For the first time since his arrival at the tower, Adrien felt like he was being useful - like he was giving something back to his host. He well knew that scrubbing kitchen counters was a very small thing compared to all that Val had been doing for him - but if this had to be it, if this was the only thing he could do, then he would do it; if this was going to be the only way to express his gratitude, then he would do it. Val had taken it upon himself to clean the oven, since he could pilot the sponge inside with the help of magic; now he was kneeling by the open door of the oven and humming to himself as he moved his fingers in a way that, Adrien thought, looked a lot as if he was scratching the head of an invisible cat.

"Feeling better?", Val said, turning to Adrien.

Adrien took in a deep breath before speaking; but he was smiling as he did so. "Yes -- thank you so much. I guess now I know that not doing chores makes me feel really bad. I guess -- I guess I can hear my mom yelling at me from home", he chuckled.