Warped Reality

Chapter Twenty One

Marinette

She awoke to her phone ringing, and she scrambled to answer it.

"Hello?"

"Sorry, just... just needed to make sure it's you." Adrien's voice was groggy, and her cheeks warmed at how adorable he sounded.

"Yeah. It's me. Are... are you okay?"

"I will be. Can I pick you up for school?"

She nodded, before realizing he couldn't see her.

"Yeah! Yes, of course."

"I'll see you shortly then."

"Okay. Bye."

"Bye."

She hung up, her kwami immediately slamming against her cheek.

"Oh Marinette! I'm so glad to be home!"

"Me too Tiki." She giggled, glancing around her room.

Her normal, pink and cluttered room. Home. Wait... home. Her parents.

"Oh my god." She whispered, bolting from her bed and down through the trapdoor.

"Maman?" She called, almost tripping down the stairs as she ran.

She threw open the door to the bakery, both of her parents turning to her with wide eyes.

"Honey, is everything okay?"

"You're up early."

She ran into her mother's arms, holding back tears. She had missed her so much.

"Is everything okay?"

Marinette said nothing in response, moving to hug her father, who smelled of flour and bread, instead of alcohol.

"I just love you both, so much. You're perfect." She sighed, relaxing in her parent's embrace.

She hoped desperately that the other Marinette's life would get better. She would be forever grateful for the parents she had been given. For the choices they had made. Her lips curled into a smile, relief filling her body from head to toe. She was finally home.

Adrien

He stared out of the window, watching the sun come up. Natalie opened his door, gasping softly.

"Adrien, my apologies. I didn't realize you were already awake."

"It's all right Natalie. Do you mind if I pick up..." He trailed off, the thought of calling her his friend making him grow uneasy.

"Can we pick up Marinette on the way to school? I offered her a ride."

"That's fine. Breakfast is already on the table, your father will be joining you today."

He turned, looking at her for a moment. He wondered what she had been like in the other world. If she was as reserved as this Natalie was. Brushing the thought aside, he smiled politely at her.

"Thanks Natalie. I'll be down shortly."

She turned and left, and Plagg flew up to his side.

"Are you okay kid?"

"Not yet." He admitted, a weary smile on his face.

Plagg looked sympathetic, and Adrien gently pushed him away.

"Go reacquaint yourself with your precious camembert. I'll come get you after breakfast."

Plagg needed no further encouragement, flying off to one of the many cupboards hiding his cheese. Adrien shook his head, heading downstairs. His father was at the table, as Natalie had said.