The alarm went off at 7 am to an empty bed. The usual occupant was sitting at her piano, already composing and practicing as to keep her mind afloat in the panic of the upcoming events. Ella had been awake for hours already, her mind never fully shutting down or letting her even drift off for an hour or two. Then again, Ella was used to this- what she wished she could have done was leave and wander the city to calm herself down... but until the adoption was finalized, the noirette still had to follow Mr. Agreste's rules and remain in the house for all hours other than school and accompanying Adrien to photoshoots and stuff.
Ella got up from the piano just to turn off the alarm before she went back to the instrument. There were multiple sets of sheet music on the stand before her but the seeming chaos to others was organized to her, in layers of what calmed her brain down to what made her think the hardest.
At 7:30, a stiff knock on the door echoed through the room and Nathalie gently pushed the door open.
"Ella, breakfast is ready."
"Okay, I'll be out in a minute, Nathalie."
The older woman nodded, hesitated, then entered the room.
"Everything alright, Ella?"
The girl stopped picking out notes to a song in the works, moving her gaze up to her future mother. Words danced on her tongue and while she debated for seconds, Ella finally sighed and turned to face Nathalie.
"I'm... I'm not ready for this party today... I hate having attention on me and I haven't celebrated my birthday once in the last twelve years... I wish I had told Alya no when she "asked" about having the party." Ella used air quotes when she said Alya asked, but sighed again when she finished. Nathalie nodded before motioning for Ella to scoot over.
Taking a seat beside her future daughter, the older woman kept her eyes on the sheet music as she mused over her words.
"While the situation is not something you're used to, you have friends who want to celebrate your life and your spot in theirs. This hatred of attention is going to have to change- working on it with situations like this party or the photoshoots coming up will help. This is also why group therapy will occur. You have a whole new life to adjust to and while it will take time, you have to accept some circumstances will require change now."
Ella nodded, her gaze moving back down to the black and white keys beneath her fingers as Nathalie stood again.
"I should go retrieve Adrien for breakfast. Come out soon."
"Yes, ma'am..."

Breakfast was quiet, both teens thinking about the day. Adrien watched Ella out the corner of his eye; her movements small and jittery. He could see her wheels spinning as the panic ran through her brain, but she was trying to keep a lid on it- keep it contained.
"You okay, angel?" He finally asked, frowning sadly as his love jumped slightly at his voice cutting through the silence.
"Y-yeah... yeah I'm okay..."
Adrien opened his mouth again to try and alleviate some of the worries, when Nathalie opened the dining room door abruptly.
"Adrien, Ella. The photoshoot from yesterday has now been scheduled for 9am. Please get yourselves ready to leave within the next fifteen minutes."
Ella startled again at Nathalie's words, her fork clattering against her plate.
"Father has stuff for Ella to model?" Adrien asked, shifting and gently taking his girlfriend's hand.
"Yes, he has a few pieces- and would like Ella to model a few matching outfits as well." Adrien squeezed Ella's hand, frowning at the shaking that began. Turning to fully face her, Adrien pressed his other hand to Ella's cheek, and made her meet his gaze.
"It'll be okay, Elle- it's gonna be just us and the photographer."
"I-I'm okay... I'm not w-worried about that..."
"Then what's wrong?"
Ella was silent a moment, her lip between her teeth before she spoke again.
"People are gonna see the photos... I'm not a model, and people only know me by the news story- what if they think-"
"It doesn't matter what other people think. The only opinion about you that matters is your own. My father wants you to model for him because he... well I don't know his reasoning but I know he picked you for you. I get it's hard to separate your anxious thoughts from everything else and I don't know what it's like inside your head, but I know you and I know you can get through today and every other day that makes you feel like you can't."
Adrien watched Ella's eyes well up, her body shifting to stand. He met her halfway, wrapping his arms around her waist as hers encircled his neck.
"I have no idea how I'd still be alive without you right now, étoile..." Ella whispered against his neck, the skin tingling from her warm breath and her lips brushing ever so slightly over his pulse. Ignoring that and the warmth spreading from his chest, Adrien hugged Ella close and let her choose when to step away.

After a few minutes, Ella pulled away and muttered something about the photoshoot. Nodding, Adrien led the way to the foyer and watched his love head into her room before going to his own.
"Come on, Plagg- time to get moving." The blond called, shutting his door as he scanned for his kwami. Said creature was buried in a plate of camembert, filling his stomach.
"I thought the party wasn't till later!"
"Photoshoot. Let's go."
"Ugh fine. You owe me cheese!"
"You have enough!"

Twenty minutes later, the photoshoot was beginning at the Eiffel Tower on the edge of the Seine. Ella was bundled up in a large overcoat, her first outfit and matching jewelry underneath until she was called, sitting on a bench watching Adrien pose just across the way.
An hour into the shoot, she was finally called to be photographed.
Thirty minutes after that, she changed outfits and Adrien dragged her into the shot with him, wrapping his arms around her.

By noon, Ella was frazzled and ninety percent positive she wanted to cancel even thinking about going to the party in thirty minutes. Adrien almost couldn't hold back the giggle at how cute she was, watching her pace trying to come up with an excuse for Alya and the entire class. But he felt bad feeling amusement at her expense, so he decided to step in.
"Elle, angel." He finally spoke and gently trapped her wrist in his hand as she walked passed him for the sixth time. The girl turned her gaze to him, eyes scouring his for answers. Softly guiding her to sit beside him, Adrien let her breath a moment before speaking.
"I know it's scary, but we promised to go. We can stay as long as you feel comfortable, and I can promise no one will blame you for feeling anxious or wary of the scenario." He spoke soft and slow, letting his voice visibly calm her enough for her to rationally think about the situation. After a minute, Adrien smiled as Ella sighed and nodded. Standing first and helping her up, Adrien led the pair to the car and asked Gorilla to drop them at the Place de Vosges.
"Your father wants you two home by four, Adrien. Mr. Dupont asked to finalize a few things this evening."
"Can't Adrien stay at the party while I go home? He doesn't need to be there for it. Please, Nathalie?" Ella asked Nathalie, wanting to let her boyfriend have some fun with his friends without having to worry about her. The woman gazed at the girl for a moment, her eyes contemplating.
"...you can ask and see." She finally relented, Ella nodding and thanking her as she reached for her phone. The car door shut and drove from the mansion.

The hope was there but Mr. Agreste said no.
"Sorry Adrien." Ella frowned sadly as the car pulled up to the park.
"It's fine, Ella. I would rather be there for you, since I couldn't go to the last meeting."
Ella's frown deepened, stopping herself from reaching for the door handle.
"...I don't want you to not hang out with your friends in favor of listening to a lawyer talk about my father's trial or the adoption process. You can't end the social life you deserve because of me- I won't let you. You've been alone long enough."
"I can say the same thing to you. We can go back and forth on this forever, Ella, but I'm not backing down or leaving you alone anymore."

Adrien stared at the girl, watching her ponder over his words, and with a sigh, forgo arguing and relented. With a wide grin, Adrien got out and jogged around to get the door for her.
By now, the rest of the class already gathered had noticed their arrival and began yelling 'Happy Birthday' as Ella emerged from the car.

She started shy but let down her walls as the party wore on, Adrien noticed as he watched Ella interact with everyone. Staying around him for the first thirty minutes or so, Ella migrated to Marinette and Alya (as well as the other girls) and spent the next hour laughing with a wide smile on her face.
Food and dessert arrived and was eaten. Presents were given to a blushing Ella- who couldn't help fangirling over a few; a huge scoresheet book of handpicked musical numbers from her favorite broadways shows, and a guitar (from Juleka's brother, who heard about Ella from his sister and sadly couldn't attend so he sent the present along) to name some. Ella got more journals, pads of scoresheets, a little plush Cat Noir doll, and a card signed by everyone with their favorite thing about Ella written there. To say the noirette was in happy tears by the end of that was an understatement.
By three, Nino had taken over the DJ booth and everyone started dancing as if Chloé's party yesterday didn't happen. Ella told Adrien to go have some fun while she and Gorilla put the gifts away in the car. The second she got back, Nino switched the current song to a slow one and shot Adrien a smug look. The blond blushed and rolled his eyes, but carefully took Ella's hand, pulled her close and began swaying back and forth (ignoring all the eyes on him- and not noticing Marinette's jealous gaze as the blunette left for something going on at the bakery).
"True Colors from the Trolls movie? I didn't know Nino had this on his playlist." Ella commented, resting her head on Adrien's shoulder. The pair were a perfect recreation of yesterday's slow dance.
"Mm, he probably made a new one for the party with songs he thought you'd like."
"That's nice of him..." Ella's voice drifted off, drawing Adrien's gaze down to see her eyes closed.
"Tired?"
"Mhm..."
The blond smiled that soft grin reserved for his love, and continued to sway, listening to the lyrics.

"This world makes you crazy
And you've taken all you can bear
Just call me up
Cause I will always be there
And I see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you-"

Adrien realized the lyrics and blushed, green eyes darting to find Nino.. but his friend was dancing with Alya and ignoring Adrien's pointed glare... so he returned his gaze to Ella and her calm, dozing face. Fighting the urge to kiss her forehead, Adrien just rested his chin atop her hair and moved to the music.

At three thirty, Nathalie called Gorilla and asked him to bring the teens back home. So the pair said their goodbyes, Ella thanked everyone profusely, and they climbed into the car.
"I gotta write everyone 'thank you' cards- especially Juleka's brother! That was seriously too much!" Ella gasped out.
"But aren't you glad you went?" Adrien smirked as Ella's head bobbed in affirmation. And he chuckled as she yawned.
"I think I'll take a nap after this meeting..." She decided, resting her head back against the seat.
"Need to recharge?"
"Yeah... thank you, Adrien."
"For what?"
"For convincing me to go and for staying with me... I love you."
Blushing but smiling bright, Adrien reached over and took Ella's hand.
"I love you too."

At four, Ella went to the atelier while Adrien went upstairs to his room. There was a show being filmed at Marinette's parents bakery; she had mentioned it at the party and it was kind of sudden but she asked him if he would watch it. He agreed and offhandedly mentioned he'd record it for Ella to watch too, not noticing the look of hurt flashing across the blunette's face

Twenty minutes into the meeting, Mr. Agreste asked everyone to move to the dining room, as he suddenly had an important incoming call. Ella cocked her head in confusion but followed Nathalie and Mr. Dupont into the room across the foyer and continued listening about the adoption process. Apparently, her uncle- while wanting nothing to do with her- was trying to get at the jewelry business and the money that had been legally become Ella's. So the steps for Nathalie adopting the teen was being sped up, so there was no problem come the trial on February 9th.
Ella shuddered at the thought of seeing her father again, wishing Adrien had been allowed to sit in the meeting... she could really use a hug right now.
She sat silent in her seat, as Nathalie took notes and filled out her necessary paperwork. There was a whole bunch of extra stuff to fill out since Nathalie wasn't in any way related to Ella and had no real claim to adopt her, but Ella gave wanted permission so that made the steps easier. Mr. Dupont went on about what questions would be asked in the trial and what evidence there was, if any. Luckily, Ella hadn't been stupid and did take photos of some early abuse results, and the hospital had taken photos too. Plus, there were witnesses from that day too. Taking note of this, Mr. Dupont mentioned that with witness testimony, there was a higher chance of a guilty conviction.
"But it depends on what he says...?" Ella asked the unspoken question, speaking for the first time in over an hour. Both adults glanced at her, Nathalie letting the lawyer answer that one.
"Yes, it does. Of course, your father will tell his own story of the abuse. Luckily, there is the hospital staff and security, and Mr. Agreste's son-"
"I don't think Mr. Agreste would like his son becoming any more involved in this." Nathalie spoke up, fixing her glasses. Mr. Dupont nodded, but spoke again.
"I understand that, Ms. Sancoeur, but young Adrien is a prime witness to Mr. Maunt actively trying to kill his daughter." Ella flinched hard into the back of her chair, her breath catching in her chest. The two adults continued to discuss the topic, not exactly ignoring but not taking notice of Ella's growing anxiety.
Was she awful for involving Adrien in this? She hadn't exactly asked him to stop her father from strangling her- and she's definitely not taking that for granted! But could she really ask him to testify against her father and recount all the terrible things he knew happened to her? He knew about what her father was planning to do to him or to Marinette and Alya, if Ella didn't listen and follow to his orders...

Oh god- her hands were tingling...
Her chest was constricting and she couldn't breathe... when had she taken a breath last?
Ella's eyes shot up, searching for blond hair but her darkening vision only saw the pale white of the dining room.
"A-adr-ien..."
And Ella hit the ground.

Adrien sighed as he landed back in his bedroom and de-transformed from being Cat Noir. Raven hadn't shown up to fight Troublemaker, and Ladybug didn't want to talk about why her and their feathered partner seemed to be fighting. He ignored Plagg's poking, collapsing on his bed, as his thoughts drifted back to if Ella knew Raven's identity... But his silent inner debate was cut off by a flurry of distressed knocking and a male voice calling through his door.
"What's wrong?" Adrien opened the door, green eyes wide with questioning concern.
"Please come down to the dining room- Miss Ella collapsed-"
No other words registered in Adrien's brain as he sprinted passed the man and down the steps. Shoes skidding against the tile floor, Adrien almost fell over himself as he ran into the room and his eyes took in the sight.
Nathalie was kneeling on the floor with Ella's head in her lap.
"What happened here?" Adrien's father's voice faintly registered in the teen's ears as he darted forward and pulled Ella to his chest.
"We were discussing Adrien testifying considering what he witnessed in the hospital, when Ella passed out and fell from her chair. She hit her head but there is no blood, just a bruise." Nathalie's voice sounded like it was coming through a badly-tuned radio to Adrien. Was this how things sounded to Ella when she was having an anxiety attack? Was this tightness in his chest how Ella felt when her lungs refused to work?
"Son."
A hand on his shoulder and being addressed like that pulled the boy from the depths of his mind and his gaze up to meet his fathers.
"Carry Ella to her room, Adrien. Let her wake up and then we will see if a hospital visit is necessary."

Adrien sat beside Ella's bed for maybe twenty minutes before she stirred, a little groan leaving her lips as her eyes blinked open.
"Angel?" At his voice, Ella turned her head and her eyes found his.
"Adrien?"
"You collapsed in the dining room. What happened?" Adrien asked as he reached forward and helped the girl sit up.
"I... Nathalie and Mr. Dupont... they were talking about whether or not you would testify against my father... I guess I had an anxiety attack and passed out..."

The blond frowned and moved to sit alongside Ella atop the sheets. Taking her hand, Adrien squeezed it tight and leaned close.
"I know telling you not to worry isn't something that'll help- that's like telling someone with asthma to just breathe. But I don't want you to worry over my decisions. I want to help you through anything possible, and if that means telling the judge what I saw your father do, then I'm gonna do it. You're still suffering because of him- don't think I don't notice the nights you don't sleep because of nightmares-" Ella ducked her head at those words, "and I want to help you move on. And you know you're not alone, right? You have me, Nathalie, my dad, Marinette, Alya- and even Raven! And Cat Noir and Ladybug! You have more friends and help than you realize, Ella, and we all want to be here for you."
It took a moment but the girl nodded and gave a little smile. Adrien took that as a win and gave Ella a hug, one she reciprocated.
"You feeling okay? Does your head hurt?"
"It's a little sore but I'm okay, I promise."
"Okay, you stay here and rest a bit more. I'll go talk to my father and Nathalie about everything."
For once, Adrien was happy Ella didn't argue. She just nodded and curled back up under the blankets, clearly still exhausted from her anxiety attack. Quietly, the blond slipped from the room and headed to the atelier. He was involved in this and he was gonna see it through to the end. He swore to protect Ella and that wasn't gonna change.

*Sorry this chapter seems a bit angsty lol I wrote it a bit back after I had seen the Dear Evan Hansen movie and I was an emotional wreck for about a week straight. That movie/stage show just really gets me in so many ways- I highly recommend it*