Warped Reality

Chapter Nine

Warning. Mention of an abusive relationship. You should already know that by now, but anyway.

Marinette

She felt so, so cold. And alone. She had never felt so alone in her entire life. It was dark wherever she was. It was a suffocating form of black that seemed to wrap around her chest and squeeze until it hurt to move. She wasn't crying, it was as if she no longer knew how. At least she didn't hurt as badly now. The pressure was nothing compared to the pins and needles she felt before. The darkness squeezed around her again, and she flinched.

"Come on." Someone called through the darkness, their voice muffled.

She knew it would be quiet. This darkness was loud and thick. She was suprised she could hear anyone. The squeezing again. So hard this time that the air in her lungs was forced out in a strangled gasp. Why did it keep doing that? Was it trying to suffocate her?

"I'm here. I'm right here. Just breathe." The muffled voice begged her, and she blinked, trying to adjust to the darkness.

There was a figure in front of her, so far back she couldn't see any features. She opened her mouth to say something, to inquire about who they were, but no words left her lips. No sounds survived in the dark. It swallowed them whole. How could he still speak?

"Don't let her die!" Someone screamed, and it was much louder than before.

More squeezing. The figure was closer now, and she recognized his silhouette. It was Chat Noir. She wanted to sob with relief, but no tears came. He stepped closer, his green eyes illuminating the darkness.

"Come back to me Marinette." His voice was still muffled, but she knew it was him.

He ran his hand over her cheek lovingly, and she wanted to collapse into his arms, and beg him to take her home.

"Please. Please come back." He whispered, leaning forward and pressing his lips to hers.

Suddenly she was back in the gym, and the pain in her lungs returned full force. Someone's mouth was against hers, and she turned her head, puking water up onto the floor.

"That's it. You're okay." Someone cooed, brushing the hair off of her forehead.

She kept coughing, more and more water emptying out of a place it never should have been. When she finally stopped, when she finally managed to catch her breath, she turned, locking eyes with him. Chat Noir. She finally found him.

"Are you all right?" He questioned and tears welled in her eyes at his voice.

She had missed him so much. She lunged forward, wrapping her arms around his neck, sobbing into his shoulder. He gently placed his hand on her back, rubbing in soothing circles.

"Is she okay?"

"I think she's just shook up Ladybug. I'll take her home."

Why was he calling her that? To play the part? He had to know it was Chloe too. He had seen her dressed as Ladybug before.

"She's staying at my place. I can give you the address." Adrien offered, and she felt Chat shake his head.

"No need, I know the way."

He slowly stood, pulling her into his arms. She had almost thought she'd never know that feeling again. To be held by the person she trusted most in the world. He carried her out, using his baton to take them up onto the rooftops. Now was as good a time as any to talk to him.

"Chat... can you stop here?"

He obliged, gently placing her on her feet.

"Everything okay?"