Nino was walking by the park, grooving to his beats when he saw Adrien alone on one of the park benches in the park near his father's statue.
Oh, that's right. Gabriel had passed nearly a year ago. Though Nino had never cared for Mr. Agreste, he did care for Adrien. Maybe a Starbucks would make him feel better? Adrien loved their Strawberry Swirl as it reminded him of Ladybug.
Happy with his choices, Nino lifted his headphones and bopped his way to the local coffee shop. "Hey, Nino!" one of the baristas smiled and waved when he was at the front counter. "Where's that buddy of yours?" Nino pushed his glasses up. "Oh, you mean my man, Adrien? I think he's missing his mom and dad right now. I'm buying him a drink to make him feel better."
"That's sweet. The world needs more best buds like you. Now, what is one of Adrien's favorite things?" Nino glanced around, then leaned on the counter, dropping his voice to a whisper. "He likes ladybugs." "Like, the superhero? Or in actual ladybugs?" Nino shrugged. "Both I guess." The sever grins and winked. "Gotcha. I'll call you when your drinks are ready. Your having your usual, right?" "But I haven't even paid yet!" "This one's one me!"
Adrien was still in the park when Nino arrived, and he hoped he wasn't interrupting. "Um, Adrien?" Adrien looked up, smiling a soft smile when he saw Nino. He sniffed and rubbed his eyes. "Hi, sorry." "I got you a drink. Thought it might make you feel better."
Adrien's expression changed from sad to surprise. "Wow, that's so nice. Have a seat, man."
So, the two best buds chatted as they sipped their drinks until Aunt Amile told him to come home for supper. Nino helped him up then bumped knuckles.
The hand of friendship is a wonderful thing, Adrien thought as he walked home and he was very glad to have Nino has a true friend.