Sleep came like a thief in the night. The only assurance Marinette had that she wasn't dead was Adrien's steady heartbeat against her cheek. She was so tired, emotionally and physically. Megatron's callous words replayed in her mind over and over like a scratched record. The worst part was that he was probably right. Still, somewhere deep inside Marinette was thankful. Thankful for Adrien who shielded her from that monster not once but twice. Thankful that she wasn't alone. Whatever happens, she and Adrien were going to face it together.

~*~

Arcee cursed silently to herself. She had been stumbling around in the dark for nearly a full cycle without finding anyone. They had to be here somewhere. The children were only a mere few meters from her when the mine caved in. Why was this taking so long? She had to find them soon. Humans couldn't survive long without fresh air. That is if they weren't already buried under rocks. Pushing the intruding thought aside, Arcee dragged herself out of a deep pit and pressed forward.

After what felt like an eternity, Arcee's scanner finally picked up some life signals. She rushed forward, following the scanner until it stopped on two figures huddled together. Arcee's spark fell when she saw Adrien and Marinette broken and bruised, clinging to each other for dear life. She couldn't help but recall the history project Jack had about the Lovers of Valdaro final embrace.

Approaching as a mother would a sleeping newborn, Arcee gently nudged them. Adrien's eyes fluttered opened. He gasped surprisingly as he nudged Marinette. "Arcee," she breathed a sigh of relief. "You found us." Arcee nodded and smiled warmly. "Let's get you guys out of here."

~*~

"Megatron's here too?!" Miko exclaimed. Jack didn't respond as he continued to operate the oversize mine drill. He had to put as much distance between Starscream and themselves as he could. Things were getting too dangerous with both cons now actively roaming around. A figure appeared in front of the drill and Jack skidded to a stop. He and Miko gasped, automatically expecting the worst.

"Jack! Miko!" Arcee gasped, relieved once more to see the other teens.

"Bulk's in trouble! Starscream's with him! You have to help him!" Miko pleaded and pointed towards the cavern the Ex-Wrecker was being held hostage. Arcee placed Adrien and Marinette on the drill platform then transformed her servo into her gun. "Get them out of here," she ordered Jack. "And don't look back." Jack nodded then urged the drill machine forward. Miko collapsed on her knees and wept. She had never felt so scared or useless in her entire life. Marinette crouched down beside her and pulled her into a hug. Adrien hugged her other side. "We're going to get out of here." Marinette whispered. "All of us."

~*~

After some slight persuasion, Starscream switched places with Bulkhead allowing the Bot to walk free. The metal titans quickly made their way to the exit of the cave, following the convenient path the Seeker left during his rampage. Their human charges were anxiously waiting outside, a little worse for wear but alive nonetheless. Miko was overjoyed to see her guardian again and rushed to give his servo a bear hug. 

The sun quietly rose, gracing the sky with streaks of pink and orange. The weary crew looked at the mouth of the cave somberly, each lost in their own thoughts. Adrien's hand subconsciously reached for Marinette's. She accepted and squeezed it encouragingly once more. The others briefly discussed what to do with the mine but Adrien tuned them out.

"What were you going to tell be before...," Marinette trailed off, not having the energy to finish the question.

Adrien's heart leapt into his throat. There was no way he could bring himself to say it now that the heat of the moment was over. Marinette looked curiously at Adrien, sensing his hesitation.

"Oh uh...just that...you were really brave. A-and I was glad you were with me." Adrien stammered. It wasn't a compete lie.

Marinette visibly relaxed and smiled sweetly at him. "You were really brave too." She stood on her toes and gave Adrien a quick kiss on the cheek, causing him to blush slightly. Miko gave him a side-eyed smirk while Jack shook his head smiling.

A swirling green and white portal opened behind them and the others entered in. Adrien zoned out again and touched the spot Marinette kissed, replaying it in his mind.

"Adrien." Marinette called him. The light from the groundbridge illuminated her and the wind tasseled her hair in every direction. She held out her hand towards Adrien. "Let's go home."

Adrien smiled andaccepted her hand.