Chapter Twenty-Eight: A Painful Secret

Her body slammed into the pavement, scraping a few feet as she shrieked, curling up in agony. Burns licked up the left side of her body, tearing at her armor to show bright crimson skin sloughing off beneath.

"Shit," Rena sneered, sliding in front of her to ward off a ball of fire with her tiny flute. "Can you stand?"

"I-I'm okay," she breathed, trembling as she used the wall of the building to pull herself up. It hurt, spiking agony through her entire torso, but she kept her feet under her.

"Where the hell is the alley cat?" Rena complained angrily, and Ladybug winced.

"I s-sent him to e-evacuate the civilians. Th-they were being burned a-alive, I couldn't bear it," she lied, cringing. She wanted to cradle her injured side, but the skin was literally sliding off on its own.

"Shit," she repeated. "We weakened her enough to break the fire wall around her, but she's still scorching everything near her. How are we supposed to break the Akuma?"

She clutched the Lucky Charm in her hand, still unsure of what to do with the tiny object. It was just a little figurine of a seahorse. What good would a seahorse be? The ocean, maybe, to put her flames out, but a seahorse? They wouldn't be able to get the ocean to Firestarter, or her to the ocean, so that was a bust.

Her brows came together slowly. Or could they bring the ocean to her? She stared at the figurine again. "Wh-where's Pegasus?"

***POV Change***

Adrien felt himself floating upwards until he was aware of his body, and he threw himself forward, rolling across the soft surface. He leapt and landed deftly, in a crouch, growling low in his throat.

"Your mate is crazy," Plagg muttered to him, startling him.

It made Adrien realize he wasn't Chat any longer, and that just…

"Where is she?" He felt the anger coursing strongly through his body as he peered around his room. He was back at the mansion. He'd been in bed. She'd brought him back and put him in bed.

"How would I know? She's not my mate, I'm not keeping track of her," he scoffed, receiving a dangerous glare from his wielder. "Geez, I don't know, okay! She dropped us off, pulled your ring off so the transformation would come undone in case anybody happened to come in, and put it back on your finger before she left! She didn't say a word to me!"

"That means the battle is over?"

He nodded his oversized head. "Yeah, and from what I heard from Tikki before they left it was bad."

Adrien snarled, and his kwami cringed. The blonde pulled his phone from his pocket and checked the Ladyblog. There was probably footage of the battle there. Even if Alya couldn't record it herself, she usually prided herself on finding the best clips to post.

He found some, clicking on the media, and his heart hammered. He watched Ladybug fighting…and she got hit…over and over again until her armor was nonexistent, and he could see her flesh peeling away beneath. Even portions of her face were burned, and her hair was singed. Rena was fighting with her, trying to keep up, but the spotted heroine kept trying to take the brunt of the fight. At one point, her yo-yo string was broken by a ball of fire in mid-swing and she went falling straight into the ground, and he listened to her shriek in pain.

"Dammit," he muttered, his anger reaching a new level, his blood seething as his teeth clenched together so tightly he thought they might shatter. Oh, they were going to have a talk.

"Holy crap, she took a beating," Plagg said from over his shoulder, only pissing the blonde off more.

"You don't fuckin' say," he snapped.

The kwami reeled backwards, narrowing his eyes. "It's not my fault your mate is crazy! Don't take it out on me!"

He sighed, rubbing his strained jaw. "You're right, sorry, but fuck," he grunted. He shoved his phone into his thigh pocket, looking around. "Was she healed when she left?"

The obsidian being nodded. "She looked fine."

"Good, I can be angry then," he muttered, sighing as he found his shoes. "We have to find her first."

"Ugh, we?"

"You're not staying here by yourself after an Akuma attack. If it happens again, I need you with me," he ordered, gesturing to his pocket.

"At least bring extra camembert this time," he complained, dropping into the snug space.

***POV Change***

"Adrien is going to kill you," Tikki murmured from her purse, and Marinette cringed.

"Y-Yeah," she breathed nervously. "Probably." She couldn't think about it now though. He was safe, she was healed, and the Akuma was purified. Having Pegasus open a portal under water directly above the Akuma's head was useful in dousing her flames. Once she was drenched, none of the heros wasted time in rushing her to break her helmet. "What are they called again?" Marinette didn't understand Italian.

"Vigili del Fuoco," the crimson being replied easily.

"Fire fighters?" Tikki nodded. "So you speak Italian?"

"I speak pretty much every language," she countered, before disappearing into the bluenette's purse as they entered the building.

That was good to know. She swallowed audibly, staring around the busy room. She hated hospitals. They made her feel sick even when she wasn't, but she pushed herself forward, trudging towards the elevators. She took them to the third floor, and exited, stopped by the lady behind the desk. She spoke in Italian.

Marinette frowned. "Chloe Bourgeois?"

The woman looked at her clipboard and nodded, holding up a room number for her to look at. "Grazie," she murmured. She at least knew that much.

The woman nodded, and Mari pushed herself further down the hall. Nathalie was outside the door, speaking hurriedly into her phone, but she did give her a nod as she approached.

"She's not seeing anyone right now," the professional woman said softly as she hung up. "Sorry."

"I d-don't understand, I thought she was just sick," she squeaked, finally letting her concern fill her chest. "Why is she in hospital?"

Nathalie sighed. "She's fine, now, I promise. She had appendicitis," she said calmly. "Though, since she's an adult and I'm not her guardian, I don't have any other details than that."

Marinette frowned. "Did her appendix explode?"

"No, she just had appendicitis, so it's good that we came. If it had ruptured, she'd be here a lot longer, and she might have suffered worse things," she commented slowly.

She grunted, pushing by the woman. "I'm going in anyway, she can snap at me if she wants," the girl said, shoving the door open, allowing it to close behind her.

"I said to leave me alone!"

"Tough shit," Mari countered as she stalked closer, and her eyes widened immediately. Chloe scrambled to cover herself with the blanket, but the bluenette caught her wrists, stopping her. "What the fuck is this?"

There were bruises covering almost her entire stomach and ribcage where she could see the gown hanging open. They were all colors, and might have been different sizes at one point, but it just seemed to be one mass now…sliding around towards her back too. Purple, black, blue, green…yellow…reddish brown…

"None of your business," she hissed, yanking her arms free, covering herself now, and curling up a little, wincing in pain.

She pursed her lips, frowning. "No…no it's not, but I care about you Chloe. Please, talk to me! What's wrong?"

Tears decorated the blonde's face. "I'm fine! Stop asking!" She sobbed, rocking slowly.

"Someone is hurting you, Chloe," she whispered. "Please…talk to me. If not me, tell Adrien."

Her eyes widened, and she shot forward, crying out in pain, but she grabbed the bluenette's shoulders violently. "You will not tell Adrien!"

"But Chloe I—"

"I mean it! It's not your business to share!" Mari cringed, both in pain under the strong grasp, and the frantic desperate look in her eyes. It was true, this…this wasn't her secret to share…but she wanted to help the blonde…and…but… "Promise me!"

She wasn't sure if it was panic, the fear, or the sadness in Chloe's eyes, but she swallowed, nodding. "P-Promise," she breathed, tears stinging her orbs. "P-Please tell me?"

She withdrew, curling up and away so her back was to Marinette as she sat next to her on the bed. "I c-can't."

Her chest tightened. Someone was hurting Chloe, not just mentally and emotionally…but physically. She didn't know how old the bruises were, but she'd bet that it was happening recently. That narrowed the list down, unless Chloe was sneaking out at night to visit …whoever, which could be the case too.

"You," Adrien snarled, making her fall off the bed onto the floor. She yelped, and Chloe yelped in surprise. She scrambled to her feet, and he backed her into a corner, and she felt like a trapped wounded animal beneath his fiery, dangerous…predatory gaze. "I'm here for Chloe, but we will have words," he growled dangerously, and she gulped, nodding frantically.

There was no kiss, or hug, or playfulness as he retreated, and she watched him go to Chloe's side, taking her hand gently. "How are you feeling, Chlo?" His voice was tender now.

Marinette cringed, but some of her panic left now that he wasn't staring down at her. "I-I'm okay, just had appendicitis," she muttered. "Since they got it before it ruptured I can go home in the morning. Well, you know, back to the mansion. They were able to do something called a laparoscopic appendectomy, so I should be up and running in a week or two, maybe less," she breathed, frowning.

Yeah, if you don't take any more beatings. She must have made a noise, because Adrien gave her a look over his shoulder. It was curious, but it wasn't any less angry. "S-Sorry," she whispered. "Just…happy she's okay," she said honestly.

"Me, too," he grunted turning back to his friend. It was good to know that Chloe was going to be okay…and it seemed…Adrien was incredibly angry with her, and rightfully so, she supposed. She…didn't need to be here.

Her eyes flicked from Chloe to the back of Adrien's head to the door, and she licked her lips. She didn't think she could escape without him noticing. His back was almost fully to the door, but he was in tune with her now…and his…senses were excellent. She was trapped, she cringed, and Chloe gave her a look over Adrien's shoulder.

She nudged her head toward the door, and Adrien noticed Chloe staring, so Mari quickly dropped her gaze to the floor before he shifted.

"Oh, uh, could you get Nathalie for me now Marinette? I was refusing…t-to see her before, but I'm up f-for it now," she whispered.

Her heart faltered. God, she loved Chloe. She was giving her an out. She had known what she wanted. She wasn't sure if it was a bribe to keep her secret, but Mari had already promised…and as much…as she felt Adrien deserved to know…it really…wasn't her secret to share, as much as it pained her.

"I'll get her," Adrien said firmly.

"N-no!" Chloe gasped, and the bluenette looked up, watching her cling to him. "P-Please don't leave me Adrikins!"

Mari cringed. She felt bad they were distracting him, but she needed to get out of there. "I'll be right back," she said firmly, rushing out the door before he could reply again. "Chloe would like to see you now," she whispered to the woman, even as she kept moving. She'd checked on her friend, and she was going to be back tomorrow. She felt better…but now…she had to hide. She couldn't fix everything wrong with Chloe…until she knew what was fully going on, but, for now…for now…she had Adrien, and Marinette was going to keep a closer eye on her.

Now, the woman had to run…and hide.

***That Evening***

She was hiding under her covers. She was twelve years old, hiding under the covers. That's what it felt like. Part of her felt silly, but…

"Marinette, you can't hide from him forever," Tikki snickered.

"Watch me," she breathed, staying under the blanket.

Knocking. Her heart fell into the pit of her stomach as it started to race. She felt nauseous. "Marinette," Adrien said firmly. "Open the door."

Okay, okay…

She could pretend to be asleep…he didn't have to know. She tried to control the rate it which she was breathing, because she could hear herself, and it was awfully loud under her plush shield.

"I know you're in there," he growled. "I just heard you talking." Dammit! Damn his hearing! She pressed her lips together tightly, willing him to forget her existence until his anger dissipated. "Marinette," he said evenly, almost innocently. "My Love," he whispered, and it sounded like he was drumming his fingertips on the door. "Don't make this harder than it has to be."

She gulped. He wouldn't hurt her. Right? No, no he wouldn't. He was angry because she'd hurt herself, so hurting her seemed…dumb. She started to tremble though, fear sliding along her spine. She wasn't sure what she was afraid of, because it wasn't like he would do anything to put her in real danger, but she knew…she wasn't going to like whatever came if they were in the same room together.

"Okay," he growled, chuckling darkly, and her eyes widened. "Don't need the door," he warned.

She frowned, her brows pulling together sharply. He didn't need the door? What did he mean he didn't need the door? Her panic made her mind race, but it was fumbling over anything that might be perceived as coherent. After a minute she gasped, scrambling from the bed.

She reached the window, yanking it closed, locking it just as Chat came into view. He perched easily on the ledge, one clawed hand gripping the side of the building as his glowing cat eyes leered at her, and she fell backwards, scrambling on her butt back towards the bed.

"Let me in," he warned.

"I'm t-too tired f-for company," her voice squeaked.

"Open this window, now," he breathed, pressing his forehead to the glass. "Or I will open it by force,"

She didn't think he was joking, and she threw a look to Tikki, who cringed, giving a palms up. "You made your bed," she whispered.

"Th-thanks!" Her eyes widened as she touched her earrings, and she looked at him.

He let out a warning growl. "Don't even think about it. If you make me chase you any more today, I'm not going to have any leniency left. So, ask yourself this question, Princess," he whispered darkly. "Do you think you're faster than me?"

No. She wasn't. She gulped, getting up from the floor. She walked unsteadily towards window, lifting her trembling fingers to the lock, and undid it, barely giving the barrier a tug before he was in, swinging her violently around, slamming her spine into the wall next to the glass.

She let out a loud cry, half pain, but…she usually liked when Chat was rough with her, so her body tightened with pleasure too. She knew that his visit wasn't going to be like that, but she couldn't help it.

His nostrils flared, and his pupils dilated, but he clenched his jaw. "What the fuck were you thinking?" He shook her shoulders so forcefully, her teeth clacked together. "You could have gotten yourself killed!"

"I d-didn't though…" Her response was weak, and her eyes were too wide as she stared up into his fury.

"I watched the battle, Mari, and I could have protected you! You fucking took me out of the fight when I could have helped you!"

"You could have gotten hurt!"

"So it's okay for you to get hurt instead?!" His upper lip curled back, and she noticed that his canines were elongated. "Is that what you're telling me?"

"My magic….fails you!" This time she broke down, the tears breaking free. "What if you die…and I can't fix it!? What am I supposed to do then!?" She slammed her palms into his solid chest, but he didn't budge. "How am I supposed to live then!?"

He blinked, slowly, some of the anger dissipating, but he didn't move. "You have no right to take me out of the fight, Mari. I have a duty too," he whispered more softly, wiping some of the tears from her cheeks with his palms. "I have to protect you, and the people."

"I c-can't let you die," she sobbed, sagging, and he caught her.

"If you die, who saves everyone? It's my job to make sure you survive, it always has been! Dammit, stop worrying about me!"

She laughed now, through the tears, and it was angry now. "Don't worry about you? How can I not? I LOVE YOU!" She hit his chest again, over and over. "I love you, you stupid man, you stupid cat!" She screamed, and he grabbed her wrists before she could keep going. "I love you," she croaked. "I can't lose you!"

He held her tight, and snarled. "How, then, Mari, is it okay for you to sacrifice yourself and leave me alone knowing I'm supposed to have been the one protecting you?" He kept his voice even, but she heard his hurt and frustration.

She stilled. It was just..it…"I d-don't know, I just…I couldn't let you go knowing you might not heal…that I might lose you," she breathed. "I froze…then…I just…reacted."

"I swear, Mari, I love you, but if you ever try to remove me from the battle again, where I can protect you, just to protect me, I'll make sure it's you who doesn't get to fight anymore. I'll start bringing Akumas back to you in jars if I have to, but you will not make me worry like this again, and you will not keep me from protecting the woman I love, is that clear?"

She gulped. She knew he was serious, and she touched her earrings. "You wouldn't take—"

"Of course I wouldn't," he snapped angrily. "I wouldn't knock you out either," he spat. "I might tie you up though."

She blushed at the implication, and she pressed her thighs together as heat coursed lazily to her apex.

His nostrils flared again, and his lids drooped a bit. "How are you getting turned on when I'm chastising you? This is not a…sex call."

She flushed more thoroughly, swallowing. "S-Sorry, I can't help it…you…do that to me. Sorry that you..d-don't feel the same way."

He rolled his eyes, and grabbed her hand, guiding it to his cock, and it was hard, and ready, and she moaned, which made him groan. "D-Does it feel like you don't do that to me? However, I'm still pissed!"

She squeezed him, and he writhed, swatting her hand away, but it was enough to make her incredibly wet, and she bit her lip. "Can't you do both?"

He squeezed her jaw quickly to make her stop. "Both what?"

"Be angry and fuck me at the same time," she whispered darkly, eyes wide, as if saying it out loud might make the prospect disappear.

His eyes widened, and he actually reeled backwards a foot or two. "Stop that!"

The bluenette frowned. "S-Stop what? Y-You could punish me...if it makes you feel better," she moaned licking her lips, and watched the line of his body quiver.

"N-no," he snapped, brushing by her, and crouched in the window. "You want your punishment for making me feel worthless, and h-hurt today? Having to w-watch you…get nearly burned alive..." He swallowed and looked away. "This is it," he croaked. "I love you, but have a g-good night Princess." He swiftly launched upwards, leaving her gaping after him.

She crumbled to the floor, eyes wide, fresh tears streaking down her cheeks. "H-He just…rejected me," she whispered.

Tikki clucked her tongue. "Don't even, Mari. He didn't do anything of the sort! Don't turn this around! You hurt him today, and even I could tell he was fighting every urge possible not to throw you down and mate as soon as you said something! I'm sure he's hurt as much as you over this 'punishment' so you stop that line of thought right now young lady!"

She deflated more, sighing, sniffling. Tikki was probably right, but it didn't hurt any less. "How d-do I let Chat get hurt now Tikki?"

The crimson being sighed. "Now, that's something we should be thinking about."

AUTHOR NOTE REVIEWS:

Kazza2182, words doesn't begin to cover it, lol.

Calerose, she DID! I can't believe she did it either…yeah, Adrien was mad.

Emjrabbitwolf, yeah, Adrien wasn't too pleased, and who knows what the alert was? O.o'''' I'm unsure! However, yes, no sleeping with the 18 year olds! Unless they want to sleep with you! Marinette needs to get herself together, she's in pieces, and well, she needs to figure something out. Hopefully Tikki will help! Also, yeah, switching might be a good idea for these rabbits..

Sweetestofpeas, I already said you could keep it since I have LOTS of my own tools, but Lila bashing is coming, I just had to get through the Chloe stuff first ^_^ I have special tools for Lila!

Italian Guest, well my Italian is rusty, English (hopefully that's obvious because it's my first language) Spanish (Latin American, though I started with proper Spanish), my French isn't too horrible, I'm halfway through my Mandarin with my friend (native speaker) and working on Hebrew and Gujarati with two other people who are native speakers. I like to learn, so if I can be taught and know someone willing, I'm all for it! Gabriel IS a creep, yes :P