A Shattered Heart| Even the purest of hearts, can be tainted with darkness

Disillusioned

He waved to the little girl with a smile as she waved back until he couldn't see the two anymore. His smile faded as he was alone with his thoughts again. The same thought came back to him as he remembered little Abbie's smile. Do I really want to end this happiness? Even if it isn't real?

After Marinette returned, the two walked around the town, meeting the locals seeing the sights and sounds. And for the first time in a while Adrien felt like he was truly free, nott chained to lifestyle of model to wear a fake smile wherever he goes while fans bombard him. He was treated the same as everyone else. He finally felt... normal. 

\|_|_|/

On the ride back home both parties were quiet this time. The silence felt so loud it was hurtnig Adrien's ears. He wanted to say something, anything, but he didn't know what to say. So he just stared out the window.

Finally, Marinette spoke up, "So... did you enjoy the trip?" "Yeah." "It's always nice to get out of the castle once and while. We should do this again sometime."

Marinette tried to rest her hand on mine, but I pulled away. Her eyes filled with dissapointment and worry. I sighed and looked at her apologetically. "Yeah we should do this again." Marinette's disappointment was replaced with excitement and she smiled. 

They aventually returned to the castle and Marinette explained she had some 'important business' she needed to take care of. So Adrien returned to room and decided to wait for dinner or for Marinette to be done with whatever she was doing. 

Adrien laid on his bed and sighed. Plagg came out of his hiding space to talk to Adrien. "So... how was the tour?" Plagg asked excitedly. "It nice I guess. Marinette made the city look beautiful. My best friend apparently lives in a mansion with Alya now." Plagg looked at him in confusion. "A mansion?" "Yep, surrounded by acres of a beautiful meadow." 

"Well, good for them. I'm sure you're happy for them and people." Adrien sighed "But you're not. Come on, what's the problem?" "I should be happy for them, for everyone. But I can't support something that's not real. Marinette is controlling them and she created this only because of powers she got from her Miraculous shattering."

"But you've gotten everything you pretty much wanted. Freedom from the life of being chased by fans hiding behind that shiny, fake smile of yours. Freedom from you manipulative and overbearing father. Hawkmoth is probably gone. You have the lady that you loved so dearly finally by your side, and she is also your great friend from school. No akumas destroying the city. Defeating Marinette would mean giving all that up. Are you ready for that?"

"And it wouldn't even be a matter of you wanting things to go back to normal either. Marinette wants this, her life is filled with nothing but sadness now. Her parents are gone, she has no friends left, she lost her home and bakery, and she got rejected by you. Do you really think she wants to go back to all of that?"

Adrien looked at his kwami baffled. Was he ready to give all this away? Did he want to take this away from Marinette? Then the flash of the earlier daydream of Marinette came back to him. All he wanted was to see her real smile again. "Yes. If it's to get Marinette back to normal, then I'm willing to give it all away. And I'll make sure she's happy again."

\|_|_|/

It was finally night and he was heading for bed when Adrien heard the sound of loud music and people. He walked out of his room and went down the stairs. Just as he was heading for the exit of the castle a guard stopped him. "Mr. Agreste you cannot leave the castle." "Why? I thought I could go anywhere I want." 

"We have strict orders from the queen to make sure you stay in your chambers." "But what is that sound outside, it sounds like a riot." "That is none of your concern. Please return to your room Mr. Agreste." The guard guided Adrien back to his room. As soon as the guard returned him, the guard stood in front of the door to make sure Adrien didn't escape again.