Not Alone: A Miraculous Ladybug Story

Chapter 2

Marinette was staring into a daydream. Adrien had not come into school that morning. Leaving her nothing to oogle at, she blankly into the distance instead, imagining and infinite amount of impossible designs.

That's when she saw him. Pacing in such a fury, she was surprised he didn't create flames in his wake.

"Mon chaton," she mouthed to herself, her brow creasing in confusion as to what had gotten into her usually bubbly and carefree partner. His head pivoted and he met her eyes, as if a part of his soul had heard her, even with the distance and walls that separated them. He smiled and waved, but she couldn't do the same, still worried about him. She tilted her head, wondering if he was okay. He winked, and his countenance seemed to have lightened a bit, but it was still much darker than usual. Her cat may be darkness and a bringer of destruction, but she had no misgivings; he was pure light and joy. Ladybug's perfect balance.

She raised her hand, and quickly asked to be excused, claiming an upset stomach and giving Ms. Bustier what she hoped was a pointed look. She darted out of the room and up the stairwell to the roof. She transformed before stepping out, and then jumped over the outcropping on the roof where the door let out, towards him, giving the impression that she had bounded over from another rooftop.

When she got to the edge of the roof though, she didn't see him. Jumping to the roof where he was, she looked around and saw him huddled in a corner. He caught her eye and quickly wiped tears from his face, but her reaction was quicker. Her chest constricted in pain for her partner and rushed over, gathering him into her arms.

"Mon chaton," she whispered, "shh. It'll be okay"

He laughed darkly saying, "I doubt it," but pulled her closer.

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Chat didn't know how Ladybug knew where to find him or that he needed someone...no not someone, that he needed her...but at that moment he didn't care.

"What's wrong, kitty," she asked pulling back, "what can I do? Whose ass do I have to kick?"

He chuckled, but answered truthfully.

"My dad's, I think." he paused, "I don't know."

Her eyebrows crinkled, creating that little crease she got in her brow when she was confused, a rare occurrence for his Lady.

"Chat, " she began," do you need help?" she asked delicately.

He smiled sadly at her, "No my lady. Not like that, but thank you." He lightly squeezed her hand, only to feel her squeeze back tighter.

"Do you want to talk about it?" she asked softly.

He paused, weighing his need to tell her, with her need for anonymity, but eventually nodded. She scooted over next to him, pulling his head onto her shoulder and running her fingers through his disheveled hair as he recounted his story--names omitted--leading up to this morning's events.

When he finished they sat in silence, until Ladybug sighed.

"Oh Kitty, " She whispered with tears in her eyes. She laid her head on top of his. "What do you want to do?"

He remained silent, so unaccustomed to having someone ask what he wanted for once.

"I need to know." he responded simply.

"Then we'll find out," she promised, just as simply.

"But first I need a favor"

"Okay," she replied without hesitation.

"I need to reveal myself to you."