Tales Untold

The Disappearing Act 17

Marinette

"I think it would be more torturous for you than him."

She looked over at him, frowning slightly. She doubted that. No one deserved to be a second choice.

"I don't think so."

"Unfortunate because I know so."

He sat up then, turning and looking at her. Her stomach twisted at the way his green eyes glinted in the light, and she quickly dropped her gaze.

"I think he would be happy to belong in any corner of your heart. Sure, it would suck knowing he didn't have it completely. It would suck knowing that there was someone else out there you wanted more. But to him? He would have you. Maybe not completely. Maybe not even half. If it was me, Marinette-"

She froze at his words, her heart stopping. He couldn't know, could he?

"If it was me, I'd be grateful for whatever I got. I'd learn to live with the corner, I'd make my fucking home there and would stay as long as you allowed. Even if there was a risk of losing you. Even if you ran to the other guy. Having any fraction of your heart would mean more to me than the world itself. Having your time..." He trailed off, running a hand through his hair.

She hated that he did that. Said such sweet things that made her feel like she was the only thing in existence that mattered. Even when they were kids he did it. If only he knew how much it hurt. How hope sparked every time. The way it died out later. Over and over again like a phoenix catching fire only to emerge from ashes. Over and over.

"You on the other hand would torture yourself with what ifs. You'd constantly wonder what the other guy would have been like. What it would have changed. If you would have been happier with him. You would think about him every time you argued. Every time you had a disagreement. Any time you were unsatisfied with your relationship. You would regret it and you'd hate the new guy for it. You... You'd resent him." He breathed, and she finally looked up at him.

He had tears in his eyes, as if what he said meant something to him. Perhaps a past relationship?

"Adrien?"

"I change my mind. I... i don't think the new guy could live with that."

"What?"

"You need to tell the old one. You need to tell him how you feel. I... if he wants you too, you should go for it. Give it a shot and if he makes you happy then good. It shouldn't matter who you're with. All that should matter is that you're happy."

As he spoke a few tears spilled out, and he immediately wiped his face, his cheeks turning red.

"I can't." She whispered, and he made a grunt sounding similar to frustration, maybe even desperation.

"Then tell me his name! I'll do it for you. I'll do whatever the hell you need me to, but this has to be done. You have to know, or you and new guy have no future."

She flinched, pulling her knees to her chest. This wasn't right. She couldn't tell him. They were friends now. Even closer than they had been. She couldn't risk losing him. She couldn't risk losing Chat either, if Adrien did like her.

"And if I lose the new guy?"

"You won't."

"I could."

"No, Marinette! You couldn't. I know Chat. I know for a fact he'd rather die than lose you again. Nothing could hurt him more than that. Even seeing you with someone else. He'd learn to live with it, but I already know he can't live without you. So do it. Tell him."