1409/Vet Visit

Vet Visit
Date of Scene:	13 April 2024
Location:	Dorms #2
Synopsis:	Adrien is confronted by Chrono who is concerned about his mental health. They have a long talk.
Cast of Characters:	Adrien Agreste, Chrono Harlaown

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Adrien Agreste has posed:
Adrien Agreste had been out of the room for quite awhile the past day or so after the small revelation of waht Naru and he had come across in the Shed. With her fear of being trapped in a mirror on full display as yet another figure was currently trapped in one (albeit asleep and apparently unaware), that meant that she was being vividly reminded of the traumatic event. He'd been doing his utmost to try and keep her mind off of things, while also trying to figure out some way to help.

Now he'd come back to the room to grab a shower, some food and actually just sit down to rest for a bit. A towel is slung around his shoulders while he sits on the edge of his bed with phone in hand to look over current news and other events.

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
"You know, that's not healthy," Chrono's voice came from his bed. Chrono was laying there, his arms behind his head, crossed, seemingly asleep. Except he wasn't, because he'd talked.

"I believe the proper term is 'doomscrolling'? Either way, it's really not something you should be doing. Unless you're just checking up on recent events and all.... but judging by that serious expression on your face, I doubt it." He sat up with a little grunt. "Adrien, we need to chat..." He pulled out his card and there was a little flash of magic. He then nodded. "About Cat Noir." Yep. He needed to talk with him... *about his dirty little secret*. "Do you know what this is about, or would you prefer I explain in... greater detail?"

Adrien Agreste has posed:
Adrien Agreste glances up from his phone to flash Chrono a quick smile as he's called out for scrolling on his phone. "Just checking with some of the updates to the fanblog, and recent events, yes," he begins to explain. At least until Chrono says that they need to talk.

The phone is placed down beside him on the bed with a more serious expression though... He doesn't seem entirely certain. "I'm not entirely sure, no. If you need more information about Akuma and how they work then I'm happy to help of course. Or what ever it may be."

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
"Ladybug isn't here," Chrono said before sitting up. "There's just Cat Noir. And I've been watching you. when you go out, when you fight. When... everything comes together. There's a lot riding on you, sometimes."

"A lot riding on all of us. And I know, often? It can feel overwhelming. Even... crushing. Like we're being slowly driven down and there's nothing we can do to stop it."

"But you know, where I come from? Magical people, us soldiers? We have a support network. We have people who watch over us, look out for us. Protect us. Most importantly, we have people who keep an eye on our mental health. Here? Not so much. And you're a lot more isolated than most of our magical sorts. There are only a handful of us who even know what you are."

"... So my question for you is there anything you need to talk about?"

He turned to look at Adrien, sitting up straight and alert as he always did. The soldiers he was. Watching. Calculating. Not judging. But definitely... Definitely alert and aware.

Giving Adrien the chance to talk about it himself.... rather than just pushing it himself. Yet.

Adrien Agreste has posed:
Ladybug wasn't here. Those words earn a little flash of something crossing Adrien's face as he hears it said out loud. He knew of course. If anyone knew it was him. He was just doing his best to try and ignore that fact, just a little.

While Chrono speaks, Plagg flits out of his little spot on the book case where Adrien had built him a miniature figurine lounging room. Those kits were cute and just the right size for Plagg to the point that he'd actually wondered if the 'miniature hobby' in Japan was originally created for Kwamis, or mascots, or other magical sorts of similar stature. The cat Kwami pats Adrien's shoulder as Chrono talks about a support network, people knowing his identity, and his mental health.

"I'm fine," Adrien starts only to open his mouth again and find that he can't quite say it a second time. Instead he drops his head forward to catch in one hand which rakes back through his hair.

"In a way it's a good thing she's not here. Our Miraculouses are far apart, so that means Hawkmoth's chances of getting both are slim. I just--I worked with her as my partner for so long. Even without the crush situation, we're a *team* and I can only do half of what is needed to help those that Hawkmoth Akumatizes."

Lifting his gaze he looks solemnly toward Chrono. "I really wish I could tell more people about who I am, too. I don't like lying to my friends. I understand the need to keep my identity secret given Hawkmoth can literally take over people though. If he got someone who knew who I was, it'd be so easy to come after me, or my friends." And family, though that part goes unsaid.

"I feel like I need to figure something else out. I just don't know *what*."

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
Chrono Harlaown gave a small nod. "Yes. Teamwork is incredibly valuable. The reason I bring this up isn't to hurt you. In fact, I do understand that keeping your identity a secret is important."

His own familiar, Fenix, was currently resting as well. She knew, of course.... but only because she was an extension of Chrono. What he knew, she knew. Sometimes she knew stuff he 'knew', but didn't know.

But...

"You can only do half, that's true. There are others here who can do the other half, though. I'll admit, I can't undo the damage dealt, but my barriers can make sure the damage isn't permanent. There are many purifiers here, as well. I'm keeping a list when I run into them."

"And no, I understand. Your identity... well... I'm a TSAB enforcer. The nature of my duty means a secret identity isn't something I can have. Our positions, in that regard, are entirely reversed. If someone got a hold of my device, it would be frustrating but, in theory, I could get a new one. And it has been calibrated by and for me, so it would be near impossible for anyone else to wield it like I can. For you, however, they'd need to... well... if they got a hold of yours, you'd not only be helpless, but the world would be in danger. That's a lot for anyone to handle."

"... Perhaps you do need to figure something else out. but you are *not* alone. And you are so far from 'fine' that I would be worried you'd possibly be at risk for akumatization if not for the fact I tend to keep a very close eye on you."

"... But you do know that you are a valuable member in all of this, do you not? I've seen plenty of soldiers who have had those moments of... emotional despair. Who are 'fine'. But you do not judge a barrier specialist on their ability to launch explosive blasts, nor a medic on their ability to direct a battle."

"Your role, in all of this, is no less valuable, even if you aren't Ladybug... and that is what I am concerned about."

"... Because I've been 'fine' before as well. And it is anything but."

Adrien Agreste has posed:
Adrien Agreste laces his fingers together as he rests his elbows on his knees bent slightly forward. It wasn't his usual perfect posture. It was a slouch of a teen who was just *tired* but still listening. "Having Naru to talk to helps. You as well. I guess I should probably talk more at times." He does smile though. He wasn't so far gone that he couldn't pull himself out a bit at least.

"I've never been akumatized before, and hopefully never will. Plagg is good at keeping an eye on me too," he assures with a chuckle. Even if he's trying to be a bit light hearted about it, he knew it was a serious enough conversation. "I do appreciate you looking out for me, Chrono. I think... I used to actually go around more often as Cat Noir. Even go out and see movies at times with Ladybug. Just between fights or patrols. People in Paris were a bit different than here, they just kind of accepted it, or maybe the Veil took care of it. Thing is, I socialized as Cat Noir some."

"I think I should do that a bit more here since it's the only way I can really get to know some of the others, without giving up my identity. I've been considering that for awhile now."

Chrono Harlaown has posed:
Chrono Harlaown gave a small nod, listening as well. His elbows moved to rest on his knees and his fingers locked, resting under his chin. Lost, seemingly, in thought. He really did have that 'villainous mastermind' look down... which was pretty ironic, since he didn't seem to WANT to be that kind of person...

"Yes, you should talk more. I can't help but notice when you're in your Cat Noir headspace, getting you to shut up is more the trouble. I imagine that's partially Plagg. However, another part of that is likely the mask. A willingness to show who you are. You're a model, I imagine you have to spend quite a bit of time behaving the way others tell you to behave, act how others expect you to act. The moments you're able, allowed even, to be yourself? Are likely few and far between."

"Going out as Cat Noir likely would be a good idea... and perhaps you should start going on patrol with others, not just me. Really get to know some of the others. Perhaps offer, leave a message in the shed."

He laid back down and crossed his arms behind his head. "You don't need to make any choices right now. Just... think on it. Don't let yourself fall into a pit of self abuse, Adrien. Because, in the end?"

"Even if your partner isn't here it doesn't mean you're alone. Nobody can be expected to bear the weight of the world by themselves. That's why there are so many of us."