A week had passed since Ladybug had first visited Adrien and she'd visited him nearly every night since. They'd have fun, play games, and ultimately end up cuddled on the couch. She loved hanging out with him. It was so easy to make him smile and it warmed her heart to see him happy. However, the light in his eyes always faded when she had to leave. And it worried her. It had gotten to the point where she'd sit on the rooftop opposite his room and wait until she was certain he was asleep before going home and collapsing into bed. Despite her precautions though, there had been another three akuma encounters. It was pure luck that she'd been around and managed to catch them in time.

It was evident his father's words were still severely affecting him. But she honestly didn't know how long she could keep this up.

It was exhausting being constantly vigilant. And it was starting to affect her civilian life…

THUMP

'Ow!' Marinette rubbed her head and glared at Alya, 'What'd you do that for?'

'I called your name like five times! What planet were you on, Mari?'

Marinette groaned and rubbed her eyes. She forced them wide open, 'I'm sorry, I'm back. What were you saying?'

Alya crossed her arms and looked at her friend suspiciously. 'It's not like you to be so out of it during one of Adrien's photoshoots,' she said.

Marinette turned her attention back to the photoshoot that was taking place in the park. 'Just tired is all. Been sleeping badly,' she said.

Alya looked at her a moment longer but let it go.

Marinette sighed. It was a beautiful afternoon but she was too shattered to appreciate it. The brightness of the sun only added to the ache in her eyes, and the chaos of the set added to the pounding in her head.

Her eyes fell on Adrien. He looked gorgeous. He was all made up and modelling the latest Agreste clothing line. Butterflies stirred in Marinette's stomach but even they were lethargic. She closed her eyes. As much as she loved Adrien, she wanted nothing more than to be curled up in bed right now. But she just couldn't risk him getting akumatised. She didn't want to admit it, but it was looking more and more like Adrien was being targeted by Hawkmoth. She rubbed her temples.

'You look like you need some caffeine,' Alya said. 'Wanna go grab a coffee?'

Marinette's eyes flicked back to Adrien before nodding. She could leave him for a bit.

Having her hands wrapped around a warm cup of coffee made Marinette feel much better. She eagerly sipped at the drink, letting the caffeine work its way through her veins as she and Alya made their way back to the park. Her eyes darted around but she relaxed when she spotted Adrien once more. He was taking a break and talking on the phone. Her eyes narrowed. Was it just her imagination or was he looking tense?

'So when do you think you're gonna ask him out?'

Marinette spat out her coffee. 'W-What?' she sputtered as Alya laughed.

'Girl, you're looking at him with such intensity! And not just today either, you've been staring at him all week.' She smirked. 'What're you planning?'

'Planning?' Marinette grew flustered, 'I'm not planning anything! I don't plan - I mean, I plan, but not for- I mean I can't just ask…' She trailed off as Alya's laughter cut through her rambling. Marinette pouted and glared at her friend over the top of her coffee, but she couldn't help but smile.

Once Alya's laughter died down she turned back to her friend. 'Alright, tell me what's really up.' Her tone was serious this time.

Marinette didn't answer straight away. She took another sip of her drink as she watched Adrien. His break was over and he was modelling once more, but she couldn't help but feel like he wasn't as natural as before.

'I'm worried about Adrien,' she said. 'He's been kinda down recently.'

'Something's definitely wrong,' Alya agreed, 'what with all those akuma's chasing him.'

Marinette choked, 'You know about them?'

Alya looked at her strangely, 'Girl, I run the Ladyblog. It's my job to know about them. What do you even mean by that? You know I-'

They both jumped as a scream pierced the air. It sent shivers down Marinette's spine.

'What the-' Alya was alert and had already pulled her phone out to record.

'Akuma!' somebody shrieked.

Chaos ensued. People ran in all directions to avoid the black butterfly, knocking over equipment and running into each other as they did so.

'Shit,' Marinette stumbled forwards and dropped her coffee as she looked for a hiding place, but there were too many people about. She ran out of the park, ignoring Alya's yells, and ducked into an alleyway.

'Marinette?' Tikki flew out her bag, eyes wide with concern.

'Adrien's in trouble!' She paused as some people ran by the alleyway. 'Tikki, Spots On!' Her fatigue washed away as Tikki's magic enveloped her. Within seconds she was swinging up onto a nearby rooftop, overlooking the park. Her eyes scanned the thinning crowd. 'Come on, come on,' she muttered as she struggled to find the akuma. Where was it?

Her eyes landed on Adrien. He was oddly still. She frowned, why wasn't he running? Then it hit her. Crap. The akuma was already in him. She swung down into the park and prayed that she'd get there before he agreed to Hawkmoth's terms. She landed in front of him. His eyes were glazed over. She looked at him wildly. She had no idea where the akuma was. She made a wild guess and shot out her yoyo, pulling his phone out his hand. She threw it on the ground and smashed it with her heel. Nothing flew out. Panic rising, she tried again, this time grabbing his hat. But again, nothing. She tried one more time, this time ripping the scarf from his throat and tore it in two. She practically sank to the ground with relief as a black butterfly flew out. She swiftly purified it and summoned a swarm of ladybugs to repair everything as Adrien's eyes blinked back into focus.

'Ladybug?' he said.

Her blood froze as she met Adrien's gaze. His usual sparkling eyes had turned cold, as if the life had been sucked out of them.

'Adrien,' she ran over to him, 'what's wrong?'

'I-I…' His eyes widened as he struggled to breathe. He started to panic. 'Hawkmoth, he-' He slammed his hand to his mouth, his eyes filled with horror.

Ladybug placed her hands on his shoulders in an attempt to calm him down. 'It's alright, he didn't get you.'

Adrien shook his head, 'Oh God, no, no, I can't.' His words were muffled by his hand.

'Breathe, Adrien,' Ladybug tried to soothe him.

But Adrien didn't seem to hear. 'Ladybug, I can't! No, no, no,' Desperation clawed its way out of him. 'I can't!' Tears rose in his eyes. 'Ladybug, please!' The terror in his voice was ice down her spine. 'I can't, no, no, NO!'

'Adrien!' Ladybug cried as the boy fell to his knees. Tears started flowing down his cheeks and over his hands. She started to panic. She had no idea what was wrong with him. Akumatised victims had never acted like this before.

Adrien raised his head and looked at her, but didn't say anything. She sucked in her breath. His eyes…

Ladybug was shoved to the side as paramedics rushed forward to make sure Adrien was all right. The moment was broken. She took out her yoyo and swung away before anyone could question her. She de-transformed and found Alya.

'Girl, are you okay?'

Marinette's hands shook. No, she was not okay.

'Yes,' she whispered.

She looked over to where the paramedics were wrapping Adrien in a blanket. He was numbly complying. His expression empty and ashen. She shivered. Even from here she could still see his harrowed eyes. They were haunting.

The beautiful day had turned overcast by the time Ladybug leapt off her balcony into the evening air. The sky was grey and it was drizzling. The only colour came from the city lights, casting a dull yellow glow on the world.

Ladybug spotted Chat Noir at their rendezvous point and landed softly behind him. The raindrops collecting on his suit reflected the bright lights.

Ladybug didn't know whether it was just because of the rain, but Chat Noir looked oddly solemn. However, he smiled like usual when she walked up to him.

'My Lady,' he gave a small bow, 'how are you this fine evening?' His brilliant green eyes contrasted vividly with the world around them, but even still, there was a lifelessness about them.

Ladybug raised an eyebrow. 'It's cold and raining,' she said.

'Well, I'm feline fine now that you're here.' He grinned, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.

Ladybug put her hand on her hip. 'You've used that one before.'

Chat's smile faltered. He stood up straight and dropped the humour from his posture. 'Yeah, I've been struggling to come up with new ones.' He leant back against a chimney wall and stared out over the city.

Ladybug felt a twist of unease in her gut. 'Are you alright, Chat?'

He didn't look at her. He crossed his arms and gave a small shrug. 'I don't know.' His expression was blank.

Ladybug rubbed her temples. She was worried about Chat, but she had bigger problems right now.

'Listen, there's something serious we need to discuss.'

Chat turned to face her and became business-like, became more normal.

'What is it?'

'Do you know Adrien Agreste?'

Chat's eyes flicked to the side, 'I know of him, yes.'

'Well…' Ladybug took a deep breath in and braced herself to reveal the knowledge she'd been denying for a while. 'He's been targeted by Hawkmoth. He's almost been akumatised seven times now. But, uh, I happen to be around him a lot so I've always managed to get there in time before he actually, you know, gets akumatised.'

Chat looked at her a moment. Suddenly a glint appeared in his eye. He smirked, 'A bit of a fan of the Adrien Agreste, are we now?' he teased. 'If you're into blonds then I guess I do stand a chance after all.'

Ladybug snorted and pushed him away. 'It's just luck that I managed to be there every time,' she said, falling back into serious mode, 'but it's only a matter of time before he does get akumatised.'

Chat's smile fell. He leant his head back against the wall, 'You seriously reckon it's only a matter of time?' His tone was oddly subdued.

Ladybug nodded. 'He almost got akumatised today. I almost didn't make it in time and I was right there. I was with him.' She pulled at one of her damp bunches as panic rose in her gut at the memory.

Chat remained silent; staring out at the grey world, lost in thought. The rain had started to pick up and there was now a faint pattering on the rooftops

She looked at him, 'Could you help…?'

She trailed off as Chat shook his head. His expression pained. 'I'm sorry, there's no way I'd be able to help you tail Adrien.'

'Oh.'

They both lapsed into silence. Ladybug was at a loss. She didn't know what to do. She ran her hands through her fringe and closed her eyes. And she was tired. Even as Ladybug, she was starting to feel the familiar ache behind her eyes.

'Why?' Chat exclaimed.

Ladybug jumped at his sudden outburst.

'Why Adrien? Why did Hawkmoth have to choose him?' Chat's voice had an edge of desperation in it. 'He's just some model! He's nobody important!'

Ladybug narrowed her eyes. 'He's important to a lot of people out there,' she said.

Chat eyed her for a moment. His sudden anger faded. 'You know what I mean.'

'I know,' she said softly. 'I wish I knew too.'

Silence swirled around them once more as the rain fell. Being in the suit meant she wasn't cold but it still wasn't pleasant. Her wet hair stuck to the back of her neck and she could feel drops trickle down her back. She wiped her dripping fringe out her eyes and leant against the wall.

'Hey, L-B?'

Ladybug was pulled from her mind as Chat's worried voice called her.

'Yes?' Ladybug looked at him. He was tense and hunched over.

He hesitated. 'If Adrien gets akumatised… I can't promise I'll be there to help.'

Ladybug furrowed her brow. 'What do you mean?'

Chat ran his hands through his wet hair. 'Something's come up recently, I guess. And it means you can't rely on me coming to help.'

'What do you mean? You're my partner, of course I can rely on you!'

Chat shook his head, he looked up at Ladybug with eyes full of pain and sorrow.

'Not this time, my lady. I'm sorry.'

The rain was pouring down by the time Ladybug left for Adrien's. She had stayed on that rooftop for a while, wondering about what to do. But she'd come up with nothing. She'd originally thought her and Chat would be able to come up with a plan together, but he had been more than unhelpful. He had muttered something about meeting someone and scampered off early before she could protest. And then there was what he had said before. What did he mean he couldn't help? And 'something's come up'? What sort of an excuse was that? She let out a groan of frustration.

She tried to remove Chat from her mind as she drew closer to Adrien's house. She really didn't want to tell him he was being targeted. She just wanted to hang out and play games. She sighed. Tiredness was definitely settling in her bones.

When she reached the Agreste mansion she swiftly dropped in through the window Adrien had left open. She glanced around the room but he wasn't there. There were, however, a couple of towels on the side. Ladybug smiled as warmth started to blossom within her once more. He truly was a thoughtful boy. She grabbed a towel and patted her suit dry. She was just squeezing the water from her bunches when Adrien walked out of the bathroom in his pyjamas, towel drying his hair. His eyes lit up at the sight of her.

'You found the towels then,' he smiled.

'Yes, thank you.' She was glad to see he had some life back in his being. She'd been afraid she'd find him as she'd left him. She shivered at the memory of his eyes.

Adrien walked over to a chest of drawers and pulled out a hoodie. He slipped it over his head before pulling out another and offering it to Ladybug.

'Oh, I'm not cold,' she said quickly, 'the suit's good like that.'

'I know, but it's a miserable night out there, which means we need to be cosy in here.'

Ladybug hesitated before taking the hoodie and pulling it over her head. She shoved her hands in the pockets. It was cosy. She caught Adrien's eye. They both blushed. She looked away wide-eyed, both mortified and pleased. She was wearing Adrien's hoodie. She was wearing Adrien's hoodie!

Ladybug looked back up when Adrien cleared his throat. He was bright red. 'So uh, what do you want to do tonight?'

Ladybug wrung her hands inside the hoodie pockets. She'd originally planned on just coming to talk tonight. She couldn't put off this conversation any longer. But when she looked Adrien, at his expectant expression, her heart sank. She couldn't do it. Not yet.

Ladybug glanced around the room. Over the past week, they'd done everything from rock climbing to basketball, foosball, and gaming. All very competition heavy games. Tonight, however, she wanted to stay away from adrenaline.

'Let's just stick a movie on.'

They put a rubbish action film on. They had both wanted something easy to watch which they didn't need to take seriously. However, it wasn't doing its job distracting Ladybug from her mind. She glanced at Adrien. His eyes were glazed over. Apparently it wasn't distracting him either.

About half an hour into the movie, Ladybug couldn't take it any longer. She picked up the remote and paused the movie.

'Adrien, I'm sorry but we need to talk.'

'Yeah, I was wondering when you were going to say that,' he said listlessly.

Ladybug clenched her fists in her lap to stop herself from fidgeting.

'Hawkmoth is targeting you.'

He tensed and averted his gaze. 'I know.'

Ladybug blinked. 'You do?'

'Today was the seventh akuma. I'm honestly a little surprised you didn't tell me sooner,' he gave a hollow smile.

'I'm sorry,' she said, 'I didn't want to believe it.'

'Me neither.'

Ladybug fell silent. She felt her gut twist inside her. This wasn't right. It wasn't fair.

Adrien sniffed. Ladybug looked up and was dismayed to see tears fall down his cheeks. 'It's bad enough that my father's mad at me,' he said, wiping the tears away, 'but now Hawkmoth is trying to akumatise me.' Adrien laughed. The sound made Ladybug's blood run cold. 'It's like, I'm not even allowed to be angry! Not even a little bit, or guess what? I'm gonna hurt all my friends and destroy the person I love!'

Ladybug's heart stopped. Adrien froze when he realised what he'd said.

Ladybug placed a hand on his shoulder. 'It's okay,' she said.

He dropped the tension from his body. 'I just… I just don't know…' He fell silent.

Ladybug felt sick. What had Adrien done to deserve this?

She rubbed his back gently. 'We'll get through this. Everything will be alright in the end.'

For a moment, the only sound was the pattering of rain on the windows.

'You don't know that.' Adrien's voice was low and biting.

Ladybug tensed. She took her hand off of his back and placed it back in her lap.

Adrien sighed, 'I'm sorry Ladybug, I didn't mean it like that, I just-'

Ladybug shook her head, cutting him off. 'No, it's okay. You've been through a lot today.'

He looked away, but Ladybug could still see the stress and exhaustion eating away at him.

'Tell me, Ladybug,' he hesitated, 'do you think Hawkmoth is truly all that bad?'

Ladybug jerked her head to look at him. He was curled in on himself and looking at the ground.

'He turns people into villains to try and steal my and Chat Noir's miraculous,' she said carefully. 'Of course he's bad.'

There was a moment of silence before Adrien spoke again. 'He has a reason you know.' His voice was soft but rang clear.

Ladybug sat up straight. 'What?'

'Today, when the akuma entered my scarf,' his hand involuntarily rubbed his neck, 'I spoke with Hawkmoth and… he told me…' Adrien swallowed, 'He told me he was doing this to save the one he loved.'

'Oh Adrien,' Ladybug looked at him with sympathy, 'He was probably just saying that to get you on his side.'

Adrien shook his head fiercely, 'No, he was telling the truth, I could tell.' He clenched the edges of the sofa, turning his knuckles white. 'But then he mentioned my mother.' Adrien turned his head and looked up at her, tears welled in his eyes. 'He asked me, how far I'd be willing to go to save her. And… that question haunts me because, if I could get a hold of some power to bring her back…' Ladybug stiffened as that cold, haunting look returned to his eyes. His voice dropped to a whisper.

'I don't know if I could say no.'