Marinette didn't know how to react when just one day after she had given Chloe the little button for help calling, she felt the little buzz go off inside her pocket, giving the warning that something was happening.
She quickly made up an excuse to get out of watching a movie with her parents as she had actually promised to do and ran up the stairs into her room.
''Tikki, fast, Chloe needs us. Spots on!''

In the blink of an eye she stormed out of her room through the trapdoor on the ceiling and swung into the dimmering city of Paris, in the direction of the hotel.
She arrived at the same time as Chat Noir who looked very distressed.
''We gotta get to her window. I told her to leave it open so we can get in easily.''
''Then let's not waste any time.'', Chat Noir demanded and took a leaping jump up the wall of the hotel.

However, when they got to Chloe's window it wasn't open. The curtains were closed as well.
The two superheroes looked at each other, now on even higher alert than before.
''Front door.'', they said simultaneously.
So they returned to the ground and continued from there to run through the entrance of the building.
Inside they had a quick look around.

There were some employees standing and talking with each other, a few of them looking up at the sight of Paris' heroes. Mr Bourgeios was chatting with Butler Jean.
Ladybug took big steps forward them and gave clear instructions: ''You, call the police. Mr Bourgeios, follow us.''
With that, she and Chat Noir took off again.
Mr Bourgeios looked startled for a moment before he hastily ran after them.
''What's going on?'' His voice had a confused tone.
''No time for explanations. We need to get to Chloe before it's too late.'', was Chat Noir's reply. He looked very determined to be as fast as possible.
''Chloe? What is with my daughter?'', he asked worriedly.
He didn't get an answer this time as they had now arrived at the room.

Chat Noir tried to open it but it was locked. His eyes narrowed before he took a step back and then jumped against the door with full force, breaking it open.
As a result, they got the view of Thomas pinning a helpless and crying Chloe to the bed, bending over her, while they were both bottomless.
Their heads shot towards the three in the doorway. Thomas' mouth dropped open and his eyes widend in shock.
''T-Thomas... I...'', Mr Bourgeios stammered, not believing his own eyes.

As he seemed to finally snap completely, an absolutely furious Chat Noir jumped into action as he tackled the man.
Mr Bourgeios ran to his daughter and closed her into his arms, where she was quick to cling onto him, sobbing into his chest - partly because she was still traumatised, partly because she was just relieved and glad that it was finally over.
''Get her out of here! Now!'', Ladybug yelled.
He gave a firm nod, then took the blanket of Chloe's bed to wrap her inside of it to shield her from other people's view and gently guided her outside.

When she was sure, they were gone, Ladybug turned to her partner and the criminal who were rolling on the floor, fighting.
In the exact moment, Thomas landed a good punch. Chat Noir stumbled back, rubbing his jaw shortly before going into another attack. Ladybug didn't know what to do. She wasn't finding any good way to enter the fight.
As of now, Chat Noir was able to pin his opponent down and prevent him from fleeing. Because the man was now rendered defenseless, the cat used his chance to leave out all of his anger towards him. He let punches pretty much rain down on him, without ever stopping once.

At one point, though, Ladybug just needed to step in.
''Chat Noir! Chat, stop!''; she screamed. ''Come on, he's down, he's had enough. He'll get what he deserves, I swear!''
''This. This is what he deserves.''; he simply replied, shooting his fist down once more.
Ladybug tried to get him off of him, but he just didn't seem to budge.
"Chat, you're killing him! Stop! It won't do any good. Please."

Only the sound of his lady basically begging him to stay humane and hero-like, which did not include punching your enemy to death but to bring him behind bars, managed to snap him out of this trance, led by pure fury and hatred.
He shook his head hardly, then took a few deep breaths and pushed away from the criminal who was laying motionless and with blood-streamed face on the floor, in too much pain as to be able to run away or even move at all.

Ladybug put a hand on his shoulder and smiled very slightly. He returned an exhausted smirk.
They raised their fist to a ''Pound it!'' but as soon as they touched just the faintest bit, he instantly hissed and pulled away.
''You must have broken your hand during your rescue mission.'', Ladybug stated, a little bit worried.
The corner of his mouth lifted. ''I'll be fine, M'Lady.''

Just a few minutes later, a few police men walked into the room, took a short glance through the thrashed room and down at the bruised villain and the two superheroes. They looked at each other, shrugged and went to collect their criminal to put him in handcuffs and take him with them.

(Next day)
Word had gotten around quickly that Ladybug, Chat Noir and the police paid the hotel a visit the night before. Chloe had been offered by her father to take a few days, or weeks, off of school to have time to readjust and heal. But she had denied the offer because she wanted to be strong, even though she knew it wasn't necessary. However, she couldn't just sit home, wondering what everyone was talking about in school about her.

Despite her fears and worries, people weren't laughing or throwing her dirty looks or whispering behind her back.
Several people came up to her to apologize or to tell her that it was gonna get easier with time. People were understanding of her behaviour.
Most surprising on this day for her was though that Marinette Dupain-Cheng was actually continueing her activity of being nice to her. She had thought that maybe that day with the bathroom escape had been an exception.
Maybe it was true. Maybe it was gonna get easier - not just the trauma and pain. But also life in general. Maybe she should just let her guard down and trust that nothing bad was gonna happen. That not everyone is out to hurt her.

Meanwhile Marinette was sitting with Alya at a table.
''Hey, you two.'', Adrien's voice said behind them suddenly.
''Oh, oh, h-hey, Adrien.''; Marinette stuttered, her cheek heating up and her lips forming into a wide smile.
''How are you two doing?''
''Uh-uh-uh, good. Yeah, totally good.'', Marinette said before realising something. ''I-I mean considering the whole situation. What happend last night at Chloe's- terrible, absolutely terrible, I-''
''Hey, Adrien, what's up with your hand?'', Alya threw in. On the one hand, because she actually wanted to know, on the other hand to sneakily shut her rambling friend up.

Only now did Marinette notice his hand was in a thick bandage. Her eyes started to widen.
''Oh yeah that.'', he laughed nervously. ''I broke it yesterday when I, uhm, I-''
''No.'', Marinette couldn't hold it in. ''It can't be... you... Adrien, you...''
''What?'', both of her friends asked confused.
The girl jumped to her feet. ''Sorry, Alya, we gotta do something real quick.'', she said and pulled Adrien with her by his sleeve.
Alya blinked in surprise. When did Mari become able to touch him without freaking out?

A few feet away, Marinette stopped her rapid walking.
Adrien stood in front of her with his head tilted to the side but laying on a nice, oblivious smile.
''So, what did you want to talk about, Marinette?''
Without any second thoughts, she just looked him in the eyes and burst out. ''Chat Noir?''

Sooo, this would be it. Sorry for the cliffhanger lol. But after all this fanfic was centered around Chloe and this little subplot is not belonging to the topic anymore ;)
I very much hope you enjoyed my fanfic! Please tell me what you think of it! I appreaciate the feedback, no matter if good or critical, just please don't be mean :)
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