Of Runways and Darkness

Chapter 8

Author's Note: *cracks knuckles* Alright. I managed to focus enough to get this chapter out. Really, it's all fluff and filler which sucks but I promise it plays a big role in the future. *Cackles to self about the evil I have planned.* Anyway, enjoy!

Marinette paced back and forth. Chat's transformation had worn off some time ago and now Adrien Agreste sat in her rolling chair, his legs spread so his hands could sit in between them on the edge of said chair as he watched his adorable little girlfriend stress over the situation. At one point, he opened his mouth but when the words he didn't want came out, he ended up just motioning to her. Mari eyed him. He motioned frantically with his hands for her to come over to him. Slowly, she did but as soon as she was in reach, he gently took her hands and smiled up at her softly, kissing the back of both of them before pulling her closer to hug her tightly. She reached up and hugged around his neck. Leaning down a bit was enough to kiss the top of his head. She sighed.

"I'm so sorry Adrien." He eyed her. Raising his eyebrow was the only way to ask, "Why?" She toyed with a piece of his soft hair, her eyes diverted as she answered the unspoken question, "You were protecting me... again. I've been so clumsy lately. I nearly was hit by Madame Pirouette at the ball and then Miss Translate." She sighed again, raising a hand to cover her face. "If anything happens to you... it's going to be my fault."

Adrien squeezed her waist. He opened his mouth to quickly reply with, "Match lost, true wheel lever loose say. Thru well seawalls key tat trust soul maid moth bits lost joust teal provide yet."

Marinette giggled and poked his nose. "You silly cat. I didn't understand a thing you just said." If he was a superhero, she would've sworn his ears had gone flat but a quick peck on the nose helped to fix him right up. "But if I know you well enough, it was probably sappy and self sacrificing so thank-you." She giggled again as he hugged her close and peppered little kisses on her neck. Eventually, their lips met for a soft kiss.

They broke it off only when they heard from below, "Don't worry Mrs. Cheng! We'll just show ourselves up. Adrien and Marinette should be up there and expecting us." Pause. "Uh.... yes, ma'am. I'm sure. That's where she said we were going to meet for our... for our project!"

They were closer now so she could hear her mom reply, "That's odd. I didn't see her come in; she must have come in the back door then. I'll be up in a few minutes with some snacks for you kids."

A sigh escaped the young girl's lips. She'd forgotten about explaining how she'd gotten home. At least her best friend was good at coming up with a story to cover their tails. Marinette's trap door opened a few moments later and in popped Alya whose brow was furrowed as her eyes landed on the two of them. She cleared the door for Nino who came in too. They shut the door. All of the kwamis flew out of hiding and once everyone was settled, the half-Asian stood back up, facing the three of them, her mind running a million miles a minute. "Miss Translate is a tricky akuma. Especially since getting hit results in a scrabbling of language." She motioned to Adrien. "There's no way Chat Noir is going to be able to help us since I doubt he'll be able to transform as he is."

"That's for sure,"Plagg snickered. "I had to waste my energy before we could even transform back. Plus, Romeo couldn't even woo his lady a second ago." Alya raised an eyebrow. Tikki elbowed him in the side to which the black cat hissed and rubbed his side. Adrien just turned red.

"Then what do you propose Ladybug," Wayzz inquired.

"Until Miss Translate shows her face again, there isn't much we're going to be able to do. Our main issue is going to be handling this," she motioned to the model.

"Easy as pie," Alya smirked. "I can make announcement on the Ladyblog about the effects of the Akuma and you can escort Adrien home explaining that he was caught in the blast."