This is technically early, guys! I'm kinda proud of myself… Anyway, I finished everything I had to do today by midday, so I had a lot of time to… well, procrastinate.
This was really hard to write for some reason, so apologies if it's not as polished and flow-y as usual… should be okay though.
—
Adrien audibly gulped, scrambling up the wall. Alya sighed, shoulders slumping in- was that relief? "Nino," Alya began, "Was Marinette okay in class?" Nino snorted with contempt, succumbing to a small, bitter chuckle. "Okay?" He asked in disbelief, "Did she seem okay?" Alya sunk under his harsh tone, and Nino's resolve flickered slightly.
He didn't want to hurt Alya.
Every single cell in his body protested that; Nino couldn't hurt her. He closed his eyes, calming his racing heart. He'd just been so annoyed when he saw Marinette was upset, so annoyed that he was helpless to do anything but watch, that he'd forgotten she wasn't the only one who'd seemed off. Crouching beside her, Nino took Alya's hand in both of his, kissing the back of it. "I'm sorry, Al," Nino looked at their clasped hands, "I can't concentrate while Marinette's like this."
Alya didn't respond, and Nino looked up, just catching the flicker of jealousy that soured her expression. Never, not once since they'd been in a relationship, had Nino ever seen Alya question his loyalty to her. Why now? And because of Marinette? "Hey," Nino smiled softly, brows furrowed, entwining their fingers and cupping her cheek with his other hand, "You know I didn't mean it like that. Besides there's only one guy for Marinette." Nino glanced up at Adrien with a sly smile- which Adrien returned- but Alya's features only darkened further, and he didn't have enough time to question Adrien's reaction. Frowning, she pulled her hand away, fidgeting with the seam of her jeans. Nino sat back on his heels, fingers dropping from her face, along with his eyes.
"Alya?" He asked quietly, "Why are you jealous?"
Nino had had a crush on Marinette once, but that was a long time ago. Years ago. The day Ladybug had trapped them in the cage had become the best day if his life, sure, but not because he caught a glimpse of Ladybug, or because he'd been aiming to go on a date with Marinette, but because he'd met Alya. Obviously, they'd known each other before that, but it was different. To him, it felt as if he hadn't quite seen her until that moment- the moment he'd fallen in love.
It was such a simple confession, and yet, he found there was no word quite right to describe it- nothing but- well, love. Alya had become part of him, the part that swelled and burst with pride at the mere mention of her name. The part of him that had him gasping for breathe, and trying not to faint at her feet. He was smitten; hopelessly, undoubtably, unwaveringly lost in her. And Nino had never been happier.
But Alya didn't know that.
"Because you talk about her like you love her, Nino," Alya told him, suddenly standing up so she towered over him. He had to suppress a startled whimper, wishing he'd never lived to see the day that her anger was directed at him. "Because she's my best friend, and it would be a cliché, but these last weeks…" Nino flinched. How was he supposed to explain this to her without lying, or revealing Marinette's secret. Here he was again, ruining his relationship for Marinette's sake. Not that he blamed her- no, Nino should've tried harder to resist the urge to look closer. Scrunching his eyes closed, he ran a hand roughly over his face.
Stupid, nosy Nino. If only you had stopped looking.
"Alya, I wish I could tell you," Nino cringed internally, willing the strength to hide the pain in his voice, "But it's not for me to tell. If I tell you then I put both Marinette and you in danger. I can't-"
"Nino," Adrien interrupted gently, "How long have you known about her identity?"
Alya gaped, shooting daggers at him. Nino locked eyes with his best friend, confused but seeing the truth in Adrien's gaze. He knew. Nino took a deep breathe, and replied, "About a year- you and Marinette." Adrien's eyes widened. Knowing the size of Chat Noir's ego, Adrien had probably assumed Nino hadn't worked him out, and he couldn't help but smirk at his shock. He turned to Alya, leaving Adrien to contemplate his revelation. "And I've know about you, Rena Rouge," Alya's eyes lit up and the name, and Nino had to shake his head to prevent getting distracted, standing up to reach her level, "Since the day I became Carapace."
Chuckling, Adrien smirked at him, and Nino raised an eyebrow as his friend mouthed "Watch out." Nino cocked his head to the side, but quickly found out exactly what he meant when Alya slapped his forehead, and then his cheek, mercilessly. Howling in pain, he pouted at Adrien's hysterical laughter, turning to Alya with a scowl. "What the hell!" Alya didn't react, eyes burning with fury, and she raised her hand again.
He took a step away, hands in the air as he surrendered, more than a little terrified by her fiery glare. "You knew this whole time?" She snarled, unrelenting as she moved closer to him, "You knew, and you chose to lie instead of explaining it to me?" Adrien had stopped laughing, but Nino barely noticed, seeing tears well up in Alya's eyes.
"Alya, I doubt he wanted to-" Adrien started, but Nino held up a finger in his direction to silence him. "I don't know how I can trust you, Nino," Cold dread settled in his bones, making him feel small and heavy. Nino wasn't sure he wanted to know what came next.
"Not when you didn't trust me."
"Guys…" Nino's eyes burned, breath caught in his throat as he choked on his words. Because what do you say to that? How do you respond when the person you love says those words? I don't trust you. What can you do to make them see? What could he do to show her that she was the only one? Anything. I would do anything. "Al…" he whispered, but Alya turned away, wiping her eyes on her sleeve, "I- this is-"
"Guys, stop!" Adrien insisted, pointing out the open window, "Akuma." The nasty bug made its way steadily across the sky, swooping towards them. Adrien tensed, taking a defensive stance in front of them, obviously prepared to transform if he had to. But before it reached them, it rose into the sky again. "Where is it going?" Alya asked, at his shoulder, scoffing slightly, "There can't be anyone more angsty than us three, right now." Sighing, Nino spun around to face her, realising they were basically nose-to-nose at this point.
Despite their argument, Alya's cheeks were dusted a light pink from their proximity, and Nino felt his face heat up involuntarily. "I didn't protect Marinette because I wanted her to like me, Alya," he mumbled, speaking at a volume only she would hear, "I did it because it because the more people that knew, the more likely Hawkmoth would know too. I couldn't tell you, knowing that." Shaking her head, she wrapped one arm around his back, pulling him closer. Nino, surprised by the contact, let out a small squeal, making Alya giggle. She buried her face in his neck, "You're not forgiven." His shoulders shook in a noiseless chuckle, which he was trying very hard to hold back. He knew they would be talking about this later, but perhaps there was a chance he hadn't ruined their entire relationship. Alya pushed him back slightly with a frown, "You're not."
Nino drew her to him again, dismissing her last comment, "I'm not sure I care as long as I have a chance." Hope made his heart race with a sudden warmth, his grin an almost impossible size. Alya sniffed, nuzzling his neck.
"You two are adorable," Adrien winked, "Especially when you both forget that I'm Chat Noir, and cats have rather extraordinary hearing." Nino groaned, wishing he'd saved their conversation for later, but Alya just sniggered, glaring at him with mock disgust. "Whatever, Sunshine," Alya left his arms, but kept a hand in his, "At least I have the guts to actually tell Nino how I feel."
Adrien grunted in assent, looking away in embarrassment, and Nino smiled as Alya pumped her fist in the air triumphantly. It seemed as if her and Adrien managed to repair their relationship, and that regardless of what had happened, their friendship appeared stronger than ever.
"The akuma has probably got to its victim by now- we should go." Nino stated, "But I honestly don't know how Hawkmoth was able to find someone more upset than us." Nino felt his blood freeze, along with the rest of his body.
"Marinette."
And then he was gone, sprinting towards the bakery without a moment of hesitation.
You were supposed to keep looking, be there for them when they needed you. You were the one who knew what he had to do, no one else had that responsibly. You.
You were supposed to keep her safe- you promised.
—
And when did Nino promise to keep her safe? Find out next time! Hehehe- cliffhangers ;)
Also, yesterday, my two baby brothers were born! They are super cute, and all is well… its a shame I can't visit them because of coronavirus, but I'll actually get to meet them soon.
Hope you enjoyed!
