Prompt #6- Touch and go. Miraculous Ladybug slight AU set in S2.

Adrien forced himself not to check the clock... again. It would only tell him a couple minutes had passed since the last time he looked.

"Adrien, if you want we can Chat Noir up and get an early start to patrol." A small head nuzzled Adrien's shoulder. Adrien subconsciously leaned into the touch, small as it was.

"No." He muttered. "Father said he'd be at dinner tonight. If I requested a tray in my room he wouldn't allow it."

Plagg harrumphed, but the fact he didn't argue showed he'd only been trying to cheer Adrien rather than offer a viable solution.

Six-thirty couldn't come soon enough. Adrien's stomach grumbled. He grimaced, recalling his sub par lunch and breakfast before that. Father cut his portions again this week, claiming he was only trying to help Adrien maintain the figure he needed for modelling. Like usual he hadn't considered Adrien's opinion about the matter.

Fencing practice had been a struggle, let alone trying to go out as Chat Noir. The magic of the Miraculous helped sustain Adrien when he wore the suit, but as soon as it came off the hunger pangs had returned tenfold. Plagg had even offered Adrien a portion of his cheese stash, though Adrien declined. The kwami needed sustenance just as much as Adrien did.

Footsteps approached his door. Adrien perked up, but tried to keep the eager look off his face. Father always scolded him for wearing his emotions too visibly. It would be bad in the business world one day, never mind the fact Adrien was currently a 15 year old boy.

A brisk knock signaled Nathalie's presence, shaking Adrien from his thoughts. "Come in."

His heart sank at the sight of the tray in her hands. "Father changed his mind?"

"An urgent board meeting. I'm sorry Adrien." She at least had the decency to appear sorry for him, even if she didn't actually feel it. Adrien never could tell what exactly was on her mind.

His gaze moved to the contents of the tray and he stifled a sigh. An apple, a small bowl of matzo soup, and a glass of milk were its lone occupants. Muttering an insincere thank you, Adrien took the tray and all but shut the door in Nathlie's face.

"Kid-"

"I don't want to hear it, Plagg." Adrien cut off the kwami. He had no desire to break into tears in front of anyone, let alone the embodiment of destruction.

"Okay, okay." Plagg sounded put out, but Adrien knew it wasn't his actual annoyed voice.

Slowly, trying to savor every bite, Adrien ate his 'dinner.' He slid the tray out into the hall, having no desire to speak with Nathalie again. Or be talked at. Nathalie at least pretended to listen to him, even if Father's word was law.

Plagg flew out of wherever he'd been 'sulking' and nuzzled Adrien's shoulder. "Ready to head out kid?"

"Yes." If the word came out desperately, Plagg let it slide. "Plagg, claws out."

A wave of green and black light rolled over him, with it a surge of energy. Adrien took a deep breath, allowing himself to pretend he felt okay for just a few seconds. He felt a gentle nudge in his mind, directing his thoughts toward the window. Paris awaited.

Slipping out of the window, Chat made his way to the Eiffel Tower. He reached the top and nestled in his and Ladybug's usual perch. Minutes dragged by, punctuated by the darkening sky. 'I probably should start patrolling.' But Chat couldn't summon the energy to rise.

The familiar zip of Ladybug's yo-yo came from behind him. "Hey Chaton."

"M'lady." Chat forced a smile he didn't feel. "Fancy meeting you here."

Ladybug hummed noncommittally. It beat her rolling her eyes. Instead she sat next to Chat and looked over the cityscape.

"I don't know if I would have ever chosen this," Chat started slightly at Ladybug's admission, "but seeing the city peaceful... it helps me feel everything is worth it ya' know?"

"Yeah." Sighing, Chat leaned back on his hands. "This is probably the best thing that's ever happened to me. I choose it over and over again."

He felt Ladybug freeze next to him. "Chat-" She stopped and sighed.

Soft rustling came from somewhere on her person. A plastic package slipped into Chat's hands. Looking down he saw a few pastries he couldn't name and a sandwich resting on his lap. He jerked a look over to Ladybug, but she had turned to face the city again.

"I- even in the suit Chat, I can tell-" Ladybug broke off with a frustrated grunt. "I don't know what's going on, and I know you probably can't tell me, but please know you're one of my best friends. Even if I don't know everything, I'm still here for you." She shot him a soft smile. "If there's anything you need help with, or anything I can do, please let me know."

Heat burned in Chat's eyes and he had to look away. "Thank you." If Ladybug noticed the crack in Chat's voice she didn't comment.

Ladybug hummed again. She leaned in and gently shoulder bumped Chat. As she started to pull away Chat found himself following her so his shoulder resented against hers. Ladybug stiffened but didn't pull away. Gradually she relaxed again.

"Oh Chaton."

It was practically a whisper but Chat's sensitive ears heard it. A small sob slipped loose. Ladybug slipped an arm around Chat's shoulders. He lost it.

Above the sound of his own sobs, Chat could hear Ladybug murmuring reassurances in his ear. After a few minutes Chat managed to calm himself enough to breathe normally.

"Sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry for."

Ladybug gently released Chat's shoulders but her hand moved to grasp his. In any other setting Chat would have been thrilled, but now he only felt a deep relief. His Lady didn't think any less of him, and was willing to still stick by him.

"I meant what I said, Chaton. You are extraordinary and I wouldn't want anyone else to fight by my side."

Chat let out a wet laugh, the movement rustling the packages in his lap. He'd forgotten about them for a moment. Almost reverently he unwrapped the sandwich. It disappeared in a matter of seconds. He offered one of the pastries to Ladybug but she shook her head.

With a mysterious smile she said, "I can get these whenever I want. They're for you."

For the first time in a long time Adrien's stomach felt satisfied. "Thank you."

"I-" Ladybug broke off, looking rather unsure. She took a visible breath and continued, "I don't want to presume upon your home situation, but when we meet for patrols I can bring food with me."

A curl of shame rose within Adrien. He looked away, trying to think of what to say. Part of him felt like saying no. It wasn't like he couldn't afford food, it was just he didn't get food. However, another part- the part that knew he could count his ribs if he wanted to, the part that had to deal with hunger pangs every evening- very loudly voiced its descent in Adrien's mind.

"If- I- I don't want to be a burden."

"Chat." Ladybug's voice was sharp. Chat jumped and looked her in the eye. "I don't know why, or who, might be making you feel that way, but you are not a burden. No one deserves that. Ensuring you don't go to bed hungry is the farthest thing from a burden for me."

Chat felt like crying again. Taking a deep breath he gave Ladybug a small, but genuine smile. "You are amazing m'lady."

The two lapsed into silence, watching the twinkling city lights late into the night.