Stay part 5

Across the city, Nino and Adrien were having a tough conversation.

"Dude, I can't believe Mari's leaving," said a surprised Nino.

"She's not leaving. She just hasn't decided yet."

"So what are you going to do?"

"I told her I'd support her so that's what I'm going to do."

"Do you want her to stay?"

"Yes."

Both Nino and Adrien were surprised by how quickly Adrien answered.

"Do you love her," asked Nino.

Adrien went quiet. Did he feel that way about her? Sure he treated her differently than he would any other girl, but did that mean he loved her?

"I just want her to be happy."

Nino didn't seem satisfied but he let it go.

Jun Cheng was growing impatient. She needed to get back to China soon but she had to make sure if Marinette was coming or not. She arrived at the Agreste mansion and demanded to see Marinette. Nathalie said she would have to come back later since the girl wasn't home from school. When the woman left, Nathalie informed Mr. Agreste immediately.

"I'd hate to force Marinette's decision," he lamented.

"Of course sir, but she is rather insistent. She said she has to return to China but she didn't want to leave without confirmation from Marinette."

"We will wait for Marinette to return and get her answer. We don't need her aunt to add pressure."

"Yes, sir."

Adrien and Marinette returned with Alya and Nino when they saw Nathalie waiting for them.

"Marinette, Mr. Agreste needs to speak with you."

"Alright," she said nervously. "Adrien, will you come with me?"

"Of course," he replied taking her hand.

"We'll wait in your room," said Nino.

They parted ways as Nathalie led Marinette and Adrien to the office. They walked in and sat on the couch while Gabriel sat at his desk.

"Marinette, your aunt was here today. She desperately needs to get back to China, however she won't leave until she knows of your decision. I hate to ask this but time is of the essence. Do you want to stay here with us or live in China with your aunt?"

Both Adrien and Marinette tensed up. They both looked at each other, silently pleading with the other.

"What do you think, Adrien," Marinette asked softly.

Tell me to stay! Please tell me to stay!

Adrien had an internal debate. His head said let her choose while his heart screamed to tell her to stay. He squeezed his eyes shut and took a deep breath.

"You should...do what you think is best," he said dejectedly.

Marinette looked a little hurt. It wasn't the answer she hoped for so, she made a decision.

"Thank you Mr. Agreste for taking me in when there was no one else. I don't want to think about what would have happened to me if it wasn't for you. With that said, I don't think I should impose on you anymore. I will go to China with my aunt."

Mr. Agreste was saddened by this turn of events. He looked at his son who by this time released Marinette's hand and stared down the floor.

"Very well then. Nathalie, please inform Miss Cheng; Marinette will be ready by the end of the week. Marientte, I suggest you go and pack as much as you can. We will make arrangements for the rest of your things."

"Thank you, sir. I'll go do that now," said Marinette as she got up and left.

Adrien waited till she was a few steps ahead before he got up as well. He didn't want to look at the disappointment on his father's face. Adrien didn't think he could see it on himself. By the time he got back to his room, Alya and Marinette walked into her room to pack. Alya frowned at him as he walked by. Nino was in his room waiting for him.

"Dude," he began but Adrien cut him off.

"Go help them Nino. I need to be alone."

"But, Adrien," Nino tried again.

"Please," Adrien said with his voice cracking.

Nino sighed and left the room. Adrien waited to hear the sound of the door click when he dropped to the floor, feeling crushed by his sadness. Tears came flowing as he tried to hold back his sobs. He crawled to his couch and grabbed a pillow, shoved it to his face and screamed into it. Neither Adrien or Marinette left their rooms for the rest of the day.

The week went by pretty fast for Marinette. She spent every spare minute packing up her things to send to China. Mr. Agreste offered to cover any shipping costs and for her and her aunt's flight tickets. Alya organized a going away party for her at the park and all her classmates were there to say good bye. All the girls were crying, even Chloé managed to shed a few tears but would quickly try to say there was something in her eye. Adrien, on the other hand, felt the week drag on. He didn't eat breakfast with Marinette in the mornings, walked to school and let her ride the limo, barely acknowledged her at school and at home. He was at her going away party but kept his distance. He thought it would hurt less if he stayed away, get himself used to not being around her. It hurt Marinette that he was doing it and she didn't understand why; neither did Alya or Nino. Well, Nino had an idea but Adrien wasn't talking. Nino cornered him at the park away from everyone.

"Dude, I don't know what your deal is but you need to get it together and do it now!"

"Leave me alone," Adrien whined.

"Do you have any idea how hurt Marinette is?! You said you'd be there for her and look at what you are doing! You practically told her to leave and ignored her all week! She is leaving tomorrow and you want her last memories to be of you being a jerk?!"

"You think this is easy for me?! To see the one girl I care deeply about leave?! I don't want her to leave but I don't want to be selfish! She made her choice and I have to live with it! I don't want to hurt her like this but it would be easier for both us."

"Are you serious right now?! Adrien, I knew your were sheltered but I didn't think you were this stupid!"

"What's that supposed to mean?!"

"You know what forget it, you're too blind to see it for yourself."

"See what?! What am I supposed to see?!"

"You think Mari really wanted to leave?! She had no reason to leave! She wanted to stay! She was gonna stay if you had only just asked her!"

Adrien's eyes went wide.

"Why," he whispered.

"It should have been obvious man, but not to you apparently. She loves you, for a long time. But, given how you've been treating her, that might have changed."

Nino left Adrien to contemplate his words and what he should do.