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Misterbug had a giant smile on his face and felt as alive as ever. He had a nice family meal for the second night in a row. That was practically a record! There were people to talk with and foods he didn't have to worry to eat.

Yet, the best part was the never-ending conversations about everyone's day, terrible jokes he loved, and lots of laughter. There were even a few bonuses besides the family meal.

He didn't get yelled at for hanging out with his friends. He was able to sleep in late and get a good night's rest (even if he did arrive late for school). Alya and Nino came over to play video games after the cafe incident. It was an incredible feeling he wished would never end.

Then, a glimpse of Marinette being harassed by the paparazzi and dragged away by her bodyguard went through his mind. Guilt tightened within his chest and sorrow swirled in his mind. Marinette was dealing with stuff Adrien had to deal with in the other dimension.

He had dealt with it for years, so he grew used to the curse of being famous and the emptiness of the mansion. Marinette wasn't used to any of that stuff. She didn't know that life unlike him.

"She must have been scared," he thought, landing on one of the Eiffel Tower's metal platform. Just a few feet away stood Ladynoir, staring out at the view of Paris with her hands on the railing.

"Good afternoon, Milady," Misterbug greeted, smiling brightly, "Have you come up with one of your brilliant plans to get us home and defeat the akuma? If not, I think I may have some ideas."

Ladynoir stayed silent, not acknowledging her partner's presence. The bug superhero grew worried and wondered if he said the wrong thing. If he was still in his catsuit, his fake cat ears would be drooping just like Ladynoir's were right now.

"Milady, is everything okay?" Misterbug asked, walking closer to Ladynoir. She still didn't respond, stubbornly looking straight ahead.

Misterbug noticed as he decreased the space between them that her hands were tightly clutching the metal railing and shoulders were slightly shaking. The superhero worriedly placed his hand on his partner's shoulder.

"Milady?" He tried again. Ladynoir growled and shrugged off his hand from her shoulder. She walked away with her head bowed and hugging herself defensively.

Misterbug grew more concerned and confused. He took out his yo-yo and latched it onto a bar, tugging it. He flew over a still walking Ladynoir and landed on the bar. He rewrapped the yo-yo on the bar again then lowered himself upside down. Ladynoir paused as Misterbug's head came to her head level.

The superhero couldn't entirely see her face but saw a frown encasing the heroine's face. This broke his heart more seeing his lady looking so sad.

"Come on, kitten," Misterbug tried to lightly joke and smiled softly, "Turn that frown upside down."

Ladynoir growled again before looking him straight in the eyes. Misterbug was taken aback when seeing tear tracks on her cheeks and a menacing look in her green, cat-like eyes.

"Would you stop with the stupid nicknames and the even stupider jokes? Can't you see that I'm not in the mood for your childish games or banter?" Ladynoir snarled, "Just leave me alone."

   The cat heroine walked around the upside-down bug hero, who was left hurt just like the last time they were together. Misterbug landed on the platform before following Ladynoir.

   "What is wrong with you?" The blonde snapped, "Why are you acting this way? The wonderful girl I know never acted like this!"

   Ladynoir once again stopped walking then looked over her shoulder.

   "I guess you don't know that wonderful girl as well as you think," she hissed, sarcastically emphasizing "wonderful girl."

   "You've been acting strange. I know my life isn't the best but you were acting strange even before we were placed into this other dimension. What happened?" Misterbug asked, angrily. That was the final straw.

   Adrien immediately calmed down and felt guilt gnaw at him when hearing a sniffle coming from his lady. A quiet sob escaped her lips and her body began to tremble. Tears cascaded down her soft, pale cheeks.

The sight broke his heart. He desperately wanted to hug her but didn't, in fear that she would run away. So, he stayed still and grudgingly waited. They were partners. She could trust him with her life—everything, except for her identity.

"I'm s-sorry, Chat," Ladynoir whimpered, "I shouldn't have snapped at you...in the first place. I let my anger out on...you. That wasn't cool of me. I...I just want to go home."

Misterbug's frown only deepened. The air went silent between them as Ladynoir took a moment to calm down.

She continued her explanation, "I...I got into a fight with my parents before the akuma attack."

Misterbug raised an eyebrow, finding it normal for kids and their parents to fight sometimes. Ladynoir saw his confusion.

"My parents and I don't get into fights very often. But when we do, they're not long and don't really involve yelling. This was different though," she continued, pausing to rub her eyes, "I wasn't doing very well in school. My grades were dropping, I was late almost every day for school, and I was never where I was supposed to be. The detention didn't help me either."

Adrien could understand that little but still patiently listened. Whatever happened with her and her parents was obviously eating her up. All he could do now was stay quiet and listen, be there for her.

   "This fight was the worst fight I've ever had with them. At first, it was how we normally fought but then, there was a lot of yelling. Things were getting taken away, my curfew was changed to an earlier time, and I wasn't allowed to hang out with my friends after school."

Ladynoir sighed, walking over to the edge and sat down. Misterbug took this as a sign to join her side and did so, sitting next to his sad partner. He could tell she still had some more to say and urged her to continue.

"Then what?" He asked, gently and kept a careful eye on her. The cat heroine licked her dry lips, letting out a shaky breath. She was still trying to figure out why she did this "next part" to begin with.

   "I-I—um, some more things were said. A-At some point, I was told to go to my room. Before I did, I...I said that I hated them both," she remorsefully spoke, guilt eating away at her soul. He could see her inner war, slowly tearing her apart.

"I-I didn't realize what I had until it was gone," Ladynoir said before looking over at her partner, "I'm so sorry, Chaton."

"Sorry for what?" He asked, genuinely curious.

"For saying that you were stupid," she answered, "I realize now—the jokes and goofiness—that's just your way of escaping, your freedom. You're forced to be something perfect but when you're in the suit, you're being the best of yourself. I may not have fully experienced what you've been through, but I know enough."

A giant smile spread across the bug hero's face. He pulled her into a side hug and sloppily kissed her cheek. Ladynoir giggled and felt her face warm up slightly by her partner's sudden affection.

The serene atmosphere was disturbed by screams echoing through the air.

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Happy Easter!🐰