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Things started to really seem weird when Nino didn't hear an answer to the joke he’d just told. It was a dumb comment, nothing too elaborate, but usually, anything said in that joking tone would get at least a chuckle in acknowledgment.
It was the way the two boys found to get closer, having seen the number of times they went out on patrols as a team. Ladybug and Rena Rouge had created a strong bond, one that Nino didn't quite understand where it came from (Alya refused to give details, begging the boy not to insist. It's not my secret to tell , the girl had explained. Nino had not liked the answer, but granted the request.)
And he wasn't the only one who found the sudden friendship between the two girls intriguing. Nino could see the confusion clear as day in his feline mate's green eyes. Something had happened between those two, something big, and neither side was willing to spill it. Thus, the two were bound to mystery, finding in each other an unexpected comfort and, consequently, a new lasting friendship.
Or at least Nino thought that was what had happened. Now, with the heavy silence and empty eyes of Chat Noir, he wasn't so sure anymore.
"Chat?" he called, approaching the boy and placing a hand on his shoulder in what he hoped was a comforting gesture. The other hero seemed to recoil from the touch, eyes fixed on the ground. Nino took his hand away. “You... Are you okay, man?”
Chat Noir opened his mouth to respond, then closed it again. His gaze seemed even more lost as if searching for answers on the roof floor. He let a long breath escape his mouth, posture still uncertain.
Nino just watched him, trying his best not to pressure him. Something was upsetting his friend, that was clear, the question was what.
“Can we go somewhere else?” Chat Noir finally answered. He looked nervous, Nino noticed, as if he was waiting for something bad to happen.
“Sure” Nino replied promptly “Where do you wanna go?”
"The most secluded place possible" Chat Noir replied. He bit his lip, looking around. His eyes rested on a large building in the distance: the Eiffel Tower. “You coming with me?”
Nino just nodded. The two heroes raced across the roofs of Paris, the strong, icy wind enveloping them both. It didn't take them long to reach their destination.
Chat Noir took them to one of the highest areas, where Paris was nothing more than a blur of lights. The wind was even colder there, but Nino didn't care. Chat Noir seemed to want to say something and he was willing to do whatever it took to listen.
A few moments passed, absolute silence not being possible only due to the wind.. The boys looked at each other anxiously, legs dangling free as they sat on the metal beams.
Finally, Chat Noir allowed himself to speak:
"I know it's you, Nino." He said.
Nino knew he hadn't hidden his surprise well. His face was stuck in an almost comical expression, eyes wide and mouth open. Ladybug would probably prefer if he was to deny it, to try to pretend there was some mistake. Nino, however, had the impression that lying would totally worsen their already delicate situation.
He took a deep breath, composing himself. Besides Ladybug, Chat Noir was the most reliable person in Paris, so it was ok that he knew. Nino looked back at his friend. He had that look again, as if he expected something bad to happen. Nino refused to validate that fear.
“How do you know?” Nino asked. His tone was calm and gentle. A clear warning: I'm not angry
Now it was Chat Noir's turn to look surprised. He watched Nino warily and then seemed to consider the question. Nino didn't rush him, focusing on keeping his posture open, gentle, amicable.
After a few seconds, which felt like hours, Chat Noir finally allowed himself to speak.
"You told me," he admitted.
Nino frowned, confused. He didn't remember telling the feline hero that. The only people who knew were Ladybug, Alya and…
Nino's eyes widened.
“...Adrien?”
A bright green light flashed on top of the Eiffel Tower, leaving behind the child model Adrien Agreste, wearing the same sad green eyes as Chat Noir.
"Adrien," Nino repeated, this time with more urgency. Guilt weighed in his stomach like rocks.
"Do you really find me annoying?" Adrien whispered, voice low enough to almost be blown away by the wind. Almost.
Nino heard them and the rocks in his stomach doubled in weight. He moved forward, enveloping the other boy in a hug.
Out of the corner of his eye, he could see a small shadow, like a kitten, on his friend's shoulder. A kwami, he imagined, like Wayzz. The creature stared at him suspiciously but made no move to demand that Nino back off.
“I don't find you annoying” Nino finally replied “I’ve never found you annoying. As Chat Noir or Adrien. That was just jealousy talking. I was just angry, I-” The rocks seemed to move. Nino wanted to throw up “God, Adrien, I was a complete asshole to you” He shifted, adjusting his position so he could look into Adrien's eyes as he spoke the next sentence “Can you forgive me?”
"Of course I can Nino!” Adrien replied quickly and with no hesitation in his words “ I just want to be your friend”
Nino took a deep breath, trying to calm his own emotions that seemed to want to overflow. This was not the time, he had to focus on Adrien.
"I'll always be your friend," Nino promised, sincerity clear in his voice. " Always ."
Adrien hugged him tighter.
Nino felt the tears before he heard the sobs that accompanied them, but didn't make any comment, deciding to just let his friend, his best friend , let out what he needed to let out.
Up there, at the top of the Tower, no one else could bother them.