Summery: When Chat Noir runs into an upset Ladybug due to her civil life, he offers her to use the mask as a getaway from her day to day life – like him. He has no idea what he just unleashed.

Timeline - after Onichan

I own nothing but my imaginary.

Adrien was tired, but mentally tired, not just physically. It was the end of a very long day, and his mind was buzzing from all he went through. That day started way too early when he woke up at 5 am in the morning for a photo shoot. A very embarrassing sea swims photo shoot he had to take in the middle of March.

Why making a sea swim photo shoot in such a cold weather?! Well, he knew why – they needed the catalog ready before swimming season, but that didn't make him feel better about wearing almost nothing in this freezing weather, while having to look like he is having the time of his life in the pool. It was hard, freezing and annoying. The fact he was also extremely tired, due to having to fight an Akuma during the night before did nothing to improve his mood. However, he was a professional, so he got there on time and did what he needed to do.

He was so happy when they let him go to school on time. Finally, he was going to see his friends. Or at least that's what he hoped, instead he had to deal with Chloe and Lila barely letting him breath. By the time he reached his place and turned to Nino the bell rang and he wasn't even able to say good morning to Nino, Alya or Marinette. Not a good start for the day.

Lessons were about materials he already knew – so it was boring and it was hard for him to keep himself awake and attended during the classes. So when it was finally lunch break, he was ready to lay down and stay in his seat till the break will be over. The last thing he wanted was more drama.

Yet, it seems Lila had other ideas. Once everyone got up to leave the class Lila done a full show of falling down the stairs once she reaches Marinette's location. It was an obvious show. Marinette didn't even get near her, and Lila wasn't hurt, but she immediately blamed Marinette for making her fall and endangering her wellbeing.

Adrien knew it was a lie, and he didn't want Marinette to be blamed for nothing. She was a sweet girl and an amazing friend, but he was so tired, and he knew that if he will confront Lila she will be Akumatized, again. He really didn't have the power to fight another Akuma. He was torn about how to react. This is why when Alya turned to Marinette laughing about how clumsy she was and asking her to be more careful next time, he felt relief.

He knew that wasn't the truth, but he also knew that all the people in the class will believe it and won't have hard feelings toward Marinette because of this excuse. Therefore, despite the hurt look on Marinette face, that people seems to believe Lila, and that Adrien didn't correct them despite knowing better – Adrien was relocated to interfere. Marinette was a positive person. She is hurt, true, but she will get over it and won't be Akumatized, unlike Lila. And he couldn't deal with another Akuma right now. He needed to rest. So he sat there quietly.

Marinette was obviously hurt. She gave Alya a pointed look, and it was visual that she was holding herself hard not to comment on the matter. Then she swift her look at him, and he could see the unasked question in that look, and some unshed tears. Next thing he knew she ran out of the classroom. Adrien felt terrible.

Adrien went after her; he caught her right outside the girl bathroom. He immediately apologized and tried to explain his logic to her – that he is afraid Lila will be hurt and Akumatized. Somehow it didn't seem to reassure Marinette. She just growled at him. Turned her back to him and went into the girl bathroom. He wondered if he should wait out for her, but decided against it.

Ten minutes later he heard the screams. It was an Akuma of course. For a short while he was terrified he was wrong, and he just got Marinette Akumatized. Yet, thankfully that wasn't the case. It was another one of Chloe's victims. Chloe has been much better lately, but she still had a long way ahead of her if she really wanted to improve her behavior.

It was an easy Akuma, and it was lucky since it seems Ladybug wasn't very focus today. However, they used their powers in the beginning of the fight, so he didn't have time to stay and try to understand what is the matter. He took a mental note to check on her next time they meet. Her and Marinette. He must make sure they both OK.

Well, it will be easier with Marinette, right? Wrong. By the time the battle was over classes started again, and he needed to come back to the lesson. Once the day was over Marinette run home before he could even acknowledge her presence behind him. Not that he could do much more than that considering his bodyguard was waiting outside to catch him and take him to his after school activities. And now after fencing, piano lesson and finishing his homework – he could finally collapse to his seat and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Only his mind kept going back to the hurt expression on Marinette's face when he tried to talk to her, and he felt uneasy about his behavior. Was he that selfish to sacrifice his friend's wellbeing just to have a few quiet hours? He didn't like the answer that arises from his behavior today, or from the quiet stares he got from Plagg the entire day.

Adrien turn to Plagg "Go ahead, let's hear it." "I think you know it yourself so no need for me to waste my voice over it. Why won't you give me some cheese, and then go outside to clear your head and decide your priorities in life and how are you going to handle the situation tomorrow?"

Adrien found this to actually be a helpful advice, and so he followed it. Once transformed he jumped from roof top to roof top feeling the air blown through his hair and the sensation of the fast movement of his body. It was a freeing sensation that helped him feel much better about himself. It helped him clear his head, not that he knew how to handle Marinette's hurt feeling yet, but it was a step in the right direction. This is also the reason why he found his lady.

Several notes:

1. English isn't my main language so sorry for the many mistakes I probably did and will do.

2. This is my first fanfic. I will be happy to hear if you think my writing it good enough.

3. I don't have a lot of time to write, so I can't promise regular updates. However, this should be a relatively short story, and I will do my best to finish it quickly.

4. I would love to know what you think about the story.