Into Another World (kotlc/mlb au)

Chapter 13

Adrien opened his eyes to see that he and Ladybug had shifted positions throughout the night. Now he was lying on the ground, her body curled up next to him. From the looks of it (and his own recalling of the night), they had a peaceful night for once.

Her bright blue eyes fluttered open.

"No nightmares," she said. "You?"

He shook his head.

"Well, that's good," she said, sitting up.

"Well, looks like you two got a good night's sleep."

They turned to see Keefe leaning against a tree, smirking at the two of them.

"What are you doing?" Ladybug asked.

"Oh, just watching you two," Keefe laughed a little. "Foster and I woke up to see you two curled up against each other."

Adrien flushed a little from embarrassment. "It's a long story."

"Fine, have it your way, Agreste," Keefe shrugged, walking away from the tree. "But this only proves my point that you two definitely have something going on."

He left the two of them alone.

"What does he mean by that?" Adrien wrinkled his nose.

"No clue," Ladybug shrugged, standing up and brushing blades of grass off her skirt. "Come on. I can smell Calla's starkflower stew."

"What's starkflower stew?" he asked as they started walking through a series of bushes. Ladybug's hideout really was a large maze. Only she could be trusted to find the way through. Either that or the gnomes, he was assuming.

"Life-changing," was all she said. "At least, that's my opinion on it."

They reached the clearing they'd first entered in last night, and Adrien noticed Calla and Flori with Sophie, who was eating something from a bowl. He could smell distinct flavors in the air, but he couldn't place where they were coming from.

"This is probably the best thing you'll ever put in your mouth," Sophie said, holding out the bowl to Adrien.

"I'm not sure about the best, but it's my favorite thing to make," Calla said, her voice soft and angelic even early in the morning. "You should try some too, Adrien."

"I've never recognized it before," Adrien stared at the contents.

"Well, you did grow up in another world," Sophie shrugged. "Just try it."

Adrien steeled his nerves and tentatively took a bite. "Oh my gosh. I think something just topped croissants."

"Croissants?" Ladybug repeated, only without the French accent.

"A pastry I used to eat back on Earth. My... er... the ones who raised me said I was practically married to them."

"That sounds a little weird."

"Yeah, I know."

Keefe plopped down next to the group. "Alright, so the game plan. We find Vespera's research, get the amulets, save the world, and then we can all go back to our normal lives. I think that's a good plan, don't you think?"

Adrien's smile faded. He'd all but forgotten that once this was over, he'd have to go back to Everglen. Possibly inherit his line and become a lord of the court, possibly a duke.

And Ladybug would be on her own again.

He and Ladybug exchanged a look. The moment from last night suddenly felt so fleeting, like they were both too aware of the little time they had.