- Warning! This story has spoilers in it for what happened in the Puppeteer 2 program.

- I only own the story, nothing else.

Chapter 1. The Aftermath

Back in his bedroom, Adrien is downcast because he knows Marinette's feelings were hurt and he thinks it's probably his fault. Being Adrien, he doesn't know how or why, he just knows she's unhappy so he's unhappy and wondering if he did something wrong.

So, he turns to that ray of optimism known as Plagg and talks to him about it. "You saw how unhappy Marinette was when we dropped her off at her home, right? It must have been something I said, or maybe the wax statue joke I played on her is a part of it. What do you think"?

Plagg looks at him and replies, "Let's review. She tells you all those things about having a crush on you and even tries to kiss you, right? And then tries to deny it after she finds out it was the real you, right? Did you buy that explanation? Or are you that dense"?

Adrien considers that but has a difficult time accepting it. "Well, I'm probably am that dense, but it's hard for me to believe that somebody likes me that much. For just me I mean, who I am instead of a pretty face on a billboard."

"Why is that, kid? Outside of being a little dense, you're not a bad guy. You're not mean to anybody, and you want to help people and even risk your health and even your life to do that." Plagg ponders the thought and continues, "In the eyes of many, that makes you a hero".

"Hero, schmero, who cares?" Adrien replies. "I guess I don't know enough about relating to people, especially girls. Who am I going to go to for help and advice? My father? I think not, most times he doesn't even have dinner with me. Nathalie? I don't think so."

"So, who can you go to?" asks Plagg. "got to be somebody, Ladybug maybe".

Adrien thinks it over, and says, "Nope, she's dead set on protecting our secret identities, and I'd probably divulge enough information that she'd figure out who I am under the mask. And then she'd be really mad at me, and I don't need that. Nino would be my next best choice, I guess. Woulda been Marinette, but I think I blew that possibility out of the water today."

"Well then, give Nino a try and see what happens," replies Plagg.

"Hopefully he'll keep his mouth shut, he tells his girlfriend everything. And she's Marinette's BFF, so it'll get back to her. But maybe that isn't a bad thing, come to think of it". Adrien makes up his mind to talk to Nino tomorrow, then looks over at his kwami.

"Okay, worth a shot. Wanna go on patrol looking some bad guys? Maybe a little fresh air would do us both some good".

"What would do me some good is a big slice of Camembert cheese. Gotta keep my strength you know, for all this romantic planning". This from Plagg, of course.

"Let's save that for later. Claws out"!

Shiiiiiit"!