Chapter Two- Raindrops and Revelations

"Remember when you gave me this umbrella?"

Adrien just looked at the bluenette curiously, cocking his head like a cat.

"I was mad at you for putting gum on my seat, when in reality, it was Chloe. You gave me this umbrella to explain how you'd never had any friends before. I've kept it ever since," Marinette smiles at Adrien, his heart fluttering. Did Marinette cherish their friendship that much?

"Adrien... " Marinette continued, snapping Adrien out of his thoughts. "Are you okay? I've noticed you've been a little... off today. As your friend, I'd like to know what's wrong. Did you have a fight with your father, or...?"

Adrien didn't expect his heart to break when Marinette referred to herself 'as a friend'. Didn't he like Ladybug? Why were those words suddenly sounding so hurtful? He brushed it off, but he was still touched by Marinette's concern. Adrien smiled for a second, but Marinette could tell it was fake.

He didn't know what to say, and she didn't know what to do.

Should Adrien lie? No, Marinette would know he was lying in an instant. Plus, she hates it when people lie.

Should Marinette comfort him? He was crying really hard. No matter what he said, he wasn't just tired. Is something bothering him? Alya told her that Adrien has said something about secrets. But what secrets could Adrien possibly have that can make him fall apart like this?

"It's my mother's birthday today,"

Marinette blinked. Oh. Oh! Oh...

"Adrien," Marinette put a hand on his shoulder, "if it was really bothering you that much, you could've said something to us. We'll always be here for you, no matter what happens in our future. We'll always be friends. I know your mom is a tough subject for you, especially on a day like today. If you ever want to just talk, or need someone to comfort you, I'm here. I'm always here,"

As Marinette talks, the words dissolve in Adrien's head, all of them translating into four words...

I'm here for you.

Before Adrien could process how he felt, he tackled Marinette in a hug, letting his tears fall once more.

Marinette blinked, but she slowly sank into the hug, listening to Adrien's sniffles. She held him tight, whispering words of encouragement.

Suddenly, the umbrella (which they had both conveniently forgotten about) closed around them, trapping the two.

They laughed, lifting the umbrella off of their heads, the two almost nose-to-nose, not that it mattered. As long as they stayed hidden from the rain. Adrien was feeling better than when Marinette had found him on the steps. Marinette didn't seem to take any notice of how she spoke to him in full sentences, or how close they were in proximity.

Adrien gazed at Marinette softly, thankful for her cheering him up. "Thank you, Marinette. You really... you really cheered me up,"

Marinette gave Adrien a smile that sent sparks down his spine. "It's what friends do,"

Should I tell her?

Tell her about my father?

Marinette is good at keeping secrets.

She'd do anything to keep me smiling...

But can I trust her with this big of a secret?

If I do tell her, what if my father discovers that I know? Worst of all, that she knows! He'd go after her, and I don't want anything to happen to Marinette.

But I can't hide the truth from her for long. Marinette will figure out that something is up sooner or later...

What should I do?

Marinette looked at Adrien, his expression blank. He was lost in thought. She waved a hand in front of his face.

"Hellooooo? Earth to Adrien?" Marinette snapped her fingers, Adrien jumping. "Are you sure your alright, Adrien...?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, sorry. Just... lost in thought," Adrien stared into Marinette's bluebell eyes. He could get lost in them forever. But he had to tell her the truth. "Marinette, there's something I need to-"

Suddenly, a car honked, making Adrien and Marinette jump. They turned to see Adrien's chauffeur had arrived.

Adrien gulped, remembering his vow. Marinette starts to stand, but Adrien grabs her wrist, causing the young girl to twist her head back around in surprise.

"Please stay," He asked, almost pleading with Marinette. "I can't face my... I can't go back..."

Marinette seemed to understand, nodding, "Follow me,"

Adrien stood up shakily, Marinette leading him around the side of the school as Adrien's bodyguard, the Gorilla, got out of the car to look for Adrien.

They hid in the bushes, watching as the Gorilla grunted in frustration, mumbling to himself as he got back in the car once more, driving off.

Marinette smiled to herself, leading Adrien once more away from the school, just in case the Gorilla returned with Nathalie.

They crossed the street carefully, Marinette making sure that no one was in the park before her and Adrien hid behind another bush as the Gorilla drove past once again, window rolled down and scanning the streets for Adrien.

When he didn't see Adrien (even though his messy blond hair was very visible through the branches of the bush), he huffed and drove away, Adrien and Marinette smiling in victory.

Adrien turned to Marinette, his green eyes full of kindness and... admiration. "Thank you, Marinette. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you as a friend,"

Marinette smiled at Adrien once again, making time freeze for Adrien, a strange, tight feeling in his chest. "Anything for you, Adrien."

Adrien wanted to give Marinette another hug, but the two suddenly realized that they were holding hands, both Marinette and Adrien's cheeks going red, neither of them noticing anything as a flash of light flew over the two for about three seconds, as if someone had taken a photo.

They quickly let go of each other's hands, turning away and blushing even more. Adrien bit his lip, smiling slightly at Marinette, who buried her face in her hands, mumbling to herself, the sight making Adrien's heart flutter.

She's so cute... wait, what?!

Where the heck did that come from?!

"Marinette, it's okay..." Adrien laughed softly, reaching his hands out and prying Marinette's hands away from her face, the bluenette smiling shyly, cleary embarrassed.

Just then, another flash of light and the sound of a camera as it took a photo made them freeze, momentarily blinding both Adrien and Marinette for a second.

When their eyesight returned, the two turned their heads to see several giggling girls and Wayhem, who had his phone out, smiling and waving like an idiot.

"Adrien!"

Marinette and Adrien turned to each other once more. "Uh oh,"

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