Emotional Support [Complete]

S2 E 24: Flat Line

Cat Noir rushed to the hospital, detransforming before heading inside. He found Alya and Chloé sitting in a melancholy silence. Adrien sat between them. No one said anything. It wasn't until Adrien realized Alya had been crying that he felt the need to say something. But, Adrien wasn't sure how to make it better at the moment. Especially after hearing what the master had told him. And although they consider each other close friends, or "BFFs," as Alya likes to say, they've never really had a heart to heart or emotional conversation about anything. Adrien wasn't even sure how to go about this. Should he ask if she's okay? Of course, she's not. Her best friend is dying; she must be torn up about it. Should he just hug her? Or ask first? Maybe she wouldn't even accept comfort at the moment. Adrien cringed at his inability to know what to do. This is what got everyone into these circumstances. Adrien really is just a dumb five-year-old with so much more than 'mommy issues.' Everything is his fault. Adrien shook off those thoughts as it was not helping anyone, and turned to look back at Alya, holding out his arms. 

"Can I give you a hug?"

Alya cracked a saddened smile and pulled Adrien close, holding his head protectively. "It'll be okay, Adrien."

Adrien frowned. Alya was trying to comfort him. Why does Adrien always find himself being comforted? He doesn't even deserve it.

"I was trying to make you feel better, Alya."

"I know, Adrien," Alya chuckled over a sob. "But you're crying right now, and I don't think you've even noticed it."

Adrien gasped as he just now realized the hot tears on his cheeks and his blurred vision as he again opened his eyes. He blushed, ashamed of taking any form of comfort when he's to blame.

"I'm sorry, Alya." Adrien sobbed. "I'm so sorry!"

Alya held him tighter. "It's okay. We're all a little emotional right now. We've all had an awful night."

"No, Alya, you're supposed to be mad at me! For-For hurting her! For causing this!" He pulled away from her. "You're supposed to hit me on the head, and say 'What the hell is wrong with you, Agreste?' Like you've done every time Nino or I were being stupid for the last three years!"

"Hey, hey, hey. Calm down."--Adrien quieted-- "At first, I was going to, but you don't deserve any more pain than you've already endured. Besides," Alya poked a bruise on Adrien's head to which he winced, "looks like my girl already beat me to it. If Black Blood did this to you, it would have healed. She must've hit you while she was still Mari."

"She took my own advice..." Adrien chuckled. "I told her that the guy she's in love with was really dumb and that she should smack him in the head and say 'I'm in love with you, you dense idiot!'"

Alya snorted. "And she did exactly that. Wow."

Adrien looked down. "I really am dumb and dense. I hurt her, and n-now she might..."