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Chapter 3: Midtown High Shenanigans
After leaving the timeless zone, exhaustion hit me like a truck. I detransformed, collapsed onto my bed, and was out before my head even touched the pillow.
The next morning, I cooked myself a quick breakfast, mind still turning over the rules of this world.
This reality had its quirks. While digging through history in the timeless zone, I confirmed that only the Miraculous in the box—and two hidden elsewhere—existed here. The world was aligned with MCU continuity, sprinkled with comic and animated elements. Mutants were real, but thankfully, none of that "mutant-killing virus" nightmare existed. Manageable, at least for now.
I also learned something else: as Guardian, I had inherited two duties. First, protect the Miraculous. Second, protect Earth if necessary. My predecessor had made a vow with the Ancient One and Kamar-Taj—an agreement bound in magic. The Guardians promised to safeguard the planet and wield the Miraculous responsibly, and in return, Kamar-Taj would support them when needed.
The loophole? That vow was sworn by my predecessor, not me. Successors like me only honored it out of respect. But the Ancient One? She was bound.
Still… power without responsibility is a recipe for disaster. I'd hold to the vow.
For now, though, I was still just a weak fifteen-year-old in need of a plan. Step one: strengthen my body. Step two: find a place to build a base—one hidden from SHIELD's ever-watchful eyes. Maybe underground. Maybe off-world.
I finished breakfast, hopped on my bike, and headed to school.
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Midtown High was buzzing with the usual chatter. Familiar faces filled the classroom: Flash, Harry, MJ, Liz, Gwen, Ned… and of course, Peter Parker.
I slid into my seat as the teacher launched into the day's lesson. While pretending to listen, I noticed Gwen sneaking glances at Peter. Subtle, but not that subtle. Across the room, MJ glared at Gwen like she wanted to set her on fire. Looks like Parker's love life was destined to be chaos.
"Alright class, that's all for today."
I started packing my things when a tap on my shoulder pulled me back. Ned leaned in, grinning.
"Hey Adrien, quick question. Do you think Gwen's crushing on Peter? I saw you looking at them."
I smirked. "Absolutely. I've known her practically my whole life. That girl is definitely into him. Meanwhile, the dude's as clueless as a brick. And did you see that redhead glaring? Either she's into Parker herself, or she's into Gwen and jealous of him."
Ned burst into laughter. "Lesbian? Dude, chill with the imagination! Wait—what do you mean you've known Gwen your whole life?"
I shrugged. "We're neighbors. Our parents worked together. We've always been close."
He squinted. "So… do you have a crush on her?"
I shook my head. "Nope. Gwen's like a sister to me. And even if I did, I wouldn't move in on her when she's obviously into Parker. But seriously, he needs to take a hint."
"You, my friend, are a good man." Ned nodded solemnly, just as Harry wandered over.
"What's up?" Harry asked.
"Ned was asking about Gwen's crush on Peter," I explained.
Harry grinned. "So, what do you think? My boy got a shot?"
"Maybe 30%," I said dryly. "He looks like the type who wouldn't notice if someone spelled out 'I love you' in neon lights."
Harry barked a laugh. "Facts. Hey, let's grab lunch. We can keep roasting him there."
---
The three of us were mid-conversation when Peter and Gwen showed up with their trays.
"What are you guys talking about?" Peter asked, suspicious.
"Spider-Man and Jameson," Harry covered smoothly. "The guy's unhinged."
"Yeah, totally that," Ned added, badly hiding his grin.
Gwen turned to me. "So, Adrien… making friends now?"
"Not really," I said with a smirk. "I just got dragged here. But hey, speaking of friends—I've got a question for you, Gwen."
Her brow arched. "What question?"
"Do you have a crush on Peter over here?"
The cafeteria went dead silent. Gwen's face turned scarlet. Peter froze mid-bite. Ned and Harry fist-bumped under the table like they'd won the lottery.
"I mean," I continued, "I literally saw you glancing at him with the sweetest look on your face. Honestly, I—"
A spoon smacked me in the forehead.
"Shut up, idiot!" Gwen yelped, before bolting from the cafeteria, cheeks blazing.
Peter blinked. "What… just happened?"
"What happened," I said calmly, "is your chances just went from 30% to 90%. You're welcome. Without me, your oblivious ass would've stayed in the dark forever."
Peter's jaw dropped. "What??" His voice cracked into a scream. "You all knew??"
"Yep," Ned said, grinning ear to ear. "Literally everyone but you."
"Then—then what do I do now?" Peter asked desperately.
Harry shrugged. "Figure it out yourself, dude."
The three of us burst into laughter while Peter groaned.
---
By the time I got home that evening, my mind had settled back into Guardian mode.
Closing my door, I summoned the kwamis.
Playtime was over.
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