The Bonds of Friendship

Marinette, Alya, Nino, Adrien, Luka, and Kagami met in front of the theater. They were all happy to get a break from school and homework. The went into the theater and purchased snacks before finding seats.

Adrien was happy to be with his friends, but he was worried about his father. Gabriel had left as soon as Adrien got home. The two had hardly talked lately. It concerned Adrien, but he knew he couldn't do anything to cheer his father up. Plagg told Adrien not to worry about it, but Plagg didn't always have the best answers.

After the movie had finished, the six sat in the theater a bit longer.

"Isn't it great you're getting out more?" Nino asked Adrien.

"Yeah, but I'm still worried about my father. He hasn't been the same lately," Adrien frowned.

"I know you're bummed, but if you give him time he'll come around," Nino shrugged.

"He could be going through an emotional stage. Like Nino said, he could just need time," Luka suggested.

"It it because of me? What if I'm the one making him upset?" Adrien sighed.

"I'm sure it's not because of you. Your father must have other reasons," Marinette opposed.

"We should do something else to get our minds off this situation," Kagami said.

"Let's go to Andre's. It'll be fun!" Alya suggested.

"That sounds like a great idea!" Marinette agreed.

"Ice cream would be nice. Let's go, then," Adrien said, his smile coming back.

The six walked down the street and near the bridge where Andre's cart was. He looked at them and exclaimed, "Hello! Let me get you some ice cream right away!"

Andre scooped ice cream for all three couples. They ate, talked, ate some more, and laughed. The good time they had caused Adrien to forget what he was worried about. He and Marinette shared their ice cream, both wanting to run and jump above Paris like they had once done so often. Now, they were lucky to meet as Ladybug and Cat Noir once a week.

Now, whenever Adrien saw Marinette, he also saw someone courageous and skillful. There were times he suspected Marinette was Ladybug, but he never expected her to be in love with him.

Alya and Nino were the first to finish their ice cream. The two walked onto the bridge and looked out into the sea. Luka, Kagami, Marinette, and Adrien followed. For a few minutes, they all stood in a line looking over the bridge.

"I'm so glad we're together, Marinette. With you, I feel I can always be myself," Adrien told Marinette. She blushed slightly, and the two leaned in closer.