Nino spent some time trying to soak in the bizarre image of a small magical turtle happily slurping soup from a bowl, but the longer he looked at it the weirder it just sort of got for him. He was trying to be casual, sitting at his computer blindly scrolling through music playlists, but he kept glancing over at the kwami- well... at his kwami.

Oh god, that still kind of freaked him out.

Nino turned to look again when a lurching movement caught his eye to see Wayzz struggling a little now that the soup level was lower.

"Uh, hey bud hang on," Nino said, looking around before standing. "One sec."

Nino excused himself, jogging into the kitchen and looking through the dish cabinets for a little.

"Uh hey mom?" Nino called out, catching his mother's attention from where she was watching TV. "You know those little sauce things? The ones we have at dinner sometimes? Where are those?"

"Top cabinet next to the large bowls, why?" she offered over her shoulder but he didn't provide a real answer, just muttering under his breath before quickly running off towards his bedroom again. His mother raised an eyebrow but ultimately shrugged and turned away.

Nino entered his bedroom again to find Wayzz nearly falling into the bowl in an attempt to get more soup and Nino couldn't help but chuckle.

"Chill little dude! Hang on I've got this."

Wayzz looked up as Nino set a small shallow bowl like dish beside him, acknowledging that it was probably a much more appropriate size for him. Wayzz hovered back a little, smiling as Nino took the spoon from the soup bowl and filled up the sauce dish.

"Alright, now when you run out ask and I'll fill it again."

"Thank you master!" Wayzz said happily, plopping down on the desk and slurping away. Nino didn't even correct him that time, knowing it would just take the little guy awhile to get used to calling him Nino.

God this was crazy...

"I'm glad you like split pea soup," Nino tried to create conversation, feeling kind of awkward since he didn't know how to have a roommate yet. "No one else in my house was going to eat it probably. Don't even know why we've got it."

Wayzz look a moment to respond, polishing off his tiny dish at an astonishing rate before answering, gesturing with a tiny hand towards the soup so Nino would refill it.

"I like all kinds," he said simply as Nino did as requested, "all types I've ever had. Soups, chowders, stews. I prefer ones without meat, I've never liked meat much. And never turtle soup, never." He frowned, looking a little angry. "Such a horrible thing. Turtles have never done anything to mankind, I don't understand it."

"Uh," Nino stalled, looking away, "yeah that's terrible. I've never had it, never will either so don't worry."

"Appreciated," Wayzz said with a chuckle which Nino returned, leaning back in his chair and blowing out a lungful of air in a sigh. Wayzz looked up as he sipped at his next bowl, sitting up to ask, "Something bothering you?"

Nino didn't answer right away, thinking through his words carefully. "Same thing I've been thinking about since you got here really," he said eventually, gesturing to the bracelet he was now wearing.

Wayzz nodded in understanding. "Though the responsibilities a miraculous entails are great I would hesitate to call it a burden," Wayzz said methodically. "I am sure your friends would refer to it in the same fashion. It is a great struggle, but it is also of great reward. You have a kind heart and do what you can to help the people you care about, your greatest desire is not power for powers sake but power for the sake of others. You see injustice and are disturbed by it, I know that you being granted the power to act will not only benefit you, but all of Paris."

Nino stared at his kwami with a slightly open mouth, Wayzz smiling softly before returning to his meal. Nino looked away, brow furrowed as he thought through what he had said.

"You're pretty smart little man," Nino said after a short stretch of silence. "Thanks..."

Wayzz smiled into his soup as he drank it, but otherwise had no response.

Nino sat there for a moment longer, taking a deep breath and pushing his hat and glasses up a bit so he could rub at his eyes.

"Okay..." he thought aloud, looking around his room as he readjusted his glasses. "Gonna need some extra soup around for you. I can go get that at some point. You'll need a place to sleep too. Got any requests?"

Wayzz finished his second mini bowl, Nino reaching over to refill it without being asked as Wayzz hummed in thought.

"I am not picky. If I have some water to swim in and a warm place to sleep I am very content."

"Oh you like swimming?" Nino said, pausing before saying, "Actually probably should have guessed that. So... water. Hm. Trying to think of how to have water permanently set up instead of just putting you in the sink or something. My parents are home pretty often so like... you might get spotted if we do that. Something in here but uh..."

Nino paused again, glancing down at Wayzz before clearing his throat.

"Uh," Nino aid uncertainly, desperately hoping he wasn't being incredibly rude. "Alright if this is like, totally not cool or something let me know but it just kinda makes sense. But uh... do you just want like, a tank?"

Wayzz finished his third bowl, tilting his head as he looked up at Nino. "A tank?"

"Uh, yeah," Nino tried to explain, making a box gesture of medium size with his hands. "It's a glass thing like this big and usually on one side its filled with water deep enough to swim in, we can get you kinda a big one if you want, and on the other side there is a dry bit of rock or whatever with a heat lamp above it. We could load it up with blankets or little pillows or whatever you want so you can just sleep on the dry warm part and swim in the other end."

Nino rubbed at the back of his neck nervously, "It's usually used for like, real turtles but I'm not trying to be a jerk or-"

"That sounds perfect," Wayzz cut in, flying quickly up into the air to hover in front of Nino's face. "Is that a real thing? What is a heat lamp? Would the water be cold?"

Nino blinked, a little surprised by such enthusiasm but he reached out for his computer mouse and moved to type something in. "We could make the water whatever temperature you wanted dude, some tanks are pretty hardcore. It would be filtered and clean for you and we could like, get you a pet fish or something. Your call."

Nino opened up an image of a pretty nice turtle tank, gesturing to the bright warm spot in the picture. "That bit there is where the heating lamp is pointed, it's basically just a big lightbulb that feels like sunlight. We wouldn't have to make you just sleep on the rock though I could figure out a bed we could put in there."

Wayzz made an 'oooh' type sound as he floated towards the screen, looking it over and clasping his little hands together excitedly before seeming to realize something. "Would that be expensive for you? I wouldn't want-"

"No no little dude don't sweat about money, like don't even think about it," Nino dismissed him instantly. "You're just trying to be cool and stuff and I'm kinda giving you a hard time. I really don't know how to like... do any of this, but I want you to be happy here. I don't want you to feel like you're just stuck with me or something, I'll drop the dough for a sweet tank."

Wayzz looked sort of... touched? He was smiling brightly, his eyes old but kind. "You are too good young master, thank you."

"No problem little man," Nino said easily, smiling at his kwami and feeling... better. More at ease. He hadn't even tackled what having a kwamimeant yet but he was happy that he and Wayzz were getting along. He really did like him. "I'm not really allowed out right now, I'm working on that, but once I am me and you can take a trip to the store and you can pick one out as well as whatever stuff you want in it."

Wayzz laughed, his legs curling up towards his chest and swinging him in the air as he did, looking absolutely adorable in that moment. Kwamis in general were pretty cute all around but Wayzz came off as more calm and intelligent. Seeing him laugh happily instantly made Nino smile.

Nino looked back towards his computer, about to look for more specific tank set ups in stores nearby when he got a text, reaching down to pick up his phone and see it was Adrien.

'A- Alright I kind of got in a lot of trouble but it was worth it. How are you and W doing?'

Nino frowned but shook his head, typing out a response as Wayzz floated by his shoulder. "Are you talking to Adrien?"

"Yeah," Nino said as he typed.

"Tell him hello."

Nino smiled at that.

'N- Sorry you got busted bro, we're doing good though. He's really cool, we're just eating and hanging out right now. He says hey.'

Wayzz smiled at the reply, saying "you're pretty cool as well young master," with a smile before floating down for more soup, patiently waiting for Nino to refill it again.

"Thanks dude," Nino laughed, leaning back to be on the computer again and catching sight of the bracelet on his left wrist. He was still for a little, just looking at the small turtle shell design etched into the jade.

This was so... weird and insane and no small bit terrifying but... He looked over at Wayzz, swaying happily as he ate his soup.

Wayzz said he could relax, think things through. There wasn't a rush, and Nino had to admit that he kind of liked having Wayzz there. They had barely met but... he didn't really know. They just got on.

Nino tapped his fingers against his desk, thinking about his situation as Wayzz finished the last of the soup with a satisfied burp, apologizing when he did which just made him laugh. Such a polite little turtle.

"Not really sure how to tell Mari," Nino said after a little. Wayzz hummed.

"Ms. Ladybug. You believe you should tell her as well?"

Nino hesitated, looking down. "Should I not?"

Wayzz shrugged, "No, I believe you can do so safely. While it is never recommended to reveal your identity the bond you and your friends have is built on trust. Marinette is a trustworthy girl, as is your friend Adrien. They make good heroes, as will you. I think we should."

Nino sighed out in relief, really not wanting to keep it from her but not sure how to go about it. Telling Adrien had been easy cause he was freaking out, but he couldn't really leave so... hm.

Nino pulled out his phone, staring at it a little before huffing and saying, "Well just sorta have to go for it I guess."

Nino raised his phone to his ear, listening to it ring as he waited for her to answer a little nervously. When she did he actually jolted.

"Hey, is everything okay?" she asked right away and Nino did the same as he did for Adrien.

"Not being attacked," he clarified, taking a deep breath, "but uh... kind of need you to come over. If you can, like if you're not busy. It's not an emergency or anything but you should come here."

There was a pause before she said in confusion, "Why? I'm not busy I can probably come but whats up?"

Nino looked over at Wayzz and then looked down at his bracelet. "You should probably just come here. It's easier to just show you honestly."

"Uuh, okay?" she answered uncertainly but he could hear her walking down some stairs. "I'll be there in a little."

"Oh!" Nino said before she could hang up, "This is weird but can you buy some soup please? I'll pay you back."

"What? Soup? Are you sick or something?"

"No, no it's weirder then that, but I do need it. Any kind, no meat though. Thanks B!"

Nino hung up before he'd have to explain anything extra, breathing out heavily and leaning back in his desk chair. "I can't tell if this is going to be really funny or really weird."

"Life is usually a combination of both," Wayzz said with a chuckle, flying off to explore again. "I'm sorry to ask, but is there somewhere I can get some water? I just need to wet my shell, it's a little uncomfortable to go without for too long."

"Oh yeah homie hang on," Nino said as he stood, "I'll go get a mixing bowl or something."

"Thank you."

It was about a half hour later when he heard the doorbell ring again, both him and Wayzz looking up towards the door. Wayzz paddled over to the edge of the large mixing bowl filled with water, grabbing on so he could lift his head more.

"Should I be out of sight initially?" Wayzz suggested. "So that you can explain."

Nino pursed his lips, thinking about it as he heard his mom get up and answer the front door. "Mm... yeah I guess. You can just hang out in the bowl she won't see you right away in there. And I can just sort of... bring it up? No clue how she is going to react to be honest so if she yells or something sorry."

"I'll be underwater, call when you need me," Wayzz said simply, smiling at him before diving down and out of sight. Nino didn't have much longer to wait before Marinette walked in, shutting the door behind her and carrying a large bag of several kinds of soup cans.

"Hey," she greeted with a smile of her own, raising an eyebrow as if to say 'you weirdo' as she held out the bag. "I brought your soup."

"Thanks," Nino said with a laugh, standing up and grabbing it but just putting it on his bed, standing there a little awkwardly.

Marinette waited for a little before saying. "Uuh... is everything alright?"

Nino gulped, laughing a little with nerves. "Yeah, yeah it's uh- uuuh..." he sighed, taking a deep breath and pointing both hands forward in a 'here we go' type gesture. "Okay so I've got to explain something. I already told Adrien but uh, I figured you should know too so I'm just going to say it."

"Ooookay?" Marinette said with a chuckle, obviously entertained by how apprehensive he was being but paying attention.

"Alright so..." he hesitated before forging on, "I got a thing, a box yeah? It came like in the mail or whatever and it was for me. My dad gave it to me saying it was like a get well present so I was in my room and I opened it. And there was a box inside, a little octagon box with Chinese writing all over it yeah?"

Marinette nodded slowly, before suddenly the nodding slowed down until she wasn't moving at all, confusion settling on her features.

"Uh so, I opened it. And then this like... ball of light came out? And uh-"

"Oh my god," she interrupted him, eyes growing wide. "Oh my god what?"

Nino laughed again awkwardly, adjusting his cap. "Haha uh, you probably already guessed it, yeah but uh... H-hey Wayzz? Buddy?"

Marinette turned when she saw movement off to the side, mouth dropping open with a sharp gasp as a small green turtle like creature flew up into the air from a bowl of water, shaking its head a little to dry itself before waving.

"Hello!" he said with a smile.

Nino looked at Wayzz and then over to Marinette, who was completely frozen. She was flabbergasted, eyes opening even wider as she whispered again, "Oh my god."

"Haha, uh nuts yeah? So this is Wayzz he's-"

"A kwami," Marinette whispered in a dazed voice, getting louder as she said, "Are you serious!? D-Did you- oh my GOD."

From Marinette's purse came an excited squeal, before suddenly Tikki burst out into the open happily exclaiming. "Wayzz! Oh my gosh how are you!?"

"Tikki!" Wayzz responded with equal enthusiasm, hugging her when she zipped over. "Sorry to get you wet dear, I am just fine! How are you?"

"Oh it's been so long!" Tikki cooed as Marinette looked on, still dumbfounded. "I am great! Have you met Marinette? This is my Marinette she's an amazing Ladybug, oh my god this is so amazing! Is Nino going to be your Jade Turtle now?"

Wayzz chuckled, "Yes, the master said he was getting a little old to keep things up. He decided that Nino would be an excellent replacement and I heartily agree."

"Me too!" Tikki giggled, zipping over to Nino to hug his face and push up his glasses. "I'm so excited! I'm so proud of you Nino you'll be a great hero!"

"Oh my god!!" Marinette finally spoke again, hands flying up to her face as she started to dance in place, unable to keep still. "Are you for real?? Nino you were chosen! I can't believe this!!"

"Me neither," he answered honestly with a tense chuckle, "It's kind of really overwhelming to be honest... I haven't even transformed yet it kind of... freaks me out a little."

Whereas Marinette's eyes had been shining just a moment before she suddenly sobered up, pulling her hands away to stare at him with deep compassion. "Oh, oh Nino I understand completely."

He didn't really say anything, just looking away and making a vague noise of acknowledgement.

No one else spoke for a moment, Tikki flying back towards Wayzz so they could give the others privacy.

Marinette bit her lip, trying to figure out what to say.

"Hey, did I ever tell you about my first day as Ladybug?"

There was a small stretch of silence before Nino said, "No."

Marinette stepped forward, putting a hand on his shoulder to encourage him to look at her. "I was terrified."

Nino's brow furrowed, head tilting just a tad. "What?"

She nodded, "I was scared out of my mind I had never even heard of magic stuff like that before, and when Tikki came out of the box I screamed my head off I thought she was a bug."

Nino huffed, smiling a little even though he still looked confused. Marinette withdrew her hand, sitting down on the bed and gesturing for Nino to sit next to her.

"I was so freaked out, and to be honest I wanted nothing to do with it. I was so scared, I was convinced I wasn't cut out for it that I was only going to make mistakes and get people hurt. I wasn't a hero I was just a klutz. How was I supposed to help anybody?"

Nino sat down next to her, genuinely surprised. "But- you fight crazy stuff every day you take on everything. I- I can't do that."

"That's what I said too," Marinette said quietly. "I've actually never told anyone before but... well I guess I've never had an opportunity to. I tried to give up my Miraculous, I put it in Alya's bag and planned for her to take my place as Ladybug."

"W-what!?" Nino exclaimed, "Are you serious?"

Marinette nodded, looking a little ashamed. "I was terrified..." she admitted, "I made a huge mistake my first time out and I just knew that if I tried to do anything as Ladybug again I was only going to ruin everything. Alya was so tough and brave, she loved heroes I was convinced that she could handle it and that I never could. So I put the earrings back, put the box in her school bag and was just going to leave it at that. But then... Stoneheart attacked again and Alya didn't take her bag with her when she left. I knew Ladybug needed to be out there but I couldn't be her, so I ran after her."

Nino was quiet, looking down at the ground and trying to gather the words. Finally he asked, "What changed?"

"Alya was in danger, the whole city was in danger. She was pinned against the wall and Cat Noir, who I had only met that day as well, was being taken away. He needed me, they both did everyone did. I guess it's hard to explain but..." she thought through the words slowly, trying to find the right way to say it. "I guess what makes us heroes is that when people need us and the city calls out, we answer. I was so scared, but I knew in that second that I was the only one who could protect those people. When you have the power to protect, it's the heroes who use it." She looked at Nino as he lifted his face to meet her gaze and spoke seriously and with complete conviction. "It's heroes who rise to answer the people, and I think that's why you were chosen Nino. I was shocked at first but... I'm really not surprised. You are a hero, I know you can be. You get scared, I do too but you do good things anyways because you know the people around you need you. Do you really think anyone else in our class could have just punched an akuma and run? You were scared but you engaged because you knew that Cat and I needed you and everyone else too. That makes you a hero."

Nino didn't speak, he wasn't sure he could. He just stared at her, lost in how utterly sincere she was. Slowly Nino looked over at the kwamis floating nearby and when he did they both smiled, Wayzz bowing his head respectfully.

"I- ... I'm not sure... how..."

"It's okay," Marinette said gently, laying a hand on his back. "It's crazy I know, but you have me and Cat Noir and Wayzz now too. You're not alone Nino, and I know you can do it. Even if it scares you."

Silence fell in the room and Nino looked away, overwhelmed. No one rushed him to speak and he did his best to steady himself. He had always seen Ladybug as so strong, and he just respected her more when he found out who she really was. She was human, a person who made mistakes and got scared. Adrien always seemed like he had such a handle on things but... he got scared too. Both of the people he knew and respected as superheroes were friends of his... normal people, just like him.

"Thank you..." he said eventually, voice somewhat hoarse as he lifted his right hand to lay it over his bracelet. "I'm going to do my best... I promise."

"So you'll do it then?" Wayzz asked, Nino turning towards him and seeing his hopeful expression. "You'll be Jade Turtle?"

Nino was quiet for a moment before he took a deep breath, smiling slightly at his kwami.

"Yeah."