A Step at a Time

Caline clapped her hands for attention. 'All right, class, settle down. You need to listen to this, because this will be thirty percent of your final grade.'

There was a stunned gasp and mutinous grumbles from the students.

'Exactly. So,' Caline continued, 'for your history assignment, you'll split yourselves into groups of three or four. Then, you'll then choose a topic we have covered in class and put together a presentation, with slides, pictures, and hand-outs. Extra points will be awarded to those who put in the effort to be creative.

'This is an opportunity to let your imaginations loose, so don't hold back. You'll have until next Monday, so I suggest you do all your planning during the week and really knuckle down over the weekend. Good luck and I'll see you tomorrow.'

Nino turned to Adrien with a raised fist. 'Want to be in a group with me?'

'As if you had to ask,' Adrien replied as they bumped fists.

Nino was about to speak again, when Alya leaned over her desk. 'Hey guys, wanna be in a group with Marinette and me?'

Adrien turned to look at them. Alya was still leaning precariously over her desk while Marinette sat stiff and upright.

'Is that ok with you?' he asked her.

Marinette's eyes widened, 'oh, yes. Fine. That's fine. Absolutely,' she replied.

'Great,' Alya cheered. 'How about, every day after school, we meet at Marinette's place?'

'Why my place?'

'Because space and free snacks,' Nino explained.

'Also, you don't have any annoying siblings,' Alya added.

'Or crazy, over-protective dads,' Nino finished.

Adrien wanted to be offended on Gabriel's behalf, but Nino had a point. He settled with sending Nino a reproachful look.

Marinette sighed, 'fine. We can meet at my place.'

Alya and Nino cheered as Adrien's phone buzzed. Looking at it, he cringed.

'I hate to be that guy, but I've got to go. I'll try to get out of whatever else I have scheduled this week, to help you properly. I'm sure Madame Bustier will talk with Father to help me get out of it. In the meantime, keep me updated. See you tomorrow.'

Adrien shoved his belongings in his bag, waved, and ran outside. It wasn't until he was almost home that he realised what he'd said.

'Crap.'

'Dude,' Nino greeted him with a flat expression.

Adrien cringed and rubbed the back of his neck, 'sorry.'

Nino sighed as his shoulders slumped. 'So, I guess it's true, then.'

'Yeah,' Adrien replied with a wince.

'How long?'

'Since the parent teacher conference.'

Nino's eyebrows shot up, 'That long? How's that been going for you?'

Adrien let his head fall back with a long-suffering groan.

'That well, huh?' Nino chuckled. 'Well, considering the circumstances, and the fact that you've suffered enough, I'm not mad.'

'Really?'

'Nah, I can't stay mad at my best bro. I wish you had told me the truth, but I get it. Kim and his favouritism crap, and that whole Marinette and Lila debacle.' Nino shook his head.

'Thanks, man.'

As they bumped fists, Adrien felt bad he had forgotten to tell Nino the truth about Gabriel and Caline. He had been so concerned about being teased and preventing the rest of the student body from finding out, he realised he'd never actually confirmed or denied the allegations.

So far, he had only talked to the counsellor, Joseph Durand, about Gabriel's and Caline's relationship. Adrien figured that after talking to Joseph, his need to vent was filled, so it was no wonder he'd forgotten to tell Nino.

Making a valiant effort to shrug off his guilt, Adrien asked, 'So, did you make any progress on the history presentation?'

Nino filled him in as they went to class.