'Well, Plagg, father is right' Adrien sighed sadly.

'But our week isn't over yet. Maybe you can just change the way you look, ditch the bell and all...' Plagg was getting teary.

'Really, would that be enough? If father gets akumatized... well, Shadow Moth would probably know immediately...'

Plagg didn't really have an answer to this. He snuggled to Adrien.

'How are you going to return the Miraculous?' he asked. 'Do you plan to reveal yourself to Ladybug?'

'No... I'll ask Alya if she still has the fox. If she does, I'll ask her to pass mine to Ladybug. But only after I get replacement ring. So no one would suspect. Father does have a Miraculous-inspired line, so it should be easy.'

'You know I will miss you a lot, right?'

'Yes, Plagg... I'll miss you too' he hugged the kwami. 'Maybe... maybe we will meet again.'

Plagg didn't answer, just cuddling into Adrien.

In the morning, Adrien received a perfect replica of his Miraculous. He held it in his hand.

'I'm sorry, Plagg' he whispered and swapped the rings, then got ready for school. He was obviously upset at the prospect of returning Miraculous, but should he really expect anything in his life to go well?

He approached Alya at the school courtyard.

'I'd like to talk to you. Alone. It's important' he said quietly. Alya followed him to a more secluded place.

'So... uh... I heard that you...' he swallowed. 'That Ladybug trusted you with the Fox Miraculous. Is it... still valid...? I promise not to tell anyone!'

Alya froze.

'How do you know?' she demanded.

'Nino told me' he sighed. Alya rolled her eyes. So he was the civilian Nino spilled the beans to. Of course.

'That's correct. Ladybug stripped Nino of his Miraculous, but allowed me to keep mine' she admitted. Adrien handed her a little envelope.

'It's for Ladybug. From Chat Noir. Pass it to her the next time you see her, okay? And don't peek inside.'

Alya nodded slightly. Next time would be in a few minutes.

'Thanks, Alya. I owe you one.'

'No problem, sunshine boy. Anything for you' she lightly poked his chest.

And just as he asked, the moment she was alone with Marinette, she passed her the envelope.

A/N: As always, thank you for all the favorites, follows and reviews - I read all of them, sometimes a few times. Remember to drink plenty of plain water, especially if you drink coffee - caffeine can dehydrate you.