A/N: Is it obvious that I like making Adrien have emotional conflict? When little cinnamon roll blows up, it's awesome! (just as awesome as it would be for Nico Di Angelo! *whispers* Solangelo for life!)

When Adrien woke up, he immediately knew today was going to be the worst day of his life.

Why?

Today was the tenth anniversary of the day his mother disappeared. He refused to believe she was dead. It didn't really matter, because either way, she wasn't there.

Ten years without a mother.

A decade since he had last seen the most important person in his life (excluding Ladybug, obviously.)

Ten years since his father had actually acted like one.

So it really wasn't that exaggerated when Adrien knew that today was going to be the worst day in his life.

He slowly got up from bed.

He trudged toward his bathroom.

The only thing he bothered doing was putting on fresh clothes. His hair looked like Chat's but he honestly couldn't care less.

Why bother, when the only person who would have actually realised how sad he was feeling was his mother?

Who was gone?

Plagg hovered quietly beside him. He knew what day it was. He knew his holder wasn't to be provoked. Not for the first time, he felt sorry for Adrien. All of Plagg's kittens had had bad luck, but in Plagg's opinion, Adrien's was the worst.

He also wasn't one of the first kittens to almost get akumatized (some of Plagg's kittens had some pretty close calls.)

Plagg hoped he wouldn't be the first.

Adrien slowly walked out of his house (*cough* mansion *cough*). He didn't even bother to tell the driver, or Nathalie, that he was walking.

Why should he, when his mother was gone?

He half hoped that someone, anyone, would see him. Come up to him and hug him, and tell him everything was alright, that he was going to be alright.

He wished his father to notice him.

He wished...

Nothing happened.

Adrien sighed, and continued on his way to school.

Adrien slowed down (not that he was going fast in the first place,) as he approached the school.

He stared.

Kids were laughing, talking, having fun. Giggling, chattering, smiling. Running, jumping, flying. Marinette was blushing, as usual, a wide smile on her face.

Adrien hated it.

How could the world be so happy? His mother was gone. The world should be black and white. Sad, depressed, isolated. Unhappy.

It was too much.

Adrien ran.

He didn't see Marinette face lose its blush, turn pale. He didn't see her trying to run after him. He didn't see Nino stop her, explain to her. He didn't see her eyes turn sorrowful, full of pity. He didn't see how much she wanted to go after him.

He was already gone.

Adrien didn't even slow down. He ran all the way to the Eiffel tower. When he reached it, he wasn't even puffing. Being a superhero had its perks. He was extremely fit. Not like anyone would notice.

He didn't want to be Adrien anymore. He ducked behind a tree.

"Plagg, transform me." He whispered. He wasn't even excited.

Plagg looked at him nervously. Adrien couldn't be Chat Noir. He could get akumatised, and where would that leave Paris?

"Plagg! Now!" Adrien hissed, showing the first real emotion he had all day. Plagg had no choice. He was sucked into the ring.

A flash, and there stood Chat Noir.

Chat Noir peeked out.

He trudged over to the steps and sat down, looking at the iconic landmark.

It wasn't better when he was Chat Noir.

It was worse.

He could hear everything.

Every giggle, every laugh. Every sign of happiness.

Chat couldn't help himself. He looked around.

And his heart broke even more.

Families.

Little girls, holding hands with their parents.

Little boys, playing tag.

But there was one kid who brought tears to Chat Noir's eyes.

The little boy was standing there, a smile on his face, as he licked his fairy floss and stared up at his mother, a goofy smile on his face. The woman had linked arms with her husband, and they were gazing down at the boy lovingly.

Chat remembered when his mother had bought him fairy floss.

It was a warm afternoon. 4-year-old Adrien wanted something sweet. He begged his parents to let him have some fairy floss. His mother gave in first. She was a sucker for his kitten eyes. Gabriel was about to object, but Adrien's mom had smiled at him softly, and he caved in. They were all happy then.

Six months later, his mum disappeared.

Chat Noir brought his fist to his mouth, trying to stop the sobs that were threatening to erupt from his mouth. Ignoring the concerned looks from bystanders, he carefully opened his pocket and slipped it outside.

Carefully, making sure not to tear it, he opened it up.

It was a photograph. Adrien, his mom, and his dad, all staring happily at the camera. Adrien's father had and arm around his wife. His mom was carrying five-year-old Adrien in her arms, smiling down at him softly.

It was the newest photo he had of her.

The dam broke.

Chat felt pain. Sadness. Isolation.

But the main emotion was anger.

How dare these people have fun. Didn't they know what day it was? How dare they all have mothers when he himself can't. How could they?

Hawkmoth smirked.

"My, my...what a surprise. Chat Noir, a victim of my akuma! There is no way I can lose! No when Chat Noir is mine...or should I say...Chat Blanc!"

Hawkmoth's evil laugh filled the room.

Chat didn't see the akuma. He was still staring at the photo, fist clenched, tears falling from his eyes. The akuma went straight inside the photo. Chat's eyes, still blurry from his tears, saw nothing, knew nothing, suspected nothing.

Until he heard the voice in his head.

"Chat Noir...you have been treated unfairly. How dare these people look so happy with their mothers, when you yourself don't have one? For once let them feel the pain. Let them feel how it's like to lose a mother!"

Chat wanted to say no. This was Hawkmoth! But...he did have a point...it was time for people to feel what he felt. It wasn't fair! See how they like it when they don't have a mother!

Plagg's voice whispered in his head.

Kid, no!

It was too late.

Paris was about to meet Chat Blanc.

Marinette was annoyed.

First, Adrien had run from school.

Then, she found out Alya was away.

Then, Chloe had been mean all day because her 'Adrikins' was away.

Then, she was paired up with Sabrina for her geography assignment, and she still hadn't forgiven Marinette for the whole Evillustrator thing.

So all in all, today had not been amazing.

Marinette really didn't want an akuma today. Heck, if she had to deal with one, she might be akumatised. And if Chat makes one more of those annoying puns...

Marinette shook her head, trying to smile.

Her luck wasn't that bad, right? After all, she was Ladybug, the Lady of Luck.

She sighed, reaching the bakery.

She pushed opened the door.

And gasped.

There was a big hole in the middle of the floor. Her father was on the phone, frowning so hard she was afraid his face would be permanently stuck in that position. He spotted Marinette and his frown disappeared, replaced by a worried look. He quickly got off the phone.

"Papa... What happened?"

Her father shook his head wordlessly. He guided Marinette to the TV, and with shaking hands, turned them on.

What Marinette saw made her so surprised she couldn't gasp.

All mothers were disappearing. It must be an akuma.

Just when she didn't want one!

So...that was why there was a hole in the floor.

"Papa, do they know where Maman is?"

"They think somewhere near the Eiffel Tower. Marinette, go to your room, okay? I need you to be safe."

Marinette nodded, trying to stop her mouth from curving. Her father had just given her a chance to transform. She hoped Chat was already there. Judging from her floor, she was already late.

A flash, and Ladybug zipped out of Marinette's room and towards the Eiffel Tower.

She landed right in front of the Eiffel Tower. And what she saw made her gasp.

Every single mother in Paris. Was. Tied. Up. To. The. Freaking. Eiffel. Tower.

Her own mother was there!

This akuma must be powerful. How did they manage to get them all there?

It didn't matter. Ladybug had more important things to do. Such as finding the akumatised victim.

But it seemed like he found her first.

"Hello, Ladybug." A familiar voice spoke up behind her.

"You've finally shown up."

Ladybug sighed in relief. Chat was here. She spun around, about to greet the silly kitty, but the words died in her throat.

"Chat Noir? What...What..."

"Hello, M'Lady. And it's Chat Blanc."

"You...you..."

"Hmm...I never realised how quite slow you are."

Ladybug's cheeks burned with anger.

"Yes, I'm akumatised. Yes, I stole all the mothers in Paris. So what?"

Ladybug looked at Chat Noir. She refused to believe he was Chat Blanc. His suit was white instead of black. His striking emerald eyes had been replaced with a sickly yellow. Other than that, he still looked like the same kitty she had grown to love. Yes, love. Not important right now.(Ladynoir shippers take out their knives.)

"Chat...what happened? Why are you akumatised?"

Chat lips curled into what could only be described as a cruel twist of the lips.

"Hawkmoth made me see that if I have to suffer pain...then the whole of Paris should suffer with me. And they are! I never knew how it good it felt!"

"But why? Why take all the mothers? You took my mother! And your own mother's there! How do you think she will feel?"

Chat's eyes swirled with green. He suddenly sobbed.

"Mother..."

Ladybug took a step back, uncertain. Chat...sobbing? What had she said? But...his eyes had turned green! There was still hope!

His eyes flashed yellow again. Chat Blanc groaned.

"Your friend is stronger than I thought."

Ladybug held her chin up defiantly.

"As for my mother...she isn't there."

Since the characters are extremely oblivious, Ladybug was confused. Did he spare his own mum? Confusion must have shown on her face, because Chat Noir laughed.

"Still oblivious? I have no idea why Chat Noir liked you."

Ladybug blushed.

"But no matter. I will give you a clue. My mother isn't there...because ten years ago...she di-"

He suddenly choked. His eyes flashed green.

"SHE DIDN'T DIE! SHE DISAPPEARED! SHE ISN'T DEAD!"

He then bent in half, groaning.

When he straightened, Chat Blanc was there once more.

"As I was saying, my mother disappeared ten years ago."

Ladybug's eyes filled with tears. She felt so sorry for her poor kitty. How could he live without a mother?

But why today?

Chat Blanc continued.

"And today...is her death anniversary." Chat Blanc choked up. It seemed he still felt the emotions of Chat Noir. Ladybug noted this. It would be useful in dealing with the akuma.

"And you know what people were doing? Laughing, talking, giggling...playing with their families! How dare they! They dare to have fun with their parents, with their mothers, while my mother is gone and my father barely even talks to me? How dare they?"

By this time, Chat Blanc was practically hissing. His hair looked like he had just been zapped with lightning. He seemed to realise this, and he calmed down. He started smirking.

"And with the enhanced powers Hawkmoth has given me...I can take your earrings. So come here, little bug!"

And with that, Chat Blanc lunged.

Or tried to.

He spasmed, and his eyes swirled green again.

Chat Noir managed to choke out-

"Akuma...pocket...run..."

His eyes flashed once more.

Ladybug zipped away.

Ladybug slipped through her window and detransformed into Marinette.

She flopped onto her bed, too emotionally exhausted to do anything else. Tikki hovered next to her.

"Chat is akumatised."

Tikki nodded.

"He has stolen all the mothers in Paris because his mother disappeared today."

Tikki nodded again.

"The akuma is in his pocket, as he told me so himself, as a little part of Chat is still unakumatised."

Tikki nodded once more.

Marinette rolled over to face Tikki.

"Has this ever happened before? I mean, a miraculous holder getting akumatised?"

Tikki looked uncomfortable.

"There were a lot of close calls. Especially with the Chat Noir's. The civilians chosen to be the black cat generally did not have the happiest life."

"Yeah...Chat said this was the tenth anniversary of his mother's disappearance. He must miss her so much. And he said his father barely talks to him...poor Chat. Looking at this, it's kind of hard to see how he wasn't akumatised before."

Tikki nodded solemnly.

"I have heard many of the Chat Noir's stories. This one is already sounding bad."

"Just...why didn't he tell me? I would have listened..."

"Maybe he didn't want to reveal his identity."

"Maybe..." Marinette drifted off, but quickly snapped back to reality.

"What am I waiting for Tikki? I have to save Chat! Tikki, Spots on!"

Ladybug was back.

"Here, little bug...come here..."

"I'm here, Chat Blanc."

Chat turned to look at Ladybug, a smirk on his face.

"Hello, M'Lady. Come to fight me?"

"No. I'm here to save my best friend. Lucky Charm!" Ladybug was taking no risks. She knew Chat would be almost impossible to defeat. Her plan was to be quick and to sustain as little damage as possible.

Out came a...rose?

Ladybug quickly scanned the area.

She saw Chat and the rose...and the strange mist coming from it.

Ladybug grinned. This would be a piece of cake.

"Kitty!"

"Surrendering, Ladybug?"

"No... I want to join you..." Ladybug looked at him beneath her eyelashes.

Chat Blanc's heart melted.

"Really?"

"Of course! Who wouldn't want to join Hawkmoth's side when it has a handsome man like you? In fact, as my token of appreciation, I want to give you this rose." Ladybug fluttered her eyelashes at Chat.

Chat Blanc was ecstatic. His Lady wanted to join him! He ignored Hawkmoth screaming in his mind and accepted the rose. He sniffed it.

And promptly fainted.

Ladybug grinned victoriously. She had no idea what was in that flower, but it had definitely worked. Taking care not to step on Chat's arms, she zipped open his pocket and took the photo out.

She peeled it open.

And nearly fainted.

It was a picture of Adrien.

How was this possible?

Wait...Marinette remembered that morning.

Adrien had run away from school.

Marinette was about to run after him, but Nino had stopped her.

What had he said?

"Today's the anniversary of his mother's disappearance. It's probably best to leave him alone."

Chat had said today was ten years since his mother had disappeared.

Ladybug knew there was no way she could deny it. Adrien was Chat Noir.

She put her emotional conflict aside for the moment. She had a job to do.

30 seconds later, and all the mothers were right where they belonged.

Chat Noir stirred.

"L-ladybug..."

Ladybug smiled softly.

"Hey, Adrien."

Chat's eyes widened. His heart drummed frantically in his chest.

"How-how did-"

Ladybug sighed, eyes looking at the ground. Still not looking at him, she said softly,

"You were akumatised."

Adrien sighed. He should have known. He should never have transformed into Chat Noir.

Plagg!

"I can detransform in front of you, right? It's just that, I'm worried about my kwami."

Ladybug nodded, eyes still glued to the ground.

"Plagg, claws in."

Plagg fell limply into his hands.

"Plagg! Oh my god, Plagg! I'm so sorry!"

"Cheeeeeesseee..." Plagg moaned.

"Of course!" Adrien hastily took out a wheel of Camembert from his satchel.

Plagg greedily chomped it up.

While he was eating, Adrien nervously looked at Ladybug.

"So..."

No response.

"Ladybug? I understand if you're disappointed, but-"

Ladybug's head snapped up.

"Disappointed? Why would I be disappointed? You're only Adrien Agreste, the guy I can't even speak to because I keep on stuttering, and who I constantly drool about every day as I sit behind you in class, and you turn out to be Chat Noir, the flirty superhero who I defend akumas with everyday, and who apparently has a crush on me, the clumsy, stuttering girl in your class, who has such a big crush on you that she keeps on running away whenever you try and speak to me so as not to embarrass myself. No, it's more like I'm disappointed in me. I'm nothing like Ladybug."

Adrien stared at her, mouth open. Marinette was Ladybug?

Adrien sighed.

Ladybug looked at Adrien, confused.

"Marinette," he started.

Ladybug gaped at him, startled.

", you are very much like Ladybug. You have leadership skills. You're the school president! And you're also very brave. You agreed to go on a date with the Evillustrator just so I could try and get his pen. You're also very pretty." Adrien winked.

Ladybug blushed.

"Even if you're clumsy, it's part of what makes you you. And honestly, Marinette, I wouldn't change a thing."

Adrien smiled shyly at Marinette.

It seemed like years passed, even though it was only a few seconds. Then, suddenly, Marinette whispered,

"Tikki, spots off."

A flash, and Marinette appeared, smiling bashfully at Adrien.

He smiled a full blown smile, and crushed her in a giant hug.

Marinette was a red as tomato head.

"You know, Marinette," Adrien whispered.

"Hmmm?" Marinette hummed.

"You've made my mother's disappearance anniversary the best day of my life."

Marinette, overcome with emotions, gave up on acting normal around Adrien, and gave him a kiss on the lips.

It was Adrien's turn to look as red as tomato head. But he quickly melted into the kiss.