Threatened Love (sequel to "Heartbroken Hero")

Chapter 3

"So, what happened?"

Marinette shifted nervously under Adrien's gaze as she sat on her bed. She couldn't tell him why she was out so late. It was almost midnight and her day had been long and exhausting.

"I... forget?" Marinette grinned awkwardly, shrugging.

Adrien frowned, his shoulders drooping. "Please tell me the truth. I know you didn't just magically forget."

Marinette dropped the smile and looked away. If she told him, he would find out she was Ladybug, no doubt. I mean the note specifically said she was Ladybug, so showing him that was out of the question...

"I can't tell you," Marinette whispered, staring at the floor.

"Mari," Adrien said quietly, grabbing her hands. "You can tell me anything."

"I can't," she repeated, the phrase sounding more painful than she had anticipated.

"Please. You've been acting strange today. Let me help you," Adrien pleaded.

"I'm okay," Marinette nodded.

Adrien huffed, leaning back in Marinette's desk chair. "You could've gotten hurt out there. Why didn't you call a taxi or your parents to drive you? Heck, you could've called me."

"Please stop grilling me," Marinette snapped, pulling away from Adrien. "I was almost robbed today, so I'm a little distraught. My mind is fuzzy."

The blonde let out a stifling sigh, collecting his thoughts.

"I'm sorry," Adrien said sincerely. "I'm just worried about you. Especially since this wouldn't be our first run in with horrible people."

"I know, but I'll be okay," Marinette lied with a half smile, placing her hand on his cheek. "You know, this girl is especially keen at kicking butt-- on video games, that is."

Adrien laughed, placing his large hand on top of hers. "Don't have to tell me twice, Mecha Strike champion." He then kissed her on the forehead and stood up. "Well, I better let you rest after such a taxing day. Let me know if you need anything."

"I will," Marinette smiled widely, criss crossed on her bed.

Adrien stood there for a second, admiring her beauty. His emerald green eyes danced upon her rosy cheeks and toothy grin. "Ya know, you are so freaking beautiful."

"Why thank you," Marinette replied matter of factly. "So I've heard."

Adrien chuckled, shaking his head. He opened up the hatch to her room and begun climbing down the ladder. "Love you," he winked.

"Love you too," Marinette waved.

Once Adrien left her room, she let out a sigh and flopped onto her bed. So far she managed to act somewhat normal around him, but she had a feeling Adrien wasn't through asking her questions.

Their lighthearted banter saved Marinette from Adrien's suspicions. For now.

She reached over and turned her light off before pulling her blanket up to her chin. She hoped she could sleep without any more nightmares.

*

The next day at school was going by agonizingly slow.

Marinette felt watched. Like someone was going to blurt out her secret identity during class. She was certain it was Louise, but she didn't have any definite proof. The more she thought about it, it could be anyone.

Someone who could get their hands on two different miraculous and combine their power to create the ultimate cure in removing the magical barrier that protects Ladybug's secret identity.