Disclaimer: I do not own Miraculous Ladybug or the characters.


Alix was down to her last day of having to work at the Louvre, to which Nathanael decided to help her.

In some ways, Alix was surprised he had offered to help her out and take some of the workload.

But in other ways, she wasn't surprised at all and had come to expect Nathanael's courteous behavior.

As Alix and Nathanael lifted the last crate into the Egyptian exhibit, they were met with a bit of a crowd in the way of them.

"What's going on?" Nathanael asked.

"This happens every once in awhile." Alix said.

"Ever since the whole Pharaoh incident, people have been coming here more often to try and find any more clues about Ladybug." Alix told him.

"They think they can figure out her true identity." Alix said.

Nathanael looked at all the people there.

They were all crowded together, studying every detail on each tapestry and artifact they could find.

In turn, Nathanael studied their expressions, most of them all having the same motive or intention.

"I hope they don't." Nathanael said.

Nathanael set down the crate and began to walk off.

"Hey, wait." Alix called out to him.

Alix caught up with him and noticed that he didn't exactly seem pleased.

"Aren't you at least curious about it?" Alix asked him.

"Of course I am." Nathanael said.

"But it isn't for us to decide or figure out." Nathanael said.

"Imagine if they actually figure it out, imagine what would happen to that person." Nathanael said.

"They'd basically have no privacy whatsoever." Nathanael said.

"They'd be constantly surrounded by people and hounded by the press, that's no way to live." Nathanael said.

"Not to mention if Hawkmoth found out, he'd basically have a severe advantage over them and could even hurt the people that they love and are closest to them." Nathanael explained.

Alix had taken his words to heart, realizing the potential consequences.

"I would ask to have them escorted out, but they aren't bothering anyone or causing any trouble." Alix said.

"It's alright." Nathanael said, with a sigh.

Alix hadn't seen Nathanael ever be this serious about an issue, but then again, he did have more admiration for Ladybug than anyone else she knew.

Alix decided to finally bring up what had been on her mind for awhile.

"You really care about her, don't you?" Alix asked him.

"Well, yeah, of course I do." Nathanael said.

He was clearly trying to play the comment off and act somewhat indifferent, like Ladybug was more of an acquaintance and less of a romantic interest.

But, of course, it was obvious to everyone how he really felt about her and Alix wasn't buying it.

"Nathanael." Alix said.

Her tone demanded his attention and for him to be completely honest with her.

"I admire her, not just for what she does, but for who she is." Nathanael told her.

"She's… for a lack of a better term, Miraculous." Nathanael said, with a level of emotion in his voice unheard by Alix.

"I see." Alix said, with clear sadness in her voice.

"Alix?" Nathanael asked.

"I think we're finished with work today." Alix said.

Alix walked back towards the Louvre, her head slightly hung low.

"See you later." Alix said, not even looking back at him.

Nathanael just stood there, not sure of what to say.


Later.

Nathanael had been sitting at the edge of his bed, thinking about Alix.

"She seemed so upset, but why?" Nathanael wondered.

Nathanael sighed, looking at the picture he had drawn of her.

"It's obviously my fault, I messed up somehow, just like I always do." Nathanael thought.

In some ways, he was correct, oblivious, but correct.

"I could apologize, but it would be pointless unless I understand why." Nathanael thought.

"She deserves a genuine apology." Nathanael thought.

Nathanael picked up the phone and dialed up someone who could hopefully help him.

"Juleka, it's me." Nathanael said.

"I need some advice, do you think we could meet up tomorrow?" Nathanael asked.

If anyone could help him, it would definitely be the other person as socially awkward as he is.

"Sure, but I hope you don't mind if Rose tags along." Juleka said.

"Not at all." Nathanael said, in relief.