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Chapter Text

She was almost late. Keyword was almost . Not even Marinette herself could register that she was able to get to school on time. Her usual tardiness was often teased by her parents and friends, especially with the fact that Marinette’s family was right next to the Dupont school.

One would say you couldn’t blame Marinette, though. She had a rough night last night. Hawk Moth obviously did not understand the definition of sleep and forced Marinette as Ladybug along with her trusty partner Chat Noir to fight a poor akumatized victim .

But, she managed to make it to class on time. 

Ms. Bustier had some news for her class that morning. 

“Today, we have a new student coming from the city of Lyon,” she announced. “Everyone, please welcome, Henry LaBove!”

The door opened to reveal a boy…but not just any boy. 

In stepped the kind of boy you only ever expected to see in glossy magazine spreads or on a movie poster. Maybe he was the Adrien to Lyon’s level of famous models!

Henry was a boy who anyone could expect from a movie screen; tall, handsome, elegant, with a hint of boldness in him. He wore a brown leather jacket, a white T-shirt underneath, the style simple yet high branded, and black jeans with brown dress shoes. 

He unexpectedly flipped his hair, and at once, all the girls in Miss Bustier’s class swooned and sighed in their seats, even those who couldn’t feel romantic love even if they tried, like Alix, those who already have boyfriends, like Alya and Mylene, or those incapable of love for anyone but themselves, like Chloe and Lila. 

(Every girl was swayed except Marinette, although she could also feel her own brain switching off like a light switch.)

Henry opened his eyes, and his eyes were like a pretty amber. 

“What’s up?” He announced, and boy, even his voice sounded like honey. 

 One by one, every girl in the class bonked their foreheads against their desks, (including Marinette,) making the boys glance at them in concern.

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you guys like that,” Henry cleared his throat, though he was speaking more for the girls than the boys. “It’s just how I treat my buddies back home. Hi, everyone. As Miss Bustier might’ve told you, my name’s Henry LaBove. I’m from France originally, just not from Paris. I’m from Lyon.”

“Lyon is a beautiful city,” Miss Bustier praised. “May we ask why you and your family decided to move to Paris, Henry?”

“The office company my parents work with offered them a big promotion in Paris,” Henry explained. “We were a little hesitant to move here, since not only is Paris the capital city of France, it was much bigger than we could ever expect in Lyon. We decided to take a tour of the city at first, and we found ourselves liking Paris better than we liked, so as soon as we got home in Lyon, we made arrangements to move here right away.”

“That’s a very interesting story, Henry,” Miss Bustier praised. “I hope you will love Paris the same way you loved Lyon.”

“Thanks, Miss Bustier,” Henry chuckled. “And I can’t wait to get to know my new classmates too.”

“You can sit next to Ivan for now, the boy with the black shirt with skull design on it,” Miss Bustier suggested. “You’ll also be sitting behind none other than our very own class representative and deputy, Marinette and Alya.”

Both girls took their cue to stand up.

“Hello, Henry,” Marinette waved. “As our teacher just said, my name is Marinette, and I am the class representative. Sitting besides me is my best friend and class deputy, Alya Cesaire. If you have any questions or concerns and you can’t get to Miss Bustier right away, you can come to one of us for help instead.”

“Thank you… Marinette, was it?” Henry walked up the step near Adrien and Nino’s desk and delicately took her hand in his. “Beautiful name for a beautiful girl.”

He went to press a kiss on the back of Marinette’s hand, only for the girl to politely shake her hand off.

“O-OK, we may be French, but we’re technically still in school, so let’s keep it PG, okay?” Marinette giggled nervously. “And as much as I want to get to know you too, we still have a school schedule to follow. How about we talk during break?”

“Studious, aren’t you?” Henry grinned. “I like that in a girl. Very well, Marinette. I look forward to being your classmate.”

“Thank you, Henry, me too,” Marinette said politely as she and Henry took their seats, allowing Miss Bustier to start their lesson.

-

Marinette tried to focus on her notes, diligently scribbling down what Miss Bustier was explaining. But she couldn’t help noticing small, subtle movements from Henry. At first, she chalked it up to him fidgeting or adjusting his posture—but then she realized he kept flicking her pigtail whenever he thought she wasn’t looking.

Her pencil paused mid-word. Why is he…? She tried to shake the thought away, blaming her imagination.

A few moments later, Marinette briefly glanced back toward him, curious whether he was paying attention to the lesson at all. That’s when Henry caught her eyes. He flashed her a grin—warm, friendly, easy… but for some reason, it sent a shiver down her spine.

Marinette quickly shook her head to get rid of the thoughts and went back to her notes. Henry LaBove was just a new student. She shouldn’t be jumping to conclusions about him, especially when he deserved to be welcomed into their school.

-

Morning classes usually seemed to drag, but today, most of the students felt that it went fast since they had a new student in the room.

 While everyone was focused on their curiosity on Henry, Marinette took the opportunity to decide to stop by the bakery real quick to grab some pastries for her classmates, and sneak a few extra for herself, Alya, Adrien, and Nino. 

Before she could reach the front gates, she ran into… Henry. 

Who seemingly was casually down the stairs she had just gone down, and the way they ran into each other was just a coincidence. 

Plus, Henry was new to Francois Dupont, so it’d make sense he couldn’t familiarize himself right away with the school’s layout. But Marinette felt there was something else going on.

“Oh, hi, Henry,” Marinette greeted politely. “May I help you?” 

“Hey, Marinette, I was just on my way to the cafeteria, since well, it's lunch time, and I’m hungry,” Henry explained casually. “But the wind suddenly blew my map away, and now I can’t find my way. Since you’re class representative, and I can’t seem to find a teacher right away, maybe you could help me?”

“Um, sure,” Marinette nodded slowly, feeling like it was the right thing to do. “Come on.”

At first, it seemed straightforward and normal. She led the way down the familiar halls. But slowly, Henry began to make the encounter feel less like a coincidence and more like a game. He’d veer slightly off-course, forcing her to adjust her steps, or step close enough that she could feel his presence brushing past her shoulder. Sometimes he pretended to look at a wall or a classroom door, only to shift suddenly, making her have to spin around to keep up.

As they reached the wall that always seemed to have white cardboard papers always glued on, behind the basketball hoop, the keep away game grew stronger. At one point, Henry suddenly stomped forward a little, making Marinette flinch, and she briefly bumped into the boards, her spine stifling.

Her thoughts spun. Was Henry just being playful? Or was he deliberately trying to see how far he could push her?

“Marinette!”

 Marinette whipped her head around just in time to see Adrien coming towards them. Without thinking about it, she almost missed Henry stepping closer, but she unconsciously bounced away from him and rushed to Adrien’s side, bumping into him and her face briefly pressing into his shoulder.

“Hi, Marinette,” Adrien had her back as usual when she fell, gently chuckling and helping her adjust. He kept a hand on her shoulder, allowing the tip of her pigtail to brush against his fingers. “Are you okay? Alya sent me to check on you. She said you suddenly just disappeared.”

“Yeah, sorry for worrying you, Adrien,” Marinette blushed, but truthfully, she was glad that Adrien was here. He was a thousand times better than Henry. “I just decided to stop by the bakery real quick to pick up some pastries for you guys when I ran into Henry.”

Adrien’s green eyes softened as he glanced at her, worry and protectiveness mingling in his expression. Not once did he interrupt her, making Marinette feel more love towards this boy. 

Outside the classroom, Adrien finally had the chance to face Henry properly. He straightened his posture, offering the boy a polite smile. 

 “Hi, Henry. I’m Adrien,” he said smoothly, extending his hand in greeting. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

Henry took a moment before responding, his expression carefully neutral, almost unreadable. Finally, he gave a faint nod. 

“Henry LaBove,” he said evenly, shaking Adrien’s hand just long enough to be courteous—but no longer. There was a subtle edge to him, as if he were testing Adrien without openly challenging him.

Quickly as the boys shook hands, Henry took his hand back just as quickly. 

“So…you’re the famous Adrien Agreste everyone talks about. Believe it or not, you’re even a hit in Lyon. Some of the girls in my class back home can never stop talking about you,” Henry stated stiffly, his amber eyes flashing. 

“Oh? Is that so?” Adrien rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. “Well, I can’t say I’m surprised. My father takes introducing the world to his fashion pretty seriously. He has a lot of Gabriel brand stores in many other countries now. In fact, I think he’s starting to plan a new one in the Philippines or somewhere like that.” 

 As they spoke, Adrien couldn’t help but notice Marinette edging closer behind him. The more Henry approached, the more she instinctively pressed against Adrien, as if trying to make herself invisible. He was about to ask her if she was alright when he caught a subtle detail: Henry’s gaze was fixed on Marinette, and there was a glint in his eyes—calculating, intense—that Adrien recognized immediately as more than friendly.

As a model, Adrien learned long ago to read people’s body language and emotions. Henry seemed to have a certain gleam in his eyes, and now Marinette was so close pressed to his back now that her cheek brushed against his shoulder.  

Henry’s eyes narrowed as he watched them — the way Marinette leaned in, the easy, unspoken way Adrien sheltered her. He tilted his head, studying the small gestures like a connoisseur inspecting a painting.

“So,” he said slowly, voice smooth, “what are you two, exactly? Friends? More?” His tone was casual, but the question prodded at something private.

Adrien opened his mouth to answer, but Henry cut him off with a direct stare aimed at Marinette. 

“Tell me this—if it came down to it, would you trust Adrien with your life?” It wasn’t a casual question, it was more like a demand.

Marinette didn’t even hesitate. 

“Yes.” Her voice was quiet but flat with certainty.

Adrien felt the world narrowing to that single word; relief and a fierce protectiveness hit him at once. He kept his smile polite for Henry, but his grip on Marinette’s shoulder tightened just enough to let her know he’d heard—and that he’d always be there.

Henry’s mouth curved into a faint, unreadable smile. 

“Good to know,” he murmured, eyes glittering in a way that promised he’d remember.

Adrien decided to leave it at that, knowing if they kept staying with this guy, things could become… not good.

His hands moved to Marinette’s shoulders, giving her a reassuring squeeze. He leaned slightly closer, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

“Are you okay?” he whispered. “Are you hungry?”

Marinette nodded, grateful for his calm presence, though her cheeks were still warm.

“Do you want me to walk you to the bakery?” he asked, his tone soft and protective.

“Yes… please,” she replied, relief flickering across her face.

They began to walk, Marinette staying close beside him. The air between them felt momentarily safe, familiar, until a sudden swoosh of movement made them both pause. Henry skidded to a stop right beside them, eyes glinting with curiosity and something sharper, more calculating.

“And where are you two off to in such a hurry?” he asked smoothly, his tone casual but edged with something almost predatory.

Adrien’s jaw tightened imperceptibly, keeping his smile polite while his grip on Marinette’s shoulder subtly shifted, guiding her slightly behind him. 

“Just heading to the bakery,” he said evenly.

“Which bakery? The bakery down the street from the school?” Henry throttled. “It’s the best bakery in Paris, isn’t it? My parents and I couldn’t get enough of their croissants!”

“Er, yeah,” Adrien nodded. “We go there all the time.” He didn’t say that it was Marinette’s parents who owned it. The last thing he wanted was for Marinette to feel more uncomfortable. 

Marinette instinctively pressed a little closer to him, trusting his presence to shield her as they continued forward, aware of Henry’s gaze lingering just a little too long.

Henry’s grin widened just slightly, that calculating gleam never leaving his eyes.

“Mind if I come with you?” he asked casually, though Adrien immediately recognized the undertone—it wasn’t just curiosity.

Adrien stiffened for a moment, then forced a polite, easy tone. 

“Uh… actually, we have a few things to pick up first, and we’re kind of on a schedule. Maybe another time?”

Henry’s brow rose, but he let it slide, though the glint in his eyes suggested he wasn’t done observing them yet.

Adrien glanced down at Marinette, giving her a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. She nodded slightly, relieved.

With that, Adrien led her forward, putting a few steps between them and Henry. Once they were clear of his reach, Marinette let out a small, quiet sigh, and Adrien finally allowed himself a brief exhale of relief.

“Thank you for that, Adrien,” Marinette softly leaned against his shoulder. “I’m sorry you had to protect me from…that. But truthfully, I felt you didn’t have to. Henry’s a new student, so I shouldn’t be feeling this…weird around him. He deserves to be welcome.”

“Marinette.” The streetlight had turned red, so that allowed Adrien a precious few seconds to talk to her. “While I agree with you that Henry should deserve a welcome, as he’s a new student and all, no one deserves to make you feel uncomfortable. If I’m being honest, Henry was giving me a few weird vibes too.”

“Really?” Marinette lifted her head up.

  Adrien nodded, giving her free shoulder a gentle squeeze to reassure her.

“I’m a model, remember? I can tell when someone’s faking casualness,” he reminded her. “And although I admit I haven’t been out of the house much except for modeling, it allowed me to tell when someone is masking their real selves. Plus, since my father’s letting me out more, he’s always giving me the ‘be careful around strangers,’ speech.” He playfully rolled his eyes, though it held some seriousness in them. “As if I have strangers screaming my name all the time, but Nathalie says ‘your father means in general, Adrien.’”

Marinette giggled quietly at that, making Adrien smile wider.    

“See?” Adrien playfully flickered her pigtail making her mock glare at him and say “hey!” “You’re not imagining anything. Your instincts are right—Henry’s intentions just aren’t… straightforward. And that’s okay. We just need to be careful around him.”

-

The bell above the Dupain-Cheng bakery jingled as Adrien held the door open for Marinette. The warm, sweet smell of fresh bread and pastries wrapped around them instantly, soothing after the strange tension with Henry. Marinette’s mother, Sabine Cheng, looked up from behind the counter, her smile softening as she spotted them.

“Marinette, darling, you’re back!” Sabine put down the tray she was holding and went to kiss her daughter’s forehead. “And you brought back Adrien, too.”

“Did someone say Adrien?!” Tom Dupain, Marinette’s father, came out from the back, wiping flour off his hands with his apron. “Welcome, my boy!”

He swept Adrien off the floor and gave him a giant bear hug before the boy could blink. Despite the slight squeeze, Adrien felt warmth in Marinette’s father’s arms.

“Daddy! Let Adrien breathe!” Marinette scolded. 

“Oops, sorry, son,” Tom immediately set Adrien down. “I’m just so excited to see you again. It’s been a while since we last saw you.”

“No problem, Mr. Dupain. It’s nice to see you and Mrs. Cheng again,” Adrien answered with a grin. 

“That’s the spirit!” Tom clapped him on the shoulder with such force that Adrien wobbled a little before chuckling.

“So,” Tom added, looking between the two of them, “what brings you here in the middle of lunch break?”

“Your daughter came up with the generous idea to give out treats for the class,” Adrien explained, giving Marinette a soft, fond expression. “When she told me, I decided to help.”

Sabine’s expression melted into pride as she looked at Marinette, who ducked her head shyly.

 Tom, meanwhile, puffed up like a balloon. “That’s my girl!”  

-

Sabine and Tom wasted no time helping their daughter and Adrien. Tom carefully packed boxes full of croissants, baguette sandwiches, and flaky pastries while Sabine tucked in rows of cream puffs, macarons, and chouquettes with practiced precision. Adrien eagerly helped, balancing two boxes with ease, while Marinette carried another in her arms.

“Don’t forget the napkins!” Sabine reminded, slipping a neat stack on top before closing the lid.

“Merci, Momma,” Marinette said with a grateful smile.

“Good luck, you two,” Tom called as they hurried out the door. “Make sure your classmates know who baked them!”

“They’ll be able to tell, Papa! We’re not the best bakers in Paris for nothing!” Marinette reminded him. Adrien laughed at the warm banter between Marinette and her father, and even offered to pay. Tom and Sabine refused, and before they could waste time about money, the adults were gently ushering the two teenagers back to school before their lunch break ended.

By the time they returned to school, their arms full of bakery boxes, the buzz in the classroom immediately shifted. Eyes widened, chairs scraped, and classmates crowded around the pair as soon as they set the treats down.

Rose clapped her hands in delight while Juleka murmured something grateful through a mouthful of macaron. Kim stuffed two chouquettes into his mouth at once, shouting “FREE FOOD!”  before getting scolded by Alix for his manners, who promptly snatched one before he could finish them all. Laughter and chatter quickly filled the air, the room bright with the smell of fresh pastries.

Marinette smiled shyly as she handed out goodies, while Adrien hovered close, making sure no one trampled her in their enthusiasm. Soon, most of the class was happily munching away, crumbs dusting their desks.

With the crowd distracted, Marinette slipped away with Adrien, Alya, and Nino to a quieter corner of the room. Adrien set aside a small box just for them, opening the lid to reveal an assortment of pastries Sabine had tucked in—strawberry tarts, flaky mille-feuille, and a pile of delicate cream puffs.

“Now this is the VIP corner,” Nino joked, reaching for a tart.

Alya grinned, snatching a mille-feuille before Nino could. 

“VIP means I get first pick. I’m Marinette’s BFF, after all.”

Adrien chuckled and passed Marinette a cream puff, watching her take a dainty bite. Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she smiled, savoring the sweet custard inside, and she generously handed Adrien one, too, making him smile in thanks.

Marinette barely took a few bites out of her cream puff when a shadow fell over her. She felt a strange chill, then whipped around to see Henry standing behind her, her cream puff still accidentally in her mouth. 

“Hey, Marinette,” he said smoothly, but the smoothness in his voice sounded like nothing this morning. 

Marinette swallowed the bite she had just taken of her cream puff, feeling Adrien’s hand brushing against her pigtails protectively.

“Hey, Henry,” she greeted back, politely but cautiously. 

“That cream puff you have there looks pretty good. Can I have some?” Henry asked, and without even waiting for an answer, he rudely plucked the treat out of Marinette’s hand and ate it himself. 

Marinette’s face turned red, then turned whiter than a sheet in horror. Her lips parted, but all she could say was “imunwell,” before dashing out of the room. 

Adrien gritted his teeth, feeling furious for Marinette, but kept his cool. He took a deep breath, and turned to Alya, who had watched the same thing in horror. 

“Alya, please follow Marinette, to make sure she’s okay,” Adrien managed. Alya nodded and immediately rushed after her best friend. 

-

Alya found Marinette in the girls’ bathroom, trying to calm herself down by splashing water on her face. 

“Girl, are you okay?” Alya asked gently. 

“Yeah, Als, just a second,” Marinette gasped out, gripping the edge of the sink tightly, taking a few deep breaths, and feeling Tikki repeatedly pressing against her leg inside her purse to comfort her without Alya noticing. 

After a few moments, Marinette turned back to Alya, giving her a shaky smile. 

“I’m fine…I’m fine, really,” she assured Alya, though her glassy eyes said otherwise.

“Sweetie, no, you’re clearly not okay,” Alya wrapped a sisterly arm around Marinette. “You were eating that pastry, and Henry just snatched it up and ate it himself without asking you for permission.”

“Still, it’s just a cream puff. It’s not like my parents never make them for me or the bakery…” Marinette reasonably argued.

“It wasn’t just about the cream puff girl,” Alya soothed. “Henry crossed the line, and you have every right to be upset about that. I’d be really upset if someone just ate food out of my hand like that, too.”

“I just don’t know what to do, Alya,” Marinette buried her face into her friend’s shoulder. “Henry LaBove is a new student, and he deserves to be welcome, sure, but the way he just acts…I just can’t…”

“New student or not, no one deserves to treat my BFF like that,” Alya stated gently but firmly. “You did the right thing, getting away from Henry as fast as you could. And I’m not the only one who saw what he did. Adrien saw it. Nino saw it. And trust me, they’re pretty mad on your behalf. Especially Adrien. You should’ve seen his face. He looked like his dad for a minute!”

“Well, who else is Adrien the son of?” Marinette laughed breathlessly. 

“Exactly.” Alya grinned, giving her a reassuring squeeze. “While I agree we should give Henry a chance, we shouldn’t excuse his actions like that. You ready to go back to class?”

“Well, the bell is going to ring soon, and we surely don’t want to be late for class. Who knows? Maybe literature or history will take my mind off of things that just happened,” Marinette reasoned. 

“That’s the spirit, girl!” Alya cheered, and the two girls hugged.

After a minute or two of Alya allowing Marinette to take another deep breath, they went back to class, where the boys were patiently waiting for them.

Nino went to Alya while Adrien went to check on Marinette.

“You okay?” He asked, his smile gentle but worried.

“I’m okay,” Marinette assured. “I washed my face to try to cool myself down.”

“Cool. I asked Miss Bustier if I could take your seat if you don’t mind. Since Henry sits behind you right now, I wouldn’t want you to feel uncomfortable with him breathing on your back.”

“Thank you, Adrien. That’s very sweet of you.”

-

 Later that afternoon, Marinette was humming a happy tune as she prepared to go to her locker to grab the books she needed for tonight’s studying. 

Unknown to her on the other side of the lockers, Adrien was getting ready for his fencing lesson. His eyes caught Marinette walking to her locker, looking carefree and happy, humming a sweet tune, and most of all, she was safe. 

Adrien smiled softly in relief, happy that Marinette was happy and safe, and focused back on zipping up his fencing jacket, and adjusting his gloves. He got his sabre ready, and was about to exit the locker room when he suddenly heard a click, then a scream from Marinette.

 Immediately, Adrien rushed to her side, his fencing sabre clutched tightly in one hand.

“Marinette?!” 

Marinette whipped her head around to look at him, eyes filled with tears, but then relief at the sight of him.

“Adrien!” She cried, running to him and standing on her tiptoes to wrap her arms around his neck.

“Hey, shh, it’s okay. What happened?” Adrien soothed, hugging her back, still gripping his sabre tightly just in case. 

“I was just getting my books I needed for studying tonight, when Henry… he just appeared in my locker like some kind of magic Jack-in-the-box prank!” Marinette explained. 

“What the?! How did he even get in there, anyway?” Adrien shared her astonishment. “And with all those books and stuff in the way?”

A banging sound of metal from the lockers occurred, making Adrien and Marinette snap their heads up. Sure enough, Henry was there, looking nothing like he was that morning. 

Henry was casually leaning against the lockers mere feet away from them, and at once, they could tell that their new classmate looked like nothing like the one they met that morning. 

He still had that agonizing smile on his face, but it was no longer at least trying to act friendly. His stance was tense, his eyes sharper than the hardest amber with the most predatory glint either Adrien or Marinette could see in another human being, and the easy smile Henry seemed to always have on his face was no longer there.  

Henry pulled himself off the lockers and stretched. Then, he looked at them with such intensity that set Marinette and Adrien on high alert.   

“Why so tense, you two?” Henry drawled out, stepping forward. Instantly, Adrien dropped his sabre onto the ground, the metal’s tip tapping against the ground in warning. “I just wanted to get to know my favorite classmates better.”

“Favorite?” Adrien repeated, his gloved hand subtly nudging Marinette back behind him. Unfortunately, his protective hand gesture didn’t go unnoticed by Henry. “You’ve barely been in our class for a day. You know nothing about us.”

“Correction. I know what I see, Agreste Jr.,” Henry retorted. “You and Marinette seem close. Very close.”

He took another step forward. Marinette flinched, and she instantly moved more behind Adrien, one arm still holding her backpack against her chest and the other going to grip Adrien’s arm. 

“So?” Adrien’s voice dropped low, his teeth clenched as he let out an almost hiss. “The friendship Marinette and I have? That’s none of your business. First, you corner her at lunch. Then you rudely snatch a cream puff right out of her hand—while she was eating it. And now, you’re hiding in her locker? I wouldn’t call that ‘normal’ if your goal was just to get a girl’s attention.”

Henry’s smile vanished, and Marinette felt her stomach drop, her heart almost sinking to her shoes. She squeezed her eyes shut and ducked closer behind Adrien’s shoulder, clutching her backpack like a shield.

“Like you’re any better, Agreste Jr.,” Henry sneered, stepping closer. “All you have to do is toss a pretty little wave, and girls fall all over themselves. Why? Because you’re AdRiEn AgReSte—the golden boy, not just of Paris, but probably all of France.”

Adrien’s jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing. 

“Well, at least I don’t scare girls by hiding in their lockers,” he shot back sharply, his protective stance unflinching as he moved slightly to block Marinette further, especially when he felt her face pressing into his shoulder. “Besides, being the ‘golden boy’ isn’t as fun as you think.”

“Oh, poor little rich boy,” Henry sneered as he mock- wobbled closer. “Life must be so hard when everyone worships the ground you walk on.” 

 He leaned forward, his eyes flashing. 

“But here’s the thing—you don’t earn their attention. You’re just born into it. Everything’s handed to you.”

Adrien’s grip on the sabre tightened, his knuckles white under the glove. “You think you know me?” His tone was calm but cutting, every word sharp as the blade in his hand. “You’ve been here for less than a day, and already you’ve decided what kind of person I am. That’s not insight—that’s arrogance.”

Behind him, Marinette pressed tighter against his shoulder, her breath quick and shallow. She could feel the tension in Adrien’s muscles, taut as steel, and it steadied her enough to lift her chin, even if she stayed shielded by him.

Henry tilted his head, watching them with that unnerving, predator’s patience. 

“Arrogance?” he echoed, his smile twisting back, thinner and more dangerous. “No. Just observation. You shine so bright, Agreste Jr., everyone else fades into the background. That’s why you’ll never understand people like me.”

Adrien leaned forward just enough to meet Henry’s glare head-on, voice lowering into something almost feral. 

“You’re right—I don’t understand people who think scaring girls and cornering them is the way to get noticed.” His free hand curled protectively around Marinette’s arm. “And if you think I’m going to let you try that with her again, you’ve got another thing coming.”

Henry seemed to ignore Adrien’s words as his smirk snapped into something sharper. Without warning, he lunged—not at Adrien, but at Marinette, as though testing how fast Adrien would react.

Adrien didn’t hesitate. He caught his sabre on Henry’s arm, sending him stumbling back a few steps. Then Adrien pointed the tip at his chest. 

Henry froze for a split second, his calculating eyes locking with Adrien’s. The sharp tip of the sabre hovered just inches from his chest, gleaming under the fluorescent lights of the locker room.

“Back off, Henry,” Adrien warned, his voice steady but carrying an edge that left no room for argument. Marinette pressed closer behind him, squeezing her backpack so hard that some books might’ve as well break out of the bag. 

Henry’s smirk faltered, replaced by a flicker of hesitation. Then, with a quick, almost imperceptible movement, he shifted sideways, keeping his hands raised in mock surrender.

“You don’t have to get all dramatic, Agreste,” Henry said, voice smooth but tense. “I was just… testing the waters.”

Adrien didn’t lower his sabre.

“Testing the waters, you say? Does that involve cornering someone at lunch, rudely eating something out of her hand, or crawling out of her locker? I think not! You’re done!”

Adrien’s patience was slowly starting to snap, but the string that held it was still there, albeit barely. 

Henry opened his mouth, clearly ready to retort, but by then, Adrien’s patience snapped completely. Channeling every ounce of authority he had, he lifted his voice in his best “Gabriel Agreste” voice.

“GET OUT!”

The sheer force and precision of Adrien’s command echoed through the locker room. It was enough to make even Marinette jump, although she knew Adrien’s words weren’t aimed at her.

Henry finally gave up, sighing and grumbling words under his breath that were definitely not-so-nice words.

 He walked past them, purposely knocking shoulders with Adrien roughly, and he seemed to almost “accidentally” knock shoulders with Marinette too if Adrien hadn’t grabbed her and pulled her under his arm.

Finally, Henry exited the locker room, the brown doors swinging shut with chilling precision. 

As soon as she was sure Henry was completely gone, Marinette exhaled in relief, her grip on her backpack loosening yet still holding it close to her chest. Adrien let out a long breath of his own he didn’t even realize he was holding and turned to her, softening instantly. 

“I know he’s barely in our class for a day, but…I don’t like him,” Marinette finally whispered.

“You and me both,” Adrien muttered in agreement. “He’s one of the few people I don’t know if I’ll be able to have patience with.”

If someone was going to be on Adrien Agreste’s list of people he didn’t like, Marinette knew it would be really bad, since Adrien usually didn’t have a lot of bad things to say about people, even if they had difficult attitudes, like Chloe or Lila. 

And since Adrien was one of the most trustworthy people Marinette knew, she wasn’t sure if she could fully welcome Henry LaBove into their class herself. 

“It’s been a long day,” Adrien said, breaking Marinette out of her thoughts, rubbing her arm up and down comfortingly. Even if he was still wearing his glove, Marinette could feel the warmth in his hand underneath the leather. “Come on, Marinette, I’ll walk you home.”

 “Thank you, Adrien.”

With that, they left the locker room. Marinette realized that she had caused Adrien to miss his fencing lesson, and she began feeling bad, but Adrien assured her not to worry about it. 

“But what about your dad?” She tried. “Won’t he get mad at you?”

Adrien shrugged casually, like his father’s anger was now natural to him. (Poor Adrien 🥲) 

“My dad gets mad at the dumbest things, Marinette. He once threw an adult tantrum because Nathalie once accidentally set his neatly styled stack of papers a millimeter off. It was actually pretty funny pm how she reacted to him. Given that Nathalie had worked for my father before I was even born, I could see why.” Adrien explained.

“She seems to know him almost as much as your own mom,” Marinette blurted out, then when Adrien stopped, Marinette felt her face turn red, then pale. “Oh my god, Adrien, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean!--” 

Adrien burst out laughing. 

“It’s okay, Marinette, I know what you mean. You want to know a little secret, actually?” 

“What is it?”

“As much as my mom was also one of the few people who could handle Gabriel Agreste no problem, she admitted to me once that when she and my father first met, she was a bit intimidated by his signature ‘Agreste’ glare as they would call it. Turns out, he just always looked like that, even if he was genuinely happy. He just looks like that. I think it’s said Father inherited the look from his grandfather or something.”

“Oh. That is a pretty funny story,” Marinette admitted with a giggle.

  Adrien smiled softly, happy to see her lighten up after such a tense day. Together, they walked down the quiet street, the city around them feeling a little calmer, a little safer, with each other’s presence keeping the world’s chaos at bay.

Chapter Text

A week or so had passed since Henry LaBove entered their lives. He didn’t bother Marinette anymore ever since the incident in the locker room with Adrien, making her hope that her friend had managed to scare the boy, yet even if she was slowly starting to get used to a new student in her class, she still felt something bad was going to happen.

For one thing, Marinette still felt off about Henry. A few times, she noticed that wherever she went, Henry was coincidentally there as well, but luckily, Marinette was always with one of her classmates, --especially Alya, Adrien, or Nino,-- so Henry wouldn’t have been able to do anything even if he could. 

Plus, Marinette had decided to shake the coincidences off. They shared a few classes, so it would make sense he would be where she was. 

One day, however, though, Marinette found herself in a position no woman would ever want to experience. 

She was alone studying in the library. She had managed to finish some homework she hadn’t been able to do the previous night due to having to battle an akuma with Chat, and by the time she got home, she was too tired, so Tikki had insisted she rest and that Marinette could finish her homework during study hall, which she agreed on.

Marinette managed to finish her homework relatively quick, and decided to use the extra time to do some fashion sketches. 

What should I make? Marinette thought to herself. New hoodies for Adrien and Nino? A new pair of gloves for Alya? She was so busy doodling new sketch ideas, she didn’t notice Henry approaching her before he thumped a chair next to her and sat very close.

Too close for her liking. 

Marinette froze, her pencil hovering above the page, heart suddenly racing. Alya wasn’t here, Nino wasn’t here, and worse of all, Adrien wasn’t here. But she forced herself to stay calm. She was Ladybug, for goodness sakes. Besides, she wasn’t completely alone; Tikki was safely in her purse, pressing against her hip whenever she felt her holder tense up.

Even in her civilian self, Marinette remembered the self-defense lessons her parents taught her, especially from her mother. Of course, she never really had to use them unless absolutely necessary, since that was the purpose of self-defense .

“Hey, Marinette,” Henry drawled out, putting an arm behind her chair. Marinette shifted her chair as far away from him as best as she could without it making it look like she was being rude. “I just saw you, all alone, and thought it would be nice to give you some company.”

“That’s… very nice of you, Henry, but it’s alright. I like to be alone sometimes. It gives me time to think,” Marinette replied politely. Maybe if she pretended to continue drawing, he would take the hint and go away.

“I’m sure. Everyone needs alone time sometimes. Even me,” Henry almost purred as he leaned close, casting a shadow over her sketchbook, making Marinette frown. “So what are you doing?”

“Oh, nothing much,” Marinette stated. “Just drawing some random doodles.”

Henry hummed at that, and he went silent for a bit. The silence was comfortable for him, but not Marinette, who pretended to sketch as much as she could, but eventually, she knew she had to get him off her back.

“So, Henry, may I ask why you’re here in this specific spot of the library? Do you need any help? As class representative, it’s my duty to help my fellow students--” Marinette began before Henry suddenly lunged forward, causing her to fall off her chair. 

Henry was crouched down on all fours. It reminded  Marinette of how Chat Noir would often crouch down all fours, like his hero namesake. But unlike Henry’s position, Chat’s was always gentlemanly and playful. Whenever they played “tag” on patrol, Chat Noir would always gently pounce on Marinette as Ladybug like a real housecat, but it made her giggle because Chat would do a silly purr for her. He would then lift himself up respectfully, sometimes helping her up and then asking if she would like to be the tagger next. 

But Henry was no Adrien, nor Chat Noir. The two most important blonde boys in Marinette’s life would never look at someone like that. 

Henry lunged forward again suddenly, and Marinette let out a startled, high-pitched “Eep!” 

She rolled herself to the side, barely catching Tikki squirming anxiously in her purse. 

But Henry wasn’t done. In a sudden, reckless movement, his hand reached out… and touched her in a way that made her freeze, her stomach twisting into knots. The shock and violation made her scream, a raw, panicked sound that echoed through the quiet library. Instinct took over: she grabbed the nearest object—her sketchbook—and slammed it against Henry’s face. The pages crumpled and smacked him squarely, and he staggered back, blinking in surprise.

Marinette didn’t wait another second. She grabbed her backpack, and scrambled to her feet, her legs pumping as fast as they could, clutching her backpack tightly against her chest. She ran, adrenaline fueling every step, until she collided with someone solid.

“Marinette?!” Adrien’s voice rang out, a mix of alarm and worry. She barely had a moment to process relief before wrapping her arms around him, pressing her face into his shoulder.

“Adrien!” she cried, trembling. “He—he—he…!” Her words broke off, swallowed by a fresh wave of panic.

“Hey, shh, it’s okay,” Adrien tried to soothe, but Marinette couldn’t stop shaking in his arms. 

“Adrien, it was him!” Marinette lifted her face from his chest, clutching his black shirt with five colorful stripes like a lifeline.

Adrien did not need to guess who “he” was.

“That’s it, you’re spending the rest of your study hall with me. No expectations.” 

 Meanwhile, as Adrien guided Marinette down the quiet hallway, keeping her close and protective, Henry lingered in the shadows near the library entrance. His jaw clenched, and a low, almost animalistic growl rumbled from his chest. His amber eyes burned with a mixture of anger and jealousy as he watched the two friends move further from his reach, the memory of Marinette fleeing from him fueling a simmering rage he couldn’t yet control.

-

Later that afternoon, when nearly all of Miss Bustier’s students were back in their classroom, Adrien barely sat down when a pair of hands slammed in front of his side of the desk he and Nino shared.

“Agreste,” he growled.

To his growing disbelief, Adrien didn’t even look the bit least frightened. He looked annoyed instead.

“What’s your problem, LaBove?” Adrien demanded, silently putting his schoolbag on his seat, aware of Plagg inside. The black cat kwami discreetly slipped into Adrien’s shirt; as much as he loved to nap inside Adrien’s bag while they were at school, Plagg could sense the danger Henry LaBove held and still wanted to protect his holder, though Adrien was holding his own pretty well.

“I’ve had enough of you playing knight in shining armor with Marinette,” Henry spat. “Every time I try to make a move with her, you suddenly appear by her side!”

Adrien’s jaw clenched.

“‘ Making a move? ’” He repeated. “More like making Marinette uncomfortable, god damn it! Listen LaBove, if a girl tells you, directly or indirectly, she means NO! She told me that you literally touched her butt during study hall today!”

Several of their classmates gasp, making Adrien realize he’d forgotten they had an audience. 

“You touched my girl’s behind?!” Alya shouted furiously. She was about to pounce on LaBove herself but her boyfriend quickly held her back.

“Well, given that we already have an audience, I see there’s no reason to hide it anymore,” Henry sneered. “It is true. I, Henry LaBove, are in love with the one and only Mademoiselle Marinette Dupain-Cheng.”

He blew a nasty kiss towards Marinette, who ignored it, and shuffled to hide behind Nino, who held a protective brotherly stance in front of her. 

“Since Agreste Jr. over here keeps claiming Marinette as his own property, I’d say…why don’t we have a little competition to see who wins the princess’s love?” Henry cheekily suggested, much to the majority of the class’s disgust, especially the girls.

“Property?!” Adrien’s eye twitched. “Marinette is her own person, LaBove!”

“See? Even still, Agreste Jr. here is still oh, so protective of the baker princess. If I was a nice person, I would admit it’s actually really cute of how precious Marinette is to him… but wait, I’m not nice. I’m merely annoyed.”

The tension thickened as Henry stepped closer, cracking his knuckles with a confident snap.

 “So what do you say, Agreste? Care to prove you’re better than me?” 

To the shock and surprise of mostly everyone in the room, Adrien actually cracked his knuckles back.   

Henry smirked at that. 

“Oh-ho? I knew your daddy forced you into all those fencing lessons, but I suppose…he forced you into some material arts lessons… like karate, perhaps?” He taunted.

“I do take karate,” Adrien snipped back. “And if I could, I would’ve knocked you down in two seconds flat, LaBove.”

The room went silent, the weight of Adrien’s words pressing down on every stunned classmate watching. Even without raising his voice, the quiet fury in him was undeniable.

“Is that so?” Henry leaned his elbow on Adrien’s shoulder. The other boy’s face twisted in disgust but he didn’t make a move. Not yet. “Since you claim to want to protect Marinette so much, I have a proposition for you, Agreste.”

He looked at Marinette as he said so. Already sensing the danger in Henry’s so-called "proposition," she darted behind Adrien’s solid frame. 

“I will admit, besides all those good looks and those modeling products they slap on your face to make you pretty, you do hold your own pretty well,” Henry began pacing back and forth in front of him. 

Adrien’s eyes narrowed at his movements, matching his steps with Marinette following in step behind him, clutching onto his sleeve. 

“Here’s the deal, Agreste Jr.,” Henry proposed. “If you hadn’t been in a real fight before, you will now. After school, at the park. You and me. We fight. For real. But I know you’ll easily beat me in a fencing match, and since I have no experience, it won’t be fair for me.”

Adrien had to begrudgingly nod at that. It would be too easy for them to have a fencing match, even for Adrien himself. He may not like his new rival, but Adrien wasn’t one to play dirty, unlike Henry. 

“We fight like those in the Karate Kid movies. With our fists, and our legs,” Henry continued. “If you win, I promise to leave Marinette alone for as long as I am in this school.”

Marinette felt a big sense of dread on what would happen if Adrien lost.   

“Do I… do I even want to know what would happen if Adrien lost?” She whispered, her knuckles white due to the tight grip she had on his white jacket.

Henry gave her a shark’s grin that was so unrealistically scary that Marinette was sure even a real shark would turn tail and swim the other way as fast as it could if it saw what Henry looked like.

“What do you think would happen if Agreste Jr. lost, little lady?” He said as he tried to get close, but Adrien wasn’t letting him, blocking Henry’s view and his hand pressing protectively against her arm to push her further behind him. “You’ll have to go out with me.”

Several of their classmates gasped. Ivan hugged Mylene protectively, both worried for Marinette and Adrien. Max’s glasses almost slipped off his nose, and even Markov, his best robot friend, who usually had a lot to say even in situations like these, wisely stayed silent.  

Alya and Nino looked worried most of all. After all, it was natural for them to; Marinette and Adrien were their best friends, respectively. 

Despite looking composed on the outside, Adrien was shaking on the inside. His fists clenched, hiding the cold sweat on his palms.

Henry actually wanted to fight him. Like in Medieval times. Where the knight defends the princess’s honor. 

Adrien glanced back to check on Marinette. She looked up at him with giant worried bluebell eyes, tears forming. She was clearly worried for him, and her eyes were screaming at him to not take the bait. 

Even Henry wouldn’t play dirty if he was the one proposing the fight, right?

No. Adrien may have not known Henry as much as he should, but he knew. Knew Henry would play dirty. 

Marinette’s eyes may have been pleading with him not to do it, but Adrien knew even if he refused, it would only encourage Henry to harass her farther. And Adrien did not want that for Marinette. He had his own share of creepy fans. What if Henry really did something to her if Marinette was alone, like what happened earlier in the library? 

Or worse, what if he broke into Marinette’s house? With the kind of person Henry was, he could put her and her family in great danger!

Adrien took a deep breath, looking at Henry square in the eyes.

“Alright, LaBove. You want a fight? You got one.” He declared.

His classmates gasped again, and Marinette clenched his shirt tighter.

“So pretty boy does have some claws, does he? I like it,” Henry grinned, cruel and hard.

Adrien held up a hand, showing he wasn’t done with him just yet.

“We will fight, but I have a few conditions,” Adrien continued. “For one, you may be the one who organized the fight in the first place, but you better not play dirty.”      

“Of course, of course.”

“And secondly, you have to stay true to your word. If I win, you will keep your word and leave Marinette alone. If I see you even look at her direction from then on, I will call every authority figure I know-- who will kick you out of not just Paris, but France as a whole,” Adrien warned. 

“I can’t even go back to Lyon?” Henry asked innocently, blinking like a child who had just gotten into trouble and acted like he didn’t know better otherwise.

“No,” Adrien growled. “Because I know you’ll still find a way to get back here, even illegally if you must, I might add.”

 “Very well,” Henry drawled out. “May the best man win, Adrien Agreste.” For the first time, calling Adrien by his name properly besides just his last name or adding Junior with it. He held out his hand, expecting a handshake to seal their deal.

Adrien glared briefly at his hand, but then caught Plagg hiding inside his pocket. His kwami gave him an encouraging nod, then Adrien reluctantly shook Henry’s hand back. 

As if on cue, the bell rang, signaling the start of afternoon classes, but no one in Miss Bustier’s class dared to sit down just yet.

“I’ll have to use the washroom before class,” Henry announced. “You know, to freshen up. Let the teacher know. And remember, Agreste Jr., we’re meeting at the park straight after school. Good luck~!”

With that, Henry spun on his heel and walked out the door. 

As soon as the door clicked sharply shut behind him, Marinette couldn’t take it in anymore. She burst into tears, crying harder than she ever had she felt in her entire life.  

“I’m so sorry, Marinette,” Adrien murmured as he pulled her close, pressing his chin on the top of her head. “I know I shouldn’t have accepted Henry’s so-called proposition, but if I didn’t, he would’ve just kept bothering you.”

“It’s not just that!” Marinette sobbed. “Adrien, I know you’re stronger than you look, but Henry isn’t someone who seems to play by the rules. What if he really hurts you? Or worse?” She gasped in horror as a realization came into her mind. “ What if your father finds out about all of this?!”

Adrien cringed, almost forgetting about his father. If his and Henry’s fight get a lot of unwanted attention, Adrien could almost imagine the headlines: 

Agreste Son Fights New Classmate! Who will Win?!

If his father found out about his son’s fight, there would be no doubt that Adrien would be grounded for the rest of his life. 

“If I have to get grounded for the rest of my life… I’m willing to risk it, Marinette,” he vowed. “Knowing that you’re safe in the end will always help me get through my cages from the windows my father calls his mansion.”

Plus,  he could always sneak away as Chat Noir, though Marinette didn’t have to know that yet. 

The classroom door opened, and Marinette flinched at the sound, causing Adrien to automatically tighten his grip around her. 

But to their relief, it was just their teacher, Miss Bustier.

“Hello, class, did you have a nice lunch?-- Oh.” The redheaded teacher noticed almost all of her students looking tense, tense, pale, or on the verge of tears, as if they had just been alerted to some horrible news.

“Is everything alright, class? And where is Henry?” Miss Bustier asked. 

“Restroom,” A student answered, but Adrien was too focused on trying to comfort Marinette that he couldn’t tell who said it. 

“Alright… I do hope he comes back in time for our lesson,” Miss Bustier nodded slowly. She then noticed Marinette and Adrien especially looked worried, based on the way they were huddled so close together. 

“Are you alright, Marinette, Adrien?” She asked in that motherly tone they both loved so much. 

“We’re fine, Miss Bustier. We’ve… had a long lunch you could say,” Adrien replied. 

“Miss Bustier? Is it okay that I sit with Adrien for the afternoon?” Marinette asked, her voice small but steady. 

“You may,” Miss Bustier nodded gently. “I can see you two need each other. Just try not to let it distract you from your studies.”

“Yes, Miss,” Marinette and Adrien chorused, then they moved to their seats. 

Nino moved his spot for Marinette, tipping his hat for her before going to sit next to Marinette’s usual spot besides Alya. 

As Adrien sat down, he felt a small, warm hand landing on top of his. 

He looked at Marinette, looking shy and worried, yet loving all the same.

“I know you wouldn’t want to lose,” she explained in a whisper. “But in case this is my last free moment…I want to spend it with you.”

Adrien felt a warmth in his chest, deeply touched. With Miss Bustier’s back turned, he gently lifted Marinette’s hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to the back of it.

“As do I, princess,” he whispered, his eyes locking with hers. He may have been revealing a little much, since usually it was Adrien’s alter-ego who called Marinette “princess,” but for once, Adrien wanted himself, as a civilian, to say those words. 

They continued to hold hands throughout the rest of their lessons. Adrien was beginning to dread making that horrible deal with Henry. 

But from the way Marinette’s fingers were clenched into his just as tight as his own were to hers, Adrien silently vowed to himself: 

I will not lose. 

Chapter Text

While most students in the school felt like lessons were dragging on forever, it was not the case for Miss Bustier’s class. The time it took for note taking and listening to their teacher talking about history or literature went too fast, and before they knew it, the bell rang, signaling the end of classes and students would either go home or stay at school for after-school clubs and activities.

Everyone in Adrien’s class was dreading the fight that was about to occur between him and Henry. 

“Don’t underestimate my bro,” Nino tried to lift everyone’s spirit up. “He’s stronger than he looks. Once I saw him climb the rock wall in his room like he does it every other day.”

Technically I climb walls as Chat Noir all the time, but thanks Nino. Adrien thought, grateful for having Nino as the bestest friend in the entire world.  

Adrien sighed as he got up from his seat. 

“Well, let’s get this over with,” he told himself. 

Adrien left the classroom with a heavy dread against his shoulders, with Alya, Marinette, and Nino by his side as usual when he caught Henry who was casually leaning against the wall outside, seemingly waiting for him. Adrien stopped to a halt, causing Marinette to lightly bump into his back and Alya and Nino stepped slightly behind him too. 

“I thought class would never end,” Henry cracked his neck, making the foursome cringe. It honestly sounded more painful than for him to brag to them about his strength. 

“Anyway, I had enough of staying in a stuffy school like this,” Henry complained. “Just as we promised Agreste Jr., our fight will be in the park. I’ll be waiting for you. The latest time you can arrive is in fifteen minutes,” He continued, tapping his watch ominously. “If you’re still not there in fifteen minutes, I’ll have no choice but to come get you…and her.” 

His eyes flickered to Marinette, who gave him a look of both fear and disinterest.

“I’ll be there,” Adrien said quickly, taking Henry’s attention off of Marinette.

“Perfect,” Henry purred, turning his attention back to Marinette. “I’ll be waiting, my little flower.” Marinette, prepared this time, swatted his air kiss away with a sharp flick of her hand.

Adrien couldn’t help but chuckle at her quick reaction. Once Henry finally left them alone, Nino nudged Adrien.

“You should do some training, man,” he suggested. “Work on moves that’ll help in case LaBove tries anything dirty.”

“I should,” Adrien agreed. “But the thing is, Henry is someone who will play dirty no matter what.”

As their fight was going to the park, that’s where they went, so when Adrien went to face Henry off for real, he’d be ready.

Adrien began running through defensive maneuvers—blocking, dodging, and practicing quick strikes—while Nino offered tips and timed his reactions. Marinette watched anxiously, occasionally pointing out openings or weaknesses she noticed from Henry’s behavior earlier.

“He’s arrogant,” she realized. “Henry may have his own skills in fighting, but one thing that keeps him from really winning is his overconfidence. Maybe, Adrien, if you get in a tight spot, you can goad him to the point where you manage to knock him out, fair and square."  

Adrien paused mid-strike, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead. He turned to Marinette, a small but genuine smile on his face.

“You’re right, Marinette,” he said, his voice steady but filled with appreciation. “I hadn’t thought about using his arrogance against him. That’s really smart.”

Marinette’s cheeks flushed at the praise, but she nodded firmly.

“Just… be careful, Adrien,” she warned softly.

Adrien gave her a reassuring glance before checking the time on his phone. 

“It’s time,” he said solemnly to his friends. 

-

When they got to the center of the park where Adrien and Henry would be sparring, they were surprised to see a real boxing ring, with even real lights and all. 

As suspected, Henry is there, acting all smug. 

“And where did you get this…?” Alya asked suspiciously. 

“I have my ways,” Henry replied. “Now, Agreste Jr., are you ready to fight for real?”

Adrien took off his white jacket, draping it protectively on Marinette’s shoulders, making her cheeks warm at the gesture but appreciated it nonetheless. 

“I’m ready. And you better keep your promise to keep our fight clean.” He reminded Henry. 

Before he entered the ring, however, Adrien turned to have what might be his last free moment with Marinette. 

. “No matter what happens in there…” he began, his voice low and steady, “I’ll make sure you stay safe. That’s my promise. If there’s a chance I might lose, --hypothetically-- I’ll find a way to get you away from that guy.”

“Thank you, Adrien,” Marinette murmured. “No matter what, promise to come back in one piece?”

“I promise. Stay close to Alya and Nino, okay?” Adrien brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear. 

“OK.”

Adrien gave Marinette a soft forehead kiss; one that may be the last time he could give her his affection, then entered the ring without looking back. 

Marinette clutched the edges of the jacket Adrien had draped over her shoulders. She whispered a prayer for him, hoping her Ladybug luck could extend not to just her, but Adrien as well.

-

Max was the referee, and the fairest one at best. All his classmates crowded around the ring, eyes darting between Adrien and Henry.

“Alright, we are gathered here this afternoon for what we may call ‘A Fight for the Princess,’” Max announced. “Our two competitors are… Adrien Agreste, our reigning champion.”

Everyone cheered for Adrien, Nino, Marinette, and Alya’s being the loudest, the latter already recording. 

“And our new challenger…Henry LaBove,” Max continued. “They will be fighting for the love of one Marinette Dupain-Cheng.” 

Max cringed on Marinette’s behalf, though it was already enough when everyone “booed” at Henry.

“Now remember, boys. This is a clean fight. No tricks or any sort of cheating,” Max warned. “Any unsportsmanship and you will be immediately disqualified. Are you ready?”

“I’m ready, thanks Max,” Adrien declared.    

“Whatever,” Henry gruffed, beginning to flex his knuckles. “Let’s get this over with, Agreste Jr. Then I can take my lady love on a date.”

Max’s eye twitched in disgust before going back to professionalship. 

“Alright, Agreste vs. LaBove…Begin!”

Alix hit a bell, and the two boys were off. 

-

Adrien and Henry circled each other cautiously, muscles tense, eyes locked. At first, their fight was surprisingly even. Adrien’s movements were precise and controlled, his karate and fencing training and agility allowing him to anticipate Henry’s swings and parries. (It mostly came from being Chat Noir, but Plagg must’ve handed him some Chat Noir strength or it was Adrien’s black cat side helping him for once.)

Henry, on the other hand, relied on brute force and sheer confidence, lunging and striking with a strength that was clearly beyond a casual student.

Their fists connected with thuds, neither gaining the upper hand for long. Adrien blocked and dodged expertly, occasionally delivering quick, precise jabs that tested Henry’s defenses. Henry responded with wide, powerful swings, testing Adrien’s endurance and forcing him to stay on his toes.

But as the fight dragged on, Henry began to press harder, more aggressively, and Adrien started noticing the difference. Each of Henry’s strikes carried more force than before, and his stamina seemed almost endless.

Henry saw an opening and took it, driving Adrien backward with a sudden flurry of strikes. Adrien’s back hit the corner post that kept the ropes uptight, making him press against it uncomfortably. 

The crowd gasped and as Adrien tried to adjust himself, he felt small, warm fingers brushing against his hand. When he looked, he saw Marinette peeking under the ropes at him with extreme worry in her eyes.

“I’m okay,” he mouthed to her, then nudged his head slightly to signal her to stay back, stay safe with Alya and Nino. Marinette let him go reluctantly, still clutching Adrien’s jacket that he had draped over her shoulders tightly. 

Henry cracked his knuckles, grinning at the sight of Adrien trapped against the post. “What’s the matter, Agreste? Running out of steam?”

Adrien straightened, ignoring the ache in his back, his eyes sharp and unflinching. He had taken harder hits as Chat Noir.

-

Henry would’ve jumped Adrien if he hadn’t pushed off the corner post with a sharp twist, narrowly avoiding another crushing hook from him. Adrien ducked and sidestepped, feeling the mat shudder under Henry’s heavy footwork. Sweat beaded on Adrien’s brow, but his movements remained graceful—every dodge more like a dancer’s step than a fighter’s retreat.

Then Henry roared and lunged with both hands, forcing Adrien to leap upward to escape. In one fluid motion, Adrien vaulted onto the top of one of the ring’s corner posts, landing lightly on the narrow padding where the ropes converged. Gasps erupted from the crowd, their classmates gripping the ropes and shouting in awe. 

Adrien was holding his own, balancing on the post. Years of modeling had taught him how to hold still in precarious poses—perched on ledges, balancing on one leg, even teetering on awkward platforms for hours under bright lights. Now, that odd experience served him perfectly. His stance was elegant and controlled, like a statue carved in marble, his eyes never leaving Henry.

Henry snarled and flexed his hands, pacing below like a predator circling prey. 

“What are you doing up there, Agreste? Planning to fly away?” His words were mocking, but there was irritation in his tone. He hadn’t expected Adrien to be this agile, this calm under pressure.

Marinette, however, wasn’t reassured. She clutched Adrien’s jacket tighter around her shoulders, her heart hammering as she tilted her head up to watch him. Balancing like that was dangerous—even for someone as skilled as Adrien. Every sway of the ropes made her chest tighten. She glanced worriedly at Max, who was standing outside the ring with a clipboard, carefully watching every movement inside.

“Is this… legal?” she whispered, her voice trembling. Her eyes flicked back to Adrien’s form silhouetted against the lights, his hair catching a faint golden glow.

Max adjusted his glasses, his expression a mixture of professional detachment and suppressed awe. He kept his tone low, so only Marinette could hear. 

“Technically, yes. As long as Adrien doesn’t leave the ring entirely, it counts. Balancing on the posts isn’t against the rules.” He hesitated, his brows furrowing. “Though… It's incredibly risky. One wrong move and he could land hard.”

Henry’s patience finally snapped. With a sudden surge of movement, he lunged for the post, slamming a forearm against Adrien’s legs. Adrien had no choice but to leap down, twisting midair to avoid Henry’s grasp, but the brute was ready. The moment Adrien’s feet hit the mat, Henry slammed into him like a battering ram, driving him to the floor.

The ring shook under the impact, and Adrien’s breath hitched as Henry’s weight pressed down on his chest and shoulders. Gasps rippled through the crowd—this wasn’t just a pin; it was domination. Marinette’s hands flew to her mouth, eyes wide with horror as Adrien struggled beneath Henry’s sheer strength.

“Got you now,” Henry growled, his grin sharp and triumphant. He bore down harder, locking Adrien in place. Adrien pushed back with all his strength, but it was like trying to move a stone pillar. His fencing-trained precision and footwork were useless when he was flat against the mat, every muscle pinned by brute force.

Max muttered rapidly under his breath, scribbling notes on his clipboard, though his tight frown betrayed his concern. Marinette pressed closer to the ropes, her knuckles white as she gripped them, willing Adrien to hold on.

Adrien’s chest burned under the pressure, but he didn’t panic. Instead, his green eyes flicked subtly toward the edge of the mat where a small shadow lurked unseen. Plagg, crouched low and invisible to the crowd, watched with narrowed eyes.

Adrien forced himself to keep his expression steady, even as Henry sneered down at him. He clenched his teeth, then mouthed the words silently, barely moving his lips: “Do it.”

Plagg didn’t hesitate. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, the kwami darted forward like a flash of black lightning. No one noticed the tiny streak of movement beneath the ropes, no one but Adrien. In the next instant, Henry jerked with a muffled grunt, his confidence faltering as Plagg delivered a sneaky, sharp cat chomp where it counted most—out of sight from the crowd.

The audience thought Henry merely stumbled, but Adrien knew better. With the sudden shift in pressure, Adrien twisted his hips, slid one arm free, and prepared to turn the fight around. Marinette’s breath caught in her throat—Adrien wasn’t finished yet.

With Henry’s grip loosened from Plagg’s sneaky intervention, Adrien seized the moment. He planted his palms against the mat, twisted his hips with a burst of strength, and rolled with all the grace of an acrobat. In a single fluid motion, he flipped Henry up and over, sending the other boy crashing to the mat with a bone-rattling thud .

Kim, who had been instructed to pose as an expert knock-downer as he was one of the most athletic in his class, went to check if Henry was really knocked over. 

The new boy groaned in pain, and Kim counted down.

“One, two, three… You’re out!” Kim jabbed his thumb over his shoulder to show his point. 

“And… the winner is…” Max announced. “Adrien Agreste!”

The crowd went wild. 

“Three cheers for my best bro, Adrien Agreste!!” Nino shouted, and in unison, everyone cheered:

“Hip-hip—hooray!” the crowd answered, voices booming in unison.

Adrien breathed a sigh of relief, wiping sweat from his brow and getting to his feet. The fight had caused his hair to mess itself up a little, but he still had the strength to give the crowd his humblest smile.

Then came Marinette. Still wearing Adrien’s jacket, she wove through the crowd crowding and cheering for Adrien and tackled the boy into a hug. 

“Uff—!” Adrien grunted, stumbling back half a step under her momentum. But the sound turned quickly into a laugh, soft and breathless, as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and held her close.

Marinette clung to him tightly, her face buried against his chest, as though letting go would risk losing him again. Adrien hugged her back just as firmly, his chin dipping to rest against her hair, the roar of the crowd fading into the background as the two of them stood locked together in the center of the crowd.

“You did it,” Marinette praised breathlessly into his chest. 

“I promised, didn’t I?” Adrien murmured back, brushing his cheek against her hair. 

Just then, they heard a sudden cough, and everyone turned to see Henry springing back on his feet.

His eyes crazed, and it got even worse when he caught sight of Marinette in Adrien’s arms. 

“No…no…no!” He roared. “This isn’t supposed to happen!”

He charged, causing the crowd to scatter several steps back before Adrien stopped him. 

“Give it up, LaBove. You lost the fight. I won fair and square. Now, you need to seal your end of the deal. Leave Marinette alone,” Adrien reminded him coolly.

“No…” Henry growled, shaking with rage. This time, it was Marinette who sensed the intense danger and began dragging Adrien back by the arm with her. “You couldn’t have won, pretty boy Adrien Agreste. You must’ve done something to cheat!”

“I didn’t do anything. I fought because you wanted to fight over Marinette’s love.” Adrien retorted. 

  “Ha! So you admit your love for Marinette, too, huh?” Henry sneered. “That’s pathetic! You’re no hero—she should be mine!”

“And what do you know about love?!” Adrien snapped, his patience snapping. “If you really cared about Marinette at all, you wouldn’t have treated her like this! You would allow her to be her own person!”

“How about we let Marinette choose who she wants? Then it would be fair for all of you!” Someone added in the crowd, and everyone crowded around them shouted “Yeah!” in agreement.

The focus shifted from the two boys to Marinette herself. She faltered for just a moment, the weight of every gaze on her threatening to shake her resolve. But then she straightened her shoulders, lifted her chin, and met both their eyes.

“I choose…” she began.

Chapter Text

“I choose Adrien,” Marinette answered, her voice plain and simple, showing that was that.

Henry laughed roughly, with no sense of humor in it at all.

“Of course you’d pick him! He’s Adrien Agreste! He’s Daddy’s boy Gabirel Agreste’s son! Everyone loves Agreste Jr.! What does he have that I don’t?!” He exclaimed. 

“That’s the problem,” Marinette declared, slipping under Adrien’s arm. Adrien stiffened a bit, wishing she was going to keep staying behind him, where it was safer, but relaxed when she stayed close, into his side and placed an arm behind her back protectively in support. “It’s true that Adrien is handsome, I won’t deny that. But that is not the only reason I lov--like Adrien.”

Henry raised an ugly brow at her, as if daring her to say more.

“I enjoy being with Adrien because he’s kind, sweet, honest, and respectful,” Marinette continued. “And one of the most trustworthy people in my life. You asked me once last week or so if I got into a situation with Adrien where I’d have no choice but to trust him, I’d take it instantly. The people I would trust most on my list…Adrien’s one of them at the very top.”

“And a very important reason… I trust Adrien because he also respects my boundaries. Unlike you, Henry LaBove, Adrien is a gentleman. He would never do anything to make me uncomfortable, even if he was forced to.”

“Pun intended!” Kim piped up. Alix jumped high and whacked him on the back of his head.

“Not the time, meathead! Marinette’s speeching!” She scolded. 

(A.N. - You gotta love Alix’s loyalty)

“So, you see, Henry,” Marinette said, shaking her head slightly so her bangs swung free from her eyes, “I’d choose Adrien no matter what. No matter what you try, you will never be able to tear us apart… because we share a bond you don’t understand—and never will. Love—whether it’s platonic, romantic, or something else entirely—Adrien and I both have it, and it’s stronger than anything you could ever force between us.”

Nino whistled and Alya cheered with one hand raised in a fist, pumping it in the air.

“That’s my bestie!” She praised.

Adrien pulled Marinette closer into his side, touched by her speech and felt proud for her staying strong despite everything she had gone through since Henry came to their school.

For a brief moment, Henry froze, jaw slack, as if her declaration had hit him physically. But the pause was fleeting. His eyes darkened with rage, his muscles tensing like coiled springs. A low growl escaped his throat before he stomped his foot onto the ground, sending a small vibration through the surrounding grass. His steps became heavier, each one echoing like a drumbeat of anger, as he closed the distance between himself and Adrien and Marinette. The air seemed to thrum with his fury, the students around them instinctively stepping back, wary of his erratic energy.

“AKUMA!” someone in the crowd screamed, panic rippling through the students like a sudden wave. In an instant, a sinister black and purple butterfly shimmered into existence, glowing with an unnatural aura. Its wings shimmered with a malevolent light, powered by Hawk Moth’s dark magic, and the air around it buzzed with dangerous energy. Students screamed and scattered, some diving behind benches or huddling together in terror, their footsteps and shouts mingling into a chaotic chorus.

Adrien bent slightly on his knees as he spun around to grab Marinette and pull her into his arms protectively, head ducking down to shield her body with his own. He squeezed his eyes shut; maybe if he closed his eyes, the akuma would go away. 

Marinette felt something off was about to happen. She opened her eyes just in time and peeked past Adrien’s arm when she noticed…

The akuma was aiming itself at the cross necklace Henry was wearing!

“Adrien! The akuma’s going to enter Henry’s necklace!” She warned, her tone urgent.

“You’re right! We have to do something before that butterfly corrupts him! Quick, we need to see if anyone has a jar or something so it can be contained before Ladybug can purify it--” He started, but Marinette’s gasp stopped him.

“Oh no, it’s too late!” Marinette threw both hands over her mouth as the akuma fully merged with Henry’s cross necklace. 

The all familiar dreadful butterfly mask appeared on Henry’s face, and before Adrien or Marinette knew it, dark purple and black magic washed over his body.

Henry turned to them with a grin worthy of Hawk Moth’s sending shivers down their spines and they began taking steps back until he transformed into a villain Hawk Moth had conjured up for him.

Once the magic washed off of Henry, he was no longer…Henry, but something terrifyingly theatrical. He now wore a sharply tailored suit that seemed ripped straight from a Gotham nightmare—the kind of garish, exaggerated outfit that the Joker might sport in his most chaotic moments. The jacket was deep purple with subtle pinstripes, the vest a rich green that clashed deliberately with the crimson tie knotted tightly at his throat. His trousers were perfectly fitted, finishing in shiny black shoes that clicked ominously on the pavement.

Most unsettling were his lips: painted a dark, almost blood-red, curling into a permanent, mocking grin that stretched too wide across his face. Even without the full clown makeup, Adrien and Marinette couldn’t help but shiver at the resemblance—if they had been forced to guess, they’d swear Henry could be the Joker’s cousin.

Marinette’s breath caught in her throat, her body locking in place as if her shoes had grown roots into the earth. Her heart pounded, but her limbs refused to move—until a sudden, grounding pressure broke through. Adrien’s hand gripped her wrist firmly yet gently, pulling her out of her paralysis with his warmth and urgency.

“Are you okay?” He mouthed to her, threading his fingers with her. 

Despite understanding why Adrien was asking her this, Marinette couldn’t believe him. How could she not be okay? Hawk Moth’s powers literally made Henry look like the Joker’s long-lost cousin!

“Everybody out!” Adrien commanded, pointing to the park’s exit, his arm brushing against Marinette’s pigtails as he did so, still instinctively shielding her. 

The students reacted instantly to Adrien’s command, panic surging through the crowd like a current. Everyone bolted at once, a crush of bodies jamming toward the narrow park exit. Shouts and cries rang out as shoulders slammed together and bags were yanked in every direction. The sheer press of students turned chaotic—no order, no rhythm, just a terrified herd desperate to escape.

Marinette and Adrien were caught in the middle of it. The tide of panicked classmates squeezed in on both sides, leaving them no room to breathe, let alone move. Marinette gasped as someone’s elbow dug into her ribs, and Adrien winced as someone’s head accidentally socked him in the face, though luckily, it wasn’t too hard.

Adrien popped himself out of the crowd, and spotted Marinette almost literally being carried up by some other students. He beckoned her over, and she practically slid down the students, allowing him to catch her in his waiting arms.

“This is impossible, even an ant wouldn’t be able to get past this chaos,” Adrien complained. 

“It’s because everyone’s really scared,” Marinette reminded him. She couldn’t blame them. Personally for her, even if Henry’s akumatized form didn’t have the scary clown makeup, he still looked terrifying enough to be able to rub shoulders with the Joker. It was the color of the lips that really scared Marinette.

How can we get everyone to calm down? Marinette thought worriedly as she glanced at her schoolmates still trying to escape through the park’s gates but only ended up squishing each other alive.

They suddenly heard a shrill, maniacal laugh, causing their blood to turn cold. 

They whipped their heads just in time to see Joker-Henry striding over to  them. Every movement was precise, almost theatrical, like a predator savoring its hunt. His painted grin glimmered under the dim park lights beginning to flick on due to the growing sunset, eyes glinting with sadistic delight as he closed the distance slowly but purposefully.

Either way, they weren’t going to wait for him to walk up.

“He’s heading this way! We’ll have to go the other way!” Adrien warned. He grabbed Marinette’s hand, making sure to keep his grip tight and began bolting with her the opposite way.  

Marinette’s hair whipped behind her as she kept pace, adrenaline surging through her veins. Every glance over her shoulder confirmed that Joker-Henry wasn’t slowing down, his laughter a chilling soundtrack to the chaos they were fleeing. They had to move, and they had to move fast—because staying put wasn’t an option.

-

They were running as fast as they could, but it still wasn’t enough. Even if he wasn’t running himself, Joker-Henry caught up to Adrien and Marinette more quickly than expected, especially if they thought they finally managed to gain some distance away between them.

At one point, Joker-Henry had enough and began throwing small bombs he took out of his pockets, throwing at them. 

Marinette gasped as she recognized what the smoke from the bombs did. 

“Adrien, be careful of those bombs!” she warned. “Alya told me about them. They’re not lethal, but you never know what he’s mixed in. If you breathe in too much of that smoke, you’ll start hallucinating—or worse!”

As if on cue, a bomb exploded inches away from Adrien’s head. He pulled up his shirt to press against his nose to avoid smelling the chemicals in the smoke. Marinette did the same, ending up using Adrien’s jacket which she was still wearing. It made Adrien almost forget that he had placed his jacket on her before he went to fight Henry before he went more insane than he already was. Seeing how Marinette still looked fragile in his jacket made Adrien wish he had more to protect her.

The smoke thickened fast, curling around them in choking waves that stung their eyes and burned their throats. The bombs Henry had tossed kept hissing and sputtering on the ground, pumping out more of that noxious haze until the entire alley felt swallowed in a poisonous fog. Each breath came harder than the last, muffled through Adrien’s shirt and Marinette’s borrowed jacket, but even their makeshift filters couldn’t keep all the toxins out.

“Where are you going?” Joker-Henry taunted, his voice slipping through the fog like oil. “You’re not running away from me. You’re running right where I want you.”

Marinette’s chest tightened. The air was getting too thin, too foul. She coughed once, gripping Adrien’s arm tighter, her nails digging into his sleeve. She tried to focus on the warmth of his hand, on the faint thrum of comfort in their joined fingers, but it was harder with every step back.

And then she felt it—cold, rough brick pressing against her spine. Her breath hitched. Panic spiked through her as she realized what that meant. There was no more space. Nowhere left to go.

Before she could warn Adrien, his retreating steps carried him right into her. His back bumped her shoulder, then pressed harder until her face was smothered against him. In a matter of seconds she was caught, wedged tightly between the unyielding wall and Adrien’s taller frame, squished into his back.

Adrien realized he was probably squishing Marinette alive and was about to move so she could breathe easier but a sudden almost near face to face with Joker-Henry forced him back, his arms moving against the wall to shield her further.

He had been staying strong, especially for Marinette this whole time, but Adrien couldn’t deny the cold sweat trickling down his neck. Henry’s akumatized form didn’t need the full clown make-up to look terrifying, he already was terrifying. 

Joker-Henry tilted his head, studying him with slow, unnerving curiosity, the dim park lights catching on the slick red of his lips. 

“Up close, you’re not just a pretty face after all,” he drawled, his voice dripping with mockery. “I half-expected you to fold the second things got ugly. But here you are… standing between me and her. Still.” 

Adrien’s jaw clenched, the sweat on his temple sliding down past his cheek. He tightened his arms against the wall, forming a human cage around Marinette. 

“You’re not getting near her,” he growled, his voice low and steady, even though his heart was hammering hard enough to shake his chest. “I fought you, just like you wanted. You lost. Marinette said if even you won, she wouldn’t go with you because you’re someone who doesn’t understand the simple definition of ‘no.’ So deal with it!”

Henry’s teeth snapped together in sharp, deliberate clicks. This time, it was Marinette who tugged Adrien to the side despite still being pressed between him and the wall, her body shrinking further behind his as Henry leaned in.

Long, clawlike fingers slid down Adrien’s neck, cold and deliberate. Adrien felt Marinette duck lower against his back. Despite his own fear, Adrien managed to make his voice hard as he demanded:

“What now, Henry? Are you gonna kill me? That’s what the Joker would do, isn’t it?”

Henry froze, his painted grin twitching before he suddenly erupted into a jagged, maniacal laugh that echoed off the brick walls. Adrien’s hand slipped into his pocket, fingers brushing against Plagg’s small, trembling form. His usually snarky, fearless kwami who always had a blunt comment or two yet still knew when to be silent was needed, was shaking harder than Adrien ever felt him. Plagg curled up into his holder’s palm and clutched onto Adrien’s pinky as hard as his tiny paws allowed him to. 

“Kill you?” Joker-Henry sneered, tilting his head with a mock look of innocence. “Oh, I mean, I could…”

Behind Adrien, Marinette let out a small, strangled sound, her breath catching in fear.

Henry leaned closer, voice dropping to a sinister purr. “But that’d be far too easy. I’m not heartless. We wouldn’t want Marinette having nightmares every night for the rest of her life, now would we?”

Joker-Henry’s grin stretched unnaturally wide, teeth glinting in the dim park lights. 

“Oh, I almost forgot,”he cooed, bowing with a grotesque flourish. “This whole time we’ve been talking, I never introduced myself properly. No more Henry LaBove.  From this moment on… I am the Boyfriend Lover.”

Adrien nearly choked. If the situation hadn’t been so terrifying, he would’ve gaped at the absurdity and sworn Hawk Moth had officially lost his mind with that name. Why not really call Henry Joker’s Cousin for real? But there was no room for mockery now—Boyfriend Lover’s painted smile sharpened as he leaned close, voice dripping with saccharine malice.

“Don’t worry, sweethearts. I’ll be back. After all…” he tapped his temple, eyes gleaming, “true love always finds a way. And while your love and bond may be enough now to stand together, be warned it may not always be there to save you when you need it most.”

With a singsong laugh, he melted into the shadows, the sound of his retreat lingering like a curse until even that faded into silence.

Adrien held his breath for a beat longer, every nerve on edge, until he was certain the villain was truly gone. Only then did he step forward, finally giving Marinette space. His shoulders sagged, though his eyes remained locked on the darkness where Henry—no, Boyfriend Lover—had vanished.

A moment later, soft fingers curled around his shoulder, sliding down until they gripped his arm. Adrien turned, and his chest clenched at the sight of her. Marinette looked more shaken than he’d ever seen—her face pale, her blue eyes wide, her lips pressed tight to keep from trembling.

Without hesitation, he lifted a hand and beckoned her closer, and Marinette slipped into his side as if she belonged there. (She did)

“I think this is the scariest akuma Paris ever had to face,” Marinette whispered, her breath uneven against his shirt.

Adrien couldn’t agree more. He wished he had more he could say to comfort her, but he didn’t. 

Finally, he found his voice. 

“I’ve never seen anything that terrifying either,” he murmured. “I guess this is what my father meant when he said  that there are a lot of ugly people out in the world ever since he’s been letting me out more. And we are not talking about just appearances.” 

“My parents say the same thing,” Marinette admitted. “They always say they wish they could keep me away from all the ugly things in the world, but unfortunately, that’s not always possible. We’d all have to see something like this eventually in our lives.” 

Adrien gave her shoulder a squeeze for admiration for her wisdom. 

“Yeah, I can see that now,” he murmured. A realization suddenly hit him. “Speaking of our parents…”

“Oh no! With all this chaos, I completely forgot about my mom and dad!” Marinette gasped. “They’re probably worried sick by now.”

“It’s also late. I’ll walk you home,” Adrien offered. “I don’t even trust the atmosphere right now. You never know what can happen now with someone who could easily pass as the Joker’s cousin running around.”

Marinette exhaled shakily, but nodded in gratitude and agreement. The small look she gave him—half relieved, half still weighed down by fear—made Adrien’s chest ache.

“I just hope he doesn’t really hurt anyone else,” she whispered, glancing over her shoulder at the shadows beyond the park. “I mean, he cornered us, sure, but he didn’t… physically hurt us.”

Adrien frowned, the memory of Henry’s fingers sliding along his neck still making his skin crawl. His voice dropped low, both warning and reassurance. 

“Yet,” he said firmly. “Akumas might be akumas, but you never know when you’ll get jumped by one. We can’t afford to think we’re safe just because he walked away tonight.”

He shifted slightly, his body angling protectively toward hers again, as though ready to shield her the moment danger returned. 

“That’s why I’m not letting you go home alone. Not tonight. Especially with someone like him around,” Adrien stated.

The streets of Paris were quieter than usual, the kind of silence that didn’t feel peaceful but heavy, like the city itself was holding its breath. The faint glow of streetlamps stretched long, eerie shadows across the cobblestones, every flicker of light making Adrien’s muscles tense. His green eyes scanned the alleys and rooftops relentlessly, darting from one dark corner to the next as though expecting Henry—no, Boyfriend Lover or whatever he called himself—to emerge at any second with that painted grin.

Beside him, Marinette clutched his arm tightly, her small hand looped through the crook of his elbow. She hadn’t said much since they left the park, but the way she held on to him spoke louder than any words. It wasn’t just for comfort, it was a silent promise from her to him that she wouldn’t let go..

Adrien felt the weight of that promise sink into him with every step. Her trust was something he couldn’t take lightly, not when her heartbeat was pressed so close to his arm, steadying and fragile all at once. He adjusted his pace so she wouldn’t have to hurry to keep up, subtly shifting his body closer to the street side, creating a barrier between her and anything—or anyone—that might come too close.

Every small sound kept him on edge: the creak of a shutter in the wind, the rustle of a cat darting across a rooftop, the faint echo of footsteps that turned out to be their own. His fingers twitched at his side, aching to summon his baton,only to remember he currently wasn’t transformed. But Marinette’s grip anchored him, reminding him that right now, as Adrien, he needed to be her shield.

When they turned a corner and the bakery finally came into view, a warm light glowing faintly in the upstairs window, Adrien exhaled a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. He slowed, reluctant to let go of the tension that had kept him alert but relieved that she was finally close to safety.

Marinette’s hold on his arm tightened for just a moment, like she too felt the shift, like she wanted him to know that she had drawn her strength from him all the way home.

“Almost there,” he murmured softly, his voice low but steady, his eyes still scanning the street one last time before they reached the Dupain-Cheng doorstep.

Once they reached the place, Marinette led Adrien to the side door of her house, and up the stairs leading to the main residence where she and her parents lived. Marinette fished for her keys inside her purse and clicked open the door, slowly stepping inside with Adrien close behind her.

Just as Marinette had described to him, Adrien saw that Tom and Sabine were indeed worried sick. They were sitting next to their kitchen table with anxious expressions that only parents could have when they were worried about their child. 

Two untouched cups of tea sat before them, the steam long since faded. Sabine’s weary eyes betrayed how badly she wanted to sleep, but the tension in her shoulders made it clear she couldn’t rest when she knew her daughter could still be out there. Tom sat hunched forward, his massive hand covering his face, as though trying to block out the helplessness of not being able to protect the child he adored.

Marinette’s soft footsteps paddled over to her parents. 

“Mom, Dad,” she began. 

Those two words barely left her lips before the two adults lifted their heads and Sabine gasped. 

Adrien barely had time to blink before Marinette was yanked away from his side and into her parents’ arms. 

Tom and Sabine were crying—openly, unrestrained, sobbing with relief. Adrien stood frozen in the doorway, stunned. The sound pierced him in a way he hadn’t expected. He’d only ever seen his own father shed tears once, and even then, Gabriel’s grief had been cold, silent, and distant—more statue than man. But Tom and Sabine’s tears were different. These were tears born not of loss, but of love, the kind that overflowed when fear finally gave way to relief.

It took several long minutes until Tom and Sabine felt like they could calm down. 

And just like in the movies, Adrien noticed, Sabine’s worried face slowly turned into calm yet righteous anger only a mother could emit. But he could tell Sabine wasn’t mad at her daughter; she was only mad because Marinette had worried her senseless. 

“Marinette, if this had kept up and you didn’t answer your phone one last time, we would’ve had to ground you, young lady!” Sabine wasn’t shouting, but her voice echoed off the warm walls, each word emitting worry. “Where have you been! It’s not only a school night, but it’s so late! Your father couldn’t even think straight to call the police because he was that worried!”

“I-I’m sorry, Mother,” Marinette uttered. 

 “Madame Dupain-Cheng,” Adrien bravely stepped up, placing his hands on Marinette’s shoulders both protectively and supportively. “I understand you were immensely worried for your daughter, but please don’t ground her. If anything, I was the one holding her back.” 

Sabine gradually began to relax as she listened to Adrien’s honesty; she trusted him very much, that was clear to see. Adrien was one of Marinette’s closest friends after all. 

“A week ago, we had a new student named Henry LaBove come into our school, in our class,” Adrien continued, rubbing comforting circles on Marinette’s shoulders with his thumb. “Marinette and I thought he was just an ordinary student; and just like everyone else in our class, we welcomed him in. But pretty soon, we realized he wasn’t the kind of person we thought he was.”

“He hid in my locker when I went to get my books the first day he was here,” Marinette added with a shudder. “We still don’t know he managed to do so, especially with all the books in there.” 

“A week after that, which includes today, Henry kept trying to harass Marinette,” Adrien seconded. “He went to the next level today, demanding me into a fight since I was the one who was always pulling Marinette away whenever she got uncomfortable with him.”

Tom and Sabine gasped. 

“I really didn’t want to fight Henry,” Adrien admitted, rubbing the back of his neck nervously with one hand. “Marinette even pleaded with me not to do so, as she was really worried I would get hurt. But Henry kept goading, and eventually, I realized I had no choice. If I didn’t fight him, it would only encourage him to go after Marinette further.”

“So, based on your story, I’d assume you fought Henry this afternoon, son?” This time, it was Tom who asked.

“Yes sir. I won fair and square, and Marinette had even said even if I lost, she’d still pick me since she knows I would never do anything to make her uncomfortable. But Henry couldn’t accept that, and he got akumatized into…” 

“...Someone worthy of being the Joker’s cousin, if one must not be mistaken,” Marinette finished. 

Tom and Sabine froze at the way Marinette described her new classmate. Even if he wasn’t akumatized, they could tell the distress their daughter had with him.

“It…wasn’t pretty, Mr. and Mrs. Dupain-Cheng,” Adrien stated. “He really took it out on us to the next level. We already knew he was insane, but the way he’s akumatized now…I don’t think ‘insane’ would be a good way to describe Henry anymore.”

“Calling him ‘insane’ is a bit too nice, Adri,” Marinette snorted, but it wasn’t with humor. “I think calling Henry psychopathic might be better.”

Tom and Sabine were understandably silent for a few moments, processing over what their daughter and Adrien had to go through mere hours ago.

“Well, your story definitely wasn’t pretty, but in the end, we’re both glad you got out of… Joker-Henry’s --or whatever he calls himself-- clutches alive,” Tom stated. 

Sabine went to tend to Marinette in a way only a mother could as Tom and Adrien locked eyes. Marinette sighed with love in her breath and went with her mother to the couch where mother and daughter curled up together. Adrien remembered how Marinette told him once that she used to snuggle with her mother all the time when she was little, and Sabine would sometimes sing a soft Chinese lullaby for her daughter, especially when the former had just woken up from a nightmare.

The scene melted Adrien’s heart with a hint of bittersweetness, as he used to do the same with his own mother. Despite only seeing only a few pictures of Marinette when she was little, Adrien saw a younger, tinier Marinette cuddling into her mother’s side. 

Tom and Adrien silently stood at the side to allow the two Cheng women to bond, before Tom  quietly but audibly asked Adrien a very important question:

“With all the chaos between you and your now… Joker classmate, have you seen Ladybug or Chat Noir around, Adrien?”

“I’m afraid not, sir,” Adrien answered solemnly, discreetly twisting his ring around his finger. “But I’m sure they’re aware of what’s going on.”

(It wasn’t a lie—not completely. He hadn’t seen them. (Although Adrien was Chat,) But in truth, Adrien could only hope Ladybug had already caught on to what had happened. The akumatized Henry was no ordinary threat, and the thought of him still roaming the streets twisted Adrien’s stomach into knots.

What he didn’t realize, though, was that the girl curled up safely in her mother’s arms—his partner—already knew.)

Tom nodded in agreement. 

“I sure hope so, too, son. Ladybug and Chat Noir might be strong, but based on what you and my daughter just told me about Henry, his akumatized form is no ordinary akuma they ever had to fight. Plus, those two heroes don’t look much older than you.”

“Heh. I bet they get that a lot,” Adrien chuckled, good humor coming in for once from this whole evening. “By the way, Mr. Dupain, I know what we’re in right now is serious, but Henry insists on everyone not calling his akuma form not Joker’s Cousin, but the Boyfriend Lover.”

“Boyfriend Lover?” Mr. Dupain echoed with a snort. “What kind of name is that?” 

“My thoughts exactly.”

-

After some time when everyone felt like they could relax, the Dupain-Cheng family and Adrien sat down together for some comforting drinks. Tea for the adults, and hot chocolate for the teens.

“Thanks Marinette. This hot chocolate is really good,” Adrien praised as he drank the warm, sweet drink from the mug Marinette gave him.

“Thank you Adrien.” Marinette blushed. “It’s Papa’s very own recipe. We usually use it more during Christmas, but occasionally we still make it for other reasons.” 

“Like for comfort after what we’ve been through tonight,” She reasoned.

After a few, quiet minutes of comfortable silence and everyone enjoying their drinks, Sabine set down her tea cup and gazed at Adrien with a concerned, motherly look.

“Adrien,” she began, exchanging a look for her husband. “It’s very late for a school night…and my husband and I think it’s best if you stay at our home for the night.”

 “That’s very sweet of you, Mrs. Dupain-Cheng, but are you sure that’s alright?” Adrien asked. “Like you said, it’s a school night. Shouldn’t I be at my own…home, where it’s safer?”

“We understand dear, but from what you and Marinette just told us about what you’ve been through tonight, and with your…unstable classmate still jumping around, being akumatized in such a dangerous costume, we don’t trust he’ll jump on you when he gets the chance,” Sabine explained.

“Even if you called your bodyguard to come pick you up, I doubt it’d be enough,” Tom added. “Plus, I don’t think your father would appreciate us letting his son be sent home when there’s someone so dangerous out there. It would also be irresponsible for us; as parents.”

 Adrien nodded in agreement. The Dupain-Chengs had a point. His father was probably not happy already with Adrien not being home so late, especially on a school night, but he would be even more furious if Tom and Sabine made him go home when his crazy classmate who called himself Boyfriend Lover was roaming around in the streets, waiting for an opportunity to jump him.

“Also think of it as a thank you, son,” Tom continued. “You protected our daughter tonight. If it weren’t for you, I doubt Marinette would’ve even been able to come home in time for dinner.”

Adrien felt warmth as he listened to Mr. Dupain’s words. A good father would do anything to keep his child safe, and although it wasn’t always possible, based on the bond Marinette and her father had, Adrien knew it was enough for both of them. 

“OK, I’ll stay,” Adrien agreed finally.

“Yay!” Marinette cheered quietly, sweetly. She then blushed when she caught everyone giving her endearing looks. 

-

Tom and Sabine wasted no time to make their guest room comfortable for Adrien. Once they smoothed down some blankets, they gave the teens warm smiles. Then they left the two alone for a bit to talk. 

“We’ll leave you two to settle in for a few minutes,” Sabine said gently, glancing at Marinette. “Get some rest and talk if you need to. We’ll be downstairs if anything comes up.”

Adrien and Marinette were left alone, the room quiet except for the faint hum of the night outside. Adrien leaned against the edge of the bed while Marinette fussed slightly with the blanket, making sure it felt just right.

“You okay?” Adrien asked softly, his green eyes searching hers.

Marinette nodded, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “

“I think so… thanks to you.” Her fingers lingered briefly on his arm. “I’ll be upstairs if you need me, alright?”

Adrien offered her a small, grateful smile. 

“I know. Thank you. You were there for me tonight too, while we were escaping from Henry. Joker’s cousin. Whatever he calls himself.”

Marinette softly laughed and shook her head fondly before giving him one last sweet smile before exiting the room to give him some privacy and headed up to her own room.

As soon as she left, Adrien sighed in relief and slumped down into the soft bed. Plagg flew out of his pocket and landed on his holder’s chest.

“Man, I hate that new classmate of yours, kitten,” he grumped. 

“Don’t you usually hate everyone, Plagg?” Adrien teased as he gently stroked his kwami’s fur with his finger.

“I mean it this time! Henry LaBove makes Lila Rossi look like an angel, and that’s saying something!” Plagg exclaimed, his fur puffing up protectively. 

 Adrien couldn’t argue with that. Ugh. He actually shuddered at the thought of Lila in an angel’s costume. 

But there was no time to dwell on that. The bigger problem loomed large: Henry—Boyfriend Lover—was still out there. Adrien carefully tucked Plagg onto his shoulder, letting the kwami rest, and stepped toward the window. Outside, the streets of Paris looked calm, almost serene. Too calm. Adrien’s sharp green eyes scanned the shadows anyway; he knew better than to trust appearances.

Adrien knew what had to be done. He quickly transformed into Chat Noir and dialed up his staff-phone to leave a voicemail for Ladybug, as he knew it was late and she was probably sleeping. 

At least, he hoped she was sleeping. And safe, in her own bed.

“Hey, bug. It’s me. I don’t know if you heard, but there’s a pretty intense student from Francois Dupont who’s akumatized. His name is Henry LaBove. He’s akumatized into someone quite dangerous. We better find him, and fast. If we don’t… I’m especially worried for…her.”

Although Ladybug didn’t answer and Chat Noir was still recording his voicemail, he could almost hear his partner asking in concern:

Who are you worried for, kitty?

“Marinette Dupain-Cheng.”

My princess, Chat silently thought as he finished the voicemail and hit send. He de-transformed, and fully settled into the bed the Dupain-Chengs generously provided for him, pulling the covers up. Plagg flew out of Adrien’s ring, zipping to curl up on the pillow, next to Adrien’s head.

“What’s wrong, Adrien? You still look worried,” Plagg commented. 

“It’s Henry… Boyfriend Lover. He’s still out there, Plagg. And even though Marinette’s just upstairs, I can’t help but worry about her. That akuma… he’s dangerous. What if he tries something again?” 

Adrien suddenly sat up in worry. 

“Plagg! What if Henry found out where Marinette lives and breaks into her room?!”

“Woah, woah, woah, kitten, calm down!” Despite being minus a hundred times Adrien’s size, Plagg managed to push his holder back down. “Breathe. I doubt that psycho knows where the princess lives! If he did, wouldn’t he get to Marinette the second he had a chance?”

“But Plagg, he could still find out… sooner than we think!” Adrien complained, grabbing his blanket tight and shook.

Plagg sighed in worried exasperation. He understood his holder’s worry; if anything, Plagg was worried for Marinette (and Tikki) almost as much as Adrien was, but seriously…

Teenagers. They were young, sure, but even then, they shouldn’t be so paranoid about everything. 

“If you’re that worried, why don’t you go check on her? I doubt she’s anywhere but in her bed, like what the majority of Paris is doing right now, since it’s so late.”

Adrien took in his kwami’s words, and he didn’t hesitate. He scrambled off his bed and quickly --yet quietly to avoid waking Marinette’s parents downstairs-- got up to the trapdoor that led into Marinette’s bedroom.

Adrien opened the trapdoor as quietly as he could, observing the room. It was dark in the night as expected. The only source of light came from the beams of the moon seeping through Marinette’s window.

Adrien was about to climb the stairs leading to her loft bed when a flicker of movement caught his eye. He froze for a moment, then relaxed as he realized what it was. Marinette was asleep on her chaise, curled up under a light blanket, her hair falling softly across her face. She looked far more peaceful than he had seen her all evening.

She must have been utterly exhausted, too tired to make it all the way up to her loft bed, and so she had collapsed where she could. Adrien’s chest tightened at the sight, a mix of relief and protectiveness washing over him.

Adrien sighed in relief and knelt to observe her closer, as if to make sure she was really there. Unconsciously, his finger began softly stroking her cheek. 

“See?” Plagg piped up as he popped out from behind Adrien’s shoulder. “I told you she was safe.”

“Plagg, shh!” Adrien scolded. 

Marinette suddenly let out a soft, contented sigh in her sleep, shifting slightly to her side, but she didn’t wake. Adrien’s chest swelled with a quiet protectiveness as he watched her, grateful to see her finally resting.

Adrien continued to watch her for an extra few minutes, as if to make sure she was fully asleep, before he whispered to Plagg. 

“I know you’re right that she’s safe,” Adrien admitted. “But how long can she stay that way? They say it’s not like if you blink, someone you love will be ripped away from you, but guess what happened to me? I blinked, and my mother was ripped away from me.”

“Never again,” Adrien vowed, as he continued to watch over the peaceful, sleeping Marinette. “I will not lose Marinette the same way I lost my mom.”

Plagg curled up to Adrien’s neck, letting out a small, supportive mew.  Adrien’s eyes softened as he continued to watch over Marinette, a silent guardian in the still of the night.

-

Sabine Cheng woke a few hours later, even earlier than her husband would’ve gone up to get ready for the bakery, but she decided to use this opportunity to check on the children. 

When she entered the guest bedroom, Sabine became alarmed that she saw Adrien was not there. Did he need to use the bathroom but had gotten lost?

Sabine’s motherly instincts kicked in when a sudden feeling rushed over her, and she went to check Marinette’s room.

There, she found a wonderful sight. Her daughter was sleeping on her chaise, and Adrien was right next to her, although…

His sleeping posture may have looked a little uncomfortable, but he was able to hold it that way, which almost made Sabiene chuckle. 

She spotted a blanket her daughter must’ve beautifully knitted with her own hands, and put it on Adrien to keep him warm. 

Sabine then adjusted Adrien to be comfortable, making sure the blanket was also keeping him warm. She brushed his shoulder affectionately and was about to leave when Adrien suddenly stirred and nuzzled into Sabine’s fingers.

“Love you, Mom,” he murmured in his sleep.

Sabine’s eyes widened. She remembered how Marinette mentioned that ever since Adrien’s own mother disappeared, Adrien could barely talk about her without crying.  

But since her fingers had brushed him, Adrien must’ve sensed the warmth in them even in his sleep, hence why he accidentally called his friend’s mother “Mom” instead.  

Sabine’s heart softened further, silently praising Adrien proudly despite all the hardships he had to go through in his young life.

“You mean more to our family than you think, Adrien,” she murmured. “Especially Marinette. I’m sure your mother would be extremely proud of you.”

With a final, fond glance, Sabine stepped out of the room, closing the trapdoor softly behind her, leaving the two teenagers to their quiet, well-earned rest.

Chapter Text

After some time that Sabine had checked on Marinette and Adrien, one of the teens woke up at the feeling of the first rays of the sun hitting his eyes. 

Adrien woke up with a grunt and rubbed his eyes, adjusting to his surroundings. The warm pink walls…this wasn’t his cold room.

Wait. 

Memories of the previous evening came back. The fight Adrien had with Henry, with the other boy not appreciating that Marinette chose Adrien, Henry getting akumatized into one of Gotham’s monsters… 

Adrien suddenly felt movement gently bump against his hip and glanced down to see Marinette still sleeping peacefully. 

Adrien breathed a sigh of relief. She’s still here, he thought, gently brushing a lock of hair from her face. I’m glad she was able to get some rest, considering what happened last night.

Marinette then stirred, and her eyes blinked open to see…

Not only had she slept on her chaise the whole night, Adrien was there too? How did he get here?

“A-Adrien?” She uttered shyly.

“Good morning, Marinette. How did you sleep?” Adrien greeted softly. 

“Surprinsgly well, even with everything that happened last night,” Marinette replied as she sat up and stretched. “How did you get up to my room? I thought you were sleeping downstairs in the guest room?”

“Yeah, sorry about that.” Adrien sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. “I knew Henry doesn’t know where you live yet, but with everything he has done so far, especially now that he’s akumatized into a version of the Joker, I wasn’t going to take any chances. I was worried for your safety, so I snuck back up here.”

Marinette blinked at him, her lips parting as if to say something, but no words came at first. The warmth of the morning sun highlighted the faint pink in her cheeks as she looked at him, both touched and overwhelmed by his confession.

“You… stayed here all night?” she asked softly, still piecing it together.

“Guess I did, based on the way I woke up in your room instead of my own,” Adrien replied.

“Adrien… you’re very sweet but you didn’t have to do that. Like you said, Henry doesn’t know where I live. If he did, he would’ve pounced by now,” Marinette reasoned.

“True… but even if I wasn’t worried about you being kidnapped, I would still worry about waking up the next morning to see you’re not in your room. Henry isn’t like any other akuma we’ve faced before, Marinette. Even when he wasn’t akumatized, he’s still dangerous. Actually, when he challenged me to that fight yesterday, I was already worried that Henry might follow you home. Guess I jinxed that part.” Adrien explained.

Marinette’s heart dropped at his words. She knew Adrien wasn’t trying to scare her, but he made pretty good points. She already heard enough horror stories from him about his most obsessive fans breaking into Adrien’s own house.

The good side was at least Adrien had a bodyguard, and a house full of the best security money could buy. Marinette, however, couldn't afford that luxury. She and her parents would’ve had to sell the bakery just to get at least a decent amount of security. Although the Dupain-Cheng family could mostly afford everything they wanted if they handled it the right way, their life support might’ve gone on the line with the security they would’ve have to spend. 

 Adrien noticed Marinette’s distressed look and his heart dropped. He had scared her more than she already was. He leaned closer to speak to her in his softest tone.

“Hey…I’m sorry if I scared you. I didn’t mean--”

Marinette shook her head quickly, a small, reassuring smile tugging at her lips.

“Don’t be, Adrien. You’re right to worry. What you did… It makes sense. I’d be worried too if I were in your shoes.”

Adrien exhaled, a mixture of relief and lingering tension in his chest. Her words grounded him, reminded him that his concern for her wasn’t overbearing—it was mutual.

“Thanks, Marinette. I just… I want you to be safe. Always. You’re really important to me, and after what happened with my mom, well I…” 

Marinette’s eyes widened at the mention of Adrien’s mother. This must’ve been the first time Adrien managed to mention her without crying. The last time someone asked about Emilie Agreste, Adrien couldn’t help but burst into tears, looking far more emotional than she had ever seen him.

Marinette crawled forward, almost getting into Adrien’s lap. She brushed her fingers gently against his arm, giving him a comforting look.

“I get it,” she said quietly. “Ever since your mom disappeared, you were worried that you would see someone you love disappear too, isn’t that right?”

“Right,” Adrien said back just as quietly. “I know the keyword is that Mom simply just ‘disappeared’ but she might as well be good as dead. The investigators my father hired had to give up a long time ago, as they couldn’t even find a strand of her hair.”

“Well, I promise I’m not going anywhere,” Marinette promised, bumping her head lightly under his chin. “I’m not someone you can get rid of that easily.”  

Adrien lightly chuckled at her words, cheering up.

“And you want to know something?” She added.

“What?”

“I bet if your mom was here, and she could see you right now, she’d be so proud of the person you’ve become.”

Adrien’s eyes swelled up with tears of gratitude, a mixture of relief, love, and the rare comfort of being truly understood. His heart felt filled for the first time in a long time.

“Thank you, Marinette. I think you’re right. I wish you could’ve met my mom a long time ago. She would’ve loved you.”

“From all the stories you told me about her, your mom sounded like an amazing person,” Marinette commented, a sweet smile on her lips. 

“The best. In fact, I think she would’ve become great friends with your mom, too. Mrs. Cheng reminds me of her whenever I come visit,” Adrien’s eyes sparkled at the thought of his mom meeting Marinette’s own mom.

“I bet my mom would’ve loved that too,” Marinette giggled. 

Just then, the window next to the chaise opened, and at first sight, Marinette and Adrien thought the wind had just blown it open, but a shadow shifted, then a slow, deliberate sound of clapping echoed through the room.

Both teens gasped, scrambling off the chaise, only for them to fall off into a heap, with Marinette landing in Adrien’s lap once more with his legs lifting up to shield her petite frame protectively. 

A purple-cladded figure slipped into the room. 

The duo’s breaths caught. Joker Henry, or rather Boyfriend Lover, with that ridiculous name Hawk Moth gave him, was back. 

And he had found Marinette’s room.

Boyfriend Lover didn’t speak for a long, tense, agonizing yet scary moment. He glanced around Marinette’s room, filled with creativity and wonder showing her fashion skills beautifully. 

Then he glanced down at the two other teens still tangled on the floor. 

“Well, well, I must say,” Joker-Henry purred as he began stepping towards them. “You were harder to find than I expected.”

Immediately sensing danger, Adrien began scrambling away, pulling Marinette closer into his lap with every motion, until they fell under Marinette’s desk and Adrien’s back hit the wall with Marinette’s side bumping into his chest. 

Even sitting down, their height difference was still incredibly noticeable. Marinette, petite and all, could almost completely fit inside Adrien’s lap. She was already swallowed into him anyway, especially when Adrien’s legs lifted to protect her further.

“Considering the average Parisian apartment, I must say, I’m jealous, Marinette. Your room is quite big,” Joker-Henry seemingly praised in approval, ripping a sketch Marinette had printed on her wall.

Marinette whimpered at the sight of her sketch being rudely ripped off. It was just a rough draft, sure, but it would’ve been important for her to be able to use it for future references in case inspiration hit her again.

Henry noticed immediately. His eyes lit up, the grin on his painted face stretching wider as he dangled the ruined page between his fingers. 

“Oh? What’s this?” he sneered. “Such delicate little lines. Did you pour your heart into this one, Marinette? A shame it tore so easily.” He crumpled it slowly, the paper crackling with each squeeze, his gaze never leaving hers. “I guess your art is just as fragile as you are.”

Marinette let out a noise of soft protest and fear. Unable to help herself, she buried her face into the shirt of the one person who at least made her feel safe. 

Adrien couldn’t help himself but buried his face into her hair in return, sensing her distress. He also sensed… if Boyfriend Lover was dangerous the night before, there was no denying he was even more dangerous now.

Boyfriend Lover’s cruel laughter echoed throughout the room, sending goosebumps onto the skin of the two huddled underneath the desk.

“Anyway, I’m not here for some measly little piece of paper,” he stated. 

Adrien dared to lift his head the slightest bit, just in time to catch Joker-Henry literally spit onto the paper Marinette had drawn on, crumbled it into a ball, and tossed it over his shoulder like it was nothing. 

Adrien felt a wave of disgust hit him. Not only was what Henry did was extremely rude, it was sickening and disturbing. 

Joker-Henry lunged suddenly, landing directly in front of them. Adrien flinched at the force, sliding slightly across the floor, but he didn’t release Marinette.

“I warned you, Agreste Jr.,” Henry hissed, his grin gone, replaced by a hard, dangerous glint in his eyes. “When I want something, I take it. Even if it means tearing it away from something else that matters.”

Before Adrien could even find his voice and demand Henry what he meant when he said that, Joker Henry suddenly grabbed Marinette’s ankle and began dragging her away from Adrien!

Luckily, Marinette managed to grab onto one of the legs on her chaise, hanging on for dear life.

“NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!” she screamed, her voice sharp with fear and desperation.

Adrien scrambled forward, wincing as his back banged against the underside of Marinette’s desk, and latched onto her hands, holding tight, trying to pull her back towards him with all his strength.

Tom and Sabine had heard their daughter’s distressed cries from all the way downstairs in the bakery; rushed up as fast as they could, knowing whatever was going on wasn't good if she was screaming like that.

They came in just in time, eyes widening in shocked horror as they watched their beloved daughter being dragged against her will by someone dressed like one of those villains from Gotham, with Adrien doing the best he could by pulling Marinette back to him.

Adrien’s vision began to blur from the tears forming in his eyes, but Marinette was doing her best by not letting go of him, and he returned the favor.

“Marinette, whatever happens, don’t let go!” He warned as he tried to desperately tug the girl most important to him back into his arms. 

  They tugged and struggled, but Henry’s strength proved too much.

Marinette saw that Adrien couldn’t hold on much longer, and truthfully, neither could she. If this kept up, Adrien would be captured with her, and Marinette couldn’t let him experience such a traumatizing event. 

I’m sorry, Adrien, Chat, Marinette squeezed her eyes shut. She shakily reached for her earrings without Joker-Henry noticing, and before she was fully ripped away from Adrien, Marinette managed to shove the earrings into his hand  before they were forcefully separated. 

Adrien fell back to the floor on his back, unconsciously still holding onto Marinette’s earrings in the safety of his palms. 

Marinette struggled in Joker-Henry’s grip, twisting and kicking, but the villain’s strength was overwhelming.

“Look at them squirm,” Joker-Henry sneered, his painted grin wide as he taunted Adrien and Marinette’s parents. “All this love, all this care… and it means nothing to me.”

With a swift motion, he pulled a smoke bomb from his pocket, hissing with anticipation. He tossed it to the ground, and in an instant, a thick purple smoke billowed around him.

When it cleared, both Marinette and Boyfriend Lover were gone, leaving nothing behind but Adrien on the floor, trembling, and the faint, lingering scent of smoke, and Tom and Sabine, still next to the now forgotten open trapdoor.

Silence settled like a heavy, suffocating blanket over the room. Adrien remained on the floor, trembling, his palms still clenched around the earrings Marinette had entrusted to him. The faint scent of smoke lingered, curling through the room like a bitter reminder of what had just happened.

Tom and Sabine stood frozen near the open trapdoor, their expressions a mixture of shock, fear, and helplessness. For a heartbeat, no one moved, no one spoke, as if the world itself had paused to let the weight of the moment sink in. Then, with a heartbreaking sob, Sabine collapsed, her body shaking as she buried her face into her hands.

“My baby!” She wailed, the anguish in her voice raw and piercing.

Tom immediately knelt to his wife’s side, hugging her tightly to try to comfort her, although he couldn’t stop his own tears. His worst fear had come true; he couldn’t protect his little girl when she really needed it.

Adrien, still on the floor, couldn’t help but keep looking at the space where Marinette and Boyfriend Lover had disappeared. As the situation sunk in, tears streaked down Adrien’s face before he could even register the wetness on his cheeks.

Plagg purred and nuzzled into Adrien’s chest without Tom and Sabine noticing, but Adrien couldn’t feel anything. The only thing he could do was stare at the now empty space and cry.

Adrien didn’t even register Marinette’s parents rushing to his side and hugged him, too. It was only when Adrien found his face buried into Tom’s shoulder that his tears flowed harder than before, especially with the older man’s act of kindness.

“Marinette,” Adrien choked on a sob. 

“We know, son,” Tom stated solemnly. 

“I couldn’t… save her. I’m sorry, Mr. Dupain, Mrs. Cheng. I couldn’t keep your daughter safe,” Adrien whimpered.

“Adrien, you did all you could when you tried to pull Marinette back to you, to us. No one told that crazy, scary boy to break into Marinette's room and rip her away,” Sabine tried to soothe, rubbing his back in a comforting motherly manner.

“But Mrs. Cheng, that boy was the classmate Marinette and I told you about!” Adrien protested. “Hawk Moth akumatized him to look like the Joker’s cousin. I thought we would be safe since he didn’t know where Marinette lived until now, but even now…even now…”

Plagg’s tiny claws pressed lightly into Adrien’s chest, a subtle reminder that he wasn’t completely alone. Adrien barely registered it, but deep down, he knew he had to find Marinette—and fast. The fear, the guilt, the desperation, it all coalesced into a single, urgent resolve: he would bring her back, no matter what it took.

I will find you, Marinette. I won’t lose you. Not like I lost her.

-

After a few minutes of more crying, Adrien managed to calm down thanks to the loving presence of the Dupain-Chengs. As painful as he felt for Tom and Sabine losing their daughter, Adrien knew he had to save Marinette as soon as possible. He had to find an opportunity to transform.

“I appreciate everything you have done for me, Mr. and Mrs. Dupain-Cheng, but I think it’s best if I go home now,” Adrien explained.

“Are you sure, Adrien? There is still school, but you’re always welcome to stay with us longer if you’d like,” Sabine offered.

Adrien sadly shook his head.

“I’d love to stay with you if I could, Mrs. Cheng, but after what just happened…If I stay here, I’d just be putting your family in more danger than you already are. Plus, it’s easy for Henry,-- Joker or Boyfriend Lover, whatever he calls himself-- to see how close Marinette and I are. And although it’s only been a day, my father will worry if I’m not home soon.”

Tom and Sabine shared a look. They were sad to see Adrien go, as he quickly became like a son to them, but they also knew he was right. After all, even if Adrien’s own father hadn’t said anything, Adrien was not Tom and Sabine’s child. Plus, the two also knew their own daughter wouldn’t be very happy with them if they kept Adrien with them, especially with all the dangers that happened.

Before Adrien left though, the two parents had a gift for him.

Sabine handed Adrien a large brown bag. 

“What’s this, Mrs. Cheng?” Adrien asked with polite curiosity and peeked into the bag.

Inside the bag was an enormous amount of delicious treats Adrien could only imagine of even seeing. Mini muffins, croissants, choquettes, opera cakes, and much more.

Adrien’s eyes widened at the beautiful sight. Each treat smelled entirely of warmth and love, crafted professionally from the two best bakers in Paris themselves. 

“We know it’s not enough…” Tom started. 

“But with all you’ve been through, maybe some sweets will cheer you up,” Sabine finished softly. She reached out to smooth Adrien’s hair like she had done when he was crying earlier, her expression motherly. “Besides, you’re too skinny, Adrien. You’re still growing, and you’re going to need your strength if you’re going to help the heroes get our little girl back.”

Adrien let out a breathy laugh, feeling more warmth and love filling his heart from the kindness of Marinette’s family. Even whenever his own father would send him off to school, there would still be some cold distance between them. 

“Thank you…Mr. Dupain, Mrs. Cheng. I don’t know what to say. This… this means more than you know.”

“You’re welcome son. You mean more to our family than you know. Especially Marinette. She’s always telling us how you’re one of the sweetest boys she’s met in her entire life.” Tom mentioned with a grin. 

Adrien blushed at the thought of sweet Marinette praising his positive qualities to her parents. He had no idea she valued him as much as he valued her. 

Tom gave Adrien a firm, fatherly pat on the shoulder, his hand lingering just long enough to ground him. 

“Now go on, Adrien. Get home safe. And remember—you’ll always have a place here, no matter what.” he stated. 

“Take care of yourself, dear. Marinette won’t be very happy if you run yourself ragged,” Sabine added. 

“I will. Thank you once again, Mr. Dupain. Mrs. Cheng. The next time I come back, I’ll be sure Marinette is with me.” Adrien vowed. 

“We know, son. Now go on then.” 

With a gentle nudge, Adrien was out the door and left the safety of the Dupain-Cheng home. 

As soon as he was a block away, next to the school, a frown encased Adrien’s face. He could almost picture Marinette endearingly running late again, hopping as fast as she could, like a little bunny to get to class on time, and although he could see her in his mind’s eye, Adrien sadly got hit with the reality that Marinette was currently not physically here. 

The sound of munching broke Adrien out of his thoughts, and he looked down to see Plagg greedily munching on one of the choquettes Marinette’s parents had gifted him, sending some flakes onto Adrien’s black shirt. 

“Plagg!” Adrien half scolded, half feeling amused. Especially since his kwami was eating something that wasn’t cheese for once. 

“What?” Plagg muffled, with some choquette still in his mouth. “Even I can’t deny the delicacies of the best bakery of Paris. Besides, we’ll both need a lot of strength if we want to bring the princess back to us, kitten.” 

“You have a point there,” Adrien sighed. He looked back up at the school and began climbing the steps. 

“Why are we heading into the school, Adrien? I thought you told Marinette’s mom we were going home,” Plagg asked. 

“I know, Plagg, but with all Henry’s done, we know he won’t rest until Marinette’s completely his,” Adrien reasoned. “He was running around like a crazy man last night in Paris. And he knows who Marinette is close with, including me. I should at least check on them before rescuing Marinette.” 

Plagg nodded, uncharacteristically serious. But Adrien knew his kwami well. Plagg may act like a real cat and act lazy and eat cheese, but Adrien knew Plagg knew the importance of protecting a land of innocent people just as much as he did. 

Adrien climbed the stairs to Miss Bustier’s classroom. The space in and out of the room was uncharacteristically quiet. Granted, usually around this time, most students would be in class already, but the quietness of the halls wasn’t like the normal one from a typical school day. 

Adrien took a deep breath and opened the door. He barely managed to step in before he was immediately glomped on by one very, very, very worried best friend. 

“Dude!” Nino’s voice was shaking, the protective brotherly tone still in his voice. “Where have you been! I’ve been trying to call you all night! I haven’t seen you since that crazy Henry got akumatized and my last glimpse of you was you running away with Marinette! The worst part? Your dad actually called me, and he sounded so terrifying even on the phone! He finally let me go when he saw I truly didn’t know where you were!” 

Adrien felt a pang of guilt, especially when he felt Nino squeezing him like his life depended on it.

“I’m so sorry, Nino, but everything was just so crazy and scary last night. I didn’t even think of checking my phone.” Adrien dug into his pocket to take out the almost forgotten phone. “Oh, it’s almost dead anyway. I don’t think I could’ve done much anyway even if I did check.”

“I’m just glad you’re okay,” Nino sighed in relief and finally pulled back. It was only then that Adrien noticed his friend’s red eyes behind his glasses. He realized that not only had Nino been crying, he must’ve not been able to sleep much, either, due to worry about two of his closest friends being chased by a psychopathic classmate dressed as the Joker’s cousin.

“Speaking of which…where’s Marinette?” Nino asked. “Since you ran off with her, I’d assume you’d be with her the whole time.”

“Yeah, about that…” Adrien rubbed the back of his neck nervously and dwindled his fingers together. “Promise you won’t freak out?”

“Freak out? Adrien, what’s going on? You’re starting to worry me. What do you mean don’t freak out? Isn’t Marinette just late again?” Nino asked, trying to keep the panic out of his voice. 

“Well, you see, I stayed with Marinette and her family last night since Marinette’s parents were worried about Joker Henry running around the streets, and everything was going fine until this morning,” Adrien explained. “He found out where Marinette’s room was… and he might’ve broken in and kidnapped her…?”

Nino’s eyes widened in shock and horror, but nothing could compare to what happened next.

“WHAT?!” 

Right by the doorway was a very worried, very furious Alya Cesaire. She looked more fiery than her hair. 

Nino gulped at the sight of his furious girlfriend and shuffled to hide behind Adrien, who would’ve glared at him and called him “coward” over his shoulder if Alya didn’t choose the time to stomp up to him, making him all cold-sweated. 

-

Meanwhile, the whole time that Adrien was figuring out how to save Marinette, the girl herself was being dragged against her will by Joker Henry, or Boyfriend Lover as Hawk Moth had dubbed him. 

Ugh. What kind of name was Boyfriend Lover? Why couldn’t he just let himself be called the Joker for real, instead? 

Anyway, she felt disgusted by the way Boyfriend Lover was carrying her; like a knight carrying his princess.

Henry LaBove was no knight. He couldn’t even be considered a squire, or fool. 

He also didn’t hold her in the firm, yet gentle way Chat Noir did. Everytime Marinette ran into him as herself,-- a plain old civilian instead of Ladybug,-- depending on the circumstances, Chat would whisk her away to safety from an akuma attack, or if she was simply walking home from the grocery store a little later in the afternoon, Chat would offer to take her home despite it being a short distance away.  

But…the good news was that Chat was safe. If he wasn't, Marinette knew it would've been on the news by now, considering he was one half of Paris's beloved superhero duo. She also knew that Adrien was safe. 

Mama’s safe, Papa’s safe, Adrien’s safe, Tikki’s safe-- I know she and Adrien will take care of each other, Marinette repeated like a mantra in her head. 

Marinette also held onto the hope of Adrien managing to track down Chat to alert him to the situation. She cherished the idea of the two most important blondes in her life working together to save her. 

I hope Chat won’t be too upset if Ladybug, which is me, arriving later to the fight than usual. But I know Chat will save me. At times like this, he always arrives at the right time.   

Even as Henry dragged her further into the shadows, Marinette held on to that hope like a lifeline.

-

Finally, after what felt like hours, Boyfriend Lover finally landed near a window of an apartment building. The window he forced open creaked; the sound made Marinette cringe, but to her shock and surprise, Henry slipped her in with surprising gentleness. 

As soon as her feet touched the ground and Boyfriend Lover’s grip loosened, Marinette didn’t hesitate to take the opportunity to scramble away from him, scooting backwards until she hit a wall behind her. 

“You don’t need to be frightened, princess,” Boyfriend Lover spoke, his voice now the most gentle Marinette had ever heard from him. Her insides twisted though; only Chat was allowed to call her princess, and Chat only. He always called her by that name with softness, affection, warmth, and care. And sometimes, even a little bit of teasing, but that was part of his charm Marinette loved.

 “I never truly meant to hurt you, or your friends, but the problem is; you’re too stubborn, though I admire that. We’re finally alone, where no one can stop us.”

“First of all,” Marinette’s voice shook, but there was also determination, as she used her best Ladybug voice. “Don’t call me princess. Only one person is allowed to call me that, and that is obviously not you.”

“Oh? And who would that be? Perfect golden pretty boy Adrien Agreste?” Boyfriend Lover purred in a mocking tone. 

“Surprisngly, no.” Marinette answered despite the fact she knew Adrien always treated her like one, even if he didn’t directly call her that pet name. Although it felt wrong with anyone calling her “princess” that wasn’t Chat Noir, she wouldn’t have minded if Adrien had called her that, even by accident. He and Chat shared a lot of positive qualities now that she thought about it. “But that is none of your business. No one is allowed to call me princess, except him.”

“Another boy then? My, my, you’re not even dating, yet it feels like you’re already cheating on Agreste Jr.,” Joker Henry chuckled, stepping forward a bit. Although they were still a safe distance away from each other, Marinette couldn’t help but jolt, the wall aching against her back harder. “Given that the two of you are attached like glue, I’d assume he’d call you that already even if he already treats you like royalty.”   

“Well, at least he treats me with respect,” Marinette snapped. “I would’ve been happy to be friends with you if you weren’t so creepy, Henry! Ever since you’ve come into Dupont, you’ve done nothing but cause trouble! Trouble for me, trouble for Adrien, trouble for all of us! If you wanted to get to know me, that didn’t give you the right to crawl into my locker. I still don’t know how you managed that, with all my books and stuff in the way. Getting to know me doesn’t mean you challenge another boy to a fight, then throw a tantrum when he lost to his opponent fair and square! If anyone, no matter the gender, says no, then they mean no, LaBove! How would you feel if someone treated you like an object instead of a person?!”

Boyfriend Lover - or Joker’s Cousin as Adrien jokingly but seriously dubbed him as- froze for a split second, as if he didn’t expect someone like Marinette to snap at him like that.

But just as quickly, his painted lips stretched into a grin so wide that it could cover ten banana splits easily. 

He laughed in a way that sounded nothing like a boy caught off guard, but a sound that exploded from his chest, echoing through the empty apartment like a nightmare made flesh. It was jagged, unhinged, peeling away any trace of Henry LaBove that might’ve remained. The laugh climbed higher and higher until it scraped against the ceiling, piercing the air like broken glass.

Marinette’s stomach dropped. She’d heard Joker’s infamous laugh before, in movies, in nightmares whispered about Gotham’s terror. But this? This laugh made that sound tame. Gotham’s clown sounded almost sane compared to the raw hysteria rattling out of Joker Henry’s lungs.

He clutched his sides, staggering a step back, his body trembling as if the madness itself was shaking him apart. 

“Oh, Marinette,” he wheezed between shrill bursts of mirth, “you have no idea how long I’ve waited for you to say those words to me.”

His eyes snapped back to her, wide and glowing with manic devotion. 

“It only proves we’re meant to be.”

-

“So you’re telling me, you stayed with my girl and her parents last night, and everything was going fine until that creepy clown of a boy who calls himself Boyfriend Lover broke into Marinette’s room?!” Alya exclaimed as she paced back and forth furiously in the classroom.

“Um… that’s a good…description?” Adrien stated, though the way he replied made it sound like more of a question than an answer.

Alya stopped pacing to throw her hands exasperatedly in the air.

“Seriously, Agreste?” Unlike how Henry called Adrien by his last name, just to mock him, Alya called him that with a seriousness that Adrien knew Alya wasn’t mad at him, just scared and frustrated; for both him and Marinette. “I know you did your best to protect my girl, but we can’t waste another second. Marinette is stronger than anyone else I know, but even she won’t be able to keep up the brave facade forever. From everything you just told us about Henry, he’s starting to make the actual Joker from Batman look sane!”

“What kind of name is Boyfriend Lover, anyway?” Nino grumbled in agreement. “I swear, sometimes I feel Hawk Moth is starting to not be able to come up with names for the dudes he akumatizes.”

“I know I’m already making a mistake coming to school today,” Adrien added. “But with everything going on lately, I also had to check on you guys, too. Henry knows who Marinette is close with. He would do anything psycho if it means just getting the princess, which is Marinette.”

Alya softened at the pure heart Adrien had. Even if he was oblivious to certain social cues and stuff, she knew Adrien was nowhere near stupid and always had a soft spot for her best friend, even if he didn’t know about her feelings. He protected Marinette the same way Chat Noir would do for Ladybug.

“So, what are we going to do now, dudes?” Nino asked, anxiously tapping his pen against his desk. “Like what Als just said, time is precious. Every minute we spend waiting, finding a way to save Marinette, it’ll only get Boyfriend Lover- Henry with that stupid name- more encouragement to torture her.”

  “I’m afraid that’s where the difficult part comes in, Nino,” Adrien sighed. “When Henry took Marinette, he threw out a smoke bomb and disappeared with her, just like in those Gotham movies. They could be anywhere in Paris right now. Maybe even somewhere we passed a million times before but never thought to look.”

“Not just Paris… France as whole,” Alya interjected, her eyes going wide. “That psycho could’ve taken my girl out of the city, just like those kidnappers who flee with their victims out of the country!”

“I don’t think even Henry would do that, Alya,” Adrien reassured, shaking his head, his blonde hair slightly falling into his eyes. “Remember, even with all of this happening, Henry’s still akumatized. If he left the country, Hawk Moth wouldn’t be able to control him, since it would take most of his powers away. It would make things go low, even for that butterfly butt.”  

“You’re right, sunshine. I remember Ladybug and Chat Noir mentioning once in the news that even when the butterfly miraculous is being used for evil, even it still has its limits,” Alya agreed. “So we can still breathe with relief that Marinette’s still in the city!”

“We just don’t know where yet,” Adrien reminded her. 

 The room fell silent for a moment as the weight of that uncertainty settled over them. Every second counted, and the search for Marinette was only just beginning.

-

Back at the dingy apartment Boyfriend Lover had practically shoved Marinette in, everything around the unwilling duo was silent except for the slight creak of the wooden floorboards. 

Marinette was still seated on the floor, her back still pressing against the wall every now and then. She had long ago stopped flinching every time Henry’s shadow brushed over her whenever he was running around doing housework, or stretching on her when he tried to force her to eat and/or drink. 

Boyfriend Lover set out a plate of pasta in front of Marinette. It smelled surprisingly delicious, reminding Marinette of the Italian heritage passed from her father’s side of the family, but Marinette knew better than to eat with whatever her creepy-clown-of-a-classmate was offering her. It was just like the warnings her parents gave to her as a child: To never eat or even take anything from strangers,no matter the circumstance.

Henry sighed exasperatedly when he saw that Marinette had once again refused to eat the edible delicacies he cooked for her. A plate of a muffin and banana now both mushy and cold that he had set down earlier stood next to the pasta, which Marinette had also refused. 

“Marinette, come on, you have to eat. Even a little bit,” he insisted, his shadow still covering her even when he crouched down to her level. “I know I took you away from your loved ones against your will, but even I wouldn’t want you to starve.”

“That’s one reason why I rather starve than eat anything you offer me, LaBove,” Marinette snipped, not flinching even as he stretched closer. “We may be classmates now, but you’re still considered a stranger. And my parents taught me to never accept food from a stranger, no matter the circumstances.”

“Oh my lord, you’re still so stubborn, even if I hear your stomach growling like crazy!” Boyfriend Lover finally snapped as he stood up, his shadow covering her even more than before. “Don’t you think if I really wanted to poison you, I would’ve done so already?”

“You already almost hurt my friend Adrien really badly by challenging him to a fight that you lost to him, then throwing a tantrum when he won fair and square,” Marinette retorted. “So forgive me if I’m even the tiniest bit skeptical of your sudden generosity.”

Due to her holding onto her knees to her chest, Marinette could peek at the trembling fists Henry emitted without him noticing her seeing his movements. 

She was already small enough to Henry even without sitting down, but now, despite her calm on the outside, inside she was trembling, clenching her sweaty palms so Henry wouldn’t goad her about it. Ever since they had been placed alone in this dingy apartment, it was true Marinette wasn’t completely tortured yet, but she knew there would be a moment where Henry would snap and actually do something to her. 

Finally, Boyfriend Lover unclenched his fists and sighed. He looked down at her coldly, but he didn’t do anything to her.

“It’s been a long day, and I don’t want you to sleep on the floor,” he stated darkly. “I have a room set up for you, do you want to use it?”

It was a kind, simple “yes” or “no” question in normal situations, but this situation wasn’t normal. Henry wasn’t asking what Marinette wanted with hosting generosity, he was demanding her.

Still, Marinette decided to play along for this part just to be safe.

“Sure,” she finally uttered, standing up with slightly shaky legs. The height difference between them was now obvious again, and although Adrien was tall for his age, too, Marinette never felt intimated standing next to him. But with Henry’s shadow still covering her again, Marinette didn’t feel the same with him.

-

Boyfriend Lover led Marinette to a thin hallway into a tiny bedroom. The walls were eerily bare, with nothing in the room but a small closet that was empty; without even a coat hanger or two, a small bed, and a small desk drawer with a single lamp, and a window that Marinette felt was so tiny, not even her beloved kwami Tikki could phase through it. 

  For the first time this evening, Henry didn’t even look at her. He just let Marinette go, closing the door softly behind him. 

 Marinette collapsed onto the bed, the mattress unbelievably soft, but even that didn’t comfort her. Her hand unconsciously went into her pocket, where she felt some smooth beads.

Feeling confused for a minute as she had forgotten what she had put in there, Marinette took the item out; with it revealing to be the beautifully handmade beaded bracelet Adrien had gifted her from her last birthday. 

Marinette felt a lump in her throat. She pressed the bracelet to her chest, as if doing so would allow Adrien to magically appear, with him whispering reassurances to her, saying they would get out of here together. 

Her eyes swept the small room again, searching for anything—a hidden exit, a fire escape—but there was nothing. Even if she could somehow squeeze through the window, the drop to the concrete below was far too dangerous without her transformation. Tikki and her Miraculous were safely with Adrien, yes, but without her powers, she was completely vulnerable. One misstep, one bad landing, and she could seriously injure herself—or worse.

Even if she did manage to escape, Marinette realized she didn’t know which part of Paris she was in. She didn’t know how long it would take her to get to the safety of the bakery into her parents’ arms. 

Oh, Chat, Adrien, Marinette silently whispered in her mind. I know you’re doing your best to find me, but how long will it take? I don’t know how much longer I can continue being in this creepy classmate’s clutches. 

Her breathing began to heavy, and Marinette realized she was about to get into a panic attack. 

No. She quickly shook her head and rubbed the beads of her bracelet. Panicking would only make things worse. She knew Adrien and Chat would come sooner than she thought. 

But how soon is soon? A part of her brain questioned her. 

Knowing that she wouldn’t be able to do much just sitting there, Marinette decided to go to sleep to get the night over with. 

Since she was alone and there was currently no chance of joker Henry coming to “check on her” Marinette let out a choked sob and clutched her bracelet tighter. 

Just a little longer. Just a little longer…

Chapter Text

Marinette woke up at a point she didn’t know how long she had been asleep. She looked out the window of her new “bedroom” and saw it was still dark out. She didn’t even have her phone on her, and besides the drawer with the lamp she had next to her bed, there was nothing. 

It could’ve been midnight, or 3’am. As YouTube often commented, 3’am was considered the “scary hour.” Those videos might have just been people acting for other people’s entertainment, but they still felt so real sometimes. 

Fidgeting Adrien’s bracelet on her wrist, Marinette got off the bed and looked out the window. She could hear the familiar hustle and bustle of Paris even this late in the night, yet that still didn’t comfort her, as she wasn’t in her own room, her safe place.

🎵I don’t know why I’m here,🎵Marinette began to sing softly, avoiding to wake Joker-Henry, - Boyfriend Lover, whatever he called himself - 🎵I’m far away from those I love. I wish I could just disappear.  But even if I did manage to go, how far away is home?🎵

Marinette jumped more against the window, wishing she had her miraculous so she could just get out of this prison. But she knew she did the right thing. Who knew how long it would take until Chat Noir could come rescue her? If Boyfriend Lover suddenly got bored and began toying with her, discovering her earrings, it would’ve gotten really bad.

🎵Why did I go? How could I leave them? I never knew how much I need him so! Even if I’m so hungry, I know I can’t eat whatever he’s offering me… It won’t let Adrien and Chaton magically appear to me.🎵

Meanwhile, Chat Noir was in his own dilemma. He had been running around the roofs of Paris for he couldn’t remember how long now. He was determined not to rest until he could find his princess. He would search every corner, every street, even every trash can he came across if it would mean having her back in his arms again.

“Chat Noir, maybe you should take a break,” a tiny red being with black spots chirped worriedly on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t, Tikki,” Adrien shook his head, his wild blonde hair going into the mask of his eyes. “You remember what Nino said. Every second we wait, that would only give Joker Henry more opportunities to torture Marinette.”

Adrien had already breezed through every subject homeschool or regular school could throw at him anyway, so he couldn’t concrete on any lessons his teachers gave him. Every single chance he got, he swore he wouldn’t rest until Marinette was found. 

It was also during one of his breaks Adrien realized before Marinette was taken, she had given her earrings to him, trusting him to keep them safe for her. Of course, Adrien had noticed Marinette’s earrings a long time ago, but never thought much of it as many other girls wore them and had just assumed that the earrings Marinette always had on her were always her favorite pair or a family heirloom. Marinette had told him once that her mom was planning to give her a necklace her own mom (Sabine’s mother and Marinette’s grandmother) gifted her when she came of age, and Sabine had been planning to gift the same necklace to her own daughter  when Marinette became of age.

Haven keeping the earrings safe in his pocket the whole time, Adrien delicately took them out, and the minute the lobes touched his palms, it must’ve sensed the magic of his own miraculous, because all of a sudden bright pink-and-red glow appeared out of Marinette’s earrings and Adrien had to cover his eyes to avoid getting blinded. 

 When the glow faded, Adrien lifted his hand away to catch a familiar looking kwami who looked like his own, only without the cat ears and tail, blinking her tiny yet big eyes at him, softening at the sight of him before realizing something was off.

“Mari-” Pink bubbles flew out of Tikki’s mouth. “Ladybug? Ladybug!” 

The poor little thing began flitting back and forth anxiously looking for her holder, but realization must’ve hit her as she remembered Marinette was forcefully taken away by a classmate now dressed as a Gotham villain designed by Hawk Moth. 

Tikki began to cry. She hovered down, due to being not able to fly properly while worrying for her holder, prompting Adrien to catch her. 

“I’m so sorry, little one. But Marinette… she’s gone. She got captured by Joker Henry.” 

Tikki whimpered and buried her little face into the warmth and comfort of Adrien’s palm. 

Quickly connecting the dots that Marinette was both his princess and his lady only motivated Adrien to find her more. 

For a brief moment, Adrien thought Marinette was a bit insane for not taking her miraculous with her when she got captured by Boyfriend Lover. Even if she couldn’t immediately call Tikki to transform her, she would’ve been able to stay safe for a little longer.

But Tikki carried out good points that Marinette did the right thing. If Henry suddenly got bored and began toying with her more, he would’ve discovered her earrings and it would've made things much more dangerous. 

As he continued to prowl through the streets and roofs of Paris, Adrien began to sing too. 

🎵When you meet a friend who’s not like the others🎵

🎵 She cheers you up when you feel blue 🎵 

🎵I cherish the days I see her everyday, but I never realize when she would be taken away. Where did she go? How could she go? Doesn’t she know I love and need her so? I’ll search every corner and every bin, until I bring my princess back.🎵

“Chat, look! I think I see Marinette!” Tikki suddenly cheered from his shoulder, pointing her little paw at a glint of blue hair. 

Chat Noir’s eyes lit up as he used his staff to propel to the ground. He and Tikki reacted with disappointment when they  saw it was just a wig resembling Ladybug’s hair from inside a costume shop.

“I’m sorry, Chat. I thought for sure that would be Marinette,” Tikki stated sadly and apologetically. 

“It’s not your fault, Tikki. I would’ve assumed the same thing,” Chat assured as he gently rubbed her cheek with his finger, mindful of the claw tips. “We just have to continue to find her.”

“Let’s go!” Tikki cheered optimistically.

As Chat continued to patrol, he spotted some civilians, making Tikki having to hide in his hair. He recognized them as schoolmates from other classes at school, and although he didn’t know them too well personally, he knew Marinette had also talked to them before and might’ve been good friends with some of them.

  “Excuse me,” Chat came forward to the group of classmates.

“Oh my goodness, it’s Chat Noir!” A girl with brown braided ponytails gasped in surprise and delight. “We see you all the time on the news, but we never could imagine seeing you in person!” 

“Thanks, I’m flattered,” Chat chuckled, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head before turning more serious. “I’m not sure if you have heard already, but do any of you know Marinette Dupain-Cheng?” He flipped out a cute photo of Marinette on his staff phone in case the students couldn’t immediately recognize her name.

“Marinette? We’re not exactly close friends, but she’s always been kind to me,” the girl with the ponytails replied. “Is something wrong?”

“Recently, she’s been captured by a fellow classmate who calls himself Boyfriend Lover. She’s been in his clutches for some time now, and Ladybug and I are hoping to find her before it’s too late. Boyfriend Lover isn’t like any other akuma we’ve faced before.”

“Wait, I think I’ve heard about that akuma before,” A boy with dark hair piped in.  “I keep hearing classmates say that name is ridiculous and he should be called the Joker instead. It’s rumored he’s even dressed like him, exactly like in those Gotham movies!”

“I agree; the name is ridiculous, but that doesn’t make the person akumatized less dangerous,” Chat warned. “The boy is already insane enough even without being powered up by a magical moth villain.”

“I feel sorry for Marinette,” another girl in the group added. “We’re only acquaintances, but no one deserves to be captured like this.” 

“I’m afraid none of us have seen Marinette in a while, Chat Noir,” the girl with ponytails went back to talk to him. “But we’ll definitely keep an eye out. I’m sure it’ll also make your and Ladybug’s jobs much easier.”

“Thanks…” Chat nodded, beginning to say her name but remembering he didn’t know it.

“Anette.” She introduced simply yet kindly.

“Anette. If you see anything suspicious, especially if it involves Marinette, alert the authority figures. That includes superheroes. I should also warn you to stay as far away from this Boyfriend Lover as possible. He has a twisted sense of obsession.”

“We will, Chat Noir. Good luck!” Anette and her friends chorused as they watched him preparing to leave.

Chat gave the friend group a two fingered salute before propelling off into the night again, singing some more. 

🎵How long will it take for me to find you? I know you’re staying as strong as you can. But what will happen if he does something to make you break? I promise I will find you, and never let you go again.🎵

Marinette: 🎵How can I forget all we’ve been through?~🎵

Marinette and Chat Noir then sing together:

🎵How could I (she) go? Why did I (she) go?🎵

Marinette: 🎵I never realized how much I love you both so~🎵

Chat Noir: 🎵I will never rest until I find you again. I’ll search every can and stash.🎵

Marinette, clinging to her bracelet on her wrist, sang along unknowingly: 🎵Come what may, I know you’re coming🎵

Chat Noir :🎵I promise I’m coming…🎵

Marichat together, chorusing over each other: 🎵To bring me/her back…home--------~!🎵

Even if they didn't know they were singing in a duet, the love Marinette had for both Adrien and Chat Noir rang out, as did his.

Chapter Text

Chat Noir continued his search for Marinette. It might’ve been at least 2 o’clock in the morning, but he didn’t care; it was the weekend, and besides, he couldn’t rest when he knew someone worthy of being the Joker was around, torturing someone he loved. 

Just like he said in his song, Chat searched every tiny little corner of Paris. He searched bins, cars, hidden doors from apartment buildings, and even trash cans. Marinette was far from actual trash, but he knew with someone like Joker Henry, Marinette would’ve definitely been stored somewhere where Chat Noir least expected.

Chat was so lost in his thoughts and worry for Marinette, that as he ran across yet another rooftop, he missed a wobbly brick from a roof and he slipped, crashing onto the roof of a car.

Chat winced, but luckily his suit protected him from more serious damage. Tikki flew out from under his hair, looked at him with concern, crossing her tiny arms.

“You really should take a break… Adrien.” She strongly suggested, no, forced. Despite being only the size of his thumb, Adrien felt the force of Tikki’s words. After all, she and Plagg weren’t just kwamis, they were GODS. 

She had also used Chat Noir’s real (civilian) name to show how serious she was.

“I know I should take a break, Tikki, but I just can’t,” Chat slid down to rest against the car. “Not with Marinette still out there, being tortured by some creepy clown of a classmate who could easily pass as the Joker’s cousin.”

“I understand,” Tikki softened as she flew to nuzzle his cheek. “I’m really worried about Marinette too, but you know it won’t do either of you good if this keeps up, Chat Noir. She wouldn’t want you to risk your own health just to find her. In fact, if she saw you right now, she’d probably bonk you on the head with her yo-yo.”

Chat had to let out a small laugh at that, feeling something good coming out ever since Marinette had been taken. He closed his eyes and leaned back against the car, and Tikki zipped to rest on his shoulder. 

Maybe Tikki was right. Adrien could take a little break. He’ll close his eyes for just 5 minutes.

Just 5 minutes…

-

Adrien indeed did close his eyes for 5 minutes. (Although it felt more like 5 hours.)

Or was it? Because as soon as he had closed his eyes, his cat ears suddenly twitched on their own, and he heard what seemed like a passerby sneezing. 

But then it got closer, and that’s when he heard maniacal laughter. 

Tikki, who had also been resting on Chat’s shoulder, had her antennas shot up in alarm, and nestled closer to his neck. 

“Stay hidden, Tikki,” Chat whispered to her, gently scratching the black spot on her forehead to comfort her. 

Tikki nodded and hid in his hair in a flash. 

Just in time too. 

Because Joker-Henry had just jumped down in front of them. 

“Boo.” Was all he said at first. 

Even with the warmth of his suit on, Chat Noir still felt as if someone poured a giant bucket of ice water on him. He never really paid attention to what Henry looked like as Adrien, but now as Chat Noir, he really got a good look at him. 

He was still in that ridiculous purple suit and black dress shoes. But his clown makeup showed more, and the redness of his painted lips…

Looked more redder than ever. 

Too red for Chat’s liking. He swallowed thickly. Even for someone as insane as Henry LaBove, akumatized or not, even he wouldn’t…right…?

“Well, well, well. You must be one half of Paris’s beloved superhero duo,” Joker Henry clicked his tongue, and dear god, even his voice sounded more degraded than ever. It was probably enough even to make the real Joker pause for a moment. “Chat Noir, was it?”

Adrien didn’t answer. Even if he wasn’t talking to an akumatized villain that was the most insane out of all the ones he faced with Ladybug, his cat ears were a strong giveaway.

“I expected Ladybug to be with you,” Joker Henry continued, stepping forward, and Chat Noir quickly scrambled to the safety of the roof of the car he had just been resting on. “Word has it, you and her are just as attached to each other as Marinette and Agreste Jr. are.”

“But I suppose that doesn’t matter. What I find ridiculous is that Agreste Jr. couldn’t bring himself to fight me so he sent you instead. And while I did also want to meet the lovely Ladybug, a man-to-man chat would work as well,” Henry continued, his red lips stretching wider into a manic smile the more he did so.

Chat Noir knew if this kept up, Marinette would be even in more danger than she already was. Without Joker Henry noticing, Chat carefully slid his hand behind his back and extended his baton, swinging it with all his might.

He stopped walking, lips twitching, eyes glinting like shards of broken glass.

The night air was heavy, charged with silence. Somewhere, a streetlamp flickered and died.

Chat could feel Tikki trembling in his hair, but he didn’t move.

His muscles were taut, ready.

Every breath he took came out in slow, deliberate growls.

Henry smiled wider. 

“Now then, kitty cat…” he whispered, voice low and venomous. “Why don’t we talk about Marinette?”

And in that instant, the air between them snapped like a wire pulled too tight.

Chat saw red the moment he heard Marinette’s name come out of his mouth. Reaching behind him without making too much noticeable movement, Chat unleashed his staff…and used it hit a nearby lightbulb powering a lamppost, shattering the glass. Joker Henry narrowly managed to avoid getting hit by the glass, only to have his chin pressed menacingly underneath the metal of Chat’s staff.

“I’ve had enough of you,” Chat Noir exclaimed in a hiss, his cat ears pinned back like how a real cat would have their ears pinned back when they were really mad and his tail swished from side to side both urgently and aggressively. “Even if my partner isn’t here, I don’t want to even hear her name out of your mouth. I’ve been told plenty about you, Henry LaBove, and not even one word highlights you in a good way!”

“Henry? I’m nothing like that loser. You can call me…the Boyfriend Lover!” He spread his arms out dramatically, only to his chin pressed hard under the staff again. 

“Also with that ridiculous name you and Hawk Moth came up with!” Chat snapped. “But we’re not going to talk about that. I’m here for something far more important. Where in the world did you put Marinette Dupain-Cheng?!”

“Another one after that little baker princess. My, my, she’s more popular than I thought. First Agreste Jr., now you. She attracts plenty of pretty company.”

“I’m not going to ask again. Where did you stash her?” Chat demanded. 

 Henry only chuckled, a sound that twisted up his throat until it didn’t sound human anymore. “Oh, kitty…” he said in a sing-song whisper. “Why spoil the fun? She’s safe… for now.”

Chat’s grip on his staff tightened. 

“You have three seconds to tell me before I—”

“Before you what?” Henry interrupted, eyes gleaming. “Scratch me? Pounce on me? You’re all bark, Chat Noir. Face it—you’re just another desperate boy chasing after the same girl.”

That was the wrong thing to say.

Chat’s staff slammed against the ground beside Henry’s head, cracking the concrete with the sheer force. Henry didn’t even flinch—he just grinned wider, delighting in the fury he’d provoked.

“Enough!” Chat roared, the night air vibrating with the sound. “You don’t get to say her name. You don’t get to talk about her. And if you’ve hurt her in any way…” He raised his staff again, eyes glowing faintly in the dark, “I swear by the Miraculous of Destruction itself, you’ll wish you’d never been akumatized.”

Henry chuckled lowly, his voice slipping back into that eerie Joker-like cadence. 

“Now that’s more like it. I was beginning to think you didn’t have any claws at all.”

The two stood frozen—predator and madman—locked in the quiet hum of a Paris night that suddenly felt too small for both of them.

Above, the last fragments of broken glass from the lamppost glimmered faintly, scattering bits of reflected moonlight across their faces.

“Well, I’ve been nice enough already,” Joker Henry suddenly stated. “But now? Honestly, Agreste Jr should be glad he hadn’t left the house yet.” 

Chat honestly got confused for a moment. What did he mean by that?

But he saw it. Joker Henry suddenly stopped smiling. He opened his mouth and…

“HOLY SH--” Chat exclaimed before he stopped himself at the last second for cursing.

Chat stumbled back, gripping his staff tighter, his instincts screaming danger. Whatever Hawk Moth had done to Henry… it wasn’t normal. And if this was what Hawk Moth’s “new power” looked like—Paris was in more trouble than he’d imagined.

Chat could almost hear Ladybug’s voice. 

Chat? She would say and he would respond with yes m’lady? 

Run. 

 He didn’t hesitate. When Ladybug, brave as she was, wanted to grab him and run, it wasn’t just because of an akuma gone wild. It was deadly serious. 

-

 Chat didn’t stop leaping over rooftops until he was sure he knew Joker Henry (he refused to call him Boyfriend Lover because it was disgusting,) until he found a chimney to hide behind and catch his breath. 

He panted heavily, sliding down with his back to the brick, and Tikki flew out of his hair to check on him. 

“Tikki… What the heck was that?!” He exclaimed as he held out a gloved palm to allow her to settle in it. 

“I’m as clueless and scared as you!” Tikki replied, grabbing onto his thumb for comfort. “Nooroo’s butterflies can only do so much, but I suppose because your classmate has been akumatized for a while now, the akuma corrupted him even without Hawk Moth’s powers ambling them…”

“The problem is…that creepy clown classmate of ours was already corrupted even without a butterfly powering evil,” Chat added, gently cradling Tikki to his chest. “I think that only made things worse.”

Tikki nodded in agreement. 

“I hate to go back, but we need to find Marinette, now,” she warned. “If Henry goes back to her with that kind of look… she won’t be able to hang on any longer.”

Chat agreed without a second thought. He tucked Tikki back into his hair again, extended his staff, and launched himself into the air once more, the night wind whipping past him as he vanished into the Paris skyline—one determined shadow chasing another.

-

Back in the dingy apartment, the air was heavy and stale, pressing down on Marinette like an invisible weight. The only light came from the faint flicker of a single bulb dangling from the ceiling, its glow barely cutting through the gloom. The walls—stained, cracked, and closing in—felt like they were breathing with her, mocking her every exhale.

She sat on the edge of the thin mattress, knees drawn close to her chest, fingers twisting Adrien’s bracelet around her wrist. Her eyes were tired—red from crying, dry from fear. It was getting harder to tell how long she’d been here. Hours? Days? The clock had stopped ticking long ago, or maybe time itself had simply stopped caring about her.

Her stomach growled faintly, but she ignored it. Whatever Henry had left her to eat was untouched on the table; even the smell of it made her ill. She couldn’t eat. Couldn’t sleep. All she could do was hope—fragile, shrinking hope—that somehow, somehow, Chat Noir would find her.

But even that spark was fading.

“Maybe… he won’t find me,” she whispered to herself, her voice cracking on the last word. “Maybe this time… he can’t.”

The silence that followed was unbearable. Then, somewhere above her, something thudded.

Marinette froze.

The sound came again—heavy, rhythmic, like footsteps on the ceiling. She held her breath, staring up, her heart thumping in her chest loud enough to drown out everything else.

Was it real? Or another one of Henry’s mind games?

The footsteps grew louder, closer. Dust trickled down from the ceiling. For one trembling moment, she dared to hope. Her voice was barely more than a whisper, raw and trembling as it escaped her lips.

“…Adrien?” she called, her throat tight. Then, more desperate—“Chat Noir…?”

No answer. The small amount of hope of one of the two most important boys in Marinette’s life being there quickly dropped to zero.

Just the creak of the old floorboards above her, and the steady thump, thump, thump echoing in her skull.

Her pulse raced. Her mind clung to that tiny spark of optimism, begging for it to be one of them—for it to be safety. She stood, taking one shaky step toward the door, her bare feet brushing against the cold, cracked tiles.

Then the sound stopped.

The silence that followed was deafening.

The doorknob rattled once. Slowly.

Marinette’s breath hitched. The room felt suddenly smaller, the air heavier.

And then—creak.

The door opened.

It was not Adrien.

It was not Chat Noir.

The figure that stepped inside smiled too wide, his painted face half-lit by the flickering bulb.

“Miss me, princess?” Joker Henry purred, and the last flicker of hope in Marinette’s chest began to dim, and fear overtook it.

“H-H-H-Henry,” Marinette’s trembling started before she could feel it herself. “What…what happened to you?” 

“You could say…” Joker Henry licked his red lips. His way-too- dark red lips. “I’ve been nice enough already. Now…it’s time to play for real.”

Then he lunged, opening his mouth, and not only did a ridiculous amount of drool come out, but his “teeth” were like iron from that one creepy clown movie that gave Marinette nightmares for at least two whole months. 

 Marinette screamed and barely managed to dodge, Henry’s teeth breaking apart the nearby table, the plates’ glass shattering on the ground and food spilling everywhere on the dirty floor. 

Marinette stumbled backward, dodging left and right as Henry lunged again and again, his laughter echoing through the room. Every time she tried to run, his hand slammed down in front of her, forcing her to dart another way. The cramped apartment felt like a cage—no escape, no help, just his shadow swallowing her whole.

Her legs ached, her breath came in ragged gasps, and the pounding in her chest drowned out every thought. Then Henry cornered her—trapping her between the cracked wall and a broken cabinet. His grin stretched unnaturally wide, his iron teeth gleaming inches from her throat.

“Got you now, princess,” he hissed, reaching out, fingers curling like claws.

Marinette pressed back as far as she could, her whole body shaking. The words ripped from her before she could think, raw and terrified.

“CHAT NOIR!”

The scream echoed throughout the tiny apartment, and for a split second, only silence occurred. Even without opening her eyes, Marinette could hear Joker Henry’s mocking chuckle and the drip drip drip of his drool, probably rusting his iron teeth but making it all the better for him.

Then the silence ended with a battle cry. 

More like a cat-yowl.

Marinette felt a gust of movement landing next to her, and she felt the strong but soft brush against her cheek. Instantly she relaxed. Even before opening her eyes, she felt it; leather, warmth and safety. 

When she finally dared to open her eyes, she felt the brush of a leather cat-like belt tail brushing against her legs until it landed on one of her calves, curling the tail around it like a shield. 

And in front of her, soft blonde hair glowed under the flickering light. 

Chat Noir had arrived. Just in time, like Marinette knew he would.

“Chat Noir!” Marinette breathed in happiness, wrapping her arms around him from her hiding spot behind him. 

“I’m here, princess,” Chat briefly softened as he laid a leather hand on her arm, brushing against her bare skin, mindful of the claw tips like usual. 

He then looked up at Joker Henry with a narrowed, hard gaze, who was still watching them reunite with twisted amusement. 

“And I’m never letting you go again.”

His voice was low, certain, and serious. Much more serious than Marinette had ever heard from him, even as Ladybug, despite knowing when it came to protecting innocents, Chat was just as serious as her when it came to that.

Chapter Text

“Well, well, well. If this isn’t such a touching reunion,” Joker Henry clicked his teeth together as he watched Marinette and Chat Noir reunite.

He tilted his head, the cracked makeup around his mouth stretching with his grin. The flickering light made his eyes gleam, yellowed and feverish. 

“You two look adorable together. Really, you do. I almost hate to ruin it…”

Chat stepped forward, his body shielding Marinette completely. His tail stayed coiled protectively around her leg, tightening slightly whenever she shifted. The low growl in his throat vibrated in the still air.

“I’ve had enough of you torturing this innocent girl,” he seethed. “You ripped her away from her family, her friends; all for what?! Because you couldn’t accept she loves another? I knew you were sick thanks to some reliable sources, but I could never have guessed that you were this psychopathic!" 

Henry chuckled—a sound that slithered into the air, sharp and ugly. 

“Love, huh?” He ran his tongue over his iron teeth, the movement grotesque and deliberate. “You think this is about love, kitty cat? No, no, no… this is about justice. About what I deserve.”

“Like someone like you would know anything about justice!” Chat roared, slamming his staff onto the ground, creating a crack. “If you weren’t akumatized, you’d be arrested, Joker-wannabe. But you still’d be either way. Even without your ridiculous outfit, it doesn’t excuse what you did to Marinette in the past.”

Chat’s final words still hung in the air, heavy and electric, the ground beneath his staff split and smoking faintly from the force of his strike. His chest heaved, each breath sharp and furious. Marinette could feel the tension radiating off him—his muscles coiled tight, every fiber of him burning with protective rage.

For a moment, Joker Henry didn’t move. His head tilted slightly, eyes flickering over the two of them as if piecing together a puzzle he hadn’t noticed before. Then, slowly, that wide grin returned—cruel, deliberate, knowing.

“Oh…” he murmured, straightening with a low, mocking laugh. “Now this is interesting.”

Chat’s grip on his staff tightened, his body shifting just enough to block more of Marinette from view. 

“Don’t,” he warned, his voice low and edged with danger.

But Henry ignored him. His gaze slid to Marinette, lingering on the way she trembled behind her partner’s arm. He took one slow, taunting step closer, his iron teeth glinting in the half-light.

“Poor Marinette Dupain-Cheng,” he crooned. “You really do have a type, don’t you?”

“What…?” Marinette dared to breathe, slipping her fingers tightly into Chat’s with a death grip. The action did not go unnoticed.

“I see your type, princess,” Joker Henry stated, ignoring Marinette’s flinching of the nickname. “Blonde hair, green eyes. The ones with more than golden boy smiles. The two of them would be willing to jump into a volcano just to see you smile.”

Marinette’s breath caught as he got too close, his words slicing through the air like a knife. 

“I’m right, aren’t I?” Henry whispered mockingly, leaning in so close she could smell the metallic tang of his breath. “Do you like collecting them? The perfect ones? The golden boys?”

Marinette’s throat went dry, her heart pounding so fast it hurt. 

“S-stop,” she managed to whisper, her voice shaking.

That single word broke something in Chat.

In a blur, his arm shot out, pulling Marinette tight against him, his body curling protectively around hers. The pressure of his arm was so firm she could barely breathe, but she didn’t dare complain—because she could feel the growl rumbling from deep in his chest.

“I said—enough!” Chat roared, his voice vibrating with fury. His claws flared, the metal tips gleaming dangerously in the dim light. “You don’t get to talk to her. You don’t even get to look at her.”

Henry only grinned wider, clearly delighted that he’d struck a nerve. 

“Hit a little close to home, did I?”

Chat didn’t answer with words this time. His staff came up in one fluid motion, the silver tip stopping just short of Henry’s throat, trembling with restrained violence.

“Say one more word,” Chat growled, his voice low, shaking with the effort to control himself, “and I swear, not even Hawk Moth will be able to piece you back together.”

For once, Henry’s smile faltered—but only for a heartbeat—before he tilted his head again, eyes flicking from Chat to Marinette and back. 

“Protective, devoted, furious…” He chuckled softly, retreating half a step. “Yes, definitely her type.”

Marinette pressed closer to Chat, feeling his arm tighten again—steady, warm, trembling. She could feel how close he was to losing control, and it scared her more than Henry’s words ever could.

She was right to worry…because Henry suddenly let out a hiss, iron teeth gleaming brightly even in the dimness of the apartment. 

“Chat…?” She dared to whisper. 

Chat didn’t answer. He only tightened his arm around her. 

Then all of a sudden, Joker Henry lunged.

Marinette couldn’t help the horrified scream rip out of her throat and Chat only snapped out of it as he gently but urgently shoved her to hide behind the broken cabinet. 

The sound of metal crashing against metal was the only sound that echoed throughout the small apartment. 

Marinette dared to peek around the broken cabinet, and saw shards of iron teeth at Chat’s feet. He must’ve used his staff to smash Henry’s iron teeth with it. 

Her partner himself was panting heavily. His staff in his hand was trembling, and not just from adrenaline. 

Henry was a safe distance away, knocked out on the floor. 

Marinette lightly tugged on Chat’s tail to alert him. He softened at the sight of her, silently asking her if she was okay with his eyes. She nodded and he beckoned her that it was safe for now that she could come out from behind the cabinet. 

  She went to his side and he wrapped an arm around her shoulders again. 

Henry was still a safe distance away, out cold, it seemed like. Using his staff, Chat extended it just enough to gently tap his leg. 

“Is he dead?” Although it probably wasn’t the right time for a little humor, Marinette couldn’t help but say so. Chat couldn’t blame her for that, she needed it after being in Joker Henry’s clutches for so long. 

“I don’t think so,” Chat replied. “Just knocked out cold, that’s all.” 

He turned to her.

“He won’t be like this forever. Do you remember where his akumatized object is, princess?” 

“It was a necklace when I first saw it, but I don’t think he really has anything on him that resembles one. Maybe his tie?” Marinette suggested. 

“Good eye. You stay here. I’ll grab it.”

Chat crouched down, every muscle tense, his staff ready in his other hand. Henry’s stillness was unnerving, but he couldn’t risk waiting for him to wake. He leaned forward, carefully reaching for the villain’s tie—the glossy purple fabric torn and stained, yet still pulsing faintly with dark energy.

Just as his fingers brushed the edge of it, a hand shot up and clamped around his wrist.

The grip was vice-tight, cold and sudden.

Chat’s eyes widened.

Henry’s head snapped up, that awful grin stretching wider than before, one of his iron teeth glinting under the flickering light. His voice came out low, raspy, and mocking.

“Like it would be that easy, kitty…”

Chat barely had time to twist his arm before Henry’s other hand reached up, claws curling toward his throat, laughter bubbling up again—low, cruel, and unhinged.

Henry opened his mouth, and at once, new iron teeth, sharper than the first time, grew.

“What the f--!” Chat almost cursed again as he barely managed to wiggle himself out. “His teeth can continue growing?!” He exclaimed in fury, frustration, and a bit of fear. 

“You got that right, kitten,” Joker Henry grinned cruelly. “And while you may shatter them every time, a new set grows…the next one will be sharper than the last.” He leaned forward, that eerie grin widening until it looked almost painful.

Henry lunged again—faster, heavier, more vicious than before. His laughter cracked through the air like glass shattering, his sharpened teeth flashing with every movement. The floorboards groaned under his steps as he swung at Chat with wild, brutal strength.

Chat barely had time to react. He blocked the first strike with his staff, the metal clanging painfully in his ears. He twisted and countered with a kick, landing a solid hit to Henry’s ribs, but it barely slowed him down.

Marinette’s breath caught as she crouched behind the shattered cabinet. She could see everything—the blur of movement, the sparks from each collision of staff and teeth. Her partner was holding his ground like the hero he always was, but even from here, she could see it.

His shoulders shook with every breath. His arms trembled as he swung. His movements, once fluid and precise, were now heavy and sluggish.

He’s getting exhausted, Marinette realized, her chest tightening painfully. He probably spent all night looking for me, maybe even longer, without much rest. 

In an unconscious motion, Marinette touched the tips of her ears, only to realize she didn’t have her earrings on at the moment. 

That’s right. She had given her earrings to Adrien before she got ripped away from him by Joker Henry. A million questions played in her head, as it seemed that Chat had been searching for her all by himself. 

Did Adrien manage to track down Chat and hand him her earrings for safe-keeping? Was Tikki okay? Was she still safe with Adrien? Had Tikki herself left Adrien or Chat to search for her by herself? 

 Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard a pained yell from Chat, and Marinette looked up just in time to see Chat slamming into the wall right next to her, creating a huge crack. 

“Chat!” Marinette cried, rushing to his side. She didn’t care if Henry had gotten more dangerous; Ladybug or not, Chat still needed her.

“Princess,” Chat wheezed, his chest rising and falling rapidly, showing his growing exhaustion. “What are you doing? It’s not safe right now, go hide behind the cabinet.”

“And you?” Marinette protested. “Chat, you’re shaking. Have you spent all night looking for me?”

“I’d have to either way. No offense, but you wouldn’t be able to last a week with a guy as psychopathic as him,” Chat stated, his voice ending with a croak.

“That’s not funny, Chat,” Marinette gently scolded as she brushed some dust off his suit.

Their light banter caused them to get distracted, and Henry took that opportunity. 

 “Touching,” Joker Henry rasped, his voice dripping with venom. “Really touching.”

Marinette’s blood ran cold as his form straightened in the flickering light—his smile wider, teeth sharper, eyes gleaming with malice.

Chat’s head snapped toward the sound, his muscles tensing immediately. “Marinette—”

But it was too late.

Henry lunged.

Chat Noir barely managed to push Marinette away before Henry got him pinned.

They hit the ground hard. Chat grunted as his back collided with the cracked floor, the air knocked out of his lungs. His staff skittered away, clattering across the room, out of reach.

Henry wasted no time. With a growl that was more animal than human, he grabbed Chat’s arms and wrenched them behind his back, forcing him down. Pain shot through Chat’s shoulders, but he still struggled, twisting and kicking with everything he had left.

“Let—go—of—me!” he snarled, trying to buck him off.

Henry laughed—a horrible, rasping sound. 

“What’s wrong, kitty? Running out of lives?” he taunted.

Chat’s tail lashed wildly as he managed to twist, rolling his weight enough to throw Henry off balance. They flipped, and for a brief moment, Chat was on top—his claws digging into Henry’s jacket, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

But Henry was relentless. With a snarl, he brought his knee up, slamming it into Chat’s stomach. The hit forced another cry out of him, and the upper hand shifted again. Henry pinned him once more, pressing down with surprising strength for someone who was supposed to be human.

From behind the shattered cabinet, Marinette watched in horror. The fight was brutal—each boy gaining the advantage only to lose it seconds later. Henry’s wild strength met Chat’s trained precision, and neither was willing to yield.

Every thud, every gasp, every scrape of boots against the floor echoed like thunder in the small apartment.

Marinette’s hands trembled as she clutched the edge of the cabinet. He can’t keep this up, she thought, panic rising in her chest. He’s too tired. He’s going to—

A sudden crash cut through her thoughts—Chat’s back hitting the floor again, his head snapping against the tile with a dull thud. Henry loomed above him, grinning wickedly, iron teeth gleaming as he pressed his hand against Chat’s chest.

“Game over, kitty,” he hissed.

But even pinned, even shaking from exhaustion, Chat’s eyes burned bright with defiance. 

“Not… yet.”

Desperate, Chat gritted his teeth and focused on his one remaining advantage—his ring.

“Cataclysm,” he gasped, his voice hoarse but steady. His clawed fingers began to glow with that familiar, dangerous black energy, shadows licking up his arm.

But his exhaustion made him sluggish—too slow, so he couldn’t call out his special power fast enough.

Henry noticed the sudden flicker of light and followed the movement, his grin spreading like wildfire. 

“Oh no, no, no, kitty,” he hissed.

Before Chat could bring his hand up, Henry snatched his wrist, twisting it cruelly until Chat cried out. With his other hand, Henry pried at the ring, the black magic sputtering uselessly against his grip.

“Stop—don’t—!” Chat struggled, his voice cracking with panic. But Henry was stronger now, driven by madness and adrenaline. He yanked hard, and with a sharp metallic click, the ring slid free.

“NO!” Chat’s cry echoed through the apartment as his transformation shattered in a burst of green light. The sound of breaking glass filled the air, and then—silence.

When the green light faded, the boy behind the mask revealed to  be none other than…

Adrien Agreste.

Marinette gasped and clapped both hands to her mouth. The two most important boys in her life… were one in the same!

Joker Henry on the other hand… he went eerily silent for a minute. He blinked rapidly, like he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. 

Then, his grotesque lips twitched. He ducked his head down, beginning to laugh. It was soft at first, until it turned loud, glass breaking sound-like.

  Now that he wasn’t transformed, Adrien felt terribly exposed. He backed up until he bumped into Marinette’s soft form. He looked down at her, taking in her wide worried bluebell eyes and at once tucked her arm under his own. 

-

Joker Henry was eating this up, and they all knew it. 

But that wasn’t what completely worried Marinette.

It was Adrien.

He was trembling hard in a way Marinette never felt before. But she could tell it wasn’t from fear. 

It was exhaustion. 

As Chat Noir, he must’ve not even tried to get an hour of sleep just to look for her. But his body control was fading…

It felt like Adrien didn’t sleep for days instead. His eyes were rimmed red, lashes clumped from sweat and strain, shadows carved beneath them so dark they looked bruised. Every inhale came sharp and shallow, like even breathing hurt.

And yet, he still refused to let her go.

Marinette’s back was pressed against Adrien’s chest.

Not only was he holding her to protect her, he was trying to keep her warm, as Marinette was still only wearing her pajamas from the day Henry broke into her room and abducted her. 

His chin brushed the top of her head as he leaned over her slightly—shielding her, even now, even like this.

She had never been held so tightly.

 Or so carefully, even with her own parents’ gentle hugs.

The air inside the dingy apartment went completely still.

No laughter.
 

No breathing.

 No movement.

Just a suffocating, unnatural silence that pressed in from every side.

It lasted only a heartbeat.

Then Joker Henry snapped.

His laughter exploded out of him—loud, broken, unhinged—bouncing violently off the cracked walls. It wasn’t amusement anymore. It was hysteria. His shoulders shook as he threw his head back, iron teeth flashing as his laughter warped into something almost animal.

“Oh—oh this is perfect,” he wheezed between breaths, clutching his stomach as if the revelation was simply too delicious to bear. “Absolutely perfect.”

Adrien’s instincts screamed.

He backed up immediately, gripping Marinette’s arm and pulling her with him. They barely made it two steps before her back hit the wall with a dull thud—and Adrien instinctively turned, pressing himself in front of her so fast it knocked the breath from her lungs.

His back squished her against the cold wall, not painfully, but firmly—protectively. One arm braced beside her head, the other locking around her waist like a steel bar, anchoring her there.

“Stay behind me,” Adrien whispered hoarsely, his breath warm against her hair. It wasn’t a request.

Henry’s laughter died abruptly.

His head snapped forward, eyes wild, pupils blown wide as he stared at them. Really stared. His grin stretched too far, splitting his face into something grotesque and feverish.

“So that’s it,” he hissed. “The golden boy and the black cat.” His gaze flicked down Marinette, then back up to Adrien. “All this time… you were hiding right in front of me.”

Adrien swallowed hard. His body screamed at him to sit down, to rest, to give up—but he didn’t budge an inch. His legs trembled violently now, barely holding his weight, but he widened his stance anyway, shielding Marinette completely.

Henry took a slow step forward.

Then another.

“You know what I love most?” Henry crooned, voice climbing into something manic. “Not the chase. Not the teeth. Not even breaking you.” His eyes gleamed as they locked onto Adrien’s shaking form. “It’s this.”

He gestured vaguely between them.

“Watching heroes realize they’re human.”

Henry lunged again—reckless, fast, fueled by madness.

Adrien reacted on instinct alone. He twisted, barely dodging the first swipe, but the effort sent a sharp bolt of pain through his legs. His knees buckled slightly before he forced himself upright again, teeth clenched so hard his jaw ached.

Marinette felt it.

Felt the way his body shuddered, the way his breathing turned erratic. She pressed her hands into his back, small but desperate, as if she could somehow hold him up.

“Adrien,” she whispered.

He didn’t answer—but he leaned back just enough to keep her pinned safely behind him.

Henry laughed again, delighted. 

“Oh, don’t tell me you’re tired already.” He sniffed theatrically. “What is it? No magic ring? No super strength? Just a boy who hasn’t slept in days?”

Adrien’s vision blurred at the edges. He forced it back into focus, eyes locked on Henry, refusing to give him the satisfaction.

“Doesn’t matter,” he rasped. “You’re not touching her.”

Henry’s grin sharpened. 

“Still protecting her,” he mused. “Even like this.”

He tilted his head.

“How sweet.”

Marinette’s heart hammered painfully as she felt Adrien shift again, subtly adjusting his weight so more of it pressed against the wall—taking the strain off her legs, making sure she stayed upright.

Even now.

Even breaking.

He was still thinking about her first.

And that terrified her more than Henry ever could.

Chapter Text

Adrien’s exhaustion was impossible to ignore now. His legs wobbled dangerously, his breath coming in ragged gasps as the fight drained the last of his strength. Yet, even as his knees buckled beneath him and he fell forward, he didn’t let go—didn’t loosen his hold.

Instead, he lowered himself gently onto the floor, carefully tucking Marinette protectively beneath him. His arms wrapped around her like a shield, his body curling around hers as if he could somehow guard her even in his weakest moments.

“Adrien, stop,” Marinette whispered urgently, voice trembling with worry as she looked up into his weary, bloodshot eyes. “You need to rest.”

But even in that soft plea, she could feel the fierce determination still burning behind his gaze—the fierce promise that no matter what, he would never let anything happen to her.

Her heart ached with both love and fear.

“I can’t,” Adrien rasped out, his voice hoarse. “I need to keep you safe first.”

Marinette rapidly shook her head. 

“He hasn’t harmed me physically yet. But you could be if you keep this up!” She warned. 

“See? The keyword is yet. He may haven’t physically touched you yet, Marinette, but he will pounce, I just know it!” Adrien argued.

Marinette met his gaze, her own resolve hardening. 

“And you won’t be able to protect either of us if you don’t rest,” she shot back, voice firm but full of concern. “You’re running on empty, Adrien. Please—just give yourself a moment.”

For a long beat, they held each other’s eyes, tension crackling between them. Both knowing the stakes, both unwilling to back down—because neither wanted to lose the other now.

“ENOUGH!!”

The shout tore through the apartment like a whip crack. Both Marinette and Adrien flinched violently, their bodies instinctively shrinking closer together.

Marinette pressed her face deep into Adrien’s neck, seeking refuge in the warmth and steady beat of his heart. Adrien, in turn, buried his face into her hair, as if trying to shield himself from the madness swirling around them.

Joker Henry’s voice cut through the fragile silence, laced with venom and finality. He had reached his breaking point—and it was terrifyingly clear he wasn’t done yet.

“I’ve had enough of you two,” Henry hissed, closing the distance until his breath was hot against their skin.

The slow, sickening drip… drip… drip of drool echoed in the heavy silence, each drop falling like a countdown to something worse.

When they finally dared to look up, the twisted grin was gone.

In its place was something far colder—eyes dark and hollow, lips pulled tight in a cruel, merciless snarl.

Henry was no longer playing.

Henry’s scream tore through the room—raw, feral, and filled with pure rage. His fingers elongated into sharp, claw-like talons that whipped through the air just inches from their shoulders, casting long, sinister shadows across the walls.

Marinette could almost feel the cold menace of those claws slicing through the air, so close it sent a shiver down her spine.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Adrien yanked Marinette back into his lap, pulling her tight against him. His arms wrapped firmly around her head and shoulders, shielding her trembling form as if trying to block out the horror she didn’t need to witness.

“You. Adrien Agreste.” Henry hissed. 

Adrien’s face snapped up. Though his face showed his exhaustion, he still showed the strength to glare at him. 

“I must admit, I thought you were pretty interesting at first. For a pretty boy,” he stated. 

“But now,” he snapped his claws. “I think you’re pathetic.”

“I’m pathetic?!” Adrien snapped back, fire cutting through the hoarseness of his voice.

His jaw clenched hard as his hand tightened—gently, deliberately—in Marinette’s hair, a grounding touch meant to reassure her even as his anger flared. He lifted his head fully now, exhaustion still weighing him down but no longer silencing him.

“Was I the one who claimed to love a girl,” he continued, each word sharp and deliberate, “only to treat her like an object?”

Henry stiffened.

Adrien didn’t stop.

“Was I the one who, when she rejected me—when she escaped every disgusting attempt to control her—decided the answer was to rip her away from everyone she loves?” His voice shook, not with fear, but with barely restrained fury. “To lock her in this dingy little apartment like she’s something you own?”

He let out a harsh, bitter laugh. 

“Go on. Describe that to me. Because wow—” Adrien’s green eyes burned as they locked onto Henry’s. “That really sounds like love, doesn’t it?”

Marinette felt his chest rise sharply beneath her cheek, the words vibrating through him. Even broken, even exhausted, Adrien stood firm—using the last of his strength not to fight, but to protect.

Henry froze.

For a split second, something ugly and raw flickered across his face—rage colliding with humiliation, obsession twisting into something feral. His claws twitched, scraping faintly against the wall as his breathing grew uneven.

“You don’t know anything about love,” Henry snarled at last, spittle flying as his voice cracked. “You don’t deserve to say that word.”

Adrien laughed—a short, humorless sound that burned his throat. “Funny,” he rasped. “Marinette didn’t deserve any of this either. But you didn’t care about that, did you?”

Henry’s scream tore out of him again, louder than before. He lashed out blindly, claws carving deep gouges into the plaster inches from Adrien’s head. Marinette whimpered, instinctively curling tighter against Adrien’s chest.

Adrien felt it. The tremor in her body. The way she flinched.

His arms tightened around her immediately, his body angling to take the brunt of anything Henry threw at them.

“Don’t look,” he murmured into her hair, voice shaking but steady enough to ground her. “I’ve got you.”

Henry noticed. Of course he did.

“Ohhh,” he crooned darkly, pacing in a tight circle around them. “Still playing the hero. Still pretending you can protect her.” His eyes dragged over Adrien’s slumped posture, his shaking arms, the way he struggled just to stay upright. “Look at you. You can barely hold yourself together.”

Adrien forced himself to lift his head again, even as black spots crept at the edges of his vision. 

“Doesn’t matter,” he said. “I’m still here.”

Henry stopped directly in front of them.

“Barely,” he hissed.

He crouched down suddenly, bringing himself eye level with Adrien. Too close. Far too close. Marinette could smell the metallic tang on his breath again, feel his presence pressing in like a suffocating fog.

“You know what makes this perfect?” Henry whispered. “I didn’t even have to break you.”

Adrien’s breath stuttered, but his glare never wavered.

“You did it to yourself,” Henry continued, eyes gleaming. “You ran yourself into the ground for her. No sleep. No food. No limits.” He chuckled softly. “All I had to do was wait.”

Marinette’s heart clenched painfully. She twisted in Adrien’s arms just enough to look up at him.

“Adrien…” she whispered.

He looked down at her immediately. Always her first. His expression softened despite everything, his thumb brushing her hair back with trembling fingers.

“I’m okay,” he lied quietly.

Henry’s smile vanished.

“Stop looking at her like that,” he snapped, suddenly furious. “She’s mine.”

Adrien’s response was immediate and instinctive.

“She’s not.” 

The words came out rough, scraped raw from his chest. 

“She never was. And she never will be.”

Henry surged forward.

Adrien barely had time to react. He twisted, shielding Marinette again as Henry’s claws came down—scraping across Adrien’s shoulder instead of her. Pain exploded through him, a sharp cry tearing from his throat as he collapsed fully onto his side.

“ADRIEN!” Marinette screamed.

He groaned, muscles locking as he forced himself to roll back over her, one arm braced protectively above her head, the other clutching his injured shoulder. Blood seeped darkly through his shirt.

Henry loomed over them, breathing hard, eyes wild.

“See?” he snarled. “You can’t protect her.”

Adrien groaned again as he tried to sit upright, and although it was only his shoulder that was affected, he collapsed onto his good side.

“Adrien!” Marinette gasped again. “Oh no no no!”

She didn’t even get a second to tend to him as she heard yet another hiss and not only did Henry’s claws extend, his teeth did too.

Forget the Joker, this guy was enough to beat Pennywise for scary clown levels! 

Marinette never forgot the night she, Adrien, Alya and Nino had hosted a movie night at Adrien’s house. It was played by accident, and she remembered that both her and Adrien had dived under his bed, hiding under his blankets, shaking like crazy. Even when Alya and Nino quickly turned the movie off, it still took their best friends the rest of the night to coax them out. 

Even after months, Marinette still woke up sometimes with a cold sweat, fear that one of her loved ones would be ripped away from a creepy, man-eating clown and she’d literally fly downstairs to check on her parents. Whenever Tom and Sabine found their daughter shaken up, they understood what nightmare she had and let her sleep with them for the rest of the night.  

(Kind of embarrassing, Marinette thought, for a 14 year old to still sleep with her parents after a nightmare, but her parents always assured her that no matter how old she got, she would be their little girl, and in fact, she was being a sweet daughter checking on them, too, and that their little family slumber parties would be secret just for them.)

But unlike those times, it wasn’t exactly real life. 

This was now becoming real life for Marinette.

And now even worse, Adrien had gotten hurt trying to protect her. 

Marinette snapped out of it when she heard sharp little clicks, and saw that now that Adrien was fully down, Henry used the opportunity to tower over him. His shadow covered him fully, and his teeth seemed to aim at Adrien’s neck…

What was he posing as now?! A vampire?!

But Marinette didn’t give herself time to think about that. 

Instead, she just moved.

“NOOOO!” She screamed. 

She basically jumped up and landed on top of Adrien, careful of his bad shoulder, and shielded him with her much tinier body as much as she could. 

“Marinette, what are you doing?!” Adrien gasped out from beneath her, still softly able to  take her hand, even now. “Get away!”

“He was aiming for your neck, Adrien. What am I supposed to do? Let you get bitten like a vampire?!” Marinette hissed back. 

Adrien’s eyes widened, a mixture of pain and admiration flashing across them. Even in his weakened state, the spark of gratitude for her bravery shone through. Yet he struggled, trying to push her gently aside, worried about her safety as much as his own.

“Marinette, you could get hurt—he’s dangerous!” His voice cracked with the weight of exhaustion and concern.

“I don’t care,” Marinette slid her free hand down to cradle the back of his head. “If he wants to kill you, he’ll have to kill me too.”

She snapped her head back up at Joker Henry, whatever he wanted to call himself. 

“You hear me?” she snapped at him. “You’ve already threatened to kill Adrien once. Well, guess what? You really want to do so now? You’ll have to kill me too. If you really claim to love me, you’ll let him go, because I want him to get medical help.”

For a sick beat, Joker Henry’s eyes flickered with something dark—amusement? Fury? It was impossible to tell. His grin twisted into a snarl, revealing those terrifying, razor-sharp teeth once more. Slowly, deliberately, he crouched lower, his gaze locked on Marinette like a predator sizing up prey.

“You’re fearless,” he hissed, voice low and dangerous. “Or maybe just foolish. Do you really think a tiny girl like you can stop me? Protect your pretty little hero?”

Marinette’s heart hammered in her chest, but she didn’t back down. Her fingers squeezed Adrien’s shirt, drawing strength from the warmth beneath her palms.

“I’m not just any girl,” she said quietly but firmly. “And he’s not just any hero. He’s Adrien. My Adrien.”

Henry’s eyes narrowed. The air between them thickened, charged with tension and threat. For a heartbeat, Marinette thought he might lash out—then, unexpectedly, he laughed. A slow, chilling sound that echoed through the apartment like a warning.

“You’re both so fragile,” he sneered. “Running on empty, desperate, broken. You think you can win this? You’re clinging to each other like drowning people grasping at driftwood.”

Adrien stirred beneath her, a flicker of pain flashing across his face as he tried to sit up despite the injury. Marinette tightened her hold, whispering, “Don’t push yourself. Rest.”

Henry’s laughter faded into a low growl as he straightened, pacing just beyond their reach.

“But you’ve made this interesting,” he said, voice cold. “I almost admire your stubbornness. Almost.”

Marinette glanced down at Adrien, saw the exhaustion in his eyes, the faint sheen of sweat on his brow. She knew they couldn’t keep this up forever.

What else could they do? They were quickly running out of options to get out of here alive. Marinette didn’t have her earrings, (where had Tikki been this entire time?) and Adrien’s ring was carelessly tossed to the side. 

Speaking of Adrien’s ring…

A sudden glint caught Marinette’s eyes. 

Adrien’s ring was right there. 

In the corner that even Joker Henry seemingly didn’t notice yet.

Marinette swallowed, if she could just get the ring, slip it on Adrien’s finger, let him transform to at least ease his injury, and get the heck out of here, it would be perfect. Then they could try to find Tikki.

Unfortunately, Marinette realized if she just leapt for the ring now, that would leave Adrien more vulnerable than he already was. Especially with his injury, he would need her more than ever.

Even more unfortunately, Joker Henry seemed to realize what Marinette was thinking and caught her looking at the direction where Adrien’s ring helplessly laid.

Since he was a closer distance, he snatched it up with a smearing grin. 

Both Marinette and Adrien gasped. The cat miraculous wasn’t just one of the most powerful magic jewels after the ladybug miraculous, it was one of the most dangerous ones, too, in the wrong hands.

“So… this little trinket was the one who gave Agreste Jr. his powers, huh?” Joker Henry twirled the ring around tauntingly in his fingers.

“Henry, don’t!” Adrien wheezed out, finally managing to get up despite the pain in his right shoulder. Marinette tried to protest by gently pressing him down again, but he resisted. “You don’t want to touch that ring. It’s not meant to be used for any reason you’re thinking.”

But Henry wasn’t listening. Or if he was, he simply didn’t care. 

He put it on, much to Adrien and Marinette’s horror. 

On cue, since someone had put on the ring, Plagg came out, and he began frantically flying out of the room, looking for Adrien.

“Adrien? ADRIEN!” He screamed. Then finally, once he calmed down, he saw Adrien still up.

His holder, his kitten, was still here, alive.

“Oh, Adrien!” Plagg nearly cried out in relief. He zoomed over to hug Adrien’s cheek. “I thought I lost you forever!”

“I’m glad to see you’re okay as well, Plagg, but this isn’t a happy reunion,” Adrien answered as he gently hugged his kwami back. 

“What, why--?” That’s when Plagg finally noticed Adrien’s injured shoulder. “KITTEN! What stupid thing did you do now to make yourself look like that?!”

“He tried to protect me as usual,” Marinette mumbled quietly behind Adrien’s good shoulder. “Stupid cat.”

“Stupid cat, indeed! Adrien Agreste, how many times have I told you as noble as protecting others are, almost dying is NOT part of one of the criteras…”

A sudden hiss, that wasn’t Plagg’s usual cat hisses echoed through the air, allowing the black cat kwami to finally realize the intense seriousness of the situation. 

Joker Henry growled, in a way that not only made all three of them uncomfortable, it also made them anxious. They could literally sense the attack coming in. 

“What. Is. That?” Joker Henry hissed, pointing out a sharp claw at Plagg. 

Adrien quickly snatched Plagg out of the air, clutching him to his chest protectively, while using his free hand to nudge Marinette to get further behind him. 

Marinette softly protested, she should be the one protecting him, especially with his injury, but Adrien only held firm and eventually pushed her back behind himself and kept pushing her into his back as she tried to slip past to stay by his side. 

“Adrien -” Marinette tried again.

“No, Marinette, get back,” Adrien insisted, his voice its usual soft tone but edged with a hint of firmness, showing that they were going to stop arguing on who was going to protect who.

“What is that little creature, Agreste Jr.?” Joker Henry hissed. “Show it to me.”

“No,” Adrien replied firmly, shielding Plagg with his hand. He stepped back, pulling Marinette even further behind him as he moved.

“SHOW IT TO ME!!” Henry roared, his hair spiking wildly, making him loom even larger.

Marinette gasped, and even Plagg, who typically claimed he wasn’t afraid of anything, squirmed tighter beneath Adrien’s hand.

But Adrien held firm, his voice steady. 

“No.”

“AAAAAARRRRRAAAGGGGHHH!”

The horrifying scream didn’t seem to just echo throughout the entire apartment, but perhaps the entire building. 

Marinette jumped, wrapping her arms around Adrien’s waist as if she could still shield him too in some way. Plagg squirmed from Adrien’s hands to hide in his jacket collar. 

Joker Henry stomped, creating cracks around the creaky floorboards. A small part of Adrien hoped that a board would crack, sending Joker Henry down so they could finally escape, but life didn’t work exactly like that.

He really got into Adrien’s face now.

His breath came out in ragged, wet gasps, the drool slipping from the corners of his mouth as he leaned in closer, his sharp teeth gleaming in the dim light. The sickening drip, drip of saliva hitting the floor echoed like a ticking clock, counting down to some terrible end.

“When I said you were pathetic before, Agreste Jr., I really meant it. But now? You’re even more wretched than I thought. You have anything; the looks, the love, even the girl.”

He looked past Adrien to see Marinette hiding her face in the back of his jacket. 

“And as if you weren’t famous enough already, you prance around Paris like a showoff wearing knock off leather and cat ears magically stuck to your head! Yet people still fawn over you! You didn’t even have to try to do anything, and you have people kissing your feet!” Henry continued to rage.

Adrien had to admit, his jaw dropped a little at Henry's rant. It wasn't the first time someone admitted to him that they were jealous of him due to certain reasons; his sunshine persona, his status as Gabriel Agreste's son, nor was it the first time his life was threatened. (Though his bodyguard always managed to block it away from him) 

But this... this was different.

For the first time, someone was using the people Adrien cared about to get to him. And that hit deeper than any insult or attack ever had.

“Let me get this straight,” Adrien’s adrenaline continued to pump, so he didn’t exactly feel the pain in his right shoulder anymore. “You’re basically saying, just because of your jealousy, you used Marinette to get to me?!”

A burst of cruel laughter tore from Henry’s throat—a warped, grating sound that seemed stitched together from every villain Marinette had ever heard in movies, TV shows, or even the real world (perhaps Hawk Moth). It echoed off the walls, too loud, too unhinged, sending chills down her spine.

Marinette’s fingers tightened in Adrien’s jacket as fear surged through her. She began tugging him backward, trying to pull him away before Henry could start again—before his taunting turned into something far worse.

Henry’s laughter didn’t stop. It only twisted, rising and falling in pitch until it scraped against Marinette’s nerves like broken glass. It wasn’t joy—it was triumph. The sound of someone who believed he’d finally said something that hurt.

“Oh, you’re finally catching on,” Henry crooned, dragging his claws lazily along the wall as he paced. Each scrape sent a shrill shiver through the air. “Took you long enough, pretty boy.”

Marinette pulled harder at Adrien’s jacket, her instincts screaming at her to get him away, to put distance between them and that manic grin. Adrien stumbled back half a step with her, but then he stopped. His body went rigid—not in fear, but in something far more dangerous.

Anger.

“So it was about me,” Adrien said, voice low and shaking—not weak, but tightly wound. “You never cared about Marinette at all.”

Henry snapped his head toward him, eyes gleaming. 

“Care?” he scoffed. “No, no. I wanted her. But you?” His smile sharpened. “You were the insult. The universe handing everything I deserved to someone who didn’t earn it.”

Marinette felt Adrien’s hand shift, subtly placing himself more in front of her again despite her grip on him. His injured shoulder trembled with the effort, but he didn’t pull away. He never did.

“You have no idea what it’s like,” Henry continued, voice rising as his control frayed. “Watching you smile on billboards. Watching people adore you. Watching her look at you like you’re safe. Like you’re good.”

He lunged a step closer, teeth flashing. 

“I wanted to take something from you. I wanted you to feel it.”

Marinette’s breath hitched. Her fingers clenched into Adrien’s jacket, knuckles white. She could feel his heart hammering beneath her cheek—fast, furious, refusing to back down.

“You didn’t take anything from me,” Adrien shot back. “You just proved how empty you are.”

For a split second, Henry went eerily still.

Then his face contorted, fury exploding outward. The floor cracked beneath his feet as he stomped forward again, eyes locked on Adrien with murderous intent.

Marinette yanked at Adrien desperately now. “Adrien, please—he’s losing it—”

“I know,” Adrien said quietly, without taking his eyes off Henry. His voice softened just enough for her to hear. “Stay behind me.”

Henry grinned again, wide and unhinged.
 

“Oh, this is perfect,” he breathed. “You still think you’re the hero.”

He raised his claws.

“And heroes,” he snarled, “are always so easy to break.”

Henry’s body continued to change, the transformation no longer subtle or half-hidden. More teeth pushed past his lips, jagged and uneven, stretching his grin into something grotesque. His claws lengthened further, curling and flexing as if eager to tear into flesh. Whatever scraps of humanity he’d been clinging to were gone now.

He grew—bone and muscle shifting with sickening cracks—until he towered over Adrien completely, several inches taller, his shadow swallowing them both in the dim apartment. The ceiling light flickered as if even it couldn’t stand to look at him.

“Adrien! Oh my god!” Marinette gasped, panic breaking through her voice as she dragged him back with all her strength.

Adrien staggered with her but didn’t let go. Instead, he wrapped his arm tightly around her shoulders, pulling her against his side, placing himself squarely between her and the monster Henry had become. His jaw clenched, breath coming faster now, but his stance stayed firm.

Plagg peeked out from Adrien’s collar just long enough to take in the scene—Henry’s towering form, the claws, the teeth—then let out a tiny, terrified squeak and immediately ducked back inside, pressing himself as deep into the jacket as possible, curling close to Adrien’s neck as much as he could.

Henry loomed over them, grinning wider than ever.

“Oh, don’t look so scared,” he rasped, voice distorted and inhuman. “This is what you turned me into.”

Marinette's whispered run was so soft that even next to her, even with his enhanced hearing Adrien didn't hear her at first. 

“What, princess?” Adrien looked down at her with wide eyes.

Marinette’s expression mirrored his fear, only sharper, more urgent. Her grip tightened painfully on his jacket.

“RUN ADRIEN!” She screamed in his ear.

Chapter Text

“RUN ADRIEN!” 

The moment she literally cried out those words, Adrien’s brain kicked into overdrive.

Thankfully, this whole time Henry had been circling them, he had edged them towards the door.

Adrien scooped Marinette up in his arm like the precious princess she was to him, and then adjusted his collar so Plagg could properly stay hidden and secure.

“Adrien!” Marinette gasped, her eyes flickering worriedly to his still injured shoulder.

“I’m fine! There’s more things we need to worry about than my shoulder!” He insisted. 

 Behind them, Henry let out a furious snarl.

“RUNNING?” he roared, claws gouging into the wall as he lunged forward. “You think you can run from me?!”

Adrien didn’t look back.

He bolted.

His foot slammed into the door, bursting it open as he surged into the hallway, sneakers pounding against the worn concrete floor. Marinette buried her face against his chest, gripping him tightly as the world blurred past—flickering lights, peeling wallpaper, the echo of Henry’s enraged screams bouncing off the walls behind them.

Adrien’s lungs burned almost immediately. His legs felt heavy, his vision swimming at the edges, but he forced himself to keep moving. Every step hurt. Every breath hurt.

But he ran anyway.

Because Marinette was in his arms.

Because if he stopped—even for a second—Henry would catch them.

And Adrien Agreste had already decided something deep in his bones:

He would collapse, he would bleed, he would break—

—but he would not let that monster lay a single claw on her again.

-

They burst through the apartment door, the heavy slam echoing sharply in the narrow, dimly lit hallway. Adrien’s breath came in ragged gasps, each step a battle against the growing ache in his injured shoulder and the fatigue that threatened to pull him under. Marinette clung tightly to him, her small frame pressed close, but her eyes were wide and alert, scanning their surroundings even as her body trembled against his.

As the door shut behind them, Adrien’s gaze finally drifted back to the apartment they had just escaped. The sight that met him stopped him cold—a chaotic scene of devastation. The walls were cracked and stained, plaster crumbling in chunks from the ceiling. The broken furniture lay scattered like discarded toys, the floor smeared with dust, dirt, and the unmistakable marks of a violent struggle. Shadows clung to every corner, making the space look even more abandoned and forlorn than it had felt during the fight.

It hit Adrien hard. Marinette wasn’t just in trouble—she had been taken far from home, trapped in a place so broken and isolated that it barely felt like part of the city at all. Even though they were still within Paris, this neighborhood was a world away from the familiar streets Adrien knew—the bright, bustling avenues, the cafés filled with laughter, the sunlit parks where he and Marinette had shared quiet moments.

He glanced down at Marinette, whose face was pale but determined, her usual sparkle dimmed by exhaustion and fear. Her pajamas, worn and stained, made her look even smaller, more vulnerable. The protective hold Adrien had around her tightened instinctively.

“We’re not in the city center anymore,” Adrien murmured, voice heavy with both concern and disbelief. “This… this isn’t the Paris we know.”

Marinette nodded silently, swallowing hard, the same realization hitting her hard. Even if he hadn’t turned into an akuma, or something else so twisted, Henry LaBove had a clever mind to stash her somewhere where help wouldn’t be able to come so easily. 

Behind them, the flicker of a distant streetlamp barely pierced the thick darkness outside the building. The cold night air whispered through the cracked window panes, a stark contrast to the suffocating atmosphere they had just fled.

Adrien took a deep breath, forcing his racing heart to steady. 

“We have to get you somewhere safe. Somewhere I can help you properly.” He stated reasonably, his cheek nuzzling against her hair.

“You need help, too,” Marinette murmured back. “You’ve been running ragged all night looking for me, and you need medical help. We’ve had to ignore your shoulder condition for too long now. We need to find a hospital, or at least somewhere that can medically help you.”

“I know. We’ll find them,” Adrien promised as he adjusted his grip around her and began carrying her along the streets. 

“Adrien, you can put me down now, I can walk by myself,” Marinette softly scolded. Especially when it could add more pressure to his right side.

“I don’t mind. I said I wasn’t letting you go again, and I meant it,” Adrien said, and he continued walking.

Marinette sighed in fond exasperation and rested her cheek against his good shoulder. Now that she fully knew Adrien was Chat, it just made his stubbornness a bit more alarming yet notable at the same time. 

-

After walking for about 20 minutes, (and an insistence from Marinette that she could walk by herself and Adrien finally agreeing but still made her hold onto his arm and not let go,) they found a clinic which still had their lights blinking brightly on. 

“Finally,” Marinette breathed in relief. “We made it.”

Adrien let out his own sigh of relief until he felt the pain in his shoulder intensify and he collapsed, his palms encasing the first step.

“Adrien!” Marinette gasped.

“I’m sorry, kitten,” Plagg, who had been wisely silent until now, popped his head out of Adrien’s jacket collar. “I used my magic to try to ease you off your pain until you could get medical help. But because I’m the kwami of destruction, there’s only so much I could do. If Tikki was here, she could’ve helped without you even needing medical care from other humans at all…”

“It’s okay, Plagg, you did enough for me, thank you,” Adrien shakily used his left hand to gently scratch his kwami behind the ears.

“Speaking of which, where is Tikki, anyway?” Marinette asked worriedly. 

Adrien used the last of his strength to dig into his other pocket and took Marinette’s earrings out. 

“My earrings!” Marinette gasped, gratefully taking them.

“Looks like not only is the cat out of the bag, but the bug is out, isn’t it, m’lady?” Adrien shakily grinned.

“So…you know?” Marinette asked, her free hand drooping.

“Yes. I’m sorry, Marinette. I know this isn’t how you wanted to reveal our identities,” Adrien admitted, his shoulders drooping, not just in pain on his right side, but in equal sadness matching hers.

“It’s okay,” Marinette crouched down to brush a lock of hair out of his eyes. “To be fair, I think I already kind of revealed myself ever since I gave you my earrings for safety. I’m glad my Chat Noir is you.”

“And I’m glad my everyday Ladybug is you.” 

Marinette put on her earrings, and a burst of pink light appeared, revealing Tikki.

She and Marinette did their thing where Tikki spun around Marinette’s head and Marinette spun with her and then they cuddled cheeks. 

“Aw,” Adrien softly cooed.

Marinette shot him with her serious yet playful Ladybug look and Tikki could now finally tend to Marinette.

“Marinette, I’m so glad you’re okay!” Tikki chirped in relieved happiness. 

Then she zipped to Adrien and cuddled his cheek too.

“Even though I had to stay hidden in the earrings the whole time, I know you stayed with Marinette the whole time. Thank you, Adrien,” she said with gratitude in her voice.

“You’re welcome, Tikki,” Adrien said as Plagg came out of his collar and the two kwamis danced around each other and hugged.

That’s when Tikki noticed Adrien’s shoulder.

“Adrien! Oh my goodness! That looks serious!” Tikki cried in concern. 

“I know, I’ve been running on adrenaline this whole time,” Adrien agreed. “Plagg used his magic to help until we could get to the clinic but he said you could probably help me better.”

“Normally, I could yes, but I’m afraid I can’t this time,” Tikki said apologetically. “It’s beyond even my powers. You’ll need help from another human, but luckily we’re at a clinic. They should be able to help you!”

“We’ve had to ignore it for too long. Now that we have created some distance by that creepy classmate of ours, let’s get Adrien the help he needs,” Marinette added as she helped support him by placing his arm around her shoulders.

Tikki hid in Marinette’s hair as Plagg went back to Adrien’s collar as the two teens finally made their way into the clinic. The automatic doors swooshed open and once they stepped inside, they felt a comforting warmth wash through them, allowing them to both sigh in relief.

They could finally get the help they needed.

Chapter Text

Hello all, 

I hope all of you had a Miraculous Christmas (and for those who don't, I still wish you had a lovely holiday) and a happy new year. It is now 2026! 🎉Time sure flies before you can blink. 

I've been busy celebrating the holidays with family and friends and when I got a chance, I noticed a lot of you really liking this story. I admit, I'm not the biggest Gotham fan, and I don't know much about it, but I hope I got some charismatics of the Joker right. 

I've also been getting request for drawing fanart and comics recently. Which honestly flatters me, I've never been requested like this before!

I will have a few conditions, though. 

1. I will be unable to accept any money or pay myself. (It's not because I don't have money or don't want to, it's just that I've been trying to save money since college is expensive and I am going to a concert with my best friend in a few months, and as you know, they are NOT cheap). I understand art supplies aren't always cheap either, but I am a simple person, I do not mind any kind of drawing you can make up; I'm sure it will look amazing, and believe me, I am not a good drawer at all. 

2. If you are going to make a drawing or comic, I recommend that the fight scenes are not too violent. I know there is that part where Adrien gets scratched by Joker Henry, but I do not want the blood to be too graphic as I try to make my stories comfortable for everyone to read. 

3. I don't have a tumblr as I am too busy to even create one. 

If you want to talk to me on ao3 but want to speak privately my email is [email protected]

If you have any drawings you want me to post, feel free to email them to me and I will post it on ao3 for everyone to see.

Thank you and I hope you have a great 2026!

Miraculous Greetings,

Cat_anonymous

Chapter Text

Marinette and Adrien were relieved to finally be in a safer place, especially Marinette, who had felt she’d seen enough apartments that looked like a destruction zone for a long time. 

But with all those problems they’d been having escaping from their creepy clown-of-a-classmate, they’d forgotten an important detail they had completely forgotten after stepping into the clinic.

As much as they were old enough to go most places on their own without adults tagging along, there were still certain places they would need adults with them. 

Like clinics. 

As soon as they stepped foot inside the clinic, it was only then that Marinette and Adrien realized the seriousness of their situation.

It was as if a record had scratched to stop its music and on cue, everyone inside turned their heads when two teenagers barely over the age of 14 came inside a 24 hour clinic alone without a sign of parents or guardians following them.

What made it even worse was that not only were Adrien and Marinette minors walking into this clinic alone, their appearances were…alarming for sensible parents and responsible adults to see.

Marinette suddenly felt self-conscious.  She was still wearing clothes, but they were pajamas. She didn’t exactly have a choice; she was dragged away from home before she could even merely think about a wardrobe change.

Adrien on the other hand looked worse. His fluffy blonde hair, usually styled just so, was matted and uneven, damp with sweat. The damage to his shoulder was evident beneath the fabric of his shirt—darker patches of dried blood seeped through, and the way he shifted, wincing subtly, betrayed the pain he fought to hide. His pale face showed signs of fatigue and stress, the sparkle of his usual light was nowhere to be found.

Forget the receptionist when they walked up to the desk, her jaw was so wide opened that she couldn’t speak to them for several long moments. 

A nurse who was walking nearby came up to them instead.

“Are you children alright? Young man, what on earth happened to your shoulder?” She coddled Adrien.

“Er… I got into an accident,” Adrien stated truthfully. It wasn’t the whole truth, but it could be painted as that.

“An accident that caused your shoulder to look like that? You look like you’ve been scratched by an animal!” The nurse exclaimed. 

“Ehehehe,” all Adrien could do was laugh nervously. He didn’t know how else he could explain this. 

But the nurse’s next question made all the remaining blood Adrien had in him run cold. 

“Are you two alone? Where are your parents?”

Like it was second nature, Adrien shifted his stance and subtly angled his body, his arm coming up just enough to guide Marinette behind him again. It wasn’t dramatic, barely noticeable to anyone else—but to Marinette, it was familiar. Instinctive. Protective in a way that spoke of long nights and battles she wasn’t supposed to know about… but now did.

Her fingers curled into the back of his sleeve anyway.

How were they supposed to explain this?

Adrien’s mind raced, thoughts tripping over each other. The truth—any version of it—felt impossible. Marinette’s parents at least understood part of what was happening. They knew their daughter had been taken. They knew Chat Noir was searching for her. They were trusting him—him—to bring her back safely.

And he had.

But not safely enough.

Joker Henry was still out there. Still unaccounted for. Still dangerous. The image of claws tearing into walls, that distorted grin, the way Henry’s voice had echoed through the apartment—it all replayed in Adrien’s head in rapid, merciless flashes. If Marinette reunited with her parents now, if they went home unprotected, if Henry was still roaming free—

Adrien swallowed hard.

No. It was still too dangerous.

He couldn’t risk leading Henry straight to the Dupain-Cheng bakery. Not when Marinette’s parents would never be able to defend themselves against something like that. Not when Henry already knew how to stalk, trap, and isolate.

And then there was him.

The nurse hadn’t recognized him yet—thankfully. Right now, he was just another injured teenager. Not Adrien Agreste. Not Gabriel Agreste’s son. Not the boy whose face was plastered across billboards and magazines.

But the second she did?

Everything would spiral.

Security. Reporters. Calls to his father. Questions he couldn’t answer. Explanations he couldn’t give without unraveling everything—Marinette, the miraculouses, Chat Noir, Ladybug, all of it.

Adrien felt Marinette shift behind him, sensing the tension in her small frame. He could almost hear her thoughts mirroring his own fear, her worry not just for herself—but for him.

The nurse was still watching them closely, her concern sharpening into something more probing.

“Sweetheart,” she said gently, addressing Marinette now, trying to peer around Adrien’s shoulder, “are you hurt too?”

Adrien’s grip tightened instinctively, just a fraction. His voice came out calm, polite—too controlled for someone bleeding through his shirt.

“She’s just shaken,” he said quickly. “It’s been… a long night.”

Marinette nodded behind him, forcing herself to speak.

 “I-I’m okay. Really.” Her pillow-soft voice was softer than usual.

The nurse didn’t look convinced.

“You’re both minors,” she said softly, but firmly. “And he’s clearly injured. I need to know where your parents are.”

Adrien inhaled slowly, steadying himself. This was it—the moment he had to choose every word carefully. One wrong sentence, and everything could collapse.

“They’re aware,” he said at last. “They’re just… not able to be here yet.”

It wasn’t a lie. Not really.

Marinette’s parents were aware. They just couldn’t come. Not until it was safe.

The nurse studied him for a long second, eyes flicking once more to the blood on his shoulder, the way his arm trembled faintly with strain.

“Alright,” she said finally. “We’ll get you seen. But I will need to contact one of your guardians soon.”

Adrien nodded, even as dread settled heavy in his chest.

He knew it was responsible for the nurse to do so. Perhaps she had children of her own. But the way she had said the word soon…

If Joker Henry was still out there…

And if anyone realized who the injured teenager wearing nice clothes the nurse was tending to really was…

Then tonight wasn’t over yet.

-

Seeing how much pain Adrien seemed to be in and perhaps taking pity on his youth, the nurse led him and Marinette further inside the clinic to a room where she could treat him. 

They kept their heads down to avoid the curious, and some suspicious gazes of other patients.

Plagg still had a little magic left that he put on Adrien to allow him to manage himself until he could get medical help, but it was starting to fade, and Adrien was beginning to feel it. He felt his shoulder stinging in pain like a certain something (or rather someone) still digging into his skin. 

Adrien almost collapsed if Marinette wasn’t there, supporting him up. 

“Adrien, hang on, we’re almost there,” she whispered in a promise. 

He nodded, grateful for her presence. 

“We are indeed almost there, but I can get you a wheelchair if you feel like you can’t stand, young sir,” the kind nurse softly offered.

“It’s alright, I can make it,” Adrien huffed. “I technically didn’t break any bones at least.”

“That at least puts a nurse’s mind at ease,” the nurse smiled comfortingly, stopping at a door. “We’re here.”

It was only a small examination room, and despite there being a few machines, Adrien felt relaxed and cozy. Marinette helped him onto the bed, then sat in a nearby corner of chairs but still stayed close in case Adrien needed her.

The nurse prepped her supplies, and turned to Adrien.

“Let’s take a look at that shoulder,” she said, reaching for the edge of Adrien’s shirt.

He stiffened for half a second, then relaxed, allowing her to gently peel the fabric back.

The injury looked even worse under the harsh fluorescent light. Angry red scratches marred his skin, some deep enough to still glisten faintly. Bruising had already begun to bloom around the wound, dark and ugly.

Marinette sucked in a sharp breath. 

“Adrien…”

“I’m okay,” he said automatically, though his voice wavered when the nurse cleaned the wound. He squeezed his eyes shut but didn’t cry out.

The nurse frowned deeply. 

“This is not a simple accident,” she muttered. “These marks—”

Her voice trailed off.

She looked up to check on Adrien.

Really looked at him.

At his face. His hair. His eyes.

Recognition dawned slowly—and then all at once.

“Oh my— Adr—”

Adrien moved before she could finish.

In one swift motion, fueled by pure adrenaline and panic, he surged to his feet despite the pain, reaching out and clamping his hand over her mouth. The movement made his shoulder flare with agony, white-hot and blinding, but he didn’t falter.

“Please,” he whispered urgently, voice low and strained. “Please don’t say it.”

The nurse froze, eyes wide beneath his hand.

Up close, she could see it now—he was just a boy. Pale, exhausted, shaking slightly from pain and stress. Taller than most his age, yes, but still unmistakably young. Still a child carrying far too much on his shoulders.

 “Adrien, be careful!” Marinette gasped, running to his side and guided him around, accidentally toppling the medical equipment. 

“I’m sorry,” Adrien sat back down and locked eyes with the nurse’s wide ones. “I didn’t mean to scare you like that. But I couldn’t have you shouting my name for the whole clinic to hear.”

“I apologize, Mr. Agreste,” the nurse uttered. “It’s just in all the patients I’ve met, never would’ve I expected someone like you to come in a clinic like this. And with you coming here at your age, famous or not…”

“I understand this may be a shock, nurse,” Adrien responded and Marinette climbed onto the bed with him in support. “But please. You can’t call my father or let anyone else know someone like me is here. Or my friend next to me.” 

The nurse looked between them and finally got a proper look on how much they carried on their young shoulders.

“I can understand if you want to keep this hidden,” she started. “But even if you’re famous as it is, your father would still surely worry about you, young Agreste. And your friend…” she gestured to Marinette who was in Adrien’s lap as he had made space for her on the small bed. “She shouldn’t be here so late, especially when the only clothes she has on are pajamas.”

“We know, but a lot has happened to us in the past 24 hours,” Adrien explained. “You’re right, my father would worry, but not for good reasons. In fact, he hasn’t even known I’ve been outside the house. And as for Marinette…”

It was only then the nurse realized how much their height difference affected each other even sitting down. Marinette could almost completely fit inside Adrien’s lap, her hands and knees under Adrien’s legs. 

“She didn’t exactly have the time to think about a wardrobe change before she had to leave the house,” Adrien added, not putting in that Marinette was dragged away from home against her will. That would just make the nurse even more alarmed.

The nurse remained silent for a few long moments, her eyes fixed thoughtfully on Adrien and Marinette. The stillness in the room grew heavy, amplifying the tension that neither of them could quite shake. Adrien shifted slightly, wincing from the pain in his shoulder, while Marinette’s fingers instinctively tightened around his arm. Neither dared to break the silence, both waiting and dreading what might come next.

Logically, they understood the nurse’s position. As a medical professional, she was bound by rules and responsibilities—minors seeking treatment without a guardian meant that she had to notify their parents or a responsible adult. It was protocol, unavoidable and strict.

Adrien’s mind raced, weighing their options and the risks involved. If their parents were contacted, it could complicate everything. Marinette’s parents, though understanding and supportive, were unaware of the dangers that still lurked—especially with Joker Henry still out there. And Adrien’s own father, Gabriel Agreste, was a man whose involvement could bring more scrutiny and pressure than help.

He glanced at Marinette, seeing the worry mirrored in her eyes, and knew they had to find a way to convince the nurse without revealing too much.

Finally, the nurse spoke, her voice softer now, careful but firm.

“I know you two are brave for your age, and this isn’t an easy situation,” she said quietly, “but I need to do what’s best for your safety—and that means involving your parents.”

Adrien took a deep breath, steadying himself.

“We appreciate that, really,” he began, choosing his words carefully, “but right now, it’s too dangerous. There are things going on that our parents don’t understand, and we need a little more time before we tell them. Please, can you trust us just for tonight?”

Marinette nodded beside him, her voice barely a whisper. 

“We know it’s not a situation you might not usually experience. But Adrien’s right. It’s too dangerous for anyone to know, even our families. Please, can you not call them? Bend the rules just this once?”

The nurse’s eyes searched theirs for a long moment, weighing their sincerity and their similar pleadings against her duties. Finally, she nodded slowly, a mixture of concern and reluctant understanding settling on her face.

“Alright,” she said softly, “but only this once. If anything changes, or if you need help beyond this, I will have to call them. Promise me you’ll be honest if things get worse.”

Adrien squeezed Marinette’s hand gently, relief flooding through him.

“We promise,” he said firmly.

The nurse gave a small, reassuring smile and stood up, placing a motherly hand on each of their shoulders. 

“You two have been through a lot these past few hours, I can tell. Rest, children. I’ll be sure to alert my co-workers not to disturb you for a few hours.”

“Thank you nurse,” Marinette sighed in relief.

The nurse gave her another smile, this time, bigger, professional and soft at the same time before dimming the lights a bit for them to be more comfortable and left the room, silently closing the door behind her. 

As soon as she left, Marinette slipped off the bed and went to a nearby closet and found a blanket, which she draped over Adrien and then went to adjust the chairs in the corner to try to make a makeshift bed.

“Marinette, what are you doing?” Adrien questioned gently.

“Well, I’m making a bed,” She answered. “The nurse said to rest, didn’t she?”

“Yes, but you won’t be able to get any sleep like that,” Adrien responded. “Come into bed with me.”

“What?” Marinette’s face reddened.

“Oh, sorry,” Adrien quietly coughed, his own face turning red. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just mean…you’ve done a lot for me, too, tonight. And I know you’d still be close, but I just wanted to make sure that you’re still here, like in case one of us wakes up from a nightmare, you know…?”

“I…understand,” Marinette said softly as she quietly padded over. “But you’ve done most of the work tonight, Adrien. You never stopped looking for me, risking your own health, you protected me from Boyfriend Lover--” She shuddered at that name-- “You even risked your life for me. I already knew you were a sacrificing heart as Chat Noir, but now that I know you’re also Adrien…”

“I know, I know,” Adrien rambled good-naturedly. “I promised I wouldn’t try to be so sacrificing, m’lady, but I just can’t help it. You know, I didn’t just become Chat Noir just because it sort of gave me more freedom than I could ever have as Adrien.”

“What was the other reason that you became Chat Noir?” Marinette asked, slowly but surely getting into bed with him and he lifted the covers up so she could crawl into his side. 

“To protect people like you, Marinette,” Adrien’s voice went unbelievably soft. “In fact, one big reason I named my hero self ‘Chat Noir’ is because it was the same name of a hero from an old story my mother used to read to me before I went to bed. And becoming the real Chat Noir taught me a lot of things. I promised myself that ever since losing my mom, I’d protect those dear to me so I don’t lose them the same way I lost her, and protect those who experienced worst situations with their loved ones or protect those who don’t experience the traumas we experience today, like akumas.”

“Wow,” Marinette breathed in awe. “That’s some story,” she admitted. “It may be different from my own hero story, but it’s also kind of similar to my story.”

“Oh yeah. I’ve been meaning to ask… I know you were a bit scared the first day we became heroes. What caused you to gain so much cool confidence?” Adrien asked.

“Well, I’ve never been the most confident girl,” Marinette admitted. “You know how you told me that before you came to school, you didn’t really have any friends?”

Adrien nodded.

“Well, truthfully, I’ve never really had any friends up until this year, either,” Marinette continued. “Sure, we were friendly enough, and especially when we did group projects, we got along fine, but when it came to friendship, I admit I struggled a little with that department too. I don’t want to point fingers but most of the time the reason I couldn’t make friends easily is because of…”

“…Chloe,” Adrien finished.

“She was a giant bully, sure, but for some reason, she really liked to pick on me specifically,” Marinette explained. “I think one of the worst things she ever did to me was when she stuck glue on my chair, forcefully shoved my head onto it, and stuck it there. My teacher had to cut literally every single strand of my hair off as that was the only way I could be saved. I stayed home for a week hoping that my hair would grow out by then, but unfortunately, girl hair doesn’t work like that. I think it took almost a year for my hair to grow back.”

“Oh my god,” Adrien gasped. 

“That was one reason why I felt so offended the first day we met when I  thought you were the one covering my seat with gum,” Marinette continued. “It was just a small piece of gum, sure, but even the smallest things can cause sticky situations sometimes. I was afraid another glue incident would happen.”

“Then after Ivan got akumatized and we were all sent home, I went to my room to watch the news on my computer, and I saw a little box containing earrings. Not just any ordinary earrings, though.” 

“Tikki?” Adrien guessed, his eyes sparkling. 

“Tikki,” Marinette agreed. “I have to admit, when I first saw her, I was a little afraid of her.”

“She called me a bug-mouse,” Tikki piped up from Marinette’s hair, having stayed hidden this entire time, especially with the nurse in the room. 

“A bug-mouse? What kind of animal is that?” Adrien snickered, causing his partner to lightly smack his uninjured shoulder. 

“Tikki, please go back to sleep,” Marinette irritatedly commanded Tikki although everyone could tell she wasn’t really ordering her kwami. 

“Yes, Marinette,” Tikki giggled and ducked back into her holder’s hair.

“I even almost gave up being Ladybug after I failed to contain Ivan’s akuma the first time,” Marinette added. “You would’ve almost gotten a completely new partner.”

“So what made you change your mind?” Adrien asked softly.

Marinette turned over to him and lightly booped him on the nose like they’ve done a million times to each other as their alter egos. 

“Because of you, and Alya,” she admitted, her voice just as soft. “You know how Alya is, reckless and all. She nearly got crushed alive by a car, and you were being held captive by one of Stoneheart’s minions. I was a safe distance away, yet you two couldn’t see me just yet. At the sight of the both of you in danger, I knew I couldn’t just stand there and do nothing. So I put on the miraculous earrings and…”

“She became…the miraculous Ladybug!” Adrien and Tikki, who had popped back out of Marinette’s hair, cheered. 

“Okay, okay!” Marinette giggled. “But try to be a little quieter. We don’t want to disturb the other patients.” 

“Yeah, listen to the bug,” Plagg piped up from inside Adrien’s pocket. “I was dreaming about cheese.”

“You’re always dreaming about cheese, Plagg,” Adrien reminded him, playfully rolling his eyes. 

“Yeah, and I never get enough, no matter how many decades it’s been,” Plagg complained before snuggling back into the pocket and instantly fell back asleep.

“We should get some sleep too,” Marinette suggested. “Especially you, mister.”

Adrien chuckled under his breath. 

“I’m fine,” he tried to protest, though the weight in his eyelids betrayed him.

Marinette raised an eyebrow. 

“You said that before you collapsed in that apartment.” she reminded him matter-of-factly.

“…Okay, fair,” he admitted. His voice softened as he shifted carefully, making room for her to settle more comfortably at his side. “I guess I could use a little rest.”

She adjusted the blanket around them, making sure it didn’t tug at his shoulder, then rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. For the first time in hours, it wasn’t racing—it was slowing, calming.

Adrien glanced down at her, relief washing over him now that she was safe, really safe. His hand hovered for a moment before resting lightly against her arm, a quiet reassurance that he was still there.

“Marinette?” he murmured.

“Mm?” she hummed sleepily.

“Thank you,” he said simply.

She smiled, eyes already closing. 

“No, thank you. Get some rest, Chaton. I’m not going anywhere. Just as you promised you wouldn’t let me go again, I return the same promise.”

Adrien hummed warmly, and with them wrapped in the soft hum of the clinic, the distant beeping of machines, and the shared warmth between them, they finally let themselves sleep.

Chapter Text

Indeed, Adrien felt much better after a few hours of sleep. The room the nurse from the previous night didn’t have windows, and he didn’t remember if the room had a clock anywhere.

He also found that his right shoulder, though still not a 100%, felt way better than it did the previous night. 

Adrien smiled. The nurse from before must’ve quietly come in and cleaned his bandages for him. He felt a surge of gratitude towards her. 

Adrien then looked down to his left, good shoulder to see Marinette still resting against it. She looked so peaceful, probably the most peaceful she could get after these past few days. 

Seeing how peaceful and relaxed she looked, Adrien thought maybe it wouldn’t hurt a bit to sleep some more.

He was about to almost fall back asleep when the door to their room suddenly slammed open, and the nurse from the previous night slammed it shut, looking panicked. 

“Mr. Agreste!” She gasped out. 

She looked so panicked that it sent Adrien to a panic too, though his years of modeling experience allowed him to be at least a bit calmer. 

“Nurse? Is something wrong?” He asked worriedly.

The nurse took a few deep breaths before explaining properly. 

“I was just calmly walking back to your room and to check on you and your…friend,” she glanced at Marinette, still peacefully asleep under his arm. But they saw she was shifting, so they knew she was starting to wake. “When this…creepy boy wearing what looks like a Joker clown costume came barging in! And…he seems to be looking for you, specifically?!”

That voice Adrien had been dreading to hear since he first stepped foot in his school screamed out, causing chills to run all over his body. 

“ADRIEN AGRESTE!! WHERE ARE YOU HIDING, PRETTY BOY?! I KNOW YOU’RE IN HERE!!” 

Marinette was fully awake now, trembling as if she knew what was going on but didn’t exactly want to know. 

She still asked anyway.

“Adrien…what’s going on? Who’s screaming your name out like that?” She shakily whispered.

Adrien sucked in a breath and pulled her a little closer into his side.

“I would’ve said you don’t want to know if you were someone else,” he responded, his voice cold and deadly, showing how much he inherited from his father, but unlike Gabriel, when Adrien’s voice was cold, it was for the right reasons. “But in this case, I don’t think I need to tell you who’s screaming for us.”

Marinette didn’t even need to hear that name. 

By now, even the nurse knew who it was.

Joker Henry.

They heard the rapid click, click, click of those dreaded shoes and knew he was getting close. 

“Come out, come out, pretty boy Adrien Agreste! I know you’re in here somewhere! After all, we did have a little…cat fight last night if you know what I mean. And logically, you would’ve had to come to a place that medically helps people…wouldn’t you?!” 

More shoe clicking, and they saw it. 

Joker Henry’s shadow slinked right through the door.

The nurse hurried over and gently ushered them behind the cot they’ve been sleeping on.

“I know it’s not much for you to hide, but it’s the best option we can get. I can tell that boy is dangerous, just one look at him. I’ll stall him as much as I can so you children can escape,” she promised in a hushed whisper.

“But what about you, nurse?” Marinette asked worriedly.

The nurse gave her a soft, sad, yet reassuring smile.

“I may not be a full on hospital nurse, my dear,” she replied. “But as someone in the medical field, you’re always bound to meet interesting patients every once in a while. I promise I’ll be okay. Just keep yourself and Mr. Agreste hidden, alright?”

    Marinette bit her lip, still hesitant, and brushed her finger gently against her earring that she had safely put back on last night. To the nurse, she probably thought Marinette was just trying to reassure herself, but Adrien knew she was thinking more than that. 

Marinette was just like that; always thinking of other people, sometimes at the cost of her own life. She wanted to transform, wanted to prove that she wasn’t just a regular teenage girl, but the thing was…

Having people think she was just a regular teenage girl was the safest option yet. 

“Listen to the nurse, Marinette,” Adrien softly hushed. Then, in her ear, so only she could hear:

“I know you want to transform,” he continued. “But it’s too dangerous. Even if you could, I think it would just encourage Joker Henry to harm the other patients and staff. He’s that dangerous now.”

Marinette nodded, understanding his reasoning. Relactunately, she and Adrien slinked behind the cot, with the nurse lightly draping their blanket over them, acting as if she had just accidentally dropped a sheet on the floor. 

Just in time, Joker Henry used his foot to slam the door open, his shadow slinking in, to catch the nurse seemingly adjusting to pick up a fallen blanket on the floor.

Behind the cot, Adrien and Marinette huddled close, with Tikki and Plagg trembling just as hard in their hiding spots. Tikki actually slipped out of Marinette’s hair to stay close to her holder, floating protectively alongside her cheek as Plagg stayed inside Adrien’s collar but just enough curled against his chest, his fur blending in with the black of Adrien’s t-shirt.  

-

“Well, well, look who we have here,” Joker Henry purred as he slinked further into the room, cornering the nurse against the cot. “A nurse. What are you doing, I may ask? Preparing the room for new patients?”

“Why, yes. That’s my job,” The nurse swallowed as she casually readjusted the blanket. “I was told I was getting a new patient soon.”

“I see,” Joker Henry clicked his teeth. “I’m not here to hurt you. Not yet. I just came to ask you a question. Have you treated any… I don’t know, pretty boys recently?”

“Pretty boys?” The nurse blinked as if she got astonishedly confused. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. If this is a teenage juvenile joke of yours, young man, I find it very unamusing. This is a medical clinic, not a playground.”

“Oh, I assure you, nurse, I’m not joking,” Joker Henry let out a painted smirk. He leaned closer to the nurse, causing her foot to catch on one of the wheels of her equipment supply and for a practiced nurse, she actually almost slipped, luckily catching herself right in front of where Marinette and Adrien were hiding. 

Both teens almost gasped out for the nurse, but stopped themselves at the last second. Adrien lifted the blanket to cover them as discreetly as he could and wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders.

“You see, I’m looking for a boy around my age. I’ll admit he’s handsome. But not in the ways you might like. Someone like… Adrien Agreste, perhaps?” Joker Henry continued. 

“Adrien Agreste?” The nurse professionally raised a brow. “Please don't make me laugh when I’m supposed to be professional, sir. Why would someone like him be here? It is only 7 am in the morning after all. He’s probably still in bed, sleeping. It is the weekend after all. From what I heard, that boy is a pretty busy person and it would make sense for him to take advantage of rest. It is the weekend for most people.”

 The weekend? That’s how long I’ve been away from home? Marinette thought silently as she and Adrien shared a look.

At last it seemed that Joker Henry gave up trying to look for Adrien in a medical clinic.

“Fine,” He sighed, but it wasn’t a sigh of resignation, Adrien could tell. “I suppose pretty boy Agreste Jr. isn’t here. But mark my words…”

He slipped a sharp finger under the nurse’s chin.

“I will find that fancy little boy. And his little baker princess. And once I do… Well, let’s just say, Adrien Agreste won’t be looking pretty much any more.”

With that, he finally stalked away.

Even when the clicking of his shoes faded away, neither Marinette or Adrien dared to crawl out of the blanket just yet. It was only then they counted up to 80, or maybe 90, they dared to crawl out, catching the attention of the worried nurse.

She came up to them and rubbed each of their arms in a motherly gesture.

“You two are so brave,” she murmured in praise. “Braver than any other child your age I’ve met.”

“Thank you, nurse. You were very brave too,” Marinette whispered.

“Child, part of my job is to be brave,” the nurse smiled. “I’ve dealt with difficult…patients like him before.”

“We can’t stay here anymore,” Adrien piped in. “That Joker clown of a classmate of ours might’ve let us go easily this time for once, but if he comes back again…”

He didn’t need to say any more. If Henry came back again, escape for Adrien and Marinette would be even more impossible. 

“As much as I don’t like the thought of sending two younglings out into the streets like this, I agree that you two can’t stay here anymore,” the nurse agreed. “Do you have anywhere safe you can go?”

Adrien and Marinette honestly had to think for a few long moments. Where could they go? 

Marinette couldn’t go home; they couldn’t go to Alya or Nino, as they were their best friends and there was no doubt their houses would be the first place Joker Henry would think about pouncing…

There was no way Marinette and Adrien were going to endanger their best friends and families.

“I think…”  Adrien took a deep breath. As much as he hated saying this, he knew there was no other option. “It’s best if Marinette and I hide out at my house for a while.”

Chapter Text

As soon as Adrien said those words, Marinette gasped, and the nurse went silent for a few minutes.

“Adrien, are you sure?” she asked.

“It’s not something I’m happy about either, Marinette,” Adrien said as he raised his finger to gently brush against her cheek. “But think about it. You can’t go home right now. Not when there’s a psycho clown who doesn’t care about anyone but himself, scaring and hurting innocent people.”

“We can’t go to Alya and Nino for help either,” Marinette realized. “Being our best friends, they’d be the first people Henry would pounce on.”

The nurse, watching the exchange, nodded slowly, a mixture of sympathy and admiration in her eyes.

 “It’s a hard choice to make, but it sounds like the right one,” she said softly. “You two have been through so much already. Staying together, somewhere safe, is the most important thing right now.”

“Will you be alright though, Adrien?” The nurse, for the first time since officially meeting him for the first time, called him by his first name instead of calling him the formal “Mr. Agreste.” “From what I heard about your father, he’s not the easiest person to deal with.”

“He’s not,” Adrien admitted. “But even if everyone says I look and act like my mother, there are still a lot of things I inherited from him. In the end, he’ll have to let Marinette stay in the mansion. Its security has all the expensive security measures money can buy, after all.”  

-

Adrien decided it was time to call his bodyguard to come pick him and Marinette up. This whole time, he’d forgotten he had his phone safely in his pocket. 

“Lucky,” Marinette grumbled and muttered something about why boy pockets were better than girl pockets, which made Adrien softly chuckle. 

-

Adrien’s bodyguard, Placide, nicknamed “Gorilla” affectionately by his young charge, was a man who was big boned, seemingly always had a frown on his face, and towered against almost everyone he knew. (Well, he was sort of paid to look that way, if he were a regular man, how could Gabriel Agreste trust him to protect his son?) Gorilla was a man who looked like he could even snap Hawk Moth into half pieces if he had to.

But underneath his toughness, Placide was a big softie, especially when it came to Adrien.

Usually. 

The keyword being usually was because today, he literally stomped into the clinic looking for his young charge and once he found him, he looked down at him.

It was only then Adrien realized how big his bodyguard truly was. 

“H-hello, Gorilla,” Adrien giggled nervously. “Or should I call you Placidey? Placide? Y-y-you don’t look very happy today.”

“I haven’t been happy with you for days, young master Adrien!” The bodyguard boomed, causing the whole clinic to shake. Adrien jumped and Marinette squeaked in fear and shock, quickly scrambling to hide behind his back, clinging tightly to his overshirt like a lifeline. 

“E-eh? You can talk?” Adrien blurted out before he immediately slapped his hand to his mouth. Rude! A little voice in his head shouted at him in warning. 

“Of course I can talk, I just don’t most of the time because… well, your father expects me to be nothing but the silent bodyguard that protects his son and throws anyone trying to harm him across the city,” The bodyguard explained. “But that’s not the point right now.” 

He stomped closer to Adrien, his shadow completely enveloping the boy and making him squirm. He tried to shift the tiniest bit but he couldn’t as Marinette was still holding onto him in a death grip. 

“You’ve been missing for days, Adrien,” Placide continued. “Not just one day, or two, but three! THREE DAYS!”

Adrien winced. If Placide wasn’t so angry, he would’ve probably shouted THREE DAYS?! Himself but knew if he did so, his bodyguard would’ve been forced to bench Adrien himself.

“Your father is acting in ways I’ve never seen before in all my years working for him, and both Nathalie and I have been working for him since before you were born, Adrien!” Gorilla carried on. “He’s gone crazy! He trashed his office, and he gets drunk almost every day, smashing all the fancy wine cups we have in the house?”

“D-Dad’s been drinking?” Adrien uttered. “But… he never drinks.”

“Exactly! I know Gabriel Agreste isn’t a man who shows his emotions much, but you know it has to be when someone like him crashes out.”

 Behind Adrien, Marinette stiffened. Even she knew how rigid Gabriel Agreste’s habits were—how controlled, how precise. Hearing that he had unraveled this badly sent a chill down her spine. She pressed closer to Adrien without even realizing it.

Placide exhaled heavily, scrubbing a hand over his face. For just a moment, the anger cracked, revealing raw concern underneath.

“He has barely slept. Barely eaten. He barks orders at staff, then dismisses them before they can finish speaking. Nathalie is trying to keep things together, but even she looks exhausted,” Placide admitted. “And all the while, he keeps asking the same question.”

Adrien swallowed. 

“What question?” he asked.

“Where is my son?”

Silence settled over the small space.

Adrien’s chest tightened painfully. Guilt twisted inside him, sharp and heavy, battling with the fear that had kept him away in the first place. He hadn’t meant for things to spiral like this. He hadn’t wanted anyone to worry—especially not like this.

“I didn’t mean to—” Adrien started, his voice faltering.

Placide raised a hand, stopping him—not harshly, but firmly. 

“I know,” he said more quietly. “I know you did not disappear out of carelessness. You are not that kind of boy.”

That surprised Adrien enough to make him look up.

Placide’s gaze shifted then, finally noticing Marinette properly—how small she looked, how pale, how tightly she clung to Adrien’s back as if letting go would make the ground vanish beneath her feet. His expression softened just a fraction.

“And I can see,” Placide added slowly, “that something serious has happened.”

“I-I’m sorry, sir,” Marinette whispered, carefully wiggling out from under Adrien’s arm to stand beside him.

Adrien wrapped his arm back around her shoulder to keep her close to his side, even if he wished she stayed behind him where it was safer. He knew his bodyguard wouldn’t hurt her, but based on Placide’s emotions, Adrien didn’t want the large man to accidentally do something to Marinette that would require her to get medical care as well.

“It’s honestly my fault that Adrien got caught up in this mess,” Marinette admitted. “It all started with a new student at our school, some drama, a real life fight…and now he’s akumatized into something dangerous. Joker clown-level-dangerous.”

“That bad?” Placide asked, his brow raising. 

“Worse,” Marinette corrected. “And you know how Adrien is. He doesn’t hesitate when it comes to protecting people he cares about.”

Placide sighed, though it held more fondness than exasperation.

“He’s Emilie’s son, alright,” he said. “She never hesitated when it came to other people’s safety, either. It proves how selfless you are, young master, and we’re all proud of that, but you know it can get you in trouble at times, right?”

“I know,” Adrien hung his head. “You can tell that to my shoulder.”

“Wait, what?” Placide’s head snapped up, finally getting a glimpse of Adrien’s right shoulder.  

He actually growled like a real gorilla. (Do real gorillas growl anyway?) 

“Adrien Agreste!” He almost shouted for the whole clinic to hear.

“Adrien…!” Marinette gasped out, her shout out of worry and fear. She found herself being grabbed by him once again with Adrien tucking her right back into his back, only this time, his arm stayed tight against her own.

“N-now, Gorilla, I understand you’re upset, but honestly, m-my shoulder’s not that bad! It doesn’t even hurt anymore! They did a pretty good job for a clinic--” Adrien tried to reassure.

 “They may have done a good job, but it’s still not enough, Adrien!” Placide dragged a large hand down his face and muttered something like “kids these days.”

He then looked around to see everyone else in the clinic still staring at them, wide eyed. For once, no one seemed to dare to take their phones out at the sight of Gabriel Agreste’s son being scolded by his bodyguard. 

Or if they did, they would’ve risked getting their phones crushed into smithereens by Placide’s meaty hands. 

Finally, the big boned man sighed.

“We’ve already attracted too much attention,” he stated. “We should get out of here while we still can.”

Gorilla led the two teens out of the building, his massive structure still visible. 

Adrien and Marinette shuffled behind him, keeping their heads down to avoid attracting more attention than they already were. Adrien kept Marinette behind his bodyguard and he stayed close behind her so she was safely sandwiched between them. The morning air wasn’t too cool, but Marinette’s pajamas probably didn’t help as she shivered and rubbed her arms to try to create some warm friction and Adrien comfortingly rubbed his hands onto them to try to create some better warmth for her.

When they got to the Agreste’s luxury car, Gorilla opened the door for them.

“Inside, young master. You too, young master’s little lady friend.” He instructed. He still had that permanent frown on his face, but Adrien could tell he was no longer angry with them. 

They slipped inside, with Gorilla closing the door and going into the driver’s seat. 

The ride to the Agreste mansion was silent. It was like even Placide didn’t dare to turn on the radio. The silence between the three of them wasn’t exactly tense, but “comfortable” wasn’t really a word to describe their situation either.

The heater was on; Placide could probably sense Marinette was still cold, but even then, it wasn’t enough. Adrien slipped off his white overshirt and tucked it over Marinette’s shoulders, the same way he did when he was about to face Henry’s challenge the first time, before he got akumatized. 

Marinette was surprised that the way Adrien slipped his white jacket onto her felt the same way when he comforted her before he went to face Henry the first time, and he wasn’t even akumatized then.

“Thank you, Adrien,” Marinette whispered, snuggling closer into the warmth of his jacket.

“You’re welcome, Marinette.” Adrien whispered just as softly. His tone was gentle, steady—like an anchor. He shifted closer without thinking, his arm resting protectively behind her as if daring the cold, or anything else, to come near her again.

From the front seat, Gorilla watched the road, but his eyes flicked briefly to the rearview mirror. He said nothing—yet the slight easing of his shoulders spoke volumes. He was happy that his young charge found someone. 

The image of Adrien and Marinette faded into the mirror and in their places, a younger Gabriel and Emilie Agreste appeared again. 

Younger Gabriel Agreste, sharp-featured and intense even then, standing beside Emilie—radiant, gentle, her hand resting reassuringly on his arm. Different people, different times… yet the same quiet devotion, the same unspoken promise of I will protect you.

Placide blinked, and the reflection returned to the present.

Adrien. Marinette. The road stretching ahead.

He tightened his grip on the steering wheel, resolve settling in his chest. Whatever storms waited at the mansion—whatever anger, grief, or madness brewed behind those walls—this much was clear:

Adrien was not alone anymore.

And Placide would make damn sure he stayed that way.

Just as Placide finished those happy thoughts, the all dreaded question needed was asked by his young master:

“Gorilla…on a scale from 1 to 10, how mad is my dad right now?” Adrien asked, his voice soft. Almost too soft, for a boy his age.

That made Placide frown. To most other people, they would’ve said it was the same frown he always had on his face, but Adrien knew him better than most. It was a worried frown.

“You really want to know, young master?” He asked just as softly, proving himself to Marinette how soft he truly was, especially for Adrien.

“I kind of have to. Dad has a lot of ways he unleashes his wrath but I’m kind of praying that his wrath this time isn’t that kind…” Adrien replied. 

“OK then, I won’t tell you then,” Placide said half-jokingly but even he heard how serious he sounded.  

Adrien blinked, his eyes wide and worried. 

“What?”

“One reason why I’m not daring to tell you is because as…atypical your relationship is with your father, I know you know Master Gabriel in ways others usually don’t, young master. So you know if I’m not telling you what Gabriel Agreste’s wrath is like this time…” Placide warned.

“It’s not just over 10,” Adrien realized. “My dad’s wrath is erupting volcano worthy.” 

Marinette let out a small noise in her throat and her head bonked into Adrien’s lap.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Adrien hushed, soothingly playing with her hair. 

“A-Adrien, I-I hate to say this, b-but your d-dad, h-he wouldn’t, would he? E-even he wouldn’t?” Marinette quivered, her nails digging into the fabric of his jeans legs. 

Adrien swallowed, trying to find the right words to ease her fears. 

“My dad is definitely not going to be happy with me,” he admitted as he continued to stroke her hair. “And he’ll probably get upset that you got dragged into this…” he continued. “But I don’t think he’ll hurt you. I’ll make sure of it. Truthfully, he’s really only going to lash his anger out on me.”

“That doesn’t make me feel better…” Marinette keened as she snuggled closer into his lap, her head now softly resting against his stomach, as if even if she was scared herself, she wanted to protect Adrien, too. 

 “It’s not making me feel any good, either,” Adrien agreed as he leaned back more into his seat. “But I said this once before, Marinette, and I’ll say it again. If I ever have to get locked up in my room for the rest of my life, it’ll be worth it with the knowledge that you’ll be safe.”

From the front seat, Placide watched the scene unfold in the rearview mirror.

He saw the way Adrien held her—not possessive, not desperate, but unwavering. He saw the trust in Marinette’s posture, the way she clung to Adrien not just for comfort, but to stand beside him. And he understood, with a heavy certainty, just how much his young charge was willing to risk for her.

Placide said nothing.

But deep down, he knew one thing for certain: whatever storm awaited them at the Agreste mansion, Adrien Agreste would face it head-on—for Marinette.

Chapter Text

Sooner than any of them would’ve liked, Gorilla finally pulled up to the waiting gates of the Agreste mansion. 

On cue, it opened when it sensed the car. 

The sounds the gates created as they opened, even that was enough to make Marinette shiver. It felt too long, too measured. Like even the gates were looking down on you.

It wasn’t the first time Marinette had come to Adrien’s house before. But even with the rare few times Gabriel let his son bring friends home, all Marinette ever saw of Adrien’s house was the grand foyer, the dining room, and Adrien’s room. 

And she swore…as big as the mansion was, it wasn’t as big as the last time she saw it. 

She was also self-conscious about what she was currently wearing. Granted, Marinette was still wearing clothes (thank goodness!) but pajamas were 100% absolutely not an attire that would satisfy for meeting Gabriel Agreste, one of the biggest names in fashion not just Paris, not just France, but perhaps the entire world. 

And the cherry on top, once Adrien had generously placed his white jacket over Marinette’s shoulders, it never left her shoulders. 

She tried to return it, but Adrien refused to take it back. His jacket wasn’t enough, not even close, but Adrien wanted Marinette to have all the protection she could get. 

Gorilla parked the car and opened the door for them. 

Adrien confidently slipped out first, but poor Marinette couldn’t stop shaking before she even exited the vehicle. 

“I understand you’re scared, child, but you know how Adrien’s father is. He’s not a patient man,” Gorilla warned her softly but seriously.

“I know,” Marinette shakily whispered. Adrien held out his hands, and slowly but surely, she managed to get out with his help.

Once they were out, Adrien gave her the biggest squeeze of a hug. 

“I’m scared too, Marinette,” he admitted to her in a whisper. “Out of my wits. But for you, I promise everything will be okay. Just stay behind me, okay?” 

Marinette nodded against his chest, her grip tightening in his jacket.

“OK,” she whispered.

And together, with Adrien standing firmly at her front and Gorilla at their back, they turned to face the mansion—whatever awaited them beyond its doors, they would face it side by side.

-

Apparently, Gabriel Agreste didn’t just make sure he would need keys to enter his house after going out. 

He needed a flippin’ keypad as well. Adrien expertly typed in the code, and it dinged a green light, signaling he got it right, and the doors automatically opened.

It was mid-morning…yet the inside of the house looked as dark as ever. 

The darkness was enough to startle even Adrien. He had always said his house was dark, yes. But mostly it was a figurative sense rather than a literal one. 

This time, the house was completely dark. The only light was with the help of the open doors. 

Adrien stepped forward first, calling out to his father and his father’s assistant, with Marinette following close behind him.

“Hello?” Adrien didn’t even have to shout, yet it seemed that single word he emitted echoed throughout the entire house. “Father? Nathalie? I’m back.”

He stepped fully into the foyer. The minute Marinette and his bodyguard followed after him and their own feet touched the ground, the doors behind them shut with a heavy slam, making them almost jump.

Adrien took a deep breath and glanced around the room, while also making sure Marinette was still close to him. Why was the house so dark today, both literally and figurately. Did his father not deal with the curtains this morning?

Placide must’ve sensed Adrien’s questioning thoughts and answered for him. 

“Ever since you disappeared, young master, we had already closed the curtains for the night,” he explained. “Your father refused to let any of the maids open them again since you left.”

Adrien nodded in understanding. He understood if someone like his father made the entire house dark…that meant things were really bad.

A sudden, sharp clink echoed through the heavy silence of the mansion, slicing through the stillness like a crack in glass. Adrien’s heart skipped a beat, and without thinking, he instinctively turned toward the source of the sound.

It was coming from the kitchen.

His body tensed immediately, every muscle primed as his mind raced through the possibilities. Was someone there? Had his father been lurking there all along, or was it something—or someone—else entirely? The uncertainty made the air grow heavier around them.

Adrien began to move forward cautiously, his steps deliberate but quiet on the polished floors. His movements were auto-piloted, so much that he didn’t notice he had accidentally separated himself from Marinette for a brief second. 

She noticed, of course. She let out a small squeak, (Poor Marinette let out a lot of little squeaks today) then quickly scurried over, bumping into Adrien’s back in the process, clinging tightly onto his black shirt, his white jacket still wrapped softly around her petite frame.

Adrien stopped for a moment to let her adjust.

“Sorry,” he hushed. “Are you okay?”

Although she was hiding her face in his back, she nodded. She was trembling slightly, but just as Adrien was trying to stay brave for Marinette’s sake, she was doing the same for him.

“Stay close, okay?” Adrien whispered. “Here, do you want to maybe stay under my arm instead? Or you can continue to hold onto my back if you feel that’s safer for you.”

Marinette hesitated for a brief second, then wiggled under his arm instead, her soft hair tickling under his chin. Even scared, Marinette Dupain-Cheng proved she was no coward when she was trying to be just as supportive to her close ones.

Adrien felt pride and admiration bloom in his heart and pressed her chin on the top of her head for a second, silently praising her.

“It’ll be okay,” he promised.

Truthfully, everything about this situation was not okay, but even with all this, they were Ladybug and Chat Noir. They’ve faced way worse than meeting a man who was Adrien’s father yet maybe he sometimes acted like a mafia boss instead of a famous fashion designer. 

-

They stepped cautiously into the kitchen, the dim light casting long shadows across the polished floor. The air felt thick with tension, every creak and whisper amplified in the heavy silence.

Then, suddenly—a sharp, unmistakable crunch echoed beneath Adrien’s shoe.

His heart skipped a beat as he looked down, eyes widening in shock. Shards of glass glittered like tiny stars scattered across the floor, their jagged edges catching what little light there was.

The sound wasn’t just any glass breaking; it was the kind that spoke of luxury—thick, heavy, and expensive. The kind of glass found only in fine crystal, delicate and priceless.

Adrien swallowed hard, the weight of the moment settling over him like a cold wave. Whatever had happened here, it wasn’t just a simple accident. And it certainly wasn’t a good sign.

Although he was grateful Marinette was still under his arm, Adrien couldn’t risk her getting caught in the crossfire, so he tucked her behind him again. 

“Father?” Adrien tried again. “It’s me, your son. Adrien. I’m home.”

The more the silence came, the more uncomfortable Marinette began to feel. The only things she could hear was the hum of a distant generator and her and Adrien’s own breathing. 

A sudden flash of movement zipped past Marinette, catching her completely off guard.

“H-huh?!” she gasped, her breath catching in her throat.

“Marinette? What is it?” Adrien asked, concern sharpening his voice as he turned to look—just in time to see the same quick shadow dart past his line of sight.

Both of them froze, eyes wide, hearts racing. Something—or someone—was definitely here with them.

“ADRIEN!” The voice thundered through the room—sharp, commanding, and impossibly close.

Before either Adrien or Marinette could react, Gabriel appeared out of the shadows like a force of nature, moving so swiftly that they barely had time to brace themselves. In a flurry of motion, Adrien caught Marinette just in time as they both tumbled to the floor.

The impact was rough, but mercifully, they avoided the scattered shards of glass that littered the floor. Adrien’s arms tightened around Marinette, pulling her protectively onto his lap, his legs cradling her securely.

Marinette’s breath hitched, heart pounding against Adrien’s chest as he gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his own eyes wide but steady, filled with a fierce determination to keep her safe.

Gabriel stomped forward, getting into his son’s face, completely ignoring Marinette’s presence at the moment. 

“And where…” he wheezed with a hiss mixed in. “Have you been this past few days, young man?”

“Out…?” Adrien’s voice wavered. He knew it sounded stupid, but it was the only thing he could tell his father without stretching out the truth.

“OUT! IS THAT ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY FOR ME?!” Gabriel’s roar shattered the tense silence, his fury palpable like the heat of a volcano ready to erupt.

The sheer force of his voice made Marinette flinch. She curled tighter into Adrien’s lap, wrapping her arms firmly around his legs as if to anchor herself against the storm. Adrien’s heart clenched at the sight—he knew his father’s wrath wasn’t just loud; it was overwhelming, consuming everything in its path.

“If that isn’t enough, not only do you come home after disappearing for not one, not two, but three days, you bring a girl home?! And she is wearing nothing but pajamas?!” Gabriel continued to roar.

“Father, please…” Adrien pleaded, placing his hand protectively across Marinette’s head.

“DON’T YOU ‘FATHER’ ME!” 

Marinette looked up just in time to see Gabriel’s arm swing across violently. She gasped, thinking he was about to strike her or Adrien, but Adrien quickly wrapped his arm around her and pulled her further beneath his body.

Instead of a hit like she was expecting, glass shattered, and Marinette peeked out from under Adrien’s arm just in time to see Gabriel striking yet another expensive wine glass, shattering it across the floor.

“Sir, for goodness sake!” Placide, who had been silently watching the entire time but not doing anything, for Adrien, unless the boy called out to him for back up, stepped forward. “I understand you’re angry, but you don’t have to treat them in this way! The girl in your son’s arms, she’s a child, just like him. Perhaps as young as him.”

“You stay out of this, bodyguard!” Gabriel snapped his back to glare at his employee. Gorilla, who was a tough man himself, flinched at the intensity shown on his boss’s face. “This is between my son and I, and us only!”

“Father, please,” Adrien spoke up again, this time just as firmly, almost matching his father’s tone. He had stood up now, keeping Marinette to his chest, his hand cupping the back of her head protectively to keep her from looking at his father. “I understand you’re angry, but please don’t scare or blame Goril- Placide, or Marinette. They didn’t ask for any of this.”

Marinette softly squeezed Adrien’s sides in support, seeing how slowly but surely, he was getting to his father.

The silence between all four of them was uncanny. 

It felt like hours passed, though it was really seconds until at last, Gabriel breathed out heavily through his nose.

“I am still angry at you for leaving home, Adrien,” he addressed his son in his usual cold tone, the one everyone, even Adrien himself was used to. “But I see you are not fully harmed, and you seem to care for your…friend very much to the point you haven’t let go of her this whole time.”

It was only then Adrien realized how tightly he was holding onto Marinette. He respectfully loosened his grip to allow her to step aside if she wanted to, which she hesitated to, but stepped to the side, though she still stayed close.  

“Placide, take Adrien and his friend to his room,” Gabriel ordered. “Then come down and clean up this…mess. We can all talk later when I’m feeling…calmer.”

“Yes sir. Come along, young master,” Gorilla put a large, yet gently meaty hand on Adrien’s shoulder, then another on Marinette’s. 

 The lead up was quiet and comfortable now as the bodyguard led Adrien and Marinette to the former’s room. 

Once he was sure they were safely in, Placide whispered for them to rest, then quietly shut the door behind him.

As soon as they were safely inside the room, Adrien let out tons of tense breaths of relief, collapsing onto the foot of the bed. 

“Kitten? Are you okay?” Since Adrien had given his jacket to Marinette earlier, Plagg couldn’t hide in his pocket like he normally did so he had hidden in Adrien’s hair instead. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard your dad this intense before.” 

“Neither have I, honestly,” Adrien bitterly chuckled. “And I live with him.”

“He was pretty scary,” Marinette agreed as she sat on the bed next to him. “I thought my heart would literally jump out of my chest a few times.”

“You were very brave though, Marinette,” Adrien praised, smiling softly at her. “If you were any other girl, I’m sure she would’ve been shaking and screaming herself the entire time. But you’re not ‘any other girl.’”

Marinette’s cheeks flushed at the praise.

“I was really scared,” she admitted. “But I was afraid even if I said a single word, your father would flip out even more and make things worse for you.”

Adrien’s chest tightened at her words. Without even thinking, he reached out and took her hand, threading his fingers through hers. 

“You didn’t make anything worse,” he promised. “It’s okay that you were scared. I was, too. But you made it better, just by staying with me, even if your support had to be silent.”

For a moment, the room was filled only with the sound of their breathing and the faint hum of the mansion around them. Safe, for now. And for Adrien, with Marinette’s hand in his, that was enough.