A/N: sorry its been a totally crazy summer holidays here and ive just been over my head with real life stuff so poor LadyNoir has had to wait :'( Ive put myself on a story diet though. Every story I want to read, I have to write a chapter first. (In all fairness it means that this should be finished in no time but that does depend on access to the laptop and time, I normally read on my phone when Im trying and failing to relax or sleep or something) -bug-out-

Master Fu had gone on holiday. Not that he didn't deserve it but it meant that it was up to Nino to take the lead in any situations that might arise and this was not something he was ready to deal with.

An Akuma had been raging its way through Paris and Ladybug had jumped in at the last minute just to cleanse the Akuma but it seemed that was long enough and Tikki was exhausted.

It was March already and from what Nino understood about this whole 'hibernation' thing is that it should be finishing up now, surely?

Chat had brought Marinette into headquarters for Nino to help Tikki. They had de-transformed already as Tikki was exhausted.

Nino was confident with this part. Restoring and healing Kwamii was something he understood. A lot of it was about vibrations and energy and Master Fu had complimented his use of modern day technology and music which made the process quicker and much more efficient.

Nino concentrated the energy as Tikki lay on one of the kwami cushions Marinette had created. Marinette and Adrien (who had now de-transformed too) knelt beside Tikki rather worried.

Whilst Nino changed the music into something rhythmic but calming Marinette could feel her eyes going.

Adrien looked over at her with a soft smile as her head leaned gently on his shoulder.

Nino looked puzzled.

"Hey bro" Adrien furrowed his brows and looked at Nino "Whats up? Is Tikki ok?"

"mm- oh yeah, shes fine dude. Hey, erm- do you mind just grabbing me some cookies for her quick?"

Adrien nodded and headed to the kitchen, carefully placing Marinette sleeping on the floor and a cushion under her head.

Nino already had cookies in the box next to him but he needed Adrien gone whilst he checked things out.

His hands hovered over Tikki his eyes shut and feeling the essence coming from her. She was over using her abilities of creation. But if she was in hibernation mode how was that even possible? He could feel a disturbance. It was like Tikkis essence was being sucked in by a vacuum out of sight. He followed the trail and his suspicions confirmed.

Marinette was somehow draining Tikkis energy, even when not connected. This wasn't hibernation issues.

Adrien came in as Nino sat back down. He pulled his glasses up and rubbed his eyes.

"Whats up?" Adrien handed the plate of cookies to his best friend and offered a small smile.

"I have to do some more reading" Nino moaned. His gut already told him what was going on but he needed to confirm it.

Nino sighed and placed the plate next to Tikki as she stirred slightly ready to wake up.

"Hey dude, everything's tight between you guys right?" Adrien looked confused

"What between Mari and me? Yeah of course, never better, why?" Nino continued to look thoughtfully at him.

"And by tight you mean...?" he raised an eyebrow and jerked his head towards the bedroom direction.

Adriens blush was enough to tell Nino that no it couldn't be that but Adriens stammering confirmed it.

"NINO! -NO-no- no we-er-no- not yet" Nino smiled. It contradicted his first theory which meant much more reading but he would rather sacrifice a few days researching then his friends end up sacrificing so much for, well-

"Nino, whats up? Is something wrong with Marinette? I thought this was all hibernation stuff?" Adrien looked concerned.

"Dude, I dunno to be honest, there's definitely something strange going on between Tikki and Marinette but if you too are all good then I'm sure its nothing to worry about." he smiled reassuringly at his friend and Adriens phone started ringing.

"crap, im going to have to go bro" he gave Nino a fist bump whilst tapping a message on his phone. "Let her know I had to shoot." He bent down and gave her a sweet kiss on her head.

He was halfway out the door when he turned "Oh, I dunno if this helps but Mari and I had a really rough patch with an imbalance a few months back. Master Fu helped us rebalance though after we revealed etc."

Nino nodded at his friend and he continued out the apartment. Tikki looked up at Nino sheepishly. Nino pushed his glasses up on to his forehead and rubbed his eyes as he felt the blood drain from his face.

"You and I Tikki, need to talk"