Chapter Sixteen

"I am Nathalie Sancoeur," the woman said to Nino as she sat up. "And we need to talk."

Nino's eyes flickered from her, towards his mother, who looked very excited, and then back again towards Nathalie. "Um... no offence, dudette– but who are you exactly?"

"I am a representative of the Gabriel brand," Nathalie said in a neutral tone, pulling out a business card, which Nino uncertainly took. "The personal assistant of Gabriel Agreste. As you may have heard, there is a fashion show coming up that M. Agreste is hosting, centered around the creations of youth."

Nino had heard about it– Marinette and Alya had been talking non-stop about it at school. He just stared up at the woman, having no idea how this related to him. Had they somehow messed up names in the class? Marinette had won a hat competition to be in this show a while back…

"Um, yes, I have heard about it–" Nino began.

"Wonderful," Nathalie said with no enthusiasm. "This is an event meant to help up-and-coming youth portray their talents and get their names out there. This extends beyond just those who design or sew– photography, modeling, lighting, and numerous other future careers shall all be run by adolescents with an interest in those fields for a chance to show off their skills."

"Oh, um–"

"We have been looking for someone within this age group to manage the music for this fashion show," Nathalie continued, flipping through her tablet. "We have received several recommendations for your music from those that will be participating– including one of the models currently working for Gabriel, along with your classmates Mlle. Dupain-Cheng and Mlle. Couffaine."

Juleka was participating in the show? That was news to Nino.

"We have listened to the music you have created and, er... 'DJ-ed', and while the style of music you compose is not one I regard myself as too familiar with... it seems to be of good quality." Nathalie looked up from her tablet. "As such we would like to extend you the offer to DJ the music for this event. All equipment and supplies will be provided, unless you would prefer to use your own. Do you accept this offer?"

Nino stared at her in shock.

"...You're asking me to DJ for an official Gabriel event?" Nino said, blinking slowly. The only times he had ever been asked to do such was for class parties or school events– never anything big or official.

"Yes," Nathalie said. "Are you interested?"

Nino opened his mouth, but he wasn't sure what to say. This opportunity... it was huge. The kind of thing he had dreamed about doing. He loved music in every form, and to get his name out there... that wasn't something to pass up. Yet the excitement he should be feeling right now... it was minimal, muted due to the uneasy feeling in his stomach, the sickness he had been feeling for most of the afternoon.

How could he be excited right now when he had no idea what was happening to Blue?

Nino looked at his mother, who was beaming. She smiled, and nodded at him encouragingly, which was big on its own. Lucie had never stopped him from pursuing his love of music, but had always encouraged him to mostly focus on school. So for her to have the eagerness he should have been feeling right now... that was important. It was important to him, and his mother knew that.

"This... this is an amazing opportunity," Nino finally managed to say, hoping his unease would just be taken for surprise or maybe excitement. "I would love to accept it, dude– um, ma'am."

"Wonderful," Nathalie said, typing something into her tablet. "I will be in contact with you soon with further details and what you will need to know– but I need to get going now. My number and email is on the card I've given you if you need to contact me regarding the event." She looked over her glasses at him with those cool eyes. "This is business contact information, and I expect you to treat it as such."

"Don't worry," Lucie said, laying a hand on Nino's shoulder. "Nino never causes any trouble."

"Good," Nathalie said, turning to leave. "Thank you for your time."

"Th-thank you for this opportunity," Nino managed to stutter out, and Lucie guided Nathalie to the door.

Nino just kind of stood there, blinking, taking this in. He... he was going to be DJ-ing an event. One with a big name behind it.

"Oh, isn't this wonderful?" Lucie said, smiling at Nino. "You'll do a wonderful job."

Nino adjusted his hat. "Thanks Mom, I... I sure hope I do."

Never had Nino been so thankful to find someone lurking outside his house.

He threw the window open the moment he heard the sound of feet against metal, leaping from his bed, and was greeted with bright blue against the dull colors of the fire escape. Nino's eyes flickered across Blue Wing as he stood there, looking for any sign of harm. Bruises, a limb being cradled– anything.

But the Peacock holder looked fine, the boy just giving an uncertain smile. "Hi Nino."

"You're okay," he breathed. "You're okay..."

Trixx drifted over, landing on Nino's head. Blue's gaze flickered up to the kwami for a moment, then back down to Nino. "...Yeah?"

"The Kit has been worried about you all night," Trixx reported, golden eyes fixated on Blue Wing. "Couldn't sleep at all."

"Oh," Blue Wing said, shifting, and he rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm, um, sorry about that? I didn't mean to worry you."

"After what you said, dude..." Nino swallowed. "I wasn't sure what was going to happen to you when you went home."

"Didn't sound like anything good would come from it," Trixx agreed.

"O-oh," Blue's eyes flickered away. "Um, yeah, it... um, my... a family friend? She, er, talked to Father about what happened. I... I didn't mean to worry you, I'm sorry."

Trixx frowned. "...Does this family friend know about Hawk Moth?"

Blue swallowed. "Yes? I think it's okay if I say that..."

Nino pushed the window open, climbing out onto the fire escape with Blue. "Just as long as you're not hurt, that's all that matters. After what you said, I... I wasn't sure what was going to happen to you."

Nino looked at him, just hoping that he'd say that he had misunderstood what Blue had said yesterday, that there wasn't any danger at his house, that he had been worrying for no reason. He knew that wouldn't be so... but still he hoped.

Blue gave him a reassuring smile. "Like I said, the family friend talked to Father for me."

Nino felt his shoulders relaxing. "So you weren't in trouble leaving the fight then? Good." It wouldn't have been a fair fight, not to mention that the girl who had been akumatized could have been caught in the crossfire. Nino's relief didn't last for long though, Blue's eyes went wide for a second, looking away. "Blue?"

"Y-yeah?"

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah," he swallowed. "I mean, it wasn't like Father wasn't mad...? But he, Father just... just had me focus on why we're doing all this. That's all." He gave a forced smile. "But I didn't have to spend too long with him upset though? But it's usually like this when I'm about to... go somewhere. Er, the family friend says it would be bad if people asked too many questions."

"...Too many questions about what?"

Blue waved a hand. "Yeah, like this. Too many questions." He glanced at Nino. "I, er, was wondering if you were doing anything today? It's the weekend and I have some free time today so I was wondering if you wanted to... hang out?"

The last topic had ended too soon for Nino's liking, but he figured pushing the topic would get him nowhere. Besides, Blue Wing looked uncertain about his request, so Nino smiled. "That sounds awesome, dude. Anything you want to do?"

"Um... maybe we could," he gestured to his Miraculous. "Run around?"

Nino nodded, before leaning his head in through the window. "Hey! Mom!"

"Yes?" Lucie's voice called from in the house.

"I'm going to go hang out with a friend! Is that okay?"

"Of course, dear– don't stay out too late!"

"Sweet– I'm just going to go down the fire escape!"

"Okay– wait– what–?!"

"Go go go," Nino said, pulling his head back out, shutting the window behind him, and gesturing to the stairs of the escape that lead up the building. Blue Wing however took a much faster route– flying up into the air and heading towards the roof, leaving Nino to be the one to scamper up the fire escape alone.

He was forced to come to a stop as he heard a window opening, now about two stories up from his room, and he looked down as he watched his mother open the window, looking down in search for him. She didn't look up, thankfully.

"Nino Oscar Lahiffe!" Lucie shouted. "You better come in through the front door when you come home– you hear me?"

He hesitated, before calling out. "Yes, Mom!"

"Good," She muttered, before shutting the window. Nino's shoulders relaxed, a grin on his face, and he continued up towards the roof. He looked over at Trixx, who had settled on his shoulder during the run, who was smiling as well.

Blue Wing was waiting for him on the roof, his eyes wide as Nino joined him. "Ready to go?"

"Are you sure you should have done that?" Blue Wing asked.

Nino shrugged, grinning. "She would have been more upset if I hadn't told her I was leaving. Trixx– let's pounce!" A flash of golden light flared out, Trixx being sucked into the pendant around Nino's neck. A few moments later Silver Paw stood there, stretching slightly as the transformation finished. "Ready to go?"

Blue Wing's feathers ruffled. "Yeah?"

"Got anywhere in mind?"

"Not really?"

Silver Paw smiled. "How about a race then? First one to find the most secluded rooftop is the winner!"

He probably should have added a no flying rule– but before that even crossed his mind Blue Wing had already taken to the air, putting on a good burst of speed before Silver could even start running. That didn't stop him, however, racing out after the Peacock, jumping over alleyways and across roofs as he ran.

It ended up being Blue Wing who found a good roof for them to hang out at, landing there with ease as he waited for Silver Paw to catch up. He coughed into his gloved hands twice, but it seemed nothing like his allergies from before, so Silver didn't think too much of it as he joined Blue under the alcove of a chimney.

Blue seemed hesitant at first as he attempted to start up a conversation, but as Silver brought up the topic of TV shows they had recently seen he found that the Peacock holder was instantly invested– immediately diving into details about anime. He still watched the Pokemon anime, something Nino hadn't personally seen since he was a kid, but that was just the beginning of the list of what animes he liked– a majority of them being ones Nino hadn't heard about.

"You have to watch the first few episodes," Blue Wing said as he named yet another show Nino hadn't seen. "I promise you, it's amazing. You gotta watch more than the first one though, because that's when the plot really picks up."

"I'll give it a try," Silver said, before shaking his head. "But I'm pretty sure Trixx will be demanding to watch the Pokemon anime now that you mentioned there's a show."

Blue perked up. "They like Pokemon?"

"That's what they do while I'm at school, put hours into my Pokemon Y game, and I've dug out a few of the older games for them too– they're addicted," Silver grinned. "Sounds like you're hooked on your anime though."

Blue flushed slightly. "I– I haven't rambled on too much, right? Usually someone says if I'm talking too much so I just figured–"

"You're fine, Dude, I promise," Nino said, nudging him. "Just surprised that you didn't name yourself after a Pokemon or something now."

"Well there is no peacock Pokemon for some reason," Blue muttered, suggesting that it had been a consideration. "I was also thinking of maybe going by 'Kujaku', like from Naruto, since it means 'peacock' and all, but it didn't really fit, so..."

He shrugged.

"Well, I like Blue Wing," Silver said. "It's simple, it fits, and I kinda stole the same theme for my... my name."

He had almost said 'hero name', but with how he was using his Miraculous that didn't feel right to say.

"Copycat."

"I'm a Fox, thank you very much," Silver said, crossing their arms. "Heh, do you think there's a cat Miraculous?"

"...Yeah," Blue said softly, and he frowned at the sudden change of tone.

"Is everything okay?"

"...There is a cat Miraculous," Blue Wing said, looking out at the city. "The Black Cat Miraculous. Father... Father wants that one too. He says we need both it and the Ladybug." He lowered his head. "That's actually how I found out he was Hawk Moth, he was yelling about it."

"About the Cat?"

"Yeah. It was the day Rena Rouge first showed up, and he was upset that it was the Fox Miraculous and not the Black Cat. He was in his office with, er, the family friend I mentioned, and I overheard as I was walking by and, you know, pieced things together."

"So he didn't want you to know about it at all?" Silver asked, slightly confused. That would explain why Blue Wing didn't show up until later, but he had always assumed that was Hawk Moth's response to another hero appearing.

"No... but since I do now I guess he wanted me to be useful in that regard too?" He shrugged. "So yeah, now I have the Peacock Miraculous."

No... that didn't make sense. Because Blue Wing didn't have the Peacock at first– he had the Butterfly. He had been Papillon before Blue Wing had even appeared. But if Hawk Moth had the Peacock this whole time... why had he waited? Why hadn't avatars and akumas been attacking together since the beginning? It couldn't just be because Blue hadn't known about his father, because apparently this 'family friend' had known about it before even Blue himself. So... so why hadn't they used the Peacock? Especially since Blue Wing was allergic to the elements of that Miraculous...

Blue didn't seem to notice Silver's confusion, still staring out. "Maybe it was a good thing I found out, I guess. Father pays more attention to me now. Plus, it would have been really awkward if..."

He blushed, and fell silent.

"If what?"

"...Nothing," Blue muttered, looking away. "It's stupid."

"You just can't say something then take it back," Silver said, and Blue blushed even more.

"It's embarrassing," he muttered. "It doesn't matter anyways, I got over it and stuff..."

"Got over what?"

Blue Wing looked up at him, face completely red, before burying his head into his hands. "I, um... sorta... hadacrushonLadybug!"

Silver stared.

"That was before you know– everything!" Blue said quickly, waving his hands about. "And it was just a celebrity crush! It wasn't like I expected anything to come from it!"

Silver Paw couldn't help it– he burst out laughing.

"Stooooop!" Blue Wing cried. "It's not funny, it's embarrassing!"

"It's hilarious!" Silver chortled, and Blue Wing glowered at him in reply. "Sorry, but– but it is!"

"I knew I shouldn't have said anything..." Blue Wing muttered, hiding his face in his hands again. "Stupid, stupid, stupid..."

"I won't say anything," Silver said, nudging his side, but Blue didn't move. "Really, I won't, I promise."

Green eyes peered up at him, burning. "You better not."

"I promise," Silver said seriously, causing Blue Wing to uncurl a bit more, and a grin flickered over his face. "...It's still hilarious though."

"N-not like it would have meant anything!" Blue Wing said, feathers ruffling. "I mean, she's gay, isn't she? My kwami says she and Abeille are in love, so..."

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure she is," Silver said– even though it was a fact he knew. Marinette had come out as a lesbian shortly after Nathaniel had asked her out. Things had turned out pretty well for him though, as Nathaniel had met Marc not too long after that. "Wait, your kwami said what?"

"She's the kwami of Emotions, so she can sense all that, you know?" Blue explained. "Apparently Ladybug and Abeille are in love, so..."

That... that didn't make sense either. Yes, Marinette always teased Alya about how she liked Rena Rouge, but clearly that had been an attempt to make her jealous. Marinette had the biggest crush on Alya since school had begun! There was no way that had suddenly vanished for this new hero, Nino saw how she looked at Alya every day, and Alya was so clearly in love with Ladybug that he doubted that anything Abeille felt could rival–

Oh.

Silver's eyes were wide, and he could sense Trixx's humored emotions– only confirming what he had just realized. "...I am stupid."

"Huh?" Blue looked at him, confused.

Alya was Rena Rouge. Alya was Abeille. That was so obvious, because who else would Marinette have chosen to fight alongside her? Who else would she have gone to? Suddenly her fawning over Rena Rouge in front of Alya made so much more sense– she was a sly thing for sure.

"They're in love," Silver Paw said– because that was the only thing he could say to Blue Wing. "Ladybug and Abeille, they've been in love this whole time. They've been chasing each other in circles!"

Blue's shoulders relaxed. "Oh, good, I'm glad I'm not the only one who didn't notice."

Alya had been Rena Rouge... Alya had once had the Fox Miraculous. Silver paled slightly, realizing that he hadn't just taken the Fox Miraculous from Rena, he had taken it from Alya.

If she ever found out that he was Silver Paw, he was so dead.

"Then again, I don't know too much about, um, gay people?" Blue continued uncertainly. "I mean... how do you even tell if you're gay or normal? How does that work?"

Silver was snapped from his thoughts, and he looked towards Blue. "Um... I think the word you're looking for is 'straight', dude."

"Huh?"

"When you're attracted to the opposite gender, that's being straight'," Silver explained. "And if it's the same gender then that's being gay, or lesbian if you're a girl. Calling straight 'normal'... that isn't the nicest way to put it, dude. People are people, and there's no normal kind of attraction, you know?"

"Oh," Blue Wing said, wings flaring out slightly. "I– I didn't mean–"

"If you didn't know then you didn't know– just don't make the same mistake in the future," Silver smiled. "Don't overthink it, you're fine, trust me."

He gave a short nod. "So, um... how do you know if you're gay or straight, then?"

"That's something you have to figure out for yourself, my dude," Silver said, smiling. "And those aren't the only options out there. Like some people are attracted to both genders– which is being bi, there's aro and..." He trailed off. "There's a lot, and honestly I don't know if I'm the best person to explain them all. But there's a handful of websites online that can tell you more, way better than I can."

Blue Wing swallowed. "Oh, um... I don't think that's the best idea. Father, um... doesn't have the best attitude towards things like that? And my internet history is monitored, so yeah."

"What browser do you use?"

"Huh?"

"There are ways you can hide your internet history, like incognito mode," Silver Paw explained.

A smirk flickered onto Blue's face. "You mean incog-nino mode?"

"...Really, dude?"

"Well, you can't enjoy a joke with that kind of atti-dude," Blue Wing said, crossing his arms.

"Well, you blue my mind with that pun, I couldn't even tell you were winging it," Silver replied.

Blue Wing's echoing laugh was worth the puns, and with a smile on his face, Silver just shook his head. It took a moment for Blue's laugh to die down, but as it did Silver explained to him how to access incognito mode.

"I probably should get going soon," Blue Wing said softly as their conversation drew to a close. "Father will probably notice if I'm missing any longer."

He pushed himself to his feet, wings flaring open as he stretched. Silver looked up at him, and he could feel Trixx silently urging him. Silver swallowed slightly, before pushing himself to his feet, laying a hand on Blue's shoulder, causing the Peacock holder to look back at him.

"Blue..." He began, hesitating for a moment. "I... you are safe at home, right?"

Blue blinked. "You asked me that last time."

"I mean, you aren't being hurt at home, right?"

Green eyes narrowed slightly in thought, before Blue Wing gave him a small smile that was meant to be reassuring. "As long as I do what Father asks, I'm fine," he said gently. "It's only when I deserve it that anything happens."

The pit in Silver's stomach grew heavy, and even though he had a good idea what was going on behind Hawk Moth's doors... hearing it confirmed was even worse. His hand on Blue's shoulder tightened, and the boy just looked at him, confused and worried.

"That's... that's not right," Silver whispered, struggling to find his voice. "Blue, you do know that's not right, right? That's not normal, that's not–"

"We're not a normal family," Blue Wing replied, shrugging with ease. "Father always has held me to a higher standard, that's how it's always been."

"No!" Silver cried. "That's not– no, it's, no–"

"Nino, I need to go," Blue Wing said softly. "I'm not supposed to be out right now, and... and I'm fine, I promise. Don't overreact, I'll be just fine."

Silver's hand let go of him, because how could he keep him here knowing what could happen if he kept him here for longer. He couldn't muster any words, just an ache in his heart as Blue Wing pulled away, stretching out his wings to their full length.

Blue smiled back at him, giving a small wave of goodbye, before leaping into the air, catching the wind as he rose up, soaring away.

Silver Paw was left back on the roof, wanting to cry.

"Trixx... am I taking advantage of Blue Wing's trust?" Nino asked as he climbed back through his window, the kwami drifting after him.

Trixx looked at him in bewilderment, yellow eyes wide with confusion. "Why would you ever think such a thing?"

"Because... because friends don't usually discuss things like this when they haven't known each other for long!" Nino cried, tears stinging his eyes. "And it's clear he hasn't had a lot of real socialization because of his monster of a father, and he trusts me when I ask him and he tells me with only a little hesitation and... and I... I can't do anything about it! I just let him walk away! If someone knew this, knew how vulnerable he was..."

Trixx drifted about so they were right in front of Nino. "Kit. What are you planning on doing with what he tells you?"

"Huh?"

"What are you planning on doing with what he tells you?"

"I– I just want to help him–"

"Then how on earth are you taking advantage of him?" Trixx asked quietly, and Nino swallowed. "You aren't manipulating him for information, you're asking. You don't intend to do anything with it but help him– this isn't to benefit you in any way." Trixx drifted closer. "You're right, he hasn't had a lot of socialization, he hasn't had a lot of people he can truly trust– and you're giving that to him. You're giving him a stability he hasn't had before."

"It's happening so quickly."

"Nino, his own family hurts him," Trixx whispered. "Mentally and physically. For all we know you might be the first human he can lean on without afraid of being hurt. Yes, it's quick, but he needs that right now. There are people out there that might take advantage of that trust– but you're not going to."

Nino was forcing himself to take in several deep breaths. "Y-yeah... yeah, you're right, you're right... I just need to, to..."

He didn't know what to do, and he felt sick.

"Just remember not to push yourself too far, okay?" Trixx said, drifting around his shoulder. "You've already taken on a lot on your shoulders."

"...I'm going to help him, no matter what."

Trixx let out a snort, shaking their head. "And you were worried... Trust me, Kit, Blue Wing will be safe in your hands."