Then

The sound of the ticking clock in the dining room was obnoxiously loud. It made even the sound of his chewing disappear, just like the sound of his knife cutting through the meat in front of him, the sound of the scraping of his fork on the plate. And hopefully the sound of his madly beating heart as well…

But at least this sound was far better than the silence, that treated him with a nerve-wracking background music, while he and his father ate dinner.

together…

Of course - Adrien had been absolutely thrilled by the news, that he was allowed to have some of his father's very valuable time - Plagg had been annoyed by his overly excited human ever since his father mentioned it in the morning. And the excited boy even told Marinette about it - to which she had sympathetically smiled - otherwise she had stayed silent about it, before she had returned to the lecture in front of her.

But seeing his father now, seated at the farthest end of this table with a laptop by his side and a notebook and pen laying just in front of his barely touched plate, he wondered if he had actually paid any attention to his son at all. This wasn't the dinner, he had been looking forward to all day - had hoped for some time filled with conversations and bonding. So their relationship would feel a little bit closer, again.

Oh no - this dinner was the very opposite of the one he had imagined.

The blond boy carefully chewed his steak, looking towards Gabriel, waiting for the older man to look up and towards him - but he rather typed something on the keyboard, read whatever he found there, before he scribbled something down on the paper in front of him. Just then he moved his fingers to the fork, ready to dig into the beans, raising it up to his lips…

…before Gabriel merely shook his head, muttering something underneath his breath and he laid said utensil back down. Hastily he reached for the pen once more, crossing out, whatever he had written there, and eventually he started to type on the keyboard, again.

He had repeated this cycle four, or five times by now, still not paying his son, or his food any attention.

Though and in all honesty - even Gabriel's plate had been paid more attention, then the boy, who sat at the other end of the table, with so much space between them.

Urgh - what a lovely dinner!

This couldn't possibly be the time Adrien was allowed to spend with his father! They weren't seeing each other much throughout the week and of what he had gathered, Gabriel had already plans for the weekend as well. So - he should have a few minutes to spare for his only son - at least once per month! Especially when there was something in his mind, that he wanted to ask his father about.

Therefore, Adrien gulped heavily, laying his fork and knife down and took a deep breath. He felt his lungs filling up with air, felt, how all his fears were pushed into the very back of his mind, before he finally opened his lips, to speak out loud and into the silent abyss, that seemed to separate them:

"How…", he said, tried to make his voice sound strong and independent- not like the scarred little boy, who rather wanted to hide underneath the table, than speak to his very own father. "…was your day, father? Apparently you are still very busy…"

Gabriel - startled by the sound of his son's voice, looked up from whatever he was doing there. His left hand reached up for his glasses, pushing them back up the bridge of his nose, while his right one still hovered over the keyboard of his laptop.

"I am…fine~", he finally answered, scanning Adrien's face. "I am just working on a new project here. It is very time-consuming, but I promise, that it will be worth it."

For Gabriel this conversation was done. He already wanted to focus on his notes, again. Not even thinking about asking his son about his own well-being, his day, his extraordinary grades.

But the boy had other plans:

"You are working on a new collection then? Is there already a theme, you intend to follow? Any planned collaborations with other designers? Will there be a fashion show?"

Gabriel's brows furrowed, eyes narrowing briefly, as he contemplated about the many questions his son has thrown his way. Finally, he rested his elbows to each side of his plate, weaving the fingers of his hands together, and laid his chin on top of them.

And now Adrien had his father's full attention - something, that made him shrink and lean back against the backrest of this chair. He felt like deflating underneath the designers invasive stare - and little did he wonder where this sudden terror in his veins was coming from. Heck - he had faced far worse things as Chat Noir - so he would surely be able to stand his ground underneath his father's stare.

Still, he waited patiently for Gabriel's answers. Watched the older man, as strange thoughts seemed to dance behind these tired eyes - a few of them made his lips twitch, others let him raise his eyebrows on his forehead.

More than another full minute ticked by, while Adrien silently wondered what his father must be thinking about - but thankfully Gabriel raised his voice, once more and dared to break the silence between them:

"I am just thinking a lot about the heroes of this city, lately…", Gabriel finally spoke, his voice thoughtful and heavy. "They are keeping me… quite busy…"

Adrien blinked in confusion. Sensing, that there must be a deeper meaning to his father's words, than he could decipher at the moment. But then again, he recalled, what he had asked about before.

"Oh? So your next collection will be about Ladybug and Chat Noir, then?" Thankfully he wouldn't need to model for this collection anymore - otherwise there might have been an accidental identity reveal on the runway. Though little did Adrien wonder what Gabriel might actually say, if he found out, that the cat hero and his son were one and the same person - and that he was also very aware about Ladybug's identity as well.

"Something like that…", Gabriel hummed, slowly leaning back in his chair. "I am definitely considering a few options I have…"

"Options?" Was his father still talking about his new fashion line? And what could it have to do with the heroes, that watch over Paris? The old man definitely had a strange way to phrase his current thoughts and with that the very reason, that kept him busy and away for so long. "What options do you mean?"

Gabriel stood up from his chair, arms crossed behind his back. Most slowly and lost in thought he stalked over towards the window and rather watched the world outside.

He was absent once more. Thinking, brooding over something, that occupied his mind for so long. Adrien sensed, that this wasn't about the loss of his mother, anymore. That this wasn't because grief grasped Gabriel's heart most tightly and kept it in its clutches. There was more - so much more, that loomed behind the facade of the famous designer. The blond boy was merely missing something - a tiny piece of the puzzle - to fully understand his father and the enigma, that had changed him so drastically over the past years.

"I just don't understand, how they can keep on fighting!", Gabriel mumbled, more to himself, than to his son. Still, Adrien's keen ears picked up on the raspy sound of his father's voice. "…after everything, that has happened so far… After everything that happened to them…"

His heart immediately started to beat faster in his chest. Beating so harshly and fast, that it felt, as if it might just break through his rib cage and plunge out of his chest. Blood rushed in his own ears and he felt his fingers sweating, as hot surges rushed all over his body - now very much aware, that Gabriel was now entirely focused on talking about Ladybug and Chat Noir, instead.

Adrien watched the back of his father, his shoulders tensing for a brief moment, as he bowed his head to look away from the window and down to his hand - down to the ring of Emilie, he wore there. His thumb touched its cool metal, and he looked over to the boy with a raised eyebrow.

"What do you think about it, Adrien?", he asked so suddenly, watching his son through those far too expensive glasses like a hunter its prey.

The poor boy tried to collect his thoughts, stuttering, stumbling over the words, that left his lips in fear. Eventually he spoke:

"Somebody has to fight…", Adrien therefore said - knowing, that he now had his father's full attention. "Everybody should just trust them - one day they will win against Monarch and everybody can continue their lives in peace and quiet…"

"That's what you think?", Gabriel asked, the corners of his lips twitching, as if he was highly amused by his son's answer. "You believe in them and their eventual victory?"

"Yes…" He would betray everything he stood for, if he said anything else, but this single word. He would betray Marinette, her role as the Guardian and especially her trust. And why would he ever say anything else- for he knew, that one day they would come out of this fight as victors. Therefore, he only could answer without hesitation. "Ladybug and Chat Noir have won every fight so far. Because they work as an amazing team together. And they trust each other blindly…"

"They trust each other blindly…", Gabriel repeated underneath his breath, turning back towards the window, his gaze traveling somewhere into the distance. Humming, either in silent agreement, or disagreement - Adrien couldn't tell. "Then… If their trust was broken, then Monarch would eventually be able to win?"

The heart in the blond boy's chest made a painful little jump. Gulping heavily at that thought, that there could be something - anything - in this world, that could make Marinette turn his back on him - or the other way around. He couldn't bear this thought - even feared it.

For he knew, that he absolutely needed to do everything in his power to hold onto the trust he had earned in this relationship between them.

…knowing, that he needed to do just as much, to return this favor as well.

…but with those secrets, that still were attached to them, this task might be a little harder, than he might at first think.

Adrien's eyes wandered towards Gabriel's face - sensing, that he one day needed to talk about his father. With her - his lady - so she coul fully understand him, his mind and heart. He just… needed a little bit courage to start.

"He won't have a chance to win…", Adrien finally spoke. Bravely, clenching his icy cold fingers into fists, flexing them, to calm his nerves. Then he stood up as well, standing just beside his father by the window, and both looked outside. Into his mother's garden, that she used to take care off, whenever she could. "And Paris will be safe again…"

Then Gabriel wouldn't need to worry about his son. Then Gabriel could let him wander around, didn't need all these rules and regulations anymore. One day he could let his son free, just like Emilie has surely wanted for him.

His breath caught in his throat, when he too suddenly felt the warm fingers of his father on his shoulder. Patting him reluctantly there and just for a short moment - but still it was a tiny moment to which the boy would hold dearly and for a very long time.

It was such a small gesture and still it meant the world to him.

"Father?", Adrien carefully asked, even daring to look up into the older man's face - knowing, that now was the time for him to ask about his request, before this very moment between father and son was broken, again.

"Adrien?"

"There… There is this school dance coming up. Everybody will be there - Chloé is mostly responsible for it." At least it had been her idea, but she had surely a horde of well-paid servants to do the job for her. "It will be held at the Grand Paris as well. I was wondering… if I could go, too. You could design a suit for me, if you want! And I will wear it and tell everybody, who made it…" Free advertising - what designer wouldn't love that?

But for Adrien this wasn't about wearing his father's exquisite handmade clothes. This wasn't about dancing, or music as well. For he just wanted to spend some time with his friends, like any other normal teenager would do.

He even planned to ask Marinette to go together - and was very determined to even ask her for a dance, or two.

Just as friends - of course!

…though - in all honesty - it would mean the world to him, if accepted this offer and perhaps saw it as a little bit more…

"Mhm?", Gabriel finally hummed as an answer, yet sounding a little more absent, than before. Apparently thinking about what his son has said, before he eventually turned his head slightly to look at him, again. "A school dance?"

"I will behave, of course!", Adrien immediately gasped, knowing, that there would be restrictions and strict rules, if he was allowed to go. Surely Gabriel would send his bodyguard along as well. But even that would be okay. "And I don't plan to be there all night long - just for a little bit! And the dance will be on a Friday - so I still have enough time on the weekend to learn and practice and-"

"You may go…"

Startled about his father's sudden answer he took a step back, then blinked. Before he knew, what was happening, he threw his arms around Gabriel in a thankful and tight hug.

"Thank you, father!"

And he meant it.

Fully excited the remainder of his dinner was forgotten - he felt thrilled and full and absolutely happy. He needed to tell his friends - above all Marinette -about it. And his father was going back to work anyway.

Still - this dinner has gone better, than he would have every expected. At least the second half…

"You should let your father sign some contract - that you are very much allowed to go to that dance!", yet Plagg reminded him, once he and his trusted Kwami were back in his room. "And I truly wonder why your father was in such lovely mood today! Haven't expected anything like that!"

"Perhaps he is feeling better…", Adrien hummed, almost bouncing back towards his desk, twirling in his chair once, just because he felt like it. "Whatever it might be - I hope, he has more of these good days. I would appreciate that."

"Who wouldn't appreciate that?", Plagg murmured and flopped down on the desk, just beside Adrien's stack of books. "Perhaps then you won't waste your time with these stinky ol' books anymore, since you are allowed to enjoy your sweet freedom." The tiny god drew a deep breath into his small lungs, as if he wanted to imitate this exact moment. "Ah~ freedom! Think about all the dates you could go on with-"

"No dates…", Adrien immediately chimed in and reached for his phone. Hurriedly he started to type a message towards Marinette, telling her, that his father talked to him during dinner and even allowed him to go to the school dance. "She wouldn't want that…"

"But you want to ask Marinette out for the dance, right?"

"Doesn't mean I want to ask her out romantically. It's total platonic - we can go as friends…"

It didn't mean, that he didn't want for them to be involved romantically.

"And if she asked out somebody else?", Plagg teased with a sly smirk, very well aware, how this question could sow a little settling of jealousy in the blond boy's heart. "For a human she is very beautiful, isn't she? And has a friendly and kind soul - there are surely a few other boys out there, who have a crush on her too. What if she returns these feelings? And even more importantly- what if this said boy asks her out on a date as well?"

Adrien hated, how this thought made him feel - remembering Nathaniel and Nino, who indeed liked Marinette like that. Remembering Luka, who she had dated before. Of course - if she chose somebody to be by her side, then there was nothing he could do against that. He would just watch from the side lines- wishing for nothing more, but to be that guy, that she held hands with, kissed, or dreamt about at night. For - apparently- there was somebody in this world, she found special. She had told him as Ladybug multiple times before. Marinette once told Chat about this mysterious boy as well. One, she so dearly adorned.

…and what a lucky boy this must be…

Halting in his moves, Adrien lowered his gaze to his knees, not yet sending the message to his princess from his phone. He gulped heavily, feeling the pressure of these words sinking deeply into his bones, gnarling at him and his soul in an ugly way.

"Then…", he whispered, shaking his head slightly. "…so it shall be. If she truly loves somebody, then she should be with that person. I am just her friend. Merely her partner. I definitely don't have the right to tell her, who she is allowed to see or to be with!"

He didn't notice how Plagg - absolutely fed up with his blind Chosen - slapped his forehead in desperation and annoyance. Just then he soared up and towards the human, floating just in front of his face to get his attention, again.

"So - perhaps - you should make a move on her to be that exact boy! Ask her out and-"

"Marinette does not want that!", he pressed between his lips. Bitterly and- yeah - even a little bit jealous.

"Urgh - how would you know that?"

"She told me, that she didn't like Chat Noir and has fallen for another boy, instead!"

"But what about you?"

"I-"

"She never said, that she didn't like Adrien! She never said, that the boy she liked was - in fact - you?"

Plagg's eyes widened, his tiny paws immediately flew to his mouth, shrinking back, as the blond boy glared at him with raised eyebrows.

"What would you know?", Adrien mumbled, irritated by this whole conversation and the direction it was heating to. "I thought that you - 'as a immortal, who roams this Earth for thousands of years' - were not interested in human courting rituals and the way mortals were bound to each other because of love? How would you know, that Marinette likes me more than a friend, if she never saw in Chat more than just her partner?" In a low voice he added: "Why would Marinette like me anyway?" If she could have any other person out there…

"Ehr…", he heard his Kwami swallow hard, smiling apologetically up towards the human's face, as he innocently tipped his paws together. "… even a blind person can see, that the two of you are meant to be together?"

Adrien exhaled sharply and leaned back in his chair - feed up with this small being and his silly, ridiculous ways.

"…yet… just - for once - think about the possibility, that said boy she had fallen for, is - in fact - you. And you - blinded for the love of the mysterious Ladybug - was just never able to understand, why the girl in your class made you feel the same way. Wouldn't it be funny, if you two just chased for each other's tails, but never understood, who you were actually chasing after?"

"Very funny…", Adrien mumbled dryly. "And what a stupid coincidence would that be?"

"Coincidence?", Plagg smirked. "Destiny! Like France creating the most exquisite cheeses in this world, that I am allowed to devour! Figuratively spoken - you are me and Marinette is cheese! It's a match made in haven!"

At least that silly phrase made Adrien tiredly smile, again.

"You know, that Marinette- your Guardian- will stop buying you snacks, if she ever found out, that you compared her to stinky, old Camembert…"

"Stupid mortals - that would be the best compliment imaginable!"

"Not for humans…"

And still…

…still there was some hidden truth found within Plagg's words - not the cheese part, of course! And together with the conversation he had with his father only minutes before, it stirred something up within the boy.

For apparently there were still so many secrets between them, that could provoke their defeat against Monarch in the end. There are a billion ways, that their foe could create a lie - especially with the Miraculous he still held in his possession - that could eventually drive them apart. May it be something about their hidden love-life, or some dark, twisted version of all the other secrets, they keep hidden from the other…

Adrien's shoulder slumped, as he remembered their relationship about a year ago. How something had created a drift between them. Something, that made her push him away and held at an arm's length. She had rather sought new allies, turned her back on him, made her lie to him in painful ways - and it was not meant to make sure, that their identities stayed hidden from the other.

…and it was something, she had not spoken about until this very day. He had not dared to ask until this day - feared the impact it could have on him. On them…

But… If she ever spoke out about, then - perhaps - he would be able to lift a few more burdens from, her shoulders and-

oh…

Just then he realized one crucial thing:

…why Marinette wanted him to speak up and about the relationship between him and his father. It wasn't because she knew the perfect remedy to mend this disaster between them. It wasn't because she was the heroine of this city - ready to sacrifice her own sanity and health to help and save every soul in this Akuma-poluted city.

No…

Marinette offered her ears to listen, her shoulders to cry on, so he didn't need to carry there burdens all on his own. So he wouldn't be an easy target for his own self-pity, for falling to his depressed and miserable state. To not be an easy target for Akumas.

Listening… yeah - that's what friends did, when they felt down and beaten and his lovely lady was such a friend.

Adrien sighed, his eyes finally landing on his phone, he still in his hands. He hadn't sent the news out to her, yet - felt, that it wasn't enough to just write her about it.

For once, he wanted to talk. To her. Preferably see her as well.

Nervously he glanced over to the clock on the wall, knew, that it still was far too early for him to just disappear from his room, to see her. And if his father still had something to add about the conversation from earlier, then he would seek out his soon.

…and God forbid the hell, that would break loose, if his son was nowhere to be found. Then he could forget about the dance, seeing his friends, and especially going to school ever again. Then he would be stuck and held captive in this cage he called home, until he turned old and bitter himself.

"What are you thinking about?", Plagg curiously asked, hovering just by Adrien's side, sensing his human's distress and uneasiness. "Don't you want to see your little boo?"

"She is not my-" Adrien bit his tongue, knowing that his Kwmai had stuck a nerve with his comment, but chose to not dwell any further on it. Exhaling sharply instead, before he continued. "I am going to see her. If she wants to - of course! Just… a little later. It's still too early for that…"

Plagg hummed, tilting his head to the side, as he watched the boy closely with bright green eyes.

"…you hope, that the old man would like to talk to you, again?"

Adrien carefully nodded, as he finally locked the screen of his phone, once more.

"…Father had a good day. So… why not hope for a few more good moments, while it lasts?"

The tiny god merely sighed dramatically about that, but chose to not say anything about it, instead. And in all honesty - that was a nice change.

But…

… Gabriel did not come to his room for the remainder of the evening. Wouldn't come during the night. Soon the world turned dark outsside and when Adrien checked the time between learning Biology and History, he was surprised to find out that it was already way past nine. He was supposed to be in bed for over an hour.

"He did not come…", Adrien murmured, as his tired eyes wandered over to the door, dearly hoping, that his father would magically appear one more time. "… perhaps he had gone to bed early…"

Plagg snorted from his place on Adrien's bed, where he had settled some time ago.

"Or you should just admit, that your conversation during dinner was just a one time thing and that he is just busy, again…"

"He is just planning his next fashion run, that's all!"

"And you are excusing his lack of interest in your life, again!"

No…

Gabriel was interested in his son's life! There were just far more important things to do!

Urgh… that really sounded like a lame excuse - even in Adrien's own ears.

Hurriedly he shook his head - highly irritated on what he should think about this particular father-son-relationship himself.

"He is just tired…", Adrien finally hummed, defeated by now and very much afraid, that their shared dinner would be the last interaction between him and Gabriel for the longest time. His heart immediately sped up in his chest with unwanted and painful aching, and he shook his head.

Who was he kidding - there were moments like that before. Good days, where Gabriel had said more than a few crucial words, more than demands and rules towards his son. Days when he had allowed his son to spend a few important minutes of his time. Moments, where he had been the father he liked to remember. Then the next second things would change again - and work was once more of high importance, again. But Adrien was never on top of his priority list…

It seemed like an endless circle - one of a little fatherly affection and weeks full of neglect. If this was about somebody else, then he would have told them to tell somebody- anybody - about it.

But this was just about him…

…and he stayed silent…

Adrien's eyes wandered towards his phone - remembering, that he yet had to tell Marinette and all his other friends about the little success he had today with his father.

…wondering if she still was wide awake…

He knew her by now pretty well - knew, that his princess loved to stay up for hours and until late into the night. To draw, to sew, to just create. To talk to Alya, her other girl friends, the Kwamis. Sometimes to him as well.

Tonight he was yearning to see her as well. Though - who was he kidding - he yearned to see her on every other day and night, too. For Plagg was very right with his teasing, when he told his Chosen about the obvious love he felt for the black-haired girl.

…and that he wanted to be the special someone by her side. Not just her partner, definitely more than just a friend. But with Monarch's everlasting presence looming in the shadows she would never allow them to get romantically involved with each other - apart from the fact, that he didn't know about her feelings for him, either.

Briefly Adrien remembered Plagg's word - about him, the boy underneath the mask - being the one she had fallen for, when she had denied his advances as Chat Noir. And he wondered if that could be actually be true…

"Please tell me you are planning to see Marinette!", Plagg whined, finally soaring back towards his side. "Or I will die of boredom!"

The corners of Adrien's lips twitched. But he nodded as well.

"Yeah, I am going to see her…"

Plagg already punched the air with joy, but stopped, when Adrien raised one stern finger at him.

"But beforehand we should just make sure, that father won't come here…"

Plagg frowned, hanging his tiny shoulders, instead.

"You really think, that he would come to talk to you once more? It's already your bed time, you know that?"

"There is a tiny chance he would do that, yes…"

Plagg huffed, then rolled his eyes at his ever optimistic human.

"Give me five minutes~"

The black entity went straight through the wall by Adrien's bed. Phasing through it without a care in the world. The blond boy on the other hand got up from his chair. Suddenly feeling, as if he needed to change into something new, before he went out to see Marinette. Something fresh - something she had made. He chose the black pullover she had sewn for him for his birthday, then went towards the bathroom to wash his face, brush his teeth, check his hair - which he did twice. Little did he wish for a bouquet of flowers he could have gifted to the black-haired girl - just because he wanted to give her some appreciation for everything she did in the past for him. Perhaps he could find a flower store, that was still opened and-

"He is gone!"

"Huh?" Adrien stood just by the mirror - a third time checking his hair now, before he started collecting any invisible lint from his clothes. Yet, Plagg's words irritated him, and he furrowed his brows, as he watched the small being through the reflection of the mirror. "You mean, that he has gone to bed early!"

"Nope~", Plagg landed on his Chosen's right shoulder, sitting there, watching his human as well. "His bed was perfectly made and completely untouched. He isn't in the kitchen, either - and there wasn't any cheese left for me. You should complain about that in the morning!" "Plagg - stay focused!" "Sorry - anyway: Your dearest Papa isn't in his office, either, nor in the garden, or the bathrooms… After that I got bored with looking for him and went straight back here! I assume, that he is gone…"

"…he… left the Mansion?" Adrien blinked at that, and he felt like he was hit in the gut, as he realized, that his very own father left him alone - and didn't even think to tell him about it. Suddenly he felt so very lonely - any happiness from earlier blown away through the window and completely forgotten about. He felt cold, felt as if he was shivering, even.

…and he wanted to flee - towards a place, where he knew, he would feel welcomed.

…where he would be awaited with opened arms. And after his little visit he could go out on patrol - preferably until the early morning hours and when he was able to just fall into his bed, where he hopefully forgot about his loneliness altogether.

Yeah - that really sounded like a lovely plan!

"But we are going to leave as well, right?", Plagg yet asked, suddenly so very concerned, that his human has changed plans once more. "To see Marinette?"

Adrien gently smiled - even the sound of her name set his heart a little more at ease.

"Of course~" Then he frowned, eyes narrowed and entirely focused on the Kwami by his side. "And you will behave, right?"

"You know me! Have I ever brought you any shame?"

He had - multiple times. By now it seemed, that teasing his Chosen in front of Marinette seemed to be his favorite pass time, when they were together. Thankfully she had brushed it off and ignored it entirely- thankfully has never said a word about it, or asked Plagg about his true intentions.

…which didn't mean, that she wouldn't do that one day and when that very day came he would be screwed.

But for now he did not dare to think about all the possibilities where this scenario might lead them in the future. He didn't want to think about his father's ominous absence, either. He just wanted to be and enjoy his free time while it lasted.

Therefore, he transformed, felt how this incredible power flooded his body and his senses, as it rushed through his every vein. He dearly enjoyed being Chat Noir and loved all the benefits that came with wearing the black suit and the mask.

He even enjoyed the responsibility that came along with Plagg's magic - for it always felt for him, as if in these few moments that he and his life mattered at least to someone in this world.

When the blond hero opened his window he inhaled the crisp evening air deeply, feeling it fill his lungs easily. Then he listened to the sounds of the city he loved - which thankfully was full of late quietness and people at peace.

No Akuma - thankfully…

Just then he made his way across the city, running and jumping straight towards the balcony he knew so well and by now would find blindly in a matter of minutes. With him coming to visit Marinette about 2 to three times per week by now, this place almost felt like a second home to him.

…or rather his most beloved place to be…

Thankfully he found the lights in her room still turned on - even though that didn't mean much, for he had found her fallen asleep by her desk, or on her chaise before. But when Tikki emerged by the skylight, waving euphorically at him, he knew, that his lady wasn't asleep just yet.

Therefore, he bravely opened to trapdoor, sticking his head through it to peek down into the warm and inviting room below.

"Hello…?", he exclaimed, announcing with that his arrival. "Anybody still awake?"

But from his lady came no response to that, to which his eyebrows immediately started to climb on his forehead.

Tikki, still hovering just beside him, giggled at that, before she pressed a little kiss as a sign of greeting against his cheek.

"She is caught up in a creative bubble. Don't worry - you may come inside…"

He smirked at that, then nodded and climbed inside. With cat-like ease and eerie quietness he stalked down from the heights of her bed, grinning more and more, when he found her, sitting by her desk with headphones on, sketching intensively into the opened booklet in front of her. His poor heart immediately melted at that lovely sign of her, beating so much faster in his chest, than just moments before. Yes - even this very busy, brave and kind girl was allowed to have some peace and quiet, when she was fighting so hard on a daily basis to keep this city safe.

She just looked so perfect by doing so.

Still, feeling mischievous enough, he tip-toed closer and just behind her. Chat raised his claws, inhaled deeply, opened his mouth and-

"Don't. You. Dare!"

Marinette had sat up straight just mere moments before he could have startled her. Arms now crossed before her chest, turning around with a little pout on her rosy lips and narrowed eyes. All he could do, was letting out a puff of breath, the scare he had planned before was completely forgotten, again. The kwamis around them laughed and giggled at that.

Of course, she had noticed him - she was Ladybug after all and rightfully so. She would sense an incoming attack - even if it had been a planned, sweet assault from her dearest partner.

Thankfully she wasn't mad for long - her features softened and her lips immediately formed one of her sweet smiles, again, as she reached up towards her head to pull her headphones off.

"I wondered if you would come today…", she hummed, tilting her head as she watched him flopping down on his behind, just in front of her. Marinette didn't even flinch, when he called his transformation off, only a moment later, but greeted Plagg with a little scratch behind his ear. It made him purr and - somehow - the blond boy felt envious, since his Kwami was getting more attention from this lovely girl, than him. "How did your dinner go?"

Of course, Marinette remembered it, and now she wanted to know about it. Leaning forward, to rest her underarms on her thighs, leaning in closer to be on eye level with the boy in front of her. The other kwamis- curious now - leaned in as well, listening closely to what ever the blond boy would need to say.

"It was… Well~" He was flinching, grimacing even underneath her gaze. Scratching the back of his neck he rather tried to avoid her prying eyes, but felt his cheeks heating up, nonetheless. After all - he had still her full attention, and she wouldn't let him go any time soon. "It was okay, I guess?"

"Okay?", Marinette repeated, looking as if she tried the taste of this one word, while not quite understanding, what she should think of it. "Okay is good, isn't it?"

"Okay is… it's hard to explain-"

"They were silent for about half an hour. It was nerve-wracking. I think I took a little nap, before something interesting happened".

"Plagg!", Adrien hissed to chide his dearest Kwami.

"What? That's the truth! You and your father were stuck in this very uncomfortable silence for most-"

"You just said, that you were taking a nap, so what would you know?"

"I-"

"Excusez-moi~" It was Tikki, who chimed in, soaring between the two humans, getting a good grip on Plagg's ear - to which he loudly complained - and dragged him away from Adrien and Marinette. The other small gods and goddesses knew right away, that this was the cue for them to leave these two alone as well, following the red kwami and her black prisoner as well. Though Adrien would never know where they were hiding after that.

His poor mind was too caught up by his thoughts about his father, anyway. Stuck somewhere between happiness of having an actual conversation with the older man, of having the allowance to go to the school dance and then being here to see his lovely lady. But then there was the sheer pain his loneliness and the knowledge of his father's neglect brought to him. As all these million thoughts started to run miles per hour behind his eyes, he felt a distinct throbbing between his brows, as heavy realization clung to him and to his every bone. He held his head and rested his elbows on his knees, heavily sighing, as he tried to make sense of it all.

…heck - he should have thought about the things he had wanted to say beforehand. But now he was stealing her valuable time with his nonsense.

…he must look so desperate and forlorn, sitting there on the cold wooden boards of her floor.

…if only the floor below him tore appart and swallowed him whole…

Two, warm arms came around his shoulders. So suddenly, that it startled him. He was pulled forward, against a petite body, his head finding the crook of her neck so easily. Soft lips placed a tiny kiss on top of his hair, before she rested her face against it. And just like that Adrien found himself in this tight embrace with the girl, that has stolen his heart in so many ways.

When he finally realized, what Marinette was doing there, he found the strength in himself to wrap his arms around her as well. Clinging to her, as if his whole life depended on her.

A shaking breath escaped his lips and her arms flexed around him and she nuzzled her cheek against his hair, before she spoke:

"I told you before…", her voice was so soft. So gentle. There was no harshness in her words. Nothing bitter. And he was sure, that he would have fallen for her just by the sound of her wonderful voice. "…I am here, if you want to speak. I will listen, not judge. And if you don't want to speak, then I won't pressure you in doing so. I am your friend, Adrien. Chat. And I hope, that you never forget that…"

How could he? How would he ever be able to forget about that wonderful bond, that has formed between them over the years. A bond, that felt way deeper, than both of them were able to grasp it.

…a bond so deep, that not even Monarch was able to understand it - and hopefully would never be able to sever it.

"I know…", he yet meekly mumbled against her neck, wishing that the confidence from earlier would return to him, so he could just tell her about the dinner. And about everything else as well. He didn't even feel strong enough to tell her, that his father - at least - allowed him to go to the school dance.

Sniffing he yet felt brave enough to lean back once more - but it was her, who immediately reached for his hands, holding both of his in her significantly smaller ones. Her thumbs brushed over his knuckles, as she focused once more on him with her brilliant blue eyes.

"I shouldn't have come here. You were so busy. Surely I have disturbed your creative flow and-"

"Don't worry, Adrien! You are more important than just a few sketches…"

Adrien gulped - far to easily remembering his father, and how he had rather paid his notes attention, than his own son.

"Still…", he whispered, lowering his eyes to the floor once more. "…you surely want to go to sleep soon enough. We have school tomorrow, and we should rather rest, before Monarch dares to attack us, again. I was thinking about patrolling for a little while longer, anyway…"

"Patrol?", Marinette hummed. Then she shrugged nonchalantly. "Sure. We can split up and-"

"No! You sleep, and I go on patrol on my own!"

Somewhere from the depths of her room he heard a quiet boo and even Marinette seemed to be upset by this idea.

"You are not going out on a patrol. Not on your own! It's too dangerous and… And I don't want you to be alone!"

"Then you are the only person, who doesn't want that… Father on the other hand-" Adrien immediately bit his tongue upon realizing what he had said. Or rather was about to say. Marinette's eyes widened already, a furious little gleam emerging too easily within these blue depths.

She had heard enough - and judging by the way she tightly grasped his hands, she wanted to do nothing more, but to jump to her feet, transform and get Gabriel back where he belonged.

…back towards his son…

But instead of saying just anything about it - just like she had promised - she turned her head away to avoid his prying gaze and exhaled sharply, in hopes the frustration would just leave her system, again.

Even in her frustrated state she was absolutely adorable. But also such an easy target for a possible Akuma attack. The blond boy immediately knew, that she needed to sort through these negative feelings, so Monarch wouldn't need to send an Akuma out towards her. A distraction, something absolutely nonsensical, that would make her loose focus, once more.

"Can I stay?", he therefore asked, as this simple, but heartfelt question was the only thing, that came into his own mind.

"Stay?", she questioned, as if these words sounded so foreign in her own ears. At least she looked back towards him, now with interest, but also with confusion.

At least it had surprised her enough to lose that furious spark within her, again.

"Y-Yeah. Can I stay here? With you? Just… just a little while longer. You can go to sleep, and I can just stay here on the floor, if you want! It just would make me feel less… you know…"

Less lonely

The grip on his hands started to get gentler, again. Her thumbs brushed over his skin, as she watched him most closely. Her lips parted, as she took a deep breath, but stopped herself, before any word could have made it over them. Then she scrunched her nose in thought and in the cutest way imaginable, as she shook her head, chuckling lightly.

"You know, that I don't mind, if you sleep in my bed with me!"

He blushed. Definitely in the deepest shade of red imaginable. He saw her rosy cheeks as well. Knew, that every single kwami was watching and listening from their hiding space. And still she did not take her words back.

"In your bed?", Adrien questioned, wondering if he had heard her correctly. Not that he would mind. And her bed was definitely big enough to house two teenagers - one of them being a boy, that horribly suffered under hormones and the love for the girl he was supposed to sleep with - in one bed and just side by side, of course!

"Yes!", she answered with a small shrug. "We are friends! I had plenty of sleepover parties with Alya and the other girls and-"

"Yeah - they are girls!", he responded, freeing one of his hands from hers to point towards himself and his own body. "I am a boy, if you hadn't noticed!"

She blinked.

"…so? Friends can sleep next to each other without anything happening. Even if they are a boy and a girl. If you don't want to then - of course - you may take the chaise. But I think, that it might be a little bit uncomfortable for you - given your size. Or you can take my bed and-"

"I am not letting you sleep on the chaise, princess!"

"How chivalrous of you, my kitty~"

He sighed, then weakly chuckled as well.

Of course - he absolutely loved the idea of them sharing a bed. And she was right - they were friends. Nothing was supposed to happen. And the poor boy already knew, that he wouldn't find a better place to sleep, than in this wonderful place, that was filled with so much love, warmth and creation. A place, that was so far different, than his own, sterile and silent home. So - yeah - why not?

"But I should get back early. I must wake up at six, so-"

"Six?", she gasped. "You wake up at six!"

"Yeah… personal training, shower, breakfast, my first schedule reading. You know - the usual stuff…"

"You get done more in an hour, than I do the whole day!" Still she smiled and reached up for the desk, searching something - eventually finding her phone there to set an alarm. "So, tell me… When do you want to wake up?"

"I think 5:30 might be enough…"

If he ever found his sleep…

For this poor boy, resting on his side about an hour later, facing the wall of her bedroom, could merely lie in her bed and wait for his precious sleep to catch up with him. He didn't dare to just turn around to look, if Marinette - resting at the other side of her bed - had similar sleeping problems. He couldn't even judge it by the sound of her breathing, for the sound of his madly beating heart in his ears droned out everything else. Apart from that - if she was asleep, then he didn't want to wake her by making the bed move.

Was she an heavy sleeper, or would any sound and any movement rattle her, shake her awake and leaving her without the chance to find her needed sleep, again.

Should he have continued to talk, when they have bidden each other good night? To ease his nerves. Would she have fallen asleep nonetheless? Or was this whole procedure doomed from the very beginning?

Adrien gulped - tried to swallow as shallow as possible to make not any sound, holding his breath, trying to just calm his nerves, so his heart would stop his endless chase in his chest. So he could listen into the silence and darkness, that surrounded them.

Though… no… there was no silence. The kwamis were very much asleep. Puff like breaths were coming from down there - they must be huddled together by the chaise. Surely their tiny stomachs were filled to the brim with the snacks, that his lady had offered them. Even him, which he had friendly declined. Plagg must be among his brothers and sisters as well.

From far away came a different sound. A deep, rumbling thunder - a snoring he was not aware, that a human could make. But - apparently- Tom Dupain was very much able to make this kind of sound. And even more surprising the boy found the fact, that both - mother and daughter - could sleep through it in one way or the other.

The heating pipes rattled shortly - a sound, that was so foreign to him and yet - somehow - soothed him even more.

And then there was Marinette. Her breathing was even, barely even noticeable. He smiled as the thought of her sleeping peacefully hit him hard and without lovely mercy. She must be looking absolutely divine. Perfect, even. And he would give everything he owned to take a tiny, precious glance at her, to preserve that moment forever.

Wait… Was that a creepy thought? Marinette would surely find that creepy, if she found out about it. And knowing her, she would just be too kind to let him know, that his peeking had freaked her out.

Urgh… now he was thinking about a thousand ways, in which she would be freaked out by him and all these thoughts definitely didn't want to give him any rest:

What if she awoke and found him snoring as well? Did he even snore - Plagg at least didn't complain! What if he occupied the whole bed in his sleep? What if he threw himself all over her - cuddling her from behind? From the front? What if he drooled? On her pillow. On her! What if he needed to see the bathroom in the middle of the night? She was sleeping by the ladder - he needed to wake her up to get down and to the bathroom. Then she would need to wait for his return! What if his hormones started to do crazy things! Did his breath smell in the morning? Gosh… she would smell his stinky breath in the morning!

He winced.

…and just wondered if he shouldn't just come up with some stupid excuse. So he could go home and just sleep in his own bed.

Adrien sighed at that thought - and now thought about his father. Sensing, that he still would be so very much alone. Sure - he had Plagg. But his dearest Kwami would be grumpy, if he woke him up now and even more grumpy, because he needed to leave. And seriously- he wanted to stay himse-

Adrien almost jumped, when a dainty hand too suddenly reached out for him. Brushing over his arm, grasping his shoulder gently.

"Adrien?", the smallest voice breathed into the darkness and her thumb brushed over the fabric of his pullover. "You can't sleep?"

He swallowed once more. Slowly turned around, rested on his other side, as his eyes found her features, that were illuminated by the silvery moonlight. Her hand, sadly, slipped from his shoulder, and she brought it back, to nestle it against her chest.

"As I see…", he finally whispered. "You can't, either… Do I keep you awake?"

"No…", she immediately answered, then she bit her lip. "…not directly. I just… it's strange, that you are in my bed. That's all!"

"I didn't mind you chaise, either…"

"Don't be silly…", Marinette softly chided. "At least here you can lay properly. And it has enough room for both of us!"

True - for there still seemed to be miles between them on this mattress. It wasn't as large as his bed. And still - with the distance between their bodies it felt so much bigger.

…even larger then the distance between father and son at the dining table.

"True…", he responded with a little shrug.

"Did you ever have a sleepover before?", she yet so suddenly asked, changing the topic altogether. "With Nino, perhaps?"

Adrien snorted.

"And you think, that my father would ever allow that?"

"Well - he doesn't know of his son sleeping in one bed with Ladybug…"

"Okay - point for you!"

"And with you cousin? You know - way before he stole every single Miraculous?"

"Does 'sleeping in a whole different room in the manor' count?"

"…no…"

"Then it's my very first sleepover!"

She wiggled on her side of the bed, raising her head up, to rest it on her palm, so she could have a better look on him. By the sound of her voice she must be smirking by now.

"And we didn't celebrate that! If I had known, I had a pajama party with my dearest partner - for the first time in his life - then I would have prepared way more snacks! I would have chosen a movie and-"

"Can we do that?"

Adrien was immediately excited by this thought. Loved it already. At least - just once - felt ike a very normal, not famous, boy.

Briefly she considered her options. Then nodded.

"I am free on Saturday night…"

"Wait - that isn't a joke-"

"You could bring ice cream, if you want… I can make hot chocolate. Or different, authentic teas. Chinese ones. And I definitely want you to be in your most comfortable pajama, that you own!"

"The Ladybug ones?", he joked and grinned.

"Then I will get a matching Chat Noir one~"

"I definitely need to come - just to see that happening…"

A laughter escaped her lips, but she hurriedly pressed her hand against them, before any sleeping party would have woken up by it. Thankfully, everybody stayed very much asleep.

"Then it's a deal!"

He was sure, that he could make out a mischievous gleam in her eyes, as she raised her second hand towards him, balled into a fist. He did the same, hitting her knuckles with his most softly. To seal the deal and to rejoice in old traditions.

"…I am pretty sure, that father won't miss me, anyway…"

Her eyes definitely widened at that. His did, he knew that. Hurriedly he laid on his back, before she was able to read anything more into his reaction. For her lips already parted to add something, to question him, or Gabriel's actions. But the girl by his side merely sharply exhaled. Then moved to lay on her back as well.

There was silence, again. Oh, how much he hated silence. This kind of silence. He would sell his soul to make his last statement undone. For the awkwardness was back. The aching in his heart as well.

…why would he just ruin everything - even those little moments between them?

Nervously he started to twist his ring around his finger. A stupid habit he must have picked up from his father. His green eyes fixed on the little bit of sky above them, that he was able to see through her skylight window. There were stars and the full moon as well. A cloud - most slowly - crawled across the darkness and clawed at the only light, that made it into this room, swallowing the whole.

…she must be seeing it as well. He knew, that she did - especially when her soft voice echoed through the quiet night, again:

"…sorry…"

"Don't be…", he answered stiffly. "You have done nothing wrong. My brain… it's not working correctly during this late hour anymore. Therefore, I say stupid things."

"The things you say aren't stupid…"

"…true - the thoughts that keep me awake are even more stupid…"

"Thoughts… What kind of thoughts?", she murmured with a small voice.

He shrugged.

"Nonsensical things…" He wanted to look back towards her. But he couldn't bring himself to do so. For his heart was already beating madly in his chest, and it felt like it was plunging from his rib cage already. Looking at her would just make it worse. "About school. Our homework. The dance. About stupid Akumas…"

"Akumas?"

He hummed. Waited for her answer - trying to find some stupid anecdote about some foe in the past, that would count as some reason, that would keep him awake. Preferably something punny. So this awkwardness would just disappear between them, once more.

When he didn't find any, he kept on hoping, that she would say something about it. But the boy could merely hear, how her breathing quickened, and he heard her swallow. Then - after some eerie moments of silence - she finally spoke, again:

"There is a reason on why I wasn't able to sleep as well…"

Marinette's voice was nothing but a faint whisper. Lacking the strength, that usually inhabited her own lion heart and brave soul. She sounded so tiny. So weak, and it definitely broke his heart to hear her like that. Adrien realized, that this wasn't something she could easily talk about.

"You don't have to-"

"I know!" She stopped his words, before he could have finished his sentence. Her voice was a little louder, a little more harsh. It made her wince and she quietly apologized under her breath. But her strange behavior at least pulled his gaze back towards her. Adrien turned his head, and watched her nervously fiddle with the seam of the blanked, that covered her from the stomach down. Her eyes weren't cast to the window above them anymore. Instead, they were clued to some distanced spot in the darkness.

"…I sometimes have nightmares…"

"Nightmares?"

"About you, Adrien…"

Her words rattled something inside him. They echoed in his mind forth and back, didn't make any sense. Still, they resonated with something deeply in his heart, and he asked himself what he had done in the past, to give her such nightmares.

Slowly he sat up. His hands landed limply in his lap, as her words repeated themselves in his brain. Over and over and over, again. His forehead furrowed. He shook his head, as he didn't come to any solution.

Finally, he looked back towards her, again, to ask her about her words meaning.

By now Marinette was sitting as well. But she was leaning her back against the farthest wall, knees pulled towards her chest. Her eyes watched him closely, almost cautiously, even in the darkness.

"What… what have I done?"

"Nothing…", she whispered, a whimper, nothing more. "You have done nothing wrong, Adrien. That's it, what matters…"

And still there was this distance between them. As if she feared him. As if he would jump her, twist her neck and claw at her eyes. But he wasn't a monster. Heck - he was madly in love with her and that was certainly no reason for to be afraid of him!

"I… don't understand…"

"I know. I shouldn't have told you about it, anyway. Especially since you can't know about anything, that happened there…"

"Marinette…" the poor boy shakingly spoke. "You really scare me… I… I don't think, that I have done something wrong… And you know, that I would never hurt you…"

"Well…", she sniffed and hurriedly brushed her hands over her face in a fast move, he surely wasn't allowed to see. "…because it wasn't you. And I made sure, that you can't know about it. But - no - it was you. Another you… I am… I am sorry - it's just… difficult to explain…"

"Then… try?"

Carefully he crawled closer. So dearly he wanted to reach out for her. Hug her. Hold her close, to make her feel better. But with this despair in her voice, with fear rushing through her whole body, he could only hold himself back, afraid, that his whole behavior could make it worse. Especially since he seemed to be the reason for said nightmares. At least she didn't flinch, didn't pull away, when he leaned against the wall, just beside her. At least - for now - the cool wall seemed to calm his own senses down, when his mind started to become a mess with worry and sorrows.

Once more she played with her bedsheets. Avoided his gaze. By now, she must be regretting this. All of it - having him here, feeling the pressure to tell him about her nightmares, not being able to sleep, like she was supposed to and-

"I often dream about Chat Blanc, when I had a bad day. That he hunts me down. When he catches me, I usually wake up. When I fall asleep, again, it all starts again…"

"Chat Blanc?", this name did not resonate with any of his memories. He didn't even understand, what said Chat Blanc had to do with him. "Who is that? Why would he hunt you down?" Whoever this might be - he was definitely very ready to fight him to keep his lady safe.

Marinette sighed, her hands flying towards her head, holding it between them.

"He is you…"

"But-"

"He is the Akuma I had to fight, when everything else was destroyed. The one in some strange future - or past - that was not supposed to happen. Because we made mistakes. Because you knew my name. And…" Finally, she looked back up towards him. "…and I know, that it does not make sense. But I know what I saw! I know, what happened there! And it haunts me! It haunts me daily! And for such a long time I was afraid, that we would make the same mistake, again! That you would get akumatized, again! That I needed to fight you, again!"

Marinette moved to kneel by his side. Her raven tresses fell over her shoulders, as she reached for his hand. To hold it. He felt one hot tear falling from her cheek and on his skin, as she finally gasped:

"That's why I pushed you away. Because I knew, that I couldn't fight you, again… And sometimes I dream about that as well. I… I thought, that you needed to know that. Especially if I wake up because of a nightmare and scare you away…"

He moved. Fast. Kneeling as well, freeing his hand from her grasp. Wrapping his arms around her shoulders, pulling her into the tightest embrace he could muster. At first her body tensed against his. He feared, that she was pulling away. But he would let her go. Especially with the knowledge he had just found here - the revelation she had just gifted him with. It wasn't about her confession - the reason why she had pushed him away. If it had allowed her to end her suffering, then he would allow her to severe any ties between them.

No…

His heart was shattered by the thought, that he was the reason for her nightmares. Some dark, twisted version of his alter ego. Something demonic she had faced on her own and which she had shut away in the darkest corners of her mind and her heart. He didn't even have the strength to ask her if Tikki knew about it. If the other kwamis did. If she had ever told Alya about it…

Or if she had just stayed quiet about it for all this time.

Until now…

Marinette cried quietly into the soft fabric of his pullover. Her hands eventually came around him as well. He held her. One hand on the back of her head, the other around her shoulders.

"I…", she shakingly whispered. Sniffed. "…was so afraid, that I would wake you up with one of my nightmares. They tend to be ugly…"

"I can guess…"

"I am still so afraid, that he can akumatize you… And that he will return…"

He

Chat Blanc.

"I won't let it happen." Marinette sniffed once more. He caressed her head softly to calm her down, again. "I promise you that! He won't have a chance to get to me. For now, I know, that there is one reason more to keep on fighting…"

"Adrien…", the girl in his arms breathed. "Even we are not invincible…"

"Then I will try to be. So I can prevent that from happening. And so I can hopefully end your nightmares, princess…" He loosened his embrace around her. Leaning back. Just slightly. The hand he had on in her hair wandered towards her cheek, instead. His thumb brushed across her warm skin, which felt damp. He wiped the next tear away. Gazing through the darkness with determination and with all the love he felt for his heroine, who knelt just in front of him. "…my lady…"

She reached up with one of her hands towards his lingering one as well. Tilting her head at the same time, to lean into this touch.

"Don't make promises, that you can't keep…", she whispered, a little more lighter now, than before. And still her hands grasped his fingers tightly.

"This promise I will keep!" His lips thinned. "And Monarch does not know what will be coming for him, if he ever tries to hurt you, again! He should know, that I am your protector, milady!"

"Sounds like a suicide mission to me…"

"I like to live dangerously!"

"You just enjoy to sacrifice yourself!"

He tzed, sensing, that she was loosing up, again. Her voice was so much softer, and he supposed, that there was a little smile on her lips, once more.

"At least I am good for something then!"

She chuckled. Knew, that she couldn't change him. Not his mind. Especially not the bound between them.

"You are an idiot, kitty…", Marinette sighed, and he felt her move, lean forward, to press a tender kiss to his cheek, that lasted just a few seconds longer than usually. "But at least you are my idiot."

"Always at your service!"

She nodded, sitting in front of him, like only moments before. Watching him through the darkness, and it looked like she was chewing her lip in thought.

"But don't think I told you about my nightmares to pressure you into telling me something that you don't want to say out loud…"

"Like talking about my father?"

She meekly nodded.

"Yeah…"

Now it was him, who chuckled. Then he shook his head. Remembering what his father had said earlier - an advice he had accidentally given him during their dinner:

That Ladybug and Chat Noir were at their weakest, when the trust between them faded away. When their strong, amazing bond was cut. When they would turn away from each other.

He wouldn't give their archenemy another weakness he could exploit in the future. And - heck - he trusted her most. Like nobody else. She did the same - proven by the way she had spoken about her nightmares. About the reason she had pushed him away.

…about Chat Blanc.

"So… do you mind, if I keep you awake a little longer?"

"No?"

Marinette even hugged her knees. And thankfully stayed close to him, especially when he started to speak about on particular topic:

"…about my father…"

Then he told her everything.

…just like she had promised, she listened to it all.

A/N: Gabriel... talking to his son once, then continuing to ignore Adrien for months. This poor boy- but at least he is for once opening up about it and of course it's towards the girl he so dearly loves. And I personally don't have anything against an old, angst Hurt and Comfort moment. And this one has been a big one for our two dorks - for we have Marinette opening up a out her trauma from a encounter with Chat Blanc and Adrien - finally speaking up about his relationship with Gabriel. Sure - that happened after this chapter's end - and still you can believe me,that it bound these two together even more. So - there are a few secrets down - so now we need to solve their little love problem ️

Next chapter: Up on the rooftops...