Tell Me Why You Love Me

All Is Well

M'lady: Basement

Adrien stared at the one message he had received from his lady. It had been two days since her disappearance. His heart skipped a beat once he had read her name across the notification tab as he walked down the sidewalk. He wanted to break down in tears, not knowing how much of a relief this one message meant to him.

She was alive.

Her heart was still beating, and that was something that he could get by. Ever since he found out Ladybug and Marinette were the same person, his mind had been ripping itself up trying to figure out a way to find Monarch and get her back. He couldn't sleep. He couldn't afford to. Not when he had no idea where Marinette was or if she was even okay. It pained him that their worst fear had occurred. She had always lectured him about being careful and to make sure Monarch never got ahead of us.

Maybe they got too comfortable.

He reread that one word she sent him over and over again. Basement. She was underground somewhere. Basement of where? Monarch's place? Adrien wished she was able to send more, but he knew that was unlikely. She would have given him more if she could.

He was about to head to his former house. Perhaps he could look for clues in there. Adrien had contacted Nathalie in the early morning and asked if his father would be home, and she replied that he would be away for most of the day for some conference downtown until evening. That would give him some time. Luckily, his father's assistant welcomed him back with no problem. He wasn't sure if she would tell his father about his visit, but he didn't care anymore. His father was to blame.

Marinette's text ran through his mind even more so the closer he got to the mansion. Adrien couldn't recall ever having a basement. He felt like he would've known if they did have one, but then again, his father was always so secretive about different rooms and such around the house. Adrien wasn't even allowed in his father's office, which looked as dull as ever. Now that he thought about it, that should be the first place he searches.

When he arrived at the front doors of the Agreste Mansion, Nathalie was at the front door with a welcoming smile. Adrien wasn't sure what it was, but it seemed like the older he got, the warmer she grew. He wasn't going to complain about it, but it was definitely noticeable. Maybe one day, they could get closer. She was his mother's best friend, after all.

"Adrien," she greeted as she gestured inside, her tablet in its usual position tucked under her arm. "I must say, I was surprised when you called."

Adrien smiled back as he walked in. "I was too."

Nathalie shut the door behind them and walked alongside him as Adrien glanced around the main entryway. "What brings you here? You mentioned you wanted to come here when your father wasn't home, but that's all you informed me."

"Right. I just... I guess I wanted to feel some nostalgia. Thank you again for letting me come in. I know my father doesn't exactly like unwanted visitors."

Nathalie looked at him with a sympathetic smile. "Oh, Adrien. You're always welcome here, you're family. It's time your father learned that. You know how he is, always in his own world. Even if your father gets upset, I'll take care of it."

"I appreciate it, Nathalie."

"Of course, Adrien. Make yourself at home. Would you like anything? There are still leftovers from brunch the chef had prepared."

Adrien put his hand up as he shook his head. "No, thank you. I'm still full from breakfast." It was a complete lie. He had been struggling to find the appetite for the past 24 hours. In fact, the closest thing that would count as him eating would be catching a whiff of Plagg's morning camembert.