HIATUS//Becoming Lila Rossi

Chapter 36: We All Scream For Ice Cream

Adrien returned to his room, letting out a deep sigh of relief as he closed the door behind him. The familiar surroundings, bathed in the gentle glow of his desk lamp, offered a soothing contrast to the chaos he had just endured.

The room felt like a sanctuary, a space where the weight of the night's events could momentarily lift. He glanced around at the neatly arranged items: a single framed photo with his parents, the carefully organized bookshelves, and the various empty items —all reminders of the life he has.

As he quickly detransformed, the miraculous suit dissolved into his regular clothes, revealing his familiar casual outfit. The transition from Chat Noir to Adrien was always a welcome relief, a return to his true self after the intensity of superhero duties. He felt the familiar fabric of his shirt and jeans against his skin, a comforting reminder of his everyday life.

Plagg, ever the opportunist, wasted no time. As soon as Adrien was back to his normal self, the kwami darted straight for his hidden stash of cheese.

The small drawer in Adrien's desk creaked open, and Plagg's delighted squeak filled the room as he pulled out a piece of camembert. The kwami's tiny paws eagerly fumbled with the cheese before he devoured it with gusto, clearly savoring every bite. The room filled with the pleasant aroma of the cheese, mingling with the faint scent of Adrien's cologne and the soft notes of his favorite music playing quietly in the background.

Adrien watched Plagg with a small smile, appreciating the simple pleasure of his kwami's indulgence. It was moments like these, with the world momentarily at peace, that made all the superhero struggles worth it. As he settled into his desk chair, Adrien allowed himself a moment of relaxation, letting the calmness of his room wash over him.

He reached for his phone, which had buzzed with a new message. The soft vibration against the desk surface was a welcome distraction from the lingering adrenaline of the night. Adrien picked up the phone and saw a text from Nino:

Nino: Hey, dude! Want to get ice cream tomorrow from André's with Alya and Marinette?

Adrien's smile widened at the thought. A chance to hang out with his friends was just what he needed to unwind. The idea of enjoying ice cream and engaging in casual conversation seemed like the perfect way to reset. The excitement of spending a relaxed afternoon with his friends, away from the pressures of his superhero duties, brought a sense of relief.

Yet, as he contemplated the plans, his thoughts inevitably turned to Lila. After the recent confrontation with Prime Queen, he couldn't shake the concern he felt for her well-being. The night's chaos had left him uneasy about how Lila was coping.

Adrien knew she could use some camaraderie and support, especially after the tumultuous day she had endured. He felt a strong desire to ensure that she felt welcomed and included in their social circle, given everything she had been through. It wasn't just about making the outing more enjoyable; he genuinely wanted Lila to feel part of something positive and reassuring.

He quickly typed a response to Nino, hoping to make the outing even more inclusive:

Adrien: Sounds great! Do you think Lila could come too? She could really use a break and some good company after today.

He hit send and leaned back in his chair, feeling a sense of satisfaction. The thought of Lila joining them filled him with hope. It would be a good opportunity for everyone to reconnect and for Lila to feel part of the group, which might help her relax and feel more integrated into their circle.

As he waited for Nino's reply, Adrien glanced around his room. The walls, adorned with posters of his favorite movies and sketches, and the soft glow of his desk lamp, created a comforting backdrop. The anticipation of a relaxing day with friends provided a welcome respite from the lingering tensions of the night.