Sequel to chapter 4 "Antihero" of my series of shorts titled "Broken Pieces", suggested by Ayolen. I decided to make this a stand alone since this particular idea revolves around Marinette / Ladybug's relationship with Adrien more than Gabriel's.

Chapter 1: Reunion

News of Adrien's kidnapping had immediately spread like fire throughout the school the next day. Aside from Chloe's predictable dramatic reaction to the event, Nino was clearly the most shaken. As a result, Alya spent a majority of her free time consoling the boy, listening to him as often as he needed to talk about his worries and concerns over his best friend. While she missed her favorite superhero duo, Alya decided it was fortunate that Hawkmoth was so inactive as of late, as it allowed her to spend less time updating the Ladyblog and pay the much needed attention to her boyfriend instead. Adrien hadn't been to school since the incident which had happened a little over two weeks ago. Nino had taken it upon himself to relay assignments and notes to the Agreste mansion everyday after school let out. Everyone supposed he felt it was the least he could do for his friend, but Alya knew Nino silently hoped he would eventually be allowed in to see Adrien rather than being dismissed after receiving a formal 'thank you' from Nathalie.

Meanwhile, Marinette was beside herself. Because Alya was preoccupied with a decidedly more worthy cause and she had already talked Tikki's ear off, she tried to keep what worry remained to herself. Aside from Adrien's absence, Hawkmoth hadn't been active and Chat was nowhere to be found. Continuing to do her routine patrols provided a small sense of normalcy and distracted her from the dark thoughts that poked at the edges of her imagination, but it still didn't feel right. It was that night, however, that she found she couldn't contain herself any longer. Flying through the air with focused resolve, she carefully avoided the gaze of the now increased surveillance on the Agreste mansion and landed on a windowsill on the second floor. A lamp illuminated the room indicating the boy was still awake and sure enough as she peered around the wall, Ladybug found herself staring down at the frazzled head of Adrien.

Her heart clenched painfully in her chest as she noted his heavy, fatigued eyes and the dark circles that lay under them, standing out in stark contrast to the pallid color of his skin. His hair was tousled carelessly as if he hadn't bothered to comb it, and the hoodie he donned seemed ill fitting. . . it was probably just her imagination that he appeared skinnier than usual though, as she hadn't seen him in weeks. Small details were easy to forget. She gazed on him sadly as he wandered aimlessly around the spacious room, wishing she could help him in some way, when he suddenly looked up, matching her surprised reaction with one of his own. Ladybug darted back behind the shelter of the wall, catching her breath as she hyperventilated at the sudden shock. She hadn't intended to actually make him aware she was there, she just wanted to make sure he was alright.

A small couple of taps rapped against the window. She peered carefully to her side to find a hand placed against the other side of the pane, seemingly waiting for her return. Ladybug gulped as she mustered her heroine's courage before coming back into view. The corners of the boy's mouth pulled upward slightly as her eyes met his. He quickly fidgeted and fumbled with the lock on the window before successfully lifting its hold, pushing the window open as an invitation to let her in. The red clad Marinette timidly let herself in, dropping softly to the carpeted floor to find herself suddenly wrapped in a tight hug. Adrien buried his face into her shoulder, shivering quietly against her as she wrapped her arms firmly around him, pulling him more tightly into her.

His fists gripped the leather material of her suit at her back with such vigor his knuckles turned white. He shuddered as he repressed the emotion swelling up within his gut, focusing on the steady rise and fall of her chest against his, trying instead to match his breathing rate with hers. After a long moment, Adrien released her reluctantly and slowly backed away. He staggered slightly as he parted from her to which she responded by gently, but quickly clasping his underarm in support, helping him back to his bed where he collapsed with exhaustion. He wiped his sleeve over his eyes and then looked up at the girl when she took a seat on the edge of the bed next to where he lay. He hadn't realized how much he had missed her. And while she remained unaware of his alter ego, he was grateful his lady had paid him a visit.

Silence spanned between them as Marinette contemplated what to say. After a long moment, she opened her mouth.

"It's been a little while, huh?" she stated, lamely, berating herself inwardly for her more 'Marinette-like' behavior.

He nodded at her, but didn't reply.

"I heard what happened. . ." she continued. "How are you doing?"

Adrien's lips parted as if to say something, but his words were silent. She stared at him with mild confusion when he tried again, but only a ghost of a whisper escaped him. Ladybug's brows furrowed with worry as she looked at him when Adrien's expression creased in anguish causing tears to fall from his eyes.

"Oh, Adrien. . . I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to-"

She put her gloved hand to his forehead and brushed his mussy bangs back gently in a effort to soothe him. He rattled under her touch, trying desperately to contain the tears that poured freely down his cheeks, hiccuping as he sucked in a gasp. His entire frame shook making it clear to Ladybug that the past few weeks could not have been easy on him. She lifted her hand to reposition it only to find him clasping her other wrist with both hands. The girl was about to reply, tell him she was just shifting a little, but his eyes expressed his worry. He didn't want her to leave already. Marinette responded rather by placing her hand against his check, brushing her thumb under his eye to wipe away the newly formed tears, reassuring him she wasn't going anywhere.

Adrien relaxed slightly, pulling his legs up onto the bed in a curl before melting into the down comforter beneath him as he nuzzled into her hand. Had she not her mask, Adrien might have spotted the blush that bloomed across the heroine's face. Her touch was extremely comforting, and he felt his eyelids grow heavy as if the long evasive sleep was finally accepting his desperate petition. She seemed to notice and ran her fingers again through his hair which set him even further adrift in the arms of Morpheus.

"I should probably head home before it gets too late. . ." she said remorsefully, regretting her inability to remain with him all night. "Will you be alright?"

Adrien barely nodded in acknowledgment, turning his head further into the reach of her fingers. She continued to brush the locks of his hair about for another ten minutes or so until she was certain he was asleep. Ladybug reached over him and pulled a lighter blanket from the corner of the bed, spreading it over him before gently parting his bangs once more. Without a second thought, she bent down and placed her lips against his forehead with a soft kiss. After turning the lamp off, she climbed back onto the windowsill, slowly pulling the window as close to shut as she could manage. She whispered to him before disappearing into the night.

"I'll be back tomorrow. Sleep well, my sweet Adrien."

A/N: My initial thought was to make this a one shot, but I've come up with an idea for more content. Be on the lookout for a new chapter in the future! It'll be sporadic, but I'll try and update soon.