Lucky Witch Magic

Lost Friend

Adrien POV
After I turned back into my human form, I pulled Marinette into a hug.
"Thank you Mari!" I say.
"M-M-Mari?" She stutters.
She's so cute. Back in the kitchen I really wanted to kiss her, and I almost did. But I was able to hold back. Suddenly I remember that she's still in her nightwear. I can feel my entire face heat up.
"Cute nickname right?" I chuckle, trying to make this less embarrassing. "I figured you'd like it."
Tears start to outline her eyes as she kneels on the floor, pulling me down with her.
"Mari?" I ask, worried. "Are you ok? Mari?!"
"S-She used to call me that." She sobs into my shoulder.
"Who?" I ask, stroking her hair, trying to calm her down.
"Tikki....." She whispers. "My familiar b-before you."
"I'm sorry Mari." I whisper in her ear. "Can..... Can you tell me what happened to her."
She continues to quietly sobs into my shoulder.
After a few seconds she sits up, and finally speaks. "I-I think it's time I tell you why witches have familiars."
"You don't need to."
Her sapphire blue eyes are glazed over with tears, the sparkle in them gone. I may have only known her a day, but it breaks my heart to see her this way. I feel a connection with her that I can't explain.
"But I want to." She chokes out. "When a witch forms a bond with an animal they create a powerful bond. So powerful it is what channels the witch's magic, and gives them a power boost."
She silent for a few moments, contemplating if she should say the next few words.
Taking a deep breath she continues. "And when the time comes.... It's what keeps them alive."
"What do you mean?" I ask, taking her hands in mine, squeezing them slightly.
"When a familiar dies they use their remaining strength to expand the witch's life line so they can find a new one..... Tikki, my last fri- familiar made me promise her to move on and find a new familiar...... I promised to find one last fam- no friend." She explains, tears streaming down her red cheeks. "I wasn't going to tell you so you wouldn't end up giving me your strength, and end up like her, like all of them. I can't stand it anymore! Watching all my friends die for me! Leaving me alone in this world! I don't want you giving your life to me!"
I sit there, speechless. She doesn't want me to die? I mean, many people didn't want me to die because I was heir to the Paris throne! But she doesn't want me to die because she end up lonely again. And she does really care. Why else would she allow me to turn from human to cat? Or give me my voice back!
"I-I understand i-if you want to leave." She sobs.
No.....No! I won't leave. Because, like me, she is broken. It is my job to fix her, and her me!
Caressing her cheek, I wipe away her tears with my thumb.
"I'm not leaving you." I say, pulling her close so her head rest in the crook of my neck. "You saved me from my horrible life, and I'm going too save you from yours."
"You're just saying that because I'm a witch, and can get you stuff." She cries.
"No. I'm not." I say, tilting her chin up to face me. "I can't explain it, but I feel a connection with you. And I know it's not because I'm your familiar."
"Y-You mean it?" She ask, her eyes filled with hope.
"Absolutely." I say, kissing her forehead. Her face flushing a light pink, replacing the red.
She too cute.
Placing her head back in the crook of my neck, she quietly cries. "Thank you. Thank you."
For the few minutes she peacefully sobs. Suddenly she stops, her breathing steady.
She fell asleep.
I pick her up bridal-style, and carry her back up the stairs to her room. Laying her down in the bed we share last night, I cover her with the duvet. I look at her again. Her tears stained cheeks. Her midnight blue, almost black hair. Her soft pink, kissable lips. I lean closer, about to give her a kiss, but pull back.
Climbing under the duvet, I wrap my arms protectively around her. Subconsciously, she snuggles into my warmth. Her steady breathing is my lullaby as sleep takes over, but not before something whispers in my ear.
"Thank you.... Adrien. Keep her happy for me."
Tikki POV (SURPRISE! 🤗)
I watch as the future couple cuddle in their sleep. Tiny smiles spread across their faces.
Thank you.... Adrien. Keep her happy for me.