Understand love

Chapter 1

Gabriel slowly opened his eyes, squinting slightly as he tried to adjust to the light falling from the large window in the crypt. The silhouettes of four figures appeared before his eyes. They were slightly blurred, making Gabriel unable to recognize them. After a while his eyes adjust. He was currently on the ground in the crypt where he last made his wish. All the memories began to come back to him, weighing more and more on his heart. He didn't understand why he came back. Has his wish not come true and he will  be doomed to suffer again, blaming himself for Nathalie's condition. He was brought out of his thoughts by the sound of loud footsteps indicating someone was running. When he looked ahead, he saw Adrien running towards the elevator. Seeing this, he realized that Adrien had probably found out the truth and now hated him. He sighed heavily and slowly rise up from the floor. However, his legs failed him, causing him to almost fall. He was saved from falling by Marinette and a man holding him under their arms.

M: Please be careful, Mr. Agreste. You are probably very weak.

G: Why am I here?

Marinette was slightly taken aback by the question. She had thought Gabriel would be grateful for being brought back to life, or at least that his first question would be about Nathalie or Adrien. She began to wonder if Nathalie was right in thinking that Gabriel only wanted to be with his wife. However, she quickly dismissed those thoughts, reminding herself of their adventure in the past. Although this Gabriel was unaware of his wife's wishes, she was confident in his feelings for Nathalie.

M: We brought you back.

G: But why?

Marinette also asked herself that question. She didn't have as much faith in Gabriel as Adrien did. Even though she had seen his other version, she couldn't imagine how that could come to pass. She had witnessed Gabriel becoming increasingly unhinged, capable of killing anyone, even her. That's why she knew the only answer to that question was her love for Adrien. If it weren't for him, she would have left everything as it was.

M: "For Adrien." She said it almost in a whisper, but loud enough for Gabriel to hear.

Gabriel didn't answer. Many thoughts were running through his head

(Gabriel's thoughts) Why did Adrien want me to come back if he knows who I am. Does he want me to be punished for all the evil I have done to him and Paris? So why was he willing to sacrifice an innocent person to bring me back? Is everything okay with Natalia? After all, I gave my life so that she could live on. Could Adrien have killed Nathalie, bringing me back to life? That's probably why he ran to check if she was okay. It doesn't surprise me. I'm sure if Adrien had to choose between me and Nathalie, he would choose Nathalie.

Gabriel walked toward the elevator with his three companions, who helped him maintain his balance. As they ascended, he felt a slight shiver. He realized he would have to face the consequences of his actions. Upon exiting the office, he saw Nathalie, who looked very pensive. When she lifted her head, their eyes met. Gabriel sighed with relief, knowing that Nathalie was alive and well. He tried to gauge from her eyes whether she still hated him, but saw nothing there. He couldn't tell if Nathalie was simply good at hiding her resentment or if his sacrifice had earned her forgiveness. Nathalie was the first to look away from Gabriel, turning her gaze to Adrien.

N: Adrien, I'll be in my room if you need me.