Chapter 03

Class started up and he was already concerned, "of all the holidays I swear," Peter slumped onto the desk.

"Holiday?" Marinette asked she stopped stepped back and entered the classroom. Silkk was hanging around as was Adrian who nodded at her but turned a sympathetic look his way.

"Apparently the staff decided it would be a fun joke to bring up sweetest day, and now it feels like that cursed Hallmark holiday has infected the school." Parker slumped as he frowned at his coffee.

"I am sure it's not that bad." She tried to cheer him. However, after he finished his pastry he took off.

"Pity Halloween isn't universally appreciated, I wouldn't mind doing a costume party," Adrian chuckled at the idea. She glanced at him and tried to envision him in a costume. Her first thought was a prince's outfit with a short cape and a crown.

"Yes well, instead we get the hallmark holiday, singles awareness day 2.0," he groaned as Marinette spared Adrian a glance at the implication.

The classes seemed themed around it as Miss Bustier talked about love as well. She noticed Adrian was writing something but still answered his question when asked, however, he tossed it away in the garbage. However, after he was right she was getting some serious valentines day vibes. Apparently, the idea was while valentines day was more female-centric this love holiday was supposed to be the opposite, the student body seemed interested in the American holiday well except said American.

Adrian seemed to be working on something and given his quick answer to the question tossed his way it wasn't school related, he eventually just tossed in the trash.

Her curiosity got the better of her so while he was distracted with Chloe she grabbed it without being noticed. "Chloe don't worry about you don't have to get me anything."

She was a bit surprised to see a poem she liked it but sadly he couldn't seem to end it properly and she figured he tossed it.

"I think it's about you," Tikki pointed out

"It's not about me," she denied even if she really would like it to be.

"Lots of girls have blue eyes," she waved off but she was sure her voice gave her away.

"Bluebell eyes?" Tikki insisted,

"What do you think he means by "strong disguise"?

"It's a poem they are not always literal, maybe he wants to get to know you?" Tikki reminded as she let out an excited squee as she took off.

POV shift

Peter continued to focus on his work when he got a sudden knock on the door. He glanced over to see a stern woman with glasses and dark hair and red highlights or a dye job. Her suit was dark blue with a redshirt under it. Was going to say something to Silkk but remembered she was still currently with Adrian he had advised the morning to see if he could find someone else to help him and Ladybug, someone who was more likely to stick around in Paris.

"Mr. Parker I presume? I am Nathalie I represent Mr. Gabriel Agreste." She introduced herself as he grabbed his cane and stood up. He already put on his business face and as he turned her eyes darted over him as if assessing his threat level. Something must have put her off as she nearly took a step back until she noticed his prosthetic. She was still stiff but she relaxed a bit.

"Yes I take it there are some concerns with my teaching ability," he gave a friendly smile and reached out and they shook hands. She ignored his hand as she continued on.

"Quite the opposite, after Adrian started to learn under you his test results in science increased. Mr. Agreste would like some of your time to tutor him if possible.

"Hmm, I'll look over a few things and see if I can't make some room." Peter considered some way he could take advantage of this.

"If it's financing we will compensate," she started but his phone went off. She looked annoyed at the interruption.

"Akuma attacks," he frowned not even needing to look at it, "you might want to seek shelter. He sat back down as he pulled over his papers.

"You don't seem very concerned," she eyed him as she paused in her own desire to move towards the door, her stride no less professional in spite of the emergency.

"Ma'am I have already lived my worst day. I don't think these villains can do much to me." He gave a kind smile. She looked at him a bit longer before leaving the room.

POV shift

"Chat!" She shouted as he intercepted an arrow meant for her.

"I, I loath you," he charged as she quickly avoided his claws this was very bad.

"I gotta!" A new person swung in as she was swept away. She landed as a full-suited hero landed next to her.

"Guess Chat made the right call. Call me Arachnid," he introduced. He had a black suit with a red web design on it.

"I take it Chat called in some backup," Marinette brought up

"Yep, said it would be a good idea to test me out, well so much for the shallow end of the pool. I feel like I just got tossed into the deep end." Arachnid pulled out his single nunchuck as he swatted away the arrows. "This is so cool," he marveled at his own action. "This is so cool it's like know where all the danger is," even with Dark Cupid and Chat Noir the new guy seemed as untouchable as a pro. "It's like I got eyes on the back of my head." he ducked as Chat missed each blow however Arachnid struck back and Chat was just as untouchable.

"Of course, Chat would pick another goofball." She sighed only for her to pair off. Chat managed to easily get into her guard she quickly got out of his reach. "Curse you mysterious mentor," as she deflected his claws. The blows came hard he acrobatically avoided any lasso attempts. All with a cocky smile on his face.

"I hate you ladybug!" He announced only to suddenly get a shot of webbing the two were suddenly stuck together rolling on the ground.

"Oops," Arachnid stopped as she and Chat were stuck together on the street. "I was trying to help dude," even if she couldn't see his face he could feel the regret.

However, right now she had a very angry kitty trying to wrestle free while being webbed face to face with her. "Where is Dark Cupid?"she tried to see around the frenzied cat.

"He flew off, is there any way to help him." He seemed hesitant to grab onto the webbing which might be for the best since even with her strength she couldn't do much. Suddenly Chat's staff started to ring.

"Um hello," Arachnid answered the staff, only for her to recall her class conversation about a kiss breaking a curse.

"Well it's worth a shot," she planted a Kiss on him and thankfully he stopped struggling to give her a confused look. "Pucker up Kitty," she braised herself as she redouble his efforts to get free. She managed to tighten the webbing and planted a kiss on his black lips.

"Oh," Arachnid dropped the staff as he was just as stunned. Did she hear a camera flash she broke the kiss that felt a little to fight for her comfort as she eyeballed them staff.

"What happened and why are we tied up, not that I mind," he blushed, "sorry inappropriate," he intentionally tried to look away but she could not help but feel how close they were together. She was now very much aware of his body pressed up against her.

"An hour!" Arachnid blurted out.

"What!" they both said as they both were thankfully they hadn't used their powers or else they would be in real trouble.

"Hold on, does anyone have a pen?" He asked only to give him a look. "Bad first day," he muttered quickly. Chat shifted as he tried to move his wrists as he leaned into her, his face turning very red.

"Sorry, just trying," he grunted in frustration as she realized he was trying to get a grip on the webbing.

Suddenly they were tagged by a glass bottle and the webbing slowly melted away. "Oh, thanks," she sighed in relief.

"It wasn't me," Arachnid shrugged as they noticed a figure give a wave.

"Well if he was going to do that why the pen?" Chat Noir brushed off the excess webbing.

"Enough hanging around boys we got work to do." She took off first as Arachnid mirrored her leaving webs behind as he swung.

One candy apple later and a very annoyed Chloe the job was done.

"Well we need to go," Chat's ring beeped, a nice reminder as he took off and out of sit.

POV shift

"That was so cool," Nino fist-pumped as he handed the glasses to Adrian. "So can we do this again?"

"If I have some time yes. My mentor isn't too interested in being in the field but he likes having it around for safety reasons." Adrian smiled that his friend was so excited.

"Sounds good and mums the word," at that he took off.

With a safe distance and a double-check, "Plagg claws in. Well, that went well," Adrian smiled at his friend,

"Still not sure about this Parker guy," Plagg crossed his arms and floated along with him.

"Peter is a kind soul you are needlessly suspicious," Silkk countered defending the teacher.

"As far as you know," Plagg stuck his tongue out. Adrian fished out some cheese for the Kwami. He pulled out a cherry drop even if she didn't need it it would be rude.

"Ah just in time," Mr. Parker was still on school grounds but it looked like he was getting ready to go.

He handed him his glasses, "can I see your ring?" He asked as Plagg got up in his face.

"Why?" PLagg demanded as he flew up into Peter's face, only to be gently pushed back by a single finger. Nothing like treating something that had unlimited destructive power like a minor annoyance.

"Plagg," Adrian pleaded, the mystical cat glanced at the boy but said no more.

"I am just looking for symbols, you may not be able to tell us where you are from. But the ring might," Adrian handed it over as Plagg watched ready to pounce. "Nothing," he handed it back and Adrian released a breath he didn't realize he held.

"That's a bummer," he admitted as they walked,

"I met a woman by the name of Nathalie apparently they wanted to hire me as a tutor."

"Oh, did you take it?" He asked he already expected a yes which would mean more work.

"I never gave an answer, once the Akuma attacked I warned her so it was pushed off. Now personally I feel you have enough on your plate without more issues. However I smelled an opportunity," his eye gave a slight twinkle that promised mischief.

Adrian glanced at him confused, "what do you mean?"

"Well, I can tell him I am tutoring you and you can use it for some much-needed downtime."

"what?" Adrian wasn't sure if he heard him right.

"Go see a movie, make some friends, Teenager stuff. I fear your father in his bullhead pursuit to make you an ideal son or something, may have overworked you. At this point, I feel some downtime would help you more than any tutoring I could give."

"That seems like lying," Adrian rubbed the back of his head.

"I think I can work around that guilt." He offered, "What happens when you don't rest a muscle? Simple isn't given time to heal, your mind is the same it needs time to relax. If this works your grades and focus should improve. If it doesn't work it will show in your grades, As your tutor, I should make sure you have time to recover."

"I would not mind some free time." He admitted to the ground. Before he could blink Mr. Parker had his phone out.

"Yes this Peter, you talked to me this afternoon. Yes, I just want free reign I have unusual tutoring methods and I don't like to be questioned on them." He explained, "Price?" He glanced at Adrian, "tell you what ill do this for free for now and you can pay me what you think I am worth after a few months." He winked, "hmm yeah I can do that I am usually at the school anyway so he could just learn here to make things easier. Talk to you later," he turned the phone off. "Be back at school around sixish after school on these days I want you to rest relax, and have fun." He gave him a sheet of paper.

"You really think this will work?" He asked,

"We shall find out, worse thing that happens is I get chewed out by an angry fashion designer. Hardly my biggest concern." Peter dismissed with a wave of his hand.

"My dad is very powerful," Adrian stopped he was worried his father was not a man to be crossed. He put a hand to his arm he was still worried he was confident if this went badly Mr. Parker would lose his job.

"Hey," he felt an arm on his shoulder as the teacher knelt down. "I have survived much worse and it's not your place to worry over me. I am your teacher and if you honestly think your father is the only crazy billionaire I tangled with you are mistaken." He winked and he walked off.

Adrian wasn't sure what to think of the man. Even as his staff clipped away into the distance. "Thanks," he whispered to himself.

He was only a little surprised to see his father. "You will be taking on some extra tutoring after class. Nathalie will keep you informed. You will report to Mr. Parker on these days." With that, he walked off. His father who stood above felt so cold. Why did a teacher seem to respect and care for him so much more than his own father?

Time skip.

"Cut," Nino sighed as Adrian did his best to keep his annoyance hidden. He really wasn't interested in using his new time off like this but Nino was his friend. However, Chloe said something and his acting partner took off.

"Chloe," Adrian, "do you really need to add to our issues?"

"So what," she dismissed him, and she wondered why he never took her seriously as a girlfriend, well outside of being around her enough to consider her more of a sister.

"Is," Marinette started but even as he turned for the door, Ivan beat him to it. Probably for the best this seemed more like a Boyfriend job than one for him.

"Great now we don't have our lead," Nino glared at Chloe after Mylene took off.

The group continued to argue as Adrian got a touch-up from Rose. "Thanks, Rose, what if we put something silly on the mask during shots when the monster's face isn't on camera that should,... a kiss?" He overheard as he tried to think of a solution. As he almost spits out his juice but he was not going to be mean to Rose who bless her was being super attentive.

"Kiss?" Marinette also echoed.

"But Ivan, I am not kissing someone's girlfriend in especially in front of them," Adrian spoke up he did not sign up for that, not to mention his dad would probably have a fit if he was on camera kissing someone.

"Fine, we can have a stand-in." Nino through his hands up he was already acting like a director.

"I'll do it," Chloe threw herself at him as he felt really uncomfortable. He pulled away from her which she of course ignored. Chloe was a poor replacement. He finally wrestled to free himself as more arguing started up.

"Cut!" Marinette shouted,

"Oh thank god," he thought he as pried Chloe off, he was only just paying attention to the situation considering his own situation. More relieved he leaned up against the wall. If he had known Nino was going to put in a kiss he would have said no. He wanted his first kiss to be something special not for a part in film. Well at least he avoided the Ivan thing he seemed, did anyone tell Ivan or Mylene?

He suddenly saw Chloe, Kim, and Max leave, "now what?" He thought as Marinette stepped forward.

He was ready to say something but Nino looked way too frustrated so he swallowed his frustration. Marinette stepped forward ridged as a statue. "Sorry probably not your first choice," he tried to joke about it to ease the tension. He got a confused look but they ran through the first part and while she was hardly his best costar however she was able to get through everything.

It felt like they were finally making headway as he readied himself for the kiss. "Cut," Chloe shouted as Adrian dropped it and felt his eye twitch. "That was weird, right at this point I just want this over with," he rationalized to himself as he reevaluated his emotions he wasn't given much time to figure out why he put up less of a fight.

"She did no such thing, Chloe, Alya had to convince her," Adrian brought up he felt bad since Marinette seemed about as interested in kissing him as a frog. However, he picked up a scream as he ignored Chloe pouting. "Did you guys hear that?"

"If this is another silly ploy," she rounded on Marinette again completely ignoring him. When another scream hit this time everyone heard it.

"Max, Kim!" He called out, as they headed into the school.

"I saw the same pink goo, the bathroom." She lead the way as he spotted the armband.

"The armband, it's Kim's," Adrian pointed out, he glanced up and could have sworn he saw something. "Hero rule 10 glance up occasionally never know if someone might try to jump you," he recalled, as he shifted from passive model to attentive hero.

"We should probably go to the principal's office," Marinette recommend, as he scanned the area.

"I think it might be best to evacuate the area," Adrian brought up. "If that goo keeps spreading we might get trapped in here." everyone followed his gaze as everyone seemed ready to panic, that was not what he intended.

"What about everyone else still here?" Marinette spoke up and that seemed to draw everyone away from that panic.

"Well someone should go get help, I'll go get Mr. Parker." He pointed at Chloe and Sabrina, "you go get the police," he took off back the stairs as Nino continued to film.

"Mr. Parker," the teacher glanced up from his work. "Akuma attack,"

"Always oh, well that is unpleasant," the two noticed the window and watched as the window slowly started to slime over. "Very unpleasant," he added as he adjusted his glasses. Silkk glanced out the window as well.

"If anyone asks Adrian was captured." He said as he pulled off his shoe He transformed, as His teacher webbed up a section of the goo getting some on the shoe and pulling open a hole. "And in came the furball," he offered, he pulled out his phone.

"What are you doing?"

"Calling families, it might take me a while so you are on your own for this one." He gave a wink as he turned his back to the teenage superhero.

He quickly raced after Nino and the others only to find Ladybug. "She was amazing, so on the ball, I wonder if she has some sort of sixth sense?" he wondered to himself. "I opened a hole in a teacher's room we can get out that way." he made his presence known.

"Double legit," Nino commented, "wait what about the movie?"

"You can worry about that later Spielberg, we should find the other victims." Ladybug said as Adrian nodded.

They entered the room to see their teacher half-covered in goo but still standing there if. Only mildly annoyed.

"Looks like the hole was sealed back up," ladybug sighed as they noticed his shoe on the floor. "Are you okay sir?"

"Just peachy, I think our friend feeds off fear. It took off after I dismissed it and I tried to keep calling parents," he admitted with a shrug of his shoulders.

"That was very brave," Adrian pointed out but the teacher just shrugged.

"So the monster didn't try to move you?" Ladybug asked as she looked at him.

"I don't move unless I want to," he twisted his head away petulantly. Which got a good laugh from almost everyone. Ladybug didn't join in, as she eyed him.

"I don't how I can use this, but I need to," Nino chuckled,

"Found footage is a thing Spielberg," Mr. Parker shook his head as everyone looked at Ladybug. "Was that reference already used?" He sighed, "I need better material apparently."

The goo monster dropped down in front of them. "Cool," Juleka commented as Mr. Parker looked more annoyed.

"Ahh," Nathaniel screamed, from behind the teacher as a few goo shots headed their way.

"I am just holding you back, get moving closed space is just going to help it round everyone up," he warned as the Goo monster went after the students. Only to get a Mr. Parker for one of them and got completely covered. Even as it grabbed two other students he heard what sounded like the floor breaking. Nobody else seemed to notice but he was sure Parker was no longer stationary.

The next second there was a hole in the wall and both of the two would-be victims were pulled free. "Spider-Man," Nino had his camera out. Webbed up the door, "okay we need to get you, kids, out of the way." He glanced at the hole in the wall he came in through. "Pole?" He looked at him as Adrian realized the idea.

"Not a bad idea," Adrian watched as everyone slide down.

"I'll keep an eye on them, Nino that includes you," he shot a web and pulled him back.

"But my movie," he held up his camera, as he dangled from the web looking at the disguised teacher with sad puppy dog eyes.

"For safety concerns, the union is pulling you off the set now you can slide down the pull, or I lower you like a sack of potatoes." He pointed out.

Adrian watched his friend grumble as he gave him a wink as he slid down.

"You have a weird habit of showing up at this school." Ladybug crossed her arms.

"I am retired at least that was the idea. But kids in danger, that's just something I can't ignore in my backyard. I am getting too old for this." He grumbled she shook her head. "I'll get the victims you two do your thing." He sounded very tired

"Well we don't need your help," Ladybug glared at him.

"Well then good luck," he hopped out of the window.

"Ladybug." He chided as she looked a bit sad.

"I don't trust him, we don't know what Hawkmoth looks like that could have been him."

"He has a spider on his chest," Adrian pointed out,

"And you think that means he only has one miraculous?" She pointed out, he couldn't really that with out going to low for comfort.

"That's a possibility, but I trust him and that should at least warrant some respect." He pointed out, her expression softened then screwed up into concern. But she settled on a pout, "come on,"

POV shift

He had his spider drone out keeping an eye on the pair.

"So your Chat's mentor?"

"That phone off Lucas?" Peter asked,

"Yep" he flashed the phone around.

"Yep, you should find a letter, give yourself some time to practice. If you can't make it it's no big deal." It did not take long for the weird wave of ladybugs to pass over them.

"Well, I guess that takes care of that see you around kid." He shot a web and swung off.

He found himself back in his room he still had things to work on. "webs in," he folded up the glasses as he sat down. It did not take long for Adrian to slide in and shut the door.

"Are you trying to be difficult?" He asked,

"Did I ruffle a few feathers?" Peter glanced up at him.

"She seems to be very distrusting and I think she expects you to be Hawkmoth or something," Adrian revealed,

"Hmm, I can see that but I have no idea how long I will be here, it's for the best you guys do not get too comfortable with me being around," He glanced back done as he built his second set of web-shooters."

"But you used webbing earlier," he pointed out

"I need to finish both I only used one hand." He reminded, "I got both built but silk absorbed them into her costume since Nino has them when he uses her miraculous." Adrian abandoned the topic and nodded and went back to Ladybug.

"That makes sense I guess," he could see the wheels turn behind the kid's eyes "Ladybug seems to be under the impression you are involved with Hawkmoth."

"Hmm, an interesting theory I can see where she would have some concerns." He leaned back his mind musing on the concept.

"You're not concerned, you don't want to clear up the misunderstanding?" Adrian glanced at him.

"I know the truth, and that's enough. Right now my concerns are a bit more long-term. I take it you two are still cool though?"

"Yeah, it would take more than that to break us up," Adrian answered confidently.

"Good to hear, I need you to say something for me. I need a phrase that you would never use that will activate this."

"Annoying mentor shut off?" Adrian spoke, only to get a laugh from Peter who found the comment amusing.

"That should work," he clipped the watch on. "This here will knock me out if anything happens that compromises me you use that phrase and you have an hour before I wake back up."

"Huh that's interesting," Adrian brushed it off as Peter returned to his other project. "You trust me that much?" he asked

"Adrian I would trust you with a lot more," he noticed Chat got a text just as he opened his mouth. "I think you have a movie to finish off." He waved the furball off. Only to suddenly get a hug and he had a moment of realization before he took off.

POV shift

"You sure you want to do that?" Silkk asked him

"Hmm?" He brought out his work.

"You are already so lonely," she pointed out,

"I am not from this universe my stay is temporary. So it would be best to have a successor rather than putting you back and alone for another thousand years." He gave a smile, "besides it's not like you can't come visit me."

"I still worry," she replied she seemed unfazed by the idea maybe it was their nature however the idea didn't sit well with him.

"You are a sentient being I am not keeping you locked up. As dangerous as you are I am not keen on putting anyone in such a cruel state." Peter frowned only to get another hug for his trouble.

POV Shift

"And then I arrived with the police being the big hero that needs to be in the movie at the end are we clear." She nodded

Nino opened his locker as he rolled his eyes. He spotted the hexagon and a note in his locker. He grabbed it.

"If you want this going anywhere you better say yes." Chloe continued "are you listening to me?"

"Yeah sure look I need to go this needs to be edited." He was only just paying attention maybe he could make her showing up kinda funny at the end.

He found a place to transform later after some long time in front of the computer. The meet up place wasn't to hard to find it was an abandoned building and even in the dark, he could see Chat's green eyes. He climbed up to the roof to see the Parisian hero but instead of the red and blue the mentor was in a dark brown trench coat with a featureless black mask and a long brim hat.

"Right so am I taking over or something?" He asked,

"Something like that," Chat said with a confident node.

"I am still vetting," the mentor glanced at Chat who seemed surprised. "Chat chose you so I doubt he brought you in on a whim. I however am not so quick to just hand things out. These are powers tied to sapient creatures I am in no hurry."

"That's fair," Nino was not sure how to take that interpretation.

"Okay Chat teach him what you learned," he sat down as Chat blanched.

"Me?" He turned to look at the man.

"The best way to show me what you learned besides I am old and not interested in being tossed around."

"Not that old," Chat Noir muttered as he approached him.

"You say something fur ball?" The mentor asked but you could tell there was some amusement behind the question.

Chat Noir straightened up and explained some basics. However, the man in black added things that Chat may have forgotten, and when demonstrations came time he corrected a few mistakes.

"So what about the web-shooters," Nino asked as he shot a web.

"They came with the suit?" The mentor spun on his heel but he didn't sound to surprised,

"The web-shooters the came with the suit." Nino glanced at Chat who nodded,

"I used them when I fused my two miraculous." Chat agreed.

"Wait you forgot to mention that, I didn't know they could fuse, If I could, would it work?" He wondered out loud as Nino just shrugged and shared a look with Chat.

"They also have phones so maybe they absorb technology in general," Chat showed off his staff as nobody said anything as the masked man processed this.

"Nino could you let Silkk out we need to talk her," he asked,

"Sure webs in," he sighed as the costume vanished.

"Silkk I need to talk to you, do you copy technology?" She nodded,

"Yes like the phone since it was on you when you called on my power it gets incorporated into the suit. It's the same for all Kawmi."

"Can you take on other changes like saying a human with unnatural strengthens or other physical anomalies?"

"I can't maybe Tikki or Plagg could take on other strengths but it's just technology at least for me." She explained but she sounded unsure. It wasn't like she was aware while the Miraculous was active.

"Do you get a buzzing sensation when you are in danger?" he looked at Nino the two boys looked at each other

"Yes," Chat seemed to remember something,

"Kinda, it felt like my vision had expanded or something like I had extra eyes," Nino tried to explain. The man sat down and waved them off as he seemed to think.

After that Chat gave him a run down some basic stuff apparently this was okay but Spider-Man was letting him know that if he continued the training would get rougher. Which Chat confirmed with a grim nod.

"Good to know okay sorry Nino. It's getting late everyone should probably head home."

He used the webs to shoot off, however, he was not sure how to feel about the situation. Chat seemed to take his job much more seriously than he originally thought when he saw him.

The two stopped outside his room. "So do you have a backup in mind for the Cat Miraculous?"

"Not really kinda new in the area. Don't really have a long list."

"Marinette would be good. I feel if anyone would make a good superhero it would be her." He vouched for his childhood friend.

"I'll keep that in mind," Chat nodded at the idea. Nino offered the glasses.

"Nah, Spider-Man is trusting you with her for now. See you in the field." With that, he was alone with his newest responsibility.

POV shift

"You think he'll be able to handle it?" Adrian asked as Mr. Parker dropped down next to him.

"You would be better equipped to tell me. Though responsibility and power have a way of making or breaking people. I have seen people snap under the pressure and the less said about the X-men the better. Next time you see him, let him know there is no harm in returning Silkk I still am not entirely happy with your ages. However, I started at sixteen so," he shrugged "try to get some sleep." With that he vanished, it was weird the rumors around the school had settled but Adrian figured there was more to it than the official story, and that weighed on him. Being a hero was not what he originally envisioned however without Peter he wondered where he would be and if perhaps this was a good thing long-term wise.

POV shift.

"Marinette you are going to be late," her mom called as she got herself moving. As she quickly raced through her routine.

"... it's just the news. In other news a recent robbery has officers scratching their heads the items stolen was an artifact from Tibet."

"That sounds concerning," Tikki popped in as she filled that away for later.

"Do you think so I am not sure if this is Hawkmoth related should we look into it?" but she realized a second later she needed to get going.

She got to school, and while she was focused she was worried a thief was not ideal. She had her reservations about Spider-Man but being unwilling to help didn't not make him evil just an irresponsible. And his replacement seemed green but she would take him over the mentor. She headed into Mr. Parker's room who she still suspected if for no other reason than well it was something. She glanced to see had a paper out on the desk front page on the museum robbery however that wasn't too odd she saw him at her parent's bakery with a newspaper and coffee nearly every morning. However, a few things were circled on it.

"Something I can help you with Miss Dupain-Cheng," she nearly jumped out of her skin as she spun around to see the teacher.

"Nothing just looking at the paper," she forced a smile.

"I am sure," she slipped off however Alya had to point out that the teacher was a bit distracted. It did not completely rule him out but if he was Hawkmoth that meant a third party was involved unless Chat Noir was taking up burglary behind her back.

"Hey Marinette," Nino stood rather stiffly she was a bit confused at the suddenness of the comment he had been hanging out with Adrian a lot so the sudden greeting was a bit weird. "I was wondering, I, it was nice to see you," he bolted, she watched him go a bit confused as Adrian gave her a look, which made her blush before he raced off after his friend.

As soon as class was over, she took off, "Tikki Spots on," she swung off. She was a bit surprised but she was let in apparently the cops were stumped enough to let her just walk past. She glanced around herself however nothing really struck her as odd only to hear something strike the window above her. She glanced up and quickly leaped only to see a masked figure.

"Returning to the scene of the crime?" she leaped out onto the roof as she swung her yo-yo

"Easy Miss, Just doing some investigating," He put his hands up and backed away.

"Mhm," she raised an eyebrow at him,

"Well there is an easy way to solve this call-up Chat, He can confirm I was with him last night." He offered,

She kept her eyes on him as she opened up her yo-yo to phone. "Hello M'lady," he answered as she caught a chuckle from the man standing opposite.

"There is a guy in a black mask and coat looking like he just stepped out a noir picture says he was with you last night," she turned the phone around as the man waved at the camera.

"Yeah he's the spider guy but he lent, N-my part, friend hold onto the spider miraculous so you know just someone we can call on for help. I could never replace you bugaboo," he smiled as he stumbled a bit over his words. She found it kinda endearing even she refused to encourage him.

"Thank You Chat, goodbye," she closed the phone before he could ask where they were.

"Sorry about our last meeting I have my reasons but understand why you would prefer me to be more active," He apologized, she gave him one last glare before she let it go.

"Well, you are helping, So what are you doing up here?"

"The same thing you are, I noticed a few details about the break-in that spiked my interest and had to see for myself." He admitted,

"What exactly spiked your interest," she continued to question him, and to his credit seemed to take everything in stride.

"Just a few details, I wanted to check to see if the rest of them lined up," he admitted as he walked past and that unflappability turned into a bit of an insult as he seemed to treat her like a kid.

He bent down near the window as he inspected the area. He continued to mutter to himself as he brought a few tools she was not familiar with. "That's impossible," He opened the window and she watched him climb on the wall, as he paused and checked a few things.

"How are you doing that?" she asked,

"I did not gain my powers from the Miraculous, I am capable of sticking to any surface as I see fit, I have a few other abilities, but I don't really know you and I learned to keep cards like that close to my chest," He continued to move his way down. For the life of her, she could not figure out what he saw or what he was looking for.

"I really don't see anything," she commented,

"Sometimes the lack of evidence can be damning in its own way," he continued to focus on his work.

"I think we might have a cat problem," he admitted,

"You Chat Noir did this?" she put her hands on her hips as she glared at him.

"what no, Furball doesn't have a malicious bone in his body." He laughed at the idea. "No, unless an old friend of mine, which I very much doubt, is back in town we have a cat burglar with a very similar style."

"Your not really helping my opinion of you if you were friends with a thief," she gave him a disapproving frown. This one seemed to cow him a bit as he rubbed the back of his head.

"We had a complicated relationship, highs lows and she save my life more times than I can count so it may not have been the most lawful thing to do, I never tried too hard to catch her. I always believed she could be a better person and eventually I was right she got married took a job as a detective, sadly the family life didn't work out too well."

"Let me guess she was hot as well?" she eyed him suspiciously,

"That didn't exactly hurt, I was a younger man back in then she was also pretty crazy about the costume. Not too crazy about the man under it."

"Cats," she muttered, however, he did not respond to her comment, " Hello?" she prodded him a bit she expected some kind of banter.

"Hm, oh sorry, just remembered something. Not much we can do right now, If this keeps up I might need to start rebuilding some of my old gear,"

"Care to share?" she asked, as she eyed him.

"You are a firecracker, I can see why the furball likes you so much,"

"He's just a flirt, and you are not getting out of this question," She frowned at him,

"Oh really?" he suddenly kicked off, she blinked in surprise as he took off. she took off after him,

"Really," she told herself, however that was easier said than done, he still could shoot webs and the only thing that helped her keep up was the fact she knew Paris so well. She knew the best rooftops and while he could swing around faster however that limited him a bit. Then just as suddenly he stopped she dropped down next to him to see he had ordered some food.

"Not bad, at all I have to admit you are a very impressive Superhero," he handed her some food, as he found a bench to sit down.

"Thanks?" she glanced at him half expecting him to run off on her.

"I don't think it's my thief, and even if it was the most we can do is wait and see if they strike again. The worst part about being a hero is waiting for the villain to make a mistake," he pulled up part off his mask as he ate showing a beard. A few details about the man tickled the back of her brain but she was more interested in her other concerns.

"That can't be comfortable," she pointed out,

"It really isn't but I didn't feel like shaving it," he chuckled as he dug into his food, "So did the furball pass on the USB I gave him,

"Yes but I have yet to look at it,"

"Smart I can see you are the brains of the operation, pity you won't fall for my little joke," he glanced around.

"So you trained up Chat a bit, why?"

"Can't help myself, I started only a bit older than both of you. However, gave you these items seem uninterested in helping so I took it upon myself. What about you why are you doing this?"

"Well Chat Noir believed in me, and well I had to have been given these powers for a reason," she glanced at him.

"That's fair, Chat told me that he didn't think twice, I believe him, both of you have more honorable starts to your journey making me feel self-conscious. Well if you are interested me and the two knuckleheads are doing some practice not too far from here usually after nightfall. While you already have a much better handle on your powers it only seems fair to ask you to join."

"I am good," she turned the offer down.

"Fair enough, here's my number if something comes up." He handed her a sheet of paper. "Any suspects on Hawkmoth?" She nearly tripped at the question,

"I have a suspect however it's more a feeling that he's hiding something." She admitted,

"Well, that's more than me. Paris is home to a lot of people who can come and go so no luck narrowing in on anyone. Well, that's something the furball just blinked at me when I asked him."

"Furball, I think I might use that." She smirked at the nickname.

"I wouldn't he might take that as flirting," he pointed out as she twitched at the thought.

"Already got a boy in mind?" She felt a shiver run down her spine.

"What makes you say that?" She glanced at him a shadow of worry.

"He has a few fan clubs so I figure someone must find him charming but you seem so uninterested." There was a tone in his voice that she did not like.

"I just take my job seriously," she defended however she could tell the man didn't buy it for a second. "I just like to keep my two lives separate," she sent a bit of venom back at him.

"Good Idea romance can really mess with a person, here," he passed over the bag off food.

"Personal experience,"

"Thief," he reminded

"You didn't?" she looked at the sandwich.

"I didn't but I thought about it but she ran off so I got married to who became my wife for almost twenty years." he admitted.

"Sounds complicated," she sat down and took a bite the two got a few weird looks.

"Just having to balance between hero and civilian can be complicated, your not stressing to much I hope it's a lot to deal with, doing what your doing." he sounded sympathetic.

"Your not buttering me to reveal anything," she took another bite.

"I lost my powers do to stress once, take time for yourself when you can. With great power comes great responsibility, but a healthy mind can handle such things much better than a stressed one. If you need to talk, no details obviously, you have Chat who is right there with you in all of this, goof as the furball can be." He talked she listened mostly advice on hero work vague but useful. He suddenly stood up, "Anyway I need to get going, the invitation is standing if you ever change your mind." he stepped away, "Oh I'll keep you posted on our thief."

"I thought Chat was bad at least I know Chat is not trying to annoy me this one seemed to be actively messing with her." She shook her head she settled in for a quick lap around the city just to be safe.

Time skip

The latest Akuma was a knight and she was becoming less surprised with Chat. He was already in front of the legion of knights. She paused as he continued to fight using his staff as a sword. The knight was clearly more skilled however he was just wily enough to keep him held up. She swung down next to him.

"Just in time M'lady." He leaped back almost casually avoiding the sword.

"How long have you been at this?" She asked, she could tell he was getting tired.

"This is getting tiresome! I Darkblade shall have this cat skinned for this indignity!" The knights tried to dog pile him however Chat weaved around everyone, using the knights as obstacles against themselves before slowly bringing them down she still had to fish him out when things got harry but she had to admit he had improved.

However, she was not entirely sure what her next move was only for an explosion to hit. The bridge was now covered in webs. Arachnid swung down and landed next to them with most goons stuck to something.

"Sorry traffic was Knightmare," he cracked,

"Stay away from the sword he turns people into knights with it." Chat brought up, "sorry should have said that sooner." He apologized,

"Don't worry I already slowed these guys down." Arachnid noticed the nights cutting free.

"Lucky charm!" She called out as a cat toy with a feather dropped to her hand. The spots popped up for the toy then Chat then her Yo-yo then the sword.

"Don't bother, aim for Darkblades feet!" She ordered and he did so, a few knights blocked the barrage it Chat was ready to step in, she tossed him the charm as he charged his staff knocking a way in, that put him in range of the man himself only for her to wrap her yo-yo around the sword. "Now Chat!"

He got right under the armpit and the sword was in the air. She easily caught it and snapped it. "No more evil-doing for you little Akuma." She purified it, "miraculous ladybug!" She tossed the charm up.

With everything finished Chat dropped to the ground clearly tired. "Look, I would love to stay but I have." She felt bad.

"It's no big deal, I just need a second, you know maybe retreating would have been the smarter move." he admitted between breaths.

"Probably dude but not the most heroic," Arachnid helped him to his feet. She needed to get back and deal with all the election stuff.

"True," Chat was back on his feet, as the trio dispersed.

She lagged behind at school a few new responsibilities but apparently, the class president was hardly a big responsibility. Alya could easily do it however before she took off the sounds of beeping echoed from the science classroom.

"That's interesting, however that makes things difficult," she stopped next to the door. "Of course, the energy from them would linger. Damn it the damn Eiffel Tower is a beacon if the energy lingers that means that tracking anything down will only be possible for a brief period of time."

She panicked and managed to slip away as Mr. Parker stomped past. She slipped in and saw a laptop.

Miraculous energy system was in bold with a map of the city. Places lined up with her battles and a few regular locations seemed to be completely red. She glanced at her home and it was really dark as well. Trail lines covered the area and the school was bad as well.

"I didn't think this was possible," Tikki brought up as she popped out of her purse.

"This could be bad if he notices my home he could figure out my identity." She panicked however before she could do anything the door opened up she slipped under his desk.

"So I take Mr. Agreste could not be bothered?" Mr. Parker sat down with a bit of force and the harshest tone she had ever heard from the teacher.

"He is a very busy man. Mr. Parker," Natalie said in her clipped tone.

"Well, it's a sad, sad day when a father can't take time to handle his son's needs on his own." The bitter tone was thick enough to cut steel.

"He is a very busy man." She repeated with an even more clipped tone.

"No excuse, a man's family is his greatest responsibility. So what does he have to say," he sighed, as he realized he was getting nowhere.

Nathalie seemed to ignore his complaints. "Everything improved, while he would appreciate knowing how, he is willing to keep your services on the matter." Something slapped onto the Desk as she desperately hoped neither noticed her. "Have a good day Mr. Parker."

"Cold as Ice, still this feels dirty," she overheard another sigh. "Friday start looking into drones I need something heavy-duty and I need the parts from list five. Before long I'll see if we can find some more missing miraculous. Well, that's odd, that seems far too small, I wonder." He stood up and she heard him pack up his things.

"Oh no," she panicked as she took off. Only to catch him at a skate park. He had a tablet out a sensor in one hand. He set it down the sensor as Alix skated past. He seemed stumped then headed off with everything turned off. At first, she worried that she had taken off after him however she had another wave of fear as he entered her parent's bakery.

She quickly found a spot to watch as he ordered some food and left. Then it all clicked she had seen him at the bakery a lot so that meant any energy that linger he would just chalk up to his own.

"But what about Chat if he can find him he would be in a lot of trouble unless Chat lives nearby him he could track him down. Maybe that's what he was doing." She mused,

However, if she expected anything nefarious she was mistaken. He headed home after that, she slipped around spying on him only to catch him in his workout room.

"The arms on this guy," she muttered to herself. The guy had to be close to fifty and he looked in better shape than most twenty years his junior. She got onto the roof no longer comfortable.

"So find anything?" Tikki asked,

"No proof he went to a skate park, got some pastries, and went home to work out. Tikki it's got to be him he knows way too much. But he seems so nice it's hard to believe it but it's the only thing that makes sense." She had to be missing something.

"I am sure you'll find it," she encouraged, "to be honest I am impressed I was worried that this would take a long time but even having such a sure suspect is impressive."

"I should probably touch base with Chat tomorrow and let him know." She was not sure though he might ask questions on the matter and he could use that to find her, she already had to worry about Alya.

The next day at school she dreaded science class however that seemed to be the only thing anyone whispered about. She only half-listened as she really did not want to think about it.

"Hello, I am Miss Hardy I'll be your sub for the day." A platinum blond bombshell sat at the teacher's desk. Nearly every straight guy and bent woman was very interested. She dressed modestly but in spite of her professional outfit she could not cover up her figure.

She glanced at Adrian who looked about as attentive as usual. She smiled a bit at that.

POV shift

"Rule 50 don't get distracted" he repeated in his head.

POV shift back

"Is Mr. Parker okay?" Adrian asked,

"Just a bug, is all nothing to worry your pretty little head over." She smiled and even Adrian wasn't immune as he turned red. She hated her and it seemed the class was split however nobody spoke up.

The effects on the class were a physiologist playground. During role call she stopped at a few names. "Sorry there were just a few notes is all what's an Akuma?" She asked as Alya's had shot up, one quick explanation later and the green eyes woman cocked an eyebrow.

"Is she related to Chat?" With the way she moved around she would not be too surprised if she was his mom, the flirt. She, however, was concerned Mr. Parker seemed fine the trouble was if he was out there he had plenty of time to do whatever he started yesterday and she couldn't do a thing about it.

"You okay?" she nearly fell out of her chair as she realized the teacher was next to her.

"Nothing, just worried about things," she tried to wave off.

"If it's class-related I can help, I doubt Petey would appreciate a poor job." she offered,

"Petey?" Alya glanced at him.

"Sorry Mr. Parker I use to work with him back in the day, when he finds out I was here can you take a picture for me," she chuckled,

She glanced at Alya as they shared a look this woman gave off every vibe that nothing would give her greater pleasure than messing with the science teacher.

"No, it's outside of school stuff," Marinette waved off nervously.

"See me after class," she stood up and walked off.

She lingered not sure what to expect. "I really need to go," being around the woman was nerve-racking on a few levels add on that she use to work with the science teacher.

"So is someone bothering you," she closed the door

"would you take no for an answer?" She asked

"Would you if you thought someone looked ready to have a nervous breakdown?" she asked as the charm was toned down and the concern came out.

Her mind flashed to Chat again "Why does everyone bring that up?" she tried to shift the conversation not sure how good of an idea it was to open up to a friend of Mr. Parkers.

"Look if it's bullying I want to help, if it's well you know worse, I really want to help. After all, this is my only day so I am not worried about getting fired." she pointed out.

"Nothing like that just responsibilities. I got a lot on my plate is all it just gets to me." the woman blinked in an almost cat-like expression.

"Responsibility, you related to that old tiger, if I have to hear another saying about responsibility," she laughed and she stood there feeling uncomfortable with the comparison.

"Old Tiger?" Alya poked in from around the coner, great now she would have to come up with something for Alya her friend was to kind for her own good.

"Old nickname old Pete was always on about that responsibility thing, just don't take on too much. Stress can break a person, you can't control everything so worrying about such things will only hurt you in the long run. Now get going don't want to be late." she waved them off seemingly dropping the issue.

"She was nice," Alya glanced back at the room they left. She seemed to be reevaluating the woman.

"Real nice." she agreed that the was the problem she needed to keep reminding herself that a nice was something You could fake. Mr. Parker was nice but her suspensions told her something was up. Still, Miss Hardly seemed to be both the man's friend and a trouble maker. "Wait." something slowly started to fit together.

AN:

Black Cat enters the game I honestly love the character and I would honestly love a renew your vows style universe were the two end up together. She was easily a must for the story as she helps with putting a mirror up next to the series a few similarities and a few differences. Also thank for the comments I ended up adding the responsibility line to Marrinette a bit sooner than intended but it kinda fit for the chapter.