Farewell

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The hospital room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the monitor casting flickering shadows on the walls. Adrien sat on the floor next to Marinette's hospital bed, his head gently resting on her lap. He held her hand in his, his fingers tracing comforting patterns on her skin, a silent reassurance of his unwavering presence.

Marinette's breathing was laboured, and Adrien could feel the tension in her body as she tried to endure another wave of chest pains. His heart clenched with every pained gasp she took, and he wished with all his might that he could bear her suffering for her.

"Adrien," Marinette whispered, her voice barely audible over the soft hum of medical equipment.

"I'm here," Adrien replied, his voice soft and tender, his eyes never leaving her face. "You're not alone."

Marinette's fingers gently ran through his hair, a gesture of love and comfort despite her own pain. Her touch sent a shiver down his spine, a reminder of the depth of their connection, even in the darkest of moments.

As the intensity of the chest pains grew, Adrien's concern escalated. He wanted to do something, anything, to ease her suffering. But all he could do was be there, holding her close, providing whatever solace he could.

"Marinette," he whispered, "I wish I could take this pain away from you."

Marinette's gaze met his, her eyes filled with gratitude and love. "Just being here with you makes it bearable," she managed to say between breaths. "Your love gives me strength."

Adrien's eyes welled with tears, and he kissed her hand softly, feeling the warmth of her touch against his lips. "I love you, Marinette," he said, his voice breaking with emotion. "More than words can express."

Their hearts beat in sync, the fragile rhythm of life and love entwined in that tiny hospital room. Adrien stayed there, resting his head on her lap, feeling the rise and fall of her chest with each breath, praying for her pain to subside.

-

In an instant, the air in the room turned heavy with fear as Marinette choked out, her desperate gasps for breath sending shivers down Adrien's spine. Her body jerked upright, her hand instinctively clenching her chest in agony, causing Adrien to startle at the sight of her suffering.

"Marinette!" Adrien's voice cracked with emotion as he reached out, his heart pounding like a relentless drum in his chest. Panic surged through him, and he felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness.

Marinette's eyes, wide with pain, met his, and in that heart-wrenching moment, he could see the vulnerability and fear that consumed her. He knew he had to act, to be there for her, but it was torture to witness her endure such agony.

"Someone, help!" Adrien called out, his voice trembling with urgency, praying for the medical team to rush in and tend to her.

Marinette's grip on her chest tightened, and she winced with each laboured breath. Adrien's mind raced, trying to remember everything he could about her condition, feeling desperate to offer some relief, some respite from the torment she was experiencing.

The medical team rushed in, responding to the alarms that had started blaring from the monitor. Adrien watched helplessly as they tended to Marinette, administering medication and checking her vitals.

"Stay with me, Marinette," Adrien pleaded, his voice filled with desperation. "Please, stay with me."

Marinette's hand reached out for his, and he held it tightly, as if their connection alone could anchor her to this world. Her breathing steadied, and the pain began to recede, though she still looked weak and weary.

As the medical team left, giving them a moment of privacy, Adrien kept his head on Marinette's lap, unable to pull himself away from her side. He felt a mix of relief and terror, grateful that the worst had passed, yet haunted by the knowledge that the battle was far from over.

"I'm not going anywhere, Adrien," Marinette said softly, her voice filled with determination. "I'll fight this with everything I have, for you and for us."

-

The hospital room was bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun as Adrien willingly sat by Marinette's side.

A gentle knock on the door echoed through the room. Adrien turned to see the nurse who had been attending to Marinette.

"Excuse me," the nurse said with a sympathetic smile. "I know you care deeply for your friend, but you've been here all night. You need rest too. Why don't you go home and get some sleep? We'll take good care of her."

Adrien hesitated for a moment, torn between his exhaustion and his desire to be there for Marinette. "I... I don't want to leave her alone," he murmured, his voice tinged with worry.

The nurse placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I understand, but you won't be any help to her if you're exhausted. Go home, get some rest, and come back later. We'll call you immediately if there's any change in her condition."

His heart felt heavy with the ache of leaving her alone, but the nurse's words rang in his ears, reminding him of the importance of rest. Promising to return, he pressed a tender kiss on Marinette's forehead before whispering, "I'll be back in the morning. Sleep well."

As Adrien walked out of the hospital, the darkness outside mirrored the storm of emotions within him. He yearned to stay with Marinette, to hold her hand through the night, but he knew he needed to gather his strength for the challenges that lay ahead.

At home, sleep proved elusive. His mind kept drifting back to Marinette, her face etched in his thoughts. He replayed the moments they had shared, the laughter, the secrets they confided in each other, and the growing affection that had flourished between them. It felt surreal to be apart from her, as if he had left a part of himself back in that hospital room.

As the night wore on, Adrien finally managed to doze off for a few restless hours.

-

The morning sun broke through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. With a heavy heart and renewed determination, Adrien got ready to return to the hospital.

Upon arriving, he hurried to Marinette's room, his heart pounding in anticipation. Pushing the door open, he saw her lying peacefully in the soft morning light, her eyes fluttering open as she woke.
"Adrien," she murmured, a faint smile forming on her lips. "You're here."

He couldn't help but return her smile, relieved to see her awake and looking better. "I told you I'd be back," he said, taking a seat by her bedside. "I couldn't stay away."

Marinette reached out and took his hand in hers, their fingers entwining like two puzzle pieces fitting perfectly together. "Thank you for coming back," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I missed you."

Adrien's heart swelled with emotion, and he leaned in to kiss her forehead gently. "I missed you too," he whispered, his voice soft and sincere. "You mean the world to me, Marinette. I can't bear to be away from you."

The love between them was palpable, a force that transcended time and distance. They had faced adversity together, and their bond had only grown stronger because of it.

As the morning sunlight enveloped them, Adrien realized that every moment they shared was a treasure. From laughter to tears, from joy to pain, they were in it together. He knew that the road ahead might be uncertain, but he was determined to stand by her side, come what may.

"I love you, Marinette," Adrien said, his voice filled with conviction. "And I promise, no matter how late it gets, I'll always come back to you."

"I wish I could say the same."

Marinette's smile trembled, and Adrien's heart clenched at the sight of that lone tear tracing a path down her cheek. His mind raced, trying to make sense of her words, but the tension in the room was palpable, and a knot of fear formed in his chest.

"What do you mean?" Adrien asked, his voice thick with worry. "What's going on, Marinette?"

She took a deep breath, her smile fading into something bittersweet. "There's something I need to tell you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't want to burden you or my parents, but... the hospital bills, the taxes... they've been overwhelming."

His heart sank, and he could see the weight of the world on her shoulders. "Marinette, you should have told me," Adrien said, his voice filled with concern. "We're here to support you, financially and emotionally."

Marinette's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she continued, "I used up all my savings for the hospital expenses. I didn't want to put my parents through more financial strain."

Adrien felt a mix of admiration and heartache for her selflessness. "Marinette, your health is what matters most," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. "We'll figure out the finances together. Please, don't bear this burden alone."

She squeezed his hand, her grip tight and reassuring. "I didn't want to worry you," she whispered, tears now streaming down her cheeks. "But it's all nearly gone... and so am I."

His heart shattered at her words, and he pulled her into a gentle embrace, holding her close as if he could shield her from the pain. "You're not going anywhere," he said fiercely, his voice choked with emotion. "We'll find a way to get through this, together."

"Adrien, you have to listen to me. I've already made the decision." She gripped his hand although she was still fragile.

Adrien's heart pounded loudly in his chest as he took in the scene before him. The air in the hospital room felt heavy with emotions, and he knew that confronting Marinette's pain head-on would unleash a torrent of feelings within him. He felt a desperate urge to avoid her gaze, fearing that if he looked into her gorgeous eyes, his own would overflow with tears.

But as his eyes wandered, he couldn't help but catch a glimpse of Marinette's mother, her tear-streaked face buried in her husband's shoulder. The sight was heart-wrenching, a stark reminder of the anguish that this situation had brought upon their family. Adrien felt a lump forming in his throat, unable to comprehend the magnitude of pain that was engulfing everyone who loved Marinette.

Turning his attention back to her, Adrien felt her hand gently squeezing his, as if urging him to face the reality they were living. He swallowed hard, forcing himself to meet her gaze, and as their eyes locked, the floodgates of emotions burst open.

Marinette's eyes were pools of vulnerability, reflecting her pain, fears, and unconditional love for him. In that moment, he saw the bravery she was summoning, trying to be strong for both of them. But behind that bravery, there was also a plea for him to understand the weight of her decision.

Marinette's fingers gently traced through Adrien's hair, the tender gesture bringing a sense of comfort amidst the turmoil of emotions swirling around them.

"I don't want you to be sad," she said softly, her voice filled with love. "I don't want you to remember my loss; I want you to remember our memories."

Adrien turned to look into her eyes, his heart aching at the strength and selflessness she displayed even in her own time of struggle. "I'll cherish every memory we've created," he whispered, his voice raw with emotion. "They're a part of who I am, a part of our love."

Marinette smiled through her tears, her touch on his hair becoming a gentle caress. "I want you to remember the laughter we shared, the adventures we went on," she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "The stolen moments and the genuine joy in each other's presence."

Adrien's hand found hers, their fingers intertwining, seeking reassurance and connection. "I'll remember everything," he vowed, his voice firm. "The way your smile lights up a room, the sound of your laughter, and the warmth of your embrace."

They sat together on the hospital bed, wrapped in each other's arms, finding solace in their love amidst the uncertainty that surrounded them. The hospital room seemed to fade away as they focused solely on each other, cherishing the time they had together.

"Promise me," Marinette said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Promise me that you'll find happiness, even if it's without me."

Adrien's heart clenched at her words, but he knew he had to be strong for her. "I promise," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "But I can't imagine a future without you."

Marinette's eyes glistened with tears, but there was a flicker of determination within them. "You have a beautiful future ahead of you, Adrien," she said, her voice unwavering. "And I'll always be a part of it, in your heart."

He held her close, their embrace a mixture of love and sorrow. "I'll carry you with me always," he murmured, his lips brushing against her forehead.

As the beeps on the ventilator grew slower and quieter, a heavy silence settled in the room, punctuated only by the soft sound of their intertwined breaths. Adrien's heart clenched as he watched Marinette, her eyes fluttering closed, her face serene despite the weight of the moment.

"Marinette," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "Stay with me."

But her body seemed to betray her, exhaustion overtaking her fragile form. He held her hand tightly, willing her to hold on, to fight, even as tears streamed down his cheeks.

"Please, Marinette," he pleaded, his voice breaking. "Don't leave me."

She managed a weak smile, her strength waning but her love for him shining through. "I'll always be with you," she whispered, her words a gentle reassurance.

Adrien's heart shattered at her words, realizing that they were preparing to say goodbye. He leaned down, pressing a tender kiss on her forehead, savoring the sweetness of her touch for what might be the last time.

Their love had been a journey of joy, laughter, and unwavering support, but now it faced its most painful test. He knew that he couldn't keep her from what awaited her, but the thought of losing her was almost too much to bear.

Marinette's breaths grew shallower, the rhythm of the ventilator slowing even more. Adrien's voice trembled as he whispered, "I love you, Marinette. Always."

A/N: This made me so sad when I was writing it :(

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