𝓡𝓮𝓭 𝓡𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓼

ᕼOᗯ ᗪᗩᖇE TᕼEY?!!

Nathaniel's POV

The bell for lunch rang, dismissing us from class. The class was instantly filled with incessant chattering and scraping of seats against the floor.

I took my time packing my things while the others left the classroom. Before leaving I texted Mari.

(M = Mari, N = Nathan)

N- Mariiiiiiiiiiii
Where are youuuuuuuuu????

M- You're back? Since when??

N- Got back late last night
Don't change the damn subject!
Where are you?!

M- Okay okay🙄
I'm in the art room

N- Kk 😁 see you there

M- Mhmm

I grinned and left the class, pocketing my phone. I passed my classmates, who were surrounding little miss Bo-Peep, unnoticed. I let out a disappointed sigh and continued on my way to the arts and crafts room.

At first I didn't see her. But after I shut the door behind me I noticed her seated in a dark corner. This puzzled me. I've always known Mari to glow. Even in the darkest of times she was always shining as brightly as the sun, igniting hope and the will to fight in the heart of those who gaze upon her. Even when she was Ladybug. But right now, at this moment, she looked downtrodden, her once vibrant bluebell eyes dull and lifeless. Tear tracks lined her cheeks, while dark circles lay beneath her eyes. Her cheeks were slightly sunken and she didn't wear her usual get up. Instead today she wore a baggy turtleneck red sweater and black jeans. I frowned

"Mari?" She snapped her head up so quickly, I feared she'd broken her neck.

"Nate!" She stood and hugged me, I hugged her back, my frown deepening when I felt her ribs jutting out "How are you? Did you enjoy your journey back?"

"Mari"

"How was Spain, though? Did you see any of it's famous attractions?"

"Mari"

"Oh! And did you bring souvenirs?"

"Marinette" she looked away "What's wrong? Are you okay? You've lost weight"

"I'm fine, Nate" she shot me a small smile "Really. I'm on a diet"

"A diet?" I scoffed out a laugh "Marinette, you're already petite and skinny, what are you dieting for?"

"..."

"Mari, tell me the truth. This isn't healthy" she swallowed thickly and fiddled with her sweater "And why are you wearing a goddamn sweater in this sweltering heat?!" She flinched and her lips trembled "What? What is it?"

"I-it's nothing" she gulped. I frowned and glanced at Tikki, who was watching our interaction worriedly

"Tikki, what happened to her while I was gone?" she glanced at Mari, a question in her eyes. Mari just lowered her head and said nothing.

"Lila-" I growled

"What did that bitch do now?" They flinched back

"Lila managed to convince your classmates- except Chloe and Alix, who was still in the time burrows (Idk what it's called so I'mma just call it that)- that Marinette is a bad person and a bully. And that she was the cause for Adrien's death." I cursed, and she frowned at me "In retaliation, they often attacked her-"

I grabbed Mari's arm, and glared into her eyes "Where are you going?" She pursed her lips and looked away "Mari, this isn't fair. You know I'm worried about you-"

"You don't have to be" she mumbled

"Yes I don't, but I want to" I held her shoulders "We're friends Mari, since kindergarten, and I care about you. Let me worry about you. Please"

She bit her lip and hesitated. Then she nodded slowly. "Thank you" I hugged her tightly, anger still boiling within me "Wait a minute"

"Hm?"

"Remove your sweater"

"Wh-what?!" She flushed in embarrassment, pushing away from me

"Tikki said they attacked you, I want to check if there are bruises" I frowned "Hurry, lunch is almost over and you've not eaten anything"

"I..."

"Mari..."

"Fine" she sighed and took off her sweater. I gasped in horror.

Marking Marinette's beautiful pale skin were horrible purple bruises. They were everywhere. On her neck, sides, her back, belly and on both arms too. I noticed some cuts on her wrists and stared at her in surprise "Mari you..."

"... I'm sorry " she teared up and sniffed, her nose red

"Don't be, it's not your fault." I prodded her ribs and she winced, my eyes pricked with tears at the sight of her in pain "Are there any others?" She nodded "Where?"

"...I have a few on my thighs, but they're almost fully healed so it's fine" I sighed and hugged her again, hiding my tears. I swore to avenge her. No one hurts my best friend. How dare those bastards hurt my angel. How dare they?!!

"Nate?" I wiped my tears and separated from her

"Do Aunt and Uncle know about this?" She glanced away guiltily "Mari"

"I didn't want them to worry" I sighed and brought out my phone "What are you doing?"

"Calling Theo. You need to eat something"

She beamed "Can I get one of Devon's specials? I miss having them"

"Of course, and he misses cooking them for you"

"Hehe" she giggled, I patted her head and swore again to protect her. No one can hurt her and get away with it. No one.