Heartbroken Hero

Chapter 6

"What-" Marinette began, but was cut off by Mr. Damocles.

"While giving a tour of our school to an exchange student, we witnessed Miss. Bourgeois running out of this room, crying hysterically. And judging by the looks on both of your faces, I know you two are responsible."

"Please sir, it's not Marinette's fault," Adrien begged, glancing back at her with sorry eyes. "She isn't responsible. I'm the one who caused this mess."

"I don't care, this behavior will not be tolerated. You both contributed in some way. Now follow me."

Marinette stood up from her seat and breathlessly walked past Adrien, painfully avoiding his gaze. Mr. Damocles turned around and began walking towards his office, Marinette following.

Adrien sighed, following behind them shamefully.

*

"So, tell me what happened," Mr. Damocles pressed. Sunlight from the outside peeked through the window blinds and landed on his balding head.

Marinette and Adrien sat in chairs across from his desk, neither making eye contact with the principal nor each other.

"Well?" Mr. Damocles furthered, growing impatient. He knew he was going to get an angry phone call from the mayor himself concerning Chloe so he needed information.

Adrien glanced once more at Marinette, feeling incredibly guilty for dragging her into this mess. He gulped and opened his mouth to speak. Might as well get it over with.

"I-"

Marinette interrupted and silenced him, talking first. "It's my fault," she lied. "Chloe was being mean to Adrien so I stood up for him. I insulted her bad and she took it to heart."

Adrien sat up straight in his chair, alarmed. "That is not what happened!"

Marinette gave Adrien a warning glare and he had a sense of what it meant. It read, let me take the blame.

"Then how did it happen, Mr. Agreste?" the annoyed principal asked.

Adrien looked between him and Marinette, at a loss for words. He was not going to let her take the blame for his actions.

A knock then came on the door.

Mr. Damocles narrowed his eyes at both students before refocusing his attention to the person outside the door. "Come in!"

The door gently opened and standing in the doorway was a fellow teacher. "Sorry for interrupting," she apologized. "But I'm having issues with a student in my class, could you help me get him under control?"

"Of course," Mr. Damocles sighed, frequently having to stare unruly kids down with his death glare until they behaved.

He stood up from his chair, eyeing Adrien and Marinette once more. "Do not leave, I'll be right back."

They nodded silently, and Mr. Damocles exited the room, closing the door behind him.

It stayed silent for a few seconds, until Adrien intiated conversation.

"Why are you taking the blame?" he asked quietly, looking at her.

"Because," Marinette mumbled. "I know how your father will react to you getting in trouble."

"Doesn't matter. It's my blame to take," Adrien responded quietly.

Marinette wanted to explode. She wanted to tell Adrien how she felt about him. But she just couldn't.

"Please let me handle this, Marinette," Adrien continued.

Her mind kept wavering back to the blonde boy who gave her the umbrella on that rainy day. Who showed more compassion to her than anyone had ever before. And she had to take the blame for him.