As soon as I've entered the window, I know I've shown up way to early. I can just see the top of Adrien's blonde hair, messy with sleep, poking up from beneath the covers. I tiptoe towards the door, pausing to look at him. He looks so much younger in his sleep, and the worry lines are nowhere to be seen on his face.

I shut the door softly behind me, and creep down to the foyer. I jump and freeze as Felix comes out of his room, and leans against one of the pillars staring at me. "Was there a early game of statues we were supposed to play, and I wasn't invited?" I smile, heart slowing in my chest. "I may have dropped in a little to early, but I wanted to check on Adrien. How did you know I was here?" "The security cameras?" comes his answers, and I roll my eyes. "I don't think having a ladybug flying through your cousin's window will trigger any alarms." "Good point. But I have something to show you in the kitchen."

I smile and shuffle my feet nervously. "Er, no thanks. I've heard about your cooking skills." Felix laughs. "Don't worry, I'm not making you breakfast, but I do make a good cup of coffee. Besides, its got nothing to do with food." "Lead on."

The Agreste kitchen is something to behold, with all its modern appliances and stainless steel. I only spent a handful of times here in the kitchen, and when Gabriel lectured me about how only he could make me a fashion designer. That conversation felt a bitter taste in my mouth, and from then on, I wanted to be a solo designer.

"I can assure you that the coffee's not that bitter, Marinette," Felix sets the steaming cup of coffee down in front of me. "Why the sour look?" "Just remembering unpleasant memories of your uncle. What did you want to show me?" I ask, taking a sip. Felix slides a rectangular card towards me, and as I handle it, I notice its sheen and glossiness. Its a invitation to a masquerade, to be held the most prestigious hotel in Paris. "Yeah, so?" I look up at him. "I have a weird feeling about it." "Weird, how?" "Like a enemy is coming to take your earrings, but first they'll observe before they strike."

"Well, you aren't the only one with a weird feeling," I lower my voice. "I think Gabriel Agreste is still alive. I'm seen a mysterious man in black, and even if I don't have proof, who else would be after my earrings?" "There are a lot of powerful people who want them, Marinette. And some may be right under nose." My head snaps up to look at him. "Oh? Anyone that I know?" "Caleum." I let out the breath I was holding. "Oh, come on. Yeah, she's mean, but I don't think she's evil." "All I'm saying is to keep a eye on her. And she's rich." "So are you! And you don't want my earrings!" I look down into my coffee, for I can't face him. "Don't you?" Felix sighs, and I force myself to lift my chin. "The only wish I'd ever make was for Adrien's mother to come back. He hides it well, Marinette, but that doesn't mean he's still not hurting."

"Felix, you don't think….." "Couldn't wait to see me, love?" I break off what I was going to say as Adrien enters the kitchen, rubbing sleep from his eyes. He's wearing a white tank top and shorts and walks over to the coffeepot. I can't fight the blush on my face, thinking "he's ripped!" Muscles ripple in his upper arms, and he must work out, though when I do not know.

"If you couldn't wait to see me," I joke, "Why didn't you leave your pillow sooner?" Felix laughs heartily as he grabs his coffee cup and makes the exit. "I can tell some morning flirting is about to begin, and I should really call Kagami." Adrien walks over to me, planting a kiss on my lips. "Give a ladybug a cup of coffee, and what you get back is sass." "I'll show you, sass," I huff, pulling back so I can kiss him more. "Love, I'm going to set you on the counter so you don't have to reach so high. Hold on." I squeak as Adrien lifts me into his arms like I weigh nothing, and to him, that's probably true.

Thinking of what Felix and I discussed, when Adrien's lips find mine again, I make sure its a kiss he'll remember. "I'm glad Felix made you coffee, but he didn't feed you breakfast, did he?" I shake my head, still a bit dizzy and light-headed from the kiss. "Let's remedy that. Let me go change and I'll be back shortly."

I follow him to as far as the foyer, and pull my out my bug phone to check the time. For some reason, the door to Gabriel's old office seems to be pulling at my attention and slowly I walk towards it. When I give the door a little push, I'm surprised when it opens.

The room is empty, save for Adrien's mother's portrait still hanging on the back wall. I walk over and stare up at Emile Agreste, a small lump growing in my throat.

"Ladybug?" I jump straight in the air, heart pounding, as Adrien comes up behind me. "What are you doing in here?" My mouth hangs open, while I try to slow my racing heart. "I-I just felt like should come in here, that's all." "There's nothing in here but old memories and heartache," I look up surprised at Adrien's bitter tone. "Now let's go."

Taking one last look at the portrait, I feel like I have something to discover from the portrait. But now is not the time.

The sunshine makes me feel better, and out here I realize how hungry I am. But as we walk past an overgrown alleyway, Adrien seems to be hungry for other things, for when we enter, he leans me against the wall, his lips hungry and demanding. "I can't lose you," he breathes once he's kissed me a third time. "Please, stay." I lace my gloved hands through his. "I promise that I love you, and that I won't leave you." Tears start to run down his cheeks. "I'm sorry for my earlier behavior, my love. I'm just scared." "I'm scared too, but we have each other." "How do you always know the right words to make me feel better?" My stomach growls again. "How about this word? Breakfast." At last, Adrien smiles a real smile, capable of knocking the socks off any girl in Paris. I'm so lucky.

Adrien treats me to some real pancakes, and then we head over to the park, for its a beautiful day. Far the other park-goers, we lay on the side of a hill, and watch the fluffy clouds sail by. "Mother and I used to do this when I was younger," Adrien explains. "I would get so excited about something, and Mother would come me down by cloud-watching. Now I get to share this wonderful memory with you." "Wait, you got the zoomies?" "Er, some form of it. It was either my mouth or my legs." Adrien cuddles up close to me. "What's one of your favorite memories?"

One of my very favorites pops to mind. "Papa hired a fishing boat once, and I begged to go with him, because I loved spending time with Papa. But Mama wasn't sure if I was ready, so if I was good for the whole week I would be able to go."

Adrien grins as he begins running his fingers through my sun-warmed hair. "And you were a perfect little angel weren't you?" I laugh. "Not quite a angel, but good enough to go. I loved the water, the seabirds calling above me, and the horizon beyond. I was always curious what was out there, and someday, I'm going to find out." Adrien flips over, encircling his arm around my waist. "I'd love to find out together." I nod, his breath sweet like honey, and I want him to kiss me. Adrien, being able to read my expression, grants my wish.

To soon, the end of the day is coming to a close. "I'll see you tomorrow, right, love?" I nod, shy, not knowing why after we kiss. "Ladybug?" "Hm?" "What if you did find a clue to my mother's whereabouts in my mother's painting?" "I would let you know, as long as it was safe." "Come back at midnight, and we'll look for more clues together. I know this sounds silly, but…." Adrien runs a hand through his hair. "I think she's still alive. I feel like I know the difference." I take hold of his hands. "If we don't find anything, will you be okay?"

Adrien opens his mouth to answer, but nothing comes out. "I don't know. But I have to try." "See you at midnight."

The bakery is swamped when I get back home, and I'm glad for the distraction. "Oh, honey, your mail's in the back kitchen and it looks important." After putting a loaf of bread in the oven, I go to find it.

A pink envelope has my name on it, and I wonder if its like the same invitation Felix got. Sure enough, it is, and I feel a strange sensation in my tummy. And that means I'm going. But who will teach me how to dance? Adrien? Felix? Would they want to go with me, yet even teach me lessons if they knew how clumsy I am?

I have time, I tell myself. And maybe soon I should get away for the day, just me, picking somewhere in the portals.

After the bakery closes, I help with supper and knit until its time to go to Adrien's. As I run through the cool night, I wonder: What will we find?