บท 13: 13: The Peacock

"Is that an extra large coffee I see on your table Marinette?" said Adrien to the melted Mari trying so hard to nap, as the boy slipped into his seat.

She slowly lifts her head then rests back to her arm on the table. A sloppy "Yeah" made its way into the conversation.

Marinette and Adrien have been in 'okay' terms lately. Despite Marinette declaring how she wants to keep her distance, they do talk little by little. And by little, it's just idle talk. Adrien felt sad for the first few weeks that was established, but maybe after what happened last night, things have finally come to a flip. This morning might actually become their after-so-long first real conversation.

"You know Marinette, I've been getting kinda worried of this 'late night' project you've been working on," Alya added, "It's been a month."

Marinette perked up with heavy eyes. "That's what I said!" she yelled out of context.

Nino and Adrien looked at each other from the loud bellow of their gal friend. Alya was petrified by her best friend's grogginess and easily swung mood. This Marinette is a zombie who does not make sense.

"But I have to say dude, you don't look so good too yourself." Nino glanced at Adrien who also had panda eyes.

Adrien shrugged, "I've been having a lot of shoots lately." acting cool.

"Even at night?" Alya peered.

Adrien nodded, "The things you do for the things you love to do." he sighed hopelessly but he was smug.

"I totally get that." a grumpy Marinette added. The three watched her take a long gulp of her coffee. "If it's something that makes your heart at ease, you do it!" she said with conviction.

Adrien smiled. This is the first time from a long time that Marinette has spoken truthfully from her heart. You could hear it from the tone of her voice and her eyes. Her eyes are the proof of her hard work.

"I totally agree with Marinette. It gives you a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment." a proud Adrien replied brimming with confidence as he mimics a liberation pose.

"Woah woah Adrien and Mari, what's up with you two today? Haven't seen you guys this synced for a while." Nino said playfully.

"The things we have in common, I guess?" Adrien giggles.

Alya wanted to interrogate Marinette regarding how she's been doing with Adrien lately considering both of their remarks just now, but the girl is too worried sick of her best friend's health to pry.

Alya leaned closer to Mari, "But first thing's first Marinette, we gotta fix that face of yours. When is this project ending?"

Mari smiled. She looked drunk but sleepy drunk. By the looks of it, she won't be able to hold back anything right now, even her thoughts. This is the effects of sleep deprivation.

"Girl, you're creeping me out right now. You look drunk. But weird drunk because it's not from alcohol."

"Oh don't worry Alya," she said flipping her hands, "I happen to have finished part one earlier this morning and will be conducting further research for now." she playfully replied grinning.

"Will you be able to sleep properly now?"

"Yes, Alya dear. Sure." she giggles.

Alya sighs, "You have got to SLEEP."

Adrien suddenly yawns which made Mari yawn so deep too.

Nino and Alya looked at each other feeling the exhaustion of their best friends. It's like watching over two toddlers.

"Yawning in sync. Nice." said Kim who just passed by the aisle. Marinette dropped on her arms and Adrien slowly rested his head on to Nino's shoulder.

"Dude!" Nino groaned.

Alya face palmed from everything that has happened and the bells rings for homeroom.

The day went by so fast. Classes felt like hours but not to Marinette, she was definitely fast asleep. The coffee didn't work. As for Adrien, he was good all throughout the morning, but when afternoon came, he was down on his table as well. Class ended for the day but.....nap time went on for these two.

"Come on you guys! We are seriously leaving you." Yelled Alya who's been trying to wake Marinette and Adrien with Nino for thirty minutes now.

The room is already empty since it's club day. Students go off and contribute to the organizations that they've joined. Marinette and Alya are on the same club. Nino joined the gamers and Adrien in the fencing team. Luckily fencing classes were off today, but Alya is not happy with this Marinette.

"Dude, come on." Nino tries to pull Adrien up but Agreste keeps falling back to his position.

"Know what? I'm going ahead. Text me when you wake up." and Alya storms out of the room.

"Hey wait up!" Nino runs after Alya who looked angry.

Adrien and Marinette have the room all to themselves but sadly they're both asleep. Despite that, their kwamis seem to be awake and lively.

"Coast is clear." whispered Plagg who went out from Adrien's bag.

Tikki came flying out of Marinette's purse meeting Plagg on air.

"Look at them both. So exhausted." she said giggling.

"Who wouldn't be? After pulling a stunt like that at daybreak then immediately rushing to school. There's no way they could survive the day." Plagg reminds her of the sunrise moment they both had earlier.

"It's a real bummer they can't talk about it in real life."

Plagg floats just above Adrien then gently sits on his head. Tikki panicked.

"Plagg! You shouldn't be doing that!" she hisses.

"Oh come on. They're both out cold. Besides, there's nobody here. It's a rare opportunity for us to talk while both our owners are present."

Tikki sighs, "Alright, what do you want to talk about?"

"I've been meaning to tell Marinette about something that has been bugging me since she became the guardian."

"What? That you do not approve of her?"

"Not that! You know I believe in Marinette's capabilities as Ladybug, moreover now as the master."

"Then what?"

Plagg frowned, "I think I might know what's been keeping Hawkmoth at bay."

Tikki tilted her head in confusion, "You found something?"

"Not just that. I was thinking, isn't the Peacock miraculous broken?"

"Yes. But Hawkmoth continues to utilize its power despite it being dangerous for the user. Thus explains Mayura's extreme exhaustion after battles."

"Correct," Plagg nods.

"So what of it?"

"Have you ever thought maybe, just maybe..."

"Yeah?"

"Just maybe....he found a way to fix it."

Terror filled Tikki's face. She froze. The peacock miraculous is powerful enough even when it's broken. Fixing it will double its power adding up to the Hawkmoth's miraculous. The two stared at each other to think about it. Just when Plagg was about to trash the thought, Tikki gasped and gestured to Plagg like flipping something with her tiny hands. That's when it hit them.

"The guardian book!"