Adrien sat at his window watching the rainfall, as if the sky were weeping. Or maybe it was. Today was his mother's birthday, and even if the ache of her being gone ached all the time, today was worst then usual. Adrien fought back the lump that felt like a boulder his throat, his eyes stinging but there were no onions. What had happened to his mother, and why wouldn't his father tell him? Adrien slammed a fist upon the glass. Didn't he deserve answers? Even if his mother had died, he needed to know the truth. But here he was, stumbling around in the dark, no light to shed on the answers.

Though he knew his father never took a day off from work, Adrien could tell he was thinking about her too, his face like a thunderstorm this morning at breakfast. A wave of hurt lapped over Adrien, and he hugged his chest. He needed a hug today, but there was no one, no one knew how felt, hiding the pain behind the smiles, the puns. Thunder boomed loudly, lighting flashes dazzling his eyes.

He needed to get out of here. Was it getting blacker in here? Why did Adrien feel like he was trapped, longing for fresh air. "Are you nuts?" Plagg cried, as Adrien told him he needed to leave. "You'll be a drowned cat in no time. At least wait for the sun to shine again." "No, Plagg. I need to breathe. I need to be free." Plagg floated above him. "Okay, but you can't complain about smelling like a wet cat." "Deal." Adrien bumped fists with his Kwami, calling, "Plagg, Claws Out!"

Cat breathed a sigh of relief as he leaped with power up onto the windowsill, already feeling better. He was glad though he could keep his promise to Plagg, for he wasn't planning on staying a cat for long.

As soon as Cat cleared the mansion, Cat detransformed in an alleyway, and immediately Adrien was soaked to the skin. He raised his face towards the heavens, rain pelting on his face, but it smelled so fresh and clean. Besides, the numbness was already back, and Adrien sighed. At least he could wander the streets of Paris, alone and without having to hide. The wind picked up bringing new smells and Adrien breathed in deeply. Flowers. There were flowers close by, and a memory crashed over him.

Every year, Adrien would get his mother a bouquet before having a picnic in the garden. He needed to find the flowers. His sneakers squeaked and squished, but he kept going, rounding the corner and a array of colors meant his eyes. Sunflowers, tulips, hyacinths, a hanging basket of petunias was a feast for the eyes and Adrien stepped closer, hardly noticing the rain now. It was like a garden that he was drawn to.

Adrien sat under the awning, breathing in the scents. And then it happened, a warm sensation trickling from his eyes. Tears. Salty and flowing freely, Adrien sobbed the ache in his chest finally loosening. It felt good to cry, like a dam finally releasing, giving way.

"Adrien?" The voice was so quiet at first he thought he had imagined it, but when he looked to his left, there stood Ladybug with a umbrella, a stunned look on her face. "What are you doing out in this storm? Its dangerous!"

"I...I…" Adrien wiped fresh tears from his cheeks, and Ladybug dropped to her knees beside him. "My home's a prison, Ladybug. And its my mother's birthday. The memories there are fresh and painful, I had to get out." "Oh, Adrien." Ladybug curled her arms around him, hugging him to her chest. Adrien didn't know long their embrace lasted. Minutes? Hours? It didn't matter. "Adrien?" Ladybug pulled back. "Yes?" "Though I can't do anything about your mother, I'm always here for you. If you need anyone, please talk to me. Its okay to ask for help." "Your kindness shines brighter then sun, Little Bug," Adrien whispered. "I think we should get out the rain. I happen to know an excellent bakery not that far away."

Adrien smiled, and Ladybug smiled back, her bluebell eyes shining in the darkness, her hair sopping wet, but she didn't seem to care. When Ladybug dropped him off, telling him Marinette would meet him inside, Adrien smiled as she zipped into the darkness. "Love you, Little Bug."

Adrien felt better after a hot shower and warm clothes, and Mama Cheng made hot tea and Adrien told stories, while holding Marinette's hand. He was safe here at Marinette's, her home was filled with love, and Adrien knew his mother would want him to be loved.

"Happy birthday, Mother," Adrien whispered. "Wherever you are I hope your happy and safe."