Author note: Sorry for the brief chapter. I am working on a one shot for Halloween but wanted to get an update for this story as well. Thank you all for your patience, likes, messages and reviews. I love each and every one of you!

Chapter 21: Adrien's Secret Life?

"Good afternoon Marinette," Adrien greeted as he saw his friends walking up the stairs to the school.

"Hi," Marinette squeaked. "That jacket looks a lot like the one Luka always wears."

"Oh." Adrien's face turned red a little. "That's because it is."

"Why do you have Luka's jacket?" Marinette asked.

"It's a long story." Adrien let out a hearty laugh. "To make it short, I ran into Luka when I was shirtless and he lent it to me to cover up."

You…were…shirtless?" Marinette barely got out. Her jaw hung low.

"Yeah," Adrien said. "I take it you missed all the excitement this morning."

"I was running a little late this morning," Marinette said.

"Well, as you know, Chloe came back today."

"Say no more," Marinette said. "Trent was really excited to meet Chloe, and she managed to get him akumatized."

"That's exactly what happened," Adrien sighed. Chloe really was that predictable. "His akuma form was stealing people's clothes to use for his power, I think. I just know he stripped me, then I ran away."

"I can't believe I missed that," Marinette face-palmed. "I really wish I was there."

"You probably could have helped to calm him down, right?"

"Yes." Marinette nodded. "That what I was trying to say."

"Hey you two!" Alya called out as she ran up to the teens. "What are you talking about?"

"Marinette missing all the action this morning," Adrien said.

"I bet she is really bummed she missed all that, huh?" Alya raised an eyebrow.

"Pretty much," Adrien and Marinette said at the same time.

The three of them entered the school.

"Marinette," Alya said. "I just remembered Ms. Bustier was looking for you earlier."

"Oh, I should probably go see her right away," Marinette said. "I'll see you two in class."

"Bye Marinette," Adrien waved.

"Adrien," Alya said. "Come with me, we need to talk."

Adrien followed Alya to a semi-secluded area near the locker room. Alya looked around to make sure the coast was clear before clearing her throat.

"I have a question for you, and I want you to answer honestly," Alya said. The tone of her voice was more serious, like when she goes into investigative reporter mode.

"I'll see what I can do," Adrien said. "Oh no, this isn't good."

"Hey you guys!" Trent called out and appeared near them. "What's going on?"

"Hey Trent, I was going to ask Adrien here a question. But I am glad you're here, you'll be able to verify."

"Hi Trent," Adrien said, his voice shook a little. He was probably trying to figure out what Alya wanted to ask. She wouldn't be asking him out, right? After all, she was with Nino. "What are you doing here?"

"I was putting stuff into my locker and saw Alya pass by. I came over to get back my fashion accessory from her." Trent explained. "I'll be happy to verify whatever you may need."

"Adrien," Alya took a deep breath. "Are you Cat Noir?"

"What?" Adrien gasped. Probably a little louder than he should have, which probably gave Alya her answer. "No, I am not."

"Trent? You know Ladybug's and Cat Noir's civilian identities, right?"

"Yeah," Trent said. His eyes darted between Adrien and Alya.

"So, is Adrien Cat Noir?"

"Yes," Trent said quickly. "Adrien is totally Cat Noir."

"Come on," Adrien sighed.

"So, Adrien, is not Cat Noir?" Alya tilted her head. "You're messing with me."

"Of course I am," Trent said. "Why would I betray their trust? Besides, Adrien can't be Cat Noir."

"What makes you so sure?" Alya asked.

"Adrien is way too busy to be a superhero," Trent said. "From what I know of Adrien and his schedule, is that it is planned down to the minute by his father. If he is not in school, he is doing one of his extracurricular activities, or doing a photo shoot."

"It's true," Adrien said. "My father only recently started allowing me to have free time and even then in sparse."

"That's right," Alya shook her head. "Even Marinette can back that up. That girl knows your schedule by heart. Plus, where you go, your bodyguard goes too."

"It would make more sense if Cat Noir only came out at night," Trent said, "but you have seen him in the daytime."

"I am flattered you think I am as cool and interesting as Cat Noir," Adrien said. "If I may ask, what makes you think I was Cat Noir?"

"Well, you know how I sometimes follow Ladybug and Cat Noir, hoping for exclusive footage, interviews, etc.?"

Adrien and Trent nodded.

"Well, I was following Cat Noir the other night, and I saw this." Alya said. She pulled out her phone. With a few taps of her thumbs, a picture appeared on screen.

"Is this Cat Noir going into Adrien's window?" Trent asked.

"Yes," Alya said. "Therefore I had to ask."

"Sometimes Cat Noir comes to my house to use the toilet. He really likes those fancy Japanese ones with all the features. You know my dad only needs the best," Adrien said. There was a hint of panic and anxiety in his voice. How could he keep Alya off her trail?

"I thought it might be something like that," Alya said. "So, I waited outside your house and Cat Noir didn't leave until early the next morning."

"What villain were they fighting?" Trent thought to himself. "Hold the phone Alya! And give the phone to me. How were you able to wait outside Adrien's house all night? Doesn't Paris have curfew or at home hours for people underage?"

"It's fine," Alya brushed off the question. "I am 17. Besides, Paris gives children a lot more freedom and agency than the United States does."

"Still," Trent sighed. "That's still a little creepy."

"Don't distract me!" Alya warned. "So Adrien, why was Cat Noir at your place for so long?"

"I can't say," Adrien said.

"Can't or won't?" Alya pressed. "Is it because you really are Cat Noir? Is everything just a cover?"

"No," Adrien said.

"It's okay, Adrien." Trent placed his hand on Adrien's shoulder. "We can let Alya in on the truth. She may be an investigative reporter, but she can keep a secret."

"Yes, I am good at keeping secrets," Alya said. "You can trust me."

"The truth?" Adrien looked at Trent. Did he wink? What is that boy thinking? At this point, he had to trust in whatever plan Trent had. "Yes, we will let you in on the truth, but you have to keep it a secret."

"I promise," Alya said. Her eyes widen and a smile took over her face.

"So Cat Noir went to Adrien's house late at night, right?" Trent asked.

"Right." Alya nodded.

"He didn't leave until early in the morning."

Alya nodded again.

"We determined Adrien was too busy during the day to be Cat Noir."

"Yes," Alya groaned.

"So if Adrien isn't Cat Noir, and Cat Noir only visited him at night," Trent nudged. He couldn't say anything outright. He had to let Alya form her own conclusion and play off of that. What was the old saying? You can lead a horse to water…

"Adrien isn't Cat Noir," Alya said with a long pause, followed by a gasp. "Adrien is dating Cat Noir!"

"I was going to say hooking up, but dating might be better," Trent chuckled.

"Wait," Alya said. "Adrien can't be gay."

"Why can't I be gay?" Adrien asked. His tone of voice had some rage. "I'm getting a late start at life because of my father sheltering me my whole life. I'm still trying to learn and figure myself out. You don't get to decide anything about me."

"You're right, I'm sorry," Alya said. "I just meant, what about Marinette?"

"What do you mean 'what about Marinette?'?" Adrien asked.

"Oops," Alya covered her mouth. "I got to go. Let's finish this later."

Alya quickly sprinted away before either boy could say anything else.

"Adrien, I am so sorry!" Trent profusely apologized. "I was trying to throw Alya off your scent and it kind of got away from me."

"It worked," Adrien sighed, "but I don't know what will happen next."

"I really am sorry," Trent said again.

"It's fine," Adrien shook his head. "Something similar was bound to happen, anyway."

"You mean, Luka?"

"Yeah," Adrien said with a soft smile.

"Well, let's look on the bright side," Trent said, wrapping an arm around Adrien's shoulder. "I hear Cat Noir's civilian identity is quite the cutie."

"Shut up," Adrien laughed.

The two boys headed off to class.