Oh no! Metal forks

After everything he's been through in just a year, the pain, the loss, the trauma, the heartbreak, he finally believes he's found someone he can genuinely trust, rely on, connect with, love, and be loved by in return. Considering how lonely he's been for most of his life, that's something incredibly precious to him.

Then he sees her in danger.

From his perspective, he's Chat Noir, a superhero whose job is to protect people. Marinette is just an ordinary civilian. How is he supposed to stand there and do nothing? How could he not throw himself into danger for her when, in his mind, failing to act could mean losing yet another person he loves?

It's not just about being protective because he loves her. It's about the fear and the desperation. The thought of losing someone else after everything he's already lost.

And what should I call you?

These are the impact frames of a hero who has fought this akuma before

He gave it his ALL in that fight, instinct and experience

we could have had this all season

why must we always forget Adrien

he is not just a love interest, he is his own protagonist with his own arcs and internal conflicts, trust issues, secret identity, and angst

SO much neglected potential