A/N: I am just adding a tiny trigger warning here - neglect is a form of physical abuse. Also talks about trauma and other mental health problems. Those themes have been there throughout the whole story, but it's more dominant here...

If you, or any loved ones need help - try to find it, in any form, that is doable for you. And just in case - here is a tiny virtual ~hug~.

The Sound of Silence

The stupid and confusing thing about love certainly was, that it was fucking impossible, to get said loved one out of their head. It wasn't a curse per se, if these feelings were wanted. Yet, if they were unwanted, sometimes even unexpected, they could get quite tiring, exhausting, perhaps even irritating. And it was even worse, when there wasn't only one loveable dork occupying ones mind - but two! One was the sweetest boy imaginable - the other a badass hero through and through. Two souls, that had good hearts, minds full of jokes and puns and teasing. The burdens of trauma and unknown pasts weighting heavily on their backs. The line was incredibly blurred on where similarities and differences began and where they ended and perhaps that was the very reason on why Marinette loved both Adrien Agreste and Chat Noir - and that kept her thinking throughout the whole day.

Indeed - it was the virtue and the sin…

Adrien was the virtue and Chat Noir - oh - he was absolutely the sin.

She knew, that she had to find a way to move on from her feelings for Chat Noir - but he made it so fucking hard for her with all his charm, his teasing, his sharp mind and determination. And of course his good looks as well…

But she needed to find a way - to be absolutely happy with Adrien…

And yet she found herself throughout most of Friday, that her thoughts kept on wandering between these two back and forth, her heart skipping a beat after the other.

The young woman couldn't even think about somebody she could talk with about her not so tiny problem. Nobody was allowed to know, that she had seen Chat Noir in private. Not her parents. Not Alya and Nino. Not even Adrien. She could only talk about it with Tikki - though the red Kwami was by no means any help with her lack of understanding regarding anything close to romance, love and closeness. Sure - she could give her Chosen smart advice and gushed about both men similarly- still speaking about that stupid sign in her own, anciently wise way.

But it wasn't helping Marinette at all - in fact it somehow seemed to the young woman, that she was missing something very important to finally solve that damned riddle. But… What could it be? What did Tikki know, that she wasn't aware of?

…Sadly she couldn't find an answer for that - not even during a whole day of thinking, whenever she had too much time on her hands - heck - even when she was working! And gosh - she really had been lost in thought throughout the whole day:

She had to even rush back to her apartment, in the morning, since she had forgotten her packages. Didn't even label them correctly in the first place! First didn't make it in time for the train and then almost missed the correct station. At work it was even worse… It was hard to focus - hard to get everything right in the boutique, even harder to remember the right orders in the Café.

She was a complete mess and there was currently nothing, she could do about it…

And yet she somehow successfully made it through the day - somehow was able to get the job done, eventhough she felt immensely tired. Physically and mentally.

…gosh… what had she gotten herself into?

It was shortly after ten in the evening, when Marinette finally was able to get her belongings and to leave. All the money was collected and counted and her other colleagues were about to leave as well - though she shortly stopped on her way out, as she overheard a conversation between the cook and the Maître-D:

"-and what if Ladybug and Chat Noir can't stop Lady Titalee?", she heard one of them say and sighed noiselessly for it remembered her about that other, stupid problem, that kept her up throughout the night and made her life almost unbarable at the moment. Lady Titalee… But she simply couldn't deny, that it all had a huge impact on her and her life. …if only she could stop the villainess soon - but Chat Noir and her would need to find a way to do that.

"They have stopped Hawk Moth and Mayura!"

"…though it had taken them two years to do so…"

Marinette shook her head and knew, that this was the very truth that they spoke about and yet it pained her deeply to be confronted with her own incompetence…

It was true - Chat and her needed two years to be finally able to defeat them. And she wanted it to be different now…

…needed it to be different - otherwise it would ruin her completely.

And…Chat…? He was still so horribly traumatized by their last fight - couldn't step into Hawk Moth's lair, couldn't face Gabriel, again. Sure - he had done it before, though her request had seemingly taken him by surprise. So - what was different now? And was up with him and their ex-nemisis? Was Gabriel reminding him so much of his own father? Was he hating the ex-designer so much? Or… was it something else?

"Dupain-Cheng?", the cook asked too suddenly, his eyes finding her easily, as she stood in the doorframe. She had probably made a sound by accident and she hurriedly reached inside her purse, rummaging through her belongings carefully to not disturb Tikki completely and tried to act as unsuspecting as possible. "You are still here? Everybody else has left by now!"

"Oh, ehr - yeah! I thought, that I forget my keys and went back to get them…", she found them in her purse and held them up between her fingers, laughing nervously. "But as you see - they were just caught in the incredible mess, that is a woman's purse! And now I really should head home and-"

"One moment!", the Maître-D said stopping her. Arms crossed, before he continued: "You know that Adrien Agreste, don't you?"

She immediately frowned, a puff of air leaving her lungs, as the cook added knowingly "I told you - I believe she is the one in the video. His little girlfriend~"

Really? Did she really need to talk about something like that now? Couldn't destiny be kind at least once to her and leave her to go to bed early? All she wanted for tonight was a little snack, a few minutes of Adrien's voice - if he was still awake - and her cuddly pillows, that still faintly smelled of him.

"I know him, yes?", she said - hoping, that this very conversation wouldn't turn in a bad direction. "So?"

"Do you believe him?"

"She wouldn't fuck him otherwise, wouldn't she?"

"Shut up!"

"But-"

"I am looking for her opinion!"

She growled and grasped her purse with Tikki inside tightly - ready to storm out of there, if they dared to say one wrong word about Adrien - that, or defend him and his honor with everything she had.

The young woman was just so endlessly tired of everybody speaking of him so badly. By now everybody was aware of his presence in Paris - the interview being the biggest reason for that. Yet many still dared to believe in his guilt. That he was just as responsible for his father becoming Hawk Moth, like the ex-designer himself. That Adrien was a bad guy…

She heard it throughout the day. These rumors. Words of hate. But also doubts. Encouragement in his return - and maybe that was something they could hope for.

"I believe him!", she therefore said truthfully, raising her head a little higher to not give them the impression, that she just was a small girl, whose options didn't matter. "He is the kindest man, I know and he wouldn't even dare to harm a fly. He didn't know, that his father was Hawk Moth and would have done just anything, if he had found out about it earlier…"

"You are just after his money!", the cook said, while the Maître-D stayed surprisingly quiet. "And he laid you well, didn't he?"

She narrowed her eyes and pressed her lips into a thin, angry line. Raising her nose even higher - and even Chloé would envy that very scornful arrogance, with which she passed these men on her way to the entrance.

"I am not after his money!", she hissed and made one last angry glance over her shoulder, as she reached for the door handle. "And if you really want to know - with him I had the best sex of my life!"

And with that she was gone - right through the door and outside. Storming down the street and into the very direction that was the closest metro station - only to stop halfway there.

Eyes widening, as she turned white, before her cheeks started to burn with shame most painfully. Grunting, hiding her face in her hands and she leaned against a nearby wall to support herself, as shame started her from inside out.

"Urgh! That was childish! Why have I said that?", she squeaked - knowing too well, that she had revealed too much about them and their relationship. Sure - everybody knew, that a couple had sex - which didn't mean, that everybody was supposed to know, that they have already done it!

…though she had only stated the truth - she didn't love Adrien for his money, fame, or name and there was no word, that could accurately describe their first time with each other!

"Because you wanted to clear his name? And yours? And you were pretty honest there…", she heard Tikki whisper and saw the Kwami peak up to her though her half-opened purse. Smiling warmly at her silly human, but was unable to comfort her properly, now, that they still were in public.

"But saying something like that-"

"I don't see a problem… People around you constantly speak about sex, so it isn't a big deal, isn't it?"

Marinette sighed. Shrugged, for she knew, that this was true.

Though… it was a problem for her…

And Adrien? What would he say about it?

First she made sure, that nobody was paying any attention to her, before she opened the purse a little wider - she didn't want anybody to notice the small entity inside of it. Searching for her phone and eventually she found it - needing the support of him as well.

"Oh… he has called a few times…", she said surprisingly, looking once more to Tikki, who smiled bashfully.

"I didn't have the time before to tell you that. But your phone was going crazy for the last two hours…", she giggled. "He really must be thinking a lot about you, when you are not around! You must be really lucky, to have him!"

Marinette smiled as well, briefly caressing Tikki's small head, before she closed her purse once more, only to unlock her phone instead.

She immediately saw 5 missed calls. But no message - which seemed to be strange at first, but as she thought about it, she merely saw at as a cute little attempt of her boyfriend to hear her voice before falling asleep. And perhaps - seeing the time on her display - he was indeed sleeping by now. Tired from his job at the bakery and such an eventful week…

Still hoping for the best she called him back. To hear his gentle voice and his laughter, that would calm her down a little. That kept her company, throughout her way home.

But he didn't take her incoming call, which made her frown immediately.

It was very unlike Adrien to not immediately answer her call - even before they were official and yet…

She glanced at her display once more, read the time, again.

…and yet it was already late! He was probably sleeping by now - and she was clearly worrying too much during such crazy times.

So she took a deep breath and exhaled, to feel her heart rate go down. Opening their messages, instead. She smiled, as she saw the clusters of hearts, they have send each other throughout the day, which made her feel warm inside once more and eventually she was ready to send him a cute little voice message for the night:

"Hey, Babe! I have seen your calls - too sad, that I couldn't take them. Stupid work kept me away from you and I am sure you are asleep by now. Anyway - I hope you have sweet dreams!" And with a fluttering heart she added: "I am looking forward to tomorrow~"

She send it to him, without checking for any silly words. Did not delete it, either - for it was her genuine self and she was sure, that Adrien didn't want it any other way - she wouldn't want him any other way either.

It surely was something, that made them very compatible…

With her phone in her hand she pushed herself from the wall and started to walk. Casually - for she would miss the first train anyway and would need to wait for the second one. Then why would she need to hur-

Her phone started to vibrate and ring in her hands, just as she reached the streetlight, waiting anyway until it turned red.

She grinned madly, as she read his name on the display, taking the call immediately:

"Hey! I thought you were already asleep! I really hope, that I didn't wake you in- Adrien?" A sob-like breath reached her ears and it startled her. "Adrien? What happened?"

"Marinette?", he croaked, sniffed and it immediately broke her heart - pained her more, than she could ever say. "Shit! Sorry! I- I am- I have-"

He gulped heavily and she felt paralyzed - knew, that she needed to do something. See him, talk to him, help him. Hug and kiss him. Just anything, that would make her man stop crying.

"Where are you?"

"Marinette, n-no! You don't have to!"

"Babe, please! Let me help you!"

He was at home.

It was a no-brainer for her, that she immediately changed direction - another metro station was her aim. The one, that would bring her to Adrien.

She hurried. Down the streets, clutching the purse in one hand, her phone in the other. Faster, not stopping.

She squeezed herself through the closing doors in time. Couldn't even sit down, felt to antsy and worried and scared. And his place wasn't too far away, either.

Halfway there she knew, that she should have transformed into Ladybug. It would have been the fastest way to get to Adrien, to his apartment. And this certainly was an emergency - Tikki would have accepted it.

…though… he surely would have questioned her speed - not even a taxi could have been that fast. But she would have tried to find a silly excuse and really - would it have mattered to him?

It wasn't even twenty minutes later, when she reached his apartment - pushing the button of the doorbell - and he opened it immediately. Waiting for her by the door the whole time and until both were very able to wrap the arms around the other.

She hugged him tightly and felt herself break, as she felt him shake. Heard him sob into her hair.

… and eventually saw those tear streaks on his cheeks, red and puffy eyes.

"Adrien…", she whispered, feeling her own throat tighten at that sign, but didn't want to give in to her own tears just yet. For right now he was the one to seek comfort in her. So she needed to be strong - she was the shoulder he needed to lean on and cry, until all tears dried out and until he could fall asleep peacefully. "I am here…I am really here now…"

He mustered her through the cloud of tears, as if he needed to make sure, that she wasn't a dream, nor a nightmare. That she was flesh and hair and bones and the woman, he needed.

She let him stare at her - she was now the one to go his desired pace and everything else would be irrelevant.

"You shouldn't be here, my Queen…", he eventually sniffed and a sad smile made its way on her lips. "It's… it's so late. And you need to sleep… Y-you are always so hard working…"

She frowned, but knew, that was not a way to get rid of her, again - but his own way to hide his feelings from her. He had barely spoken about them in the past - hid sadness, fear and anger underneath that perfect mask of smiles and laughter. But she didn't need that mask to love him - she wanted all, or nothing. The natural, unfiltered Adrien Agreste and only she was allowed a very rare glimpse of that.

Wasn't this their silly, little deal, on why she had become his girlfriend? To see and witness the real Adrien - one, that the world was never allowed to see.

The one, that stood miserably right in front of her and somehow smelled faintly of some alcoholic beverage…

Marinette closed the door - very determined to stay here, until he felt better - eventhough it kept her from sleeping for the whole night. She hung her purse on the hallstand, slipped out of her shoes, before she grabbed his hand tightly, dragging him behind - across the corridor and towards the living room.

She pointed towards the huge sofa and tried to put on the warmest and purest smile she could manage.

"Sit…"

"Marinette - you don't have to do anything for me, rea-"

Hastefully she laid a finger on her lips to silence his complains.

"Let me take care of you for once… Okay?"

He gulped and his beautiful, but darkened eyes fixatedon hers, reading her emotions and feelings, until he eventually nodded and sat down as he was told.

Marinette immediately started her work - first of making sure, that every single window in his apartment was closed - she didn't want an Akuma to intrude. Didn't want it to latch onto Adrien - wouldn't even bare the thought, that he would ever turn into a villain.

She loved him too much for that…

Then she walked towards the kitchen - her brows furrowed, as she saw the bottle with whiskey on the counter and an empty glass resting right next to it. Thankfully there wasn't much missing - maybe a few sips, perhaps a little more. The young woman hadn't seen him drink anything alcoholic before. Sure - he was usually the driver and yet it didn't fit the proper picture of him. A tiny sign, that showed her, that the situation was even worse, then she first had expected it to be.

But it wouldn't stop her - instead fuelled her will to help him even more.

Marinette searched the fridge - a little snack could help and she smiled at the box with her parents Macarons she found there. Then some chilled water in a bottle and… Why did he have such a huge assortment of different cheeses? He really did miss French cheese, didn't he?

She closed the fridge, again and placed it on the table in the living room only a moment later.

Adrien watched her, tears for now dried, but a tiered look hung to his features. Dark circles framed his eyes and the tall man looked so small on that big sofa, with his shoulders and head hanging and that deep frown on his lips.

He opened his lips, once. Twice, but he found no words to say. Merely shook his head and stayed quiet, slumbing against the back of the sofa. He covered his eyes with a hand and she knew, that he tired everything in his power to not start crying, yet again.

She couldn't bare it.

Slowly she neared to big piece of furniture, kneeling down to crawl over to his side. Laying her head on his shoulder, her arm across his chest. Closed her eyes to hear his rapid heartbeat. Waited, most patiently.

His own hand brushed over her back. Tenderly, seeking for the warmth she offered. Pulling her a little closer - the other reached for her fingers on his chest and clutched them gingerly. He brought them to his lips once, kissing her knuckles, the tips and her palm most affectionately.

"I have made a mistake…", he finally spoke, his usually soft voice hoarse from his crying. "…a stupid, fucking mistake, because I didn't think it through. I wanted to call my therapist - but he is on vacation…"

Marinette opened his eyes again, lifting her head off his shoulder to look at him.

He hadn't told her what has happened, yet. She wouldn't pressure him into doing it, either. Still she couldn't help but wonder about all the things, that could have happened to him - yet, when he mentioned his therapist, she immediately knew, that something happened on an apocalyptic level of badness.

"You don't have to tell me - really! But I am here now and that is, what matters…"

He sighed - a deep an heartbreaking sigh and he carefully nodded his head. Barely able to look her in the eyes, unable to smile at all. He merely cupped her cheek, brushing her skin tenderly.

"I believe, that I don't have the courage to disappoint you…"

"As if you could ever do that…"

"You are so gorgeous, while I am just a big pile of trash!"

"You shouldn't have drunk the whiskey, Babe. You say stupid things…"

"But you are gorgeous!"

She shook her head, leaning into his touch a little more.

"And aren't trash! You are the most lovable person I know!"

"…don't say that, Marinette…"

"But it's the truth!"

He wouldn't believe her. Couldn't - his demons holding his eyes shut, to see it himself and it hurt her, more than she could tell.

…heck - she would give her soul to the devil, if it would make his trauma disappear…

He started to stare at the ceiling once more and she rested her head on his chest, listening to his never-ending hesrtbeat, that wouldn't dare to give him a break. Gently she caressed his arm, just to remind him, that she was there.

That everything would be kind-of-okay, again.

They laid like that for some time - the young woman sometimes believed, that he had fallen asleep, if it wasn't for the sobs, that broke from his lips too suddenly every now and then.

It was about and hour later, when she felt him eventually move again, sitting up slowly and suddenly, making her kneel beside him as well. Yet, he didn't look at her, focused on his feet, instead. Squeezed her hand, before he stood up, walking from the living room.

The young woman stayed behind, watching him silently and pulled her knees to her chest - just dearly hoping, that there was just anything, she could do for him. If only she had the knowledge to actually help him, without him breaking even more.

Wasn't she the worst girlfriend ever, to not be able to do that for him?

He came back a moment later, carrying the bottle of whiskey in one hand, two glasses in the other, placing them on the table between the things she had brought for him earlier.

Then he sat down on the floor, opposite of her, with so much space between them. Opening the bottle, pouring something of the amber colored liquid in both glasses - a little more into the one, that was closest to him, less in that in front of her.

"Care to share a drink with me?", he said with a smile, that didn't reach his eyes. "You don't have to! But I need some courage to talk…"

"I usually don't drink…", she mumbled. The last time she had drunk something slightly alcoholic was her birthday - three years ago. It wasn't particularly the taste, that put her off - there used to be a time, where she enjoyed her time out with her girl friends and to have a cocktail or two for the night. Or wine… she didn't have a good glass of French wine throughout all that time. Her patrols back then were rarer, more free time on her hand anyway. No Akumas… She didn't need to stay focused at all times.

Though… one sip of whiskey wouldn't kill her, and wouldn't be too bad - and if it helped Adrien in any way…

She reached for the glass with steady fingers, scooting to the very edge of the sofa to be able to toast with him over the middle of the table, their eyes never leaving those of the other.

"On us~", he mumbled, raising the glass in her direction.

"Yeah… on us…"

He laid the rim of it on his lips, emptying the glass in a hurried gulp. Marinette did the same - thought it wouldn't be too bad, but the harsh taste and strong alcohol had taken her of guard. Coughing, as eyes watered, setting the glass back on the table hurriedly and reached for the water bottle beside her - taking huge gulps to get rid of the taste. Then took one of the Macarons, taking a huge bite of it - hoping, that the sweetness would just take the burning sensation from her tounge.

He chuckled, immediately stood up and came around the table to sit beside her. Embracing her and he rubbed her back, to sooth her fits of coughing.

"I am sorry! I should have warned you, that it's a strong one…"

"It burns my throat!", she said with a raspy voice and ate the remaining macaron."How were you able to drink it all at once, without dying?"

"It isn't my first glass…", he merely said. "Though the next time we should put some ice in it…"

"Thanks for the advice - it came a little late… And the next time I'll rather take a wine!"

"Sorry…", he mumbled and kept on holding her tightly. She let him, hugged his waist back and just hoped, that the burning would go away, while she hid her burning face in the crook of his neck. Leaning onto him, to steady her, as the alcoholic beverage hit her stomach, spreading warmth from there through her whole body - swearing to herself, that she would never - ever - drink whiskey "I visited Gabriel today." again.

Wait!

She raised her head from his neck to look at him with wide eyes - her poor brain searching for words - for just anything - but came up empty-handed. Instead he was now the brave one, to speak:

"After work… I took a taxi to the prison. I swore to myself, that I would just stand in front of it for some time - believed, that nobody would let me in without an appointment anyway. But… of course a guard noticed me - and of course they allowed me to have an hour to visit him. I… I knew, that I couldn't turn back anymore…"

Adrien grasped her hands tightly and looked at their joined hands. Carefully tracing her fingers, her knuckles and her wrist in a tiny gesture, before he lifted them back up to his lips, kissing first her left one, then the right. She knew exactly, that he was so fucking afraid to continue - scared of the very thing he had done today and what she would think, if he told her. So he tried to appease her - though that stupid alcohol seemingly made him forget, that she would never be angry with him.

And for now he couldn't continue, shaking once more - standing up abruptly, pacing back and forth in the room. He couldn't even look her in the eyes, not when he passed her to walk to the window, not even when he walked back. Hands brushing nervously through his hair and face. Twisting his ever-present ring around his finger, breathing so unevenly.

There was more to it, than he has told her, yet. Much, much more…

Marinette couldn't bear to see him like that - the sunshine boy, with the billion watt smile and with the heart made of gold. Hoped, to just find something, to soothe his mind. Something, that would be far different, from what he experienced in the prison - the opposite to what he had ever witnessed under the man, who brought him so much pain and hurt.

Closeness - came easily in her mind. Fondness and love and kindness. Warmth. Things he would seek in a family - the very refuge he would have needed in all these years, but he never found them.

…lost them in the very end…

"Adrien…", she therefore whispered most gently and raised her arms in his direction - an invitation, he had always taken in the past. "Come here…"

He was confused, that was true. Stopped walking. Hestitated in silence. But even before Marinette could have doubted her own action she saw him take a sharp turn, coming back to her. But waited by the sofa, longingly stared at her, as he hesitated to come a littlecloser, again.

"I don't bite…", she said lightly. "Really… but I really can't watch you walking around with your heart hurting, while I - your poor girlfriend, who came all the way to be by your side - just sits on the the sofa in complete uselessness. Now come here and let me be good for something!"

She wasn't scolding him by any means, spoke softly, almost teasingly, for she knew, that her words would easily get him that way. And he surely wouldn't complain.

Instead a sad smile made it on his lips and he finally sat on the sofa - didn't dare to move in to get that promised embrace just yet.

But thankfully she acted, before he could have moved away once more and before her mind would have formed to many thoughts about it - who knew, maybe the alcohol helped her to act a little more boldly than usual.

She grasped his shirt, pulled him close to her, while she at the same time leaned back in the decorative cushions behind her. Holding him by his sholders, while his own head found it's place in the softness of her breasts. Sure - he would hear her madly beating heart, witness every breath she took and squish her body in a good kind of way.

But Marinette didn't mind, smiled gently down at him, eventhough he would not be able to see her face. Stroking his head and hair with sincere tenderness and affection.

Yes - it was an utterly intimate moment for them - one that, wouldn't promise hot kisses during a thunderstorm and a night full of passionate sex and orgasms.

…but it promised their hearts to intertwine a little more.

It took him some time to finally relax against her, his tense muscles getting softer, his breathing even. Arms holding onto her waist, to make sure, that both were to stay in that exact spot and place, his ear resting against her skin - just above the hemline of her shirt, listening closely to whatever sound he would find there.

"I told him about Emma…", finally whispered, his fingers fidgeting with her shirt on her sides most nervously. "…told him, that he was a grandfather. Told him, that I hadn't planned to get a girl pregnant, but that she was there anyway… told him, that she just looked like my Maman…"

"You…you did?", their voices were so small and yet the only noise within the silent room. It didn't matter - making these words spoken a secret just between the two of them. Yet another one - but she was good at keeping secrets, anyway.

"Yeah… he… he seemed to be genuinely interested in her. Asked about her age and where she lives and if I see her regularly - and even if I have a photo of her. I showed him the one of Emma and you - the one you send me yesterday. Because it is the most beautiful one I have… I will frame it and hang it in my place somewhere. Do you mind?"

She chuckled gently, making his head move as well, but didn't mind.

"Make a poster of it, if you want to!"

He gaped at her shortly, grinning at her with his red eyes and wiggled his eyebrows at her.

"That's a brilliant idea! What do you think is the biggest size I could get?"

"Why should I have known, that you like that thought so much?"

"Because it was your idea and it shows the two people, that most important in my life!"

His tounge was loose from the booze. She knew, that he loved to be straightforward about certain things, but that was even a new high for him. Not that she minded - but it was a surprising change nonetheless.

"Okay…", she therefore said with a small shrug - too flattered by his words anyway to complain and he settled his head on her chest once more, to continue is talking:

"…anyway…", a sigh escaped his lips. Heavy and she knew, that he wasn't done, yet - that brief, cheerfulness blown away by the summer breeze outside yet again. "…he remembered you. Knew your name and that you were my classmate. He even remembered, that your parents own a bakery and all… And then he started to dig in our relationship - if we were dating, if we are married and plan a future and more children together. It… doesn't sound bad now, but I hate the fact, that he still tries to get information out of me. I- I don't know, if he would use them, and what he would use them for… If he would manipulate me with this knowledge…"

"Would he use these information? Why?"

This time he shrugged, snuggling a little closer to her warmth.

"I…I don't know. But that is something a villain would do, wouldn't he? To get information and to use them against me. Against us! Once I figured that out, I started to get really angry… I shouted at him. I said really bad things.

…I wanted to punch him, Marinette…"

Her throat tightened - for she knew exactly, that Adrien would never dare to hit somebody. To kick and punch and to beat somebody up. He had his standards and believes and those were far different from the things he just uttered.

Hearing, that he wanted to punch his own father made her clutch his shoulders tightly, while she stared up at the ceiling. Imaging that very moment so vividly - of them sitting across of each other in that small visitor room in the prison, while a guard made sure, that Adrien stayed unharmed.

Though… perhaps he also made sure, that Gabriel wouldn't get hurt, either.

She could see them perfectly - the blond man getting angrier with every passing second, while Gabriel stayed stoic and quiet. Perhaps, he knew, that his son was right. That there was a reason for all that inner turmoil and pain. Maybe he didn't know better, to handle Adrien's emotions differently. Maybe he was boiling inside as well.

But she wasn't there, could only make assumptions about their meeting.

"…but… you didn't!", she finally said as a conclusion. "I know you didn't. I just know that…"

"…yes…", he finally whispered. "…but I wanted to do it so much! And I said really bad things. I swore and cursed and made him responsible for my fucked up mind and life. I made him responsible for Maman's coma and for every traumatized person in Paris. I told him, that I hated it, how he controlled me and my life and how he scheduled every fucking second of it! I told him, that I gave all his money away to funds, that deal with traumatized Akuma victims. Every damn cent of it… And do you know, what he said, when I was done with my rant?"

"What did he say?"

"Nothing…" He gulped heavily and raised his head up to look at her. "Not a single word - that he admitted his mistakes, that he felt sorry for messing up, that he hopes, that everybody would feel better. He wasn't even angry. Or sad. H-he just sat there and looked at me through these broken glasses.

I did expect him to say, that he is disappointed in me. That I didn't try hard enough to archive any redeemable goals in life. That I didn't finish university and have a super duper manager job and that I don't earn twice as much money than he had. I did expect everything. Wanted to hear just anything. Only a single word. But all I got out of him, again, was silence…"

She reached up for Adrien's forehead and brushed his dishelved hair from his skin. Caressed his cheeks. His lips. Drinking in the sight of his eyes - a depth full of darkness and shadows, where usually was so much light. Sadness, depression, mourning, pain and scorn - raw and unfiltered. Unmasked, not altered.

This was the one true Adrien Agreste, how he doubted and feared and cried. Far from picture perfect and poster-worthy. Tormented, yes. Traumatized, neglected and abused.

Today had been a huge step for him - face his father, speak his mind - things he had locked away all his life - hoping to get answers. A response. Hoping to find clarity and truth and maybe the last spark of fatherly love. But no - this very person, he used to love and admire so dearly has triggered this darkness, yet again. Unwanted - for sure, for Gabriel has told in court and Ladybug, that he indeed regretted these things. That he hoped, that Adrien would one day understand his motivation - though he knew, that his son would never be able for all the things he did. He loved Adrien - still did, but was still so incapable to say it out loud - or to express any other emotion at all, especially in front of his son.

He even admitted it the last time they were there - she and Chat Noir - that he would use the Wish, to have both Emilie and Adrien - his dearly loved family -back.

But Adrien couldn't know that…

Silence was his answer for Adrien's outburst - and that very silence has hurt his son most.

There was always silence and it has once more spoken volumes.

Marinette reached up for Adrien's cheek to brush that silently falling tear away. Hugged him tightly and let him cry. She let him be human, wouldn't judge, wouldn't mind - knew too well, that the billion watt smile would mask all the pain and hurt once more in the morning.

But it would be okay.

He was strong, handled these burdens perfectly - had done so for years.

She was there, to strengthen his back and to hold his hand. Smile for both, when he needed to be weak in their little sanctuary, where he could show that side, he never dared to show.

So… she didn't let the silence speak volumes now, filled it with the most affectionate embrace, with tiny caresses and to kiss his tears away. She whispered words full of warmth and light to keep the darkness outside, to fight the demons and ghouls and doubts in his heart.

To fight the regrets for even going there, to see his father in the first place.

…to keep the Akumas away…

He fell asleep, holding her, his masculine weight still lingering on her body. Cheeks still damp, forehead still furrowed. She continued to stroke through his soft, golden looks for some time.

Glad, that her mere presence found a purpose tonight.

Knowing, that things would be alright - though he would not be healed, but today he had taken a huge step to grow.

Marinette settled her head against the cushions a little more comfortably, as she a careful glance to the clock revealed to her, that it was almost midnight - knowing too well, that she should sleep, too. There was no way, that Adrien would release her any time soon and she didn't mind to spend the night at his place - not even on his sofa. It was big enough for both of them and immensely comfortable.

Adrien wouldn't let her go at such a late hour, anyway…

So?

She closed her eyes, arms seeking his shoulders to embrace him once more. Yawning and-

And a ring echoed through his apartment. It wasn't her phone, she could tell. It was his - hidden somewhere in the dephts of his apartment.

A silent groan escaped her lips - tried to move to make it stop- but Adrien's body wouldn't budge. He wasn't waking up, either.

She was trapped…

"Tikki…?", she quietly hissed - praying, that Adrien wouldn't wake now and that her Kwami was still awake. "Tikki? Please?"

She noticed a movement out of the corners of her eyes and the red entity soared towards her, floating uncertainly above Adrien's head.

"How is he?", she whispered, looking at the man's face with so much worry. "Did you talk it out?"

Marinette nodded - wouldn't mind, if she talked with Tikki about it, but found the sound far too annoying to continue.

"Could you please turn his phone off?", she cooed sweetly and tiredly. "I can't move and I don't want to wake him…"

"So you are staying here?"

Marinette sighed - knowing, that Tikki believed in her late return to her apartment, perhaps even imagined them to go out at night to patrol. Meet Chat Noir. But tonight she wouldn't leave Adrien's side and hoped, that Lady Titalee didn't send any Akuma out to lure her away.

"Yes. Now could you shut it off - please~"

Tikki nodded, smiling brilliantly at that and flew away, following the sound - stopping it a few seconds later.

Perfect…

"Thank you…", the young woman mouthed upon Tikki's return - who cheerfully waved at her to say goodnight, before her small friend soared away once more, to hide for the night - thankfully turning off the light on her way out.

And within this very pleasant silence and darkness she was very ready to seek her own slumber as well - though a very strange question kept her up for a little longer, than she anticipated:

Why her boyfriend had an alarm set to midnight?

Maybe she could ask him in the morning.

Though… On the other hand - she didn't really care.

Wouldn't - for he had his reasons, just like for everything else…

A/N: We will revisit Gabriel as well, just not now. But here we have the very reason, on why Chat refused to go to him the night and chapter before - because the man in the suit hadn't faced his own father just yet. He needed to - eventhough we were only hearing about it. I figured, that there was no way for Marinette to be allowed to see Gabriel - like the current biggest criminal or something in all of this fictional Paris and therefore she wasn't there. But of course she would be there, to help Adrien cope with the aftermath of that meeting...

Also - wonder, why Adrien would set his alarm to midnight...

I hope despite the themes in this chapter you 'enjoyed' reading it.

Next chapter: Off bandshirts and one wise Sabine Cheng...