Welcome back everybody!!

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Marinette's P.O.V

   I watch Mallorie scope out my bedroom with careful eyes, scanning every single detail. It's been twenty minutes since I let her in and take in her surroundings. I stood on the other side of the room, twiddling my thumbs and waiting for her to say something.

   The only sounds are Mallorie's scuffling feet walking around and scraping of something being lifted from a surface. The only thing I know to do is watch my twin from my chaise, hugging my knees to my chest. I feel really awkward and uncomfortable for just staring at Mallorie. Yet, I didn't know what else to do.

   "Maybe...I should start a conversation?" I thought, glancing down at my open purse lounging not too far away out of habit. Yet, it is only filled with a few crumbs from Tikki eating sweets inside. I let out a sad sigh before returning my gaze to Mallorie. I decided to try and start a small chat with my sister.

   "So...Mallorie-"

   "Shadow."

   I blinked in surprise by the sudden reply, trying to process what she said.

"Sorry, what?" I questioned, tilting my head as if it would help me hear better. Mallorie groaned in annoyance, twisting around to face me. Her face is crinkled in displeasure like my presence is a burden to her. I could practically feel her eyes burning into my skin.

"Shadow. My name is Shadow, not that other terrible name," she said in disgust. Red flags waved in the air, her words baffling me. I gaped, releasing the hold on my legs and furrowing my eyebrows.

"Um..." I began, not sure how to go about this quite yet, "...okay, Shadow. I've got so many questions. Where have you been all this time? Do you know why we were separated? Or-"

"Oh my God, shut up," Shadow cut me off, irritation laced within her voice. Anger began to bubble within me, wondering what this girl's deal is. I haven't done anything to her! Yet, she's treating me like I'm the villain.

   "I just want to know-"

   "Well, guess what? I obviously don't have the answers," Mallorie cut me off again, hands on her hips, "So, bite down on that tongue of yours before anymore dumb questions come out."

   I couldn't believe the sudden mood change, realizing that what happened downstairs was all an act—a facade. She's showing me her true colors. I still don't know what her true intentions are, considering I just met her. So, why does she already hate me? What have I done to her?

She is reminding me too much of Lila.

"What's your deal? You're being a real jerk!" I spat, eyebrows knitted.

"Oh no! I am? How rude of me! I should've made it more clear how much I don't care," Shadow sarcastically replied, rolling her eyes and folding her arms, "So, listen loud and clear because I'm only saying this once, princess."

My eye twitched, not liking her using the nickname Chat Noir gave me. I didn't say anything though and continued to glare her down.

"I'm going to make your life a living hell," she said, moving until she stood in front of me. Shadow lifted her hand, brushing her fingers against my cheek. I jolted away from her cold touch and watched as a sinister smile spread across her lips.

"Such fair, pale skin," she continued, deviously, "I'm sure a few bloody cuts here and there will make it stand out even more. Maybe, a few broken bones to go along with it."

I growled, not backing down from this psychopath. She doesn't scary me in the slightest. I've dealt with threats similar to this one before with some unpleasant akumas. I'll have to keep a sharp eye on Shadow and make sure she doesn't hurt anyone.

"Anyway, I'm going to look around this dump some more," she said, walking over to the trap door and opening it, "See you later, sis."

   I slumped onto the chaise once Shadow left the room, her threat still lingering in the air. I clenched the pink cushioning, glaring at the floor in frustration. I can't let anyone else know or I'm just putting them in danger. I need to fix this problem on my own.

   "Besides..." a voice in my head bitterly spoke up, "...they'll never believe you."

   "Yes...yes, they would believe me if I told them," I quietly said to myself, sounding very disbelieving, "They wouldn't betray me...again."

   I swallowed down the lump in my throat, knowing fully well that I just lied to myself. No matter how much I tried to make it true, the denial spoke volumes. If can almost feel the voice taunting me from far away. I shook my head, pushing away the negativity.

   I don't have time to be thinking of this stuff. I trust my friends. I trust my dad. There is no doubt about it—none whatsoever. So, I can just move on from this subject and figure out how to deal with the bigger issue, Mallorie. I can do this without any help and avoid harming the people I care about.

   "Dinner is ready!" dad called from downstairs. I stiffened, still not in the mood to face my dad again.

   "I'm going to stay in my room," I finalized but my stomach growled in protest, "I will get something to eat later when everyone is asleep."

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Chat Noir's P.O.V

   "See you later, Chat Noir," Sabrina waved goodbye before swinging off in the direction of her house. We just finished patrolling the city for any activity occurring during the night. The only exciting thing that happened was someone yelling loudly at whoever was on the other side of their phone call.

I took some time to calm the citizen down enough not to disturb anyone in the area and get themself akumatized.

Long story short, it wasn't a very fun patrol. No offense to Sabrina (she is actually doing a really good job), but I wish my actual beloved Ladybug was here instead. I miss our banter and talks on patrol, just the two of us without having to face any danger.

"I might just visit her," I thought, brimming with eagerness, "I hope she doesn't mind."

I grabbed my baton and vaulted from building to building. I can't help but wonder what Marinette is up to and how her day. Even though I did see her at school, I adore listening to her ramble about her day and hear the things I've missed.

A memory hit my brain, making me nearly miss the next rooftop. The memory of my other stupid self—my true identity—almost holding her hand. I still can't believe I nearly did that without thinking. I'm usually much more level headed than that.

Shaking away the memory, I continued my journey until landing on my destination—Marinette's balcony. I walked over to the skylight and excitedly rapped my knuckle against the glass. For a few minutes, nobody answered. I knocked again and patiently waited for a response. Yet, I didn't see any movement of her unlocking the skylight.

Worry began to bubble and I began to consider using cataclysm to break in. Much to my relief, Marinette finally opened the door. I can tell that something is definitely wrong just by her body language.

   The way she quickly exited her room and shut the skylight. The way she stood up and dragged me over to the other side of the balcony. The way her face is morphed, showing many different emotions.

   Yeah, it's not that hard to tell.

   Before I could ask her what's going on, she abruptly cuts me off.

   "What are you doing here?" She asks, sternly whispering. I blinked in surprise, not expecting her to say that. She's never questioned why I visited before. Marinette always lets me visit (except on specific occasions or times she requests) and invites me inside to hang out.

   Plus, why is she so aggravated with my presence? Is it that time of the month already?

   I scoffed, loudly whispering, "I was just coming to visit you, which I don't see why that's a problem seeing how you always let me visit unannounced. It's not like your dad doesn't know so why am I still whispering?!"

I sighed, not seeing to point of being mad, "Sorry, if you want me to leave then I'll leave."

   Marinette looked like she is about to agree until letting out a sigh instead. She leaned forward, resting her forehead against my chest. I didn't miss the look of defeat and tiredness etching her face.

   "Sorry, I didn't mean to sound like I didn't want you here. There's just been a recent...problem I have to deal with," she said, emphasizing "problem."

   My fake ears drooped a little, concern returning in full impact. I looked down at her with a frown before pulling her into a hug. My chin is resting upon the top of her head, feeling my heart's strings tug.

   "What's the problem?" I asked, praying it's nothing terrible, "I'll help in any way I can."

   Marinette hummed in content, wrapping her arms around my back, "That's sweet of you, Kitty, but this is something I'll have to handle on my own."

   I skeptically complied, deciding to let it go for now, "Okay. Since I'm here anyway and it doesn't look like Hawkmoth is going to be a nuisance tonight, is there something I can at least do to help you feel better?"

   Marinette nuzzled her cheek against my chest and seemed to relax in my embrace. I can feel her warmth radiating off her skin like being wrapped in a soft blanket in winter.

   "Can we just stay like this for a little while longer?" Marinette asked, softly. A small smile adorned my lips.

   "No purr-oblem, Princess. You can have endless kitty cuddles for your favorite superhero as many times as you please," I replied, jokingly.

   "Who said you're my favorite superhero?" Marinette teased and giggled a little. I gasped before a grin replaced my smile.

   "Careful, M'lady. You have to remember who is trapping you in a cat hug right now. I might just not let go or steal you away," I bantered.

   "You might not be my favorite superhero...but you'll always be number one in my heart," she said. I can feel my heart speed up and face growing warmer. When did it suddenly get so hot outside?

   "Ugh, that was so cheesy," Marinette groaned, making me laugh. I angled my head enough to place a kiss on the top of her head.

   "You're in luck. I happen to be craving cheese," I joked, earning a chuckle from the bluenette.

    "That was terrible."

   "You know you love it!"

   "Yeah..." she spoke, happily in a soft voice that makes something in my stomach flutter. I know I will never not get used to this feeling of affection from this girl. She brightens my days whether she knows it's me or not. There's no one else I'd rather spend time with more than Marinette.

   "...I do love you."

   We both freeze, bodies growing stiff in shock. Marinette's breathe hitches as if she is trying to gasp but the air got caught in her throat.

   My lips are ajar in awe, unable to form any words. How am I supposed to respond to that? Many messages and singles are unable to get through to my malfunctioning brain. I continued to stare out into Paris, not really looking at anything. I'm too focused on getting my head straightened out.

   "I-I mean—I love it too!" She quickly corrected before rambling on. I spaced out during most of it, only rehearing those four words over and over again. I felt a fluttery feeling within me like it's lifting my spirit to a heavenly place.

This feeling...I don't want it to stop.

Her words...I want...I want...

I want to hear them again.

I squeezed Marinette tighter in my arms, causing her to immediately stop her rambling and nervously stay quiet.

"Marinette?" I spoke up, sounding like an innocent child asking a question, "Can you...Can you say that again?"

   Marinette didn't say anything, making me wonder if I shouldn't have said that. I'm about to take back what I requested until feeling Marinette's stiff muscles relax. The built up tension seemed to dwindle, slowly the slight breeze carrying it away little by little.

   "I love you, minou."

   I'm left bewildered before it melts away into the brightest smile I haven't had since my mother disappeared. This is simplest one of the happiest moments I've experienced in quite some time. I nuzzled my face into her hair, earning a laugh from the bluenette.

   "I love you too, Princess."

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   The whole way home, I felt like I was flying on cloud nine (or maybe it's because I was dreamily leaping from roof to roof). I somehow managed to make it back into my room and close the window. Then, detransformed out of my super suit and let out a lovestruck sigh, falling back onto my bed.

   My face feels like it's been gently touched by the sun's rays, soft and warm. My heart hasn't stopped fluttering in joy. My body can still remember her embracing me. Her words...her words are similar to a loving sympathy. It's a strange and weird feeling. Yet, it's really scary as well.

   I still can't shake the way the look of frustration and anger in her eyes. The way she wanted me to immediately go away. I thought we were past the stage of secrets but now she's hiding something else from me. Maybe, she'll tell me on her own time.

   I just have to be patient.

   "ADRIEN! WE HAVE A CRISIS!" Plagg shot over to me, face stricken with terror, "I'M OUT CHEESE!"

   I rolled my eyes and got off my bed. Even though I'm shaking my head, a settle grin is latched on my lips.

   "Calm down, Plagg. I'll restock your cheese," I responded, heading for the door.

   "Hurry! I'm starting to see the light!" Plagg dramatically said before I left the room. Plagg can be a little over the top sometimes but there's no other kwami I'd rather have.

I sneaked through the dark halls of the mansion, making a beeline for the kitchen. I peek around every corner and scan the any rooms I have to pass through to get to the kitchen. So far, I'm making programs without alerting anyone. The staff thinks I'm already in bed. I need to keep it that way.

There's just one more place I need to get past.

My father's office.

I know for a fact that he's still up and working. Nathalie won't be too far away either. I just have to make sure neither of them spot me or I'll be burn't toast by tomorrow morning.

I take a few quiet steps forward, hoping for the life of me that Nathalie doesn't suddenly open the door. I can hear muffled talking on the other side, probably discussing the next line of clothing or planning my schedule for next month.

   I didn't really care all too much about any of that stuff. Yet, I did catch two words that captured my attention.

   "...Chat Noir..."

My foot came to a halt from taking another step further. I can feel my body immediately grow cold, wondering why my father is talking about my alter ego. My recent mission is completely forgotten as I placed my ear against the door of my father's office and listened in on the conversation.

"There has to be something—someone—that can get them for you. You just haven't found the right person," I heard Nathalie reassure my father about whatever they are talking about. Father hummed in agreement, the room going silent for a moment.

   "I've felt a new feeling of negativity recently arrive in Paris," father explained, "It's nothing like any other I've akumatized before..."

   I stumbled away from the door as if it was going to burn me and covered my mouth, concealing a gasp. My ghastly, wide eyes stared at the door in disbelief. I shook my head in denial. It can't be true. No, I don't want to believe what I just heard! Yet, the pain I'm feeling is unbearable and real—too real not to be true.

   The world around my feet seemed to crumble, only leaving me and the door to my father's office.

   "Sir?" I heard Nathalie question, sending a sheer gut-aching punch to my stomach. Nathalie knows...she knows who my father is and helping him. My breathing quickened, continuing to listen to their conversation.

   "I can feel an anger—an opportunity—that can be boiled into pure hatred," father malevolently explained, "It just needs to take some time and patience for it to really bubble into something that could possibly be my most powerful akuma I've ever created."

   Finally, the urge to run kicked into overdrive. I quickly ran back to my room, praying no one can hear or see me. My head is racing even faster with this dreadful information I've found out. It feels like forever when it only took a minute to return to my room. I instantly shut the door and locked it.

   I'm short on breath, heart bursting with adrenaline and fear of the man who I consider family. Many emotions raged on. The betrayal. The overbearing-weight of terror and shock. The sadness. The anguish and turmoil. The rage.

   I leaned against my door and slid down to the floor, wiping the unshed tears away from my face. I'm shaking but not from the cold in the air.

   "Hey! Where's my-" Plagg began to whine until stopping and asking, "Uh...are you okay, kid?"

   I swallowed a lump forming in my throat before looking at a concerned Kwami. I opened my mouth but only a sob-like noise came out.

"Adrien, what's going on?" Plagg asked, floating nearby, ears drooping before considering what the problem is, "If you really wanted some of my cheese that bad-"

"Plagg, this...this is no time for jokes right now..." I cut him off, trying not to sound spiteful. Plagg didn't say anything, awkwardly looking around the room as if the solution to my problem is sitting in a corner.

"It's just..." I really didn't want to say it out loud. Saying it feels like I'm admitting to the truth. The horrible truth about my father.

Even Nathalie knows about his fiendish altered identity. If she does know, does this mean that she's Mayura? This just makes me wonder if anyone else knows father's secret and working as another accomplice.

"Can I even trust anyone in this household anymore?" I thought, bitterly and clenched my fists, "One thing is for sure, I have to stop him. I can't let anyone else get involved, especially Marinette. I don't need anyone getting caught in the crossfire."

"Your quietness is really concerning, and that's coming from me," Plagg stated. I sighed, looking my Kwami straight in the eye. I honestly didn't know how to break the news gently. Although Plagg has probably seen plenty chaos in his life, I can tell his friend's imprisonment is distressing him.

To know that his friend is held captive by my father...

"In a way, I guess I'm also held captive by my father too," I thought before deciding just to simply answer without any restraints.

"My father...my father is Hawkmoth."

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