Adrien walked Marinette to the locker room, standing at her locker. "You okay?" he asked, his gentle voice soothing. She'd been so quiet at their morning coffee before school date, and she had been quiet, not her usual bubbly self. Sure, she could be shy, but the more time they spent together, the more comfortable they became.
"Actually," Marinette sucked in a breath, trying hard not to sob. "I had a really tough day and could use a hug." "Oh, Marinette." He held her in the circle of his arms, rubbing her back and occasionally kissing her head. He knew what was like to have bad days, even rotten ones. He knew that in moments like this, you just needed to cry. At last, Marinette snuffled up the last of her tears. "Ready to go home?"
"We have to study for the big math test, remember?" Oh, that's right. Marinette squared her shoulders. "And I wouldn't be much company right now, anyway. How about you come for dinner?" "Okay," he squeezed her hand. "You call if you need me, right?" she nodded, finding his lips for a kiss.
When he and Plagg were alone, Adrien hopped up on the garden wall in the back of the school. "She's hurting, Plagg. How should I cheer her up?" "What do you do when Ladybug has a bad day?" Adrien blushed. "I tell her a joke. Whether she groans or laughs is up to her." "So, how about you try it with Marinette?"
"Here, let's try this." Of course her phone would be switched to voicemail. But that was okay.
"Hey, love. I made up a little poem and I wanted you to hear it.
When the sky is gray and dreary,
All I have to do is look at you,
And I see the sun in you.
Bluebell eyes so fair and pretty,
If you were a flower, I'd pick you in a hurry.
All my thoughts are about you,
I love you and I'll see you soon.
A flash of red caught Adrien's eye and he looked up to see Ladybug soaring past. Oops. It was time for patrol.
Ladybug was quiet as they sat in their spot, resting her head against his shoulder. "Sorry, tough day," she whispered. "I'm here," Cat whispered back. "Thank you, Cat. For being my friend and all."
Cat stared out at the setting sun, glad he could be a steady comfort to Ladybug and his precious Marinette.