was free as seeing him like this.

But also it was a good sign as up till now he had always laid still on his back, from what her mother told her it was likely because his body was so weak it could not move like most people do to get comfortable when they sleep. But now seeing adrian moving on his own more and with some decent Albeit limited strength was a good sign. At the rate he was going in a few weeks he should be back on his feet.

Looking away from adrian and pulled her phone from her poket bringing it up to her face to check the time on the phone, Which read (7.08)...

"Oh my!" she squealed before covering her mouth with her hand looking over to adrian and say that he had begun moving again. Seeing this before a person had the chance to say banana marinette split off the bed and down the stairs.

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Adrians eyes opened lazaly taking in the sights of the room only to see bluebell eyes staring back at him. His eyes snapping open wide pushing back the object in front of him his face going red with embarrassment. It was then he realized that these bluebell eyes wear not the ones of his lady. Well they wear but they wear the eyes of a ladybug doll. His eyes closing slightly relaxing and letting out a sigh of relief.

Bringing the doll closer not only because of it was still warm from being in contact from another warm body. Second he felt safer with it as it reminded him of his of his lady the one person who could make him forget his worries and inspire him. lady bug was the only one who could take his fear and doubt away. So long as he knew his lady was out there nothing else mattered.

Seeing as how he had woken up for no reason and food would likely com later he decided to go back to sleep for a while. After all once he left he would need the rest he had now to last him a while. Hugging the doll tightly as he could before closing his eyes and letting sleep calm him again which was all to easy as wear he slept was all to warm and inviting.

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Marinette standing on her rooms main floor now had heard adrian stir for a bit before finally settling down. Letting go of the breath that she had been holding seeing how she narrowly avoided waking adrian. However that was un important as she needed to go out and investigate as ladybug. Yesterday she got a call as ladybug from the police chief (yes I'm doing the batman approach) warning her that there had been reports of several break ins at data storage centers in the past week.

While the break ins themselves wear nothing to be concerned about but rather wear the break ins wear being done that was a concern. The thief had not breached the layers of security that had the data but this assailant had gotten close. Too close. If the data had been breached there was no telling how much damage could be done.

So to help prevent this she was going to be meeting up with the investigation team to see what they might be dealing with. After all if they wear dealing with extremists the police knew they could use her help. After all the attempted robberies wear wired and both she and the chief wear worried they might be dealing with someone who was trying to be the next hawkmoth.

And while a new supervillain wannabe was not the problem as this particular villain was not a danger as they had failed, naraly I'll be it but still failed to get past the heavier security. The problem was they did not need this rouge gallery reject to encourage anybody else to try their hand at this sorta the sooner the netted this villen the sooner they could put the lid back on pandora's jar (Before any one of you messages me and say "no it's a box." actually no its a jar in the orgianly myth. Infact most scalars aren't even sure wear the whole box thing came in even.)

So looking around her room to see if she could find tikki noticed one of the draws on her desk was open. Walking over to her desk and looking inside she could see tikki asleep inside. Smiling at her partner cute form, but she could not get distracted as she was already running late. "Alright tikki sorry about this but...spots on!"

And that was it as the kwami was woken abruptly shrinking in surprise as she was pulled into the earrings. With a bright flash of light gone was marinette and in her place was ladybug ready to fight crime. For a moment she could feel a little anger in the back of her mind telling her that tikki was clearly displeased with being awoken so abruptly. "Sorry tikki but I was kinda in a hurry." she said out loud knowing the spirit could hear her. After a few moments she felt the angry wave lessen telling her that tikki forgave her.

With that out of the way and in her hero form she made her way towards the staircase that lead up to the balcony. 'I sure have a lot of stairs don't I.' she thought to herself as she climbed the stairs leading to the roof. However before she opened the hatch to go outside she turned round to look at adrian once more. His peaceful form visible from her spot on the stairs look ever so relaxed and healthy.

Healthy a word that even a week ago she would not have used to describe adrians condition, but now he honestly looked pretty healthy. Granted they still had a ways to go but there was no rush they just had to be patent. Still it did make her wonder what they would do once he was up and about. After all the city still hated him. "If only there was a way to make people see adrian for who he is and not his father" her voice mournful as she spoke. The memories of countless hate websites against adrian and other places. It was a terrible thing to do to someone.

This was interrupted however when she heard a knock at the hatch to her room and a certin female voice coming from below. "KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK. Marinette are you awake yet? Marinette?".

Marinette eyes went wide as the voice of her mother came from the hatch realizing that she had come to wake her up. At first she found this odd but then realized that she was in her room all night with...adrian. Her checks flaring a bit but she forced that down. That meant though that at some point last night her ma'ma came to see wear she was.

However she had little time to worry about the fall out of her night with adrian. As she needed to leave before she had to also explain why ladybug was in her room and not marinette. So taking her que before her ma'ma came in opened the hatch and slipped out quite as she could. And not a moment too soon as just as she closed her hatch she could hear the one her mother was near open.

Staying on the roof in the cold morning air for a few moments she could hear her mother enter her room still calling her name. Shortly thereafter though she heard her ma'am trying to wake up adrian so he could eat.

Seeing how she got away scot free (this time) decided it was best to leave and meet up with the police and see if she could help with the investigation.

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Tusday

As tuesday rolled around adrian was once again on marinette's bed alone testing his strength. as for the last two days she had busy doing something she did not talk about. He assumed it was some fiddly client for her sewing skills or something. And the reason why he assumed this was because she came home the night before complaining about how badly her day was going. And while she did not go into detail it was clear it was a problem as she also complained that she would have to go out again today.

So with it being a busy day apparently in the bakery he was left to his own vices. Most of the time he tried to see what his body could now as today he when flexed his hands. He could feel strength in his hands more so than ever. He could now pick up and move things again on his own. This morning in particular he was able to feed himself on his own with a little help from marinette mother sabine. Much to his embarrassment while much stronger his hands wear pretty clumsy thanks to lack of use.

But now that he did not need to sleep most of the day away it still left a problem of what he was going to do. Thankfully marinette left him a book from her collection this time so he at least had something to read. It was a teen romance novel about a girl who found a merboy who was hurt and feel in love with him. This was a surprise to adrian as marinette did not seem the type to like things such as that. And while the book from what little he read was decent enough he just did not want to read it. Though in marinette's defence judging from how much of a hurry this morning she probably grabbed the book he was given by mistake thinking it was another one.

Still he supposed it was better than nothing after all he had nothing to read without it so it was far better than without. Besides it was not a bad book it was decent enough so even if it was out of boredom he may just yet finish it.

The book was besides the point as his strength was a good sign as it meant he could leave even sooner than he thought to go and look for the ring. After all even if marinette's family was not in danger there was no telling how much danger paris could be in if someone bad figured out how to use the ring.

In the wrong hands it was just as dangerous as the one ring. If not more so mostly do to the fact that the ring to his knowledge not only was indestructible. But had powers that even plagg refused to tell him of. And if the trickster plagg was afraid of some of the things it could do he really did not want to know what would happen in the wrong hands. Or hand given how it was just a single ring and not a pair of rings.

That aside when ever he tried to sit up he had trouble as he could not sat upright for more than a minute or two before he started to tire. But it was still encouraging and once he got control of his feet again he was gone. After all there was no telling if people had seen him when marinette brought him here. There was so much risk and with each passing day he felt more and more anxiety to leave.

Though the hardest part of leaving though was actually leaving and the wait was painful as the longer he stayed the less he would want to leave. And he could not allow that to be the case.

Though it was not all good news though as he still coul not speak at all, he could make noise but not speak. He throat no longer hurt now so it was not all bad but he just was unable to talk. Which was while not bad as he did not have much to say the problem came in that is was quite annoying. As he had to play twenty questions just to get a single thing across to marinette or sabine. But in the end he was able to for the most part get his point across, it just took a while.

Decided to quit acting like a bodybuilder stopped flexing his arms and hands as they wear starting to get sore now. And wanting to case him to lose some of the strangh decided it was best to rest up and not waste his energy.

Looking over to the side turning his head to see the book that marinette gave him sitting on top of the giant ladybug doll. While he liked books like this about as much as did not he also had nothing better to do. 'Why not. Until marinette gets back or sabine come to check on me it's not like there is anything else I can do on my own.

So reaching over and picking up the book bringing it over to him. Looking at the pastel blue book with the picture of a tailed girl and bubbles on it. 'I can't believe I'm reading this' he thought to himself but again he shrugged this off as what else was he going to do. So cracking the book open again he started to read wear he left off from. Using a finger to leaf through the pages he ha already read searching for the fifth chapter.

When he stopped reading the main female lead had found the main male lead washed up on shore after getting attacked. And the girl had to drag the merboy back home so she could help him. 'Ironic' adrian though as he was in almost the exact same position. The only difference was the merboy was for now at least happy to stay on land for a bit. He was unsure why the merboy was ok with staying for a while because he had not gotten that far yet. But it was just after the part where he was started to refine his english. As the merpeople speak their own language and he was a self taught english speaker.

Taking a deep breath to calm himself unable to believe the luck he was in. 'I can't believe I'm reading this, I would much rather read a spy novel or an arthurian tale, maybe even a sci fi. hack I would even read a horror novel. But beggars can't be choosers I guess.' he thought dismally as he was reluctant to read. However regardless of how much he would like it it was a good way to pass the time. So deciding to stop complaining as he began to read.

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Later that day.

Marinette was not having a good week as she walked home to blow off some steam. Bundled in a blue jacket with black trim with scarf and matching pants all of which she designed. All the while she walked home from a vary unsuccessful day. As she looked up at the charging sky taking a moment to pause and admire the view. As an idea for a new pattern came to her from the sight. "All right not completely unsuccessful. At least if I draw this out I will have something to show for it." she said out loud somewhat happier, but it as the cold air brushed over her skin it still did little to change the fact at how poorly things wear going.

But the view while beautiful and uplifting still was not going to help her as she needed to get home. As she promised her ma'ma that she would help close up tonight as her pa'pa apparently was having some problems with staying awake and a bit under the weather. Most likely caused from there party there other night.

So taking one last long look at the sun she began to head back towards home. As she walked she began to think about the case and how weird it was. While a robbery at a data place like the ones hit was not entirely out of place, though rare. It was the method that was odd namly why an amiture who was smart enough to not get caught by the guards save one exception. There was also the fact that this person was foolish enough to trip the of security method like silent alarms and the like.

"'Sigh' it's just not my week" she commented out loud to know one in particular. While the week started out alright with her little meal with adrian the rest of the week was less so. Both all day this day and the day before she had tried to make headway with the data theft, or attempted data theft more accurately. But with next to no success.

While both she and the police wear able to make scenes of some things. Like how the unsub was an amature at least as far a the b&e was concerned. The suspect was however was both strong enough and skilled enough to attack and over power two security guards at the same time in less the eight seconds from what they got from a security camera. Unfortunately the perp while an amituture given how many mistakes he/ or she had made, this person was smart enough to kill the lights.

Combine that with the fact that she disappeared before the guards or police could spot the suspect was casing this case to get very annoying. Leaving both herself and the authorities scratching their heads. As not only did they not know even the gender of this person they didn't even know what they wear after or who they may be working with or for. All the did know was that the perp was around her height nothing else.

All in all it was a strange case as the perps own action contradicted themselves appearing to be both a competent and incompetent crook at the same time. Right now however given how the csi crew was still going over the evidence there was not much left for her to help with. Unless a new crime happened that either leaves more compelling evidence or the perp gets caught in the act there was nothing she could do except keep an eye out for odd activity on patrol.

By this point she had already neared the bakery being dead ahead of her. As she approached the cross walk she looked both ways waiting several seconds on each. Then with no one there she crossed the street. Approaching the bakery store front seeing a few customers inside happily going about their business.

Opening the door to the shop her scenes wear assaulted by the smells of the baked goods. And while the smell was always strongest during the morning when the treats wear first baked even now it still smelled like heaven. Bring herself back to the present when she noticed someone leaving. Opening the door wider and stepping out of the way of the older women as she left. "Thank you" the lady said to marinette who smiled happily in response "no problem." she responded in kind.

Stipping inside herself now marinette saw her mother just finishing with another customer when she noticed her arrival in the shop. "Oh hello marinette perfect timing." the mother exclaimed happy to see her.

Marinette walked up to the counter a smile on her face wanting to hide her earlier frustrations as she made her approach. "Hello ma'am is everything alright?" marinette asked unconcerned rather more as a kind gesture. Sabine smiled kindly in return "I'm fine it's just been a busy day." she returned to marinette. Marinette frowned a little at this "are you alright? Do you need me to help?" she asked hoping that her ma'ma was alright after tom had to lay down. Sabine just shrugged this off unconcerned "no I am alright I just need someone to check on something upstairs as I have not been able to do it myself." she said enunciating the up stairs part a bit.

This made marinette pause for a moment 'up stairs? What does she...oh' that's when it hit her what or more accurately who she was referring to. "I understand I'll go up right away to make sure everything is alright." marinette said happily to cover up any covert actions while around the customers. "Thanks marinette." her mother said to her before attending to another customer.

Seeing this as her que to leave marinette went through the backdoor of the shop and into the baking area. Walking carefully around the decorating tables and surprises before going through the next set of doors in the back of the kitchen. Once in the hall she makee her way round and up the stairs wear their home was.

She quickly unlocked the door to there house before bounded to the stairs to her room. Once there she quickly climbed up words thinking about the blond. "I sure hope adrians alright I left in quite a hurry this morning. Well I gave him a book to read that should keep him busy" marinette said to herself hoppy that at the thought of him being able to control his hands better when she checked on him before leaving early that morning. Though that put a new question in the girls mind "Now that I think about which book did I give him?" she questioned herself as she neared the trap. Then she stopped her hand hovering on the surface of the trap her face going red "I hope I did not accidentally give him that book." she thought horror struck at the idea of someone finding out she had that book.

Marinette then shook her head vigorously "no I couldn't have. It's in a safe place that not even I can ratch in a hurry. So everything is fine." marionette reasoned logicly. Now being heavily flustered decided just to check on adrian to keep her mind occupied. And it he asks about her red cheeks she will just tell him she just came in from outside. "Ya that is what I'll do." she agreed with herself before opening the hatch.

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It was later after noon the sky was starting to turn despite being only around four or five adrian was not sure as his nose was stuck in the same book he had spent all day reading. He was nearing the end about another quarter to go and he couldn't care less as the story progressed. The story was boring beyond beleaf in the first half. And it was still to a lesser extent as the plot picked up a bit. But now he just wanted to know how it ended.

The story was still somewhat boring but judging from the writing style this was the writers first book. And a quick check on the note in the back confirmed this theory so that explained why it was so drab. As most of the first book involved the the male lead teaching the female lead to swim better and to be a mermaid. While the female lead showed him around town while he was disguised as a human in a wheelchair.

But the plot on the other hand had him interested as it turned out the main merboy character was not attacked by an animal but rather by his own sisters. As it turned out mermaids in there culter held power not the men in there government. And while in the story it was not usually a problem it came down to the fact that the mains sisters abused this standing and had bossed him around a lot. And when he decided he had enough and was going to inform the authorities they tried to kill him.

And at this point in the story wear he was at the sisters wear still at it and wear attempting to kill the main girl character by drawing her only to find out that she was able to breath under water. If that was true then that meant that the main girl was part mermaid. But even if she could breath underwater that still did not change the fact that the mermaid could still kill her. His blood began to boil when the mermaid called the girl a freak of nature for being half and half. And then just like he thought the mermaid got on top of her raising a rock up high to strike her down when.

"AH hem!"

Adrians eyes were brought away from the book as he lowered the article as he was laying on his back to see marinette looking at him intently. There was a slight bit a amusement on her face as she was staying. Then adrian realized that she was not looking at him but rather the book he had in his hands. Seeing this he closed the book and set it aside for later hoping to find out how the merboy was going to save her as he was tangled in his tipped over wheelchair.

"Enjoying the book?" she asked seemingly very curious tone in her voice as she watched him. Adrian took a breath to speak but stopped remembering he still couldn't, so he shifted his head to one side then moved it to the other trying to convey "so' so".

"Realy. I'm sorry you feel that way." the blue bell said somewhat evenly, but adrian knew better as he could see a smirk forming on her face. A frown grew on his as if to call her bluff but instead she continued to play her game. "I am really sorry I gave you such a boring book. I'll need to find a better one next time. But just in case you change your mind I have the sequel and it's much better than the first."

Adrians eyes then went wide as he looked over to the book he had just put down a moment ago 'there's a sequel?' he though his mind now running. That left open many possibilities then 'if there's a sequel then that means the girl survives somehow and the merboy save her?' he thought triumphantly. Then his mind went cold 'wait no the mermaid might still kill the girl or the merboy might save her but he gets killed instead like in beauty in the beast.' he thought dismally. His eyes lit up one more time though with another possibility 'however they both still could win but in the next book focuses on there relationship and the girls mermaid heritage."

His train of thought was once more cut off when his hostess began to laugh making him look at her wide eyed only to realise that she had called his bluff, and he fell for it. Growling irritated by this ploy she played on him only made the girl laugh harder as she began to hold her sides from the laughter.

And just like that as if the karma gods were watching marinette fell sideways on to the side of her bed. Adrian in was momentarily concerned when this happened but her constant lighter told him she was just fine. The seen was on made funnier when she raised a hand up and said "I'm fine" A smile began to form on his face as a silent laugh escaped his throat. His laughter sounded more like coughing but he couldn't help it. It had been literal years since he had laughed and he could not stop himself anymore, as the clumsy act from marinette while bad was too funny for him to stop.

And as the pair laughed at each others expense nether wear once again aware of anything else as for them the scene was endless. And then there laughter could be heard downstairs bringing a smile to several people that day. Now if only it would last forever.

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Wednesday the final day

( sorry I had to go there. Also does this chapter remind anyone of majora do to the day structure of it or the first few days of kh 2? anyone?)

As Wednesday came about it saw marinette helping her mother out down in the store attending to customers, while her pa'pa who was feeling better was out delivering a wedding cake. Unfortunately she could not say the same for tikki as all the work she had done healing adrian and enchanting that luck charm had done quite a number on her and she was out would likely not wake up for a least a day. But that was no problem as things seemed to be going well through paris. And the police wear capable of taking care of themselves for one day. Maybe two.

Despite the recent cold weather it was a beautiful and warm day outside which seemed to case a migration of people who wanted to buy from them. Not that ether she or her ma'ma minded as good business was always welcome.

As noon rolled around (get it roll) it saw the influx of people going down to a trickle. This was a good opportunity to take stock of the remaining inventory. And as marinette checked over there pastry stacks the door to there bakery opened to reveal a failure return customer.

"I'll be with you in a moment." marinette said out loud to there no customer not watching as she was going of some figures to keep track of their monthly totals. However as she muttered to herself writing down the numbers when. "Or I could say hay to you now girl." a sly and up beat voice rang out over the shop. Looking up marinette say alya looking back at her with a cheshire smile that would even give cat noir a run for his money.

Marinette was less than amused by alya's actions as she just gave a tired sigh before saying "alya really?" questioning the girls actions. Alya however not skipping a beat the girls smile morphed into a pout at marinette's words. "You wound me marinette." the redhead committed dramatically. The girl even putting a hand on her forehead to pretend looking faint but as she did there was still the amused glint in her eyes that told her she enjoying herself, a little too much. There wear a few other patrons in the shop her mother aswell who seeing this just looked at the pair assumed. As while it was less so then a few year ago the sight of these two doing this was a regular occurrence.

Marinette just shook her head at the girls antics unable to believe her friend some days despite having known her since preschool. Sighing heavily at the attention decided to throw it back "alya why do I put up with you?" she asked breathlessly. It was true marinette did often daily wonder why she put up with the girl.

Alya however just laughed like it was a good joke she just heard, "oh come on marinette you know I could never leave you," she said in her usual chipper voice. Marinette however just scoffed as she could think of at least a dozen times when the girl left her for various reasons. While none of those reasons wear intentionally milictus it still counted. So decided instead of encouraging the girl she would just ignore her for now till she got the inventory done.

Seeing this instead of being discouraged alya's smile just grew wider. The girl then unexpectedly leaned over the counter wrapping an arm around the girl making her yelp in surprise. "Alya! Stop it" marinette cried out in equal parts surprise and irritation. Alya however instead of stopping just continued to press her advance even harder. "Oh come on girl why would I? After all we go together like this." the girl said crossing her pointer and middle fingers a saying the word "this"

At this marinette was brought out of her struggle at the memory of someone else she knew very well doing the exact same thing a few years back. A certain blonde haired cat boy who had left for his own reasons.

"Marinette?" she heard alya say to her a moment later breaking her from her stupor. "Huh?" she said stupidly looking at the girl who at that point let go as was looking at her concerned. You alright girl you here looking a little vacant there for a minute." the redhead question looking at her he smile fading a little bit. Marinette however just pretended not to notice "Oh sorry it's nothing you just reminded me of something." she told her in an effort to appease the girl.

Alya just looked surprised by this "oh really and what might that be?" she asked curiously. This time it was marinette who slimed slyly. "Oh I don't know. Maybe if you had a blond wig and bound your chest and changed your complexion you could be cat noir." marinette told the girl who had looked at her surprised upon hearing marinette's statement.

Then like her usual self the cheshire smile of her returned as she leaned back over the counter before she spoke "Maybe I am" alya said slyly a big grin on her face as she did. Marinette frowned now realizing that she would have to put up with alya acting like chat noir now. "your impossible." was all the parisian hero could say at the girls antics. Making alya chuckle at her friends expense "you know it." she commented back in return.

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As the day wore on and alya's scenes of humor dragged forwards as the noon turned into mid afternoon and then into early evening. Her Pa'pa had returned and alya stayed around as well helping out, but more often than not just got in the way.

Eventually alya and marinette wear allowed to leave and head upstairs to check on adrian. Which alya greatly accepted much to marinette chagrin at how randomly the girl could act some days. As the ascended to the upper level of the home the pair talked about this and that. Mostly however they talked about adrian and how far he had come in his recovery. But they also talked about what they would do when he was fully better.

Alya said that she could try some of her contacts to clean up his reputation which was a suggestion marinette liked. But the blue bell reminded alya that it was not the legal side they needed to worry about as it was public backlash they needed to keep in mind. Marinette wondered if they could find a place for him wear people would not ether care or pay attention to him. His time it was alya who shot this idea down as unless he went to america or japan or some other place all of paris hated the name adrian agrest.

Both girls making fair points as to why nether plain would work wear left stumped as to what else they could do as they entered the bakery home of marinette. "Well we could try to forge him a new identity." alya then suggested with new found interest.

Marinette gave the idea thought as a new identity would be a good way to hide adrian. After all it was not the person the blamed but rather what his last name stood for. However marinette still had concerns about this "not say that it it's not a good idea but isn't that illegal?" marinette asked point out a slight legal problem. Alya however just stood there in her living room hands on her hips looking at her like she grew a new head. "Girl people change ther name all the time without problems. Besides as far as I am concerned what's worse ostracizing someone from all aspects of life just because of his last name. OR making up a new identity for someone without permission so they can be left alone. Him? Come on which is truly worse?" the red head finally finished her little rant about marionettes concerns on legality.

While it did not sit well with marinette as far as the legalities wear concerned as she strived to be an example of the law. On the other hand marinette did have to admit that alya did have a good point in her explanation of things. Still

Even if what alya said made scenes there were still several holes in the girls plain and marinette was not about to just ignore them. Regardless of marinette actual liking the idea as even if she thought it was there were still problems. "Ok say I agree with you. Even if we did come up with a new name or somthing what then? A name is just a name without legal documents behind it. And while true by calling him by a false name we could avoid problems out in public. That still does not change the fact it may as well be a nickname. As without any documentation adrian wouldn't be able to do anything." marinette spoke voicing her concerns to the girl in a slightly hushed tone hoping to keep adrian from hearing.

Alya however just scoffed undisturbed by marinette's words of caution putting her own spin on the same statement "Oh please marinette. What do libraries, a large amount of your cardholder services, a large amount of bank functions, and most stores have in common?" she asked in a curt fashion.

This took marinette of guard though as she honestly could not make heads or tails of what she meant. After all what could the bank a library, stores and credit and debit card company's have it common. But that made no scenes as they wear all different methods of business that had little to nothing in common.

It was then that alya cupid in "give up?" she asked curiously. But true to alya fashion she did not give marinette enough time to finish. Bending over to get in marinette's fact raising her pointer finger up in between them. "See what they all have in common is a lot of them never ask for an id or social security number." she said tapping her nose a few time while saying it.

Annoyed by this act marinette took a swipe at alya to get her hand away only to have the girl back up out of the way. Alya laughed at her attempted to shoo her away before continuing with her point. "Any way my point is that most banks for example once someone makes an account it doesn't matter uses it. The bank sure doesn't care so long as the person who opened it doesn't complain. Nore do they care wear the money comes from. Same thing with a lot of places, as so long as the right password is used and none complains they don't care." alya said in a matter of fact way.

Marinette pouted slightly at alya for the way she was acting sounding like a big no it all. But she did have to admit alya made a good point, as now that she thought about it no one ever really questioned what people did with their accounts and things so long as no suspicious activity was done. So with that in mind she could open an account for adrian for example and so long as he had all the right information it didn't matter who used it.

Catching on to the reds point easily but at the same time she also could not help pock fun as well. "I think I get what your saying alya but I must say you have a vary criminal mind. Is there something your not telling me that a certain heroine should know?" she asked teasingly. This caused alya's eyes to widen in shock "hey now I'll have you know that I am not of a criminal mind." she said proudly posing like a superhero. "But" she started up again with a wicked glint "I did do an article on fraud last month." the girl added. Casing the girl to let out a huff of air "I knew it." marinette committed knowing her friend was never as innocent as she climbed to be.

However getting back on topic there was still one main concern to deal with. While sure financial and legal there wear ways to hide adrian from those who would her him, but the fact remained he still looked like adrian. "Alya you are forgetting the fact that ya maybe we can hide him but what happens if he goes into public. We can forge things all day but we can't forge people's memories incase someone recognises him.

This conversation was stopped when they both heard the door open behind them. Turning to face there new arrival revealed marinette mother sabine. The mother of one a look of need on her face one that spoke of importance something that had to be done. Walking into the room with purpose as she entered walking up to the girls in her living room.

Marinette grew slightly worried at this as she did not often see that look as her ma'ma usually saved it for emergencies or when she was in trouble with both her parents. "Is something the matter ma'ma?" the she asked concern seeping into her voice hoping it was nothing serious.

Her ma'ma on the other hand look somewhat taken aback by this question confused. "Wrong?" sabine asked out loud unsure of what her daughter meant. Then a look of recognition came over her as she seemed to catch on "oh no dear sorry." she said apologizing to marinette for the mix up.

The then stepped within arms length of the girls before speaking again "no there's nothing wrong marinette its just that I remembered something important." she stated to them. Both marinette and alya looked at each other for a moment till alya just shrugged unsure. Sabine then put a hand into her pocket before removing while held between two fingers was a silver ring.

Marinettes eyes went wide at seeing it as she knew this ring. "Ma'ma is that?" she began to ask but could not finish. Sabine however just nodded in confirmation before answering "yes its adrians ring. I took it off him when he was out so that it wouldn't get lost." she said to the pair before holding it out to marinette. Marinette the took the ring carefully and graciously from her mother. "I would have given it back sooner, but I forgot I had it after a while" sabine confessed casing alya to laugh lol style.

"Wow so that's where you get it mari." the redhead said between laughs before falling back into the couch. "Alya! Marinette complained only to whirl around when she head laughing from behind he as well. "MA' MA!" marinette complained again this time at her mother who was.

"Ahh! You two are impossible!" she shouted as she stormed off towards her room while the pair wear trying to recover. She could hear there protest for her to return but she just ignored them as she opened the trap to her room and locked it behind her. "Those two are unbelievable. " she whispered as she made her way to adrian.

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Meanwhile Adrian was having an alright time as the day progressed he had woken up a bit latter then he would have like. But other then that it was a good day as after eating he went right back to the book he was given. He would have read it a bit before bed but the lights must have been on a motion sensing timer as they went out on their own.

Ether way when he stopped reading last time one of the merboy's sisters was about to kill the main girl. He was so worried that she might get killed off but at the last second the girlfriend who works at the local marine center tagged the mermaid with a tranquilizer dart that they apparently use for elephant seals when they show up now and then. The mermaid however was so shocked by what she got hit by that when she overcame her shock and tried to kill the girl again it was too late as she passed out from the drugged dart.

Adrian was so relieved to see the girl survive her encounter with the mermaid as it was a major loud off his mind. He even had trouble sleeping the night before because he did not know what happened. Unfortunately the story sorta dropped off in the consistency department but it was still a good way to start to wrap it up. They took the mermaid back to the biology center for a crud prison sentence till they could find a better place to put her wear she could not case any more harm.

The pair then started to discuss their problem as the boy had two more sisters both of which unlike him could walk. That meant that they not only had to deal with two angry sisters and possibly their friends. But had to worry about getting ambushed in land. And there only apparent weakness was staying out of water for two long.

However this was wear he had to stop as once again he was interrupted once more, this time by the trap door opening below. Unlike last time he was paying more attention to his surroundings and was not going to get caught off guard. Thankfully it was just marinette as he could hear her mutter something that he could not make out. He was just glad marinette was his only guest at the moment as he set his book aside. have sworn he heard alya voice down stairs

But that was besides the point as he heard the bluebell walking up the stairs and into his line of sight. She seemed a bit irritated but other then that she seemed more relieved than anything. Though what she was reliaev about he did not know, maybe all that noise down stairs was a bit of a mess that she cased and was asked to come up here for a while.

Ether way when she sat on his left side he could tell there was a look upon her face that told him she had something she wanted to share. So as she got comfortable he watched her intently until she stopped moving. At first adrian thought that she was going to speak but instead she took a single deep breath. This seemed to have a positive effect on her as her muscles immediately stopped tensing.

She was silent for a few more seconds until she finally spoke "I'm sorry if all that noise down stairs bothered you. Alya came over and as you may know she can be a bit of a handful." she commented clearly trying to sound tasteful.

And if to prove her point they suddenly became aware of someone trying to open the locked trap door. "Come on marinette open up I was just kidding. Marinette? Are you there? You and adrian better not be making out once I figure out how to pick this lock." the redhead commented through the trap making the pair turn red.

However adrian had bigger fear as he looked over to marinette face shining red, eyes filled with panic. Looking at marinette she did not look much better with her cracks aflame with a bright red shade. However the girl soon noticed he feared expression on his face. "You don't need to worry." she started her voice uneven from alya's teasing. Taking another breath to steady herself marinette continued "I... alya found out about you before you woke up. B-but she promised not to say anything." marinette added quick.

"You bet I did not say anything. I'm not that shallow." alya added somehow hearing the whole thing. Adrian however gave a heavy sigh of relief, after all he got hear at marinette house well over two weeks ago if alya wanted to she would have done him in already. "Well any way." marinette said after awhile "I want to give you something"

Hearing this adrian gave her an odd look as she held out her close hand which he was just now noticing. He stared at it for a moment before raising a slightly shaky hand of his own. With his hand now under hers she placed her hand in his own. That once she seemed sure that his hand would not moved she opened her closed hand dropping something into his.

As marinette pulled her hand away so he could see what she had given him. And when he did he almost choked in surprise it was the silver version of the black cat ring. Immediately he brought the ring close to him checking it over for damaged, however seeing none he let out a sigh of relief. His gaze then went to marinette giving her a look of both anger and confusion as he wanted answers and he wanted them now.

Marinette for her part seemed somewhat intimidated by this and she laughed nervously. "I-its n-not what you think." she tried to say, only to for him to give her a look that said "oh really." ready to give protest if not for his throat. Marinette seemed to steel herself after this as she went to explain herself "you see when you first got here ma"ma decided it would be a good Idea to hold onto your ring for you." she explained. This got his attention as he looked back down at the ring in his hand. 'Wear they holding on to it for me so I wouldn't loss it?' he thought to himself.

He looked back up to marinette to confirm this only to see her smile at him before nodding before she gave a nod. His anger subsided upon hearing this 'I should have known better marinette's not a thief.' he thought to himself as he hefted the ring a few time in his hand glad to have it back.

He looked back to marinette a moments latter before giving a nod back in return as thanks. Marinette got the message "your welcome." she said not but a few moments later in return. The pair wear silent for a short while after this simple staring at each other marinette not knowing what to say to the boy and adrian unable to say anything.

There happy little moment was cut short when alya finally freed the trap swinging it open loudly. "I'm back!" the redhead called out. Before making her way to them. Adrian watched marinette turn to alya irritated by the girls action. "Alta be careful will you I don't need that broken." she complained to the girl. "And who did you even get in here for that matter?" she questioned next in short order.

Adrian watched as alya just shrugged as she neared them before replying "oh come on marinette a door like that is going to take a heck of a lot more of a beating before it breaks. And as for who I got in here I told you I would pick the lock." she answered the pair of questions in order of which they wear asked. Marinette stood up to face alya down fuming now "seriously you pick locks no wonder I said you had a criminal mind you are one" she stared angrily. Oh come on it's not that bad and I never use it for such low reasons" alya said to the girl nonchalantly. "ALYA!" marinette cried out in return because of this.

As the pair continued adrian just watched as the silent observer to the scene before him. Unsure of what to do as the pair argued. Ultimately adrian decided the best course of action was nothing as he pulled his attention back to the ring in his hand.

As he traced the silvery metal he was tempted to put it on just to make sure it was the real ring as his scenes wear still dulled from his weakened state and could not tell. However he sided against it as putting on the ring if it was the real thing meant that the pair in front of him would see plagg. And he was not interested in trying to explain why a cat popped out of a magic ring.

'I will wait till later once everyone is asleep. Then I will use the ring and leave.'. With his mind made up and his plains set all he had to do was wait and bide his time till later that evening. Then he would finally be free, and marinette and her family would be safe as well. All he had to do was wait.

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It was late at night the sun having set some time ago it was well past midnight and by now all the people in the house wear asleep. Well almost everyone as adrien agreste was still very much awake and was waiting. For all the people in the house to fall asleep so he could make his escape and leave the dupan-chang residence before he cased any real harm to them.

After all he finally had the black cat ring, his finally had the ring back and the whole time it was with marinette's mother bless her soul. She did it for safekeeping so that it would not get lost while he was out cole which he was eternally grateful for. While all the occupants of the house wear likely asleep and probably had been for well over an hour he wanted to be extra cautious to be sure just incase. He waited at least two or three hours more than what was probably necessary to do it.

As he pulled out the ring from under the covers he hold it up so he could see it better in the dim light of the city around him. Twirling the item in his finger as he gazed upon its smooth metal surface. A surface that held so much promise but also great destruction for those who did not know who to use it properly. It was this ite he used to destroy his house and to expose his father as hawk moth. It was this item he added his lady time and time again at her beckon call. And it was with this item he would get rid of the one thing that stood in marinette way. The one thing that was going to slowly ruin her life forever. himself.

Letting the ring fall into his palm he brought his other hand out from under the blanket. Then he tossed the ring into his left hand before positioning it between his two fingers. On his right he splayed the fingers of his hand before angling the decorative ring finger towards the ring. He then brought the ring close to his finger before pausing.

His mind then went to all the good things that had happened since he had arrived here. While he did not have any particularly strong memories save for maybe the food. But the one thing that did stick out was the strong sense of family he got from the people here. Even though he locked his heart he could not help but feel a feeling of longing and connection to those that wear around him as long as he was in the house. And for a few minutes he wondered if staying would be so harmful.

But then he shook his head trying to clear his mind of false hope as he did so. He knew better then anyone that the bearer of the black cat was just a walking bad luck charm. He needed to leave so that marinette's family could continue having good times without him being in the way.

So with his resolve reaffirmed he slipped the ring upon his finger and in a small flash a familiar black kwami popped out. The kwami lay on his stomach for a few seconds clearly dazed by getting summoned again. But after a few seconds got up and shook his head in a similar way that adrian did a few moments before.

The black cat then looked up to see adrian fine and well staring back at him surprised the kwami. However the surprise was a short lived evant as a wide smile came onto the cats face. "ADRI-" plage began to shout in glee seeing his holder fine and well. But before fe could finish adrian silenced him with "p-p-la-gg cl-awwws o-ut." adrian struggled to say forcing his voice to croak out the three word phrases that he could never forget.

However despite adrian's troubles it worked as the ring activated and pulled plagg into the ring before the latter could even say other wise. And in a bright green flash of light adrian was no more and cat noir had taken his place.

Feeling new found strength filling his body and specifically his legs, Sitting up he felt rejuvenated as he did so not feeling a slight bit of fatigue. Bringing a hand in front of his face before forming a tight fist. Then immediately after threw a mock punch to test his level of strength. "It's not as good as it used to be but it will do" he said out loud satisfied. He knew he was much stronger than this but given his earlier predicimt it was what he was expecting. Plus he also knew for what he wanted it would do.

So getting up out of bed and standing up for the first time in literally weeks he had to stretch out as his legs felt ever so cramped. As he stretched he could feel a very angry presens in the back of his mind. Clearly plagg was not happy with what he was doing but he couldn't care less as he was doing what needed to be done.

Talking a set forward was somewhat hard and a bit shaky at first but ultimately successful. However it was when he took his next step that he felt something underfoot. Looking down he could see with his night vision in perfect clarity the book marinette had given him. Looking down at the book he felt somewhat sad as he almost finished it as the two main characters wear trying to figure out what to do next. In fact he only had about ten pages left and in the end he was saddening to him as he may never find out what happens next now.

Picking up the the book so to not damage it brought it with him on his way down from the bed. Making his way down to the main level of the room he proceeded straight to marinette dest which he could see filled with a number of things. Art surprise, different swatches, at least a dozen different sketches of different states of winter themed attire. Casing a small smile to creep onto adrians face "she never changes" he said out loud happy for the girl to finally have the chance at doing what she always wanted.

Raising the book up looking down at the article amused by himself at the fact that he was obsessively reading a book about merpeople the past few days. It was simple but he honestly enjoyed he mundane pleasure. When he live at home with his father there was no such thing as mundane. Everything had to be extravagant and over the top other wise it was not proper. Though to be honest before his father fell to corruption he theorized that his father did this to distract himself from his mother.

However this was besides the point as he heft the book in his hands once and twice more before finally placing it on the desk in a clean spot. After a second of staring he took a step back and headed towards the stairs leading outside.

Reaching the stairs beginning his ascent slowly partly because of his body not being used to this activity but also because of other reasons. It was almost painful to walk up the stairs as he did because of so many good memories that he had in this place. And despite his feelings towards the situation and towards his lady as well, he could honestly see himself settling down in a life like the one marinette had. Perhaps no sewing but something in a vine like she was doing. And when he really thought about it he could even see himself finding a life with marinette and her family, or even just marinette as she had a similar aura around her that ladybig had. Also they had so much in common to boot, not to mention how well they got along as well.

But he had to remember he was leaving because he cared as he could not bring himself stay knowing that there were people who would hurt them just to get to him. If something happened to marinette and her family he could never forgive himself.

So reaching the top he opened the hatch grateful for marinette forgetting to lock it revealing the cold night air on his face. There were no stars out that night as there was a blanket of cloud which looked of the promise of snow. As he stepped out he could feel the mental protests in his mind telling him that plagg was trying to talk him out of what he was planing.

Adrian however would not change his mind as he turned around to look back inside the room soaking in all its details. As it was likely going to be the last time he ever saw it. He did this for several seconds before finally pulling himself out of the open passage and outside. And with that he leapt from the rooftop to go to the one place he knew might still be safe for a while.

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Thursday.

It was thursday a single week before december and a day that marinette would never forget. It was the day that everything changed between her and adrian. For better or for worse is truly up to the beholder however it was a big change in there relationship none could deny. As the events of that fateful day had reverberations that would last till even past the fatad battle.

It started like any other marinette was having a dream about adrian finally accepting her for who she was. When her alarm went off ruining the illusion as the girl reached her hand over to the living rooms table in an effort to find her phone and shut it off. But with her head still buried in a pillow and blankets it was impossible.

So lifting her head and revealing the disaster that was her hair for all to see. Marinette was a mess this morning as her hair was a literal mess going in all directions like a cheerleaders pompom. She had dark rings under her eyes from her rude awakening combined with the late night she had the day before. A trail of saliva going down one side her face as she lazily looked around her current spot to find her phone.

Looking over to the table she seen that the phone was just out of reach on the far side of the table. It was then she remembered she did that on purpose so that should would not simply turn it off. Swinging her feet over the side of the couch on to the floor and into her slippers before bending forwards and grabbing the phone. Looking at the alarm function on it before swiping a finger over the cold surface turning off the noise that was starting to give her a headache.

Setting the phone back down onto the table for a minute as she stretched out her tired body letting out a long exhausted yawn at the same time. After a few seconds of this she lowered her arms letting them rest in her lap. It was then she took notice of the moistness on her lip and out of instinct brought a hand up to wipe it away. After this she brought her hand wear she could see looking down at it her mind only just starting to function properly. "Ah not again." she mutter annoyed by what she saw.

After giving herself a few minutes she checked her phone for time and saw that it was coming up on eight oclock. Marinette just stayed at the clock on her phone display as she wished she could get some more sleep. But that was not going to happen as she was starting to get behind in her work and she had a number of orders she still had yet to finish.

So ignoring her tired ness she decided to go upstairs to get a change of clothes and check on adrian at the same time. Opening the hatch she entered her room and workshop and made her way over to the dresser. However before she made it to said piece of furniture something caught her attention in the corner of her eye.

Looking over to her desk she took note of a single blue. Changing direction and heading for her desk to check up on the item on it. When she got close almost immediately recognising it as the book she had given adrian. In her tired mind she just smiled at the thought of him reading such a silly book. In fact if she wear to be honest she was not even the one who got it as as it and its sequel wear gifts that she had received nearly ten years ago now. "He must have finished it and set it here for me to put away." she concluded staring at the book for a few seconds.

Here eyes then snapped open fully awake her tiredness gone from her body as a new though ran through her mind. 'Wait a minute adrian can't walk. So he couldn't have put it here and I most certainly didn't place it here. And I was the last one to see adrian last night." marinette said worry rising as the night before came back to her.

Marinette then looked up at the bunk wear wear adrian was supposed to be sleeping "oh no." was all she could say before running around to the front. She then made her ascent up the stairs two at a time only o see to her horror the bed empty before her. marinette practically felt her heart stop at the scene before her as she stared at the bed. Mind frozen with fear as the truth of the situation hit her in full. The gravity of what was going on casing her knees to give and making her sink to the ground. Only one thing came to mind as to the possible reason behind all this. "Adrians run away."

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Oh man I can't believe the work that went in here that was quit a mouth full. In fact I am tempted to break this chap up into two just to make it easier to swallow next time. Ah well too late now. Any case thanks all for sticking around to hear my after chapter ramblings. This chapter like I said before is quite the dozzy if I do say so myself. And long. But for those hoping that this is the norm don't as it will be a long time before I make another one this long as it took me nearly two months to achieve. Something I am sure none of you want to have happen again. So the next one will be shorter for sure I mean come on 40 pages for one chapter. Ya the S&R of adrian is not going to take that long. Or maybe it might as I am sure not about to tell you.

Well any rate that's enough chit chat (get it) thanks again all for sticking around hope to see you all back again next time. Leave a fav and a follow if you want or don't I don't mind. Please review if you have a little time I live off reviews and as your feedback keeps my alive and going on these stories and I hope you all have a miracual day.

Tune in next time to see or read the search of adrian agreste. Wear will he go. Will marinette, ladybug, alya, or someone else find him?

Who will find him first? Will they find him?

And will marinette convince him to return home?

Who know find out next time.

Same cat time same cat channel. (I love the old batman :)