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Adrien did not see anything of Marinette until Sabine had made tea. They decided to eat all together, sharing the meal in the nest of pillows Adrien. Even though Marinette could quite meet his eye, there was still a pleasantness in the air, a feeling that felt like a weight on Adrien. He had built up armour against cold, lonely meals in silence. Feeling like you had wronged someone while sharing an upbeat meal with them, was a terrible new sensation.
Adrien was a little glad when it ended. He pretended that he was tired and asked for some help up to his bedroom. He was shocked when Marinette volunteered to go with him. Not wanting to make things awkward for the family, he agreed and let her help him up the stairs.
When they reached the door to his temporary bedroom, Marinette announced to him that Nathalie and Gorilla were still cruising the streets so Nino and Ayla didn't want to risk bringing the crutches over in case it looked suspicious.
"They've suggested we meet up tomorrow and hand them over," Marinette said. "I thought you should know."
Adrien thanked her before asking if he could go. Marinette paused for a moment before nodding. Adrien told her he would have to check with her parents to ensure that they thought it was safe but that he wanted to go. His father had taken too many trips out with friends from him. He wasn't getting any more.
Marinette nodded and told Adrien she could ask her parents if he wanted her too. He thanked her and agreed. Then she turned to leave. He watched her shoulders sag a bit and then she stopped, looking over her shoulder at him.
"Do you think you're going to be able to move on from that girl?" she asked quietly.
"I'm going to try," Adrien managed.
Marinette nodded for a moment.
"If you work it out, could you tell me?"

Adrien didn't sleep much that night. He and Plagg talked quietly. Adrien had not wanted to bring up America but his Kwami had already heard when Tom had told him. It was touching that his normally lazy Kwami was rushing to come up with plans to ensure he was able to stay in the country. Adrien had eventually promised his Kwami he wasn't going to let them be separated when Plagg had suggested they give up on his life as Adrien Agreste and settle on being Chat Noir full time. Adrien had tried to argue that the strain it would put on his Kwami would be too great but Plagg hadn't cared. Swelling with emotion, Adrien had petted and fussed over his Kwami until the early hours until they had both been forced to give into sleep.
When Adrien had woken up, he found himself glad he had beaten Plagg. He hid his Kwami amongst the covers, ensuring he was still warm before making his way to his bedroom door. It was a difficult journey and Adrien hated his ankle for taking away his independence when he needed it most. He was glad to see he had just managed to catch Sabine who volunteered to help him down the stairs.
"Marinette said you wanted to meet up with your friends again today," Sabine said as she helped Adrien into a chair at the breakfast table.
She fetched him what he wanted and offered to make him a drink. Adrien thanked her with a smile but declined the offer of a drink.
"Yes, I…"
"I think it would be a good idea," Sabine said. "After your father interrupted yesterday, I think you and your friends deserve some time together. Tom thinks you will need a disguise though."
"Marinette can sort that," Adrien said.
Sabine nodded but admitted she and Tom had put a collection of old clothes together so they had some choices to pick from.
It was then that Marinette came in. Adrien tried not to meet her eye, not wanting to presume that things were back to normal between them. Still, he offered her a smile when she wished him a good morning and she settled in a seat next to him, allowing them to eat their breakfast in comfortable silence.

Once they were done with breakfast, Marinette disappeared upstairs to get things ready for Adrien to try on clothes. Adrien was left in front of the TV but Sabine as she did the washing up and he found himself turning to the news.
His blood turned cold as he saw his father was giving an interview. He could see that he had been made-up to look a lot more distraught than he really was. Adrien could see where the make-up had clumped slightly but he doubted most people would openly accuse him of faking. He seemed to hit all the right marks, let his voice crack with emotion at just the right time, pause just enough… Clearly, Adrien's mother was not the only actor in the family.
He tried to ignore the man talking and focus on the narrative being spun. His father was still claiming he had been kidnapped, that they were expecting a ransom, that Gabriel felt like a monster for putting his son in such a dangerous situation. Adrien listened, preparing to counter it. He'd have to if he was going to take his father to court for what he had done. He wondered what Gabriel's plan was if he was to dispute the kidnapping story. Would he ensure Adrien was never allowed to speak to anyone again? Claim he had been brainwashed by his kidnappers? Adrien almost hoped this father would choose the latter, at least that would still allow him to have some sort of life.
"You don't need to watch this," Sabine said, appearing behind him.
Adrien jumped when she spoke and she rushed to apologise. One of her hands was reaching for the remote but Adrien stopped her.
"It's okay. I need to know."
She paused and nodded, going back to her work. Adrien sat back, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders when the story changed to a fluff piece about animals being born at the Paris zoo. He prepared to change the channel, only to be interrupted by Marinette's arrival.
"You ready?" she asked.

Marinette's bedroom was spotless aside from the pile of clothes Adrien had to try and disguise himself with. Adrien couldn't help but notice how bare her walls were and forced himself to remember. When everything had settled down, he might commission Nathaniel to draw something she could put up.
Marinette set up a screen for him and handed him a set of clothing.
"I think we should try and aim for something your father would never design," Marinette said. "Too similar a style and people will recognise you."
Adrien agreed numbly. He had always tried not to dream about what it was like to be 'normal'. It had always felt so ungrateful, particularly when so many people would kill for the life he had. But he wished he had some anonymity. It would make everything so much easier.
He slipped on the first set of clothing, struggling a bit with the trousers. Then he emerged from behind the screen.
"What do you think?" he asked, opening his arms to show Marinette.
"You look great," she rushed.
He smiled his thanks before shuffling over to the mirror. He studied himself. The t-shirt was plain grey, the trousers had the cuffs at the bottom turned up. The simplicity of it still made it look like something his father would label a logo on.
"I don't think it will work though," he admitted.
"Works for me," Marinette said, dreamily.
Adrien frowned, looking over his shoulder. Marinette snapped to attention the moment his eyes were one her. She frowned before nodding slowly.
"You're right, too similar. Give me a second."
She took a moment rummaging through the pile of clothes they had. Then she returned with a light blue t-shirt and an oversized hooded jacket.
"Let's try the same trousers and these," she said, offering them out.
Although he hid it, Adrien was secretly overjoyed. He didn't want to have to trouser the trousers back over his sore ankle. He tugged off the shirt he was wearing and accepted the blue shirt Marinette offered. Seeing how her cheeks flushed, Adrien turned sharply and apologised. He hadn't meant to make her feel uncomfortable, not after everything she had done for him.
He slipped on the t-shirt and the hoodie before turning back to Marinette. Even if they didn't decide on it as a disguise, he might have to make a note of the brand. They were so comfortable.
"That might actually work," Marinette said.
She eyed him thoughtfully and Adrien could see her mind running through alternatives, gears meshing as she tried to work out what to do. Then she smiled and raced across the room. She grabbed a pair of sunglasses and thrust them into his hands.
"Try these."
"Do you mind if I don't give you the full catwalk?" Adrien asked timidly.
"No catwalks needed," Marinette assured him, tweaking his jacket a bit.
With a flick of the hoodie, Adrien was able to cover his head with the hood and slipped on the glasses.
"What do you think?" he asked playfully. "Could I pass for Nino's cousin?"
Marinette took a step back and nodded. Adrien smiled and thanked her, he turned to stare in her mirror as she rushed off to get ready. The person looking back at him didn't look like Adrien Agreste, which he guessed as a good thing. But he just felt empty. It was his father who insisted he dressed the way he dressed and if he didn't look like Adrien Agreste when that was taken away, what other parts of himself would he lose when he finally broke completely free of his father.
Plagg shifting inside his jacket gave him a little reassurance. Chat Noir was his and his father could not take that away from him. Plagg was family, helping people gave him meaning. Chat Noir was something his father could not tarnish.
Marinette came over with her bag soon after and offered him her arm. He accepted it, letting her help him down the stairs.

They met up with Nino and Alya outside a milkshake place. The two were impressed with his disguise, Nino suggesting he should dress that way more often. Adrien was glad for being able to use his crutches once more and relished being able to easily balance while in the queue to buy milkshakes.
They decided not to stay in the cafe once they had brought their drinks, not wanting to stay anywhere crowded for too long. They drank their milkshakes while sitting on benches at the champ de mars, joking about nothing important. When they spotted Andre, Marinette suggested they all get ice creams. Adrien was hesitant, not keen on the idea of standing in a line so Marinette and Alya suggested they collected them while Nino kept Adrien company.
One the girls were gone, the two boys sank back, relishing the sunshine.
"Chloe called me last night," Nino suddenly said.
Adrien turned to him and frowned, his confusion clear. Nino rushed to reassure him.
"She wasn't sure who you were staying with but she wanted to be sure you were okay. Her father called up your old man about her scraping up the car and she listened in. She said it sounded like he was planning something."
"Planning what?"
"She didn't know. I told her you were fine."
Adrien thanked him and turned to smile at Marinette and Alya as they returned. They handed Nino and Adrien their ice creams and asked what they had been talking about.
"How bored I am getting stuck at home all the time," Adrien rushed, ensuring he spoke before Nino.
He was offered a frown by this friend and he gave him a subtle 'I'll tell you later' look in reply.
"Well, what do you want to do? Maybe we can lend you some films or something." Alya said.
Adrien paused for a moment before saying he wanted to do some reading.
"Maybe we could go to the library and get you some books out," Marinette suggested. "We can use my card."
Although it had been a cover story, Adrien really did feel the urge to get some books out. If he was going to be stuck inside in such good weather, he might as well try and imagine himself in someone else's fictional world. Nino suggested the girls dispose of the litter from their milkshakes and ice cream while he got Adrien ready to go. Adrien saw a momentary suspicion in Marinette's eyes but then she hurried away with Alya.
"Why did you lie?" Nino asked.
"I didn't want to worry them. I know what my father is like. He always sounds like he is up to something."
"Maybe he always is!" Nino protested.
Adrien shook his head, saying he didn't believe that.
"Couldn't we just keep it between us? It's probably nothing."
Nino looked torn. He glanced at the girls before turning back to Adrien. Then he nodded.
"But if Alya finds out you've been hiding stuff from her, I'm not defending you."

Adrien insisted on walking despite knowing it was a long way to the library. He wanted to enjoy the sun and the company and make the trip last as long as possible. He couldn't escape the others glancing at each other every time he stumbled or looked a little bit tired. A part of him wanted to reassure them but he was nervous him bringing it up would ultimately land him in a cramped cab on the way to the library. He didn't know how to tell them he never wanted to be cooped up again.
Just then, Adrien almost lost his balance. It felt as though the floor had shaken beneath them. Marinette scrambled to catch him and steady him.
"What was that?" Nino asked, looking between his friends.
"An earthquake?" Alya tried.
"An earthquake in Paris?" Adrien frowned.
Suddenly screams rose into the air. Adrien turned sharply, looking in that direction. He could see people rushing down the street in terror. Immediately he scrambled for an excuse to lose the others.
"We should hide," Marinette suddenly burst out. "You three go hide in that shop. I'll go somewhere else."
Adrien's immediate thought was to ask why she couldn't hide with them but he bit it back. He needed to lose the others. Before Nino and Alya could say anything, Marinette was disappearing into the dense crowd. Adrien turned to see Alya had already got her phone at the ready.
"Nino, you get Adrien to safety," Alya instructed. "I am going to get footage for the Ladyblog."
Then Alya hurried away. Nino looked torn. Adrien could see the desperation on his face. He wanted to protect his girlfriend but also didn't want to abandon his best friend, especially when he was on crutches.
"Go after her. I will be fine," Adrien tried to reassure him.
Nino shook his head, saying that Adrien would be helpless if he got caught up in whatever was happening. Realising his friend had no intention of leaving him, Adrien groaned.
"Come on," Adrien said, battling past Nino to chase after Alya.
For a few moments, Nino protested before relenting and rushing to catch up with Adrien.
"We get Alya and then we hide," Nino instructed.
Adrien agreed without really listening. He was keeping an eye on Alya, ensuring they didn't lose her, and trying to look for the perfect way of ditching his friends. He had no clue what was going on but he was sure Ladybug would need Chat Noir to put in an appearance. It could be another senti-monster and if that was the case, they'd both be needed to work out what they were actually after.
Adrien saw Alya stop at the end of the road they were on, looking around the corner. Then she raised her phone. He noticed the crowd of running people were hurrying away from that location and came to a stop as he saw a monstrous shadow hit one of the buildings.
He stopped dead, staring, as the sentimonster rounded the corner. It looked like a giant mutated frog with a rounded triangular face and webbed hands. On its head was a set of purplish growths looking like a crown of petals. When the beast's bulbous yellow eyes landed on Adrien, it gave a creaking roar.
Some people in the street were running, others were staring in horror. Alya continued to film.
Then the frog-like monster launched itself into the air. Adrien felt the air around him cool as its shadow passed over him. He tracked it, heart in his throat, until he saw where it was going to land.
Right on top of Nino.
Adrien didn't think. He didn't have the time. He dropped his crutches and sprinted towards his friend. His ankle screamed but he didn't care. A friend was in danger. Adrien tackled Nino and the two boys flew out of the path of the monster's descending foot. They slammed hard into the road, rolling over each other before coming to a stop, lying side by side.
Adrien felt the floor shake as the beast turned awkwardly in the narrow street but was too dazed to move. His ankle hurt too much for him to make any real attempt to run.
The sky above him seemed to darken and then it turned an ugly shade of green. He was aware of Nino scrambling away beside him and, while he knew the sentimonster was going to grab him, he still couldn't get himself to move.
The motivation came when he heard a familiar whine cut through the air. The descending foot was roughly yanked off course. Just knowing Ladybug was nearby gave him the strength to battle to his feet. He stumbled over to where Alya was just rejoining Nino and almost collapsed into their arms.
"Go!" Ladybug shouted. "Get to safety!"
Alya and Nino nodded, turning to go. Adrien felt himself being jostled and dragged over the streets. He knew they weren't moving fast enough. He glanced over his shoulder just in time to see the beast overpower Ladybug and manage to pull free of the yo-yo. The beast began to close in on the three of them again, it's croaking cry reverberating through the air.
Then Ladybug was beside them. She pushed against Nino and Alya, forcing them into a run. Adrien grimaced, waiting to be pushed and for his ankle to give way with pain. Instant, Ladybug scooped him up and set off running.
The frog monster croaked loudly as Ladybug hurried the three of them into a cramped alleyway. It was a bit of a mess. There was an old metal dustbin in one corner and torn posters hanging from the brick. Ladybug gently put Adrien down.
"How's your ankle?" she asked.
"It's fine," Adrien lied, watching her turn to observe the frog monster.
It hurt a lot but he knew adrenaline would take over soon and force the pain into the back of his mind. As it did, a thought sprung into his head.
"How did you know about my ankle?" he asked.
Ladybug turned sharply towards him and began to stumble over her answer.
"Well… I… I saw you before the frog monster reached you and you were limping," she rushed.
Adrien paused to consider her answer. Before he could say more, however, the frog monster landed at the end of the alleyway. The ground shook, knocking them off their feet. Ladybug grabbed her yo-yo, spinning it around in a circle, as she tried to protect the three behind them.
"Where are you Chat Noir?" she murmured under her breath, making Adrien feel a stab of guilt.
Nino helped Alya and Adrien to their feet before grabbing the metal lid of the dustbin and standing beside Ladybug.
The beast seemed to spare them a glance. Then it's gaze rose slightly. Adrien felt it settle over him. The yellow eyes stared at him, seeming to track his every move.
The frog monster reached out with a webbed hand, aiming directly at him. Alya helped him dive out of the way.
"You three get as far away from here as you can," Ladybug instructed.
Adrien barely heard it. He had come to a shocking realisation.
It was after him.
How could he have not noticed before? It was after him and the scorpion monster had been the same. It too had been pursuing him; it had just found him as Chat Noir. The senti-monsters were after him. Could everything that had happened left his father akumatised and letting sentimonsters loose on the city? His father hadn't seemed akumatised when he had seen him on the news that morning. Adrien felt like he was missing something big. He just couldn't think what.
But, in the long run, it didn't matter. His friends were in danger. His friends were in danger because those monsters wanted him.
He couldn't let the others suffer for him.
"I'll go with you!"
The shout came like a gunshot and shook the air like an earthquake. Adrien felt everyone's eyes fall onto him, wondering if the sentimonster had understood what he said.
"No! Adrien, run!" Nino shouted, hitting his bin lid shield against the alleyway wall to steal back the monster's attention.
But Adrien stood firm and the monster showed no interest in the others. It turned, forced to half mount the wall in the small space of the alley. Ladybug leapt into action, lashing out with her yo-yo. She ensnared one of the monster's thick legs and was dragged several feet as it closed in on Adrien.
Adrien stood, unmoving. There was only one feeling in his chest. It wasn't fear. Adrien had felt more than enough fear in his lifetime to recognise it. Rather it was the acknowledgement that the Sentimonster had no intention of leaving his friends alone until it had him. And Adrien would do anything to protect them. He loved them. Nino and Alya were his family and Ladybug was his partner. If him giving himself up won them safety, the chance to come up with a plan, he would do it without a second thought.
The monster closed one of its slimy webbed hands around Adrien as cries and shouts of horror rose from Nino and Alya. Nino threw the bin lid but it bounced off the monster's side lamely. Easily, the monster placed Adrien in the centre of the crown-like structure on his head. The walls of the crown began to rise, enclosing around Adrien. He stayed calm, letting the walls trap him.

There you go! You wait forever for the plot to make progress and then everything happens at once.

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