Does he remember?

Chapter Twenty-One

"Oh, okay", Marinette glanced over at Adrien, who was wide-eyed. They all four sat at the table, Alya and Nino staring at the two seated across them. 

"So", Nino began. "This is fun. The four of us back together. This really, truly, brings me back to the cafeteria days. Remember those?"

"Um", Adrien and Marinette exchanged a side glance. "Yes, we do."

"Just tell us you're in love and be done with it", Alya shrugged.

"Why don't I just tell you I'm Chat Noir, and be done with it", Adrien smiled slightly.

Alya almost choked on her food, grabbing onto Nino's wrist. "Babe, you heard that too, right?"

"Is there ever a day where it's going to be NORMAL?" Nino's hand flew to his face, rubbing his temples. 

Alya's laugh was fake, filling the silence. "You're joking, that's funny. Tell me you're joking. You're joking, right?"

Adrien simply shook his head. Marinette covered her face with her hands. Nino stared off into space. Alya was trying to process everything. Emma watched TV without a care in the world.

"So", Marinette began, her eyes closed as she racked her brain on how to explain everything. "Yeah, I didn't think we'd be saying this today. But, yes it's true."

"You're Chat Noir, and you didn't tell us?" Alya hissed. 

"More importantly, you didn't tell me?" Nino pointed to himself. 

Alya sighed. "Oh, oh my gosh. I cannot believe I'm sitting diagonal from Chat Noir right now. And- Oh my gosh it's making sense. You left for 5 years, he left for 5 years. My gosh, Nino help me."

"What do you want me to do?" Nino shrugged. "I'm just as shocked as you are. I just thought we were eating dinner, man."

"Listen, I needed to tell you two. I've already told her", Adrien referenced to Marinette. "I needed to say something because...I need your help. We need your help."

"We?" Nino questioned. The silence told him the answer, and his gaze slowly made its way to Marinette. "Don't tell me..."

Marinette waved. Nino about fell off of his seat.

"Okay, I'm done", Nino was about to stand up and leave, but Alya stopped him. "Wait, wait a minute. You knew, didn't you?"

"Of course I knew, we're best friends", Alya scrunched her eyebrows, confused that he'd even question that.

"Hear that, Adrien? She told her because they're best friends. Somehow, you forgot to tell me, right?" Nino crossed his arms. 

"Wait, Alya knows about you?" Adrien pointed from Nino to Marinette.

"Oh, boy. This is giving me a headache", Marinette rubbed her temples. Adrien placed a reassuring hand on her back, grazing it to give her comfort. 

"I'm sorry-", Alya waved her hands. "Are we supposed to be seeing this, too?"

"See what?" Nino questioned. 

"Are we in the same room?" Alya grabbed Nino's chin, tugging him in the direction of them two. "So, that's why you two were all lovey-dovey. Because you two are back together, aren't you?"

"Hence why we need your help", Adrien tried calming them down. "We need to do something about Monarch, my father."

Nino stared at him, expression blank, before turning his head toward Alya's. "May I be excused from the table?"

"Let me get this straight. You're Chat Noir", Alya settled her eyes on him. Adrien nodded. "And Monarch is Gabriel Agreste." Adrien nodded again. "So, what you're saying is Chat Noir is the son of Monarch?"