Hope you all enjoy! :3

Adrienne's thoughts
Marin's thoughts

Time seems to pass by slowly as the two remained awake for the whole night. The image that they witnessed of the red glowing eyes in the hallway sped up their anxiety and worries about the traumatized victim. They were positive that there was someone was out there, in the shadows and waiting to strike again. They were like silent murderers, just waiting for the right moment and making their victims suffer as their emotions consume them. Full of anxiety and fear.
Adrienne and Marin drifted in and out of sleep, feeling restless and terrified as their thoughts consumed them. Even with the body guard outside, they still didn't feel safe. They knew how bad the situation was able to get when someone was under Hawkmoths control, and yet they both feel completely useless since neither Ladybeetle or Chat Noir was doing any investigating.

Adrienne rubbed her eyes, sighing and yawning almost every ten minutes as she laid there staring off into space. She was unable to sleep and it was now morning. The thoughts of the fashion show clouded her mind, how was she gonna be able to stay awake and hide her tiredness from last nights events? Her father would be upset if everything didn't go smoothly and she did not feel like she should make another argument with him again for the time being.

Plagg laid close enough to her face where every time she sucked in a breath, she was almost able to suck up Plagg and eat the little brat. She was annoyed by how close he was, but at the same time she was happy. Once she calmed herself, she smiled when she felt Plagg move closer to her and cuddling onto her cheek. What surprised her, was that he was purring silently in his sleep. He was like her tiny pet. In a way he is, but Plagg was still a friend to her.
Guess you're not so annoying after all huh... She thought.

She rubbed the kwami's head making him curl his tail around his body and snuggling closer. She giggled, feeling the touch of his fur against her cheek brush slightly giving her that tingling feeling. She couldn't believe how Plagg was able to sleep through everything, Then again, he didn't exactly feel stressed or worried about the situation that was at hand. The kwami had it easy only caring about his precious cheese.

On the other hand, Marin was sound asleep. He tried staying awake. Being awake for Adrienne's well being just in case something happened but he soon let the sleep consume him. Tikki was sleeping too, just slightly above the pillow his head was laying on. His dark hair messed up, spreading out in different ways and covering his face. He was in a very deep sleep.

"Plagg" Adrienne whispered to the small black cat, glancing over to see if Marin heard her. "Wake up" The tiny cat stirred in his sleep, nuzzling back onto her cheek. He refused to wake up. She sighed and gave up turning her back on him. Feeling around under her pillow, she found her phone. She remembered that she hasn't talked to Nina ever since she video chatted her with Marin. Turning it on she had text messages from Nina and a missed calls from Nathan. It was already late, being 10 in the morning and she assumed that her father's assistant wanted them both awake as early as 7.
Well, guess he just has to deal with it.

She didn't exactly wanna get up, afraid she might see something frightening like last night. She decided to message her best friend, feeling the guilt of not getting back to her and probably making the girl worry about her like crazy.

Nina: Hey girl how you doin?
Nina: Heard you got in a fight with your dad
Nina: You alright?
Nina: Do I have to go find you? :P

Adrienne smiled as she read the message she sent, Nina truly cared about her well being and she appreciated her concern.

Adrienne: Sorry for not answering, busy with stuff...

Of course she was busy, that wasn't a lie. Still, Adrienne felt ashamed. She should be able to tell her everything although she knew it was just as dangerous as giving up her identify as Chat. Who knows how many villains would go after her best friend. What then? What if she got hurt? She'd never forgive herself.

She got a response soon after.

Nina: Hey girl! No worries, yeah I heard from Marin. What's up?
Adrienne: Nothing much, how are you doing?
Nina: *Picture Message* see for yourself.

The moment Adrienne opened the picture message, a grin covered her face. It was a picture of her hovering over her boyfriend, who was sound asleep on the couch. Stopping herself from giggling by slapping her hand over her mouth, she typed out a response.

Adrienne: You two are hitting it off aren't you, he's already sleeping over.
Nina: Ha. Ha. :P guess you could say that. He's such a dork XD
Adrienne: As long as he makes you happy :)
Nina: How about you and Marin?

Adrienne froze, re-reading the message confused. 'What about us? We are just friends...' She thought. Glancing over at the sleeping boy in the bed next to her. She thought about everything he has done for her. Cheering her up, doing what he could to help. He was always there. What has she done for him? Absolutely nothing but bring him into problems. She did have bad luck

Adrienne sighed at the thought, but got back to messaging Nina.

Adrienne: what about him?
Nina: Has he done anything dirty, you are sleeping together aren't you?

She rolled her eyes, imagining the girl snickering. She, of course wouldn't believe that they aren't sleeping together. Staying in the same room yes but bed? No.

Adrienne: He's been respectful, we aren't sleeping together. Separate beds duh. :P
Nina: Damn! Guess I lost the bet

Adrienne shot up, gasping. 'No way they placed bets on us?!' She thought. Her sudden action made Plagg wake and meow loudly. "Adrienne what the heck I was sleeping!" Adrienne's blonde hair dropped in front of her face as she looked up at the kwami floating beside her. "Sorry Plagg" she apologized. She didn't realize Marin shifted and had already begun to wake up due to her sudden outburst. He rubbed his eyes, sat up and listened as the girl apologized to her kwami. Only, he was half asleep as she talked, so he didn't know what was going on at that moment.

"Adrienne is something wrong?" His groggy voice rung out in her ears, startling her. She quickly grabbed Plagg and shoved him under a pillow. A muffled "Hey!" Was heard, but she covered it with a loud "Nothing!"

Marin yawned, stretching out his arms. Adrienne stared at the dark haired boy who was flexing right before her eyes. His arms showed off his muscles, shirt rising up and showing his back.

'Why am I staring' she thought. 'God Adrienne don't look! It's creepy!'

"Okay, well now that we're both awake I'll make breakfast" the half awake boy got up, stumbling a bit before he got his balance and walked into the kitchen again. Adrienne bit her lip, feeling her face slightly warm. Shrugging it off she decided to respond to Nina, probably waiting a bit too long for a response.

Adrienne: You made a bet?! With who?
Nina: My boyfriend, duh. Well it was before he asked me out.

Adrienne made a small mental note to talk to her about it later. Tossing her phone at the table beside her bed. Marin let out a sigh after a bunch of dishes clashed together making an noise that was very displeasing.

Adrienne scrunched her nose hearing the awful sound or metal rubbing against more metal. Getting up, she tied her hair back in a ponytail and saw the mess in the floor that Marin was trying to clean up.

"Still half asleep?" She asked. Marin nodded slightly and he rubbed his eyes again, trying to clear his vision. "Yeah, couldn't sleep.." He mumbled. Adrienne frowned, she felt his pain not having a good night's rest. Marin wobbled back and forth, before falling face flat he caught himself by reaching out towards the floor. "Me either..." she said softly, reaching down and helping him up. As he steadied himself, he held her hand and the counter. "Thanks" She smiled, and walked over towards the phone the room had. "I'll order room service, don't worry alright?" Marin ran his fingers through his hair, yawning again, tears forming at the corner of his eyes.

After a few moments of Adrienne talking through the phone Marin spoke "So, Where is the magnificent model going today?" Marin chuckled seeing her eye roll. "Fashion show, but I can't help but feel something bad is gonna happen.." Marin chewed the inside of his cheek, agreeing with the girl. He knew the akumatized villain was gonna cause some sort of trouble. Either way he was gonna be there and put a stop to it, although something was still off.
"Agreed, but i'm sure whoever is out there to cause harm, we will be protected" Marin held the girl's hands, squeezing them reassuringly.

His sudden spike of confidence impressed Adrienne over the last few days and she had to admit, she liked the attention she was getting from him but still, her mind screamed Ladybeetle but her heart said something completely different. "I hope so"
Unknowingly, Marin pulled her closer as she felt her hands tighten their grip on his. Marin locked eyes with the blonde and breathed in the flowery and sweet scent she carried. Not being able to take his eyes of her, he smiled leaning in slightly. Adrienne's breath caught once she noticed his action. Her slightly pink tinted cheeks glowed a darker hue. Was she really gonna kiss this boy so early in the morning for no apparent reason?
They both stopped their actions upon hearing the door being forced open. Startled they broke away, cheeks blaring hot. Nathan stepped forward, holding his usual tablet and next to him was Mr. Agreste.

"Good morning, I see you both are awake and alive. Nathan called you Adrienne, any reason for not picking up?" Gabriel questioned observing the room. "U-Uh I was in the shower. Sorry.." Adrienne said. Marin stood there awkwardly rubbing his neck and avoiding Gabriel's gaze. "Alright then, We'll see the both of you down in the Main room in an hour"

Gabriel held his gaze on Marin, glaring slightly like he knew what he what went on before he stepped foot in the room. Marin held his gaze, and shivered. 'God this dude is creepy' Gabriel places a hand under his chin, observing Marin up and down before turning towards Adrienne. "I saw the photos, and I'd like to apologize. They were quite impressive"

Adrienne's nervous expression became a happy one. She didn't know what made her happier, hearing her father apologize or the fact that Marin impressed him. Marin stood there, speechless upon hearing the news. In all honesty, he thought Gabriel was gonna continue his negative attitude towards the unplanned changes.
"Really?! Well...well that's great! Thank you dad" for the first time, Adrienne saw the old man smile. She ran up him, giving him a strong hug. The hug shocked him, causing him to lose a bit of his balance before wrapping his arms around her and hugging her back. Marin looked them, smiling at the scene.

'Finally something good happened between them'

Once they left, Adrienne and Marin gave a small sigh in relief. They laughed after a brief pause, forget what happened between the two moments before. "It's a good thing he didn't get mad, I was hoping I wouldn't have to deal with him being angry" Adrienne chuckled, Marin agreed with her statement "I guess this day should turn out better than the last right?" Adrienne smiled, pointing a finger at him she said "Don't jinx it"

CRASH

The 10 foot window shattered into a million pieces. A rock, about the size of a brick ripped through the window, landing what would have been Marin's face until Adrienne pushed him and herself down to the floor, and sacrificed herself to save him.

Great...I jinxed it

Hearts racing, they held onto each other waiting for another attack...but it never came. "What the heck..?" Marin whispered to himself. He kept a hold of Adrienne, pinning her against himself in a protective grasp. Once he pushed himself up, they both looked around the room.

"It's not even the afternoon and we get attacked, this is just great" Adrienne mumbled, clearly frustrated. Marin nodded, agreeing with her statement. His suspicion of her being the next target was confirmed. Of course they would go after the daughter of the famous designer. Take them both. He knew, someone was watching them, they aren't safe no matter where they are.

Adrienne released herself from the boy and went over to the rock that was thrown. Marin panicked, trying to stand up himself but stumbling back on the floor. "Adrienne what are you doing?!" She held the heavy rock in her hands and picked it up seeing a small note attached to it with string. "Im seeing what it says" She states simply, detaching the black colored paper note from the string.

You're in for a surprise, then i'll be getting what i'm after from you boy

Marin read the note over her shoulder, his eyes bugged and he stepped back. They aren't after Adrienne, they're after him. But for what reason? He couldn't think straight, his mind just wouldn't let him after all he didn't get much sleep. Who would be after him? Hawkmoth? He didn't know who he was in his civilian form..or did he figure it out?

Adrienne turned slowly, she looked at Marin still in shock. "They're after you..." she mumbled softly. "Why are they after you? Shouldn't it be me?!" Adrienne gripped the paper in her hands, crumpling it up as her grip tightened. Her outburst snapped him out of his own thoughts. He pulled in the blonde in a hug. "Adrienne..calm down please, I don't know what's going on or who's after me or why but we'll figure this out okay?" Marin tried staying calm for hers and his sake, but deep down inside he is screaming and panicking worse than he does when he ends up being late for school in the morning. "Marin, you're not safe here...what if something happens to you and-"

"Room service!" a voice shouted outside the door. Adrienne sighed, Marin let the girl and he opened the door. With a small greeting he accepted the food and pulled the tray inside, trying to avoid the lady to see the mess of glass shattered across the floor. Adrienne bit her lip, examining the food. Hers and Marin seemed to share the same thought upon seeing the food, with the paranoia of having someone after Marin he could be anyone and do anything at anytime like poisoning the food they had before them. They weren't going to risk any chances.

"Ill cook something"

Adrienne nodded, "Good thinking"

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~. Time Skip ~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

After eating breakfast, Adrienne managed to slip into the bathroom. On her way she got her makeup bag, which Plagg managed to slip inside. She grabbed a change of clothes, and her phone and ran inside, locking the door behind her.

"Geez, what's with all the loud noises in the mornings. Can you humans be ANY louder" Adrienne rolled her eyes, taking off her clothes. She noticed all her bruises were still visible, although the pain disappeared. "Plagg, we need to go out and find Ladybeetle. This is getting out of hand, Hawkmoth must have released an akuma and now is after Marin" Plagg hummed, turning away from the half decent girl. "And how are we gonna do that? You basically have two bodyguards on you at all times" She stopped, processing what he was saying. Marin defiantly wouldn't want her to be alone and plus the gorilla that was already with the two of them at all times. There was no way she would be able to slip away unnoticed.

"Look, I know you wanna protect your boyfriend but-" Adrienne's check flushed a light pink. "Marin is not my boyfriend!" Plagg snickered. "Whatever, unless you wanna tell him you're Chat, I suggest you stay quiet and only transform when it is completely necessary" Still flushed, she decided to not argue. It was way too risky, but soon enough he'd know her secret. Something tells me he's gonna find out my secret later

"Fine, but we can't just sit here and do nothing. The Akuma is out there, i'm sure of it" Plagg nodded. "I know, we need a plan and Ladybeetle" Once she was done dressing herself, she sighed sadly. "God, I feel so useless.." Plagg's ears drooped. "You're not, Ladybeetle needs you as much as you need him" Holding up her phone, she dialed Nina. "I hope so..." Once she picked up, Adrienne felt 100 times better.

"Adrienne! Hey girl, what's up?" Adrienne glanced at Plagg for a moment before smiling. "Nina...there is so much I need to tell you"

As Marin waited for the girl to return he too was talking to his own Kwamii. "If this person if after me, there's got be a way of getting him to come out of his hiding spot" Marin held his hand under his chin. Tikki gave a slight hum. "Maybe if we get let them come to us?" He mumbled.

"And how is that going to help? It can be anyone Marin, you can get seriously hurt" Tikki looked at the boy with concern.

Marin sighed, they had no leads, no suspects. Why would they have suspects? This is hawkmoth we're talking about, anyone is a suspect. "Yeah you're right...how else are we going to do any investigating? I can't exactly tell Adrienne I'm Ladybeetle" "I know this is hard Marin but we can't risk her or your safety, I'll keep an eye out for anyone suspicious"

"Thanks Tikki" but he knew either way, this wasn't going to end well.

After Adrienne finished talking to Nina, basically spilling everything that happened in the last few days, she left with Marin downstairs where they awaited her. Nina worried like crazy for her best friend. She wanted to leave, and find her but Adrienne warned not to come, not wanting to risk her getting in danger. Although she really did miss her presence.

Once they arrive down at the hall, her father, Nathan and a couple or hair and makeup artist were standing around in a circle in the middle of the room and talking to each other. Marin noticed of a Man holding a camera. Black hair, dark eyes, not as tall as Gabriel. Maybe an inch or two shorter. He was staring at Marin intensely with a weird smile on his face, chuckling slightly. Marin immediately recognized his features and he felt very uncomfortable as he continued to staring and smiling.

'it's that guy from the roof'

Marin looked away, feeling uneasy. The same vibe he got when he was around Gabriel came to him with this guy.

'Wasnt this guy blind..?'

Marin's eyes widened. Realizing he was just lying and he felt for it. 'He saw me!' He screamed in his head. 'He saw I was Ladybeetle...is he the one that's after me? Tikki stick her he'd out lightly from his shirt. She saw the worry in his face.

"Psst...Marin, isn't that the guy we-" Marin frowned and looked down at his kwami before nodding and shoved his hands in his pockets. Adrienne saw his discomfort and the quickening of his pace as he stood beside her. Adrienne looked at the boy confused at his sudden actions. He seemed to be walking away from the group of people and towards the stage that was in the process of being set up.

'What's going on with him?'

Adrienne hooked and arm around his making him stop. "Marin! What's wrong?" She spoke. He quickly glanced behind him. The man was still staring at him, but it seemed that he was staring at Adrienne this time. No one else seemed to notice his attention towards the two teens. Her body guard was walking close behind although the keeping a 10 feet distance.

Lowering his head, Marin whispered gently in her ear. "I think I know who's after me" Adrienne's eyes widened, looking at him curiously yet confused as to how he found out so quickly. "W-what?" Marin placed a finger to his lips, silencing her. "Let's not talk about it here okay?" She understood why. Nodding, she let go of his arms.

Bad luck struck them as the creepy guy Marin most definitely didn't want to encounter again, stepped up in front of them

"Ah darling! Okay, I want you to go behind that curtain, open the door take a left down the small hall and your dressing room should be there Try on the clothes on the rack and report any adjustments that are needed to be made okay? Go, go"

Adrienne but her lip, flinching slightly at the demanding tone he carried in his voice. "Marin, come with me?" She offered him with a smile. A small blush on his cheeks appeared, but it went unnoticed. "Sure" 'thank you so much' he said to himself.

"The names Max, I'll be helping you out Mrs. Agreste" Max continued to stare at Marin. Max seemed to be focused on one thing. His earrings. Adrienne smiled weakly and nodded before Marin tugged her away from him.

Adrienne was right...something terrible was gonna happen.

"Who was that?" She asked locking the room to her dressing room. Marin ran his finger through his hair and sighed deeply. He paced back and forth around the room, hands trembling. He blocked out her voice, gathering all his thoughts which swarmed around in his head. Someone knows he's Ladybeetle, Hawkmoth has released an akuma and was using Max to get his miraculous.

"Marin"

Why wasn't he doing anything? Why is just blending in? The Akumatized people never lay low and wait to strike. What was-

"Marin!" Adrienne yelled, taking a hold of his wrists. "Marin, listen to me. What's going on?" Marin stared at the girl before giving a reply.

"He's the one that's after me..."

After a small silence to process everything Adrienne asked the most simple yet dreadful question he did not wish to answer.

"How do you know it's him"

Marin but his lip, trying to figure out an explanation. What was other explanation was there than state the obvious?

"He kept giving me this creepy look and he made a weird gesture" okay that last part was a lie, but he had to. Keeping her away from his problem was the better thing to do. Adrienne's lip pursed into a small pout. "Okay well, if he is the guy that's after you, you should hide out here" Marin shook his head. He knew that wouldn't work. "No, he knows I came in here with you. I'm sure he's bound to do everything he can to corner me" understanding his point, she ran out of arguments. "So leaving you alone shouldn't even be an option" he sighed, leaning against the door.

"I'm sorry you're being dragged into this"

"Oh hell no, don't you start apologizing. We're in this together" (we're all in this together!XD I had to lol)

The serious tone made Marin's eyes widened, it also made him shut up.

"Now, turn around...I gotta change"

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~ Time skip ~.~.~.~.~..

Marin waited for Adrienne to finish the rehearsals. They made slight adjustments to the clothing, gave the other models tips. Mostly the time was spent making changes to the staging and lighting.

While everything was being set up, Marin sat at one of the tables. He felt Max's stare from across the room and it terrified him. Marin's uneasiness showed. His leg jumping to his side and his fingers curling, palms swearing. Adrienne kept her eyes on Max as she walked up and down the aisle, also trying to ignore the suspicious look her dad was giving her. She could see why he felt uneasy, the dude was just staring down the poor guy. Unless he was gay for him, there was no reason for the worker to look at him.

The moment he was Max approaching Marin she tensed up. They seemed to be talking, pointing towards the stage. Adrienne bit her lip, standing still. Plagg popped out of her shirt, looking up at the girl. "What are you doing? Don't just stand there" "Marin was right...this dude is creepy. He's probably the guy who's been akumatized" she whispered.

She quietly observed them, Max and Marin stood up walking over to the stage and he gave Marin specific instructions. Max placed his hands over his cheeks and Marin clasped his hands over his ears. Max leaned in, mumbling a few words. Marin frowned and pushed him away.

Adrienne frowned "Marin's Ladybeetle...?" She whispered. "Mrs Agreste? Hello? You're friend here will be accompanying you, is that okay?" Max appeared in front of her, grinning almost evilly. She gave a quick nod, instantly grabbing onto Marin's wrist and pulling him away. "You seem to be quite protective there Adrienne, is there a problem?" He dad questioned, he glaring at Marin. He may have left him in charge of her, but he never expected to find the two of them attracting each other. "No father I just...need to talking to him. Get him to know how things are supposed be like ya know?"

The lie came out of her mouth like if she were speaking the truth. She didn't wait for her father to signal that it was okay to leave, she bolted backstage and dragged Marin like a rag doll.

"I saw him talking to you, what did he say?" Marin began to sweat. Lying to her was something he doesn't like doing and that's exactly what he's gonna do. "He threatened to kill me if I didn't do what he asked" that was true, Max definitely made the threat. Taking Adrienne's life only he had to give up his Miraculous. 'But why did he grab his ears' the question plagued her mind, 'Is he Ladybeetle or not?' She'd have to find out herself, she knew he'd make an excuse if he was the masked superhero.

"Adrienne! Marin you're up!" Max called, peaking through the curtain. A big, fake smile on his face. Adrienne returned the gesture with a fake smile as well. "Coming!"

As soon as Adrienne was out of site and onto the stage. Max's smiled disappeared, pulling Marin back and growled. "You know what I want, give it to me or else the girl dies. Times tickin'" It took all of Marin's self control not to start punching the bastard. What was he gonna do? Save the love of his live or give up and let the evil guy win.

Rolling his eyes he continued walking, meeting a bunch of people flashing lights and setting the stage which surrounded him. A sacrifice has to be made, the question is what is he willing to sacrifice in order to win without having any regrets.

END OF PART 1