Miraculous Civil War

Chapter 2: A New Family

Adrien Agreste took his very best friend, Nino to the boiler room, where he moments ago revealed his identity to his best friend. Sure, it was breaking Ladybug's rules, but why would he care anymore? Either way, it was just between these two best friends.

He explained to Nino that from his own father neglecting him, abusing him, framing his friends, calling them "bad influences" and now, Ladybug is not calling him into action for the team. And she keeps secrets away from him.

He thought so too, but it turned out that he was wrong. Ladybug's new Guardian duty changed her and she'd claim she wanted to protect him from getting Akumatized.

"What?" asked Nino, "But you've both never been Akumatized."

"Exactly." said Adrien.

"So, what now?"

The Model then thought of the idea that he was going to work alone from now on. Like a "lone wolf" as Nino asked.

"Of course." Adrien nodded.

He was done with Ladybug, with her secrets. He was sick of her being so distant. Nino then pointed out that being a superhero's about taking responsibility, not grabbing her attention.

"She and I were supposed to be partners." said Adrien, "I'll prove I can handle myself."

"This could cause bad consequences for your reputation." Nino warned.

That seemed to have caused Adrien to pause for a moment.  He then nodded, maybe he could do something.

"I'll take some time to think." said the Model.

...

The next day, Adrien stood wearily in front of Collège Françoise Dupont, his high school. He felt down today. Or really, he's been feeling down for the past freaking week.

He couldn't take it. He just couldn't take this stupid job anymore. Or really, he just couldn't take His Lady, Ladybug, anymore. All she ever is is just being secretive towards him. Why did he even think about loving her at this point?

...

Just about most of the day went uneventfully. That was until Adrien bumped into someone when he was in a supposedly more "quiet" area where he could hopefully and possibly blow out some steam.

He was in his deepest thoughts that were interrupted once he found himself bumping into Kim. Instead of just taunting him, the big boy just stood there, looking at the Model in concern.

"Huh?" asked Adrien, "S-Sorry."

"It's alright." said Kim.

The Model looked up at Kim, confused. He was always so arrogant and rude most of the time. Since when did he ever apologize? He could see that Nino, Ivan, and even Chloe were behind Kim.

"Wh-What is this?" asked Adrien, "Some kind of celebration?"

"We're concerned about you, Adrien." said Chloe.

"Yeah, Adrien." Nino agreed.

"You...haven't been yourself for some time." Ivan added.

Adrien was so surprised. Already quite a few people have noticed his sudden change in attitude. And he was usually and always good with masking his feelings. Was he just finally slipping? Or did he just suck at that since the beginning and everyone felt pity for him and pretended that its been working all this time.

And also, the huge fact that Chloe's not calling him, "Adrikins" and Nino not saying, "man" or "bro." They were serious. They were not kidding around with him. And Kim's seriousness, man, is that something apparently new.

"I-I'm just...stressed from work, you know?" Adrien lied.

"We've seen that before." Nino disagreed.

"Yeah, you'd counter it in seconds." Ivan added.

"This...this is something new." said Chloe.

"Come one, Adrien.  Tell them what you told me.  We're your friends."

How could Adrien most possibly figure out an excuse on this one? He can't risk his identity as Cat Noir. Well, however, Ladybug seemed to be best friends with Rena Rouge, aka Alya, and Ladybug didn't want anyone to know who he was.

Heck, she even told Viperion.

He might as well do it himself. If Ladybug was going to be ironic and just break her own rules, he might as well break them too.

"Listen...I'm..." Adrien finally spoke then paused, "...you know what, let me just show you."

The Model could already tell that some of his friends were forming theories in their brains. And they're most certainly right, assuming that they're following his mind. But then again, who could think like him.

Nino placed a hand on his shoulder, smiling at his best friend deciding to be honest with him. Kim wrapped his arms around Chloe and Ivan, who wrapped his huge arms around everyone like a father hugging his small family with a big heart.

Adrien then smiled with confidence.

"Plagg...claws in." he commanded.

"On it, Adrien!" shouted the Kwami.

At first, Adrien thought that the Kwami of Destruction was about to protest. However, it seemed that Plagg was going to trust his Chosen on this one, unless he wanted this too.

Hardly anyone looked surprised. No one looked angry that their Model, Adrien Agreste, was the flirtatious Cat Noir, especially Chloe and Nino. Those two both knew that somewhere underneath that kind and caring heart of Adrien Agreste, was a side that wanted to be let out, a side that Adrien was truly convinced was the "true side" of him.

"Well, look at that." Ivan chuckled.

"Our Adrien Agreste," said Nino, "protector of Paris. With the power of destruction..."

"...and the durability of a punching bag," Kim quipped, "and a true hero."

"That's my Adrikins!" said Chloe.

She kissed Adrien's cheek as he transformed back before he could be found out by anyone else. At least these people accepted him for who he truly is. The boy just hoped that Chloe would grow up thanks to this, however, chances of that are a hundred to one, so most likely no.

This is proof that the secret identity thing wasn't necessary between Ladybug and Cat Noir. They could be stronger together. They could help each other with each other's problems.

"Thanks guys." said Adrien.

"No, thank you, kid." said Kim, "Thanks for trusting us."

"You're welcome. You're always welcome."

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