Nino was a loner. He liked it that way. He didn't risk being a target to Chloe when he stayed by himself. Didn't speak out against her, didn't get in her way, didn't make himself known. Chloe left him alone. No humilating pranks. He's not a punchline. He's nobody. Not someone worth to bully. Chloe doesn't know his name and he's never given her a reason to hate him. He didn't have to deal with her.

He didn't have to deal with anyone.

Like every year before, Nino chose a seat in the back. Nino was happy alone. Well, that was what he thought before he finally had a friend. A best friend. A friend group. He didn't know avoiding Chloe like the plague was costing him this nice warm feeling of being wanted.

But back to before all that. Nino grabbed his seat in the back of the classroom. He was content being out of the way. He use to do projects alone, even when paired with a group. If he was unable to get the teacher to agree to let him work alone, he would just tell the other student(s) that he will do the project if they agreed to present it. Who was going to turn that down?

Nino keeps his head down, his mouth shut, and he stays out of the way.

Nino saw what happens when you try to stand up to Chloe. She has the power to make your whole year a living hell, or in Marinette's case, your whole school career miserable.

Nino feels many have forgotten the day when they were younger. It was Marinette's first day in their district and Chloe was being her normal, awful self. Marinette Dupain-Cheng stood up to Chloe. Nino was impressed. And he wanted to have her back, but he just watched. Cause that's all he is capable of. Sitting on the sidelines. Or that's who he use to be.

But maybe if he joined Marinette in standing up to Chloe, things would have been different. Maybe other's would have joined them and together they could have taken all of Chloe's power. But he watched Chloe tear the poor girl to shreds. And every year he sees a little piece of light drain from Marinette's eyes. He sees the fire still, like she wants to be strong and fight Chloe, but after years of torment, Nino guesses thats hard to do.

Nino feels guilty everytime he looks at Marinette, so that's why it's better to just keep his eyes down, staring at the floor.

Everyone stays away from Marinette when they could. They don't want to be targeted by Chloe if they can avoid it. And if Chloe spots you talking to Marinette it's over.

Nino could tell you the story of when Rose tried to invite Marinette over to her house. Nino saw this happen from the shadows and knew it would end badly for her. Chloe made Rose cry harder than she's made anyone cry.

Here and there Marinette tried to make friends. But no one wanted to because they were all so afraid of Chloe. Thinking back on it, Nino feels sick. Marientte is a very good friend now and he should have stood up for her back then.

At first, Nino hated his teacher when she asked him to move up front. Today, it was the greatest thing that could have happened to him.

Nino wanted to argue and decline. He wanted to stay out of sight, out of mind, in the back of the classroom. But Nino knew it would draw more attention to him then just getting up to move. So Nino gets up and moves to the front as quickly as possible.

Nino's stomach turned when he heard Chloe kicking Marinette out of the seat so she can sit there. Marinette tried to argue, but Chloe was being Chloe.

Nino wanted to scream at the teach when he heard that he was the lucky soul that gets to sit next to some rich, model, who just absolutly adores the evil witch, Chloe.

Chloe tells Marientte to go sit next to the new girl, and Nino couldn't believe when Alya stood up to Chloe and stood her ground. Alya was not afraid of Chloe. and drags Marinette to sit next to her.

Nino felt bad when Marinette tripped on the way down. He wanted to go help her but knew if he moved to help her, he would be Chloe's next target.

Nino nearly jumped for joy when he heard Chloe pout, "where is he?" 'Maybe he's nnot coming, witch.'

But the next day, Nino was not so lucky. Nino caught a glimpse of Chloe dragging (who he could only assume was Adrian) into the room. Nino watched Chloe show, Adrian, to the seat that she "reserved" just for him. Which so happened to be next to his new seat. 'Thank you, Miss, for making me move from my cozy seat in the back.'

"And this seat is yours. I saved it just for you. It's right in front of me. Adrlkins."

Nino hears the nickname and really wanted to laugh, but that would draw unwanted attention.

Adrian smiles at her and "thank you Chloe."

Suddenly Mmm. Bustier had to excuse herself, which is never good. It's like letting Chloe off her leach without a teacher around. Not like they are much help as it is becuase they are araid of her father, but still.

Nino remembered exactly what went through his mind when he first met Adrian. Honestly, he feels a little bad being so cold towards him. He's nothing like Chloe. But to be fair, how was Nino supposed to know that at first. Typically, birds of a feather flock together, right? Plus he remembered what Chloe told them about her "friend" the day prior to Adrian actually meeting him. Nino envisioned his idea of what the Teen Model, richy rich boy, who is best buddy's with Chloe would behave as.

Adrian takes his seat and smiles at Nino. He holds his hand out to shake Nino's hand. But Nino doesn't budge. "so your friends with Chloe, right?"

Adrian slowly lowers his hand, "um, yes?"

Nino says, "then leave me alone."

Adrian was about to ask why, when he hears Chloe's cruel laugh "don't waste your time with that loser, Adrikins." She continues, "he's so poor, he's had the same backpack for the past 7 years." The she laughs.

Nino internally groaned. 'great, spent years avoiding people to avoid being a target of Chloe just for all of it to be thrown out with Mister Model here.'

Chloe laughs harder when she looks closer at Nino's wardrobe, "OMG, look Adrian, his sneakers have holes in them."

Sabrina joins in to get a laugh from her best friend. "Your looking at the sneakers, look at those ugly glasses."

It worked, Chloe started laughing much louder.

Chloe then threatens, "better not spread your poor to my darling Adrikins."

Nino looked up to notice Adrian's gaze. Nino was just waiting on Adrian to start in with the insults. Nino silently begged, "please just leave me alone."

Nino didn't expect Adrian to listen. He was friends with Chloe, the queen of mean. The witch who gets power from making everyone else miserable.

But to Nino's surprise, Adrian turned around to face Chloe, "Chloe, what are doing?"

Chloe scoffs, "warning that poor loser to keep his poor to himself."

"Chloe stop. That's not nice."

Nino couldn't believe his ears. 'Is he defending me, against her?'

Chloe scoffs, "not nice, what could you mean? I just warned you about him being poor. Like Gross. You don't want to catch that, my dear Adrian."

Adrian glares, "stop it, Chloe."

Then Adrian watched her pull a piece of chewed gum out of her mouth and place it on the seat next to him. "Hey, what are you doing that for?"

Chloe looks smug, "the brats that sat here yesterday need a little bit of an attitude adjustment." She laughs, "I am commanding a little bit of respect."

Adrian stands up, "you really think that's necessary." Chloe takes her seat as Adrian tries to remove the gun.

Chloe scoffs, "you have a lot to learn about school culture, Adrkins."

Nino felt guilty right away. He was ready Alienat the new kid just because they were friends with Chloe. Within a few minutes this kid, Adrian, defended him and tried to remove the gum from one of Chloe's cruel pranks.

Marinette and Alya entered at that moment. Rightfully shocked.

Marinette was mad. She marched right over to Adrian, "Hey, what are you doing?"

Adrian stuttered. Clearly unsure of what to say. Chloe and Sabrina start laughing. Marinette puts two and two together. Nino knows he would have thought the same thing too, but she was wrong. Nino should have said something, but something held him back. So he watched. He always just watches.

Marinette admits, "Oh I get it. Very good job you three. Very funny."

Adrian tried to argue, "no, I was just trying to take this off."

Marinette glares, "sure. Your friends with Chloe, right?"

Adrian sighs, "why do people keep saying that?"

When Adrian sat back down, he hears Chloe snicker "now you see what I mean about respect?"

Adrian rolled his eyes and Nino was about to ask him why he didn't tell Marinette it was Chloe's idea when their teacher walked back in ready to start.

Nino sighed, 'i'll talk to him after class.'

The class came to an end, and Nino put his books away. But when he turned to talk to Adrian, Chloe pulled him from his seat. "Show me your schedule, Adrkins."

Adrian showed her his schedule and Chloe pouted, "we aren't in the next class together." Chloe shrugged, dragging him behind her "I'll show you the way."

Adrian smiled, "thank you, Chloe."

Nino wanted to puke. 'Oh, brother.' Nino got up from his seat, "just will have to wait to talk to him."

Nino bumped into Marinette and felt the urge to say something, "hey Marinette, right?"

Marinette eyed him suspiciously, "yeah?"

Nino didn't know what to say, "uh hi?"

Marinette wasn't sure what to say.

Nino can't blame her. He spent years avoiding her.

Alya intervened, "you needed something?"

Nino says, "I just thought I should say, uh, I don't think he put the gum on your seat."

Alya scoffed, "come on, of course, he did. He's a rich punk like that Chloe brat."

Nino looks at the ground, "maybe he's not though."

They all heard the warning bell.

Alya waved bye to Nino, "see you later."

Nino suggests, "maybe he wants friends?"

Marinette glaresm "he has Chloe."

Alya places a hand on Marinette's shouldeers, instantly calming her down.

Alya smiles and intorduces herself "I'm Alya and this is Marinette."

Nino winces when he hears Marinette mutter, "he knows." But he doesn't think Alya heard because she offers, "you can always hang with us. I just wouldn't waste time on daddy's boy. Remember he absoloutly adores Chloe."

Nino rolled his eyes. And he headed to his next class. When there, he took his seat. Alone. Like he likes it. Though, this time he heard the gossiping among his peers. All about the gum incident and Adrian.

By the third massive lie, Nino finally had enough. Unbeliavbly, he stood up and shouted to the students behind him "that's not what happened."

Someone he doesn't know (he doesn't know many people), scoffed, "like you were there."

Nino glared, "I was."

Someone asked, "who are you anyway?"

Nino moaned, "oh whatever. Believe what you want."

Class started soon after that and it didn't take long for them to forget Nino's outburst and go back to gossiping about Adrian being a rude and spoiled brat just like his best friend Chloe.

Soon, lunch rolled around. Entering the Cafeteria, he saw Adrian try to sit with some people he has seen around.

Adrian smiles, politely. "Hi, I'm Adrian."

They all stood, up, minus one student who must have not heard the rumors. Adrian looked hopeful for a moment before she was loudly filled in by her friend.

"Let's go, that's Chloe's rich model friend."

The girl squealed, "of course, your Adrian Agreste. Can I have an autograph?"

Adrian sighs, "sure."

After Adrian gives the girl her autograph, she gets up. The group takes off and either not caring or not noticing the dejected look on Adrian's face.

Nino finishes grabbing his lunch and then he slowly walks toward Adrian's table. When he was nearly there, Chloe pushed him out of the way, spilling his lunch on himself. Nino growls, "hey." Nino struggles to stand up. Adrian noticed the dilemma and stood up right away.

Adrian extended his hand for Nino who wanted to take it but was still having trouble trusting the model. Even though at this point Nino was almost positive Adrian was nothing like Chloe, that trust wasn't fully there yet.

Nino didn't take his hand, but he did thank him.

Adrian still looks upset (it was clear to Nino that Adrian was trying to hide the fact that this hurt him) and Nino felt that same tinge of guilt from earlier.

Adrian offered, "I can help you get cleaned up. I mean if you want?"

Nino smiled, "please."

Chloe was upset, "Adrkins, the food I bought you will get cold."

Adrian smiles at her, "that's okay, I'm not really hungry anyway."

When Nino finally had Adrian alone, he was finally able to speak to him.

But Adrian is the one that starts the conversation, "I don't get it. Chloe has never acted like this before."

Nino scoffs, "this is an everyday thing." Adrian looks confused. So, Nino explains further, "She is the biggest bully at this school and everyone is avoiding you because they think you are just like her."

Adrian stays silent. Nino continues, "you aren't though." Nino asks again, "right?"

Adrian says, "I don't like how Chloe is treating everyone." Nino smiles, "Then you are not a jerk?"

Adrian rubs the back of his neck, "I don't think so."

Nino asks the question that has been burning in the back of his mind, "So, why didn't you tell Marinette that Chloe was the one to put the gum on her seat?"

Adrian shrugs, "I don't know. I don't have any other friends. Chloe was my only friend since I could remember. I've known her for, like ever. I can't just throw her under the bus like that."

Nino finally felt something other than guilt, but he couldn't pinpoint exactly what this new feeling was. "It's time for you to make some new friends, dude." Nino smiled and extended his hand, "I'm Nino."

Adrian's eyes brightened and he happily took Nino's hand. "I'm Adrian."

Nino chuckled, "I know. Your talk of the town right now."

Adrian looked down, remembering his entire day, "right."

Nino wraps an arm around Adrian, "relax dude. Once people see the real you, they will forget you rolled in on Chloe's pony."

Adrian still looked unsure.

"Dude, look. I'm sorry."

Adrian asked, "for what?"

"Judging you unfairly. I shouldn't have treated you like that."

Adrian smiles, "I understand." Adrian then decides, "would you like to have lunch with me?"

Nino says, "you, sure. Chloe, I think not."

Adrian nods, "I'm kind of mad at her anyway."

Nino smiles, "and you wanna make friends right?"

Adrian eagerly nods, "yes, more than anything."

Nino remembers thinking, 'okay that's not normal.' But instead, he says "then talk to Marinette about the chewing gum. If she knew the truth... you know nothing to be mad at you for. I'm not saying you gotta turn Chloe in, just tell Marinette that it wasn't you that put it on her seat."

Adrian smiles, "I'll do that. Thanks."

Nino smiles, "what are friends for."

Every once in a while, when Nino drifts off into deep thought during class he thinks about Adrian's first day of school. After everyone learned that Adrian really has a kind and generous soul... After they all discovered Adrian is nothing like Chloe... Adrian soon became very popular among the students.

Well, he never really was unpopular per se. His "fans" still gawked all over him and still wanted his autograph and his picture, but they didn't want to talk to him. Didn't want to hang around him. Nino was glad he got to see the real side of Adrian. Nino wouldn't have his best friend today if he didn't.

Now that Nino thinks about it, he possibly wouldn't have his girlfriend today if it weren't for his friendship with Adrian.

He just wished he could get his best friend to be "less perfect" if that makes sense. Adrian is such a people pleaser and it became clear, quickly, he is so desperate for love. Ironically if he would just open his eyes, Marinette would be more than willing to shower him with love every day. Besides the point... Adrian is too polite. Too nice. Afraid to disappoint people.

Nino looks over towards Adrian as he answers another question correctly without paying much attention. How many students wish they had that gift. Nino shakes his head. His thoughts were jumbled. He lost himself. He was trying to figure out a way for Adrian to show them his real self. At least show Nino. Nino knows there has to be another side of him. A real personality buried under his father's image of perfection. Nino can see that Adrian is clearly depressed and starved for attention.

Nino was dragged out of his thoughts by Natalie. Nino remembered her as Adrin's father's assistant. 'What is she doing here?'

Natalie excused the extrusion, "Adrian, you have a doctor's appointment today. Please gather your things and come with me."

Nino notices Adrian look perplexed.

Adrian asks, "I wasn't told about this?"

Natalie explains, "last minute appointment."

Adrian stands up, grabbing his bookbag. He turns to Nino, "mind taking notes for me? And grabbing the homework?"

Nino smiles, "you got it, dude."

Later that night, Nino approached the Agreste Manor. He rang the doorbell. Natalie answered.

Nino explained that he has Adrian's notes and Homework. Natalie tried to get the boy the drop it in the mailbox. Nino expected this. His lie was ready to go.

"Actually M'am, we went over something new today that I would like to show Adrian how to do." She bought it and allowed Nino to enter the gates.

Nino almost laughed. Like Adrian wouldn't be able to figure it out if they really had gone over any new material.

Natalie explained, "Adrian is practicing his piano right now in his room. He's permitted to stop for a moment so you can show him how to work the new material. Can I trust you to show yourself out when you're done?"

Nino confirms, "yes, you sure can."

Nino made his way up the stairs. The closer he got to his friend's bedroom, the louder the piano playing got. Nino knocked, as he pushed the door open. He calls out "Adrian?"

No answer. Nino calls again, now entering the room "Adrian?" Nino gasps when he sees his friend's phone near the piano. Nino notices the window left open. Nino quickly closes the door.

Then he smiles, "so daddy's boy isn't that perfect, is he."

Nino decided that he would wait for his dear friend. Nino turned off the Piano playing for a few moments to pretend he his showing his friend the new work. Then he allowed the tune to play again.

An hour later, as Nino was growing tired and bored, he could hear footsteps. Nino gasped. Nino shut the tune off and snatched the phone. He ran into the bathroom. He quickly locked the door and turned the water on.

He could hear Natalie enter, "Adrian, did your friend go home. I never saw him leave!"

Nino said, "yeah." with his hand over his mouth, hoping to disguise his voice.

Natalie must have been convinced because Nino heard the door to the bedroom open back up and close. After a couple of minutes, Nino felt it was safe to shut the water off and head back to the main room.

Nino slightly opened the door and peaked out. Once the coast was clear, he opened the door and walked out.

Nino couldn't help but breathe out "phew."

Nino threw Adrian's phone on his bed and wondered what he could do while he waited for his "outlaw" to return. Nino made his way towards Adrian's computer. He takes a seat.

But this time Nino wasn't waiting long before he saw Cat Noir jump through the window.

Nino gasped a barely audible, "what? Why would Cat Noir...""

But then Nino nearly keeled over when Cat Noir said "Claws In," and in Cat Noir's former place stood Adrian. And a Kwami.

Nino couldn't believe his eyes. His best friend was Cat Noir. Nino was afraid to move. He knows he wasn't supposed to see that. A million thoughts raced through his mind. 'Should I pretend I didn't see that? Should I quickly hide before he sees me? Should I... Should I... Oh my God, Adrian is Cat Noir!'

Nino watched Adrian give the Kwami a piece of cheese. The Kwami asks him, "you okay Kid?"

Adrian plops on the bed, "fantastic, Plagg."

Plaggg scarfs down his cheese, "I know when your lying."

Nino wanted to rush to his friend the moment he saw a tear escape from his face. Nino now just realized he has stopped breathing, still unsure of what to do. Nino breathes out softly. Afraid to draw his friend's attention.

"I'm fine, Plagg."

Plagg rolls his eyes, "don't lie to me."

Adrian sits up, "I had to apologize again. When does she have to apologize?"

"You still upset about that?"

Adrian says, "yeah, Plagg. We are supposed to be partners. But To her, I am just like every other holder under her control."

Plagg reminds, "she's the guardian."

Adrian rolls his eyes, "yeah I know. You never let me forget." Then Adrian remembers "why isn't my phone on?"

Plagg points to the phone on his bed, "you mean that phone?"

Adrian gasps, "who...?" It was then Adrian noticed Nino. Adrian's eyes nearly popped out of his head.

Adrian spoke first, "so how long were you here?"

Nino says, "for a few hours."

Adrian asks, "did you see..."

Nino nods, "oh yeah."

Adrian turned to Plagg, "you didn't notice him?"

Plagg scoffs, "you didn't either."

Adrian says, "Nino, you can't say anything about what you saw."

Nino rolls his eyes, "no kidding. Figured as much."

Adrian looks at him unsure, "what are you doing here?"

Nino said, "well your father and Natalie think I left, but when I saw my best friend had a bad boy side, I had to stick around to find out where he could have snuck out too. Never thought you were Cat Noir. I'm so sorry by the way, I didn't mean to..."

Adrian holds his hand up, "your fine Nino. How could you have known." Adrian smiles at Plagg, "this is my Kwami. Plagg." Adrian glares at Plagg who is scarfing down more cheese. "Come on Plagg, say hi to my best friend."

Plagg finishes his camembert, "thought I was your best friend."

Adrian chuckles, "you are. I can have two best friends."

Plagg folds his arms, "As long as we all agree I am the better of the two."

Nino laughs, "wow, he's a character, isn't he?"

Adrian rolls his eyes, "oh yeah. Plagg, just say hi."

Plagg flys towards Nino's face, "hi. Guess cat is out of the bag."

Adrian smirks, "literally."

Plagg says, "I am still hungry."

Adrian snorts, "when aren't you. You know where your cheese is."

Nino looks at the Kwami strangely. Then asks Adrian, "cheese? Isn't he like a cat? Shouldn't he like fish or something?"

Adrian moans, "don't give him ideas. It's bad enough I gotta smell like camembert 24-7. I'm not going around smelling like fish."

Plagg snorts, "you would for me though. You love me."

Nino whistles, "wow, your Kwami is nothing like Wayzz."

Adrian grows silent. He walks to his desk and notices a piece of paper. He gets angrier and crumbles the paper up and tosses it in his garbage can. He folds his arms.

Nino softly asks, "are you okay?"

Adrian just says "yeah. I'm fine."

Nino scoffs, "you think I can't tell that you are without a doubt upset about something?"

Adrian admits, "I almost stopped being Cat Noir this week."

Nino was shocked, "what? Why dude?"

Adrian shrugs, "does Ladybug really need me?"

Nino says, "listen if this is about what I said to you about Cat Noir I... I was... Like I didn't know it was you."

Adrian looks up, "so because you didn't know it was me, that makes that better? You said I was annoying if I remember correctly."

Nino shakes his head vigorously. "No, I mean, I was just angry in that moment and was just venting to my best friend about someone else who I didn't know also happened to be my best friend. Adrian, I'm sorry I said those things. I didn't even mean them!

Adrian shakes his head, It's not even about that. I don't know why I said that."

Nino nods slowly, 'I have a few ideas.' But Nino decides to just ask, "what's it about then?"

It's about the fact that Ladybug doesn't trust me with anything. I'm so sick of being kept in the dark. And then knowing she gave you and Alya your Miraculous at the same time hasn't helped. We are supposed to be partners but she has always kept me in the dark about everything. I feel I am just around to take the damage from Ladybug. And then she became guardian, which I was ecstatic for her. But since then she is calling on other holders for the smallest of situations. Like I am not even here. And I feel like people adore her and forget she has a partner. I say partner loosly cause lets face it, I am more like a sidekick." Adrian slams his fist on his desk.

"I don't know what to say. How long have you been holding on to that?"

Adrian looks up and Nico notices the single tear streak rolling down his face. "And now I let you find out my secrete identity. I bet if she found out I was so careless to let someone discover my real name, she would take Plagg from me."

Plagg glares, "I would not let that happen." Plagg flys to Adrian and hugs his cheek.

Adrian smiles softly and hugs Plagg back. "Thanks, buddy, but you said it yourself. She's the guardian. We don't have a say."

Nino shrugs, "she doesn't need to know that I know."

"Thanks Nino."

Nino smirks, "I can't believe my best friend is a shameless flirt. You know if you did your Cat Noir act as Adrian..."

Adrian rolled his eyes, "no one would be attracted to me, I know."

Nino couldn't believe his ears, "you are kidding right." Then Nino giggled and couldn't help but tease, "now. About these puns, you be shooting out?"

Adrian giggles, "what can I say. I always thought puns were pun-believably hiss-terical."

Nino snorts, "oh my god. Too much."

Adrian smirks, "not enough."

"Imagine if everyone knew that hottie Adrian Agreste is a pun lover."

Adrian says, "maybe I would find someone that wanted to date me."

Nino scoffs, "did you really just say that. Everyone wants to date you."

Adrian shakes his head, "no they want to date my wallet. My face. My overly-polite afraid of speaking out whatever. They don't care about what I care about about. They don't wanna hear what I think. They probably just rather is I sit still, silently, smiling. I'm just a pretty face with a lot of money."

Nino asks, "you don't really think that, do you?" Then it occurs to Nino, "are you trying to say, Cat Noir is more you than...?"

"Than Adrian Agreste. When I became Cat Noir, I didn't have to hide behind a facade of perfection. I could just say what was on my mind."

Nino chuckles, "you really like puns?"

Adrian smiles, "I love Comic Books, and the parts where the characters would just drop some type of pun-related banter was my favorite."

Nino was shocked, "I didn't know you like comic books."

Adrian sighs, "father thinks they rot the brain. They are not allowed in this house."

Nino smiles, "dude, you can totally be yourself with me around. And Alya too. And Marinette will probably love you way more when she sees this side of you."

Nino realizes his mistake right away. His eyes nearly popped out of his head when Adrian asks "wait what?"

Nino chuckles nervously, "don't make me say it again. Alya is so going to kill me for this."

Adrian begs, "please, what do you mean to love me more?"

Nino rolls his eyes, "she has been in love with you since the beginning of the year dude?"

Adrian shakes his head, "no."

Nino rolled his eyes, "dude, you saw her room on tv. Her walls had you plastered all over the place. How can you be so smart but so blind?"

Adrian explains, "she told me she is into fashion. Flat out said she was not into me."

Nino rolls his eyes, "lying to you, you know. Save face." Nino snickers, "you ask her out tomorrow, she will keel over." Then Nino says, "but you say nothing about me telling you.

Adrian admits, "I never thought of Marinette like that."

Plagg snickers, "he's in love with Ladybug."

Adrian glares, "Plagg."

Nino smirks, "oh, so all that flirting with Ladybug is real?" It takes a moment, but Adrian does nod. "Does she love you back?"

Adrian shakes his head, "she... She is in love with someone else."

Nino suggests, "then maybe give Marinette a shot?"

Adrian shrugs, "I don't know."

"I think it would be good for you dude. Adrian, Marinette fell in love with you because you gave her your umbrella and you were genuine when you told her it wasn't you who put that gum on her seat. She fell in love with you because you were nice to her. She didn't want anything to do with you at first."

Adrian smirks, "nobody did."

Nino rolls his eyes, "missing my point, Adrian. You want someone who doesn't love you because of who you are. Marinette is that girl. Want to know something?"

Adrian nods, so Nino continues, "you aren't the only one who never had friends. I was so afraid of Chloe that I avoided everyone. And Everyone avoided Marinette because if you talked to her, Chloe was coming after you. So I guarantee she never had feelings like this before for another guy and right now where she isn't entirely healthy. In fact, If I didn't know better I would be warning you to stay away from that loco chick. Borderline obessive stalker. But I know the whole story and I really would love to see her world light up. If you would just give her the time of day... I mean, since Ladybug isn't given you the time, you should think about trying something with Marinette."

Adrian bites his bottom lip, "I never really thought about everyone before I came to school. It was that bad?"

Nino nods, "but it's not like you were living something better. Maybe worse than us dealing with that school witch."

Adrian asks, "you promise me if I were to ask Marinette out she would say yes?"

Nino smirks, "no. She's gonna say, "what? no, I mean yes. I mean only if you want to. I don't like that. I mean I do..."

Adrian starts laughing, "okay I get it."

Everyone wants to make Marinette out to be crazy and a stalker. They all forget that she is socially inept just like Adrian. I went a little extreme with this story because I can't help myself. I'm a fangirl who loves angst. I felt the show did not do the origin story justice. But stop calling Marinette a stalker just cause she "stalks" Adrian. She's awkward and doesn't know how to deal with these feelings. A real stalker is someone who follows and HARASS the people they are stalking. They make the people they are stalking uncomfortable. But Adrian doesn't feel uncomfortable with Marinette and still considers her his friend. And she has genuine feelings for him. Sure she crosses the line sometimes, but it's not stalking. It's like the fake cases of D.I.D. going around on Tic Tok. People use words and broad definitions for these words but do not understand the psychology behind these words.

^I had to go a little deeper in-depth with this because I already got a teenager messaging me pretending they were grown telling me I'm not old enough to understand.

And at the end of the day, let's remember it is fiction. And it's animated.

Should I do part two with Adrian being super clingy with his new girlfriend? Because I see him being overly affectionate. Cuuutte!