Claws In 🐾 (SEQUEL to Spots Off) ( A Miraculous Ladybug Fanfic)

26- Everybody's Got Secrets

Adrien's POV

As the four of us walk out of school, Nino and Alya pair off and say their goodbyes. Marinette and I are left standing at the bottom steps together. "Let me walk you home," I tell her, and I smile to myself when she doesn't refuse me. "We haven't seen each other lately," I admit.

"I know..." She whispers, not meeting my eye.

I look at the snake miraculous camouflaged around my wrist. "Thank you for trusting me with this, Marinette."

"I trust you with my life, Adrien. You know that."

I'm scared to ask. "Even... now?"

"What's happened between us will never change that." She sighs. Besides, if there's an akuma attack, it'll be easier to help if you're already carrying a miraculous, since you won't be spending all this time with me in my room."

I want Marinette back. I want to prove to her that we belong together, but I don't know how, and I definitely don't want to step over lines or cross boundaries.

We reach the bakery and face each other. She finally meets my eye, and I get the courage to ask, "Uh, would you like to see a movie with me?"

"I..." She reaches up and scratches her arm. "That kind of sounds like a date."

"It isn't," I reassure her, shaking my head. "It doesn't have to be."

"Oh..."

"We're still friends, right?" I ask. "Still partners?"

Marinette smiles. "Til the end of the world."

"Then, please, don't shut me out of your life. I did that once with you and it's brought me nothing but the worst pain imaginable." I can't bear the thought of Marinette feeling the way I do.

She steps forward and pecks kiss on my cheek. "I promise I won't Adrien, but we should give each other space, only see each other at school and during my akuma battles. For now, at least. Until we find a way to get through this."

"I understand, Milady."

"See you at school tomorrow?"

I nod. "Yeah..."

"Thank you for walking me home." Marinette waves and heads inside.

"Bye..."

I walk back over to the school and climb in the car, quiet the rest of the way back home. As I walk up the front steps and inside, I hear loud shouting from the dining room. "Mom??" I call out, dropping my school bag by the door. I follow the voices and find Mom, Aunt Amelie, and—

"Nathalie?!" I shout with wide eyes. "What are you—" As she faces me, I notice her baby bump, and my jaw drops. "You're..."

"Adrien, go to your room!" Mom shouts.

"He deserves to hear this!" Nathalie fights back.

"Head what?" I ask, confused.

Aunt Amelie steps forward. "How dare you betray my sister! She trusted you!"

"This does not concern my son!" Mom looks at me. "Adrien, I said go upstairs. Now!"

"WHAT IS GOING ON?!" I scream, smacking my hands on the dining room table. "Someone explain, now!"

Nathalie sighs, rubbing her stomach delicately. "You're right. I did betray your trust, Emelie. There's no excuse in the world for it. I will never be able to make up for it, as long as I live. I will never be able to earn your forgiveness. I don't deserve it... but I felt now was the time to do something right, to tell you the truth."