A/N: Finally a new update! I wrote this chapter two times - didn't like the first draft, hated, where the second one was going and now with the third attempt I am finally very happy. I deleted big parts, that didn't feel right in the end and way too forced. But now I really like this chapter ️

I hope you enjoy as well. :D

Meanwhile

Marinette blew her nose - for about the tenth time on this particular day, before she tried to eat breakfast, again. School hasn't started, yet, and still her head felt already heavy, her view blurry and every step she made, gave her joints a burning ache.

"You don't look good…", Tikki carefully uttered and patted her Chosen's head, while the few other Kwamis kept on watching most closely. They haven't brought back all the Miraculous, yet. But they were trying.

… right now those 5 extra pairs of eyes were not helping her, either. Though neither of these gods and goddesses could tell her, if there even was a Kwami with the concept of healing out there. At least, that would be a nice, new change and surely very helpful for the situation she currently found herself in…

"…and I think, that you feel warmer, than usual. You should go back in bed and rest! Or how about you go and see a doctor - then you rest!"

Marinette looked up towards her trusted kwami, then sniffed. At least she tried, for her sinuses were horribly stuffed.

"Ladybug can't be sick…", she murmured and shook her head. "I am not sick. Just a little bit more exhausted than usually."

"Exhausted?", Longg quizzically wondered out loud and shared a confused, little look with Pollen and Trixx. "Why are humans always speaking in riddles and don't act according to their feelings? Or according to their current health?"

"Even the Guardian needs some time off. And especially a Ladybug!", Wayzz added wisely, as he landed on her hand to prevent her from eating. Instead, she watched the green Kwami closely, waited patiently for him to continue: "You can give Adrien your Ladybug Miraculous! He is already familiar with its powers…"

"Or Paris could be ready for the return of Scarabella!", Trixx added and smirked. "Alya surely would love to help you out once more!"

The black-haired girl slowly shook her head, leaning back in her chair and chewed her lip, then crossed her arms in front of her chest. Eventually she sighed, knowing of Alya's similar fate already.

"She is sick, too…"

In fact more than half the class stayed at home, because some infection caught up with them. Some disgusting flu, completed with fever, running noses, aching joints. At first, she had believed, that she had merely caught a cold, when she had gone to Adrien on his birthday - running through an early autumn thunderstorm was rarely a wise idea. Though - at least that was what Tikki told her - her super suit should have protected her from this kind of harm as well. But by now she saw it as a mere coincidence - especially when the first students in her class started to get sick - way before her. At first Nino, followed by Kim and Max, Rose next. Honestly - by now it was a mere miracle, that there still where a few of them standing - or rather learning in school.

Adrien was one of these few lucky ones - and even luckier he seems to be, since no symptoms have caught up with him by now.

He was absolutely fine and he - by far - was the only student in their class, who could say that.

So - yeah - right now he might be the wisest decision for a temporary wielder of the Ladybug Miraculous. But, then again:

"Of course… If Ladybug was out sick-" Which she wasn't! "-then I could Adrien hand over the Miraculous. But every Ladybug needed a Chat Noir as well! And there is no other person, I would entrust that Miraculous with!" For Adrien suited that role perfectly and there would never be another Chat Noir, but him. (Unless they switched their Miraculous, again, and she donned the black leather as Lady Noire once more).

Marinette lowered her arms, laying her hands on her knees, to draw small circles on it, as she pressed her lips into a fine, thin line. She watched her small friends most closely, briefly resisting to reach for the tissue once more, to clean her nose, yet again. "Apart from that - I am good. I am not sick. I don't need a temporary substitute!"

She didn't want to think about that either: Sending Adrien out, all on his own in a fight. It wasn't because she didn't trust him. Heck - she trusted him blindly and with her whole heart and life.

…but the young heroine was just so afraid about the consequences. Of him needing to face a villain all on his own - without the powers he might need to win. With Monarch still in the possession of most of the Miraculous, this might be too risky - and their dear archenemy would love nothing more, but use that eventual weakness against them. And - honestly- she would never forgive herself, if something happened to her partner.

Adrien had been through so much pain already - was still suffering under his father's neglect on a daily basis. She wanted to give him some space, where he could let his heart and mind rest - where he didn't need to feel the pressure of consequences and strict rules.

…she wanted to give him a place, where he didn't need to fear to be pushed away and held at an arm's length, when he spoke about his feelings. When he loved freely - anything and everything that mattered to him.

The girl grasped her knees most tightly and she closed her eyes, as her heart made a heavy little jump inside her chest - knowing of this bitter truth, that connects Gabriel with his son, while she - as his friend - was reduced to be a mere spectator in this drama that unfolds between the two Agreste men within the realms of their shared home. Still - she waited for Adrien to finally speak up against the hurt he had to endure under his father's clutches. She waited silently, as she had promised him on his birthday. But… he never spoke up about it. Never opened up towards her. Never allowed her to listen - letting her wonder if - in fact - he didn't trust her as much, as he vowed to her. And that - certainly- was another way of hurt, that sliced through her heart painfully.

"Marinette?", Tikki was there, carefully hovering by the human's face, brushing away that silent tear from her Chosen's face, that has dared to fall to her cheek.

The girl gasped, as she suddenly realized the bitter thoughts, that have crossed her mind so suddenly, brushing any further tears away as well in newfound haste- now entirely disgusted by the way she had thought about the connection between her and the blond boy.

How could she doubt him and his trust - after everything they have been through? And Adrien certainly was nobody, who lied without reason. When he said, that he trusted her blindly, then he meant it. She knew it - knew, that the bond between the two of them was special and so endlessly strong.

"It's okay…", Marinette hummed and was even able to smile back up towards the red Kwami, then towards the other small gods and goddesses, that surrounded them. "Just a little moment of weakness. It's nothing you should worry about. I have my mind back in check now."

For she knew, that just needed to be patient with Adrien - for him to come forward to speak about his relationship with his father. Eventually, and when he was absolutely ready, he would talk - perhaps not with her, but with just anybody about it. And then he could heal from all this pain he had endured in the past.

The black-haired girl was very aware of the worried glances the tiny entities shared. But at least they stayed silent about it as well - surely they were very much aware about the turmoil within their Guardian's heart. At least they floated closely around her, as she ate her breakfast. And that was, what she tried to do as well - but since her nose was stuffed, she wasn't even able to taste her food, or her tea, and therefore she ended her meal, before she had even started it.

Well - at least it meant, that she would be at school way earlier than usual - that certainly would be a nice change.

Marinette bid the five Kwamis goodbye, and she walked the stairs down towards the bakery, so she could have a tiny little chat with her already very busy parents once more, before she left. Perhaps she could get a little treat or two for later - especially something Adrien would enjoy.

"Ah - look Marinette, who is already here for you!" Tom called already, when she entered the bakery, just as she tightened the scarf around her. She sniffed, then tried to hide her reddened nose behind the thick material, as her tired eyes looked between her parents and the few customers she found here - eventually her eyes lit up with joy and excitement, when she found the blond boy by the cash register, who already waved euphorically in her direction.

Marinette immediately stepped closer- very aware, that the keen and knowing gazes of her parents would be watching their every step.

"I decided to be rebellious today and bought my own breakfast in the best bakery in the world!", Adrien happily chimed and raised the paper bag in his hand up in the air, so she could see it better. "I was only offered plain porridge at home, again. I craved for something baked, instead."

"Very rebellious…", Marinette hummed in agreement, and she meant it. For - truly - every step he made against his father's ways and rules was a huge step for his growth as a person. And truly - she loved it, when he tried to break out of his molt - little by little, like he would usually do, when he could be his truest self as Chat Noir.

Finally, the girl leaned close to blow a small kiss as a greeting against his cheek, as he did the same - but as she leaned back, he gazed towards her with a quirked eyebrow and worry reflected in his eyes replacing the carefree happiness from before.

"You feel warm…", he mumbled with a low voice. She was glad, that he tried to stay as quiet a possible, for she didn't want her parents to get wind of her health condition as well. Not that she was sick, or anything. But she just wanted to play it rather safe than sorry. "Are you alright?"

"Yes…", still she nervously looked over to her Maman, then her Papa. But thankfully Sabine was currently packing an order for the elderly lady, who stood in front of one of the displays and Tom was in the back of the bakery, working on another few loaves of bread. For once, they were not paying them any attention - which didn't mean, that they would tease her about their little meeting later on. "It's just a little warm inside the bakery, that's all… You know - it's because of the ovens~"

Thankfully that wasn't that much of a lie - and fortunately Adrien didn't dare to say anything else about it, either.

For now…

"Honestly, Marinette… you don't look very good…", Adrien said, once the two of them were on the way towards school, walking side by side through the crowded streets of early Paris. They have left the bakery a few moments later - now both armed with yet another paper bag with some freshly baked croissants. They must be smelling heavenly - but that exquisite smell couldn't make it through her nose. "You should stay home. Rest… I can give you my notes after school, so you won't miss anything…"

"I am good…", she still insisted, hugging herself, as a chilly wind caught up with her body. Even underneath her jacket she was shivering and every step made her poor joints ache even more. Perhaps - so she thought- she should just go to bed a little earlier this evening, so she could be well-rested by tomorrow, again. Alas - of course - Monarch allowed them a quiet night. But he was silent for about two days now - and that certainly was a nice change.

"You are not…"

"Adrien-"

She didn't continue, when Adrien laid a comforting arm around her shoulders, letting her lean into his side, as they walked together. The material of his jacket was soft and faintly warm against her cheek. Still, she resisted the urge to press her face into it.

"I know why you don't stay home…", he yet uttered, seemingly unbothered by their closeness. He even caressed her shoulder in a comforting manner and smiled down towards her, as they waited by a traffic light. "But we would surely find a solution for this…"

"A solution?", she hummed, hiding her face even further in her scarf, as she feared, that he could see the faint blush, that made it on her cheeks. "I don't think, what we might need a solution for…"

He chuckled.

"As I see - my princess is stubborn as usual~"

She tensed within her own jacket and underneath her scarf. The autumn wind, the many pedestrians around them, her aching joints, her high temperature and her stuffed sinuses forgotten. For she marveled in the way his words had sounded in her ear. How they felt, if she dared to interpret them with a deeper meaning, than he would admit.

For Adrien had not just called her princess - his little, silly nickname he had always used Chat Noir when he had talked to her civilian self. He had called her his princess, as if he meant a closer bond, than the one, that currently knitted them together.

She liked it - truly did. Her younger self would love to euphorically dance about this progress in their relationship. Even now she enjoyed that thought of them being more than just friends - both with and without their masks and suits. And she truly loved the thought, that Adrien was seeing in her way more than just a friend, even more than just a partner.

Yet… Neither should she give in to the feelings she tried to bury somewhere in the darkest corners of her heart, nor should she hope, that Adrien's feelings have changed for her in such a romantic way.

…and she should just accept, that he merely tried to raise the mood with his own, silly self.

"Marinette?" Her cheeks painted themselves in a dark pink color, as she realized, that her thoughts have wandered once more into dangerous, forbidden places. "Did I insult you?"

She looked up at him, knowing, that Adrien would never insult her in any way. Then - might it be because her mist-filled mind let her act in silly ways, or because she couldn't bear the closeness to Adrien any longer - she playfully elbowed his side, making him shriek, then chuckle. At least she was able to get some more distance between them, again - before she would have given in to her feelings for the blond boy.

"I am not stubborn!", she therefore huffed and crossed the arms over her chest, raising her nose up into the air - giving him the best Chloé impression imaginable. "I just do, what it's best for Paris and its people!"

"But you being sick and not giving in to the urge and your need to rest is surely not the best you could do to yourself~", he answered back, more serious this time. He even dared to reach up for her forehead, brushing over her skin with gentle fingers. "And you are sick! You are burning up! Seriously - I want nothing more, but to throw you over my shoulder and get you in your bed!"

Both their eyes widened at his words, while his cheeks turned crimson - Plagg even snickered from his place inside of Adrien's pockets.

"To rest! To sleep! And… and eat soup and stuff like that!", he uttered in hurry under his breath, waving frantically his hands in front of his chest, before he continued to excuse himself. "I would never want to get into your bed, to be close to you and to- I would never think about such things! I mean, I am a teenage boy - of course I have such thoughts. Not necessarily with you-" "You are digging your own grave here, Kiddo…" "I think it's cute."

"Tikki…, Plagg…", Marinette gently hushed their two hidden Kwamis, before she reached out for Adrien's hand, to stop his miserable attempt of even more horrible excuses. "And you should stop talking, kitty. You are just making it worse…"

Adrien immediately snapped his mouth shut, walking stiffly and endlessly embarrassed by her side. He didn't even give in to her touch, didn't reach out for the hand she had offered. For once stayed quiet, instead.

"…but still thank you, that you care for me and my health. I promise, that I will go to bed right after school has finished and just hope, that Monarch does not dare to wake me up before my alarm rings in the morning. After a few hours of sleep I am surely perfectly well, again."

He meekly nodded.

"…and I suggest, that we forget about everything you just said?"

"I won't make him forget, I promise you that!"

"Plagg!"

"Sorry, sugar cube…"

Adrien eyes her carefully from the side and her heart made a little, happy jump - realizing, that he must be feeling just something for her in a way, that was similar to her feelings for him. His stuttered words might have given her some clues about his feelings.

Or she was just imagining it with her hazing, sickness-plagued mind.

…at least she couldn't deny the way his words made her feel.

Then - what happened to her vow, that she wanted to fall out love with him - both of his alter egos - as fast as possible? That was certainly something the needed to remember as well!

"Thank you…", he finally uttered, while she yet vowed to herself to ask him about this truth one day, in the distanced future. One day, when she found the courage in herself to do it (which was already an impossible task in itself) and - especially- when they have finally defeated Monarch and any reincarnation that came after him. Hopefully it would give her some closure to the chapter in her life about her very first crush and the boy behind it.

Yeah… surely that would eventually help…

But these questions needed to wait - for neither now, nor today, wasn't the time for that- not with her running nose, the pain and the hazy mind. Also - the school was about to start soon.

Though both were very surprised by the lack of students they found in their classroom. Lila - of course - was still there and sat in the back of the class, a box with tissues resting in front of her. Nathaniel tiredly waved in their direction, as they entered the classroom, his own scarf adorning his own neck. Sabrina tried to hang on as well - two notebooks laying opened in front of her. One for Chloé, one for her own notes. But the red-haired girl seemed to be shivering within her own jacket as well, barely took notice of Adrien and Marinette.

"May I quote Chloé by saying, that 'This is ridiculous!'? This stupid virus must have caught up with everybody by now!", Marinette said, taking her seat just behind her blond friend, but didn't remove her own jacket just yet. Then she eyed Adrien, how he shrugged his scarf off, how he placed his own jacket over the backrest of his chair and how he stretched once more in a carefree, very healthy way, before he sat down as well. For a brief moment she marveled in the way his black pullover fitted him perfectly - the very gift she had sewn for his birthday. But then she narrowed her eyes at him, then pursed her lips, when she noticed something else. "How come, that you are still this fit?"

Their remaining classmates focused on Adrien as well, who blinked in confusion, looked then between all their faces. Shrugging it off nonchalantly, when he said:

"I never get sick!"

How oddly strange…

"I envy that…", Nathaniel murmured from behind her, sneezing right after. "Can I borrow your genes?"

"Of course, Adrien never gets sick. That is because of the way we models only get the best, nutritional food. I on my hand only got a little cold, because I helped out for a huge charity last week. That's what happens, when you go under so many people, that need help - just like I do…"

Thankfully, right now there was nobody, who cared about the lies, that Lila once more offered to those, who would have wanted to listen. Marinette merely turned away and rolled her eyes, while Adrien smirked in silent agreement with his friend.

"Chloé's whole family is sick", came it at last from Sabrina. "I am pretty sure, that's where I got my infection from. But it's not bad - and somebody has to hang on and write the notes in class…"

"But you do not look well, either…", Marinette said with furrowed brows, as she sensed, that Sabrina rather belonged in her bed as well.

"Speak of yourself~", Adrien breathed and smiled sadly in the black-haired girl's direction. But Marinette merely stuck her tongue out in his direction as a cheeky answer to that.

She would have loved to add something as a response as well - but their teacher already entered the classroom - but stopped with a shocked expression by the doorway.

…apparently he had expected more students in his class and had been blissfully unaware about the illness, that has caught up with these teenagers. Still, he tried to get through his curriculum - at least as much as it was possible with just five students in front of him - four of which weren't paying much attention anyway with all their various symptoms they were showing. Adrien on the other hand - and of course - was giving his very best. Like always.

So… perhaps Marinette could get his notes in the end - just like he had promised her. For she wanted nothing more, but to close her eyes, and sleep. Until the pain would go away, until she could smell and taste, again, until she wasn't shivering anymore to that stupid cold, that still surrounded them.

But for today their teachers - far too irritated by the lack of students in their class - let them all be silent and rather promised to repeat everything once everybody has returned.

"…perhaps we should give you a day off to recover…", Ms. Mendeleiev murmured under her breath, as she gazed over the very unfocused pupils in front of her. "I can tell, that by tomorrow only Monsieur Agreste will remain in our class."

Marinette frowned at that. Of course - she knew, that Adrien wouldn't mind, if he was the only student - it would give him some time away from his glided cage, that he called home. On the other hand he enjoyed school most, because he was able to see his friends. Friends, who were all horribly sick by now.

The girl reached up for her forehead, feeling that unwanted heat on her skin, as she tried to soothe the quiet ache, that had formed over the day. It was some unwelcomed pressure, that made it hard to concentrate and to focus altogether. It made her head feel heavy, and she felt even more miserable, than before.

As she realized, that she might be an easy target for an Akuma, or any of Monarch's attacks, she finally admitted, that she - indeed - was very sick as well, and should rather go home.

And - truly… She just wanted to sleep. Perhaps her Maman could cook some delicious Soupe à l'oignon. It always made her feel better.

…and then she would pray and hope, that Monarch wouldn't dare to attack her beloved city.

"You don't look good, Mademoiselle Dupain-Cheng…", the older woman said, as she was walking between the tables to hand out a few papers about their current topic in physics. She stopped right beside Marinette, eying her carefully through her glasses.

"And I don't feel well, either…", Marinette whispered, finally admitting it loudly. Adrien, hearing these words from his friend, immediately turned around and sought her gaze with worry and deep sorrow. "I think, that I want to go home…"

"Are you sure, that you can walk on your-"

"I will assist her! I will make sure, that she comes home safely!", Adrien immediately said, raising his hand high to get Ms. Mendeleiev's attention. "I know where she lives and-"

"Very eager to get your little girlfriend home, aren't we Monsieur Agreste?", their teacher said and her eyebrows climbed up on her forehead underneath her glasses. She stared him down, waiting for a response to her teasing. Marinette for once didn't mind the implications in her words, didn't mind, what the others around them were thinking, or that Lila's scorching gaze was by now plastered to the back of her head.

No… Right now she just wanted to go home…

"Fine…", Ms. Mendeleiev finally hummed, then sighed after a brief glance towards the clock, that hung above the door. "I will dismiss you all for today. I rather work with focused students, then with a punch of infectious teenagers, who aren't following my tuition anyway."

Thankfully! It meant for all of them to be home a little earlier and - really - the others needed some rest as well. Even - so Marinette begrudgingly admitted, as she packed her things in her bag - Lila, who didn't look well at all. But for once she didn't turn to Adrien and his helpful hand to ask if he couldn't bring her home as well - adding some dubious lie to that. Instead, she already called her mother, to fetch her from school. Nathaniel and Sabrina - as far as she was concerned- did the same.

"Come…", her train of thoughts was cut short by the gentle hand, that pried her backpack from her fingers and Adrien slung it over his own shoulder, carrying his own over the other. Then he took her hand in his and guided her outside, biding Ms. Mendeleiev goodbye as he went. Yet, instead of going down the stairs and towards the main exit, he walked up the stars, holding her hand tightly in his. That was the moment, when she finally questioned his actions:

"What are you doing?"

"Bringing you home…"

"We are going up towards the roof".

"I will be taking the fastest route, princess~"

Marinette already opened her lips, ready to tell him, that she was perfectly fine to go the normal route. But when he opened the door to the school's rooftops, she immediately stopped her complaints and shivered, when the cold autumn wind hit her harshly. She immediately leaned into Adrien's side again - to seek his closeness and warmth.

"You should see a doctor, Marinette…", he mumbled and closed the door behind them, wrapping his arms around her, to hold her close.

"No…", she breathed, for now feeling content, as she pressed her face against the soft, warm material of his jacket, that was so lovely warm and surely smelled so very much of him. If only she could smell it… "Just take me home, kitty…"

He chuckled, his warm breath hitting her forehead.

"Fine. Plagg - Claws Out!"

Leather replaced the soft material of his jacket. But at least his arms around her stayed. For she didn't mind, if Adrien, or Chat Noir held her like this - preferably for hours and without any disturbances. He allowed her to stay a little longer in his embrace, one clawed hand lovingly brushing over her head, before he finally bowed down to lift her up in her arms.

"Hold on tight…", he hummed, with one hand now under her knees, the others on her back, holding her, as if she weighted nothing. She slung her arms around his shoulders, enjoying this kind of closeness as well. She wasn't used to being the helpless one - she rarely allowed herself these moments of weakness. But with him, she wouldn't mind. For Adrien would never tease her about it - and he would definitely never see her as any less, than the Guardian, or the very heroine of this city.

…and she allowed herself this kind of closeness for once - for there wouldn't be anything else like this in the nearest future.

"Are you ready?", he gently said and gazed down to her. "Because I will go as fast as I can…"

"I am…", she breathed, then shrieked, when he - indeed as fast as he could - started to run. She saw him grin, but neither of them dared to comment on it. But traveling by her partner was definitely a thrilling way of transportation- and if she wasn't feeling this miserable, she would have laughed with joy and excitement.

Sadly, this time he was by her home in a matter of minutes, landing on her balcony soon enough.

They entered her bedroom directly through the skylight, and he sat her down gently on her bed.

"Marinette!"

The other kwamis were there right away, soaring around them, cooing and worrying about their Guardian right away. Tikki emerged from her Chosen's bag and landed on her head, cuddling in her own way.

Chat on the other hand stayed. He sat her backpack down to the end of her bed, which Longg and Wayzz immediately carried down to her chaise. Then he reached up for the labels of her jacket, opening it button for button with care, so his claws wouldn't cut through the material of her own jacket.

"You don't have to do this…", Marinette hurriedly said, reaching out for his wrists, to catch them in her hands, until his stopped moving. "You should rather spend some minutes outside, before your schedule catches up with you. Today it is piano lessons, isn't it?"

"Don't worry about me…", he hummed, kneeling just in front of her, meeting her gaze with the same intensity. "When I can take care of you, then my time will be well-spend…"

Pollen awed at those words behind them and Marinette faintly smiled at that.

"Then… at least detransform, Chaton… Please~"

"Then I can take care off you?"

"If it makes you happy~"

The corners of his own lips twitched and some strange thought played behind his eyes, letting them gleam brightly for a tiny moment. Eventually he mumbled: "Plagg, Claws off…", to remove the mask of his very heroic self. Adrien's hands moved immediately to her next button of her jacket and - knowing she had lost this battle for now - she let him.

"Actually- this makes me happy", he explained, peeling her out of her jacket. "For you always take care off me and of all of our friends and even your parents - and all of Paris' citizens anyway. And I am for once allowed to return the favor. And I enjoy every damn second of it."

"Don't get used to it, kitty!"

"…I certainly don't mind having this privilege more often…"

"Ahem!", it was Plagg, who cleared his throat loudly and in the most obnoxious way imaginable. "Could you two mortals cease your flirting for a moment? I am starving, and I can't bear your human courting rituals any longer!"

"Plagg!", the other small entities scolded, while said two humans heavily blushed behind the scarfs they were still wearing. "You are the worst!"

"You know where you can find your snacks…", Marinette hummed, rather focused on the black kwami, that soared behind his Chosen, than on Adrien himself. "I filled it up since your last visit. Don't eat it all at once!"

Plagg happily gasped at that and grinned from one ear to the other.

"I will make sure, that he rations it!", Tikki immediately offered and the other Kwamis nodded as well.

"Rationing my snacks, that my lovely Guardian gifts me? I can do it on my own!"

"Sure you can…", Trixx sarcastically mumbled, before he and the other small entities followed Plagg closely, flying down to her desk, where his complaint was still to be heard. Thankfully enough it was soon replaced with silence - and the sounds of small mouths munching on the snacks they found there.

"Don't mind him…", came the quiet excuse from the blond boy in front of her, letting her eyes finally wander back to his face. "He is usually like this grumpy, old grandpa after school. Believing, that I always purposefully starve him. And for his words - he really should need a filter for that! Therefore - yeah - I am sorry for the things he said."

"Don't be…"

"But I am…"

He reached forward once more to brush a few strands of her raven locks from her forehead, hissing, when he brushed over her skin.

"You are really hot, Marinette!"

Of course - Plagg snickered about his choice of words once again and Adrien's cheek flushed even more. Marinette with her hazy, fever-plagued mind definitely enjoyed that view more and more with each time.

…especially when he blushed because of anything that regarded her.

"Please - forget that as well…", he yet quietly excused himself. "…recently I have difficulties to phrase anything properly. Especially when I am around-" his voice trailed off, and he shook his head, lowering his eyes to his hands once more.

"I won't definitely let you forget that!", his Kwami called from his place on the desk.

"Plagg!", the others chided him, again.

Adrien closed his eyes for a brief moment, sighing with silent exhaustion. His kwami surely was a handful to deal with. But she didn't need to worry, that this teasing was ill-spirited in any way - knowing, that the black kwami only had the best in mind for his human. And the blond boy in front of her surely knew that as well.

"Don't worry…", she therefore said, softly smiling as she spoke and while she reached up around her neck, to unwrap the scarf from herself. "…I can forget about it. I have usually been a stuttering mess in front of you as well. And you never tease me about it…"

He looked back up towards her, again, when she folded the scarf in her lap, clasping her hands on top of it. Then Adrien studied her closely, brows furrowed tightly together. There was something he wanted to say out loud. Something that was meant only for her ears. But this very thought didn't make it past his lips.

For now, she didn't dare to ask. Instead- to change the mood - another question blurted from her lips:

"And you never get sick? For you definitely shouldn't be sitting here with me. With this proximity - for I am sure, that I am highly infectious!"

His lips twitched as well - finally. Then he shook his head.

"I can't remember a time in my life, where I have gotten a cold. Or… That I had problems with my stomach. Or headaches. I basically resist any illness, that crosses my way…"

How oddly strange…

"So… It's your genes?", she asked, tilting her head to muster him most closely - wondering what actually could be the reason for him to never get sick in any way.

Yet, Adrien snorted.

"Genes I definitely didn't inherit from my father! He didn't leave his bedroom for two days and last time I have seen him, he was coughing heavily. But who am I to judge for that?"

"Your father is sick as well?" Apparently Adrien might have brought this virus home. Alya's parents were sick as well and of what she had gathered, Nino's little brother, too. Perhaps that was the very reason on why Monarch had been quiet for a few days as well - because he was laying in his own bed - probably scheming his next evil plans - or watching some cheesy soap on television, until he felt better.

Hopefully her parents wouldn't get sick as well - for it would mean to close the bakery for a few days. And-

Marinette looked back up to Adrien, sensing something entirely else in his words. Noticing just now, that he hadn't seen his own, very sick father for a few days now. And knowing her friend, she was aware, that he wanted to do nothing more, but to take care of him, as good as he could.

…and knowing Gabriel, she sensed, that this old, grumpy man didn't allow his son close in his moments of vulnerability. Not because he was worried about Adrien's well-being.

No…

…fuck no…

Gabriel just didn't want to see his own son. Neglecting - hurting him - even more. And seeing the way the gleam in Adrien's eyes dulled, she just knew, that Adrien was feeling the same. Perhaps he was just too scared to admit the truth to himself.

…and he was definitely more afraid to say it out loud…

In that very moment Marinette realized, that it wasn't some kind of missing trust in her and their friendship, that was preventing him from speaking his mind. But the fact, that wasn't used to not speak out loud. Not speak his mind - or especially talk about his feelings. For when he did, his words were always seen as invalid. As wrong. And his voice was ignored.

…he had told her under influence of an Akuma before - just a few hours before she had lost all the Miraculous.

…but he shouldn't need an Akuma to do so…

Silently she therefore reached with her hands forward, to grasp his left one most tightly. It laid laxly on his thigh, felt cold. But she didn't mind it - would definitely never mind it.

"I on my part love it, when you take care of me, Adrien…", she sweetly said. "And you are doing wonderfully by doing so. It's the truth…"

"Marinette…", he sighed, as a silent plea hung to her lips - for her to tell him once more, to just speak out and loud about Gabriel. "…don't…"

He was smart - of course he noticed, that she would have loved to listen to him.

But once more he just wasn't ready - instead reached forward with his right hand to cup her cheek. Marinette leaned into his touch and bit the inside of her bottom lip, feeling how tears welled up in her eyes.

…for she wanted nothing more, but to end Adrien's suffering.

"You should rather lay down and sleep… Don't worry about Paris. I will watch over it tonight." he said, changing the topic effectively.

She let him - didn't have any other choice…

"Knowing you, you will stay out until morning for patrol…"

So he wouldn't return to his home.

But Adrien merely chuckled about that.

"Perhaps…"

"What about an attack?"

Adrien brushed a few strands of her hair behind ear, watching her closely. Underneath his gaze her stomach fluttered far to easily, and she hoped, that the blush on her cheeks could be excused by her fever. Still, she wanted nothing more, but to lean in, fall against him and hold him until she felt better, again.

…but with her running nose she felt far to disgusting to make any move on him just now.

"…Chat Noir will make sure, that his lady won't be disturbed in any way."

"You need the Ladybug Miraculous to purify an Akuma…"

"Then I will beat the villain up, then call you, so you can swing in, do your lovely job and return home to continue your sleep…"

"What about a Lucky Charm?"

"I hopefully won't need it…"

Why was this poor, wonderful boy just like this? Always ready to sacrifice himself, just for her well-being? He surely would never change that, wouldn't he?

Finally and when she made a decision, Marinette let go of his hand, then reached up for her earrings, instead. With swift and nimble fingers she removed them, then pulled his right hand from her skin, turning it until his palm faced the ceiling and laid her earrings inside. Closing his fingers around them, but letting her hand rest on top of them.

"…no…", Adrien weakly said, pulling to get free from her grasp, but the brave girl held on tightly.

"I trust you~"

"Milady-"

"You were wonderful as Mister Bug!"

"And I need my Lady Noire for that!" He gulped, then laid his second hand on top of hers. "It's always us, Marinette…"

"Then I shall be your Lady Noire, if you need me…"

"But you are sick! I want you to stay here!"

While they were talking, these two teenagers leaned closer and closer to each other, their foreheads by now resting against each other. Whispering, as they talked.

"Then entrust somebody else with the Cat Miraculous. I know, you can make a wonderful choice…"

"…everybody I trust this much is very sick."

"Then wear both…"

Just now she noticed Tikki and Plagg, both quietly hovering next to them on the bed. Watching - eyes pleading for them to not be foolish and to not make any wrong choices.

…and normally she wouldn't have said something foolish as that.

Normally her fever wasn't her burning her up, to make such silly choices.

Just now she noticed, how Adrien's hand moved - first removing his ring, then to put it on her finger instead. It immediately turned to be just the right size for her ring finger. Just then he put the Ladybug Miraculous on.

"…I really hope, that we won't have an attack, until you feel better…", he mumbled, smiling sadly at her.

"Then we might just hope, that Monarch is sick as well…"

"Hopefully he is!" Adrien hummed in agreement, before he leaned forward to press a small kiss on her forehead. "And now sleep. Don't worry about anything. I will take over from here."

"Call me, if you need me, kitty…"

"I will try everything in my might for you to not come and rescue my behind in a fight - I will definitely promise you that! And now hush…" He pressed one finger to his lips. "Rest. I will tell your parents, that I brought you home. And now - don't worry anymore. Tikki? Are you ready for some time by my side?"

Tikki giggled and pressed a kiss to her Chosen's cheek as well.

"I will be back soon!"

Then the blond boy turned to Plagg at last.

"And you behave! Remember the cheese you begged me to order - you won't have it, if I hear any complaints!"

The black kwami rolled his eyes and crossed his small arms in front of his chest.

"Don't worry - I won't tell her anything embarrassing about you!"

Adrien already raised a stern finger, lips opened, but she - with the last ounce of strength she could muster somewhere in her body - caught his hand, instead and for once it was her, who pressed a small kiss to his knuckles, before he could have scolded the small god in front of him.

"…He won't embarrass you. I am sure, that Plagg can behave around his Guardian. He has a few nannies, that remind him about the rules - so don't worry about him." The other kwamis soared back towards the bed, hovering beside the two humans and nodded in agreement- to which Plagg silently groaned. Then Marinette smiled back towards the blond boy in front of her and held onto his hand a little more tightly. "…and thank you for everything, Adrien…"

Once more he blushed - and she loved his reaction immediately. Eventually he muttered a small "Always…" and was gone.

She fell asleep soon enough and dreamed just off him - and that definitely was a lovely way to get better soon. She felt way better with three days.

…funnily enough, there wasn't any attack for the next week and that stupid virus must have caught up with Monarch, just like it had with the impeccable Gabriel Agreste.

Adrien on the other hand didn't fell victim to his virus and stayed sickness-free long after that. Therefore he was a very welcomed visitor during her time home.

A/N: They are definitely making progressions in their relationship. Small steps- but they are moving ahead for now.

...but then again there is the next big red flag, that makes Adrien feel a little less... human.

Next chapter: Bed time stories...