A Burning Desire

23- Son

Adrein's POV

I felt a wave of peace come over me as I held Marinette close to me. Her warmth made me warm, and it made me not want to let go.

"Adrein." She spoke as I ran my fingers through her hair.

"I'm sorry I ever doubted you, I know you wouldn't do anything to hurt me."

When she said that, It felt like my heart dropped.

"Marinette, you don't have to apologize." I reassured her. "I know it's a lot—but you can trust me, I promise."

"I'll never do anything to hurt you" I said.

She smiled at that and nodded. "I trust you."

In that moment, I felt horrible. I was lying to her, how could she trust me so easily? I was Chat Noir, yet, I never told her. I wanted to tell her, I really did, but I couldn't.

It feels like i'm taking advantage of her—It's obvious she's not interested in Chat Noir anymore. In a way, it feels wrong to keep seeing her as Adrein because at the end of the day, I am Chat Noir. I was tired of keeping my identity a secret, especially to the girl I loved.

I let out a deep sigh, and turned back to her. She was looking at me, smiling, and it made me melt.

"You know you can tell me whatever too, right?" Her eyes were so sincere.

"I feel so bad for keeping it a secret for so long and how you had to find out."

It was like she had some sort of telepathic powers. It's like she knew something was bothering me.

"I'm Chat Noir"

I wish I could say that. But Plagg's words rung in my ears, and I couldn't do it. I just smiled and nodded, and I felt completely hopeless.
_____
It was about an hour later when I was already back home, sat on my desk, as silence filled my home. I eventually left Marinette after her parents came back. I hated that I had to leave her. She was the only thing keeping me sane at this point.

"Kid, what's wrong?" Plagg said.

Before I could respond, he spoke. "It's about Marinette, isn't it?"

I sighed, throwing my head back. "You already know, Plagg."

"Adrein, You already know why you can't tell her—"

I cut him off before he couldn't finish. I already knew what he was going to say.

"Stop! I'm tired of you saying that." I snapped.

"I need to tell her Plagg. I cant keep this a secret anymore."

"Adrein!" He yelled. "You know you can't do that. You're not only putting yourself at risk, your putting the entire universe at risk!"

I felt the blood rush through my body. I knew I might regret what I was about to do—But the weight was too much on me. I couldn't bear seeing her or sleeping with her if she didn't know who I truly was. How could I keep lying to her like this?

"I know I shouldn't do it. But I have to." I said, slowly pulling the silver ring off my finger.

"I'm sorry Plagg. I love her, and i'll risk anything for her."

"No, No, No, Adrein wait! You don't have to do this! Please, Please wait!" Plagg begged, his voice started to crack.

"Please forgive me, my friend." I sighed. "I renounce you, Plagg."