“I feel like I should be asking you that question.”

Her smile didn’t feel right. Nothing she was saying was lining up with what she was obviously feeling. Instead of feeling suspicious or upset, he was worried about her.

Marinette was spared answering by Adrien’s bedroom door opening, admitted Gabriel. For once, his hair was not perfectly combed. It looked rumpled, like his work clothes, which he was still wearing. It looked like he’d fallen asleep at his desk. He hadn’t answered Marinette’s phone call in favor of coming straight here.

Adrien squeezed Marinette’s hand a little harder when it came in, his expression torn between relief, worry and anxiety. Gabriel didn’t say a word.

Then in three strides, he crossed to Adrien’s bedside, leaned down, and wrapped his arms around him. It must have hurt, but Adrien didn’t make a sound. He lifted both arms to hug him back, tense at first, but slowly relaxing. Adrien's eyes fluttered open again, focusing in confusion on Marinette.

... she was a touchstone, and he hadn't realized it yet.

The next place he looked was at the door, as if he were expecting someone to come through it.