Return of a Killer

School

Adrien and Marinette raced each other to the car, which Adrien only won because he poked Marinette's side midway through. Marinette got to the car panting, " Cheater!" she huffed.

" You know you can't stay mad at me." Adrien smirked. He opened the car door for Marinette, and she got in, Adrien following suit. Soon, the pair were off to school. As they joked and laughed on their way, they were unwittingly enjoying the last few moments of safety they had together.

The silver car pulled to a stop in front of the school, and immediately the extra protection Gabriel had mentioned the night before was apparent. Muscle-bound men were standing shock still in the corners of the school.

Chat Blanc sat a bit away from the school, feeling a laugh bubble up inside him. His father really was pathetic. He thought this would stop him. They wouldn't be able to keep away the nasty little surprise he had left them. His claws were still bloody from the previous night's deeds, and he couldn't wait to get them bloodier. 

Adrien and Marinette held hands as they walked into the school, " No wandering off, Marinette." Adrien teased, his tone like a parent giving a warning to their child.

Marinette couldn't help but laugh, " Yes, Adrien." she replied obediently.

Nino and Alya looked at Adrien warily from the benches. Marinette smiled and waved, running over to them with Adrien in tow. Alya closely inspected the emerald-eyed blonde, he wasn't staring at her like a creep, she was actively holding his hand, they both seemed to be happy and comfortable with each other's presence. Alya put her hand on Nino's shoulder and nodded, and they both eased.

" Is the akuma gone? Did you see Ladybug?" Alya asked, the energy of her tone suggested she believed that Ladybug had come to save the day, as she always does. The energy faded into concern as she saw both Marinette and Adrien look away, Adrien giving Marinette's hand a light squeeze. Alya looked between them, " Ladybug and Chat Noir came to save you, didn't they Marinette?" she questioned.

Marinette hesitated, " Ladybug found me before Chat Noir. Chat was the one to save me." she explained.

Alya's concern doubled, " What about Ladybug? She saved you too right?"

Marinette leaned in to whisper, voice clogged by tears from the memory, " I saw the akuma rip her earrings out." she had to stop herself from reaching up to her bare ears in hope the miraculous would reappear.

Alya froze. Nino stood there, shocked. Adrien looked around, noticing the eyes on them, " We should probably talk about this somewhere more private." he ran his thumb over Marinette's knuckles to calm her down.

Alya took a deep breath and nodded, but before they could go anywhere, the bell rang. Adrien and Marinette quickly rushed to their lockers, opening them as fast as they could. Marinette had no trouble opening hers and getting out what she needed. Adrien, however, was in for Chat Blanc's nasty little surprise.