A Masked Game

Level 5: The Calm Before the Storm

Flashback Cutscene: Injured

9 years and 8 months ago...

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Adrien turned his head to look at the window before groaning and attempting to beckon the heroine in. As he lifted an arm, a sharp pain coursed through his ribcage, taking his breath away and causing him to wince. He hurt like hell, every single rib in his chest felt like it had been smashed to pieces. He closed his eyes, taking slow, painful deep breaths in and out. When could he take the next painkillers?

"How are you?" her words were soft as was the sudden feeling of a hand caressing through his hair. He knew if he was suited up, this too familiar action would be causing him to let out a quiet rumble in his chest.

"In pain! So much pain!"

"What did the hospital say?"

He settled into the feeling of her hands fanning through his hair finding his most favourite spot and moving her hand gently backwards and forwards, if she wasn't careful this meeting would be short lived as he'd be fast asleep.

"To take it easy for the next couple of days. I can only move from my bed to my bathroom and back again. No strenuous activities until I've been scanned again."

Adrien had been in a rather ugly car crash earlier that morning, a hit on his side followed by a trip to the emergency room. Marinette had been frantic trying to see him, however with his high profile she couldn't get anywhere near his hospital room — even with his clearance.

Then, the frustration continued when he got home. His mother went over the top protective of him. Émilie had stopped anyone from coming to visit him for the next couple of days whilst he got over the shock and the freshness of the injuries.

Marinette had been beside herself with worry, sobbing down the phone to him and begging for him to speak to her. He wasn't surprised by Marinette's reaction, he would have been worse in her position. So, Adrien had spoken to his mother, but she was adamant he needed rest... even from his girlfriend. Apparently a couple of days apart 'wouldn't hurt them', yet the pain he was feeling right now for not having her by his side was excruciating.

"Ladybug, I need you to do me a favour. Can you go and check on Marinette for me? My mother won't let her in and I know she's worried about me. She says she's okay, but I can tell by her voice that she's not. I just need someone to see her and then tell me she's okay."

Ladybug held up a hand to stop him from rambling anymore. As always, Adrien was worried about her rather than himself.

"Adrien, it's fine. I've spoken to her already, she was the one who sent me here actually. She's worried about you being confined in your room and she wants you to know she's thinking about you. I've seen her, she's just anxious, that's all."

Adrien exhaled before falling backwards into his pillows with a groan, he never even realised he'd placed himself in a sitting position.

She rushed beside him, her hands taking either side of the pillow and puffing it up a little more, moving on to using her superstrength to move him into a more comfortable position.

"Easy there, tiger, you don't want to cause more damage to those broken ribs." She laughed, his own lips pulling into a grin thanks to her nickname for him.

"Sorry, it's just... I don't want her to feel like it's me shutting her out."

"She understands, honestly. Your mother and Nathalie were kind about it, nothing like your father had been in the past. They're just being protective of you, and she understands that."