Demigods: In Paris (a Miraculous Ladybug and Percy Jackson crossover)

Adrien is 'kidnapped'

Marinette couldn't concentrate for the rest of the day. She barely even noticed Alya fangirling over Ladybug loudly in her ear. She was too busy staring at Adrien, worrying. Was it really okay to do this, even if it was for the greater good? Should she tell him? But maybe he'd tell someone, maybe he wouldn't care that his dad was Hawkmoth. Chat Noir had it all under control, right? Tikki said she could trust him, but still, this was kidnap! And she knew Chat had been lying about some of it, like the staying with Marinette bit - she hadn't even talked to Chat, let alone agreed to kidnap Adrien with him. He must have lied about where he was going to keep Adrien to make her agree - he knew she knew Marinette and trusted her because of the Evillustrator incident. And how on Earth was she supposed to sneak away from her own birthday party to defeat Paris's supervillain? It was all crazy...

Marinette was still trying to decide what to do when she realised Alya was shaking her. "C'mon girl, let's go! Remember we need to set up before your sleepover starts?"

"Huh?" Marinette looked around the classroom, and realised it was mostly empty. She hadn't even had a chance to warn Adrien. "Oh, no!" She stood up quickly, and dragged a confused Alya to the door. "C'mon, we gotta move!"

"Huh? Girl, what's going on?"

Marinette said nothing, just ran to the locker room as fast as she could. She got there just as Adrien was about to walk through into the men's bathroom.

"Adrien!" She yelled, and he turned to look at her. Those green eyes, that perfect face... She immediately clammed up.

"Marinette?" He questioned, his eyes searching her face. "Is everything okay?"

"Uh, I- um...."

"Uh, ok. I'll see you later, right?" No, you won't. "Can't wait for the party!" You won't be there. Adrien waved, and vanished through the door to the loos. Marinette slumped on the floor dejectedly.

"Ooookay?" Alya said, frowning down at her friend. "Fancy telling me what that was about?"

"Oh, nothing," Marinette muttered. "You go on ahead, I'll catch up. I just need a moment."

"Oh. Well, if you're sure... See you in a minute?" Alya left.

Marinette stood up, resolving that she'd wait for Adrien to come out and explain everything. Well, not everything, but enough. She could make up some excuse about having overheard Ladybug and Chat Noir talking, and tell him his Dad was Hawkmoth and it wasn't safe to be alone. She could convince him to come set up early with her. Chat wouldn't kidnap him right in front of her, right?

A minute passed, then five, then ten.

Marinette began to worry. "Adrien?" She called through the door. There was no reply. The school would be closing soon. "Adrien!"

When there was still no response, Marinette knocked loudly on the bathroom door, then opened it and looked around. The room was empty, a cold draft blowing through from the open window.

Adrien was gone.

Marinette's eyes widened. Chat Noir must have come through the window and kidnapped Adrien whilst she was stood outside! Her shoulders slumped. There was nothing she could do now, other than hope for the best, and that Chat Noir knew what he was doing and Tikki was right.

Marinette's phone buzzed in her pocket, and she answered it.

"Hi Alya. Yeah, I'm really sorry, I just remembered I lost something, but I found it, I'm coming now. What? Yeah. Yeah, see you in a bit. Bye!"

She hung up, and checked her watch. Half an hour until her party started - she was going to be late to her own birthday! Unless...

"Tikki, spots on!" Ladybug swung out of the open window and across Paris towards her balcony. She was about to find somewhere to retransform when she spotted movement a couple of roofs over. An akuma? No. "Chat Noir?" She asked incredulously. He looked up, and hopped across to join her.

"Milady! I thought you had plans?"

"I do, I was on my way there just now. Where's Adrien?"

"Oh. Uhhhhhhhhh... I was just on my way to get him now, actually."

If Chat Noir didn't kidnap Adrien already, where did he go?

"Right. Well, uh, I'll leave you to it, I guess? I have places to be."

Just as she said that, a car alarm blared to life below, and there was shouting as a fight broke out between two citizens. Ladybug looked worriedly at the spot where her watch usually was.

"Don't worry, milady, I'll handle this one," Chat smirked at her.

"Are you sure? What about Ad-"

"I've got it all handled, bugaboo. Enjoy your oh-so-important plans, and good luck with Hawkmoth!" Chat saluted and hopped off the side of the building. Ladybug sighed, and made her way home.

"Marinette! What took you so long?"

"Sorry Mama, Papa. Sorry Alya, I got caught up at school. Looks like you've done a great job without me, though!"

And it was true - the whole of the living space was decorated with streamers, banners and bunting. It was gorgeous, and Marinette made sure to tell them that. She helped Alya with the final touches, pumping up airbeds and collecting blankets and pillows for the sleepover in the main room whilst her parents finished baking the party treats. By the time the first guests arrived, the smell coming from the kitchen was heavenly.

"Nino! Come in!"

"Hey Nino!" Alya yelled over from where she was stacking board games.

"Juleka! Rose! Welcome," Marinette ushered them in with a wide smile. Chat would have Adrien by now. Hawkmoth would have seen the note. And she still had no idea how to get to the Eiffel Tower for 9pm.

"I think I see Mylène coming!"

"Is that Ivan?"

Marinette kept her smile fixed as each person arrived and handed her presents and got comfortable. Ten minutes after the time on the invites, Sabine came bustling into the main room with a tray of sweets.

"Is everyone here?"

"Everyone that's going to be, maman," Marinette said with false brightness. "I don't think Annabeth and Percy realised they're invited."

"What do you mean, girl?" Alya asked. "Didn't Adrien say he was coming?"

"Yeah, but I don't think he's going to..."

"Don't be silly, Marinette," Rose offered. "He's your friend - if he said he was going to come, he'll come!"

"Yeah..." Marinette said glumly. "Let's make a start, anyway. Do you guys want to watch a film, or play games?"

They opted for games, and they started with some playing cards. The clock ticked closer to 7pm.  2 hours until she had to meet Hawkmoth.

"Are you alright Marinette? You seem distracted?" Mylène frowned as she collected from the draw pile.

"Me? Oh, I'm fine. You know what, I think I'll go grab some more snacks." Marinette stood up and took the empty tray through to the bakery, just as there was a knock on the door.

"The bakery's closed, sorry," Marinette shouted, unable to see who it was through the shutters.

"Marinette? Sorry I'm late..." A voice asked from outside.

Marinette frowned, and made her way to the front of the shop. She slowly opened the door, the bell above her jingling. Stood behind it was a boy she did not expect to see tonight. Her jaw dropped, and she was too surprised to stutter.

"Adrien?!"