Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

It was just another regular day at Miraculous High. All the students rushed through the halls just to get to their individual classes others didn't have classes so they decided to just hang out with friends around the halls of the school as well as outside.

Nathaniel Kurtzberg was a junior attending Miraculous High. He's usually a quiet person and keeps to himself but his drawings are what makes him known. They were so accurate and so detailed that they were famous amongst the art club.

"Good Morning Nathaniel!" Looking up, Nathaniel saw one of his friends Marinette smiling brightly. She was a lovable person, with a great personality, who also designs her own fashion nothing too big but you get the idea. Although, she is clumsy from time to time.

"M-Morning Marinette.." He answered back. Nathaniel has had a crush on Marinette forever now but he knew his chances would never play out as he liked them to be. You see Marinette has been dating Adrien for two years now and by the looks of it, they are meant to be. Like fate.

She smiled at him before running up to her bestie, Alya, and hugging her before sitting down as the teacher walked in.

"Good Morning students!" Mr. Josh announced before walking in. He smiled placing his papers that he had been holding down on the desk before taking attendance of the said class.

"Alright time to start."

"Marinette?"

"Here!"

"Chloe?"

"I'm right here.." she answered with sass.

Mr. Josh just rolled his eyes playfully before continuing.

"Max?"

"Here!"

"Kim?"

"Here man!"

"Sabrina?"

"H-Here."

"Nathaniel?"

"R-Right h-here." The red-haired boy answered shyly.

"Adrien?"

"Right here, sir!"

So that continued until he got every last student checked off as here well all except one.

"Class before we start our lecture I want to introduce you to someone that will start attending this school tomorrow. So please make him feel at home and be nice to him.." he looked at Chloe, "I'm talking about you, Ms. Bourgeois."

"But sir, I'm a kind individual."

Everyone burst out laughing including the teacher.

"Hey!" Chloe blushed in embarrassment.

"Like we believe you, Chloe!" Max laughed out, jokingly.

"That enough everyone." Mr. Josh smiled playfully. "Like I said please make this student feel at home. But let me put this out there."

Everyone stopped talking and paid attention to what their teacher had to say next.

"He's a very shy and nervous individual. Please don't pressure him to do anything he doesn't like."

"Yes sir!"

"Alright then." Mr. Josh walked out of the classroom and entered again with a small boy wearing a red hoodie. His hair was the color of midnight blue and his eyes were the color of bright green limes that could hypnotize you if you looked deeply within them.

"H-Hi.." he said in a small and shy voice. Everyone smiled. Marinette was the first to go up and stand next to the boy.

"Hello I'm Marinette Dupain-Cheng, and welcome to Miraculous High!" She cheerfully said. "You might not get used to it at first but let me just tell you this school isn't like any other school. Our teachers actually try to have fun with us and we rarely get any homework! And we also have amazing clubs to join if you ever feel like joining that is." She smiled.

"T-that sounds g-great."

Marinette giggled at how shy the new boy was. She remembered how she was always like that around Adrien before they became a couple.

"Come on. Introduce yourself." Mr. Josh calmly said. The boy looked at him and nodded hesitantly.

"N-Nice to meet you all. M-My name is M-Marc Anciel." He bowed his head.

"Nice you meet you, Marc!" Everyone in the room shouted except for one particular person.

"Good, now that everything is settled we'll need someone to show Marc around. Any volunteers?" Everyone raises their hand. Marinette smiled as she went back to her seat talking to Alya once more.

Mr. Josh searched the room and got ready to pick when he saw one person not paying attention.

"Nathaniel." He froze dropping his pencil.

"Y-Yes, sir?" He asked looking up.

"You are assigned to show Marc around school today so he'll be ready tomorrow."

"Y-Yes, sir." Nathaniel bowed his head and continued back to what he was doing before. The teacher smiled brightly.

"Marc go sit in the empty seat next to Nathaniel so it's easier for him to help you out for now." Marc Nodded before taking a seat next to Nathaniel. Green lime eyes watched as Nathaniel sketched on a piece of paper.

"Wow, you are so talented!" Marc yelled in a whisper. Nathaniel tensed turning his head to glance at Marc, seeing the boy was smiling with his eyes wide with amazement.

"Um.. thanks." Nathaniel blushed embarrassed. He returned to sketch as Marc watched him closely.

"Ok class let's get back to learning what we had yesterday." Everyone groaned making the teacher laugh, "who can tell me what they learned yesterday?" He asked as all the kids jumped up with their hands raised in the air.

"Chloe yes?"

"We learned how society changed over time. From those who were put to forced labor but now it's equal. Everyone has a place in the world as equals."

"Great job Ms. Bourgeois." Mr. Josh clapped.

The day went like that. He would as students what they had learned and they would answer him what they knew. Marc felt the class environment grow to a calming and relaxing one.

"You'd love it here." Nathaniel grabbed Marc's attention as he spoke. Green lime met sky blue ones.

"Really?"

Nathaniel nodded. "Course. Everyone is so nice. Chloe could be sassy but when you get to know her really well she's really nice, at points." Marc giggled, "I doubt that but thanks for the heads up." He smiled.

Nathaniel smiled as well before turning to the teacher and listening to the lecture. Marc starred at Nathaniel with the corner of his eyes before blushing slightly as he turned his attention to the lecture to get his mind off him.

Chapter Text

After class was over for the whole day Nathaniel thought it was time to show Marc around school, which was a good idea seeing that half the kids went home and half stayed to take extra classes or stayed for clubs.

"Follow me, Marc. Let me show you around campus." Marc shyly nodded, following Nathaniel. Nathaniel explained all the rules of the schools, lesson plans, the staff, how clubs worked, where the classes were located, etc...

"Wow, I never knew this school would be so big! It's nothing compared to the old one I went to." Nathaniel turned to look at Marc seeing his eyes wide with amazement.

"Well, that's because our school is the best in Paris!" Nathaniel proudly said.

"Nathaniel! What's up?!" Marc suddenly jumped and hid behind Nathaniel when a man with dark hair and blue tips appear before them wearing a guitar on his back.

"Hey, Luka! Is the music club starting?" Nathaniel with a smile. Luka nodded, "Sure is. Can't wait to practice the new music I've been working on." He proudly said. He froze looking at a kid behind Nathaniel he's never seen before.

"Hey is that the new kid?" The tomato-haired boy nodded.

"Sweet!" Luka happily said. "Hi, my name is Luka. What's yours?" He asked. Marc hid behind Nathaniel even more making him laugh.

"His name is Marc and he's a very shy individual."

"Oh, like you?"

"Yeah pretty much." Nathaniel shrugged.

"Nice meeting you. I hope we can get along this year." Luka smiled before running to his club room. Nathaniel waved goodbye before turning his attention back to Marc who was looking at his feet in a cute manner.

Cute?...did I just think he was cute?... I must be losing it. Marinette is who I like. Nathaniel thought watching the midnight-haired boy.

Sighing he ruffled his orange hair, "Come on Marc. I wanna show you the club I currently attend." Marc's head shot up with a small sweet smile.

"Ok." He quietly said. Following Nathaniel to his club room.

♤♤

"Nathaniel you finally made it!" Marinette screamed in happiness as she saw her friend finally walk into the club room.

"Sorry I was late. I was showing Marc around." Nathaniel smiled as did Marinette.

"That's very thoughtful Nathaniel." She patted his shoulder. She noticed Marc behind Nathaniel and her smile grew, "welcome Marc to the art club!"

"Art..club?" He asked.

"Yes, art club! This is a place where you can express who you are without anyone here judging you or anything. It's totally diverse here."

"That's right!" The teacher walked behind Marinette, placing a hand on her shoulder as he smiled at her and she at him.

"This place you can express yourself however you desire. The sky's the limit! Just look around you!" The teacher explained. Marc looked around seeing kids expressing themselves through music, art, graffiti, etc... he felt happy that even if he was new that he has a place where he can express his artistic side.

"Nathaniel here has been working on a comic about Heros and Villains. You should see his drawings!" Marinette stated.

Nathaniel blushed, "it isn't a big deal.." he said holding his art folder in his arms. "Nonsense! They are the best illustrations I have ever seen!" Marinette said, happily.

"I've seen just a snippet of them," Marc explained. He turned to Nathaniel, "may I see them? If you don't m-mind that is?"

He was so cute when he stutters Nathaniel though but quickly pushed the thought away and nodded as he gave his folder to Marc to see.

The moment Marc opened the folder in his hands he was amazed. Nathaniel's drawings were so...incredible. Marc saw a drawing of a superhero named Ladybug who wore a ladybug suit and had the powers of creation. He saw another drawing of her partner Chat Noir, who wore a black suit with cat ears and a belt for a tail. His power was destruction.

"Woah! These are so good!!!" Marc explained making Nathaniel blush.

"You're so artist Nathaniel, I wish I can be this amazing."

"What do you do as a hobby?" Nathaniel asked. Marc immediately turned back into his shy and stuttering self.

"I w-write stories..."

Marinette gasped, getting a great idea. She would make Nathaniel and Marc work together. With Nathaniel's art and Marc's storytelling, they could make a good book/comic.

"Guys! I just got the greatest idea!" She squealed, "why not let Marc help you with your story Nathaniel. You said you are having trouble coming up with good stories for your drawings, why not have Marc help out?"

Marc's eyes widened. He really wanted to do this with Nathaniel so he could get to know him a little more, but he wasn't sure his stories are all that great.

"S-Sure I c-can do t-that." He smiled shyly. He turned to Nathaniel who gave him an encouraging smile, "yeah, great idea Marinette! I'd be happy to work with Marc."

"Then it's settled." She proudly said. "Nathaniel and Marc will be working together! I expect it to blow the teacher's mind away!" She laughed. The teacher giggled walking away and talking to other students. Marinette gave the boys a nod and walked towards Rose who was listening and writing music.

"Well..."

"Hm."

Nathaniel swallowed, "I would like to read some of your stories if you'd let me that is?" Marc froze. No one has ever wanted to read his stories and now this blue-eyed boy did. A genuine smile rose to his lips, "Yes of course!"

Nathaniel smiled as well, "can't wait."

Chapter Text

Marc had been gladly welcomed to the Art club with open arms. Yet, he still feels like he somewhat doesn't belong. See these people have known each other for so long and he's just the new student that just walked in. He feels like he shouldn't even meet people this sweet, for all he knew they could be using him and his ideas, or maybe not?

Usually, the nice people scared Marc because they were to nice for his liking, but he liked Marinette and wanted to get to know her more. As for Nathaniel. Well he didn't know what to do with the tomato-haired boy. He felt an aching sensation towards him that he's never felt before and he's scared of what this sensation might get him into.

Sighing Marc started writing down the start of a new chapter for his story that he's been working on. He's still trying to come up with a title to go with his story but is having trouble. Suddenly he feels a tap on his shoulder. He looks over noticing Nathaniel standing over him, reading his story silently.

"Woah Marc! Your writing sounds amazing!" The tomato hair colored boy said while sitting next to him.

"Uh... thanks." Marc smiled. "I still haven't found a title for this book." He sadly stated.

"Need help finding one?" Marc smile grew, "yes! Thank you."

Nathaniel laughed, cutely making Marc blush.

"Anytime."

"So how's your day been?" Nathaniel asked, "I mean like you started a new school and all. How's the experience treating you?" Marc smiled closing his book and setting it on his lap. And looking around watching the kids goof around and all.

"Its been good. I'm really liking it here. Everyone is so nice and caring but that also makes me wary of things." The green eyed boy stated watching Max and Kim goof around.

Nathaniel looked at Marc, "what do you mean?"

"I don't know how to put it words..." Marc ruffled his hair before sighing, "it's just that I don't feel like I belong here. Look at everyone they're all one big family but I just feel like I'm the outcast of the school." Marc confessed. Nathaniel nervously laughed, "yeah I feel you there being the shy kid doesn't come easy, but you'll get the hang of it in no time!" Nathaniel smiled brightly letting Marc know that everything's going to be alright.

Marc brought him lime eyes and stared at Nathaniel's icy blue ones.

"You're a good friend!"

Cute...

Nathaniel blushed before rubbing his arm nervously," thank you."

♤♤

School had officially ended for the day and everyone was currently going home or hanging out with friends. Marc sat by himself on the stairway admiring everyone. Suddenly, he felt a tap on his shoulder he turned seeing it was Marinette.

"Hey Marc!" She cheerfully said. Sitting beside him. "Hey Marinette!" He cheerfully replied.

"How's school for your first day?" She asked hugging her knees, cheerfully. Marc laughed gently, "it's actually not that bad. People here are really nice and diverse makes me feel at ease."

"That's good!" She smiled. "Your enjoying yourself, right?"

Marc nodded happily.

"Yeah I am. I'm thankful I have a friend like you and Nathaniel around or I'd probably make a fool of myself on the spot." He laughed. Marinette smiled, "Hey how 'bout I introduce you to Adrien my boyfriend?"

"Sure!"

Marinette smiled. She looked up seeing Adrien walk out of a classroom, "Adrien!" She yelled out catching his attention. He waved to her and she motioned for him to come and join her.

"Hey bugaboo what's up?" He asked kissing her on the cheek. She giggled a little before answering, "meet our new student."

Adrien looked at Marc, "hey nice to finally talk to you!" He smiled, "names Adrien."

Marc laughed shyly, "yeah Marinette ralks a lot about you." Marc stated making Adrien blush from embarrassment.

"Aww my kitty is blushing!"

Marc laughed at their childish behavior. Adrien, Marinette and him talked for a while before they went their separate ways. Marc sighed, before getting up and started to walk out of the school but not before someone grabbed his shoulder.

"Hey!" Marc jumped as he turned around to see Luka, panting.

"H-Hi?" Marc looked confused at the dark haired boy.

"I caught you just in time." Luka ran a hand through his hair making the blue tips move restlessly. "Nathaniel said he wanted you to go to the art room for something." Luka stated.

Marc relaxed after hearing Nathaniels name, "r-really, um..thank yo..you." Marc bowed politely walking to the art rooms direction. Luka just looked at him before sighing, "I hope they get together soon." he muttered to himself as he walked out of the campus.

Marc soon arrived at the art room seeing that it was empty except for a certain tomato haired boy standing as he was drawing something on a wall. Marc walked in, closing the door behind him.

"Hey what did you need?" The dark-haired boy asked as his lime eyes stared at the blue-eyed boy.

"Oh, you're here! Good!" Nathaniel rushed over to him and pulled him towards a desk. Marc noticed that he had green paint on the side of his cheek which made him look cuter than ever.

"What do you think?" Nathaniel asked. He picked up a drawing of two people one in a catsuit and one in a ladybug suit. Marc looked at them in awe as he grabbed them to examine the details even better.

"Oh wow!" Marc said, amazement playing in his lime-like eyes. Nathaniel blushed red as he saw Marc's reaction to his drawings.

"So...what do you think?" Marc looked up with a sparkle in his eyes and a bright smile, "you have to ask! They are amazing Nathaniel!"

"T-Thanks." Nathaniel's blush grew, "t-they are for y-your st..story."

Marc looked at him with shock in his eyes. He was so awestruck that he didn't even know what to say at that very moment.

He's probably going to deny them anyways they're not even that good...

"Um..if you don't like the character design I can make new ones." Nathaniel turned around, embarrassed. He wanted to do something special for the boy but he guessed he didn't do a good job at it.

Suddenly he felt a heavyweight on him, arms around his neck as Marc jumped on him happily.

"Yes, yes, yes!!! They are amazing Nathaniel! Thank you, thank you!!" Marc said hugging Nathaniel from the back. Nathaniel just looked at him, "Are they any good?" He asked. Marc nodded, "they are PERFECT!" Nathaniel soon grew flustered.

"Now we just need a title for the book." Marc said, letting go of Nathaniel and grabbing his bag to take out his book that currently reads 'Untitled' and places it on the long table.

Nathaniel came and walked beside him, "you'll think of something." He placed a hand on the boy's shoulder.

"I hope it's soon!" He laughed.

Chapter Text

After Marc met up with Nathaniel he had gone home to the small apartment he's been staying in. His parents would always go overseas just for work so they have rented a "small" enough apartment for him to stay at while they're away.

Its gets lonely though, Marc always wanted his family to be there for him. Maybe talk here and there but that wasn't going to cut it. He knew if his parents didn't work he wouldn't be where he is right now.

Marc sighed throwing his bag on the counter and getting a snack from the cabinet then sitting down on a small couch. It was so quiet that he could almost hear crickets silently chirping.

He took out his phone and decided to call a friend over. He looked through his contacts but one contact caught his eye: Nathaniel.

They had exchanged contact information after their meet up in the art room.

He pressed Nathaniels' contact, placing the phone next to his ear as he heard it ring. Nathaniel picked up on the second ring.

Hello?

"Hey Nathaniel its Marc."

Oh Hey Marc how's it going?

"Fine I guess. Hey um..wanna come over and hang out? It's kinda lonely here." Marc asked crossing his finger, hoping that he'd say yes.

Sorry I can't buddy, how about tomorrow?  It's the  weekend and I won't have  anything  planned. Sound good?

"Yeah sure it's fine no biggy... um yeah you can come over tomorrow. How about around noon?"

Yeah sure thing! Sounds like a plan. Sorry again I couldn't make it today.

"Like I said it's fine. Well I guess you have things to do I'll leave you to them."

Thanks! Can't wait until tomorrow. Bye Marc!

"Bye Nathaniel." Marc ended the call and layed his head on the back of the couch. He sighed placing his hand over his head when he remembered a friend that he hasn't see in years lives in Paris. He quickly looked at his phone skimming through the amount of contacts when he saw the name he wanted.

"Jackpot!" He pressed it and placed the phone back against his ear. On the first ring they picked up.

Marc?

"How soon can you get to my place?"

Ten  minutes  tops. Need  something ?

"I'll text you my address."

Kool. can't wait to see you again bud.

"Same here." He ended the called texting his friend his address before closing his and placing it on the table before him. He silent waited for his friend to arrive so they could meet up.

"I should shower and change before they arrive." He mumbled to himself standing up and heading towards his room. He walked into his bathroom and started to strip before he closed and locked the door, of course. He opened the shower and stepped in feeling the warm water hit his skin as he mentally groaned. He felt the dirt wash away when he decided to start cleaning his body and hair.

He soon finished with showering and stepped out with a towel around his waist and one in his hair to dry it. He walked to his closet and peered through it finding a pair of gray joggers and a red hoodie. He changed soon hearing the door bell ring.

He opened the door seeing his old buddy, "Hey!" He cried, hugging Marc.  Closing the door, Marc hugged back and lead his friend into the living room.

"Wow man you still haven't changed." His friend had brown messy hair and green eyes. He wore a casual V-neck with blue Jean's and white shoes. Marc rolled his eyes playfully, as he sat on his couch his friend following soon after.

"So what did you want to talk to me about? It sounded urgent." His friend smiled. Marc sighed.

"Well I started a new school today." Marc announced. His friend hunched forward, arms on his thighs as he played with his fingers.

"And?"

"It wasn't as bad as I thought to be completely honest here. Everyone is so nice."

His friend sighed in relief, "but even so be careful. You don't wanna repeat what happened at your old school do you?" His friend asked, worried. Marc looked towards him. He eyed him closely before nodding.

"Of course I don't you know that."

"So is there anything else?" His friend asked. Marc started to think, his friend, being the clever duck he is, smiled brightly, "or should I say who?"

This made Marc blush red. He shook his head denying it but his friend knew what he truly meant. "Come on bud! We haven't seen each other in two years and you decide not to tell me that you've fallen in love?" He asked curiosity biting at his tongue.

"Shay..." Marc sighed, "you really are persistent. You're smart enough to figure this out but not smart enough to pass your mid-terms last year?" Marc broke out laughing. Shay sat there frozen before he too started to laugh.

"Oh well, you know me! Haha... I'm more of a peoples person!" Shay explained. Marc nodded, "yeah sure!" sarcasm laced in his voice. Shay searched out and playfully punched his shoulder.

"Man I really did miss you in those two years!" Shay hummed.

Marc nodded, turning his attention to his phone when he saw the screen light up. Shay watched him closely, as he reached over and took the phone out of Marc's hand.

"Well, I see someone's in looooove~" Shay waved the phone in Marc's face as he turned beat red.

"Huh who's this Nathaniel I see. Maybe I should see what he sent you?" Shay asked himself, opening the message. Marc tried to get his phone back but it was futile. He was dealing with Shay.

"Seems like I have some free time today. Want me to come over for a while?" Shay read the message aloud. Marc froze grabbing the phone and reading the message.

"..."

Shay turned his gaze to Marc's beat red face and laughed softly, "well? What are you waiting for, invite him over I wanna meet him!" Shay jumped on the closest couch and laid down.

"So?" Shay asked.

"..."

Shay sighed, "geez Marc live a little, I know you're shy in front of new people but...this gives him a chance to get to know you better."

Shay had a point there.

Marc hesitantly sent:

Marc:  Yeah sure  Nathaniel !  I'll  send you my address.

Nathaniel: Alright! Will be there in a few minutes! See you soon

Marc closed his phone and turned to Shay who was laying down on his couch. He smiled devilishly, having an idea pop in his head.

"He's on his way here." He started walking up to the laying Shay. Shay nodded but screamed when Marc started to tickle him.

"I see that you're still ticklish my dear friend." Marc laughed uncontrollably while tickling Shay.

"S-S-Stop....i-i-it....plea...please! H...Have MERCY!" Shay laughed.

Shay tried to wiggle his way out, but Marc didn't let go of him.

"Mercy!!!" Shay laughed out, tears of laughers starting to form and his ribs started to ache.

Knock knock

Marc froze hearing a knock come from the front door.

"Marc? You in there?" Nathaniel asked on the other side of the door.

Marc fixed his shirt and left Shay on the ground panting hard trying to catch his breath.

Marc made his way towards the door and opened it.

"Hi."

"Hey."

Chapter Text

"Hi."

"Hey."

Marc moved aside letting Nathaniel enter his apartment. Closing the door, he turned back and watched Nathaniels reaction.

"Woah! This place is nice!" Nathaniel said. 

"Thought you said you didn't have time today?" Marc quietly asked, his shy side coming out. Nathaniel turned around and gently smiled.

"I had to help my parents move boxes in today and put them in storage." Nathaniel explained.

"Oh" Marc stood there awkwardly holding his arm and looking to the side. 

"You still coming over tomorrow right?" Marc innocently asked. Nathaniel nodded, "course! I have the weekend free so we can hang out!" 

"What about mE!!" Shay jumped on Marc knocking him backwards on the flood. Nathaniel froze not knowing there was another person inside.

"Shaaaay~ get off your too heavy~" Marc whined, rubbing the back of his head. Shay started to pout, fake crying as well.

"B-B-But..." Shay was interrupted when Nathaniel pushed him off, "move!" Shay moved off, laughing.

Marc got up and glared at Shay who was currently laughing, "sorry Nathaniel." He muttered getting up and dusting himself. Shay had stopped laughing and stood up walking towards Nathaniel and extending his hand out, "Hi nice to meet you! I'm Shay." Nathaniel eyed his hand but gladly took it, "I'm Nathaniel." Shay nodded, shaking hands.

"Oi Marc!" Marc eyed Shay, "go get the boy something to drink will ya?" 

"Its my apartment, why don't you get him something?" Marc tilted his head. 

Shay sighed, "because it's the hosts job to host...Now go host!" He playfully pushed Marc to the kitchen.

Shay decided that while Marc was gone he'd have a little talk with Nathaniel. He waved for him to follow leading him to the living room so he'd feel comfortable. Shay plopped on a sofa and Nathanile on the couch near by.

Awkward silence filled the room around Shay and Nathaniel. He looked at Shay from the corner of his eye as he started to play with his fingers, nervously.

"How's Marc doing at school?" Shay asked. Nathaniel looked up, "h-he's fine. Made some new friends and I can see he's fitting in nicely." Nathaniel said with honesty. Shay smiled, "that's good." 

"So how'd you two meet?" 

"We're in the same class together." Nathaniel pointed out, making Shay laugh, "it was coincidental." Nathaniel laughed lightly.

"At least he's found a good friend..." Shay got up and sat next to Nathaniel, "do me a favor?" 

Nathaniel tilted his head to one side looking confused, "why?" He asked. Shay chuckled placing a hand on the boys shoulder, "I'm his closest friend, so please just look after him for me alright?" Shay asked kindly.

Nathaniel nodded slowly recieving a gigantic smile from Shay.

"Shay stop bothering him." Marc came back with three glasses of juice and some snacks.

Shay smiled brightly getting up and helping Marc, "I wasn't bothering him sheesh. You really think I'm a bother to everyone?" Shay placed the tray on the table. Pouting as he turned around to face Marc.

"Of course I don't..." Marc sighed bring his friend in for a hug, "you're my precious friend." Shay beamed tackling Marc down in a bear hug.

"You two really are close..." Nathaniel stated. He could see that when Marc was around Shay he wasn't this shy individual that he first met, but he's outgoing, loud, and amazing.

"We've known each other since preschool." Marc pointed out as he stroked Shays hair.

"Yup! We were the best of friends and still are to this day!" Shay yelled out, "although, I worry for Marc." Marc rolled his eyes playfully as he flicked Shays nose.

"Hey~" 

"Quiet you." Marc laughed.

Nathaniel could see that Shay brings out the best in Marc, but what about him? Does Marc even like having him around? Is he even worthy to be his friend?

So many questions passed through Nathaniel's mind. Shay and Marc noticed this. They got up and sat next to Nathaniel, Marc on the right and Shay on the left.

"Hey..." Marc placed a warning hand on Nathaniel's shoulder breaking him from his thought process, "are you alright?" 

Nathaniel nodded, "yeah I'm fine just thinking is all." 

"Well stop thinking and let's hang out!" Shay positively said. Nathaniel sighed, "it's around six, where are we going to go? I also need to be back home around eight." 

"Well then let's hurry!" Shay started to pull Nathaniel up from the couch, Marc closely behind them. 

Shay eyed Marc and smiled, "we're going to the "place"." 

"The place?" Marc asked. Shay nodding. Marc smiled getting his keys and pushing them out of his apartment, locking it behind them as he started walking to his car.

"You guys coming or what?" He tease, his keys jiggling in his hands. 

"You know it!" Shay pushed Nathaniel out and followed Marc to his car. 

.....

20 minutes later...

"We finally here." Marc pulled the car over and put it in park. He watched Nathaniel and Shay from the review mirror noticing that Shay was asleep.

"He was tired." Nathaniel stated. Marc smiled getting out of the car and opening Nathaniels door, "c'mon let's get going. He'll follow when he wakes up." Marc stated. Nathaniel nodded as he got out of the car, gently closing the door behind him.

"C'mon." Marc waved for him to follow and he did. He led him through many trees, bushes, and rocks until they got ontop of the hill. Nathaniel was frozen in shock of how beautiful everything was.

"What is this place?" He asked genuinely curious.

Marc smiled, "it's mine and Shays hideaway." He nervously said. Feeling his shy side slip out. Nathaniel walked closer to the edge to get a better view.

"It looks like the whole sky is alive tonight." He watched the sunset fall, the stars slowly popping out one at a time.

"You like it?" He asked. Nathaniel turned and nodded, "its beautiful!" He hugged Marc tightly.

Marc tensed up, feeling Nathaniel's arms around him tighten a little. He finally decided to hug back.

"Hah...your welcome." He whispered gently. Nathaniel let go of Marc and sat near the edge taking out his small sketch book that he had in his backpack. He had almost forgotten it in the car but now he realized he's happy that he brought it.

Marc smiled feeling a presence behind him, he turned around and saw Shay leaning against a tree. Marc walked up to him, placing a hand on his hip.

"You weren't sleeping were you?" He asked. Shay shrugged, "of course not. I wanted you guys to have some alone time my friend." He winked at him making Marc chuckle lightly.

"Why?" 

Shay watched Nathaniel sketch as he smiled softly, "I want you to be happy. I know the hardships you went through, you deserve happiness." Shay quietly said.

Marc sighed rubbing the back of his neck nervously, "thank you Shay. If you weren't by my side I don't know why I'd do." 

"Don't mention it. Brothers gotta stick together." 

"Yeah..." Marc laughed, "...we do don't we." 

"Now let's go and see what Nathaniel has sketched, shall we?" Shay pushed himself off the tree and walked towards Nathaniel, looking at his drawing, "Woah! Boy this kid has some talent!" 

"SHAY! DON'T SCARE ME!" Nathaniel yelled out. Making Shay and Marc laugh out.

"Sorry my bad." Shay innocently said, sitting next to him.

"You enjoying this hideout I see." Nathaniel nodded, "make sure no one finds out about it. Only a few know of where it is." Shay winked. Causing Nathaniel to blush in embarrassment, "y-yeah" 

"Marc get your lazy butt over here!" Shay yelled, Marc moved and was now standing on the other side of Nathaniel.

"You need to learn to talk less." He laughed.

"You need to learn how to talk more." Shay bit back playfully.

After that a calming silence washes over them as they watched the horizon. Peaceful and calm, that's how they wanted it. To escape reality and sit at that exact moment just watching and being themselves under the night.

Chapter Text

Morning arrived sooner then expected. And it was now the weekends. After their little expedition yesterday Marc had driven Nathaniel home and Shay decided to sleep over at his apartment. Although, Marc had voted against it, Shay kept insisting that he make up the two years he's been away by letting him crash at his place whenever he felt like it. Marc agreed because he missed spending time with his friend and they had a lot to catch up on.

Slowly Marc started to rise from his bed with a yawn, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He was both nervous and excited for the day to start, but luckily Shay would be coming along so he'd feel more comfortable.

"Ngn..." Shay shifted in Marcs' bed (they slept in the same bed but Marc still didn't like the idea) Shay was taking up half the bed only leaving a small amount of space left for Marc to actually move around in. Marc looked down at his friend, irritated, sighing, before he smirked devilishly-pushing Shay off the bed as he fell with a thump on the floor.

"Ow!" Shay rubbed his butt as he glared up his friend who was curr-

ently laughing so hard that even he himself almost fell off the bed. "Why did you push me?" Shay picked up the blanket and placed it back on the bed, him sliding under.

"You took up half my space man, it was getting annoying." Marc shrugged, "besides it was funny." 

Shay sent him a playful glare, yawning. 

"What time is it?" 

Marc looked at the clock on his bedside table, "almost noon." 

Shay groaned but sat up, rubbing the sleep out of his green eyes. If you'd look closely you'd see that Shays eyes aren't only green but they had a small portion of blue at the bottom. Although, his eyes are a dark-ish color of green that in order to see the blue, you'd have to look really close.

Shay nodded, getting off the bed and walked into the bathroom to get ready for the day. Marc made his way out of bedroom and into the kitchen to get breakfast ready. He heard his phone buzz, grabbing it and smiling at the screen.

Nathaniel: I'm on my way! Probably will arrive in an hour or so..

Marc let out a small chuckle before replying to Nathaniel.

Marc: No biggie! just make sure you're safe.

Marc set his phone down and finished up making breakfast. He placed two plates, one for him and one for Shay, on the table just before Shay walked in drying his crazy hair.

"Aww! So sweet of you to make me breakfast." Shay sat down and began to eat. Marc laughed as he did the same.

"Anything for you." Marc replied. Shay laughed, placing a piece of toast in his mouth. 

"whv ver you shay (whatever you say)." Shay talked through a mouthful of food. Marc burst out laughing again at his friends childish behavior.

"Talk when your mouth isn't full of food, ok?" Marc stated. Shay nodded swallowing his food before burst out in laughter, waving a fork in the air.

"Yada yada~" Shay walked up to the sink and cleaned his plate and putting it away to dry.

Just when Marc was about to reply there was knock on the door. He looked at Shay before getting up and walking to the door to open it. There stood a shy Nathaniel with a light blush that showed on his cheeks.

"H-Hi..." Nathaniel said, shyly.

Marc's eyes softened at Nathaniels shyness. Shay on the other hand was sneaking his way behind Marc. Nathaniel noticed this but kept quiet when Shay ushered him to. 

"Come in." Marc moved aside but not before running into Shay and jumping like a scared cat. Nathaniel walked in laughing as Marc held his shirt, "really man? Do you find pleasure in me getting scared?." 

Shay shrugged throwing his arm around Nathaniels shoulders, "course. What kind of friend would I be if I didn't do that much haha!" 

Marc pouted. He turned around and made his way to the table to pick up his plate and place it in the sink for him to clean later.

"Aww! Is Marc upset?" Shay teased pulling away from Nathaniel, making his way towards his friend. Nathaniel on the other hand shut the door behind him before following Shay into the kitchen.

"Beat it. I'm going to freshen up." Marc pointed out, "behave Shay." Marc narrowed his eyes at his brown haired friend. Shay brought his hands up in a surrender position laughing nervously. Marc smiled when he looked at Nathaniel, "feel free to look around I won't take long." 

Nathaniel nodded shyly as Marc made his way back to his room to get cleaned up. Just when the door to his room shut behind him Shay jumped on Nathaniel. "So...you and my friend over there." He smiled brightly as he saw Nathaniel blush hard.

"H-Huh?" Nathaniel tried to act like he didn't know what Shay was hinting. Shay laughed moving away from Nathaniel, "look we already talked about this. You have my permission to date him alright." Shay stuck out his tongue playfully. Nathaniel laughed softly turning his attention to some photos that hung along the walls.

"Who's this?" He asked. Pointing to a picture with two younge boys and two adults. Shay smiled warmly, "that's me and Marc as children. And those two behind us are his parents." Shay replied. 

"Parents?" Nathaniel asked, "speaking of them where are they?"

Shay turned his gaze to Nathaniel ushering his towards the living room. 

"So the thing with his parents is they really are never around. They both work overseas and don't have time to visit him." Shay pointed out making Nathaniel a little sad. But that sadness went away the moment he heard Marc's door open revealing him in a black shirt with a thin jacket over it that was a dark blue color. He had red shoes and wore a pair of jeans that fit him purr-fectly.

"Hey you guys ready?" Marc asked, ruffling some loose wild hairs on his head. Nathaniel blushed and Shay noticed smirking at his two friends.

"Y-Yeah." Nathaniel stuttered.

"Yaaahooo! Let's get going man. I'm bored out of my mind being cooped up in here." Shay jumped.

Marc laughed, "alright then let's get going."

.....

"Finally! We made it!" Shay yelled. Marc accidentally took a wrong turn which caused them to get lost for a while before Nathaniel told them where to go and now they finally made it. Parking in the parking garage, Marc, Nathaniel and Shay all walked out heading towards the open gates of the Mall.

"Woooooow!" Shay pointed at the fountain in the middle of the mall. The ceiling's windows reflected the lights from outside, lighting up the whole place making it look magical.

"Wanna take a picture?" Nathaniel asked holding his phone. Marc smiled warmly, nodding. "Sure Nathaniel." 

While Shay was busy admiring the fountain Marc and Nathaniel got ready and took a picture of themselves. They took a little more before Nathaniel started to scroll through them showing Marc how they turned out. 

"Haha I like this one." Marc pointed at the one with them smiling and hugging each other. 

Nathaniel blushed, "r-really?!" 

"Yes, it's cute." Marc blushed. You're cute!

"I'll send it to you then." Nathaniel whispered, sending the picture to Marc through text just as Shay jumped on both of them taking them down with him.

"Guuuuuuuys! Let's go shopping!" He giggled. He stood up and helped his two friends up on their feet, "shopping?" Marc questioned. Shay smiled brightly, "yes shopping! Let's go try out new things and see who looks good in what." 

Nathaniel smiled, "I guess that'll be fun to try." He stated, "Marc? You joining?" He asked. The dark haired kid sighed before nodding, "Alright then let the game begin!"

Chapter Text

"What about this store?" Shay pointed at a store called H &M. Marc shrugged and Nathaniel nodded slowly. Shay smiled as he grabbed both his friends writs and pulled them inside the store with him.

"Alright. Here are the rules." Shay started, "I will pick out clothes for Marc, Marc will do the same to Nathaniel and Nathaniel picks out clothes for me. Understood?" Marc and Nathaniel nodded, smiling.

"Alright. Let's start!" They all split up. Going to different sides of the store to get clothes that 'suited' their selected person.

After what felt like a whole day but it was really more like an hour or two they all met up near the fitting rooms exchanging the clothes they picked out for each other.

"Ready?" Shay smiled brightly. Nathaniel blushed embarrassed on how me might look. Marc flicked his friends head, "let's get it on with." Marc replied. Opening one of the doors in the fitting room and walking inside to try on the clothes Shay had chosen.

"You heard the king, let's start!" Shay jumped walking into a room next to Marc and Nathaniel walked into the one on the left of Marc.

After the sound of ruffled fabric, they finally got their first outfits on.

"One the count of three!" Shay started.

"One..."

"Two..."

"THREE..!"

They all opened their own doors, walking out with their new outfits.

"Oh." Shay did a twirl looking in the mirror.

"My." Marc smiled.

"Wow." Nathaniel was in awe.

They all looked different.

Marc was wearing a dark jacket with a loose maroon shirt with ripped black jeans.

Shay wore a dark blue buttoned-up shirt that he decided to leave unbuttoned, wearing a white V- neck underneath it- Which brought out the color of his green eyes elegantly-With dark jeans and a hat.

Nathaniel wore a dark red beanie, and a jacket that was red as well but the arms were a black color. He wore a white T-shirt with light jeans that were slightly ripped.

"Guys we look like models!" Shay yelled out.

Marc laughed as his friend. He turned to look at Nathaniel, blushing when he saw how good he looked. He was so beautiful in Marc's eyes that he didn't think he saw it himself
(Nathaniel).

"Should we try on the other outfit?" Nathaniel asked still eyeing himself in the mirror. Shay noticed this and smiled, "hmm... I dont know but we could try and see!"

"Alright hold your horses." Marc chuckled, "let's see if Nathaniel wants to."

Nathaniel turned to them and blushed red. He nodded shyly.

"There you have it! On with the show!" Shay yelled out going back into the room to change again.

Marc sighed, "this is going to be a long day."

*****

After four hours of trying on clothes, competing and purchasing they finally decided to end their day drinking some Starbucks.

"So...did you guys have fun?" Shay asked, slurping his vanilla bean cremé. Both Nathaniel and Marc had ordered Caramel Frappés.

"Today was fun." Nathaniel said. Marc nodded.

"Here, here!" Shay said as he raised his hand in the air.

"Marc, Nathaniel...surprising to see you both here." They both turned around gazing at a certain guitarist, while Shay slurped his drink, curiously watching.

"Luka...h-hey." Marc waved turning back into his shy self. Luka smiled and ruffled his dark hair.

"So what have you two been up to lately?" He asked eyeing the two friends.

"J-Just hanging out i-is all." Nathaniel stated, taking a slurp out of his drink.

"Nice."

Then it turned into an awkward silence for at least a good 30 seconds before Shay decided to speak up.

"They had fun you should have seen them." He started, "by the way. The names Shay." He introduced himself.

Luka smiled, "names Luka. It's nice to meet someone who's new."

"I second that!" Shay laughed.

"Any hobbies?"

"Playing guitar."

"Neat...you should play me something someday."

"Hmm, we'll see." Luka replied, "that is if we bump into each other again."

Shay chuckled, "trust me I go where ever he goes" pointing a Marc, making the poor boy blush, "that is beside school." Shay smiled. Luka laughed, running a hand through his dark, blue-tipped hair.

"Well, I'll catch you guys later!" He waved walking away. Marc and Nathaniel looked at each other, bursting into a fit of laughter.

"Wah?" Shay eyes them curiously.

"You just fell in love!" Marc laughed.

"Did you see the way he looked at him?" Nathaniel giggled, as Marc nodded laughing even harder, holding his sides.

"Oh my god haha Shay you just found your soulmate didn't you..."

Shay turned red. He was so embarrassed.

"G-Guys what's the matter with the two of you!" He stuttered. He slurped his drink trying to stay cool but...why did they have to be like this?

"Ok ok." Marc said trying to calm himself down, "oh God that was funny."

"Shay how about you come to school with me." Marc smiled brightly.

"Yeah come and see how our school is. Marc is still new to how everything goes but he knows the basics." Nath-
aniel pointed out.

Shay shook his head chuckling, "how'd I end up with a tomato and a gay queen?" He asked himself. But the other two heard.

"Tomato? Gay queen?" Nathaniel asked.

Marc rolled his eyes playfully, "I'm bi first of all get that straight." He laughed.

Nathaniel blushed. He didn't know Marc was bi this was new to him.

"You're the gay queen here Shay." Marc pointed at him smirking devilishly.

"H-Hey!" Shay stuttered.

They both looked at Nathaniel who blushed even harder.

"What about you?" Shay asked.

Marc eyed Nathaniel curiously. He also wanted to know.

"Um...I-I'm g-g-gay." The poor tomato-haired boy stuttered out hopelessly.

"Hah! Two gay queens and one bi king!" Shay yelled out. Everyone who was sitting around their area gave them all looks.

But the trio didn't care at the moment.

"Hey let's play 20 questions!" Marc asked. He wanted to know more about Nathaniel besides the things he already knew.

"Finally a good idea." Shay shrugged.

"Sure."

Marc smirked.

"Alright then, let's start."

Chapter Text

"Who starts?"

All three look at one another. They all decided to play rock, paper, and scissors which led to Nathaniel being the winner. Shay came in second then, sadly, Marc in third.

"Ugh! Fine, I'll ask the first question." Marc groaned, thinking about something easy to start off.

"Shay this one's for you." Shay nodded, readying himself for the question that was about to be asked. "Did you have any past relationships the last two years we didn't see each other?" Marc asked, curious. Shay immediately turned red.

"Yes..."

"Really?"

Shay nodded, clearing his throat, "My turn." He looks at Nathaniel, "Any crushes?" Nathaniel shoots him a glare as he blushes. He nods but doesn't say any more.

This got Marc jealous. He wanted to know who Nathaniel liked. But being Marc he shook his head, pushing the thought to the very back of his head.

"M-My turn." Nathaniel turned to look at Marc, "What are your hobbies?"

"Hmm...Mostly writing stories here and there." Marc answered. 

"Alright my turn!" Shay excitedly said. "Hmm, Marc."

"Yes?"

"why are you so shy?" 

Marc looked at Shay, "Why are you so annoying?" 

Shay pouted, "No seriously why?" 

Marc sighed, "Well growing up I was anti-social and didn't know how to socialize to the point where I build a bubble around me and became shy to those who barely knew me and hyper as heck to those who do." 

"Anti-social? Wow, I just learned something new today!" Shay pointed out.

Marc smirked and continued the game. It lasted about an hour or so before it got boring and they were just sitting in the Starbucks café, playing games on their phones. At around four in the afternoon, they finally decided to move their lazy butts and head back to Marc's place for the night, although Nathaniel had to call his parents reassuring them that he'll be at Marc's for the night; they gladly agreed.

"Let's watch a movie!" Shay stated as he plopped down tiredly on Marc's couch. Nathaniel laughed, "sure why not. Any suggestions?"

"Sure why not just make yourself at home while you leave the owner of the apartment out," Marc stated with a smile.

Shay shrugged, "not our fault you wanted us to stay over."

Marc glared at Shay."I could kick you out and make you sleep with the dogs outside."

"No, you wouldn't."

"How much you wanna bet?"

"Guys! C'mon let's watch something and not bicker like teenage girls." Nathaniel whined too tired to keep his shy posture making Shay and Marc eye him before chuckling.

"I guess the tomato is right," Shay stated.

"Tomato? Again seriously..." Nathaniel sighs, messing with his reddish hair.

Shay laughed at his response and put on a movie called, Jumanji before sitting back down on the couch.

10 minutes into the movie and everything started to get weird.

"So let me get this straight," Shay waved his hand in the air, "Jack Black is a girl? WHAT!? That's just weird!"

"I can't believe a scrawny kid became the Dwane Johnson! DWANE JOHNSON!" Marc yelled out.

"Um, is no one going to talk about why Kevin Heart is being the servant?" Nathaniel asked, looking confused.

30 minutes into the movie.

"WAHT! DID KEVIN JUST PUSH DWANE OFF A CLIFF!" 

"That's not right."

"Of course it's not Shay! Kevin pushed a legend off a CLIFF!"

Shay looked at Marc, "You need a chill pill brother." Shay said dramatically.

"Wait he's alive, Look!" Nathaniel pointed at the screen.

"Yahooo!" all of them say in unison. 

A few more minutes into the movie

"What are they doing?"

"I think they're figuring out each other's weaknesses."

"But why?" Nathaniel asked.

Marc shrugs, "no clue, we might find out later."

"I think when you mean later you mean now, look!" Shay points to the screen as the characters weaknesses are seen.

"Wait... it says Kevin's weakness is cake?" Nathaniel asked, look at the two boys in the room.

"Yes?" Shay replied.

"But he just ate cake." Nathaniel pointed out. Marc and Shay looked at each other, "uh-oh." All three look back at the screen and watch as Kevin blow up and disappear, making them laugh so hard.

"Omg!"

"It was really cake! That's so sad!" Marc laughed to the point where he was falling off the couch.

"Poor him." Nathaniel chuckled a little.

"What ya mean tomato?" Shay asked, throwing a arm around Nathaniels shoulder, pulling him towards himself, "that was funny as heck! It was worth it." Shay laughed.

Suddenly a loud thump was heard. Shay and Nathaniel look at each other before looking down on the floor, seeing Marc still laughing and clutching his sides.

"Dude, the heck! I thought someone was gonna break in." Shay exclaimed, dramatically.

"Should we help?" Nathaniel awkwardly asked watching Marc still on the floor.

Why do you have to be so cute Marc Nathaniel thought.

"Hmm...nah let him be he looks comfortable dow-"

A hand pulling Shay to the ground cut his sentence off. Marc started to laugh even harder then normal at Shays reaction.

"Dude seriously?" Shay asked, rubbing his arm that was pulled. Shay smirked playfully, jumping on Marc and started to tackle him.

"H-Hey!" Marc stuttered between laughs.

Nathaniel left all alone on the couch, smiled warmly at the two friends tackling each other. He wanted to join in on the fun but didn't have the courage to jump on the two boys on the ground, having fun. Marc and Shay noticed the lack of activity from Nathaniel they looked at each other and nodded they grabbed Nathaniel as he squealed in surprise as he went down.

"Yay! Nathaniel joined in!" Shay jumped on Nathaniel tackling him in a hug.

Marc chuckles, making Nathaniel glance up at him, watching as his dark hair was ruffled in all directions his green eyes filled with happiness as he stared back at Nathaniels blue eyes.

Shay was still on Nathaniel, feeling his muscles tense under him he smiled against Nathaniels hair, pulling away from Nathaniel, "oh sorry guys gotta use the bathroom!" Shay exclaimed, shooting up and running towards the bathroom.

Marc and Nathaniel watched his go and heard him shut the door with a slam. Nathaniel covered his face with his arm, hiding the blush that was rising to his cheeks. Marc looked down at Nathaniel still laying down on the floor, he smiled warmly reaching to move the arm that was covering his face away so Marc could see him clearly.

"Hey." Marc whispered, holding Nathaniels arm in his hand.

Nathaniel gulped, feeling the warmth of Marc's hand against his arm, "h-hey."

Suddenly Marc started to come closer towards Nathaniel, leaving an inch between them.

"..."

Nathaniel was freaking out on the inside his mind was chaotic with all different fantasies at the moment, but on the outside he was blushing even redder than normal and his breathing stopped for a while from shock.

"Hey." Marc whispered his voice deep and hoarse.

"Uh..." was Nathaniel could get out before his voice stopped working again.

What's  going on?  What's  he doing? Why is he close? Why is he so beautiful?

Questions were erupting throught Nathaniels mind.

Feeling the even breathing of Marc on Nathaniels face he started to freak out a little.

Ding dong!

Marc pulled away quickly and Nathaniel sat up fast. Shay came running into the room, "I'll get it!"

Marc looked at Nathaniel, "um...sor-"

"I'm g-g-going to b-b-bed, goodnight!" Nathaniel said quickly as he got up and ran to the nearest room, shutting the door behind him. He pressed his back against the door, sliding down hiding his face in his drawn up knees.

Oh my  God ! What just happened!!!?

Chapter Text

Nathaniel POV

What the HeCk just happened? Wh-what was that just now? Why did...omg!!

A whole lot of things went through my head. I was confused why had he done such a thing? Why did I like it?

I pulled off the door and walked into the room to examine it more. The bed had sleek red sheets that seemed to have small designs, like little pens, pencils, etc... in blue outlines, but it was adorable. The wall closer to me held a bookcase against it with different types of books by different authors. I walked over to it and picked out a book, which was The fault in our stars by John Green. I also noticed different types of manga hanging there. Putting the book back I walked towards the manga section and noticed he owned manga's like Owari no seraph, Devils and Realist, Servamp, Attack on titan, Pandora Hearts, 07-Ghost, etc...

There were so many manga and books. I moved my attention to the bed and walked towards it, sitting on the edge of it. Suddenly noticing a picture near the bedside, I got up and grabbed it sitting back down on the bed.

The picture consisted of a younger Marc who had the biggest smile in the world. Next to him was Shay his brown hair messy as ever and his smile wide and playful. And lastly was another kid who looked shy but he still had a kind smile he had silver hair and dark blue eyes.

"That's Lucius," I whipped my head so fast I was surprised it didnt break. There leaning against the door frame was Marc in all his adorableness.

"Who's he?" I asked curious at the moment and didn't bother look up at Marc again, keeping my gaze on the picture while I heard him sigh and walk towards the bed, feeling it shift under his weight. Thankfully, he decided to leave two inches of space between us.

"An old friend, really precious friend though," he responded with a hint of sadness in his tone.

"What happened?"

He sighed, "it was a long time ago but we all went to the same Kindergarten me, Shay and Lucius that is," he started, taking the picture out of my hand and placing it in his. "He always knew how to make us laugh no matter how shy he was when it came down to hanging with Shay and I, he'd always find a way to be there for us even if it's out of his comfort zone."

"Yeah lucky little noodle he was," Shay appeared in the room leaning against the wall near the door, "remember whenever we'd buy ice cream he'd always cry until we each gave him a lick of our share."

Marc laughed, "yeah, or the time we went horseback riding and you fell, but Lucius bought you a whole bunch of candy to cheer you up?" They sadly laughed at that then a moment of silence filled the room.

Marc cleared his throat and I forced my gaze on him, seeing his green eyes they started to fill with tears. I turned to Shay but he hid his face under his bangs.

"One day we went out to the beach and our parents warned us not to get to close to the water I didn't listen to them. At the time I couldn't swim and when a wave came and I was caught in it Lucius was there to help me but..." Marc closed his eyes, hiding them under his bangs. I could see his figure shaking and so I picked up my hand and placed it on his. He let out a small gasp but continued, "he saved me but life is cruel and he never made it back to shore. We found his body a few days later, dried up on shore a few days after the accident and since then whenever I see the beach I'm reminded of how I killed my friend." Marc was crying at this point. Tears nonstop falling down his cheeks, Shay was also weeping in pain. He walked towards Marc and sat down behind him, shifting the mattress under his weight plus ours, hugging Marc from behind.

"You know it wasn't your fault..." Shay quietly said. But Marc shook his head, "no matter how you look at it, it wasn't." He cried.

I felt heartbroken seeing both my friends cry there hearts out for their deceased friend, "listen I may not of known him as you have but..." I stopped, grabbing Marc's face so he'd look directly at me and when I saw his green eyes, my heart bled for him. "Lucius wouldn't want you to blame yourself. He'd want you to live your life to the fullest with joy and happiness." I stated. Marc tried to move his head but I pulled him back, "I may not have been there but it seems like you had a wonderful friend who would give up his life to save yours. Don't repay him by blaming yourself, repay him by living a happy life. A life that he gave you." Marc was balling at this moment. He grabbed onto me and hugged me tightly. Shay tightened his hold on Marc, picking up his gaze and meeting mine he whispered a "thank you." I saw the glimmer in his eyes and knowing him he wouldn't want me to see him cry so I just sent back a small smile and nodded.

That night we all decided that we were to tired to move out of the room and go sleep in our sleeping bags or guest rooms. So Marc agreed to let us sleep in his bed. I was in the middle, Shay ro my left and Marc to my right. I started to turn to my right to get a better position and my gaze landed on two green ones.

"Thank you Nathaniel, I mean it," Marc whispered. I smiled placing a hand on his cheek. "Don't worry about it," I replied. He smiled and nuzzled his way against my chest I smiled sweetly at that, placing an arm around his waist and pulling him in.

"Good night," he muttered against my neck.

"Night Marc,"

Chapter Text

Waking up Marc was the best thing Nathaniel could think of, Shay was busy being an annoying prick by shoving Nathaniel here and there when they slept. But waking up to Marc made that feeling go away.

"Morning..." Marc yawned as he sat up, Nathaniel sat up too and started to stretch then rub his eyes, "m-morning" he stuttered his voice still sluggish from sleep.

"Wake up Shay, will you. It's time we headed to school," Marc said, walking into the bathroom to get ready for the day. Nathaniel almost forgot he had school today from all the things that happened last night.

He sighed, shaking Shay, "hey wake up time to get ready so you'd go to school," Nathaniel said. Shay groaned in response, his brown hair messy from sleep and his green eyes showing as he opened them and started to rub the sleep out of them.

"Its already time for school?" He whispered sitting up. No sooner Marc came out of the bathroom with a towel around his neck, pajamas and a regular V-neck.

"Yep so you'd better hurry and freshen up," he replied, teasing the poor boy.

Suddenly Shay received a text and he jumped out of bed, "S-Sorry guys I have to go..." with that Shay quickly put on his shoes and ran out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him. Nathaniel looked confused, turning his gaze to Marc who was eyeing the door before he sighed and started to dry his hair again.

"Hurry up and get ready we don't have all day," he replied. Nathaniel nodded and walked into the bathroom closing the door and entering the shower after stripping all his clothes off.

After he finished washing he put on a blue loose shirt and some blue Jean's on and grabbed a towel from the rack to dry his red hair. Walking out he saw that Marc was already changed and was wearing a black hoodie that had a picture of Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul, blue ripped jeans, a red beanie and red converse.

"Woah..." Nathaniel muttered as he saw Marc and all his glorious self. Marc smiled, "get dressed I'll drive," he said, ignoring Nathaniel as he practically drooled looking at him.

"Y-Yeah," Nathaniel grabbed a red button-up shirt and wore it over his loose blue shirt, leaving the buttons open that is. He grabbed his black converse and put them on. 

Nathaniel left the room closing the door behind him and saw that Marc was ready with his bag and keys.

"Ready?"

Nathaniel nodded.

****

Arriving at school and everything was loud. Everyone was already with their groups and walking around. Some were even sitting on the floor just giggling and laughing at something the others said.

"Marc! Nathaniel!" A blue-haired girl came running. Her eyes an icy blue as her attention was on them.

"Hey, guys! How's it been?" She asked.

"Good, how are you Marinette?" Nathaniel asked. 

"Great! Been making fashion designs and sketching out new styles to experiment with!" She said, sweetly. Adrien soon came up from behind her and placed a small kiss on her cheek, "you should see them they are outstanding! I'm actually gonna talk to my dad about her working for his company," he stated. 

Marinette squealed happily, placing a kiss on Adrian's cheek, "Thank you!"

"You two are really a cute couple!" Luka came from behind Marc scaring him.

"Woah Marc! Nice style...hmm...isn't that character from Tokyo Ghoul?" Luka asked, Marc shyly nodded, "Y-Yeah his name's Kaneki," Marc replied shyly tugging on his beanie. Luka smiled brightly, "nice style though!"

Nathaniel smiled at that and turned his gaze to a blushing red Marc.

"Hey, can I ask for a favor?" Luka asked. Marinette and Adrien were talking about some fashion so they wouldn't hear what Luka had to say.

"What's up?" Marc asked. Luka rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "uh...um...so could you...like maybe...give me Shays number?" Luka asked, beat red.

Marc nodded, "sure!" He grabbed Luka's phone and started to dial Shay's number from memory, "I'm sure he'll be happy to hear from you again!" Marc gave a kind smile. Luka smiled brightly, "thank you!" He waved at Marc and Nathaniel as he ran off to his club.

"That was fast," Nathaniel pointed out, giggling a little.

"Love at first sight, isn't it beautiful," Marc muttered, Nathaniel laughed, "sure if you say so. Let's get to class now before the last bell," Nathaniel stated as he grabbed a hold of Marc's wrist as well as Marinette's and Adrien running beside them to get to class.

"Good morning students!" Mr. Josh walked in. The students finally took their seats and Marc, Nathaniel, Marinette, and Adrien made it in before the last bell rang.

"We made it!" Adrien huffed. 

"It seems so..." Mr. Josh pouted, "I was itching to get someone in detention but oh well that won't be the case today!" He laughed. He suddenly waved for them to take their seats and they did.

"Alright time for attendance!" 

"Marc?"

"H-Here,"

"Nathaniel?"

"H-Here sir,"

"Chloe?"

"Always here, sir!" She shouted one arm in the air. 

Mr. Josh rolled his eyes playfully, "Sure I believe you," everyone burst out laughing.

"Max?"

"Here!"

"Adrien?"

"Present!"

And that went on until he got every last person on his list.

"Good now that everyone is here let's start the lesson!" He happily clapped. 

The lesson was about mythology and all the different kinds out there, for example, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, etc... it was really amazing learning the different types of gods in each but the only ones we remember were the Greeks so far. 

"And now for a quick question," Mr

Josh started, "Who is the king of gods in Greek mythology?"

Everyone's hands shot up except for Nathaniel that is so Mr. Josh decided to call on him.

"Nathaniel answer?" 

"U-Uh...Zeus was the leader of the Greek gods," Nathaniel stuttered.

"Good Job!" Mr. Josh applauded him and went back to teaching them about the lesson again. Suddenly class was finally over and everyone one ran out making Mr. Josh laugh in the background.

"Wow, I didn't know that Egypt had so many gods!"

"Right!" Max replied.

"There were so many my brain rotted away, I think I only remember Seth, Ra, Anubis and...I don't know my brain hurts" Chloe signed.

"What brain?" Kim teased.

"Hmph, whatever let's go, Sabrina!" Chloe walked off with a smile, Sabrina close behind her as they both started to laugh a little.

"At least I pay attention in class! What do you do? Nothing just snore like it's the last thing on earth," she teased back. Everyone burst out laughing, bumping Kim's arm.

"She got you there!"

"Let's go to our clubs!" The students finally dispersed leaving Nathaniel and Marc alone to walk to their club room.

****

Clubs had ended. Nathaniel and Marc stayed after school for a while to catch up with Marinette and Adrien. They decided to swing by the park today so they could hang out.

"So what time is good?" Marinette asked. 

"How 'bout six-ish O'clock?" Nathaniel replied.

"Sounds good! I live close so I might be early!" Marinette pointed out.

"I'll be there but a little late seeing that I live on the other side of Paris," Adrien laughed. 

"Alright then!" Marc shyly chuckled.

"Guys I wanna come!" Luka ran up to us with one hand in the air waving it like a maniac. "I'm bored all day at home c'mon can I come?" He asked with pleading eyes.

"Of course you can," Marinette giggled, "anyone else wanna join?" 

"Is it alright if Sabrina and I join?" Chloe came out from behind the stairs with Sabrina, "Sure! The more the merrier," Marinette smiled.

"Remember it's at six alright! Now go get ready!" Marinette shouted and we all walked our own ways. Besides Adrien, nope he went in a car, lucky.

Marc and Nathaniel had to walk to the parking lot to retrieve their car as well. When they did Marc drove back to his apartment.

When he arrived at home. Marc closed the engine and smiled, "come let's go freshen up." Nathaniel smiled at him and nodded, getting out of the car at the same time as Marc and made their way into the apartment building. Only to be tackled in a hug by Shay.

"Oh, I missed you so much!" He fake cried, nuzzling his head against Marc's chest.

"Ugh, Shay come on get up we have to meet everyone at the park toooodaaay," Marc whined, making Shay fake-looking hurt and Nathaniel giggle.

"What I'm not invited? Hmph, so rude and to think you my best friend." Shay got up and walked into the kitchen to get a snack as the other two got up and followed behind. 

Marc sighed, "I was just about to text you and invite you to come, but I guess I can just ask you face-to-face," Shay eyed his friend, a glimmer of mischief glowing in his eyes.

"Continue..." Shay took a bite of his apple and waited for Marc to ask him, "Shay would you like to come with?" Shay smiled brightly, taking another bite out of the apple.

"Sure why not I'm bored," Shay took his last bite before throwing the leftover apple away and grabbing his phone when he heard it buzz.

"Um Marc, did you by any chance give Luka my number?" Shay asked as he showed the text.

Marc smiled and shrugged, "I don't know what you mean now get ready so we can go!" All three boys all went to where their new clothes have been stashed when they went to H & M to shop. 

"Alright everyone got their outfit?" Shay asked Nathaniel and Marc nodded. 

Shay smiled.

"Then let's go get ready!"

Chapter Text

"Finally we're here!" Shay yelled out. Behind him, Marc was just sighing and Nathaniel kept quiet but had a smile on his face.

"Hey, guys over here!" Marinette yelled next to the swings. All three boys went towards her. Marc smiled as Shay quietly hid behind him

"Hey, Marinette! So who came?" He asked. Marinette giggled, "well Adrien of course also Chloe, Sabrina, Juleka, Rose and Luka!" She smiled as her friends walked behind her.

"So who's the dark-haired person behind you?" Adrien asked. 

Marc smiled, "this is Shay. Some of you have already met him," looks at Luka and smiles, "I hope you'll be kind to him."

"Aww so cute! He's hiding behind Marc like a baby," Chloe laughs.

"Hey, I'm no baby! Your rude and I don't like you," he pouted. Chloe just shrugged, "Oh well another one on the list. I wonder how big its gotten?" She laughed a little. Shay eyed her and smiled, "Names Shay what's yours?" 

"Chloe and this, " she pointed at her orange-haired friend, "is Sabrina."

Shay smirked and whispered so only Chloe could hear it, "so are you guys a thing?" Chloe blushed mad red.

"Huh...what...um...I," she stuttered surprising everyone around her. All of them looked at Shay and he just laughed, brushing it off, "you know what? I like you now."

"Um...Shay, what'd you say to her?" Rose asked never seeing anyone make Chloe blush and stutter, ever.

"Nothing don't worry about it! Now, who's ready to play tag?"

"Sure why not," Marc shrugged.

"Not it!" Luka replied.

"Not it!" Adrien next. Then Rose then Juleka, then Nathaniel, then Marinette, then lastly Sabrina.

"Ugh, why am I it?" Chloe stomped her foot down. Marinette laughed, "because you were late! Also, Kim and Max are coming later so let's start before they arrive!"

They all ran in different directions. Each one running and laughing, having fun like children again. Chloe had caught Nathaniel and now it was  Nathaniel's turn to be it. He had caught Luka, tripping and landing face-first on the ground.

"You're it!" Nathaniel laughed and ran away from Luka.

"No fair!" Luka chuckled, spotting Shay on near the play area. He chanced, hearing laughs coming from Shay.

"I'mma get you!"

"You wish cotton candy head!" Shay laughed. He was soon cornered near the slide against the railing on the side.

"Your mine now!" Luka laughed.

"Hmm, maybe when we get to know each other more," Shay teased and Luka blushed, giving Shay a chance to slip away.

"That was your one shot bye!" Shay slid down the slide, laughing and as soon as he hit the ground he broke out in a run.

Luka was still blushing, "idiot." He mumbled and went on and caught Marc.

Their game was full of laughter and light, as soon as their names were called, Kim and Max had made it. They decided to play hide-and-seek next, Kim as the seeker as everyone went to find their own hiding place.

Shay ran through the trees surrounding the park. He found one small enough to climb but high enough that he wouldn't be seen unless you're in a certain place on the ground. He grabbed on one of the trucks of the tree, swung on it until he was able to pull himself up. He sighed, moving his hand through his sweaty hair and pushed it out of the way as he caught his breath and decided to climb up on more trunk and sit down and catch his breath.

He heard someone running towards his direction, hiding behind some leaves. He looked down and saw that it was Kim searching for him he gave a small and quiet breathy laugh before he saw Kim run the other way. He decided to climb down and head the opposite way. 

He ran and ran until he reached a hill surrounded by boulders and rock so he hid in between them. Not knowing that another was there as well.

"Shay!" 

Shay turned around, surprised and about to yell when a hand covered his mouth and silenced him. He looked up and saw blue-tipped hair and relaxed. 

"What is wrong with you! Scaring me like that!" Shay moved Luka's hand and hissed quietly. Luka was about to reply when he heard someone coming and he once again covered Shays mouth with his hand and brought a finger to his lips.

Shay rolled his eyes and listened.

"Where is he I know I saw him come this way?" He heard Max pant. So Kim had tagged him.

"Don't make a sound," Luka whispered. Shay shrugged but got an idea. Marc has known Shay to be really mischievous but Luka doesn't know that yet. So when he started to lick the hand over his mouth he started to snicker as Luka pulled away fast.

"The hel-" 

This time Shay had his hand over Luka's mouth. 

"You better stay quiet or he'll hear you." He whispered with a huge smile of victory. Luka shook his head and narrowed his eyes at Shay as Shay removed his hand.

"You really are something aren't you?" Luka asked.

Shay leaned back against a rock, looking to see if Max had left, which he had, before answering Luka.

"Of course I am. I'm Shay." Was all he said before playfully punching Luka on the arm.

"Anyways I better go talk later, seeing that you have my number now," and with that Shay left the hiding spot, leaving Luka behind. 

****

The game had finished and Shay was the winner not being tagged once.

"You cheater!" Kim pointed at Shay.

"How'd I cheat Its called 'Hide-and-seek' for a reason. I just know how to hide is all." Shay replied standing next to Marc.

"I kinda forgot to mention this, but..." Marc rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "Shay will win whatever game you give him. He's that good," 

Everyone groaned, "You're something aren't ya?" Julika asked. Shay just smiled. 

"So what now? It's almost 8 o'clock." Chloe stated.

"We should all head home, we got school tomorrow," Rose yawned. 

"Yeah and I'm tired." Adrien yawned as well. "I'll see you guys soon." He grabbed Marinette's hand in his and walked back to his car to drive them both home. Kim went with Max, Juleka went with Rose and Chloe's butler came and picked Sabrina and her up.

Shay, Marc, and Nathaniel were all left alone at the park. Nathaniel had been typing away on his phone and that caught Marc's attention.

"Hey, Nathaniel whatcha typing?" He wrapped an arm around his shoulders, looking at his phone screen.

"Mom wants me back home is it ok if you can drop me off?" Nathaniel asked. Marc nodded, grabbing Shays arm as all three walked to his car.

"I'll grab you stuff before we get you home. "

Nathaniel nodded and buckled in. Shay in the back, He in the passenger's seat and Marc in the drivers.

"Today was fun!" Nathaniel excitedly voiced. Marc chuckled, nodding, "yeah it was."

Marc looked at Shay from the review mirror and smiled, "looks like he had fun as well."

"We all did."

Chapter Text

Nathaniel walked into class and sat down just as soon as everyone else walked in. Marinette was laughing at something Alya was showing her as they reached their seats. Chloe was telling Sabrina all about her new outfit and all that girly stuff. Everyone else had sat in their respective seats and were just talking about how their day had been so far. 

"Alright class quiet down," Mr. Josh walked in, setting some papers on his desk before walking around it and laying back against it, "let's get this started shall we?" he picked up the attendance sheet and started calling out names.

"Chloe?"

"Here!" Raising her hand in a sassy way, Mr. Josh rolled his eyes and chuckled.

"Max?"

"Right here, sir."

"Sabrina?"

"Here!"

"Adrien?"

"Right here, sir!" 

"Nino?"

"Here Mr. Josh bro!" Nino laughed, giving Adrien a fist bump.

Mr. Josh continued until he got everyone besides one, "Seems like we're missing someone." As soon as he placed the sheet down Marc opened the classroom door panting, "S-sorry I'm late Mr. Josh," he heaved, closing the door and walking to his seat next to Nathaniel. Mr. Josh shrugged and marked him present placing the sheet down.

"Alright class, we will continue our lesson on mythology." He walked to his chair, placing his hands on it, looking at the students. 

"Can someone tell me where we left off?" He smiled. Everyone raised their hands, which made him laugh.

"Yes, Adrien?"

"We left off learning about the gods." Mr. Josh waved for Adrien to continue, "We learned that in Greek Mythology Zeus was hidden when his father started to consume all of Zeus's siblings. In the end, he defeated his father freeing all his brothers and sisters and sending his father, also known as Kronos, to Tartarus. Along with the Titans, which resulted in Zeus being the leader of the Greek Pantheon." 

Mr. Josh clapped, "Good job Mr. Agreste!" Adrien nodded and smiled.

"Now can anyone tell me what were the twelve Olympians in the Pantheon?" 

"Yes, Marinette?"

"The Pantheon consisted of Zeus the ruler, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Ares, Hephaestus, Aphrodite, Hades, Hermes, and either Hestia or Dionysus." 

"Excellent Ms. Dupain-cheng" 

Mr. Josh sat down in his seat and leaned forward his arms on his desk in front of him, "Can someone tell me who the God of War is known as?"

"Yes, Chloe?"

"Ares is the God of War in the Greek Pantheon."

"Good Ms. Bourgeois."

"Now that we are clear on what the topic was," Mr. Josh stood up, taking the stack of papers with him, "I will hand out a worksheet about what he had just learned about Greek mythology. Your job is to make your own Pantheon." He announced passing the stacks to each row. "The instructions are on the worksheet. Pay attention to it and be as creative as possible. You may create your own Gods, name them, and give them a title, etc." He finished passing out the worksheet and stood in the front of the class, "If you have any questions don't be scared to ask, I'm here when you need me. I can also be reached by email if you have any questions outside of class," 

"Sir?"

"Yes, Rose?" 

"When is this assignment due?"

"It's due next week on Monday!" He placed the remaining stacks on his desk and waved his hand, "You have enough to finish this assignment. Have fun." He then started to walk towards the door opening it, "You may be free to leave whenever you choose. I'll be on campus until school is out."

....

"So what do you want to name your Pantheon?" Marc asked Nathaniel. 

"Hmm, I was thinking of doing it on my characters. You know Ladybug, Chat Noir, and all the others, but give them titles." Nathaniel answered looking at his worksheet. Marc smiled brightly, "That's smart Nath! You should totally do that!" 

"Thanks, Marc," Nathaniel replied, blushing. "What about you?"

"Oh, hmm haven't really thought of it. Maybe I can use some of the characters from my older stories," Marc replied, thinking. "But I'm not sure yet. I might just make up random names and all." He shrugged.

"Yo Marc! Nathaniel!" Both boys turned at the same time, "oh hey Nino," Marc replied waving. 

"Adrien, Marinette, and I are thinking of hanging out and helping each other on this assignment, would you like to join?" The young DJ asked.

"Um, what do you think Nathaniel?" Marc turned to the embarrassed tomato sitting beside him, "s-sure."

"Great! Let's go to the Starbucks near this school. I know the owner so she'll be happy to have us!" He turned to Marinette and Adrien who smiled and nodded. 

They all packed and got ready to leave. Nino showed the way to the cafe near the school, walking in as the bell of the door dinged. 

"Nino!" A lady in a green apron came running from the counter and hugged Nino. Adrien, Marinette, Marc, and Nathaniel all looked at each other in confusion.

Nino let go of the lady and turned to his friends, "Guys this is the person I mentioned I knew. This is the owner of Starbucks. " The lady behind him smiled and waved. "She's a friend of my mother."

"Hello, my name is Lily!" The lady announced behind Nino.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Marinette," She turned and pointed at Adrien, "This is Adrien," she then pointed at Nathaniel and Marc, "and on the left is Nathaniel, and on the right is Marc."

"Nice to meet you all!" She happily smiled, "Nino rarely ever brings any friends so I'm glad to have met you all." 

"Lily, got a seat for five?" Nino asked. The owner nodded and pointed at the corner of Starbucks near the window, "There's a table over there that will fit all of you." They all nodded and walked to the corner sitting down. Marinette on Adrien's right and Nino on his left, leaving Nathaniel and Marc to sit side by side. 

"Alright then lets order and get started with the assignment!" Adrien said. 

....

"Alright, I just came up with three gods and got their titles," Marc announced.

"I got two," Marinette slumped back.

"I got none! None!" Nino threw his hands up.

"I got six," Nathaniel replied.

"I only have four," Adrien announced. 

Nino placed his head down on the table, "how many gods are we supposed to make?"

"Twelve."

Nino groaned. 

"ADRIEN!" A brunette came crushing Adrien in a hug. Marinette quickly tensed up and glared at the girl.

"L-Lila? What...um can you let go please?" Adrien struggled against her hug. She hugged tighter, glaring at the whole table making Nathaniel shrink back a little.

"Aww, but I've missed you so much!"

"Let go of my boyfriend you fiend!" Mariette snapped. Lila's eyes grew wide in surprise then turned her head making a "hmph" sound.

"Like he'll ever choose you!" She let go of Adrien, flipping her long brown hair over her shoulder.

Adrien glared at Lila, squeezing Marinette's hand, "Lila you need to mind your own business."

"Yeah dude, leave my bud alone will ya?" Nino sighed tired of Lila's whole being already.

"Who asked for your opinion?"

"Who asked for yours?" Nino said, "As I see it, you're being a rude bitch irritating us with your existence. Why are we even wasting our breath you're too stubborn to back down anyways," Nino shrugged, slouching back in his seat.

Lila's face turned red, her eyes narrowed and deadly, "How DARE you!"

"I think it's time for you to go," Nino laid his head back against the chair with a smile, "Oh Lily be a dear and kick her out!" He yelled. The owner placed her hands on her hips and glared at Lila, with a smirk on her face. She turned to her two best and trusted employees.

"You heard the boy!" She pointed at Lila, "Kick her out."

Her two employees nodded their heads and dragged Lila out of the shop.

"Thank you," Marinette smiled at Lily who smiled and waved her hand, "anytime," Lily turned and went back to work behind the cashier.

"Your mom's friend is one weird lady," Marc stated. Nino laughed, "Yeah one time she dragged this one person out with her bare hand and threw them in the trash." Nino laughed, "You mess with Lily you get the trash and that's the truth!"

At this point everyone at the table was laughing, imagining Lily throwing someone in the trash.

"Your mom's friend is one scary and cool chick," Adrien replied.

"I know!" Nino beamed.

Chapter Text

"Marc wake uuuuuup~" Shay whined, making sure to annoy a peacefully sleeping Marc on the shared bed. Marc groaned, rolling over on his back but not yet awake. Shay frowned then he got an idea. If you look at him you'd actually think you saw a lightbulb hanging above his head. He smirked mischievously, making sure to change his position so his feet were gently resting against Marc's side.

With a small laugh, he roughly kicked Marc off the bed making him spiral out of control, and face planting the floor. Marc groaned finally awake and in pain.

"SHAY!" He yelled out in anger. Shay was laughing on the shared bed hysterically. Marc groaned and started to get up when he heard movement above him. He looked up, coming into contact with Shays green eyes which held so much mischief.

"Don't you dare!"

Shay smirked. Harshly jumping up and down on the bed then yelling, "CANNONBALL!" as he jumped off the bed, falling harshly on Marc's already aching body.

"ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"

Shay started wheezing from the laughter that caught him. Marc is so much pain glared at his friend rolling around beside him laughing like some donkey, sighed giving a small laugh. Which turned into more laughter.

"That's a nice way to wake up," Marc sarcastically said laughing.

Shay brushing away his tears and holding his aching sides replied, "You should have seen your face! Omg haha! That was priceless!" Marc laughed, plopping his body onto Shay's stomach.

Shay let out a small "oof" before ignoring the weight and tried to calm his laughter down.

"Wow, that was such a nice way to wake up! I should do it often," Shay teased. Marc got up, leaning over Shay as he flicked his friend's forehead.

"You do that and you'll be sleeping outside for a year," Marc replied with a smile. As he lowered himself back on Shay, playing with the ends of his hair.

"So...arearen't you supposed to be at school?" Shay sighed in relief, bring up a hand and placing it softly on Marc's head, rubbing small circles in his hair.

"No. I don't have class till late in the afternoon. So I'm free till then," Marc replied.

Shay sat up hearing a groan from Marc as he moved, he let out a small chuckle, "don't be a baby. We can cuddle when we come back!" Shay stuck out his tongue.

"I rather cuddle with an alligator then spend time attached to you,"

"No, but Nathaniel is who you want to be with," Shay teased.

Marc groaned, standing up, "and what about you?" He asked, "you seem to take an interest in Luka,"

"H-Hey!" Shay blushed, gently pushing Marc off of him so he could get up.

"I'll go shower first. Make sure to make breakfast when I get out," Shay said, walking around the bedroom, grabbing some clothes then going to the bathroom and shutting the door behind him with a click.

"Its my home! I don't have to make you anything!" Marc replied. He stood up and stretched his arms above his head hearing a crack before sighing in relief.

"I'm still a guest in your home!" Shay replied back, "do your job well! I expect food when I'm out of here!"

Marc shook his head and walked out of his room and into the kitchen.

Marc decided on making pancakes for his so-called guest and himself. Shay was known to love pancakes with strawberries distributed all around and sometimes some bananas and blueberries would be added. Marc loved banana-flavored pancakes unlike his little fruit fanatic friend, Marc enjoyed pouring lots of syrup that an average person might just go into a sugar craze. He also liked to top off his pancakes with a few blueberries.

"I smell something delicious~" Shay walked in with messy wet hair, a towel wrapped around his shoulders. He wore a red T-shirt that had the word "hot" written across his chest and black basketball shorts.

"Well come and eat so I can go freshen up and we'll be heading out," Marc stated. Both boys started to eat and started talking about random things. After they had finished Shay grabbed both their plates placing them in the sink as Marc went to freshen up.

Ten minutes later Marc came out with wet hair, a red oversized shirt that had a Japanese band image on it, and black basketball ball shorts as well.

"Ooooh~ Marcy who you trying to impress," Shay teased. Marc narrowed his eyes at his friend, "Shay you seem to have a punchable face right now," Shay stiffened, laughing nervously.

"You know what? You probably can't even impress anyone anyways," Shay shrugged.

Marc randomly grabbed a half-full water bottle and threw it at Shay, hitting him on the head.

"Hey! That hurt!"

"That's the point!"

So much for spending the day out. They decided to just stay home before Marc went to school. 

"I'm bored~" Shay whined. 

"Then do something,"

"Your apartment is boring," Shay stuck out his tongue mocking Marc.

"Hey! How bout I call up Nathaniel and Luka and we can play a game until you guys decide to go to school?" Shay stated. Marc looked at him, considering the idea.

"Fine, call them up and make sure Luka knows the address," Marc laid down further on the couch. Shay nodded, taking out his phone and texted both Nathaniel and Luka making sure to tell Luka the address.

...

Ding Ding 

"They're finally here!" Shay yelled out running towards the door, opening it and jumping on poor Nathaniel giving him a hug.

"S-S-S-Shay? Get off me p-please," Nathaniel tried his hardest to push Shay off of him. But the boy just hugged him tighter. 

"I was so bored here Nathaniel! Marc is a meanie," Shay turned around and again stuck out his tongue making Luka burst out laughing.

"If I knew he was this childish I would've brought candy," Luka stated. Marc shot off the couch looking at the teal tipped haired boy, "don't even do that he'll be worse trust me."

"Shay let go of Nathaniel and let the boys in!" 

Shay whined but finally let go of poor Nathaniel and waved both boys inside the apartment. Luka looked around, seeing that it was his first time here, "Wow Marc you got this place all to yourself? It's so cool," Luka's eyes lit up. Shay could have sworn that there were stars in his pupils as he looked around.

"Yea, my parents are working so they are rarely even at home so this place is pretty much mine," Marc smiled. 

"Now come on Shay did text you what we are doing today right?" 

Luka placed his guitar against the wall next to the T.V., "yeah! something about being bored and wanting to play truth or dare,"

"When is he ever not bored?" Nathaniel asked. Luka placed a hand on his shoulder and laughed, "you're right."

Shay pouted walking to Marc who had moved off the couch and onto the floor. Luka and Nathaniel followed, sitting in a circle. Shay sat beside Marc on his left, Nathaniel on his right and Luka right across from him.

"Now who wants to go first?" Marc asked. 

"WAIT!" Shay yelled out, making everyone look at him, "how about we have a bottle in the middle, spin it and whoever it lands on has to do a truth or dare?" Everyone nodded, "also I'm getting snacks!" 

"On your way back grab the bottle I threw at you earlier!" Marc shouted as Shay shipped into the kitchen with a hm, "OKAY!"

"um...should I ask why you threw a bottle at him?" Luka muttered nervously. Nathaniel heard it and giggled, "they're always like this. It pretty relaxing and takes the stress off like watching a comedy movie," Luka chuckled shaking his head.

"And here I thought Marc was going to be the shy one," 

"Well he is around others but when he's comfortable around people he lets his personality come out,"

Luka hummed. Soon Shay came back with a bowl of chips, drinks and the half-full water bottle that was earlier thrown at him.

"Oof! Ok here we go," He placed the water bottle in the middle and the chips and drinks on an empty place right by Luka. 

"Because you brought the bottle you go first," Marc stated out taking a chip from the bowl, Shay smiled. Spinning the bottle.

"Nathaniel, Truth or Dare?" 

"uh...T-Truth I guess," 

Shay looked at the tomato haired boy with a playful smirk, "Is there someone in the room you currently have feelings for?"

Nathaniel froze, "C-Can I pass?" Shay shook his head 'no'. Nathaniel looked down, his face red as he nodded slowly.

Marc and Luka both looked at each other than at Shay then at Nathaniel, "Ok your turn!"

Nathaniel spun the bottle landing on Luka, "What's your favorite thing to do?"

Luka nervously rubbed the back of his neck, "well I like to write songs and play guitar, sometimes I'll sing a little when I'm alone,"

Shay's eyes widened, "maybe you should sing to us one of these days!"

Luka let out a nervous laugh, "yeah, maybe. " Luka grabbed the bottle and spun it.

It landed on Shay.

"Truth or Dare?"

Shay smirked, "Dare!"

Luka eyed him before laughing, "I dare you to open a window and yell from the top of your lungs 'I LIKE BIG BUTTS AND I CANNOT LIE' ok?" Marc held in his laugh know full well Shay is going to do it no matter what.

Shay got up and went to a window inside Marc's room, opened it and yelled, "I LIKE BIG BUTTS AND I CANNOT LIE, THESE OTHER BOYS CAN'T DENY!" He came back sat down and grabbed a chip from the bowl and ate it.

"You have got to be kidding me? You actually did that? And continued it!" Luka said between his laugh. Nathaniel was also hysterically laughing as well as Marc.

Shay shrugged, "course. My turn again!" He spun the bottle landing on Marc, "Truth or Dare, Raven?" Marc eyed him at the nickname but dismissed it.

"Dare,"

Shay snickered, "I dare you to give Nathaniel a kiss on the cheek,"

What?!

Chapter Text

W-WHAT?" Nathaniel turned red after hearing what Shay had said. He was so red it looked like he actually became one with his hair.

"U-uh...I-I...no...uh,"

"Good going Shay! I think you broke him," Luka giggled earning a soft smile from Shay before turning his attention back to Marc.

He leaned down, breath brushing against his friend's ear, "you know you want to. C'mon, it's a harmless kiss," Shay pulled back, smiling brightly. Marc grumbled, pouting. He looked over to Nathaniel, seeing that the poor boy was dumbfounded.

"Fine," Marc crawled towards Nathaniel, making sure not to drop the bowl of chips. The poor tomato was so caught up in his thoughts he didn't see Marc was right in front of him on all fours. Shay secretly took out his phone and started to record, while Luka tried to hold in a laugh.

Marc huffed, shaking his head before pushing up and placed a small kiss on Nathaniel's cheek, bringing the poor boy back to reality as he tensed up. He looked at Marc with wide eyes and a beet-red face. His mouth opened slightly in shock and Marc couldn't help but find the whole situation funny and dare he say...cute.

Shay stopped recording, looking back at Luka and winked. Luka smiled brightly, chuckling.

Marc crawled back to his place in the circle and looked down. He was too embarrassed to face Nathaniel.

"Ok, so who's turn is it?"

"I'll go!" Luka raised his hand, playfully. Shay couldn't help but feel his heart melt just a little.

Luka grabbed the bottle and spun it landing of Shay. Luka looked up and smirked, "Truth or Dare snowflake?" Shay blushed at the nickname earning a snicker from Marc.

Shay met Luka's gaze, "Truth."

Luka laughed, "what's your biggest insecurity?"

Shay looked down smiling sadly, "I'd have to say everything. Everything about me, y'know," Shay shrugged. He leaned forward and grabbed a drink and another chip.

"Everything? Care to elaborate?" Luka asked, tilting his head to the side,  curiously. Shay turned to look at Marc who's eyes showed so much sadness, but it wasn't towards him but the past.

"I guess-"

"You don't have to Shay. Not when your not ready to tell," Marc stated. Shay smiled at his friend then turned back to Luka.

He shrugged, "maybe another time, yeah?" Luka's eyes filled with worry but he nodded nonetheless.

"Alright, Nathaniel your turn," Shay smiled towards the shy tomato. After what Marc pulled with that kiss Nathaniel was quiet. Though he still grabbed the bottle and spun it. The point of the bottle landing on Luka.

"Truth or D-Dare?" The poor boy stuttered. Luka brought his hand up to his chin, thinking.

"Hmm, truth!"

"What's your biggest fear?" Nathaniel asked, eyeing Luka.

Luka sighed, nervously rubbing the back of his neck.

"Water. My biggest fear is water," Luka replied. Marc and Shay froze thinking back to the incident with Lucius all those years ago.

"May we ask why?" Marc replied quietly.

Luka sighed, looking down at his lap, "when I was a kid. I had a small incident..." he started, "I was playing ball with my friends when someone came up, a teenager from a highschool near the neighborhood. He wanted to take the ball from us just to mock us but...I didn't let up." Luka tensed, "I couldn't swim at the time so when he pushed me into the lake I wasn't prepared."

Shay looked at Luka, sadness filled his blue eyes, "My father rushed towards me after the kids had run to him for help. He pulled me out, calling the cops on the teenager,"

"I'm sorry," Marc replied.

Luka laughed it off, "no worries! It was years ago. I'm still scared but I at least know how to swim now, y'know?"

Shay laughed nodding.

"Okay, one more round!"

Marc grabbed the bottle and spun it, landing on Shay. He smiled brightly, "Truth or Dare?"

"DARE!"

Marc's grin grew. He leaned over to his friend to whisper his dare, which led to Shay blushing brightly.

"Do I have to!?" He asked, eyeing his friend. Marc gave a firm nod and with that Shay couldn't back down.

"Fineeeee~" he whined out, standing up and walking over to Luka.

"I'm sorry about this..." Shay said nervously. Luka eyed him then Marc who had a huge grin in his face, eyes filled with mischief.

"What did he ask you to d-" Luka was silenced when he felt a pair of soft lips peck his. Shay pulled back, fast leaving a dazed Luka looking at him with wide eyes.

Marc clapped, "well that concludes our game of truth or dare! We better get ready for school," Shay nodded before heading towards Marc's bedroom.

....

Arriving at school took five minutes as well as a really tense but somewhat comfortable atmosphere. Luka was in the back seat staring out the window in deep thought. Marc was the one driving and Nathaniel in the passenger seat, hugging his backpack to his chest and laying his head against the window of the car.

"We're here," Marc parked the car. He turned around to look at Luka who didn't seem like he heard him at all.

"Luka, we're here,"

"Huh...oh yeah seems like we are," Luka awkwardly chuckled, gathering his stuff and got out of the car. Marc and Nathaniel following suit.

"What's wrong?" Nathaniel asked, shyly.

Luka swung his backpack on and sighed, rubbing the back of his neck nervously, "I'm not completely sure myself,"

All three started walking to the school building, "You know..." Marc started, "Shay really does like you, but he has trouble voicing it,"

Nathaniel felt like he was the third wheel in the conversation so he slowly pulled back and was following the two boys in front of him.

"I...really?...um," Luka stuttered.

Marc chuckled, "Yeah really, just please do me one thing,"

Marc stopped and Luka did as well. Nathaniel quietly snuck past them and went inside the school building, unnoticed. Luka made sure that his gaze met Marc's. He could see that his lime green orbs held so much love for his friend. He knew Marc would do anything to help Shay out front that one look.

"What is it?" He asked.

Marc smiled sadly, looking down.

"Make sure to treat him well, he's been through a lot and I don't want my friend, my family, to even feel like he's nothing," Marc exclaimed.

Luka's eyes widened, he felt so many questions arise but...what happened to Shay? He thought.

Marc could see that Luka was confused so he gave him a smile, placing a hand on the guitarist's shoulder, "you'll know when he's ready to tell you, alright?"

Luka nodded.

"Great! Let's get to class!" Marc smiled, looking around as a frown made its way to his face, "where's Nathaniel?" He asked sadly.

Luka looked around as well, "um he probably went inside,"

Marc sadly nodded. But smiled nonetheless, "let's go inside before we are late for class, yeah?"

Luka smiled, "yeah!"

Chapter Text

Shay sat alone on Marc's bed. The soft mattress against his back, his legs hanging from the side of the bed. He sighed, picking up his phone and reading a text he had gotten a few days ago.

He sat up, holding his phone in his hand.

Shay. We are sorry about this but we can't make it to your birthday this year. Your father and I are so proud of you, you know that right? We're sorry we won't be joining you this  time . Business has been slow and our  clients ... well I wouldn't want to bore you. It makes me happy to see  that   you've  grown to be a fine man. Say hi to Marc for me when you get the chance.  I'm  happy he's taking care of you.

Best wishes and Happy Birthday!
- Mother

Shay's birthday was in a week. His mother and father have always been overseas working for their law firm but...he wants his parents. Every year on his birthday, for as long as he can remember, he has barely seen his parents around. And when they were they were always too busy for him to even notice anything.

He loved them...but a child still wants their parents.

"Why did I think this year was any different?" He asked, dropping his phone on the bed. He got up and walked into the living room of Marc's apartment. Grabbing the remote he turned on the T.V., and he kept changing channels until he came across Spongebob. It was the episode where SpongeBob was in a box and the whole "imagination" thing started.

His phone started to ring just when he was getting to the part where Squidward was starting to get worried about Spongebob when he went back inside the box and started screaming.

He quickly got off the couch and went back into the room he was in previous to going to the living room, grabbed his phone, and went back into the living room.

"Shay speaking" he answered, lowering the volume on the T.V.

"Hey, Shay it's Luka!"

"Hey, Luka! What's up? Aren't you in  school  right now?"

"Well I'm pretty much almost  done  with school, this class being my last y'know? Anyways how are you?"

Shay smiled a little, "I'm fine. Having a date with Spongebob Squarepants right now," he shrugged.

"Aw, man! Now I lost my chance to ask you first, to a cartoon!" Shay blushed. He could feel Luka pouting on the other side of the phone.

"Haha..." Shay nervously laughed, "well when you're done with school, why not come over again? I'm sure Marc wouldn't mind." Shay asked, leaning back on the couch.

"Is that really ok?" Luka asked, "I don't want to be a bother."

"Trust me you won't! Text me when you have arrived  at  the apartment, I'll let you in! Bye!"

"Bye, see you soon."

Shay hung up the phone looking down at it with a gentle smile on his lips. He then turned red when he remembered what Luka had said not too long ago.

"Does he really have a crush on me?" Shay asked himself, thinking back to when he was dared to kiss Luka earlier that day.

"Maybe...just maybe I can try again," he sadly said out loud.

He has never really been good at relationships. His last two relationships turned out they be using him because he was wealthy. His third relationship got him sent to the hospital for weeks. His boyfriend was so controlling and abusive that when he decided to break things off with him. He just attacked him.

Shay shivered from the painful memories that still haunt him. He knew that his ex was still out there, which is why he started to live with Marc more than go back to his apartment in fear that his ex was stalking him.

His phone buzzed snapping him out of his thoughts. He looked down smiling brightly, he jumped off the couch and ran to the door, opening it.

"LUKA!" he laughed jumping up and hugging the guitarist. Luka stumbled back but caught himself before he fell.

"Woah!" Luka let out a laugh, "do you do this to Marc and Nathaniel as well?" He asked. Marc let go stepping back, "Marc gets it far worse trust me," Shay started laughing, and Luka smiled.

They both walked inside, closing the door behind them.

"So what do you do? Y'know when Marc isn't home?" Luka asked setting himself down on the couch in front of the T.V.

Shay shrugged, "Nothing really, I guess. I do go back to my apartment sometimes to get things from there so I wouldn't be so bored here,"

Luka glanced over his shoulder to where Shay was standing, "If you don't mind me asking but... why don't you sleep there?"

Shay grabbed an apple from the nearby table and took a bite, "it's boring there." he simply replied. Luka eyed him for a while before turning his attention to Spongebob doing random things to annoy Squidward. He laughed a little before asking, "Wanna play a game?" 

Shay looked at him, smirking.

"A game?"

"Yeah,"

"Alright. What game?"

Luka got up and walked towards Shay, looking down at the smaller boy. Compared to Luka's height Shay was an inch or two smaller than he was. 

"I'll play five songs and if you can guess all five then you can ask me one personal question," Luka said. Shay looked up and met the boy's eyes, "and what happens if I lose?"

Luka shrugged, "I ask one personal question and you answer honestly."

Shay looked at his half-eaten apple he turned it around in his hand before sighing and putting on his best smirk, making sure Luka knew he wouldn't lose.

"Deal!"

Luka's eyes sparkled as he smiled, "Great! Does Marc have an instrument here? I left my guitar at school?"

Shay smiled, nodding. He took another bite from the apple in his hand and walked towards Marc's room and came out with a black colored guitar.

Luka's eyes grew wide at the beauty of the guitar, "Woah! That's a neat guitar!" He walked up to Shay as Shay held it out for him.

"Yeah I know," He teased with a smile, "careful with it. It means something to Marc and me," Luka gently grabbed the guitar and nodded. He started to tune it being as gentle as he could. Shay walked to the T.V. and shut it off, plopping down on the couch and waiting for Luka to finish.

Luka finally got the guitar to tune as he walked back to the couch and sat on the other side of Shay.

"Ready?"

Shay moved, sitting on one leg and the other hung over the edge.

"Ready!"

Chapter Text

"Nathaniel!" Marc yelled out as he left Luka to go to his class. Marc noticed that Nathaniel had started to, talk less. He didn't know why. After he and Luka walked inside the school he noticed Nathaniel walk straight into class and Marc knew if he didn't hurry he'd be late. He bid goodbye to Luka and walked inside his classroom, sitting down beside Nathaniel.

Almost everyone was there except Juleka and Rose.

"Okay class today will be an important class," Mr. Josh walked in with a book in his hand. He walked around the table, sitting down and leaning back, opening the book.

He stayed quiet for a while which led to Max raising his hand,

"Yes, Max?"

"Why is the class important today?" Max questioned.

Mr. Josh leaned forward in his chair, placing the book on the desk, "good question,"

"I want to bring up a really important issue and see what everyone thinks about the idea," Mr. Josh reached for the book and opened it.

"Police brutality," he announced. Everyone's interest peaked.

"During the years there have been multiple falsely accused, false arrests, and the use of power over the majority of citizens in America," Mr. Josh started, "during the years police brutality has increased, attacking the majority of people of color."

The whole class looked forward, eyes wide.

"My question to you is," Mr. Josh placed the book down, standing up.

"If America is the so-called "free" country, why is this happening? Why are people of color being targeted?"

The class stood quiet for minutes until Chloe raised her hand, "they can't accept change,"

Mr. Josh smiled, "correct," he stated, "but what else?"

Kim raises his hand.

"Yes, Kim?"

"People tend to not like those who are different. They say that the country is free but every one of color can see that nothing is free if there is a wall stopping them from gaining that so-called freedom,"

"Good answer, anyone else?"

Adrien raises his hand.

"Yes, Adrien?"

"What if America isn't really what it is cut out to be?"

Mr. Josh leaned back against his desk, waving for Adrien to continue.

"What I mean is they may say it's free but is it really? If we look at the history of America, it was first inhabited by the Native Americans but then Columbus found it but not without the slaughter of many innocent families: women, and children, killed.

I have learned that America is just filled with nothing but words and speeches. Many will see it as free and fair but those who are different, those who understand what it's like to be different, they can see that it has flaws."

"And what are the flaws?" Mr. Josh asked.

"Yes, Sabrina?"

"The justice system," she stated, "let's say a colored person was falsely accused of a crime they did not commit, the judge would place a longer sentence on them than a regular American. It just shows that people of color will always be treated differently than people who are considered 'white.' For another example, let's take a person who has committed a huge crime and another who has committed a small crime. The man who committed a huge crime may be sentenced to life or years at best. But the person who committed the small crime also maybe be sentenced to life or years in prison, why is that?" Sabrina asked.

"Because the one who committed the small crime is of color,"

"Correct," Mr. Josh pointed out, please by the class.

"You see history shows us many events that happened in the past that lead to the future we have now," Mr. Josh stated, walking around his desk and standing behind it leaning forward with both hands on the desk, "but history repeats itself more times than we can count. History is like a circle, when one ends another occurs from that event that changes into something else and so on."

"So what do we do to stop history from repeating itself?" Alya asked.

"Find the problem and solve it civilly because if you don't... nothing will change and it will only worsen to the point where even the person in charge starts to do something dumb. Something irresponsible and reckless."

"So how do you stop police brutality?" Nino asked.

Mr. Josh smiled, "Change the system that's corrupt and unfair."

"But that's easier said than done," Chloe rolled her eyes.

"You're correct Chloe, it is easier said than done but everyone needs somewhere to start,"

Mr. Josh grabbed the book on his desk, opening it, "What I want you to do today is write a page of what you think America should do to start changing the Justice system. How can we make it so everyone isn't scared of those of color but embraces their differences? You have until the end of class to finish."

Everyone quickly grabbed paper and pencils from their bags and began writing.

...

"That was a weird lesson, but interesting," Kim pointed out, as the students walked out of class in a group.

"But you have to agree that what they are doing over there isn't fair!" Rose exclaimed.

Kim rolled his eyes, "of course, I know. It's not right! It's disgusting, to be honest,"

"Yeah, it's amazing how it lasted this long," Chloe pointed out.

"Anyways! We have clubs to get to!" Sabrina yelled out happily, jumping which in turn made everyone smile and laugh at her childish behavior.

Marc looked at Nathaniel, grabbed his arm, and headed to the art club. They were the first ones there so it gave them a few minutes until the room will be filled.

"Hey,"

"H-Hi" Nathaniel blushed.

"What's wrong?" Marc asked, worried. Nathaniel looked at Marc, his blue eyes meeting lime green ones.

"What do you mean?"

Marc smiled, "I mean you seem unhappy," he pointed out, "you started to talk less when you're around Shay, Luka, and I. What's wrong?" Marc softly repeats the question again.

"I...um..." Nathaniel avoids Marc's eyes and looks down at his feet.

"I..." Nathaniel started again, "I-I just felt l-like I was a burden on you guys," Nathaniel's gaze was still on the floor so he couldn't see the shocked look Marc had in his face.

"I just started to feel like I wasn't good enough to be your friend, that I-" Nathaniel was cut off by Marc grabbing him tightly, hugging him tightly.

"Don't," Marc said, "don't you dare think you're a burden! Don't you dare think you aren't good enough for my friendship!"

"B-but-"

Marc shook his head, tightening his hold on Nathaniel by a little bit, burying his face in the boy's neck, "you mean so much to me, please don't think like that," Marc whispered against Nathaniel's neck.

Nathaniel stood still. He could feel Marc shaking as he was hugging him. He could also hear Marc's shaky voice as he talked. He could feel his shaky breath against his skin.

Nathaniel slowly drew his arms up and hugged Marc, slowly at first but then he tightened his hold, burying his face in the dark-haired boy's shoulder, letting out a few tears.

"I-I'm sorry," Nathaniel said, "so sorry!"

Marc patted the boys back, comforting him.

"It's ok. Don't ever forget that you mean so much to me," Marc pulled back, watching as Nathaniel tried to wipe his tears away with his sleeve. Moving a hand up and placing it on the crying boy's cheek, "look at me."

Nathaniel continued to wipe his eyes from the tears, sniffling and refusing to look at Marc. Embarrassed at himself for his breakdown seconds ago.

"Look at me, please,"

Nathaniel caved in as soon as he heard the, "please". He could hear how desperate Marc's voice was. He turned his gaze and stared directly at Marc. He saw him smile warmly, gently caressing his thumb against his skin, sending shivers all over his body.

"You mean so much to me Nathaniel," Marc said, in a hushed voice, "sometimes I feel like I may go crazy," Marc leaned in a little.

Nathaniel was bright red, embarrassed, and shocked. All in a good way. His mind was racing his heart beating so fast and so loud he could practically hear it.

"Marc?" Nathaniel asked, leaning in a little bit. At this point, both of their minds were filled with thoughts their hearts beating rhythmically as one.

"Nathaniel, I care so much for you, why can't you see that?" Marc whispered, leaning in once more, leaving an inch to separate them. They were both gazing into each other's eyes, Marc's arm that stayed on Nathaniel's body moved lower to his waist, pulling him closer and earning a gasp from the smaller boy.

Marc leaned forward closing the distance, his lips hovering over Nathaniels a centimeter more and they would be kissing. But Marc moved to the side, placing a small kiss on his cheek, then moving lower and placing a kiss on the side of his mouth. He pulled away smiling brightly.

"Do you understand?" Marc asked.

Nathaniel's heart was beating so loud he could barely hear his thoughts nonetheless heard Marc's question but he did. Oh, he heard him and he did understand.

"But Marinette,"

Both boys pulled away so fast, both red and hearts were beating so fast from both fright and excitement as well as love.

"Oh hey Marc, Nathaniel!" Marinette smiled, she could see both boys were red but brushed it off.

"You guys seen Luka?" The club director asked, "he left his guitar,"

"No, maybe he left early?" Marc cleaned his thoughts and answered.

"Oh okay, well tell him to swing by tomorrow so he can take it with him,"

Marc smiled, "will do!"

The director when back to talking to the other students. Marc turned to Nathaniel, watching the boy take out his art supplies and sit down as he began to draw.

Marc walked up from behind him, "what are you going to draw today?" Marc asked, scaring Nathaniel and making his face turn red.

"Um...its a surprise," Nathaniel said.

"Hmm, surprise? For who?" Marc asked intrigued.

Nathaniel laughed, pushing Marc back a little, "For you dummy, but you can't see it until it's done!"

Marc pouted, "Awe can't I watch you draw? You're amazing!" Marc's eyes lit up.

Nathaniel shook his head no, giggling at Marc's cute behavior, "Not yet! I promise you'll like it, okay?" Marc pouted again but nodded in agreement, "but you have to give me something first," Marc said.

Nathaniel looked at the dark-haired boy in question, "what?"

Marc leaned down and tapped his cheek, "a kiss?"

Nathaniel's eyes grew wide and his face once again turned red, "b-but there are people here! They w-will see,"

Marc looked up seeing everyone was focused on their own thing, each person creating something, talking, or hanging out.

"Not if you do it quick enough, they're all busy. Pretty please?" Marc stated leaning back down again.

Nathaniel thought for a moment before, nodding.

Marc smiled brightly leaning down and presenting his left cheek toward Nathaniel, closing his eyes.

Nathaniel leaned in and ever so softly placed a small kiss on Marc's cheek, "T-there now move!" Nathaniel pushed  Marce playfully, earning a chuckle from the other. Marc smiled widely, placing his hand on his cheek where Nathaniel kissed him.

His heart felt so light and filled with love it was like a tsunami breaking all his walls and filling him with warmth.

Chapter Text

"Hey, Marc! So, how's the assignment going for building your own Pantheon?" Adrien asked.

"I actually finished yesterday during clubs, how about you?" Marc replied.

Adrien pouted, shrugging his shoulders, "I just need one more to go," he sighed.

"Marinette, Nino, did you guys finish?" Adrien asked his other two friends who were placing their things in the lockers.

"Yeah, I finished yesterday during clubs as well!" Marinette smiled, making her way to her boyfriend and kissing him on the cheek. Nino rolled his eyes at his best mate, smiling, "Nah, bro, I still need a few more to go, then I'll be done."

Adrien laughed, pulling Marinette in by the waist and placing his chin on her shoulder, "Well it's due tomorrow, so you better get it done," he replied to his friend, placing a kiss on Marinette's cheek as well.

"How about you, Nathaniel? Finished yet?" Marc asked, placing an arm around the redhead's shoulders, earning a small blush that Marc noticed, which made him smile.

"Y-Yeah, finished it a while ago," Nathaniel nervously said.

"Well, then, how bout we go to the park to hang out?" Adrien requested, "We can finish our work, then have fun afterward, how about it?"

"Can I bring Shay along?" Marc asked nervously.

Marinette smiled and looked at Adrien as he nodded, "Yeah, I like him."

Marc smiled, moving away from Nathaniel, sending a text to Shay.

"You coming?" Marc asked Nathaniel.

"Um, s-sure,"

Marc smiled brightly, "Great!"

"Okay, so when classes are done, let's all meet up at the park, deal?"

"Deal!" They all said in unison.

...

"Your back!" Shay jumped on Marc, throwing him off balance, bringing both of them down.

Nathaniel nervously laughed, feeling like he had gotten used to their weird antics.

"Geeze, Shay," Marc started, rubbing the back of his head, "maybe give me a warning before you keep doing that,"

Shay faced Marc, pulling out his tongue in a childish way, making Marc push his face away.

"Nathaniel, help me~" Marc whined when Shay decided to jump up on him again.

"Maybe I should just..." He was interrupted when he felt himself being dragged down. Shay had pounced on him, making Marc laugh.

"S-Shay! No... no more! Haha!" Shay laughed as he began to tickle Nathaniel's sides.

"Hah, I win! Now take your punishment," he brought his hands up, wiggling his fingers before going back in, tickling Nathaniel.

"MARC! H-Help meeeeee! HAHA NO! STOP!" Nathaniel stuttered out, laughing nonstop. He could feel his sides begin to ache from all the painful laughing and tickling.

Marc was laughing of laughter next to Shay, who was still tickling Nathaniel on the floor.

"S-Shay, I think t-that's enough," Marc panted heavily, wiping a tear away.

Shay moved his hands away, sitting back, leaning on his hands for support as he looked at the ceiling and let out a small laugh.

Marc lay on the floor with his face facing the ceiling, his eyes closed, and his chest moving up and down from trying to breathe.

Nathaniel lay on his side, making sure that one of his arms was covering his side that wasn't on the floor. He breathed in heavily after what Shay had put him through, he could barely move a leg.

"I feel like death," Nathaniel whined out, having in some much-needed air back into his lungs.

"You got that right," Marc replied, eyes still closed.

Shay lowered himself so he was also lying on his back like Marc, "I'm so exhausted from all that laughing,"

"Here, here," Nathaniel replied, moving his arm just enough to land a weak punch on Shay's shoulder.

"I think we should just rest, ya know," Marc gasped out.

"Yeah," Nathaniel replied. Shay nods his head. His eyes were already closed with an arm over them.

"Hey, Shay,"

"Hm?"

"Wanna hang out with Adrien, Marinette, and Nino? We're going to the park in a bit."

Shay sat up, leaning forward, "Hmm, is Luka going to be there?"

Marc rolled his eyes and sat up as well, running a hand through his dark hair, "I think Adrien may invite him, but who knows, maybe,"

Shay hummed, "Sure, then, I'll come along. Let me have a chance to get to know your friends a little more!" He smiled.

"Of course, just don't embarrass me," Marc warned.

"Me? Embarrass you? Never," Shay innocently said.

"But I may tell them that one time when you go so scared you cr-" Marc jumped up, placing both hands on Shay's mouth.

"Shut it!" Marc glared.

Nathaniel sat up as well and looked at the two, "What happened?" He asked.

Marc turned red, shaking his head, "n-nothing happened, okay!"

"Okay?" Nathaniel got up and dusted himself off. "I'll just meet you two outside the door," he pointed, "that is, whenever you two are done bickering like children." he walked to the door, hearing a muffled yell and Marc scream, "We are not bickering!" He laughed, opening the door and leaning against the wall just outside.

"So that happened," Shay said. Getting up as well, followed by Marc.

"Hey,"

"Hm?" Marc tilted his head to the side.

"So when are you going to tell him you want to be more than friends?" Shay asked, glancing at Marc.

Marc sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, "Well, I sorta...hinted it?" He said it as a question. Which made Shay let out a small laugh.

"Oh, you poor unfortunate soul," Shay replied.

"Seriously?" Marc question. Shay shrugged.

"Look, just tell him, I know you like him very much and I can see he likes you too..." Shay walked up to Marc, pulling him into a hug, "Just tell him. I want you to be happy,"

Marc relaxed in his friend's embrace, lifting a hand up and placing it on Shay's back. " Yeah, okay, but you too. You know you need the happiness as much as me," Marc pulled back, flicking Shay on his forehead.

"Owie!" Shay rubbed his forehead, "that huuuuurt~" he whined.

Marc laughed, "Come on, let's go. Nathaniel is waiting, and everyone else is waiting."

Shay smiled, nodding.

"Alright!"