Author's Note: Sorry for the wait, like I forewarned, I've been busy with school. Memorizing not only all the bones, but also the names of their features, takes a lot of time. I think I mentioned that I finished this chapter before school started, so I'd be able to just log on and post it, but plans changed. Before posting it, I reread it to make sure it was good, but then I decided to change some parts. Mostly for the emotions. I finally found the time to finish it. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 7: For a Friend in Need

Nino opened the door into his home and he and Adrien entered. Mrs. Lahiffe, seeing them, greeted, "Oh, hi boys."

Nino replied, "Hey Ma," then proceeded to give his mom a hug.

Mrs. Lahiffe looked at Adrien and said, "You know, it's always good to see you Adrien."

Bowing his head, Adrien responded, "Likewise."

"Do you boys need anything to eat?"

Adrien stated, "No thanks, we're..."

From inside his over-shirt, Plagg jabbed Adrien, cutting him off.

Getting the message, Adrien sighed, then asked, "Actually, do you have any... cheese?"

Surprised, Nino inquired, "Cheese?"

Adrien sighed again, then said, "Yeah, cheese."

Mrs. Lahiffe asked, "You want anything with it?"

"No thanks, just cheese. Camembert if you have it."

Nino looked at his friend incredulously. How could he eat just cheese like that?

After receiving the cheese, the boys proceeded to Nino's room. The room was filled with some of the best sound systems, and the walls were lined with famous records. To say Nino liked music would be an understatement.

When the door to the room closed, Plagg rushed out of his hiding spot and started eating his precious cheese.

Nino watched in disgust at the kwami.

"Does he always eat like that?"

Adrien once again sighed before responding, "Yep. Just cheese. He won't eat anything else. Worst part is, I have to carry it around with me everywhere, so I end up smelling like cheese."

"Dude, that can't be good for him."

Defending his eating habits, Plagg replied, "Actually, it doesn't matter. I've lived for millennia, and I'll live for even more millennia. No matter what I eat, it won't effect my health."

Nino gawked at the kwami. "Did he just say millennia?" He thought.

Sensing his friend's confusion, Adrien informed, "Plagg is a kwami. I'm not sure exactly what they are or where they come from, but they're magical beings and can grant powers. He is the reason I can be Chat Noir."

After digestion the information, Nino said, "Dude, I still find it hard to believe that you're Chat Noir."

"Okay, then I'll prove it to you."

Plagg looked up from his meal and complained, "Wait! I'm not finished yet!"

"You've already eaten cheese twice you're size! I don't know how you do it. You can finish later. Plagg, claws out!"

Nino watched as his best friend transformed into the famous superhero. Despite how crazy it is, there was no longer any doubt when Chat Noir was standing in front of him.

Chat inquired, "What do you think? Pretty cool, huh?"

Nino just nodded his head. After a little, he found his voice again and asked, "Yo dude, what's it like being a superhero?"

Chat walked over to a chair and slumped into it, surprising Nino by how relax he became since transforming.

Chat Noir answered, "Oh, it is totally claw-some! When I'm Chat Noir, I can do amazing things. I become super strong and fast. But the best part is, I have all the freedom in the world! When I'm Chat Noir, no tells me what to do! I can wander around as much as I want!"

"Dude, that's awesome! So, what's Ladybug like? Is she as cool as she looks?"

Chat Noir stiffened and his cat ears drooped at the mention of his lady. Looking down at the floor, Chat stated, "She's way cooler. She's... amazing. She's smart, brave, confident, and a really good friend. I couldn't ask for a better partner."

Sensing Chat's adoration for Ladybug, Nino asked half-teasing, half-serious, "Wow, she sounds great. Are you two, you know, together?"

Chat's depression returned. He had momentarily forgotten it when Nino discovered his secret. He simply stated, "No, we're not together."

"Why not dude? If she's as wonderful as you say, why not go for it?"

"... I... I did."

"What?"

"I... I told her I loved her."

"What!? Really? When?"

"Yesterday, during the akuma attack."

"No way! What did she say?"

Chat sighed, "She... she said that we can't be together. She said that we can't spend a lot of time together as Chat Noir and Ladybug, and when we do, we couldn't be in public 'cause we're famous."

"Why can't you guys hang out as normal people. As Adrien and... you know... whoever Ladybug is when she's not Ladybug?

"Ladybug says we can't know each other's secret identities."

"What!? Really? So you guys don't know who each other are?"

"Yeah. She says it's best because if either of us slips; like I just did, I guess; then at least we wouldn't give away the other person's identity, and the fewer people that know, the better."

"Dude, that bites. You guys are friends, but you can't even know who you guys really are."

Nino thought for a moment before getting back to the main topic by saying, "I guess that explains why you've been such downer today. Not that I'd know, but rejection hurts. You okay man?"

Chat had to think before replying, "I guess not."

Nino began to think about Adrien's problem. When a possible solution came to mind, he voiced it, "Dude, you know what you can do? I know it sounds rough, but you need to find another girl. If Ladybug doesn't like you, then we'll just have to find one that does." Nino walked up to Chat and winked as he continued, "And that won't be tough. All the girls in school; no, in Paris; are all over you! You just have to find one you like."

Chat Noir sighed, "None of them are Ladybug."

"They may not be Ladybug, but there are many great girls out there. Dude, I'm sure that if you looked, you'd find many girls you like, you've just been so into Ladybug that you haven't noticed them. I'll help you out dude. We'll find a girl that'll make you forget all about Ladybug."

"Thanks Nino, but I don't think that's possible."

"Dude, we'll never find out until we try."

Adrien always knew that Nino was a great friend, but now he truly began to realize just how great of a friend Nino was. He really wanted to help Adrien out. It made Adrien feel terrible for lying to him so many times, even though it was necessary.

Looking at his friend, he apologized, "Nino, I'm sorry that I never told you that I'm Chat Noir. I'm sorry that I lied to you many times to hide it."

Nino looked him in the eyes and said simply, "Dude, it's cool. I get it. You had to keep it a secret."

Despite his bleak mood, Adrien felt a little warmth. Even though the girl of his dreams rejected him, he had his friend with him. His friend. Adrien still is not used to the idea of having a friend, but with Nino there, he was able to understand a little of what that meant.

Even though Nino was there helping Adrien, there was only so much he could do. He was able to fill part of Adrien's heart, the part of it that yearned for friendship, there was still the other part, that yearned for Ladybug, for love.

And so, Adrien and Nino hung out all day together. Nino, being the great friend he is, did his best to make Adrien feel much better. But, eventually, the day had come to an end, and Adrien's dad would never allow him to stay over. So he said his good-byes, and reluctantly left, but not for long. They planned on spending the entire weekend together. And for the first time since his last encounter with Ladybug, he had hope of a better tomorrow.

Author's Note: I'm once again sorry, but I have no idea when I'll be able to write the next chapter.