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Marinette pushed open the window. But before she could even lift herself up onto the ledge, a big wave of butterflies knocked her back from outside. The cloud of butterflies surrounded Marinette and pushed her down the stairs. She groaned in pain and tried to get up again when someone grabbed her arm roughly.

"Let her go!" Rena shouted, "You already have her Miraculous."

Hawkmoth ignored her, pulled Marinette up to her feet and forced her arms behind her back.

"The guardian already left." Carapace added, "There's nothing here for you."

Hawkmoth tutted. "Do you really think I'd care about the Miraculous box if Cat Noir's ring is right in front of me?"

Marinette started to struggle, but she was only seventeen and Hawkmoth was a full grown man.

"Here are your choices" Hawkmoth stated, tightening his grip on Marinette, who winced, "I take Cat Noir's Miraculous, or I'll take the girl. And I guarantee you that you'll never see her again."

Chat knew that was coming. It was like every single movie he used to watch with his mother. But it didn't make the shock of it any better. He stilled, wide eyed, as if he was witnessing his nightmare come to life. Marinette could see the fight in his eyes.

"Adrien! Don't-"

Hawkmoth clasped his huge gloved hand over her mouth, but the expression on her face told Chat the rest of her sentence.

Chat felt himself break into two. All eyes were on him. Failure to protect his Miraculous wasn't an option. But how could he live the rest of his life without Marinette? Maybe Hawkmoth was lying; What good would kidnapping a girl be for him?

"Let her go and we can fight over my ring." Chat said.

"I'm giving you ten seconds." Hawkmoth replied firmly, "Your Miraculous or the girl you love."

Chat knew there was no way around this. He hated Hawkmoth for reminding him how much he loved Marinette. He caught Marinette's eyes again, pleading for him not to. There was so much anger and fear in her eyes. She wiggled in Hawkmoth's grasp, looking even smaller than usual. Chat knew Marinette would willingly sacrifice herself to keep Hawkmoth away from his absolute power. But what about him? Did he want to sacrifice her? He didn't even want to imagine what Hawkmoth would do to her if he took her away. Chat's brain slowly disconnected with his body and his lips started to form words.

"Plagg... Claws in."

The others stared at him, stunned, as a helpless Adrien stood in place of one of Paris' greatest heroes and took off his ring.

Marinette screamed against Hawkmoth's gloved hand. She kicked wildly.

This can't be happening.

"Adrien..." Carapace drifted off.

Adrien gulped. "I'll give you the ring if you let her go."

Hawkmoth stared at his son. He cares enough for her to give up his Miraculous?

"Deal."

Adrien threw the ring across the floor. Hawkmoth let go of Marinette and pushed her forward, letting her stumble into Adrien. He bent down, picked up the Cat Miraculous, and cracked a smile.

"Thank you very much, Adrien." and with a whoosh of wind and butterflies, he disappeared out the door.

Adrien stared at the exit, motionless.

What have I done?

Marinette pushed herself out of Adrien's arms. "You idiot!" She cried, furious, "You should've let him take me!"

"Are you serious?" Adrien said, his face fell into an angry expression, "Mari, I just saved you."

"We've been fighting Hawkmoth since we were fourteen, Adrien." Marinette said, "You just threw all those years away and endangered the whole city of Paris. I hope you're happy."

"Well, at least I wasn't the one who lost my Miraculous to nothing." Adrien blurted. The words left his mouth before he could take them back. Marinette blinked at him.

"Shoot. Marinette, I didn't mean-"

"I never want to see you ever again." Marinette choked, tearing up, before storming out the door and into the cold night.

Adrien watched her leave. He gave up his Miraculous, only to watch her walk out of his life. He forced himself to look at the others, who had been watching the commotion in complete silence.

"Way to go, Agreste." Rena said. She detransformed and ran outside. "Marinette!"

Adrien turned to Carapace, giving his best friend a meek look.

"I... dunno what to say, dude." Carapace said, scratching the back of his neck. He detransformed, followed by Queen Bee.

The three stood together, quiet, trying to let everything that just happened sink in.

"I really messed up, didn't I?"

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A rather shorter chapter than usual. I'm sorry. I have less time to write than usual. But I hope you enjoyed my story anyways. Thanks and

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