For Marinette, the call from Nathalie was a lifesaving jacket in the roaring ocean. In no circumstances, her offer could've been more perfect than now, because flying to Milan with Gabriel meant she didn't have to lie or scheme to refuse Adrien the lunch she'd promised without much thinking. Now she had a legitimate excuse - a business trip for his father's company. Work. Couldn't refuse. Blame Gabriel. Period. And by the time she'd return, Adrien would long be gone. That was the perfect solution.
Hardly believing her luck, Marinette started to pack their bags. Emma was already fast asleep, thrilled to know that first thing tomorrow morning they'd get to go on a little vacation. She loved to travel and Gabriel's offer to accommodate her daughter was something out of the fantasy fiction. This evening could not have gotten any better. Quite soon Emma's suitcase was all packed and her own was almost full as Marinette caught herself dancing along her path from the closet and back to her bed, humming under her breath a few particular melodies from the wedding. A smile tugged at her lips. Dancing with Adrien was the experience Marinette would never forget. Only for a few songs that evening she allowed herself to dream the dreams that would never come true, giving herself permission to feel the things she knew she shouldn't. And it felt so damn good. So good that for just a moment Marinette wished they'd live in a different universe - in one where he didn't have to leave and she wasn't in love with two people at once.
Just then her phone chimed.
[Adrien: Sorry for the late message but I was wondering if you are asleep or still awake.]
Marinette frowned. Something must be wrong if Adrien messaged her at this late hour, knowing how exhausted she was. He even made a remark about it when they parted their ways, so, unless there was an emergency, she doubted he would've bothered her. With troubled heart, she responded.
[Marinette: No. Not yet. Did something happen?]
The reply came almost immediately.
[Adrien: Yes. I need to talk to you. Can you spare me a few minutes?]
Worry tugged at her heart as she typed back as soon as she could.
[Marinette: Sure. Listening.]
His next reply wasn't something she'd expected.
[Adrien: I'm in front of your house. Can we talk face to face?]
Um… Before replying Marinette glanced down at herself and hesitated. Her hair was damp from the shower and catching a cold wasn't something Marinette could afford, but that was the least of her problems. The first thing she did after putting Emma to bed was to change into her nightgown, and today it was a somewhat risky assembly for going outside. A red silky baby doll that ended just below her derriere, embroidered by black lace and a couple of pretty ribbons in the place of the stripes - that was about all that she wore at the moment; because, despite all of the heartbrokenness she'd harboured in her heart, the way Adrien made her feel during those few dances ignited something inside her. Loved and desired in his arms, Marinette wanted to wear something to reflect that moment. She dressed for the dream that was never meant to be, and that was fine- in the safety of her house. She couldn't go out like this. She couldn't ask him inside either. Not in this state.
Another chime stirred Marinette out of her reverie and she started to search frantically for something to cover herself up. Either way she chose to meet him, she'd need to dress more appropriately. A few more minutes she spent ransacking her closet for the matching red satin robe, completely forgetting to reply and to warn Adrien of the delay. By the time she swaddled herself in the garment, her phone was constantly buzzing with a stream of small incoming messages. The moment Marinette opened her app and saw them her world came to a halt.
[Adrien: Alright, we can talk like this if you prefer it this way because I'm not waiting another minute to tell you everything and I'm not leaving again this time around.]
[Adrien: So here it is, my Lady. Hopefully, that'll be enough of a proof.]
[Adrien: It was your birthday.]
[Adrien: I brought you a pink, fluffy teddy bear.]
[Adrien: I told you about my father giving a similar toy to my mother when they first started dating and then every following birthday he would give her one as a reminder of his love for her.]
[Adrien: I took you out to a dinner at my friend's apartment in the central part of Paris.]
[Adrien: I lied about that. In reality, it was my mom's apartment. I have the keys if you want to see it.]
[Adrien: You wanted to put on some music and dance after dinner. You said you loved dancing.]
[Adrien: You kissed me first and said that you wanted to know who I was under that mask in the morning.]
[Adrien: You finally agreed to become my girlfriend and start dating with no secret identities between us.]
[Adrien: When I woke up, you were gone.]
[Adrien: The next time we met you told me about the other man you liked and your ruined dreams and future with him, but you never mentioned his name. He was me, Adrien Agreste, wasn't he?]
[Adrien: I left after you told me that you wished you'd never met me.]
Three little dots continued to run across the bottom of the screen as Adrien was typing something else, but Marinette didn't need anything more. What she had was already more than enough.
It was him - her Chat.
An avalanche of emotions crashed over Marinette. There was no doubt. Only her Chat Noir would know the details Adrien had provided. There couldn't be any mistakes. If he only recited the events publicly known, or even something that had happened in the open space, she could've doubted it, but not this. These- these details were too intimate for anyone else to know. That night on that date in that apartment there were only two people present and no one certainly heard that story from her. She doubted that Chat would've said anything to anyone as well. He wasn't the kind to kiss and tell. Which only left one conclusion - the man she was in love with but had lost any hope of finding was here- at her doorstep- asking to see her. What's more, the other man she loved and fought so hard to forget was also here- also asking to see her.
Chat Noir and Adrien Agreste were one and the same.
Her breathing halted as her heart skipped a beat. She wasn't in love with two men. She loved only one! She didn't have to tear herself over that issue anymore. She could be happy. Was that too early to hope for that? She had to apologize first. She hurt him so badly. What if he wouldn't want to see her again? But he was here, and he was reaching out. She could see it now, all those days he was trying to reach out, and she kept pushing him away- Emma! Oh gosh, he met Emma! He spent a day with her, and he probably realized that she was his daughter-
The cell phone slipped down from her trembling hands, and on her shaking legs, Marinette rushed downstairs. She had to see him! She had to tell him everything. She had to finally apologize and try to make things right. For a few seconds, she struggled with the lock, tears in the eyes making it too hard to see, but in a moment the door swung open and Marinette stepped outside.
[Adrien: I'm in front of your house. Can we talk face to face?]
Adrien knew that a little delay in replying shouldn't mean much, but as he glanced at her home a few minutes after sending his question and saw no signs of any movement, he couldn't help but feel anxious. Judging by everything Marinette hadn't left her bedroom to either come out outside or let him in. Adrien sighed. She was probably thinking of another excuse to make him leave. Why was it so hard? Why was Marinette so intent on pushing him away all the time? He only wanted to tell her the truth, which should, in his opinion at least, solve half if not all of their problems. Humour him, but he dared to hope for a happy outcome - for being accepted and finally being able to love and be loved back. That was all that he wanted. Simple enough; not much at all.
Adrien closed his eyes. He was tired of being pushed away for no reason, and if he could help it, he wasn't going to let it happen again. One way or another he was going to tell her. The man looked down on his cell phone again. Not a single indicator of movement there as well.
"Fine," he murmured under his breath. "If you don't want to me to tell you in person, then I guess I don't have a choice but to tell you like this."
Feverishly he started to type messages in hopes to get through to Marinette before she either blocked him or turned her cell phone off again. He didn't write long, heart-wrenching explanations. No. His messages were short and to the point with one goal in mind - to prove he was Chat Noir to Marinette's Ladybug six years ago.
Ten or so messages later the front door finally swung open.
Dishevelled and shaking, with tears streaming down her face, Marinette stepped outside, clutching her hands to her mouth.
"Chat?" with a trembling voice she breathed out barely auditable.
"My Lady?" The sigh of relief escaped Adrien's lips as he walked closer. She finally knew.
"Is- is that really you?"
"You found a little scar at the back of my neck and was actually really happy about me-"
"-not being perfect after all," Marinette finished, exploding into more tears when Adrien tilted his head and pushing his hair aside revealed a tiny line that he inherited after a freak accident in the kitchen when he was about six years old. Baking cookies on his own at such a young age wasn't a good idea, she told him that night. Simply wanting to try some despite his Father not allowing any in the house wasn't a good enough reason to endanger his own life, she insisted.
Adrien placed his hand on his chest and added, "You also discovered that-"
"You can purr at the most random of times."
"They weren't random," Adrien protested, chuckling, a hopeful smile appearing on his lips at the memories. "Those were the moments I felt like never leaving and staying with you forever."
"Chat." Marinette stepped closer but didn't dare to fall into his arms. Instead, she wildly sobbed. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Chat. I didn't mean- I don't know how- those words- I didn't mean them- I'm so sorry. I-"
Strong arms wrapped around her and pulled her fragile frame into a tight embrace. "I know, my Lady," Adrien whispered into her hair. "I'm sorry for leaving so suddenly without fighting for you-"
"No, no!" Marinette pulled back a little. "You did nothing wrong! It's me. I am the one to blame."
"I love you," Adrien said instead and smiled. "I still love you so much."
Marinette's lips parted yet no sound escaped as she stared at him dumbfoundedly. How can you love me after all I did, he read a silent question in her eyes. Gently, Adrien brushed a few stray hairs from her blushing face and tried to wipe away tears rolling down her cheeks.
"I love you more than I can handle," he quietly repeated before pulling her back onto his chest, partly to hide his own long overdue tears, partly to warm her shaking body up. He buried his face into her hair placing a feather light kiss on top and added. "You are freezing, my Lady. We should, probably, get you inside."
Marinette slightly shifted but didn't pull away. Instead, she gently wrapped her arms around him and quietly murmured into his chest, "I don't want to move. If I do, you might disappear on me again, and I can't let you go. Not again. Not ever."
"I won't," Adrien smiled, his chest tightening in a blissful feeling he'd never known before. She wanted him; he was more than welcome. "I finally got back to you. I'm not going anywhere."
"Still not letting you go."
"I can hold your hand if you want or carry you in but if we remain here any longer we might get an audience soon, or you'll catch a cold. Your outfit, although extremely lovely, doesn't seem to be very warm."
Lightly giggling through her tears, Marinette pulled away and rolled her eyes, reminding both of them of their happier superhero's days.
"I see time hasn't changed you a bit, Chat," she smiled at him, using her sleeve to wipe the moisture from her face, swaddling herself into her robe. "Come in. I believe we do need to talk."
"Finally," Adrien sighed loudly with a satisfying grin on his lips as he followed Marinette into the house, not letting her hand slip out of his all the way there.
"I know this isn't probably something you were hoping for, so I apologize in advance if this all is a little disappointing," Marinette quietly said as they entered the living room, their hands never breaking the contact.
"What are you talking about?" Adrien asked. He was here yesterday, but it seemed to be so much more inviting today. "This is perfect, Marinette. More than perfect. Your house is amazing, sweet and warm-"
"No," she interrupted him, shifting her sight to the side and gently, much to Adrien's disappointment, pulling her hand away. "I mean me. Chat- um, Adrien," she exhaled softly in hesitation but pressed on. "The girl you told me about yesterday- the one you love- is it Ladybug? I mean, did you fall in love with Ladybug all those years ago?"
"On the very first day we met," Adrien whispered and reached for Marinette's hand again. Yet her sight fell to the floor as she turned away from him.
"I'm sorry." He soon heard a quiet whisper. "She doesn't exist anymore- There is only me left- Not the best part of us-"
Adrien chuckled and moved closer. "Unless—" he stood in front of her and took one of her hands in his, "—you are implying that I was in love with your costume, it couldn't be further from the truth. I was and am in love with you, Marinette. I care about you, the girl underneath the mask or do you really think that that suit was changing who you really are?"
Adrien slowly brought her hand to his lips and placed a soft kiss on the top of her knuckles. For a second, Marinette hesitated but soon lowered her head, avoiding his glance.
"You never noticed me without it."
"That's where you are very wrong, Marinette," Adrien responded, not taking his eyes from her. "I saw you more than you think I did. Much more than I allowed myself and—" he gently cupped her cheek, bringing her to look at him, "—you have no idea how hard I had to work to block those feelings and stay loyal to Ladybug. I was madly in love with my Lady, and I didn't want to betray her. But every time I would look at Marinette I was catching myself thinking that she was cute and brave and talented and totally amazing. Marinette enthralled and I was drawn to her all the time. She was the only other girl I had ever had a crush on."
A soft gasp escaped her lips, but Adrien continued.
"It got a little easier once we graduated and I didn't see you every day, but I still thought about you often."
"Adrien-"
"And your mask wasn't magically changing you into anyone else, Marinette," Adrien continued, gently pulling her into a hug. "It was always you under all that magic. My heart was captured by you, by your beauty, bravery, kindness, everything that makes you so amazing, everything that I observed in you these last couple of days even though you don't wear your mask anymore."
"I am sorry I left." He pulled her closer into his embrace. "I should've stayed and fought for you. We would've found out each other's identities sooner or later, and this whole mess could've been avoided."
"No, don't be." Marinette lifted her head. Tears were twinkling at the edges again. "You have nothing to be sorry for, Adrien. You did what you thought was best. You put me above everything else and I appreciate it. If there is someone who is to be blamed, it's me. I should've not insisted on those damn secret identities. They made sense when we were fighting Hawkmoth, but after his defeat, there really was no reason to keep them secret anymore. But I stupidly insisted—" she started to sob, "—and for no good reason. I am to blame here- I did it to myself- to you- to both of us- I ruined everything-"
Unable to speak clearly anymore, bitter tears flowing freely, Marinette started to tremble again. Burying her face into his chest and letting it all out, she continued to murmur apologies over and over again, spilling out her pain and regrets.
Looking desperately at her shaken, miserable figure, Adrien was lost, not knowing what to do. He wanted so badly to comfort her, but how? How could he explain that he could never blame her? How could he make her understand that he didn't hold any grudges? Not anymore. It was all a huge misunderstanding and both of them played their roles in it. But at the same time, he didn't want to bring this all up again, to open the old wounds. He only wanted to be close, to be with her. The only thing that really mattered to him right now was that he, no, they, had finally gotten another chance. Nothing else.
Adrien cupped her tear-streaked face and raised it up to make her look at him.
"No, Marinette. Please," he begged. "Don't cry- There is no one to blame- Marinette- It just happened- Stuff happens all the time- Nobody's at fault here- We both played our parts in it- so there is either no one guilty, or we both are- in either case, it's already gone- let go of the past- let's live for the present-"
It wasn't working. Marinette was crying and shaking more and more after his every word. Her lips continued to whisper fervent apologizes bottled up inside for years. His words didn't work. He needed something else. So not even thinking this through and failing to see another solution, Adrien leaned forward and captured her lips against his in a kiss.
His arms wrapped around Marinette, pulling her closer. Unconsciously, Adrien deepened the kiss, consumed by the feeling of the woman he loved all of his life pressed flash against him. He kissed her fervently, almost desperately, giving her all of his love with one thought in mind - to make her feel safe, and warm, and loved, and cherished in his arms the same way she was in his heart.
And in a short moment, Marinette responded with the same passion he remembered in his Lady. Melting against him she kissed him back just as feverishly, the feelings she kept hostage for so long spilling out. The overwhelming love she felt for him echoed in soft moans escaping her lips and flowed through her arms pulling him closer. It took over her body, desperately clinging to him, and as their lips moved together, breaths mingling in a heated dance, neither felt more at peace or more at home than there and then at that very moment.
Breathless, they pulled apart resentfully a few minutes later, both blushing, lips trembling in soft smiles, tears slowly vanishing, their foreheads touching, still looking into each other's eyes.
"Never repeat that again, Marinette," Adrien whispered. "I love you. I always did and I always will. I know we made mistakes, but we'll figure this out. We always did, even when the whole world was against us. We've defeated not only every akuma we've fought but also Hawkmoth, so what's a little misunderstanding for our awesome team, right?"
"I love you too," Marinette smiled, and Adrien exhaled with relief because that smile finally reached her eyes. In a moment, he pulled her to his chest and pressed tighter against him, holding her as his biggest treasure.
"I missed you so much," he quietly added, enjoying how relaxed she suddenly became, melting into his embrace. "I-" Adrien paused, suddenly feeling a gentle yawn against the thin material of his shirt. He chuckled and pulled Marinette back enough to see her painted with exhaustion face. Only now a memory of her stressful and sleepless last a couple of days came to mind.
"You are exhausted, my Lady." He brushed her bangs away. "I probably caused you quite a commotion and a few restless nights with my appearance, huh?"
"That you certainly did," she responded with a sleepy smile. "I don't think I slept much any night last week, but I am fine. I don't want to go to bed yet."
"Aren't you leaving tomorrow morning?" Adrien remembered. "When do you have to get up?"
"Six," Marinette yawned again.
"Six isn't early. I always get up at six."
"So does Emma," Marinette added, leaning her head against his chest. "I don't even need an alarm. That kid always crawls into my bed at around six. But not me. Nah, if I could, I'd sleep till ten. Especially after the last few nights."
"Then off to bed we go, Mari." Adrien softly kissed the top of her hair. "You need your rest to look presentable in Milan."
"Yeah," she murmured. "I'll catch a few hours of sleep on the plane. Don't worry-"
"The flight is an hour and a half at most," Adrien stated. "And I doubt you will sleep there with my father and Emma present."
"I'll sleep in the hotel then." Marinette tried and failed to fight another yawn.
"You need to rest, Marinette."
"I will. Later. Now I want to stay with you."
"I'm not going anywhere," Adrien leaned closer and nuzzled her forehead. "You have my heart and my baby-" He suddenly paused. "Marinette, I know about- about Emma, but can I- can I hear that from you?"
"She is yours, Adrien," Marinette smiled through her sleepy, lingered gaze. "Emma is your child. I've never-"
She couldn't finish as Adrien pulled her back into a bone-crushing hug. "Thank you," he murmured. "I know it's weird, but there is something special about hearing it from you."
"You taking it very well," she uttered in his chest. "I thought you might-"
"I've had my time to freak out," Adrien chuckled. "But it was more of a happy squealing type of a thing - I've always wanted a family."
"So, you are okay with that?"
Adrien could detect a little worry lingering in her voice. "More than okay," he rushed to assure. "Anyone would be happy to find out they have a daughter so wonderful as Emma, and I am so happy it's me, so happy she is mine."
"I'm glad." Marinette smiled, leaning her head and settling back on Adrien's chest. He felt her arms squeezing him tighter for a moment, and although Adrien couldn't see, he sensed her eyes closing, breath becoming slower and steadier.
"I'm not going anywhere again," he repeated. "But you, my Lady—" Marinette gasped in surprise and as, without warning, Adrien gathered her into his arms princess' style, "—you are going to bed this instant."
"Adrien!" she sharply inhaled. "Put me down."
"Will do as soon as we reach your bed."
"Adrien-"
"The second floor, right?"
"Adrien Agreste!"
"You'll wake up Emma if you continue to shout." Adrien chuckled when Marinette fell silent instantly. "Let me take care of you, Princess," he added. "I missed you so much and there is nothing more I want right now than to spend time with you, but you need to rest. Life didn't stop because we found each other. We still have our work and responsibilities, but we also have each other now. We'll talk tomorrow. We've got all the future to talk, and this time I'll be by your side, don't worry."
"I'm going to Milan tomorrow," Marinette whined. "I wish I could stay, but this is once in a lifetime opportunity for me."
"I'm sure Father won't mind me tagging along," Adrien winked and Marinette's face lit up. "See? I told you, I would be by your side from now on, my Lady. Now tell me which door should I open," he added, already walking up the stairs with Marinette in his arms.
"The one with 'Mommy' sign on it," Marinette quietly answered, cuddling closer.
They slowly got upstairs, stepping carefully and keeping quiet but Adrien couldn't help a chuckle when he saw a rather childish paper sign stuck to one of the doors. It was evidently done by Emma and read "Mommy" on it. There was a similar one with "Emma" written on it on the other door. The third door remained bare.
"No one lives there?" he asked.
"That's a guest room/my office," Marinette replied, her voice way sleepier than merely a minute ago.
The door to her bedroom was still slightly open and the lights were on, just as she left them, rushing out in a hurry. Walking in, Adrien noticed a couple of packed suitcases, one remaining unfinished. He walked past it and put Marinette on her bed.
"What else do you need to pack there?" he asked, pointing to the open bag.
"Nothing," Marinette yawned, taking off her robe. "I'm done with it."
"Good." Adrien zipped the luggage closed. Then, seeing that Marinette already got under her sheets, he turned the lights off and walked closer to kneel by her bed.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Princess." He placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "Sleep well."
He was about to pull away when Marinette caught his arm. "Stay," She yawned half asleep. "Don't go. Stay with me."
"I need to go if I want to join you tomorrow on that flight," Adrien replied, gently brushing her hair out of her face.
"Stay," Marinette tugged his hand closer. "Just until I fall asleep. Please. I'm so tired of being alone."
He hesitated for a moment, but when her arm reached forward to catch his other hand, Adrien gave in. "Okay. Until you fall asleep."
"Mhm," Marinette hummed and pulled him under her sheets. Immediately, she cuddled against him and wrapping his arms around the love of his life Adrien couldn't find in him the desire to leave. Lulled by her steady soft breathing he soon felt his eyes close as well. A few minutes of rest won't hurt him either, he thought and immediately followed Marinette into the dreamland with a smile on his lips.
That was one the most peaceful nights of his life- until about five thirty in the morning that is when something started to play rather unpleasantly and loudly in the room. Frowning, Adrien sat up and looked around, searching for the source of the annoying sound. Rolling off the bed, he soon noticed Marinette's cell phone lying face down between her luggage. Picking it up, Adrien glanced over at its owner - she really was a heavy sleeper because none of the screeching sounds her device was making caused Marinette to wake up. In fact, she only groaned and turned around, covering herself with her comforter even more.
Adrien snorted and looked at the buzzing cell phone. Seeing the name on display, he picked it up without a second thought.
"Hello, Nathalie? Wait a sec," he whispered and quietly walked out of the room to spare Marinette another thirty minutes of sleep. Once down on the first floor, he returned to the call.
"Yes, it's me, Adrien- No, Marinette is still sleeping- Okay, will do. Tuesday, right? Sure- Um, what about Father? Oh, I see. Alright- No. Don't do anything. I'll deal with it myself- Yes. Thank you- You too, Nathalie. Have a nice day."
He turned the phone off and was about to go back up when a small figure appeared at the top of the stairs. In a silky pink nightgown and clutching a little Chat Noir plushy to her chest, Emma looked at him with her eyes wide-open and fully awake.
"Daddy!" She exclaimed and ran down the stairs.
"Hey there, little Princess," Adrien caught her in up his arms smiling. "Why are you up so early? Let's go back to sleep."
"No!" Emma replied, hugging him with her little hands. "I don't want to sleep anymore. You are here! Let's play. No. Let's eat! Or-"
"Hold on," Adrien interrupted her, pulling a little away and nuzzling her tiny nose. He scanned her carefully. She really did seem to be fully awake. Just like Marinette had told him yesterday - an early riser like him. So maybe…
"I think I have a better idea, Emma. Want to go on an adventure?"
Emma's whole expression brightened up as she nodded excitedly.
"Let's go on an adventure! Yes! Yes! Yes! Adventure with Daddy" she squealed and jumped in his arms. "Let's take Mommy too! Mommy loves adventures!"
"Shhh," Adrien placed a finger to her mouth. "Mommy is very tired, so we'll let her sleep a little bit more, okay? We'll go by ourselves and return before she wakes up. Do you want to go change your clothes before we start or would you prefer to go as is?"
"Change! I want my pink dress with a bow at the back." Emma eagerly squeaked as the pair headed up the stairs. Soon, clothed in a lovely dress, she was already buckled up in his car and driving away, again without any doubt or concern for her Mama who continued to quietly sleep in her bed.
The room was dark. Marinette could tell even without her eyes that it was really early in the morning, probably even before sunrise. Strangely enough, considering how much she hated to get up early and how little sleep she had gotten that week, she felt perfectly rested for such an early hour. Deciding to enjoy a few more minutes before her alarm will go off, she turned around to the other side and cuddled her pillow. Happy memories instantly invaded her mind, thoughts that Adrien and Chat Noir were one and the same person pleasantly warmed her whole body.
He loves me, she thought with delight. He found me, and he still loves me. He said he wants to be with me-
A wistful smile adorned her face as she snuggled her pillow, hoping to dive right back into a sweet dream. A moment later she turned around. Another minute or so after, she tossed across the bed once more. Somehow, falling back asleep didn't work today. Weird. She felt too rested for that. Really, what was wrong? Why was she fully awake before the sunrise? After a couple more minutes and constant tossing and turning, Marinette finally gave up.
"Ten o'clock?!" she gasped, staring at the time in disbelief.
The first question that popped into her mind was How. But it was immediately pushed aside as Marinette realized What it meant. She missed her flight! She missed her trip and Gabriel probably already fired her for being such an irresponsible moron.
Frantically, she jumped out of bed. Her sight shifted to the windows and Marinette frowned. She's never closed her curtains. There were no neighbours behind her house for once. Plus, she invested in those fancy privacy screens that let the light in but didn't allow anyone to see through from the other side because she loved how the sun was greeting her every morning with its warm rays. It helped her to wake up. With curtains closed no wonder she slept in.
She quickly found her cell phone to see if her notice of release had already been emailed to her but saw nothing. She did notice that her alarm was off. However, she couldn't remember if she even turned that on the prior night.
What about Emma then? A weird feeling sunk into the pit of her stomach. Emma always woke her up early in the morning. Always. That was one of the reasons she could afford to forget about setting up the alarm from time to time. Yet today the house was suspiciously quiet. Too quiet if you'd ask her. Quickening her pace, Marinette rushed to check Emma's room. It was empty. Her bed was poorly made, and a few outfits were lying on top of it, but the girl wasn't there.
Heart pounding heavily, Marinette headed down the stairs. Her living room was also empty. So were the family room and the kitchen. No one was in the hall.
"They are probably outside," Marinette tried to convince herself. Adrien might have stayed over and taken her outside to play. Why didn't he wake her up then? He knew she was due to leave for the trip early in the morning?
She rushed toward her backyard windows, but there was not a single person as well.
The thoughts of the lost job vanished when Marinette realized her house was empty - Adrien was gone, and so was Emma.