"I'm going to study for that Science test," Alya laughs. "I'm so going to fail if I don't!"

"Same," Marinette says. "Help me out?"

"Sure," Alya laughs. "What are best friends for?"

The two girls head off, and Nino turns to Adrien.

"What Science test?"

Now it's Adrien's turn to laugh.

"Ms. Mendeleiev's Science test?" Adrien tries. "She told us two weeks ago."

"Oh, you're kidding," Nino groans. "I'm going to fail."

"No, you won't!" Adrien assures him. "It's really easy. Just pages 61-78 in the textbook."

"Pfft, just," Nino scoffs. "That's, like..."

Nino pauses.

"Eighteen?" Adrien suggests, after doing the mental math a split second faster than his friend.

"Eighteen pages!" Nino agrees. "I can't remember all that!"

"I'd offer to help you study," Adrien says, "but I've got a photoshoot tonight and the test is first thing tomorrow."

"No problem," Nino says. "I'll do it myself, no biggie."

"Sure?" Adrien asks, feeling like a horrible friend.

"It's not an issue, dude," Nino says. "I can do it. Any other tests I don't know about?"

"I'm assuming you know about the Maths test on Friday?" Adrien checks, and laughs when Nino's eyes widen. "I'm joking, dude. Not even Ms. Mendeleiev would have a test last on Heroes Day."

"Don't mention it around her," Nino says. "I'm not as sure."

Adrien laughs.

"Are you busy over the weekend, by any chance?" Nino asks, changing the subject. Adrien wishes he hadn't.

"I'm so sorry," Adrien says, and Nino's face falls. He hides it soon after, but the slip is obvious.

"Oh, it's no problem," Nino assures him. "Call me when you can hang out, yeah?"

"Yeah," Adrien sighs. "I'm really sorry, Nino, my dad-"

"I get it," Nino says. "It's not your fault. I'll see you in Maths, I guess."

"See you," Adrien says as the end of break bell rings. He can't help feeling horrible. He's Nino's best friend, and can never give him any of his spare time because of his dad. And there's nothing he could do.

Except, of course, ask LadyBug's advice.

ChatNoir: hey lb

LadyBug: hey chat. u wanting to make a new ep?

ChatNoir: i mean now u mention it

ChatNoir: but i also want your advice

LadyBug: oh how the tables have turned

LadyBug: go ahead, chat

Adrien almost types about himself.

Then he changes his mind.

ChatNoir: i know someone, and his friend has a really overprotective father. and he ends up spending a lot of his time at home because his best friend is never able to spend time with him

ChatNoir: opinion on what i should do? i feel really bad, and im sure his best friend does too, because there's literally nothing they can do

LadyBug: yeah, i see what you mean. nothing you can do, i don't think

Adrien sighs.

ChatNoir: thats what i thought. it's not cool, he doesn't even get any recognition. he's just a solid friend and no one notices

LadyBug: is he on miraculous?

ChatNoir: ya. heard of carapace?

LadyBug: oh yeah. do u want to invite him to be a kwami?

Adrien stares at the screen. The last two times, it was him.

It's a slight relief, to have it be LadyBug this time.

ChatNoir: omg that would make his day

And also give him something to boast about to Alya, which would probably make Nino's day even better.

ChatNoir: i'll message him. thanks, mlady!!

LadyBug: no problem, chaton

Adrien grins. He isn't following Carapace, because everyone would want to know why he was following one, random person. Including Nino himself. He doesn't want to search through the thousands of followers, so he searches. Carapace comes up immediately, and Adrien clicks the Private Message button.

ChatNoir: hey dude

Normally, Adrien would never message this to someone, but it's Nino. He knows he's comfortable with the use of dude, and it'll make him feel more at home.

Carapace: hey, chatnoir. im honoured and all, but why are you messaging me

Adrien laughs.

ChatNoir: keep it on the down-low, but im buddies with one of your buddies. i mentioned it to ladybug, we've decided to make a kwami inspired by you

Carapace: seriously, dude? you've got to be kidding!! that's so awesome, thank you!!

Carapace: wait what did u mention to ladybug. i havent done anything special

Adrien smiles. Oh, how wrong Nino is.

ChatNoir: on the contrary. you're a great friend. you're always supporting your friends, even if they can't give back to you. on behalf of everyone, we're trying to give back

ChatNoir: after all, friendship is one of the main things tikki and plagg value, if not THE main one

Carapace: thats so nice of you. thank you, dude

ChatNoir: no problem. get ready for your episode!

He switches chats, and see a message from LadyBug.

LadyBug: ive started the episode. because it's based on carapace protecting his friends, i thought we could base this episode on the most common fear: spiders

ChatNoir: best idea yet

The next day at school is entertaining.

"Nino! You're Carapace, right?"

Nino nods. The entire class is gathered around his table.

"What did you do to get LadyBug to notice you?" Rose asks. Alya, who's sitting by Marinette behind Nino, leans over. It's easy for Adrien to get around the group and into his seat.

"Apparently one of my friends told ChatNoir that I was a solid friend and wished he could do something to give back!"

Alya stares at her boyfriend.

"Are you saying one of your friends knows ChatNoir's real identity?"

"Probably," Nino says, and Alya's pointed gaze directs everyone to Adrien.

"Adrien, do you know who ChatNoir is?" Alya asks. Adrien looks at her, eyes wide open in innocence.

"Me? I don't have the faintest clue," he says, shrugging. "It must be a different friend, it definitely wasn't me."

Alya scowls.

"But, whoever it was," Adrien says to Nino, "they were right."

[A/N: #recognitionfornino. The next chapters will be the finale of S2, and I'm going to be rewriting/adding chapters for Season 3, now that the entire season has been released]