Chapter Text
Marinette woke up drenched in sweat and a scream on her lips. She was gasping for air as she sat up in the bed, her whole body shaking. She tried to calm herself but she was suddenly overtaken by a wave of nausea. Her body ached as she rushed to the bathroom, collapsing onto the floor and empty out her stomach. Her body was shaking as tears ran down her face. Her head was spinning as she tried to focus on her breathing.
Her body ached and she could feel her body starting to panic. She needed a voice, someone to let her know she wasn't alone. Using the last muscle she had, Marinette scrambled to her room and reached out for Adrien but the bed was empty. Her breath became more increased as her anxiety began to hit. She reached out with shakey hands and grabbed her phone, unlocking it and pressing on the contacts. Clicking on the dial button and putting it on loud speaker she hoped they would answer. It dialed and dialed and Marinette was about to give up hope when the call connected.
"Baby Bug is everything ok?.. Marinette talk to me. Just breath and talk to me."
"Help. It hurts and I can't breath." Marinette could hear muttering and loud noises as Trojan talked to her down the phone. Marinette clutched the phone in ber hand while her body shook. Her chest felt tight and heavy with every breath like someone was trying to crush her ribs.
"Just focus on my voice, ok. Close your eyes and imagine you are where you feel safest." Marinette closed her eyes and imagined she was Ladybug. She was Ladybug with her Cat Noir. They were alone on their roof. The roof she confessed her love to save him, the roof she gave him the jewel, the roof they shared their first kiss when she came back to Paris. He had his arms wrapped tightly around her while she snuggled into his chest, warm in his embrace. He was singing softly in her ear as they watched the sunset in th distance. They were free but safe because they were together. She was always ok when they were together.
She could feel her chest gettting lighter and her body shaking less with each second she thought of her safe place. Her mind was racing while she tried to switch off. She could hear the worry coming through the phone as Trojan waited for her to speak. She took deep breaths before laying down next to the phone. She could feel the warm tears dripping down her face and quickly wiped them away. She listened as Trojan kept getting her to breath, following everything he said.
"We can talk more tomorrow now I think you need to get some rest. Watch tv, take sleeping pills, do whatever you need to sleep. I'll speak to you in the morning LB." They said their goodbyes before the call disconnected. A field of loneliness flooded the room as Marinette laid there, staring up at the ceiling. Her body was exhausted but her mind was terrified to sleep. Everytime her eyes closed Henry was staring back at her, a cold heartless grin across his face. She whimpered and decided enough was enough.
Marinette got off the bed and changed into her leather jacket and biker pants. She grabbed her boots and silently walked down the stairs, careful not to wake anyone. She put her boots by the door and snuck into the kitchen, grabbing a snack from the cupboard and some cold coffee from the fridge. Her mind was racing as she snuck around the kitchen. She put the stuff on the side and went through her mental check list before finally deciding to leave. Behind her she could feel the warm breath on her neck and hands wrapping around her waist as she muttered curses under her breath.
"It is the middle of the night and you aren't dressed as LB so where are going purr-incess?" Marinette whimpered as Adrien rested his head on her shoulder and whispered in her ear. Her mind was racing as she tried to think of an explanation, anything to stop him being suspicious. Adrien was making it harder to think as he ran his hands under her shirt and began tapping his fingers on her stomach. She wiggled in his arms but that only made her back hit his chest. Her breath hitched and he began leaving kisses behind her ear. Her body was betraying her as she pushed back against him. He chuckled quietly in her ear and she sighed, pushing his hands off her waist and turning to face him.
"I don't have to tell you. You can't make me say anything and I'm not going to because it is none of your business where I am going." She frowned and folded her arms over her chest. Adrien cocked an eyebrow but smiled, leaning down to give her a kiss. Marinette moved her head and pushed him away, scowling at him and stepping back, only for her back to hit the corner where the sides meet. Adrien stepped closer and Marinette kept frowning, keeping her arms crossed and trying to keep her body from betraying her. Adrien sighed and stepped closer, lifting Marinette up to sit on the side. She didn't protest but when he went to hug her she pushed him off. He stepped back and looked at her, his hands raised and in her eyeline.
"You don't have to tell me anything if you really don't want to but I want to help. So please tell me what's wrong." Marinette shook her head and clamped her mouth shut, scrunching her eyes closed and covering her ears with her hands. Adrien stepped closer and put himself between her legs, a hand gently touching her thigh so she knew he was there. He waited for her to calm down before lifting his hands up to her and taking them from her ears. She whimpered as a single tear rolled down her face and she leaned on his shoulder.
"You weren't there. I had a nightmare and you weren't there when I got up. He... He hurt me again... a..and I was alone." Adrien wrapped his arms around her and stroked her hair, trying to comfort her and stop her crying. She put her hands on his chest and try to push him away but held onto her, listening to the sobs that echoed.
"No... Get off me... You left me... I hate you." She was shoving at his chest but he didnt listen. Marinette finally gave in and grabbed onto him, dragging him closer and clinging onto his shirt. He sang softly to her and kissed her forehead as she let herself collapse onto him, clinging to him like her life depended on it. When the crying stopped Adrien went to step away but Marinette clung onto him, digging her nails into his back. He looked down to see her face buried in his chest and her chest rising and falling unevenly.
"Princess?"
"Your not seeing me cry. Just stay here for a little longer." Adrien sighed and held onto her, listening as she sniffled and tried to calm herself. He could feel as her body became heavy and her breaths were becoming slower. He chuckled and she softly hit him. He felt her legs wrap around his waist and her head nuzzle into his neck. She played with the scuff of head at the back of his head and gently kissed his neck, occasionally nipping at the same spot. His heart always jumped when she did that and she knew it was the way to win him over.
"Marinette do you want to talk or are we just going to pretend that you didn't just say you hated me?" She whimpered like an injured puppy before continuing to nip at his skin. Adrien took that as an answer and gently ran his hand through her hair, being careful when he came to any knots. They stayed in silence until he felt Marinette begin to squirm and he stepped back. Her eyes were still a bit red but other then that there was no trace of her crying. She looked down at the floor and began playing with her hands, her body language sending a clear message.
"I'm sorry." Adrien watched as Marinette slipped off the side and stood in place, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. He sighed and grabbed her hand, pulling her out into the hall. She finally looked up at him and panic was written across her face. She looked between Adrien and the front door before her mind managed to catch up. She snatched her wrist back and looked at Adrien, begging him for an answer.
"We are going to the precinct. You clearly arent going to sleep and neither am I so I left Madeline a note on the table with both our numbers and my office phone number." Marinette smiled and grabbed the car keys, sliding her boots on as they left. She got in the drivers seat and Adrien frowned before sliding into the passengers side. He looked over to where Marinette was smiling and turning the car on.
He watched her as they started driving, trying to figure out what was going through her mind. He watched her as she began driving and a tear slipped down her face. Her used his sleeve to wipe the tear and in the process made her jump. She managed to keep the car in control but her knuckles turned white with the force she gripped the wheel. He put his hand on her thigh and she just kept her eyes on the road. Adrien could see her fighting with herself and he could only wish that there was some way for him to help her.
Adrien had been so focused on Marinette that he hadn't noticed where they were going. He looked at the road and frowned, having no idea where they were. Marinette had her eyes on the road and was chewing her lip but didn't say anything. They drove for another 10 minutes before Marinette stopped the car. Silence filled the car as Marinette just kept hold of the steering wheel and stared out at the world.
"Luka used to bring me here. When he first found me I hated being locked away so at night he would bring me here to watch the sunset. Out here I have no expectations to fulfill, no one to impress, I can be truly free." Adrien watched as Marinette finally looked at him, her eyes filled with tears. He smiled and climbed into the back seat, taping the space next to him. Marinette smiled and climbed back to join him, curling up next to him and sighing.
"What's making you feel trapped?.. You can trust me princess." Marinette sighed and shrugged before looking up at him. He smiled and brushed the hair from her eyes, chuckling at the kicked puppy look she was giving him. He watched as Marimette looked around the car before smirking to herself. She got on her knees and leaned towards him, gently kissing him before leaning in further. He had kissed her back until he felt a shove on his shoulders and knew it was to late, he had fallen into her trap.
His back hit the seats and he was laying down, Marinette sitting on his waist. She was smiling, a proud look on her face. She leaned down on his chest and smirked, clearly pleased with their situation. He grabbed her hips and tried to push her off but she just frowned, laying herself completely ontop of him. He prodded at her hip and she sqeaked, sitting up and grabbing his wrists. He chuckled to himself and she just poked his stomach, smirking when he stopped laughing.
"Marinette, princess, I'm not fucking you in the back of the car. You aren't in the right headspace and I'm not going to take advantage of you." Marinette leaned back down onto his chest and pressed her ear against his chest, closing her eyes and focusing on his heartbeat.
"Kitty I'm fine. I promise I'm ok. Please." She whimpered and leaned up to his ear, gently nibbling on his earlobe. He grabbed her hips and she jumped, moving to look down at him. He didn't look impressed and she knew that she had pushed her luck. She frowned but accepted that the answer was no. He smiled and wrapped her in a hug, laying with her while they watched the sun rise. It had been silent in the car, the pair just enjoying one anothers company when Adriens phone began ringing, making both of them jump.
Marinette had jumped off of Adrien, wide awake and looking around to see what was happening. Adrien had sat up with a groan and reached blindly in the front for his phone. When he finaly found it he checked the caller ID before opening his arm to Marinette and answering the call.
"Hey Dude, why are you calling me so early?" Marinette stared up at the phone and frowned. She tapped at his chest and whimpered quietly, trying to get Adrien's attention.
"The chief called a meeting and everyone need to be there in an hour. Apparently they have a lead on Lillian and have made a break in the masked assassin's case."
"But today was my day off. He can't seriously want me in on my day off."
"The chief said, and I quote, I don't give a shit if it is your day off or if your sick. We could have a possible gang war and a series of deaths coming. So if you dont come in I guess it is your funeral... Alya said Hi." Adrien rolled his eyes and went to speak when Marinette sat in front of him, tapping to get his attention. He held her hand but she pulled away, moving to sit even closer and tapped again.
"Hi Alya. I'll be there in a bit but for now I have a needy bug to entertain. She is not impressed that you took my attention." Marinette scowled and hit him playfully before the pair heard the couple laughing from the other end of the phone. Adrien just watched as Marinette climbed into his lap and grabbed his hand, tugging at his arm and whimpering.
"Well you signed yourself up for that by being her boyfriend eventhough everyone agrees Marinette should come with a warning label or atleast a trailer." Adrien chuckled as Marinette made a grab for his phone, clearly getting impatient. She huffed and wrapped her arms around his neck, nuzzling into his neck and brushing her nose against him. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer, earning a short break from her whimpering.
"A little warning sticker would be perfect but I'm stuck wkth her now and I wouldn't change a thing... Well maybe a little less breaking into my house in the past but other then that."
"Get over yourself. It was like one time." Marinette groaned into his neck and rearranged herself, trying to get more comfortable. He just chuckled and moved slightly, making it easier for her to sit in his lap.
"Actually Princess it was more like twice. First when you found out I was chat Noir, the other after you saved the kid from the three assassins. It wouldn't surprise me if you have broken in more then that." Marinette scoffed and climbed out of his lap and into the front seat, mumbling under her breath. Adrien rolled his eyes and listened as Nino laughed at the couple.
"I'm going to have to go and make it up to her but I'll see you in work later." Adrien hung the phone up and sighed, looking as Marinette sulked in the front seat. He tapped her shoulder but she just frowned, pulling away from him.
"Marinette I'm sorry. We can cuddle for another ten minutes before I have to head to work." She thought about it for a minute before climbing back to sit with him. He smiled and wrapped an arm around her while she sat in his lap, her face buried in his chest. They stayed cuddle up together until he heard Marinette whimper and grab his top. He looked down at her to see her eyes screwed shut and her face twisted in pain. Nightmares were disturbing her sleep again and Adrien could nothing but watch it happen. He had been warned that waking her up could cause her to freak out and no know she wasn't still dreaming.
Adrien had woken her once after a bad nightmare and she screamed, throwing her arms around and begging for it to stop. She clutched her head and curled up, trying to protect herself from the nightmare. Adrien touched her shoulder and she snapped, shoving him off and hitting him, punching at his chest until Adrien moved away. She fell back to sleep but was restless. When she woke up in the moring she didn't remember hitting Adrien or screaming at him. She spent ages apologising and begging for his forgiveness. When she saw the bruise on his chest she sobbed, refusing to touch him until he convinced her he was ok.
"Shhh, your ok Princess. We're safe together Princess." Marinette began waking up, her body recovering from the harsh nightmares. Her hands reached out for something, anything to tell her this was real. He reached for her hands and gently took them, kissing her knuckles and smiling. She groaned and shifted to lay on her side, burying her face in her hands. He chuckled and sat the both up, watching as Marinette frowned at him.
"Time to head to precinct." Marinette groaned but got out the car, sliding into the passenger seat and going back to sleep. Adrien winced, not wanting her to sleep while he wasn't able to hold her. If he was driving he wouldn't be able to stop her from hurting herself in her sleep. Marinette shifted a few times before giving up and sitting up, rubbing her eyes and yawning.
The couple drove in a peaceful silence to the precinct. Adrien had been focusing on the road when he heard Marinette groan, shifting in her seat and pulling at her seatbelt. Her leg started bouncing and hd immediately put his hand on her leg, rubbing small circles with his thumb on her thigh. She looked up at him before looking back at the road, sighing and shifting in her seat again. Adrien watched out the corner of his eye as she shifted and tried to get comfortable. She pulled at the seatbelt before giving up and slumping back on the chair. Her hands gripped onto her knee as she dug her nails into her legs, clearly getting overstimulated. Adrien opened the glove box before focusing back on the road. He had a selection of fidget toys and snacks with a few other things.
"Take one and just chill. The precinct is less then ten minutes away." Marinette grabbed one before shutting the glove box and looking at the road. They sat quietly for the rest of the ride, the occasional sigh or huff coming from Marinette. Adrien could see her getting frustrated and gently rubbed her hand, letting her twist the ring on his finger.
When they finally arrived Marinette quickly got out the car, rocking back and forwards on her feet as she waited for Adrien. He walked around the side of the car with a smile as Marinette quickly grabbed his hand and dragged him into the precinct. When they walked in Marinette went straight to the kitchen, making herself a coffee and raiding the cupboard of snacks. Adrien watched as she tried to reach for the top shelf but was to short. He went to walk over and help when she climbed up onto the side and grabbed it herself. He rolled his eyes and went to sit at the table when the chief walked in with a lady by his side.
"As I was saying detective Dupain is very mature and sensible. I do believe she would be... What's going on?" Marinette turned her head and smiled, a packet of biscuits in her hand and one in her mouth. Adrien chuckled to himself as Marinette climbed off the side and began eating her food and taking a sip of her coffee. The chief turned back to the woman and sighed, clearly seeing the look she was giving Marinette.
"Detective Dupain, lovely to see you again and alive. Our team have heard about the trouble you've caused and were surprised when we got a call about Lillian and you possible working her case." Marinette nodded and took another bite of her biscuit, picking up her coffee and going to sit at the table with Adrien. The chief looked at Adrien and prayed with his eyes that Marinette behaved herself. But like always there prays weren't answered.
"I was hoping I would never have to see you again. As for me working Lillians case it hasn't been decided yet." Marinette stood up and went to leave when Jenna Smith grabbed her shoulder, stopping her just before she could leave. Adrien watched her flinch away slightly and he quickly stood up, walking towards them to get Marinette. He removed Jenna's hand from her shoulder and wrapped an arm around her instead. The cheif watched with a smug smile as Adrien turned to Jenna with an innocent smile.
"We'll be in my office if you need us but right now I have work to do and Marinette only came to the station to keep me company, not to amuse you and answer your questions. So if you wouldn't mind keeping your distance and respecting mine and my girlfriend's wishes, that would be greatly appreciated." He started walking, Marinette quickly falling into step with him. He could feel her shaking slightly as they walked to his office, her eyes scanning around and finding all the exits. He knew it was a defensive mechanism that she jumped to whenever she was triggered.
Once Adrien closed the door she relaxed slightly. He could still see she was anxious as she paced the room and chewed her lip. Nino was stitting at his desk paying the couple no attention until Marinette started muttering under her breath. Adrien stood in front of her and she stopped, looking up at him and blinking. He smiled and took her hand but she frowned, walking over to the sofa and laying down. Adrien just sighed and walked to sit beside her, running his fingers through her hair. She smiled and closed her eyes, slowly falling asleep.
Once she had he put a pillow under her head and returned to work. They both worked in silence until there was a quiet knock at the door and they both looked at Marinette but she was still asleep. Adrien looked at the clock but there was nothing scheduled. He opened the door and an officer was standing there with a scowl and a very nervous looking Madleine.
"Agreste the girl says she is with you so here." Madeline and Adrien watched as the officer stormed away. He opened the door and invited her in. She looked over at Marinette and then to Nino before shuffling her feet. Marinette groaned and rolled over, throwing her arm over her eyes. Madeline walked over and shoved her feet off the sofa, earning a small jab to the side. Adrien told Marinette off and she just huffed, completely kicking Madeline off the sofa.
"Adrien you need another sofa. This one is mine. I claimed it before Madeline or that stupid bitch they call a detective came." She whined and Adrien went to speak when her phone rang. She rolled her eyes and answered the call wothout even looking at the caller ID.
"Marinette's phone, this better be fucking important." Madeline chuckled and got off the floor, moving to stand behind Nino's chair. She started pointing out all his spelling and grammar mistakes before giggling and muttering under her breath. Nino flipped her off while her back was turned but she did the same back.
"OH MY GOD PLAGG I COULD KISS YOU RIGHT NOW." Marinette screamed and jumped up. Adrien frowned, a hint of jealousy hitting me. Nino just chuckle as Madeline looked over.
"I'm coming right now. You're the best." Marinette jumped up and grabbed Adrien's hands, buzzing about something. She kissed him before grabbing his hand and dragging him out. Adrien knew he wouldn't know where they were going until she actually got there. Adrien just hoped they were both going to make it back with all their limbs attached.