Adrienne made her way over towards him, gently taking his hand in hers. Marin placed a hand over his eyes and let out a frustrated grunt. "Marin, dude what's going on?" Alim asked yawning and stretching out his arms.

"Hawkmoth is going after my family"

Chapter 10

Alim, Adrienne, and Nina have never seen Marin so upset in their entire lives. He was generally upbeat and in a good mood. Sure, he's had his down moments when he's sad or annoyed, but they never really saw him angry. Still pretty drowsy and tired, Marin felt like he was about to pass out. He knew he had to go do something about Hawkmoth, he wasn't going to make the same mistake of waiting before putting a plan into action.

"This is getting out of hand...but we aren't going to let Hawkmoth have his way," Adrienne sighed, pulling Marin into a tight hug. He returned it, nodding. "We should go, let's not waste any time."

Alim took a hold of Nina, gathering their clothes and things quickly. Adrienne threw on some clothes, shouting for her assistant. Nathan came in through the hotel room, holding his usual tablet or clipboard in his arms, looking at the model, curious of why she started packing up her things in suitcases.

"Miss...what are you doing?" he asked.

"Nathan, get the car ready, please? Tell them to pick up Mr. and Mrs. Dupain-Cheng first. Tell father to come here as soon as he can, please. It's urgent!"

As soon as the words came out of her mouth, Nathan had typed rapidly on the tablet and pressed his Bluetooth on from his ear. Adrienne and the others were really surprised by how fast the assistant was able to contact her father and do everything that was asked.

"The limo will be there shortly" he stated, turning away slightly. He pressed two fingers to his ear. "Mr. Agreste, Adrienne requests to see you...something urgent—yes...as you wish." He turns to the now ready teens standing there waiting. "He'll be here soon."

Marin sighed a shaky breath. His whole body shook, fearing that every second he spent waiting in the hotel room, something worse could happen. His heart beat faster and his chest tightened, feeling the sudden need to gasp for air. He squeezed his eyes shut, his hands balled up and his vision blurred a bit. Thinking about his parents had greatly stressed him out. His family is something he deeply cared about, yet Hawkmoth decided to get involved and cause problems.

Marin was having a panic attack, and it wasn't the first time. Adrienne looked at him, confused yet concerned by his sudden shakiness. She decided to signal Alim, who seemed confused at first, when he started bringing his attention towards Marin. Alim began to see his nervousness and silence, and his widened, knowing exactly what was going on. He panicked.

"Dude, calm down, okay? Every-"

Marin began swaying back and forth on his feet, nearly losing his balance completely. Alim began to panic and quickly made his way towards Marin, anticipating what was about to happen.

"Babe, what's—" She started, but he wasn't quick enough. Marin collapsed.

"Marin! Oh my god" Alim flipped him to his back. Marin's breathing became harder and his shaking continued. Adrienne looked towards Nathan.

"Nathan please call someone," she pleaded.

Even Adrienne was freaking out. Next thing you know she'll be having a panic attack as well.

Alim held his hand up to make Nathan stop, which he did. "No, it's fine. I know how to get him to calm down". He looked back down at his best friend. "Breathe in and out, dude. A big one in...then a big one out." Slowly, he began to try and regulate his breathing. "That's it bud, a couple more. Adrienne help me sit him up." Carefully, she slipped her arm around his back and sat him up. Adrienne frowned, this was definitely something new that she learned about Marin. It gave her another thing to be worried about.

Marin placed a hand in his chest, gripping and tugging on his shirt. He felt as his rapid heartbeat slowly decrease, and his breathing eased up.

"Thanks, guys..."

Gabriel's sudden shut of the door caught everyone's attention. He didn't seem amused by the commotion so early in the morning. "What is so important-" Nathan stepped aside, letting Gabriel have a good look at the scene. He glared at Marin, feeling his protective father side arise from the darkness inside him. Adrienne held him so close, it was instinct to feel cautious as to who comes close to his only daughter's life. (Look at that, Hawkdaddy is being an actual dad XD) "I'll just ignore...this. Adrienne care to explain what is so important?"

"Marin's parents are in trouble."

The limo arrived at the front of the hotel in a matter of minutes. It didn't take long to convince Gabriel to go back home that very morning. He agreed it was already too dangerous for her to be around since she was hurt, and the event he was preparing for was basically ruined by the akuma. Although with all the excitement, he was considering keeping her in the house for awhile. Just to be on the safe side.

Marin's eyes threatened to leak tears as soon as he saw his mother slowly make her way out of the car, towards him. He gave her a big, firm hug. He felt guilty that his family was being put in danger because of his identity as a superhero being revealed to all of Paris. He knew he should have been more careful, but it's not like he had much of a choice. If it wasn't for his identity reveal, Adrienne would be dead.

"Mom..." His voice slightly broke as his throat tightened. Sabrine hugged her son back, patting the back of his head affectionately.

"I know sweetie...I know. I'm fine, your father was taken to the hospital. We can visit him later." Marin's cheeks her stained with his tears, his eyes beginning to puff up slightly.

"I'm so glad your okay...I'm so sorry.."

Marin's friends, along with the other two adults present stood silently behind the reunited family. Mr. Agreste typed away on his phone while Nathan took care of the bags. Alim and Nina chatted among themselves, usually ending with Nina blushing at Alim's comments while he chuckled and took her hand in his and pulling her close. Adrienne was focusing on Marin and his mother. She smiled sadly. The more she watched them, the more she thought of her own mother, silently praying to have her back someday to receive the same affection. She wanted what he had. She glanced over at her father, instantly their eyes met. Gabriel frowned, he couldn't tell why Adrienne was looking at him for. Instead he shrugged and looked away, leaving Adrienne only feel a lot worse.

As they each got in the car, Marin chatted with his mom for a bit. "I can't believe you ride in this everyday," Alim sighed, pressing his back up against the leather seats. Adrienne's cheeks flushed a light pink.

"Yeah, I guess it's pretty nice."

"Pretty nice? This is amazing! I wish I could get to do this everyday!" Marin laughed at his best friend's enthusiasm.
"I'd be nice, huh? Alim, get a job so you can get me one of these." Nina winked at him. Alim pulled her closer, pulling her in for a kiss.

"Good idea babe, I'll get started." Marin looked at him, amused.

"Really, Alim? I doubt you'll be able to make enough to pay something off as nice as this."

Sabine looked at her son, clearly shocked by what he said. Alim looked at Marin, eyes wide.

"I am hurt bro. I only want what's best for my girl." Marin rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry, I didn't mean to put you down like that..."

Alim punched his arm softly, chuckling. "No sweat. Still, it doesn't keep me from trying." Marin nodded, giving him a fist bump.

"That's what I like to hear. Good. You're in good hands, girl" Adrienne smiled at her best friend, who then turned and narrowed her eyes at Alim. "I know we're friends, but I'll mess you up if you do anything funny," she spoke darkly.

Marin and Alim both looked at each other before turning back to the blonde and nodding. They swallowed hard, Marin felt threatened by her dark change in tone. This girl is scary when she's serious. Adrienne smiled cheerfully, slightly giggling. Nina bit her lip, holding back a laugh after seeing the now, slightly, disturbed boys. Sabine rolled her eyes, amused.

A small silence fell upon them. Marin glance at his mother, who stared out the window, lost in her thoughts. Something in Marin's mind told him that he should be talking to his mother about being a superhero in secret. Surely, she'll understand as to why it had to be kept a secret. Nina and Alim listened well and understood the risks, but it could be different this time. This time, he's talking to someone that had brought him into the world and who believed she was able to trust him with anything. The trust may very well be broken between him and his parents.

Please forgive me mom.

"Hey mom?" Marin looked down, seeing Tikki gently nod her head, knowing that Marin wanted to tell his mom about her.

She smiled, broke her gaze away to look at her son. "Yes?"

Marin's palms began to sweat, feeling nervous. "I'm sorry...for keeping it a secret" Sabine's smile began to fade slightly. Nonetheless, she tried to keep that smile.

"It...scared me, knowing how much danger you put yourself in by being a superhero. It also came as a shock, to both your father and I but..."

Adrienne, overhearing the conversation, inched towards Marin and laced her fingers through his left hand and tightly grasping it. Marin turned, cheeks dusted with a pink hue and a small smile. He squeezed back, silently thanking her for being there as his support.

"...but you're doing such an amazing job at protecting Paris. I'm so proud of you. Still, I want you to be careful..." Her tone was serious.

"I know mom..I will." She kissed his forehead and hugged him. "So, you're not mad? That I've been keeping it a secret?" She bit her lip. "Mom...I kept it a secret so you, or anyone else, wouldn't get hurt. Now that the entire city knows...it puts you in so much danger. Look what happened, because of me dad got hurt—"

"Honey...no. It's not your fault. I saw what was going on. You had to save this beautiful girl's life. If it wasn't for you, she wouldn't be here right now. Imagine how her father would feel if she was gone."

Adrienne felt a pang in her chest. How would dad feel if Marin never saved me? She felt the tears forming in her eyes. Marin shouldn't be blaming himself. Hawkmoth's the one doing all the nasty work.

"Bro, your mom's right. If it wasn't for you risking your identity to be revealed, Adrienne wouldn't have survived. You basically made the right choice." Alim spoke, looking at Marin.

Tikki flew out from his shirt, startling Sabrine slightly in the process. "That's right! You followed your heart without hesitation. I'm proud of you! We'll catch Hawkmoth someday soon"

Adrienne leaned her head against his shoulder. "Thank you again, for saving me," she mumbled softly. Marin blushed, feeling her lips move against the fabric. They rubbed against his shoulder, making his skin crawl with goosebumps. "No problem," he whispered.

"Honey, no matter what we'll be here to support you." She turned to Adrienne, taking a hold of-what she was been wishing for her hopefully soon-to-be daughter-in-law's hand. "You as well Miss Agreste. My husband and I will be here if you ever need anything. You're part of our family, Marin's friends, all of us." Nina's eyes widened, seeing Adrienne's own eyes widen. Her eyes couldn't hold back the tears she wanted to keep hidden. She longed to have heard comforting words from her father, but Marin's mom was acting as if she were hers. She gave those comforting and reassurance that's been wanting ever since her own mom's disappearance. Faintly, in her mind, she could almost imagine her mom saying those exact words.

I'll be here if you ever need anything.

Nina's eyes watered, knowing exactly what her best friend was thinking. She was happy that for once in 3 long years, she was able to confide in someone. She knew Adrienne wasn't going to pass this up, she wanted someone like that in her life and now...she's finally got it.

Tears rolled down her eyes, but she still kept a smile on her face. "Thank you...you don't know how much that means to me."

Sabine placed a hand over her heart, gasping softly. "Oh honey come here" opening her arms, Marin moved out of the way, letting Adrienne sit next to Sabine and gladly take the hug. Adrienne sobbed softly, seeing his mom rub her back made him smile. He took a quick glance at Nina, seeing her Alim look at her worriedly, brushing her tears away. Marin knew it had something to do with Adrienne's mom being missing, he was also glad that she was able to find a "mom" figure for her to turn to, besides going to her friends all the time. She really needed it.

Plagg pokes out from her vest and floats in front of Sabine's face. A bit scared from she was seeing she flinched, making Adrienne break the hug and pull back. Plagg looked at her, observing her red eyes and sniffling. He frowned. Plagg's soft side was kicking in, so without a word he curls up against the crook of her neck. Nuzzling up against it affectionately, Adrienne managed to let out a small giggle before rubbing her cheek on his head. She felt like his purring was a way for him to get her to calm down.

Marin grinned, feeling Tikki's paws wrap around his cheek as his giving him a hug. Sabine looked at the two Kwami's, clearly amused by the actions. "They really care about the two of you..." She stated, rubbing Plagg's head

"Yes! Of course we care!" the Kwami's answered simultaneously. The conversation came to a stop when the limo halted. Getting out of the expensive car, they saw that they were in front of the Agreste Mansion. Adrienne looked towards her father, who straighten out his tie and walked, hands behind his back.

"Adrienne due to the circumstances we've been going though as of last night you are to remain inside the house until further notice."

Adrienne frowned, crossing her arms as she sat down on the stairs. She was not about to let her father start keeping her away from school and she wasn't about to go back to her normal life. That is what she thought, until she saw the rest of the group enter the household. Nina and Alim took the time to admire the place, Alim took at least some pictures seeing how excited she was. Marin took a seat next to Adrienne, smiling as he held her hand.

"Because of the problems that we are all aware of, Mr. Agreste wants to keep Adrienne safe. That's why he wants you to stay here for the time being." Nathan spoke in a monotone voice. Adrienne stood up, about to protest when Nathan gave her a look. She kept quiet and let him finish. "You're father is worried this man might be after you. You're most wanted around here, and it would be disastrous if you were to be found."

Marin sighed sadly, knowing this would have happened sooner or later. It was in fact for her protection and he had to admit, he agrees with Gabriel on this one.

"What's up bro?" Alim swung his arm over his shoulder. "Bummed that you won't see her?" Marin bit the inside of his cheek and looked at his best friend.

"No, I mean I will miss her, but I'm with her dad. It's too dangerous." Alim stepped back, looking at him.

"I guess you're right, but will she be okay with it?"

Marin shrugged. "Maybe, I'll talk to her. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to convince her." Alim nodded, giving him encouragement.

"Marin is this really a good idea? I want to...you know help you." Adrienne stepped forward, looking at him with pleading eyes. Marin couldn't let himself give in to her sparkling green eyes.

"I'm sorry Adrienne, but I have to side with your dad on this. I can't let anyone get hurt because of me"

I can't let you get hurt again.

Adrienne's smile dropped. "We're a team, I want to help you..." She whispered. Marin winced, he always boasted that Ladybeetle and Chat Noir were partners and depending on each other, but right now he wanted to do everything himself and have her out of the way. Although, all he wants is for her to be safe. Her identity isn't revealed so shouldn't it stay that way?

Sabine rubbed Adrienne's arm, trying to comfort her. "I agree. You should try and stay safe, just until you recover a bit more from yesterday."

"Adri, this doesn't mean I don't want your help. We're partners and I won't ever leave you, but I still want you to be safe."

Adrienne blushed hearing the small nickname coming from Marin's lips. She smiled, nodding her head. "Alright but..." She bit her lip, and looked at Sabrine. "...I want you and your family to stay here." Sabrine gasped softly, but still was happy to hear the offer.

The entire bakery was in no condition to be open for service until the building was fixed. Marin won't like the sight, much less want to hear how some robbers decided to vandalize the store and beat his father, only to fight back trying to protect his wife and himself. She was more than grateful to take the offer knowing she and her family were protected in a house.

Tikki and Plagg flew out once more in the open. "Marin, I'd say go for it. It is safer"

Plagg laid against Marin's shoulder, snickering. "Yeah, Adrienne dreams about having Ladybeetle close to her." Marin looked at Adrienne, shocked by the information. Her face flushed a red color. She was more mad that Plagg revealed that than embarrassed.

"W-wha??"

Plagg wiggled his eyebrows, coming close to Marin's face and whispers. "She mumbles your name in her sleep." Marin looked away, feeling an odd, hot sensation fill up his insides.

"I do not! I heard that you stupid cat!" She screeched covering her face with her hands. Alim and Nina looked at each other clearly amused by the conversation. Sabine on the other hand decided to have a chat with Gabriel's secretary, leaving the teens by themselves.

Alim snorted, nudging Marin in his arm. "Hey, at least you don't have cut out pictures of him" Marin jumped, instantly slapping his hand over Alim mouth. His face glowing a bright red, a more vibrant red than Natalie's hair. "Dude! She wasn't supposed to know that!"

"Haha it's alright." Adrienne rubbed her arm. "That's something I'd usually expect, being a model after all" Marin sighed in relief, although not really relieved knowing others have her face plastered on their walls. She was his.

Wait, since when was she mine.

"Uhm...okay. I guess we'll stay here." Adrienne smiled.

"Great. Nathan, tell father they'll be staying here." Sabine gave a small hug to her son. Both Tikki and Plagg looking at his mother give her child affection. Tikki flew up, giving the woman a cheek hug.

"They're so cute. The red one is yours?"

Marin nodded. "Plagg is Adrienne's."

"That's incredible. Speaking of which, I'm gonna go see your father. He's probably really worried about us. Will you be alright?"

Marin nodded, kissing his mother's cheek. "Say 'hi' to him for me. Come back here if anything happens."

"Nathan have a bodyguard with her at all times. See to it they get everything they need as well." Everyone jumped in surprise hearing Gabriel's voice

"Yes, sir."

Plagg on instant, hid from hearing Mr. Agreste. Most forgetting that Adrienne's identity of being Chat was to be kept a secret. Adrienne stepped beside Marin quickly so Plagg could slip inside her shirt pocket. Gabriel turned to the teenagers, mostly eying the red kwami who narrowed her eyes at the fashion designer. "Lunch will be served soon. In the meantime, Adrienne can show you the spare room."

Marin looked at Alim who smiled, holding Nina close to him.

"We'll be heading out, my mom's already flipping out that I left." Marin raised an eyebrow. "You didn't tell your mom?" Alim rubbed his neck. "Nope...but I'll catch ya later. Gotta go." he said quickly, dragging his girlfriend with him. "Adri! Text me!" She shouted. Adrienne laughed.

"I will!" Adrienne turned and looked at the dark haired boy, smiling.

Finally, we're alone.

Marin sighed contentedly, hearing the room settle into a peaceful silence. Adrienne walked towards him, her skin crawling with goosebumps. She laced her fingers between his. Both faces were covered with a small, light blush. "Come on, I'll show you where the room is. Then we can just relax until lunch." she offered. Marin nodded to the proposal, inside he was freaking out but outside he remained calm. Although, admittedly he was going to pass out.

Adrienne showed the extra bedroom to her friend, which was located just down the hall from hers. Inside it has 2 beds, a huge bathroom and a closet. It was big enough for them to be comfortable. Marin decided to leave his bags there for the time being. Pulling out his phone, he messaged his parents checking in on them every now and then as the morning slowly slipped into the afternoon.

Adrienne and Marin sat on the white couch she had placed in front of the TV. There were used plates full of crumbs. One filled with cookie crumbs the other with cheese. Their Kwami's indulged themselves in the food their masters provided to renew their energy. The two definitely relaxed for quite a bit after watching some shows. Adrienne rubbed some type of medicine for her bruises and aching limbs.

Marin spaced, his mind clouded with lots of burning questions he wanted to ask Adrienne, but he didn't know if it was the time or not.

Are we dating now? Are you sure you like me and not just Ladybeetle? Am I good enough for you? Should we just spend more time together?

The last thing he wanted was to cause trouble in their relationship...that is if they had even gotten that far. They've kissed at least twice now, and they know how they feel about each other...or do they? Marin wanted to rip the hair out of his head. There was still a lot to do and he was worrying about being in a romantic relationship with Adrienne? He still need to find her mother! He needed to find Hawkmoth, and he was worrying about his safety, as well as Paris's, and his project-

"CRAP! THE PROJECT!" He screamed. Adrienne jumped in her seat, startled.

"Not cool! I nearly dropped my cheese!" Plagg sighed, annoyed as he sat there nuzzling his face into the cheese. Tikki on the other hand, was left unfazed. She was already used to his sudden outbursts.

"What?" Adrienne asked, shakily.

Marin looked at her with the most horrified expression. "Our class project...with the baby. It was supposed to be done by the time we got back" his voice faded as he covered his face with his hands. "We are so dead..."

She pulled on her hair, indicating she was nervous. "I...please don't be mad...I think I left the doll back at the hotel"

Marin gave her a black stare before throwing his hands up. "We are screwed."

"Agreed." Adrienne sighed. "At least we're back home."

Marin nodded. "Yep..." He held her hands him his making her look directly at him. "I kinda don't want to go to school tomorrow," he laughed lightly.

She smiled, scooting herself close enough to run her fingers through his hair. "You kinda have to, besides you're staying here. It's not like we won't see each other"

Marin had to admit, he was loving the fact that she was running her tiny fingers through his hair. It relaxed him even more. He closed his eyes, letting out a small hum. "I guess that's true...I'll take notes for you then?"

She nodded. "Thanks." Marin pulled forward, his forehead resting on her chin and she continued her actions. After a couple of silent moments, Marin felt his cheeks grow warm.

"I'm sorry you're in this mess," he mumbled.

Her smile dropped. "Stop blaming yourself, it couldn't be helped."

"I should have known it was an akuma—"

"Marin, stop it. Things happened, but...we're okay. We'll make things right and fix everything...we just need time." He sighed, pulling away to see her eyes again. He was really close to her, but he wasn't to sure if she'd like what he was about to do. So he waited.

"You said so yourself. We are a team. We'll fight together and we'll win together!"

He had never heard such encouraging words in his life. They definitely got to him and he began to feel the confidence slowly make its way back into him. He was definitely going to make it up someway or another to his partner in crime...

The love of his life.

Marin grinned, feeling the blush of his cheeks worsen. He was gonna take the chance while he was this close. Closing his eyes and leaning in, he gave her a small peck on her lips and pulling away slowly. Adrienne eyes widened, feeling her insides turn warm and fill with butterflies. She loved the feeling. She loved how he made her feel both Ladybettle and Marin. They were so alike, even if it meant losing some confidence without the mask, the similarities were there.

"C-Consider that as my thank you...you know for..accepting me after finding out." There he goes all nervous again.

Adrienne's hand fell from his head to his shoulder. Leaning in, then turning her head, she placed her lips on his. Instead, she kissed him a bit longer than how he kissed her. Both moving their lips in sync. It only lasted 6 seconds, but to them it was an amazingly long 6 seconds.

"Consider that my thank you," she giggled, pulling her face away. She admired Marin's flushed face, thinking it was really adorable.

Nathan knocked of Adrienne's door before yelling "dinner's ready", causing both teens to jump off the couch and run out the door at the mention in of food.

Tikki and Plagg stayed behind, exchanging worried glances as the News showed up on the TV screen. "A Man was taken to the hospital early morning after being attacked by men who planned on bombing building down in hopes of finding Marin Dupain-Cheng, now identified as the famous superhero of Paris: Ladybeetle."

Tikki sighed. Plagg looked at the kwami sadly, his ears drooped downward as his tiny paws wrapped around her.

"These men were taken into custody just moments after beating up the local baker, Tom Dupain-Cheng."

A small video rolled of two men being held by police officers, while being flashed by cameras of many reporters.

"Marin Dupain-Cheng needs to watch his back, Hawkmoth is definitely not going down without a fight. He might as well hand over his Miraculous. Otherwise, Mr. Hero will just destroy more lives instead of saving them."

Tikki and Plagg could feel bigger threats coming, and they were 100% sure that Ladybeetle and Chat Noir needed more help than they could ever imagine.