So, I wrote the beginning of this to I Want It That Way by Backstreet Boy, but mainly I was dying from laughter at the music video. Seriously, everyone watch it- its the embodiment of cringe.

While writing this, it is about midnight in England, it's raining (of course) and it's windy as hell. My house… let's just say it's rather creaky and draughty, so everything is either banging or making that creepy swooshing noise. That and the occasional coughing fit (no, the uncontrollable laughing at my incredibly dated taste in music is not helping) is keeping me awake, and that's why I'm here, doing this.

Also, for some reason, Speckleflower is awake too, so I'm talking to her… The music's moved on to Wonderwall by Oasis which is… fine, I guess. You didn't need to know any of that, but oh well- I like oversharing! (hehe- *awkwardly laughing* (anonymous wishes she wasn't nocturnal so this couldn't happen (*realises she's talking about herself in third person* (*realises she's four brackets deep*))))

Enjoy! (Thank God, that's over)

Adrien hadn't seemed fazed by their reaction at all, and Alya assumed the if he was confused, he wasn't going to show it. Miss Bustier handed him Alya's letter, a little more composed post-sunshine, than during. She watched him curiously, as emotion slid carelessly across his expression.

When he was finished reading, he put the paper down on the table, looking at his hands. He twisted his miraculous, and when his fingers fumbled for a second, she could she that his hands were shaking. What was it? Anger? Sadness? Guilt, maybe? Alya almost hoped it was guilt, her irrational brain once agin forgetting how hypercritical she was being. Shame swirled in her stomach; had she really just thought that?

Miss Bustier cleared her throat, "I'm going to leave you two alone to talk about this." Alya shot her a desperate glance, but the teacher was looking at everything but her, pointedly avoiding her eyes. Adrien didn't move, even as Miss Bustier slammed the door just a little too enthusiastically. "Alya, I didn't know you even saw me like that-" Adrien began, standing up. He took a deep breathe, "I didn't know that any of you noticed." Alya came out from her side of the desk so they were facing each other. "Alya, I thought you just-"

She interrupted him with a hug, pulling him close to her chest. Alya could feel his ribs though his shirt, noticing for the first time that he was almost painfully skinny. She frowned into his shoulder; whenever Marinette had fussed over Adrien's strict diet, she'd basically ignored her. She though her friend had been overreacting. Alya knew he was slim, but now she was sure he was underfed.

"I'm going to make Mari bring you extra food everyday, Sunshine." She whispered, feeling him stiffen, "You're too bony. They don't feed you enough." Adrien chuckle quietly, muttering something that sounded dangerously similar to "Okay, mum." But, for that moment, she didn't care whether she was acting like his mother, and she pulled him closer, knowing the longer she could stall, the more time she would have to prepare before she actually had to talk to him.

Adrien's whole body shifted in a long sigh, although Alya wasn't sure exactly why he was sighing without being able to see his face. He pushed away lightly, and Alya could see he was frowning, probably matching her expression. "We have to talk about this, Alya. We can't keep fighting."

"I know," Alya mumbled, moving to sit down in the space where Nino usually sat, and Adrien took his seat, smiling reassuringly. "Adrien, I'm sorry." Alya blurted out, not entirely sure what she was apologising for.

Adrien raised an eyebrow at her, clearly having the same thought. "I- I should've shouted like that the other day," she tried to explain, "I didn't- I don't- never meant to say what I did." Alya fell silent, feeling as if something was going unsaid. "No, that's not it," she added, brows furrowed, "I'm sorry I've never told you how much we all care before now." Adrien took a shaky breath, running a hand through his hair, "No one tells me that- its not your fault."

Alya shook her head in disbelief, struggling with how she'd missed it before. She snorted angrily, grabbing his arm to make him look at her, "That's exactly why I should have been the one to tell you!" Adrien flinched at her volume and she fought to regain some control of her voice, "You are so loved, Adrien, and no one told you."

"I don't think that's-" Adrien began, shrugging, defeated. Alya reached for his other arm, starling him into stopping. "No." She growled, "Stop doubting it, or I won't hesitate to go get my miraculous from Mari, and trap you in your worst nightmare." Adrien nodded, but his dejected expression didn't change. Alya softened, feeling most of her anger drain away; she still wasn't sure what she could do to convince him.

"I should apologise too, Alya." Adrien confessed, before she could do anything further, "I've put you in danger, and I made you lie to Marinette. I shouldn't have asked that from you." Alya nodded- she couldn't exactly disagree. She sighed, rubbing a hand against her face. She was tired; she was tired of all the lying and keeping secrets, she was tired of being watched from afar and knowing she couldn't do anything... Maybe she'd been wrong about that.

"You reacted like that because you thought no one cared about you, didn't you?" She asked, slumping into her seat, "You felt that Ladybug was the only one who was there for you, and then she didn't turn up." Adrien nodded but didn't say anything more. Alya thought she saw him shudder, and she tilted her head to get a better look at his face. "Sunshine?"

The bell rang for the end of lunch, making Adrien glance up at the door in panic. Alya was about to follow his gaze, when she noticed his red eyes and tearstained cheeks. He'd been… crying? Alya had known that he was hurt, but she didn't think she'd even seen him cry. She had a feeling it was part of his Perfect-Model-Child facade, to never show the weakness suggested by tears, but now… this was Adrien. Just Adrien, and none of that.

Kim pushed his way into the room, and Alya saw Adrien's eyes widen in fear- clearly he wasn't ready for everyone to know about that side of him yet. Alya lunged for him, pulling him into her chest while spinning them around so his back was to the door. It was a temporary solution, sure, but it would buy them some time. Adrien's body lurched in a sob, but he was silent, burying his face in Alya's shoulder. Alya pressed her hand to the back of his head, hiding him further. "Try to calm down, Adrien," she whispered, "Do you want to get out of here?" Adrien nodded, his breathing evening out a little.

More of the students were coming into the classroom, and Alya count help but wish for someone useful to walk in- Miss Bustier would be great, but Marinette, or Nino even, would do. They were getting weird looks from around the class, but whenever someone met Alya's gaze, she made sure to send enough venom their way. It didn't matter to her what they were thinking, just that they were thinking at all. Alya tensed up as Chloe walked in, catching sight of them immediately.

Alya hissed quietly at the look of utter disgust on Chloe's face, as if she was the only person that was allowed to touch Adrien but she relaxed with a sigh of relief as Marinette walked in, talking to Miss Bustier. Nino came in after them, headphones on, most likely oblivious to anything happening around him- Marinette, however, was not.

Her friend's careless smile fell from her face, concern clouding her eyes. Her brows furrowed in distress, as she took in his and Alya's position. "If you could see Marinette right now, you'd believe me." Alya stated, releasing him a little so she could twist their bodies towards the front of the class. Being at the front, and close to the door, meant that now everyone else was seated, no one could see him. "Let me see- I don't mind… her looking at me," he responded. Alya hesitated, not wanting him to regret what he chose. Adrien, sensing her indecision, added, "She'll have to know anyway."

Reluctantly, she let Adrien go, trying not to cringe at Marinette's gasp of shock. Alya placed a comforting hand on his arm as he winced slightly. Miss Bustier looked on in confusion, but motioned for Alya to take Adrien out of the room, which she did gladly.

As she passed Marinette, dragging Adrien behind her, Alya tugged her friend with them by the hand. She caught sight of Nino, drumming his hands against the table in time with the rhythm, and sniggered; had he really not noticed any of that? Alya knew he got distracted by his music, but she didn't think he was that bad.

That level of distraction was almost… suspicious.

Shoving both her friends through the door, she turned back to look at him, watching as he took his headphones off. Nino looked at her, smirking, and sent her a thumbs up, punctuating the gesture with a sly wink. Alya couldn't help but laugh, and she suddenly knew everything was going to be okay.

Yay! Another chapter (woohoo, go me) done. Hope you enjoyed, and that you all can't wait for the pain and suffering that's going to come with the next chapter…