Unshared Secrets

Chapter 2: Aspik

It was a normal day, the students of Francois Dupont groaning and sighing as Ms.Bustier announced a group project. She was calling out the names for the group projects, finishing off with, "And lastly, Adrien and Marinette."

However, she was in quite a rush and most of the class heard 'Adrienette', causing them to chuckle. It left a very confused blonde and flustered bluenette. The project, basis of states of matter was short, however required teamwork and was due tomorrow.

Adrien turned around to face Marinette, wanting to ask her about who's house they will work for the project to see her shush Alya about something, then turning back to him. He raised an eyebrow as Marinette smiled, giving a subtle shake of the head that it was nothing. And of course, he shrugged it off.

"Hey Marinette, so where do you want to work on this project?"

"Erm..."

Marinette eerily thought how'd she still had some Adrien 'totographs' up, and not wanting to face another embarrassing explanation thought the mansion would be better. Besides her parents would never stop embarrassing her and pretty much dictate everything about Adrien she owned, from Adrien the Fragrance to the latest posters. She didn't want to die today.

"The....Your mansion! Yeah, my parents uh have some....BUG I mean CHAT I mean BIG EVENT! So you know there will be quite a rustle..."

"Ok....sure."

He turned back around as Marinette sighed, everything was going to be ok. Class went on as usual after that.

The bell rang, however Adrien sat in thought. Ladybug wanted Aspik back? What about Luka? Will he be alone? Ladybug's voicemail was a certain surprise yes, but she didn't elaborate if he'll have a partner. Seems like patrols are about to get lonely...

However, Marinette was on cloud nine, she gets to patrol with Adrien! Not to mention this project, sure its one day but still...

Whilst talking as Marinette, she found out Luka had to go out of town for music purposes, however before she went he said, "Everyone deserves a second chance!"

She wondered what he meant when he said that...oh well.

Adrien was surprised to find the miraculous on his table when he came home for a mid-school photo shoot.

He wondered how often ladybug could've come in without his knowledge....Nah, she'd be the last person who'd abuse her power....right?

Shaking off his suspicions he wore the bracelet.

During the car ride back to pick Marinette up, he noticed Nathalie glancing at him a lot today. Why?

Marinette stumbled out the front gates of the school as he opened the door, letting his clumsy classmate take a seat.

The car ride? It was....silent. Marinette was fidgeting with her fingers as Adrien tried hardest to look outside the window and avoid the awkward atmosphere.

Weren't the streets looking so....bright today...

Arriving at his mansion, he held the door as Marinette got out.

She didn't move...looking uncertain. Adrien noticing this, attempted to ask his good friend what was wrong.

"Everything ok Marinette?"

"Yeah...peachy."

They walked inside the mansion, Marinette's thoughts being flooded with worry about Adrien.

This is what he comes to after school? A lonely hollow place?

The large portrait at the top of the staircase was just an addition to how alone adrien was, he looked dull and out of life.

A small tear made its way out of her eye, as Adrien tried asking her, however Gabriel interrupted.

"Ah, Ms. Dupain-Cheng, whatever do we owe of your presence today?"

"Oh! Hello sir! I'm here as partner for the science project with Adrien."

"Very well, although I expect no-one bends any rules..."

"Of course not Father!"

On the nod of the emotionless man, the both made their way up the stairs as Gabriel kept a close eye on them. Marinette wanted to just run and never be in his sight again, even Adrien was uncomfortable with his father's gaze on them.

"Adrien."

They both froze on the spot turning around.

"Yes Father?"

What his father said next made Adrien's blood run cold.

"Where did you get that bracelet?"