The Salt Files: Additional Cases (MLB)

The Breakdown

This is based off an experience I had not too long ago during my hiatus basically.

In summary, I got too close to a boy who I knew was interested and I was slowly getting there as we spent more time together. Wanted to hang out one weekend but he kept saying no, and one day I said I would visit for 5 minutes or less (just wanted a hug tbh cuz I felt a burnout coming) I guess I just pushed boundaries too far and he got mad at me. I apologized in the moment but we aren't talking currently but if we do again, I will be fine with being friends but a relationship is out of the question. The pain I went through also made me have like several breakdowns before 12 (it was a class day and my stress was building up from constant assignments and a lack of sleep), but luckily I had other friends and my roommate that helped pick up the pieces and made sure I was alright. Plus let me bug them to my heart's desire :D

I understand my position and what I did was wrong (won't go into too much detail but he basically said I was forcing him to hang out, which I understand and take full responsibility for. This wasn't fully what happened but I fear if I explain in full someone will make a connection to me irl) and this is just a chapter of like Marinette going through that I guess

Idk

Enjoy I guess

Marinette was bone-tired lately. Her classes decided to have work all at the same time, Lila's lies and manipulation were tearing her down through other people, she hasn't had any personal time to herself because there is too much work to be done, the bakery is super busy, and let's not forget the fact that Marinette is secretly one of the city's protectors.

All in all, it's a miracle she hasn't been found face down in the street already. Not to mention her crush on Adrien was still there.

He doesn't notice her, at least not like that. He also appeared to be under more stress lately, which Marinette can't deny as his schedule has been busier this week, with more practices and photo shoots with Lila always present must be a pain. Marinette has tried time and time again to offer a hangout or gaming time at her place, but he denies every time. Says he's too tired or doesn't want to intrude. Marinette never minded this, her parents always loved him and understood his situation, so they never minded his presence.

But one day, things were different. 

Adrien came in with dark circles under his eyes, tired frame barely making it to his desk before slumping over. Lila came in, perky as ever with her latte, and sat down next to him while making small talk to Alya. Marinette could see Nino rolling his eyes and listening to music while they gossiped, which was interesting. Guess he wasn't feeling the lies today either.

Adrien was drained. He and Ladybug stayed up all night fighting an akuma which turned out to be a four year old with a tantrum because another kid broke his favorite toy and refused to apologize for it. Why that kid had to be a villain in the middle of the night was beyond Adrien's understanding, but he had less than an hour before he had to be getting ready for class and he didn't get a wink of sleep. Not to mention his dad decided to cram his schedule for the day so he wouldn't be able to go home and properly rest until midnight anyways. 

It didn't help that Lila was lying 24/7 and clinging to him like a damn lifeline, and Adrien wanted nothing more than to silence her for some piece of mind. He wondered if Plagg would let him use his cataclysm...

The school bell rang, making Adrien groan from exhaustion as he would have to force himself to stay awake for another 16 hours. He wished his father would let him take a sick day for once.

Marinette saw from a distance how Adrien was struggling to stay awake, and decided to offer again if he wanted to come over during lunch for a short nap or so.