Adrien made his way out of the bakery, his tennis shoes clacking against the floor.

Blush still dusted his cheeks as it has moments ago, but it was lighter now.

That was by far the most embarrassing situation he had ever gotten himself into. And once he forgot to put on a shirt before heading to school. Which was only embarrassing for him really. The girls kinda just went crazy over him. Now that he thought about it, Marinette had been blushing that whole morning, until Nino had loaned him his hoodie.

He strode down the sidewalk, not wanting to have to do anything today. He wanted today to be a lazy day, a day of no work. A day of no orders being thrown at you. A day of doing what he does.

But what kind of model took breaks?
None apparently.

He looked down at his arm, his black cat mark showing clearly.

"What's the point of these?" he questioned himself.

Yeah, they show your personality but, is there any other reason?
There was something different about Adrien's mark, something.....very weird. Every now and then, even if very slightly, it glows. That usually happens when he is near ladybug, but recently, it's happened around Marinette too. Maybe it happens around all girls....or maybe not. He never really cared to find out why it did that, but now he was curious.

Oh well, there are more things to worry about right now, like not being late for a shoot.

Marinette

"Oh my gosh." Marinette face palmed so hard, she was sure there was a read mark.

"What just happened?" she wanted to laugh and cry all at the same time. She also wanted to punch herself in the face for being a complete idiot.

Adrien Agreste, just saw her, in the worst outfit possible.

First, it was clear that she had no bra on.
Second, her shirt was raised up.
Third, her butt was basically hanging out of her shorts.
And even after she changed, her shirt came up and he saw her dang bra.
AND, the whole time, she didn't have on any makeup.

Good going Marinette, he's totally gonna fall do you now.

She mentally slapped herself before tying on her apron. She should've asked Adrien why he didn't come to her party. Maybe he forgot... Or just didn't care.

Yeah, second option was probably right. I mean, why would he wanna come to her party.
She sighed and began baking some samples, though today wouldn't be a very busy day. The bakery is closing earlier since her parents aren't there to help her.

"But he baked cupcakes with me." she smiled at the thought, but soon felt worse than before.

"He probably just felt bad, he doesn't care...." she sighed and continued her hard work, arm sore from hand mixing batter after her mixer decided to act up.

"He doesn't care..." she whispered one last time, before putting on a fake smile for a customer.

Adrien

His photo shoot had lasted longer than expected, after a group a pigeons attacked and his allergies acted up. They desperately tried to hide his reactions with makeup, but after hours, gave up. His nose and eyes were too red to continue, so they eventually told him to come back tomorrow. It was good news for now, but that meant extra work tomorrow. They had to contact Mr.Agreste and inform him of the difficulties. That meant Adrien would be lectured at home, even if it's not his fault he's allergic to feathers.

Adrien walked by the bakery, stopping to glance in the window. And exausted Marinette stood leaning against the counter. Her head in her hands. He debated for a second whether or not to go inside, and decided not to. He had already caused enough trouble and embarrassment to her today. He sighed and continued down the street, all the way to his solitary home.

When he got inside, he expected to see an upset Gabriel, and a serious looking Nathalie, but he saw empty space instead. He blinked in confusion, before walking up his stairs and to his room. He found a note taped to his door.

Your father had some very important business to attend to, and will not be home for a couple days. However, you will continue to attend your photoshoots and other modeling jobs. Your Father is not pleased to hear about the incident that has happened today, and you will be punished when he returns. I will be with your father assisting in his work. He expects the best out of you, and will hear from your photographer every day with reports of your behaviour. If you fail to meet expectations, more punishment will be given. There will be no exceptions.

~Nathalie

After reading that note, he honestly felt bad. Not for himself, but for Nathalie. She is totally kissing up to Gabriel. Sure, she might need money, but Gabriel isn't treating her very good. She's an assistant, not a robot. Adrien has seen Nathalie sigh and groan plenty of times to know she hates her job. Sometimes he even feels kinda sorry for her.

She even forgot the schedule today, telling him he hadbt had a shoot. He knew he did though.

But what's even sadder is his father. He couldn't even write his own note. How sad is that? How low can you even be? And the worst part of all, is that Adrien is relieved his father is gone.

But he couldn't spite his father, no matter how much he wanted to. Because Adrien is human. He can't live up to these unrealistic expectations. He can't be this "perfect boy" everyone thinks he is. He craves attention, but not in fame, in real feeling. He wants to be loved. But the person who he needs to love him the most, seems to do it the least. The only person he ever seems to really be cared for by, is Ladybug.

She may not know him, but she still cares for him. Nino may be like his bestfriend, but he's not like Ladybug. Nino doesn't know him like she does. But at the same time, she doesn't know him at all.

A soft glow illuminated in the corner of his eye. He looked down to see his mark, glowing, green. It was faint, but it was there. He stared for a second, before it disappeared. He broke his gaze and opened up the door, before slumping down onto his bed.
He could use some cheering up right about now.

He pulled his phone out of his pocket, before sending a quick message to his lady.

Chat- Hey M'lady, are you busy right now?

He waited for a moment, before getting a response.

M'lady-  just finished with work, meet at the effiel tower?

Adrien thought for a moment.

Chat- yeah that works out.

M'lady- what song do you wanna sing?

Chat- Actually, I was wondering if we could just talk.

M'lady- Is something wrong?

Adrien let out a breath of air.

Chat- just could use some cheering up.

M'lady- ok be there in a few

Chat- can't wait.

Adrien set his phone down and began getting dressed.