Light flooded Adrien's bedroom. It was finally morning, bringing a beautiful Sunday with it.

'No, go away!' He moaned while pulling the duvet over his head. He imagined that this must be close to what it felt like to be hungover. The light hurt, his muscles hurt and his appetite was finally coming back.

'What are you complaining about? It's finally Sunday. Your dad hasn't got anything planned for you, so you can finally rest. By the way, breakfast is on the desk. Nathalie brought it in about 20 minutes ago.' Adrien peeked out just enough to see the desk with one eye.

'Why didn't she knock?'

'She did, but you were out cold. I've never seen you sleep so heavily.'

'But, the door was locked, wasn't it?' He started to adjust to the light and sat up in his bed.

'Ah, well, I don't remember you locking the door after the gorilla left you with food.' That was a big oversight. If Plagg was talking to himself while admiring his cheese and Nathalie walked in, the morning may not have gone well. Luckily, Plagg was listening out when he was not.

'Thanks for watching out. And, thanks for helping me last night. I really needed someone to tell me what was healthy.' And with that, he pulled his breakfast down onto this lap. Removing the cloche revealed an omelette with vegetables. 'Is it too much to ask for bacon and eggs?'

'After the lack of food you've eaten lately, you might need the nutrition. But I totally agree with you.' He tentatively picked up the cutlery and probed the food. He was too hungry to be picky, so he began to demolish the meal as quickly as he could. Plagg disappeared to count his wheels of cheese, so Adrien had a moment to his thoughts.

"I wonder how Ladybug is holding up?" He pondered. Chewing carefully he wondered how she was spending her day, what she looked like when she wasn't saving Paris. Did she cook? Did she watch television in pajamas? Did she live with a loving family? He hoped she did. Adrien knew that if he was struggling with the work load, then she would be too. She was the leader, and always had to be ready to fetch a miraculous at any time. She was probably worrying right now. He didn't like his lady being under so much pressure.

'Plagg, do you think we should attempt to meet up with Ladybug today?'

'Why would you do that?' came a muffled noise from his sock drawer.

'Because I think she might need someone to talk too. It's been a lot for us to do lately. I want to make sure she's coping.' Plagg didn't move, or make a sound. 'Plagg, you can't sit in the sock drawer all day.'

'Sure I can!' Adrien exhaled with a slight laugh. This must be Plagg's way of showing he cares. Be stubborn about staying home so they both got rest.

'Fine, we can stay in today. But, tonight we go and look for Ladybug during an impromptu patrol.' He listened out for the rebuttal.

'No way! I won't do it.' And there it was.

'Okay, pick any cheese you want from the selection you gave me as a Christmas list. I'll buy you one early.' Now just wait for him to think it over and cave in.

There was silence. He wasn't going to take the bait? Well, that would be a firs-

'Okay, fine! I want the Gruyere.' Gotcha! Plagg never said no to cheese. And Adrien was lucky he could bribe him. His dad already kept him on a short leash. He didn't need Plagg holding him down too.

'You better be ordering it right now!'

'I am, I am…'

'And wipe that smirk off for face!'

'No way, Plagg. We both get what we want and I think that is a fair reason to smile.'

•••••••••••

'How is your dress coming along, dear?' Tom peered into the room.

'It's coming along really well. I think I'm almost done with the skirting. Next, the embroidery.' Marinette stood back and admired their handiwork. Wiping away the sweat from her brow, she peered out to see that the sky was dark. 'Wait, it's night already?'

'Yes, sweetheart. I've come up to tell you it's time for dinner.' He disappeared down the ladder and left the hatch open. Tikki reappeared from under the layers of dress and gleefully twirled in the soft fabric.

'You've created a masterpiece, Marinette. You'll look beautiful in it!'

'But, Tikki, I'm not going to wear it. I'm going to use it in my portfolio for future job prospects and study opportunities.' She loved the idea of doing this for life. Being paid to make the world more glamorous seemed like the most perfect job in the world. Yes, she loved being Ladybug, but Ladybug didn't have the promise of an income. Marinette did have promise with the work she put into her passion.

'Well, either way, I hope someone will have the joy of wearing this someday.'

'Me too.' Putting down the fabric scissors, Marinette placed a pink pillow made from the leftover tulle on the desk. 'Here Tikki, I made you a bed to say thank-you for your help. I'll be back with something sweet after dinner, okay?' The joyful kwami curled up in her gift and seemed incredibly pleased as Marinette disappeared for dinner. An uneventful day really did help ease her worries.

•••••••••••

After dinner, Marinette filled a plate with macarons and cookies and ascended to her room.

'Goodnight, see you in the morning.' She placed the plate down on the chasse lounge and turned to face her room.

'Tikk- aaAAH! CHAT NOIR! What are you doing here!' Chat Noir was admiring her gown facing away from her. Luckily she caught herself and didn't completely call for Tikki. She would have been busted there and then.

'Marinette, is everything okay?' Tom had called up due to the yelling. Sabine could be heard worrying in the kitchen.

'Uh, all good! I just saw Chat Noir outside my window and I got startled. 'Night.' She turned back to the leather- clad cat in her room. 'And what are you doing here?'

'Sorry princess, I was in the neighborhood and could see your mannequin from the window. It sparked and I had to come admire it. You made this didn't you? It's got your signature look all over it.' She shook out of her stupor and walked up to stand with Chat.

'You recognize my style?' She was caught off guard. She thought Ladybug was all he thought about.

'Of course! Your work has been showcased in Gabriel Agrest's fashion shows. You are a recognizable designer, you know! Your work is amazing, princess.' Okay, it was getting really hot in there. Earlier she was admitting to having feelings for Chat. Now he is standing in her room complimenting her on her work and how recognizable it is. Marinette couldn't be more vulnerable right now if she tried.

'Thank-you, Chatton. I really needed to hear that today.' She beamed at her partner.

'Why is that? You should know all this by now.'

'I've had a rough week. A lot is on my mind.' Looking downcast, she played with the edge of the sweetheart neckline. Chat Noir could see the struggle within her and hoped to help. Ladybug would have to wait for now. He raised her hand into his and guided them up into her loft. With a switch of a button, the room was dim, except for the loft bed. In the dull illumination, Chat laid onto his back on Marinette's bed in waiting.

'I've got some time. Tell me about your worries, princess. A girl as lovely as you should never stress. You are too kind to have worries burdening you.' Though she was apprehensive at first, she gave in. She pulled back the sheets and tucked herself inside. Chat rolled onto his side and propped himself up with one arm to listen. 'What's on your mind, princess?'

'Well, where to start?'