Chapter Text
Marinette is woken up abruptly in the middle of the night. At first, she is disoriented and can't tell what exactly brought her out of her dreams. There is an insistent light tapping at her cheek. Similar to how Tikki would wake her for a missed alarm.
A pair of acid green eyes stared at her in the shadows as she slowly woke up. "Marinette!"
"Plagg?" she jumped up, startled by his presence.
She could make out the little black cat highlighted by the moon coming through her skylight. He looked nervous, his eyes flitting about the room. The other kwamis were still asleep in the miracle box, including Tikki.
"What's wrong?" Marinette asked quietly. "Did something happen to Chat?"
He wiggled a little in place. "Not exactly, but this is the only time I could talk to you. I'm worried about him."
Marinette sat up more to give Plagg her full attention. She had begun to notice Chat Noir was a little off when they met up over the past couple of weeks. He still threw puns around, smiled, and joked. She assumed he had been uncomfortable around her since her hysterical outbursts, and chalked it up to him not knowing how to act around her.
Although if it was serious enough to send Plagg for help in the middle of the night, she should have been paying more attention.
"Tell me what's wrong," Marinette encouraged.
Plagg sighed. "It's little things mostly, but I think it's starting to pile up. He has a very busy schedule. Goes to that school, he works, and always having to fight akumas. I'm sure you can relate. But his home life is... not good. It was never great, but I think it's getting worse. He's always alone. He hasn't spoken to anyone in his house in weeks other than to be told when to eat, how to dress, or where to go next."
Marinette frowned. She didn't know a whole lot about Chat by design, but that was her choice, not his. Now it sounded like he was suffering, or had been suffering for quite some time. She never had a clue, and it made her feel tremendously guilty for not having been more supportive.
“I-I didn’t know. He’s mentioned his father is a workaholic, and absent often. But nothing like what you’re saying.”
Plagg hung his head and shrugged. "I don’t think he would know where to begin. He's withdrawing into himself. He used to love going to school, and now I don't think it matters to him as much. Ad-Chat doesn't talk about his friends as much, and he hasn't been allowed to be with them either. I don't really get into the gooey emotions stuff, but it doesn't mean I don't care. Please Marinette, I... I need you to help him. I don't know what I can do for him. Ladybug is the only one he is open with, but I think even that's not enough anymore."
Marinette twisted the blanket clutched in her hand. It broke her heart to hear how Chat was struggling and she didn't even notice. He had tried to help her when she was spiraling, but she was too wrapped up in her own thoughts to recognize his kind gestures.
Had she inadvertently added to his despair too? She never wanted to hurt him. He was the most important person in her life, and maybe she didn't express it enough.
Now she even had Alya to confide in both as Marinette and Ladybug. She was an idiot to think Chat might not need the same thing.
"I wish I had picked up on this sooner. I'll make this right, Plagg. Do you think I'll be able to talk to him tomorrow?" Marinette asked, even though she knew Plagg couldn’t reveal his name.
"Yeah, I know you have school. He's so tired I don't want to wake him up now. He had a hard time falling asleep."
That just made her guilty feelings twist in her gut more. "Okay, I'll send him a message as soon as I can."
"Thank you, Marinette." Plagg sagged slightly in relief and started towards the window. "Oh, also bring some macarons to Limo Boy. He doesn't eat enough!" Then he flitted away. Tikki must have heard them talking but didn't intervene until Plagg had left.
"Limo Boy?" She asked out loud.
"Plagg is everywhere," Tikki said as if that answered the questions starting to form in her mind. "Sometimes he doesn't stay where he's supposed to."
There was only one boy at school in a limo though, and that was Adrien. Why would Plagg single him out?
Adrien had been quieter lately in class too. He looked tired and would slump in his seat when no one was watching. How many blond hair and green-eyed boys did that kwami know?
“Adrien,” she gasped and jumped from the bed moving into a pace. “Oh. Oh no. No, no, no, no.” She hid her face in her hands, shaking her head. “How did I miss that? He was right in front of me all along. Seriously!”
"Oh I thought you might scream a little more upon the realization," Tikki grinned.
"Screaming on the inside, yes," Marinette responded. Her brain was still stuck on the fact that Chat Noir was stressed, and upset. Even more so knowing it was one of her classmates, and someone she cared for deeply times two.
"No wonder he's upset. How has he managed for so long? I started cracking almost instantly under the additional pressure. He does twice as much as me!"
"I think he might have been better at hiding it, Marinette. From what I know, he's always been told to keep a certain appearance in public, right?" Tikki asked.
Marinette sighed. "Yeah, he has. He's never really allowed to do anything for himself either. I have to do something special for him. I have to apologize to him too. I should have known he might need support being a miraculous holder full-time. I was so selfish."
“It’s not your fault,” Tikki said. “You were being cautious. But now I think you’re to the point where you have to confide in one another. I know it’s scary but you’ll see, it will turn out okay.”
“Thanks, Tikki,” Marinette patted her softly on the head.
Marinette walked over to a chest where she kept gifts she had made in a time when she was, well a little out of control and overzealous. There was a soft package that was wrapped in green paper. The one gift in her collection meant for Chat Noir. Perfect.
She slid back into bed. It was still late enough to get some sleep, but she would have to get to school early. Her mind was racing, and her heart hammered against her ribs. She slowly fell back asleep, hoping she would be able to make Adrien smile.
When morning arrived Marinette was groggy, but adrenaline quickly started to fuel her. She got showered and dressed and grabbed her school bag along with her gift.
She flitted down into the bakery where her parents were preparing for the day.
"Mama, can I please take a small box of goodies to school for a friend?" Marinette asked already unfolding one of the bakery boxes.
"Of course, dear." Sabine answered, wiping flour onto her apron "Who is it for?"
"Adrien. He looked a little sad the other day so I want to try and cheer him up." Marinette answered simply. She put in a couple of macaroons, a chocolate breakfast pastry, and some berry tarts.
Her mother exited the kitchen and smiled. "That's very nice of you, Marinette. I'm surprised you're up so early."
"I just wanted to make sure I would be on time today." She still had a half-hour before school started, but Adrien's bodyguard always arrived early. "I'm going to head out." She said and made for the door waving over her shoulder as she went.
As she got to school she was one of the first to arrive. She sat on the steps off to the side and kept an eye on the street for the sleek silver car.
"I hope he shows up. I really want to talk to him." Marinette whispered, knowing Tikki would hear. "I also feel really bad for not noticing Adrien needed help sooner. I hope he doesn’t think the attention is weird."
“Sometimes it’s hard to see these things if other people don't want you to. Just keep in mind that even if you know now, maybe don’t spring it on him unexpectedly. Especially if he’s been upset like Plagg said.” Tikki suggested in a low tone. “And I’m sure he’ll be extremely happy that you brought him those pastries. It shows you care.”
"Right." She had to play it cool. Well, she would attempt. Adrien always got her worked up. Half the time she was surprised he even still looked her way after the garbled sentences that came out of her mouth.
Ten minutes rolled by and more students started to filter into the building from the street. Finally, the sedan rolled up slowly to the curb. The backdoor popped open after a moment, and Adrien stepped out.
Marinette couldn't see his face right away, as he was looking down at his shoes. Then he shut the door, pulled the strap of his bag closer to his body, and made his way to the stairs with a silent sigh.
He was towards the middle of the staircase, so he didn't see Marinette right away. As she observed him she could see the tired look on his face. He just looked downright exhausted, and she had a hunch he might even be wearing concealer to cover bags under his eyes.
"Good morning, Adrien," Marinette said standing from her spot.
He stopped and it took a moment for him to look her way. Almost as if he wasn't sure his name had been called. When he caught her gaze, she smiled softly and he returned it, but it didn't quite meet his eyes.
"Hi Marinette,” he gave her a sheepish wave. “Sorry I didn't see you over there."
"No worries. Can I...can I have a moment of your time?" She asked with a smile.
"Oh, of course," He answered, and walked over to her side of the steps so they weren't in the way.
Marinette eyed him as he came to stand on the step below hers. They were almost eye level like this. He looked unsure, and Marinette had hardly ever seen him without confidence before.
"Are... are you okay, Adrien?" Marinette asked. "I don't want to pry, but I've noticed recently that you seem kind of down?"
His eyes widened at the question as it caught him off guard. He grinned at her, and instead said, "Everything's fine."
She frowned, knowing he was just putting on a mask. "If you say so. But it’s okay if you’re not all right. I’m your friend, and I will always be here if you need to talk. If you have a burden that you can't bear the weight of anymore, it’s okay to ask for help."
He looked at her like a startled deer and gasped. Suddenly, all at once, his composure shattered. He lurched forward and pulled her into a tight hug. She dropped her bakery box to the step with the sudden movement but held onto him. He rested his forehead against her shoulder in their embrace, and Marinette could feel a shuddering exhale escape him.
She ran her hand up and down his back, and held on just as tightly. She could only imagine the turmoil he was going through. She knew how it felt to be pulled in a bunch of different directions. It was hard to keep yourself in one piece.
Adrien pulled back, his eyes were shiny but no tears had been shed. "That means more to me than you know. No one has ever given me the option before."
"You're welcome.” She could felt the flush in her cheeks from the sudden hug. It was nice and warm, and she would very much like to hug him again. But she had to focus. “L-Like I said, if you want to talk I will listen. I know what it’s like to have to keep different masks up for different situations."
"You... masks?" He asked. "You always seem pretty put together, Marinette. You always have a plan for every situation."
"For other people, maybe. But sometimes I feel like I don't know which way is up when dealing with my own issues." She waved a hand through the air. "I tend to over imagine things, or get hyper-focused on one thing and can’t see beyond it. Even I need help, and sometimes I don't always see when people are trying to help me."
The ten-minute warning bell signaled which made them both look up at the school building. They caught the eyes of some of their classmates at the top of the stairs watching their hushed conversation.
Marinette blushed at the attention they were receiving. "I guess class is starting soon."
Adrien bent down and grabbed the bakery box off the step. "I'm so sorry. I knocked this out of your hands."
"Don't worry, it's still sealed. I actually brought these for you to cheer you up. Sorry, they hit the step. You can take them if you still want them, but it's okay if you don't. It's a variety of treats." She had to force herself to stop rambling.
"Thank you! I haven't had bread in like 3 weeks, or sweets."
Marinette frowned. "I think I would keel over."
"I came close a few times," he said off-handedly “Let's get to class before we're late." He said quickly changing the subject and moved up the stairs. Turning towards her, he waited a moment for Marinette to join him.
"Sure. I'm paw-sitive I don't want to be late again," she smirked.
"Was that a pun?"
She giggled, "Maybe."
She knew that they still needed to talk more. But if she could lift his spirits for a little while, well, at least that was a start.
The gathered classmates at the top of the stairs dispersed and headed for the classroom as well. Marinette caught Alya giving her a big grin and a thumbs up, and Marinette good-naturedly rolled her eyes.
She walked beside Adrien until they had to take their seats. He greeted their nearby friends and opened up the box.
"Oh god," he quickly grabbed the chocolate croissant and bit into it.
"Wow, dude," Nino commented. "Treats from the bakery. Nice score."
Adrien pushed the box towards Nino and gestured for him to grab something while still taking bites of his croissant. Nino grabbed one of the fruit tarts and Adrien turned to the girls behind him.
He asked a muffled question sounding like "Do you want one?"
Alya leaned forward. "Yes, please!" Nino handed her a strawberry macaroon.
Marinette smiled and declined. "I grabbed pastry on my walk to school this morning."
"You know eating that much sugar in the morning isn't good for your diet," a voice said from the doorway. Marinette snapped her head up and found Lila in the doorway. "I hope you don't get a stomach ache, Adrien. We have a photoshoot tomorrow."
Adrien paused, hand poised about to pick up a fruit tart. He glared at Lila, but didn't say anything and stuck his hand back in his lap.
Marinette stood from her seat, seething. "It’s quite rude to comment on other people's eating habits or food choices."
"I was only trying to offer some advice. One has to watch their figure in the modeling industry," Lila countered, but Alya chimed in.
"No offense, Lila, but that was very condescending to say to Adrien. Especially first thing in the morning. He has every right to enjoy whatever he wants."
Murmurs of agreement rang through the classroom. Lila looked wide-eyed back. Then she seemed to collect herself. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to come out that way. I just know how strict your father is. I was only trying to look out for you."
"Okay, sure," Adrien said quietly. Lila moved past them to her seat at the back of the classroom.
Adrien shut the bakery box. His good mood upended by Lila's comments, and Marinette was absolutely fuming.
She stood up and walked over to him. She put a hand on his shoulder and bent down to whisper in his ear. "Don't let her get to you. She's trying to play games, and you don't need any validation from her. Food doesn't matter. Besides, I think you look absolutely moew-varlous."
Adrien snorted and quickly clapped a hand to his mouth, surprised at the sound, and his cheeks quickly turned crimson. Marinette winked and patted him on the shoulder returning to her seat.
"What did you just say to him?" Alya whispered.
"Just trying to bring back the good mood. I told him he looked good."
"Wow, girl. What's gotten into you today?"
"I'll tell you later, but for now I'm just trying to help out a friend."
Alya nodded as the teacher entered the classroom silencing the conversation. She began the lessons for the day and Marinette sat thinking about what her next move would be.
As the day went on Marinette observed Adrien. He seemed to be faring well, but she had no idea what was going on in his head.
They had lunch together in the cafeteria. After the incident in the morning with Lila, she kept her distance for the rest of the day. Most likely afraid to attract negative attention.
Adrien's mood seemed to be good. He laughed at jokes and engaged in conversation for the lunch period. Although, he only seemed to poke at the salad he had before him. Eating half by the time the period was up and touched a few slices of an apple.
"Hey Adrien," Marinette started as they headed back to the classroom.
"Yeah?"
"Are you free after school? I know you usually have a busy schedule, but I was hoping I might be able to steal you away for a bit?" She smiled.
He looked like he was thinking about it. Maybe he was suspicious because she was suddenly talking to him a lot. She would be suspicious if she were in his shoes. She still couldn’t wrap her mind around the idea of him being Chat Noir. Yet it only fueled her desire to want to help Adrien though. Knowing he was not only a friend, but one of her most trusted friends, and he was standing right in front of her this whole time.
Marinette really was an idiot. She wanted to keep both of them safe by having their identities remain secret. Hawkmoth knows about the rest of the miraculous holders now. But they were a team, and she should have given him her full trust sooner. Especially after Master Fu left. Chat Noir didn’t have anyone to turn to, just like Ladybug.
"I have Chinese lessons," Adrien answered, pulling her from her thoughts. "I'll skip them for you, Marinette.”
"Are you certain?”
He nodded earnestly. “Of course.”
“Thank you, Adrien," her hand brushed against the back of his as they walked up the steps. She wished she could hold his. "I promise it will be worth it!" She grinned. "Besides, Mama will practice with you if you really want"
He smiled warmly. For the first time that day, it seemed like the clouds had parted for Adrien; he looked genuinely cheerful. Marinette felt butterflies in her stomach, and her heart started racing. Whether it was adoration for Adrien, or anxiousness from the inevitable conversation she would have that afternoon, she couldn’t tell.