Chapter 04

Peter frowned another set of apartments that makes things harder. This building was lit up more than Rockefeller center at Christmas. The other one was the Agrest mansion but to a lesser extent. He chalked it up to Adrian wielding a more powerful miraculous than Ladybug. He also decided if Marinette decided to keep spying on him he was going to keep messing with her.

"Ah," he glanced down to see an old man on the ground. He picked up the man's staff and helped him up something about him seemed familiar like he had seen him before.

"Thank you, young man," the man took his cane his eyes widened a bit when he saw the person who helped him up.

"I hide my age well, you okay Sir?" he asked,

"Just a slight fall, I hope you did not injure yourself in your concern." he nodded at the prosthetic. Peter adjusted the glasses so they set on his nose properly.

"Nothing to worry about I have had this injury for well over a decade now."

"So what brings you here, perhaps I can provide directions?" he offered Peter smiled which would help. He had snagged Silkk and he was planning on having her slip around to see if she could find whatever was the source of the energy.

"Is that obvious?" he smiled he could fool a few people but the keen-eared could tell he wasn't a native speaker.

"Not to most I would believe," he smiled as he played with his beard.

"I was wondering if you knew about the massage parlor in the area. I got a bit of a crick in my neck," he admitted, which was true but that would give him an excuse to linger.

"Well it's your lucky day, I am the owner come follow me," the small man lead the way. When the coast was clear Silkk floated out of his bag and dipped out I to the building.

"So can I get a name Mr.?" the man asked,

"Peter Parker, Mr. Fu?" he recalled the name from the website.

"Your French is very good but I can hear an accent your an American on vacation?" he asked as Peter sat down as the man readied his craft.

"It was meant to be, however hard to relax with all the recent trouble," Peter admitted, the man hummed an agreement as he sat down.

"You are very stiff Mr. Parker you seem to have a lot of stress in your body." he commented, "A lot of stress," he repeated to himself as he could see the concern and maybe something else. He probably was not coping well and he was so used to his body being under stress he was probably numb to it.

"Story of my life," Peter chuckled only to pause as something small and green caught his eyes. "I am not someone who can relax when evil is afoot. Mind your ears." he gave a whistle to signal Silkk. The old man looked confused as he pulled his way.

"Silkk!" cried out a voice as the green turtle popped out from behind the record player.

"Wayzz!" Silkk greeted as the old man looked at him.

"Who are you?" he asked as the two Kawmi celebrated.

"A concerned citizen I take it you the one who gifted Chat and Ladybug with their Miraculous. Which sadly means I am back to square one."

"What do you mean?" he asked with a hard look in his eyes.

"This was the only stand-out location. Everywhere else is already have some form of Miraculous energy that was either covered or had a miraculous that was accounted for. that will keep things from being so cut and dry." he frowned as he considered the possibilities.

"I don't understand," his eyes shifted he clearly wanted to run but for some reason stood his ground.

"I found the energy signature for the Miraculous is not untraceable." He pulled up the tablet, The man glanced at the tablet

"But the kwami can't be tracked by technology. They never show up on any form even on photos." he glanced at the readings

"Perhaps but even something that can't be seen doesn't mean can be found. I came here today hoping to find Hawkmoth, I fear I am wrong." he admitted

"What will you do with this information Mr. Parker?" Fu asked as he handed the tablet back.

"Nothing I am not in the business of messing with old men." He shrugged, not sure if any attempts would do any good. He still seemed flighty and he doubted he would leave Adrian and Marinette their miraculous.

"I am not that old," he sassed back as Peter felt a smile tug at his lips.

"Be that as it may you have done nothing illegal. If anything happens to Silkk can I bring her in for help?" He asked, as Silkk sat in his hair.

Fu gave him a look as if thinking it over. "What makes you think I can?"

"I get the impression if you can't then it won't change my plans. It would just be one more thing I would need to figure out myself."

"Fair, I have a few questions for you?" Fu clasped his hands as Peter noticed the man's bracelet. He nodded "Where did you find Silkk?"l

"She was found in the ocean how she came to me beyond that is not my secret to tell," Peter answered,

"Have you been helping Ladybug and Chat Noir?"

"Yep," Peter was really not sure where this was going.

"Thank you I was not sure what to do in all my time I have been a guardian I have no experience dealing with these matters."

"I am happy to help out where I can. I am going to keep looking for Hawkmoth I'll keep you informed." His phone vibrated, "teenagers, you couldn't have picked adults? or older teenagers?" He asked Fu.

"They passed my test they were the only ones," he shrugged, Peter got the impression it was not an impressive test but decided to leave it alone. He got the mark of the man. "The guy probably did not have a clue and had aged out of his own ability to act. He filled it away as conjecture for all he knew the man was Hawkmoth and if the old-timer had any sense he wouldn't take Peter at his word.

"I am curious about a few things," he nodded at the tablet as Peter got comfortable.

POV shift

"Please," Adrian put on his best puppy dog eyes. His teacher to his credit just blinked at him.

"Shouldn't this be something you should talk to your dad about?" His teacher shifted uncomfortably.

"My dad would say this is beneath me. That I shouldn't waste my precious time. Your the only one I can ask." He pleaded as Parker sighed and slumped into his seat. He tried not to celebrate Professor Parker's defeat.

"Okay wing-maning for all you can do for your friend but never outshine your him, her? You don't want to steal someone out from under a friend. Trust me it can get messy. So any ideas on where to go?"

"Um," Adrian shrugged, Peter pulled a face however he wanted to back up on the stealing from under a friend.(1)

"Fair, well avoid movies for a first date someplace where you can talk and not get distracted. Also, remember you are the wingman so don't fly for him. If you want to go for a group date and try to find something to do that will give him space go for food, souvenirs, anything and drag the other girl off cause you don't want a third wheel," Peter advised he continued on a bit and recommend a few other ideas and a lot of don'ts mostly food choices.

However, Nino's next attempt did not work out after dealing with a Mime without him they were back up at the abandoned building.

"Sorry about not making it," Nino apologized however he was the hardest on him as Adrian's enchanted hearing Parker mutter about Mimes and weird tastes.

"It's no big deal your here to help," he waved it off, suddenly a white belt was tossed towards them.

"So is Silkk connected to that AI thing Professor Parker made?" Nino asked.

"No but its a good cover Silkk can explain everything, if anything pops up you can email me cause you can't exactly take her to a doctor," Peter took off his mask the pulled it back down. Adrian just blinked at how unconcerned he was, considering the man was very concerned about identities but then again he really didn't have anything to protect at this point.

"Um okay, so does that mean he's a classmate?" Nino pointed at Adrian

"No, your school just keeps getting targeted," Adrian lied he felt bad about it but Plagg would probably be taken if he didn't.

"Okay, now much fun as your teenage shenanigans are I need you to transform after you put this on." Peter interrupted as he held out a belt.

"What is it?" Nino asked as he looked over it.

"It's a utility belt with a bunch of my old web gadgets. I want to see if the suit will incorporate it." He explained, Adrian watched curious and kinda hopeful the idea of new toys was enticing.

"And if it doesn't?" Nino asked,

"Well, I can still use it or it will be something extra you'll have to keep hidden. The cartridges are light, so it won't be an issue we are just testing something. The quick flash of light and well nothing seemed to change.

Nino patted himself over, then shrugged, "check your web-shooters."

"Awesome, dude check this out!" The web-shooters were unlike the original built into the suit and a small screen showed off some of the options. He hit the grenade option and pellets popped out.

"Be careful with those," Mr. Parker warned as Nino tossed them out. Webbing impacted the wall in a small explosion as the teacher gave him a look however Adrian was already looking over at his friend.

"Do you think my miraculous can do the same?" Adrian asked he actually liked the extra options.

"It's worth a shot I have a theory so it's not the only thing I am working on. In the meantime go patrol or something test out the new gear." Spider-Man waved off.

Nino did not need to be told twice as he followed him out into the streets. "So what's with you and Ladybug?" Nino asked after they moved out a few blocks.

"We are just partners," the admission kinda hurt since he would love to be more than that.

"That's a bummer," Nino admitted,

"I am not giving up, what about you?" Adrian put his smile back on.

"Yeah, there is this girl I have been friends with forever. I just can't work up the courage."

"You are a Superhero!" Adrian shouted as he landed, throwing his hands in the air as he screamed it into Paris's night sky.

"Shhh," Nino hushed him as he let out a small laugh, "Chat people are trying to sleep."

"If she's a girl you interested in she won't be cruel about it. You traded blows with an Akuma any woman would be proud to date you never let the important things remain unsaid." They had stopped as Nino glanced down at his feet.

"I don't know," he muttered as he grabbed his shoulders and gave Nino a lite shake.

"You got this, you got this, I won't quit and you know how stubborn I can be." He reminded who Nino laughed as he shook his head.

"How does Ladybug put up with you?" He asked,

"It helps that I happen to be adorable." Adrian put on his best face as he posed only to get another laugh out of him.

POV shift

Alya was still on cloud nine. A Ladybug interview was incredible with no worries about a time issue.

"Paris is my home I couldn't sit back and let it down." She answered and patiently waited as Alya drew up more questions. She hadn't exactly planned for this.

"So how did you meet Chat Noir and is he always so extra or does he play it up for the crowd?"

"I meet him on my first day and,"

"I got this!" Someone shouted as the interview was interrupted.

"You got this!" Returned a voice as the two glanced outside to see Chat Noir and Arachnid pumping themselves up for something.

"Does that answer your question?" Ladybug gave a knowing shake of her head.

"What are you going to do?!"

"Ask out my crush!" Arachnid finished as the two blinked Chat put an arm around his friend as the two quieted down.

It was weird to see but it reminded her of her and Marinette to see a commonality with the goofy flirt was eye-opening.

"Is he that supportive all the time?" She asked,

"Yes, I like to keep things professional and he has toned down his flirting, Chat Noir is great for encouragement. Even on our first day, he's the guy who seems to want to build people up, I couldn't ask for a better partner." She admitted as the interview got back on track.

After a few more questions they wrapped things up. "Well you heard it here first Ladybloggers," she smiled at her camera. "Thank you so much," she shook hands with the hero.

"Bug out," she said goodbye and zipped off.

"So how did it go?" Marinette asked as she nearly caused her to jump.

"Great," the two walked on in silence when a shadow caught her eye. She glanced over the rooftop. "Looks like the cats are still out." She pointed as Her friend leaned forward a bit.

"Looks like it's just him." Marinette agreed as they giggled a bit.

"I forgot to ask about Arachnid," she realized as Chat headed their way. "Hmm," she watched as Chat got closer and mused on trying to wave him down.

"Your out awful late," he greeted "nice to see the famous Alya out and about."

"I would hardly call myself famous," she felt a slight blush hit her cheeks.

"I watch you all the time, love your work. Who's your friend?" He asked as he pointed a thumb Marinette.

"Oh my best Friend Marinette, her family runs the Dupain-Cheng bakery," she explained,

"I keep getting recommendations for that place I will have to try that out." His eyes lingered on Marinette.

"I just got done with an interview I was wondering if you could tell me anything about the new hero if you don't mind," she gestured the phone forward a bit.

"Sure," he shrugged as he walked backward.

"So who is the new hero?"

"Arachnid, he was my first choice, I fell into an extra Miraculous, sadly only the one sorry Parisians." He walked around a street lamp. "He passed with flying colors and is going to help back us up against Hawkmoth. I figured that as he got stronger it would be best to find people who can help and get them comfortable with these powers before we throw them into the deep end." He explained, "even if that's kinda what happened."

"You really thought this out," she realized that the Chat before her seemed much more sensible than the one who cataclysmed the goal in the stadium.

"I can't take all the credit. But back to the question he's a good friend and just like Ladybug I trust him to watch my back."

"Just when I think I got you figured out," Alya admitted she couldn't help but like the guy he was much more relaxed than Ladybug in front of the camera.

"Not really that complicated, whenever I am around Ladybug I tend to lose a few IQ points," he gave a playful wink. "Any more hard-hitting questions?" He asked as he continued to walk backward.

"Yeah, can I get a longer interview some other time?" Alya asked,

"S-sure," he yawned as he looked like he was a bit more aware of how late it was. "I'll get back to you on that." He called over his shoulder and took off into the night.

"He seemed cute," Alya admitted, "wonder why he swung by?" She glanced at her friend, she completely forgot to look at her.

"Him?" She got a look as the two laughed at the idea he probably wanted to flirt or something.

POV shift

"I blew it again," Nino texted him as Adrian groaned,

"Do we have to make it a group date or something?" He texted back he liked his friend but this was getting ridiculous. He glanced over at the box Mr. Parker had given him. A new set of web-shooters and a utility belt had already been opened and tried but for some reason, the cat Miraculous did not take to it.

His mentor did not seem too surprised saying Magic was weird and was never as consistent as technology-based powers. The teacher had timed his day off perfectly and had dropped the stuff off Saturday. Apparently, dad's security system was child's play to the old hero. He resealed the box when his phone rang.

"Alya hi, what can I do for you?" He was a bit confused he did not recall giving her his number.

"Marinette needs some help could you be her translator. I know you take Chinese lessons,"

"This would be a good opportunity to find out if she has any interest in Nino if I can help him get around his fear of rejection." He thought he tried it last night as Chat but his costumed persona did not know the girl so that failed. "Sure," he said,

Thankfully his dad was busy he was free so he got to use the Limo, he had an excuse ready to go since Alya texted him about why he was needed her uncle was apparently was the Wang Cheng, so him being around the show wouldn't be to bad a place to show off his dad's latest design. "Thanks, big G, we shouldn't be too long."

"Adrian," she did her little routine, he was still not sure what made her so twitchy his first thought was a crush but so many girls had approached him loud and proud so the behavior did not match up with prior love struck fans. Mr. Parker just laughed evilly when he asked and was sure he knew but the old grump was unwilling to spill he seemed to find the situation amusing.

He kept his confusion off his face as he helped break the ice he was surprised that Marinette was surprised she was related to Wang Cheng, or at least his fame. It was odd that he had to explain the man's cooking method.

They showed up at the studio and the Celestial soup was named he was interested himself pity he wasn't a judge.

"Thank you so much, Adrian," she spoke up, he kept up the conversation all the while he tried to figure out a smooth transition to the subject he want.

"Oh look how it is my favorite person," Chloe spoke up as he realized his task got that much harder. Well her family did own the hotel he should have considered the possibility.

"Sushi is Japanese, Wang is Chinese," Adrian explained, it was moments like these that made it hard to like Chloe his old friend could be nice but those moments seemed to be getting fewer and farther between. It didn't help that her, yes woman, seemed to enable all her worst traits.

Chloe took off and he was thankful for that with all of his recent reading it changed his perspective and lowered his tolerance he needed to speak up about her and decided that would be a chat he needed to have.

"You really stood up for Cheng Shifu. He would really appreciate that." He saw her frown and look away and he soon found himself consoling and pumping up confidence.

His phone went off as the ringtone went off. "Perfect he thought," the text was from Parker but that was not the important part.

"Nice ring tone," she glanced at him,

"Nino made it for me he made a few custom ones so I know who is calling. He's really cool like that I heard you were friends with any cool stories?" He asked it was true he had done the ringtones but the point was to bring up his friend and talk the guy up.

POV split

"He really is talking about Nino a lot," Marinette realized,

"Don't oversell it," Adrian thought, "come on use your head. She really does not want to talk to much, crap is she mad at me?"

"Oh no he seems uncomfortable did I say something wrong?" She worried mentally.

POV shift

"Was that Chloe?" She noticed as Adrian followed her gaze. She just left the kitchen,

"No time like the present," Adrian muttered as a determined look crossed his face she blinked she usually only saw a smile on his face so this was weird.

"Chloe!" The blonde froze as she gave a nervous giggle. Her first concern was to check on the soup and her great uncle but she really wanted to know what was going on.

"Ardikins," the nickname did not have the intended effect.

"What did you do?" He crossed his arms. Chloe shifted she seemed less like a bully and more like a scolded child.

"I was just looking around," she lied pitifully.

"Chloe I know you too well, why is your ego so easily bruised? I know your better than this Chloe but if you keep proving me wrong I don't know if we can keep being friends."

The devastated look on her face made her just uncomfortable enough to head into the kitchen away from the conversation. She felt bad while Adrian standing up for her was incredible seeing Chloe devastated was not as cathartic as she would have believed. She noticed something was off and quickly exited the kitchen

"We need to warn my uncle I think they took the food up to the stage." She interrupted as Adrian nodded,

"I'll talk to the judges you warn your uncle we don't need an Akuma attack." He took charge as she blinked realizing that could be a very real possibility. Her mind switched over to Ladybug mode and they sprinted through the hotel.

"Uncle Cheng, your soup has been compromised, damaged?" She was not sure how good his French was. He looked down at his Soup as Adrian talked to the hosts.

He took a spoon and frowned at the taste as Chloe sat down she seemed unconcerned about her surroundings.

"Since this isn't live they will allow a second attempt. Also, Chloe is being tossed off the judge's table." He explained as the master Chief shot a disappointed look at the blonde.

"I think I may have been too hard on her," Adrian rubbed the back of his neck.

"What she did was wrong if someone that she looks up doesn't say something she would keep doing it. She's been bullying me for about four years since we keep getting placed in the same class." She continued to look at the floor.

"Sorry," he apologized, he looked sympathetic as he made a motion only to retracted his arms to his side.

"You didn't," but before she could even realize she was having a conversation without any of the stuttering.

"You can't have him!" Came a voice like Chloe only distorted. What came rushing towards them looked like a dragon with a chain necklace with a cage on it. She had gold scales with a white underbelly.

"I may have gone too far," Adrian got out as the adults screamed. The dragon focused on Adrian he spared a glance at Her before he took off. She got smacked away as the dragon rushed after him.

"We solved one issue only to create another," Tikki squeaked.

"We need to think fast poor Adrian." She got into a broom closet, "Tikki spots on," she broke free and took to the windows she glanced down as the dragon broke out of the wall. Adrian was already down on the ground. "He certainly can move," she marveled. She quickly swung down after the dragon.

She crossed the tops as Adrian shouted and warned people as he dived into an ally way as the Chloe dragon grabbed at him clawing the side of the building.

The siding fell down as the Dragon climbed up above trying to get at him. She swung through the ally and grabbed him thankfully he did not weigh too much. "Just ignore the fact he's in your arms," she told herself as she quickly yo-yoed some distance between them and the Chloe Dragon which from this distance looked more like a crocodile with a blonde wig. Only for that respite to be broken as the building shook.

"I think she can smell me," he realized only to get scooped back up as the oversized lizard bulldozed a car out of the way and charged towards them.

"Hold on tight," she told him, they swing down as the Chloedial continued after them.

"Mind if I swing in?" Arachnid quipped, he messed with something on his wrist as web bullets shout out they connect with clawed feet just long enough for the spider hero to add another layer.

"Have you seen Chat?" Ladybug shouted at him.

"I tried calling I don't think he's suited up the call went to voice mail." He explained,

"I'll take Adrian and get him somewhere safe can you slow her down?"

"I got this dudette," he leaped around as he continued to pelt the beast with webbing.

She got Adrian down to street level. "I really need to take care of this, but I don't know," she grimaced not sure how to handle the situation but she couldn't leave Arachnid all by himself.

"Just don't stay in one place find someplace safe." She advised before swinging back only to see Arachnid had everything under control.

"I didn't know when to stop," he admitted as he looked at the now very stuck Chloedial. She giggled a bit as the evilized Chloe continued to struggle.

"Sorry I am late, Princess," Chat Noir dropped down next to them.

"Just in time could you Cataclysmic the cage think that is we're the Akuma is." She pointed out, "it feels weird not needing the random item from the lucky charm.'

"Maybe that a good thing, if we can handle things without using our ace then we can handle more than one if needed."

"Chat you okay?" They both noticed his hesitation,

"Sorry not fond of cages and confined places." He admitted as he cataclysmed the oversized necklace.

Chat caught Chloe and Ladybug purifying the butterfly and used her yo-yo to repair the damage.

"You did great," Chat gave Arachnid a hard smack on the back. "Now about that girl," he reminded she paused for a second. A few things clicked into place Chat kinda reminded her of Alya. The encouragement being the big factor he was clearly rougher she never really saw Cat outside of the attacks. To see him like this was different, *beep, beep*

"Right, time to go," she realized,

"We should meet up later do some patrolling and look into some strategy." Arachnid brought up. "Eight sound good?" He glanced,

"Any earlier and I would say no if nothing else we should contact each other if school gets in the way. I should be good for tonight." Chat nodded

"Fine eight for tonight," she shook her head she already had so much on her plate she just hopped they didn't drag her into any more work. "Bug out," she swung off, "still they both seemed to be making incredible strides in their hero work maybe it would be worth it if she had to deal with all the puns and flirting. Not that Chat is bad or anything he just wasn't Adrian Agreste."

POV shift

Parker moved towards his class with the familiar clip of his cane. He was trying to work out what would work best for a cat themed hero. He sat down at as his desk as he opened it up only to see another hexagon box.

"How?" He thought as he pulled out the box he wondered if the Guardian had snuck in. He pulled up his phone and dialed up the old man.

"Mr. Parker, it's a bit early," he sounded like he woke up.

"Sorry I wouldn't call if it wasn't important did you drop of something Miraculous in my class?"

"No, I am not keen on increasing the number out in the wild. I have concerns as is with Silk having a permanent welder." He explained, "don't tell me you found another one."

"The box looks similar with the Kanji-like design on it," Peter checked the hall and his classroom he was not keen on eavesdroppers.

He heard some button presses, "everything is still here,"

"Okay sorry to bother you I'll get back to you on this later," he opened it up a bronze belt buckle it felt far too modern. He grabbed it as what after a second realized was a meerkat with tan fur with a black spot on its left eye. "I am Burry, the Kwami of Vigilance, pleased to meet you, warrior,"

"You wouldn't happen to know how you came into my possession?" He asked,

"Sadly I was hibernating, this is the first time I have been active since my time in Egypt," he explained in a clipped tone.

"Hmm probably got buried with someone," Peter mused as he recalled the break-in at the museum.

"I hope that wasn't a pun," Burry raised an eyebrow at him.

"Hardly, so what exactly can you do? And how do you activate also food preferences?" Peter slipped the buckle into his pocket.

"Body double I create a copy of the wielder, eyes open and eyes shut, and I like well it's been a while let's see what we got." He rubbed his nubs together.

"I can respect keeping your options open." Parker looked over the sub notes as Burry busied himself with the computer.

The notes looked normal however instead of a name a cat was drawn on the paper. And a note about something miraculous in the desk. "See you soon Spider."

Peter sat down, "So you are here," a rise of warmth and drive erupted inside himself. An old ember seemed to stir as he had a desire to prowl the rooftops he had a thief to catch.

POV shift

Adrian was a bit surprised there was a shift in his mentor. He seemed to be more energized. Odd he had a lab coat on which was weird his clothes seem less casual almost like he was wearing a costume.

Alya's phone went off but before she could even grab it Mr. Parker was next to her. "Please this will be important."

Alya kept her phone where it was. He was shocked nobody else may have noticed but the speed was incredible. He glanced at Nino he still had his glasses case and He could see Silk moving in the bag almost impossible to notice if he did not know to look for it.

He slipped out his phone, "new cat in town?" He blinked at the title. Apparently there was something going on in the town. He glanced down a few pictures as two black-clad figures were apparently in a city spanning chase.

"Something on your phone Mr. Agreste?" He slowly looked up to see Mr. Parker looming over him.

"Ah, nothing I was worried about," he moved his phone a bit.

"Don't worry I got my eye on it." He pointed at his left eye which seemed oddly stationary.

POV shift

He continued to move the costume reminded him of the black suit a bit. Form-fitting and very flexible dark blue and a long black coat with silver web-like lines on it. Sadly unlike Silk, he did not get his foot back however the transformation most have strengthened it as not so much as a crack had reached his ears.

Felicia was racing it seemed her synthetic powers seemed to be keeping up after all these years. He leaped over a chimney and he may have been a bit more acrobatic than needed. But this chase brought him back. Before his Marriage back when that fire burned a lot brighter. Black Cat was unique among his friends. She loved the dangerous half of Spider-Man. They even had considered marriage at one point. Those passions never died even as they moved on it was one of those things he allowed only Felicity to get away with. When she stole he never really perused her like others, when she flirted with him even when he was married she got a free pass. MJ was a one-man kinda girl but Felicity got away with it. The relationship unlike any other had been tested and yet here they were chasing each other the more things change the more they stay the same.

He was still teaching his mind supplemented with the magic was in two places he was teaching and he was running. The strain on his mental abilities was hard and he could feel a slight headache coming in.

Thankfully his spider-sense was able to keep him in the game the only issue was as his running body moved sometimes his lesson would escape.

Eventually, however, she escaped not that he was really making an attempt. He already knew she hadn't stolen anything this time well that he knew off.

He dropped down as he realized she had given him the slip. He dropped down only to glance out the window to see her staring at him from across the street outside the school window.

"Crazy Cats," He shook his head as the class looked at him in confusion.

He continued to teach for the rest of the day. Knowing that he was probably going to get yelled at tonight. He sent a text to Adrian about something new going on. This was probably going to be funny.

POV shift

"Dude!" Nino grabbed his head as he turned away. Chat Noir tripped and ran into a wall, and was now cursing out of the body that was still on his feet.

"This is not easy," Chat synced up as both turned to look at him only for one to succeed. "Ugh!"

"I think this one will have to stay with me, you want a shot Arachnid?"

"Nah I think I'll stick with what works." Nino passed on the offer.

"This coat though," sighed Chat Noir did place their hands on their hips as the leather coat hung on him. The time limit on the power dissipated as Burry floated in the air free. He took the belt off as he handed it back to their mentor.

"Well that's the way it goes, don't think we are giving up on him. I was able to divide myself and disguised my real identity if we can get this working you can permanently put yourself above suspicion as your secret identity." He explained as both boys blinked in surprise.

"Exactly how I tested out something else here. He walked over and pulled out two boxes and handed them over.

"It's a Chat costume?" Chat glanced over to see that Nino got an Arachnid one.

"Partially if you noticed it's a very thin material and can comfortably fit under you clothes. But the mask is the most important. I had to alter yours Chat the domino mask is not something I worked with much. So I altered it a bit, in case of emergencies have the mask on then transform if you are trapped and you power down your identity will still have one last shield.

"Keep these items hidden they could be passed off as costumes but be careful. This way if needed you can feed your Kwami in the middle of a fight if needed."

"That's really clever," Nino admitted as he closed up the box.

"One more thing, this will be our last training session for a while. However, the costume isn't the only thing, caltrops and a utility knife, for ropes and restraints. Have them on when you suit up I am still working on what does and doesn't get integrated into the suits."

"I take it the web-shooters didn't get integrated?" Nino looked at Chat who shrugged,

"Was nice while it lasted, so what was up about that chase in the middle of the day?" Chat glanced at Peter

"Old friend of mine, she a royal pain but she's got a good heart and helps when she feels like it."

"Oh you flirt," said a sultry voice as a figure in black with white fur around her low-cut collar and heeled boots.

"Cat," he glanced over his shoulder. Nino just blinked then looked at Chat Noir.

"Your mom I presume?" He asked as Chat Noir gave him a look.

"No way," he waved off the idea vigorously, Nino sensed an opportunity to tease him.

"You really should watch your, back?" Her hand moved over his shoulder as the mentor held up a small device.

"Please if you were paying attention I had been using morse code to tease you, what took you so long?" He teased back.

"I have a reputation to uphold I need to be at last a half-hour late." She caught the tracker.

"I don't know I see a lot of similarities," Nino glanced at him. Chat shook his head but Nino caught on that it was not a subject to poke at.

"Any way you two head out me and my old friend here need to catch up. Nino shrugged as he and Chat took the hint.

"That explains the furball nickname." Chat admitted as he stabbed his staff into the ground. Locked into place Nino saw something like a flash of gold that rippled over the hero. "What?"

"Nothing let's listen in." He realized where they were.

"That seems like a bad idea," Chat frowned at the idea,

"Oh come on Dude is always so secretive maybe we can learn something." he shrugged, Chat seemed uncertain but sighed in defeat.

"Okay but how sneaking up on two old pros can't be easy," he pointed out, Nino recognized it as another try to get out. "We would need something silent that could move without causing any noise and even at our," he looked at the staff as Nino realized that even as he was trying to get out of it Chat was still trying to come up with a solution.

"That will work," he admitted. They both grabbed onto the pole and quickly shot up under the window.

"So I used hard light I still need something that matched hence the lab coat," The mentor explained,

"What are you doing here?" Black Cat asked,

"I really did not pick Paris I would like to think some space from the city did me good."

Nino frowned as Chat brought up his staff and texted him a translation as the two above spoke in English.

"I wish you would have said something. It took some work to find you I was worried that you had. Well you know thrown in the towel."

"I would never," Spider responded, "I mean this one hit hard," his voice broke as they could hear him drop to the floor. "I won't let it break me, and we have to be careful about negative emotions here in Paris." His voice hardened,

"I thought some of the things we dealt with are bad, now then now that kittens are away," she purred,

"Cat, please here?"

"I know its no New York rooftop, but we are in Paris," she reminded,

Nino glanced at Chat Noir who looked like a tomato now and he was confident he was blushing as well.

"It has been a while, you sure it can't wait, I don't live that far from here," Peter reminded as what sounded like someone getting pushed up against a wall.

"I think I have waited long enough Spider," she insisted as Chat nearly lost his balance as the sounds of kissing hit their ears only for the pole to suddenly bend. They both look down to see said Spider with a hand on the pole they both slide down.

"I could have sworn I told you to go home, You know everything I know on Hawkmoth and the Miraculous. So if you don't mind," he thumbed them towards home.

Nino need not be told twice the two booked it over the rooftops. "That lady is dangerous," Nino glanced at Chat, he nodded his head his face still red as they put some distance between them and the adults. They stopped at a roof ready to go their separate ways when Chat spoke up.

"Yeah, agreed." Chat as he glanced back he seemed to be thinking about something but he didn't say anything about what was on his mind. It was moments like this he realized how little he knew about his partner.

Pov Shift

"How are you holding up," Falicia locked eyes with him as they sat down even as he smiled she could already he was still dealing. Peter was not a man she originally cared for her eyes were on Spider-man the adventure and danger called to her. Over time, she understood him, not to the level of his late wife Mary Jane had been married to him for so long if she did know him better than most there were issues she only saw. At this point she really wanted to hold him, the only man to ever get under her skin, and it had to be the one the universe seemed hell-bent on breaking, it was a testament to his will that in spite of everything the man was still standing. At least he seemed to shake his judgmental side she still expected a lecture on her break-in at the museum but he seemed unconcerned.

"Eh, how much did Stephen tell you I take it he sent you over here to check up on me," Peter asked, she sighed he was already in business mode.

"I want the answers from you Wizards are hardly known for being straightforward," she took a sip off her coffee, well cream and sugar with a bit off coffee after all she didn't hate herself.

"I just woke up here, Strange was worried about how I was handling things. He said this place didn't have any heroes but that wasn't true. I had a month before these kids showed up. I have been helping them out and see if I can track down the mastermind, ran into some issues, Most of my history transferred over with a few tweaks to keep my identity secret."

"You just can't help yourself, can you?" she couldn't help but smile at him he was still him. "I was so worried when you vanished, I wanted to talk but considering our history I wasn't sure if I was the right person to talk to you. I didn't want to come off as well, you know." she couldn't meet his eyes those feelings were still there they never went away even during her Marriage to Flash, not her best move in fact it was a string of bad movies and her relationship with her daughter never fully recovered from their own issues, even if she did come around to her daughters perspective. All ending with a divorce and little to really show for all her poor life choices.

"I guess not, the kids were just hopeless enough that I had to help," he gave a smile, "So how much trouble did you give the old wizard?"

"Bastard tried to blow me off, took me about a week and I need to pull in a few favors just to get him to talk to me. He seemed convinced I was nothing but trouble," she smirked as she knew damn well she was nothing but trouble. "It took some convincing but I brought over my wealth as well, got a nice place near some Agreste mansion," she waved off the name of some fashion designer.

"Yeah I had some dealings with him kind of getting some Osborn vibes from him," Peter admitted that perked her interest, that was not a statement made lightly.

"A fashion designer really? I guess he is a business owner but such a job seems relatively harmless." He looked serious, "Then again can use these I guess you could stumble upon these with no issues. Okay well, I guess I'll go back to my original plan."

"Plan?" he frowned at her a bit confused,

"I am going to see if I can find any more of these." She grabbed his hand with both of hers, they lay on the table as she looked him in the eye. "I don't trust myself around, I don't want to cause any more damage. Our relationship is pretty much the only positive one I have left." she pulled her hands back, and placed them around the coffee,

"I would argue we both mistreated each other over the years." Peter admitted "Sorry about that you have a kind heart,"

"Thanks, Peter, if anything happens or you need a little bit of help here," she slide some spare keys his way. It was really sweet to say she had a kind heart but she knew better she still wanted him, but it would be a fast way to wreck their relationship by pursuing him. So she decided to wait and hope that if he was ever ready for a more intimate relationship she would be there for him. She kinda hated that part of her just enough sense to hang herself with.

POV Shift

Peter watched her go, seeing her brought back conflict. She was a temptation in more than one way. She brought out his more selfish nature as much as he brought her more compassionate side. Some extra cash would be helpful, he glanced away to avoid staring at her figure. She wouldn't mind but that attraction did little on his guilt it felt like a betrayal to M.J. to even think of something one-off let alone reigniting a more long-term relationship. He felt like it would also be taking advantage of Felicia she might be okay with it but there are so many things at war and that just added to it. he moved to pay,

"The lady already paid sir," the staff informed as she gave him one last flirtatious wink before she skipped out on him. he texted her to swing by his home he had his sensor systems and if she was going to be searching it would help to have something that can show her the way. He got a raised eyebrow and got an emoji back as a response. He slumped to the ground a bit. "I need to be taken out back and shot," he decided.

It wasn't long before he recalled his scanning technology and he headed over to pass on the gear. No sense in making the search harder.

"Okay, so this is how everything works?" She glanced over all the technology. "It's a good thing this is all miniaturized cause this would really cramp my style," She pointed out.

"Yes well not everyone can look good and nerdy at the same time," He replied only to get a look that all but took that comment as a challenge. She had forced him to come to her place. Mansion indeed it seems that Cat what she wanted or she had been stealing again behind his back but he decided that it wasn't worth even worrying about it as far as he was aware he only theft in the last thirty years was the museum job and thanks to his daughter he was questioning the ethics of so; why anger the woman with needless judgments he was really bad about that in the past.

"I take it this won't help in finding Hawkmoth," she giggled a bit at the name.

"The city is already covered in energy, I even created my own, I don't even know if he is in the city, my next idea was putting up sensors to track down the Akuma and see if they can lead us back to the man."

"Sounds expensive," she said with a casual tone and a side-eye look,

"I can take care of it," Peter would never admit that his pride may or may not be the reason he was not going to use any of her money.

"On a teacher salary?" she asked, as her arms crossed her chest as he glanced away from her.

"I have worked with less besides I am not even paying to my apartment," he admitted as already had a few other things. She escorted him out of the mansion as he used the wood rail to help him down, he headed out only to see Natalie outside she blinked in mild surprise as Falicty made a noise.

"Mr. Parker what a surprise to see you here, are you friends with the newest resident here?" she asked as she glanced at Felicia behind him.

"Hello Felicia Hardy, I am an old friend of Mr. Parker," Who are you?" Felicia looked at the woman,

"Nathalie Sancoeur, I work for Mr. Argeste, I take it your the new owner," she focused on Felicia

"Actually I work for Mr. Parker," She suddenly went off on her own, Peter was trying to figure out where she was going with this. He tried to communicate this with her but she ignored him. "He's a bit eccentric prefers to keep a low profile but this place really spoke to him."

"Where in the world is she going with this?" Peter thought as Nathalie glanced at him her body language altering a bit as if reassessing him.

"I do apologize, Mr. Parker I had no idea, I would have been more than happy to assist you in such matters if I knew."

"Well, it's not his fault you didn't do your due diligence Mr. Parker was the former owner of Parker Industries and only sold the company to take care of more important responsibilities." Falicia was being a very interesting hype woman but he was still not sure where she was going.

"Again I am sorry, I suppose we shall be seeing you around then Mr. Parker,"

"Yes, if you need to get in contact with him, here, this the number he usually doesn't appreciate to be bothered and since he plan's on restarting his work he will be incredibly busy,"

"I hope this won't interfere with your previous agreements," Nathalie looked at Peter,

"Of course not, he's a man of his word, any further issues will need to be vetted properly and any events likewise," she waved off the concern not allowing him to speak on the matter, he had no interest in getting back into that business stuff since it was never something he wanted in the beginning. She knew this as well, they nearly went full hero and villain cause of Otto and his meddling.

"I'll keep that in mind, again I apologize Mr. Parker," at that she returned to the Limo and drove off.

"What was that all about?" Peter looked at her.

"Work your way down, I'll pass on any invites to you and you can start looking for this Hawkmoth ten bucks says he's someone important and even better if I can mess with that woman, some people are way too stiff," She explained,

"Don't go too crazy please," Peter was a bit worried,

"Besides now you have to use the place a bit, at least for storage for your new equipment," she also pointed out as Peter realized she had more or less got what she had wanted be it to keep up the little story she weaved but throwing in the little benefit of her extra floor space,"

"Your despicable," Peter crossed his arms and shook his head. She patted him on the head as a Taxi pulled up,

"Have fun, try not to spend too much of my money," she winked and walked off.

"I really should just become a hermit, grow a bigger beard, and spout nonsense wisdom. It's the only way to be safe."

POV shift

The upcoming game was all Max could think off the school had opened up over the weekend and he was already here to help set things. He was one hundred percent certain he was going to win.

However, there was already someone in the room. Everything was set up.

"Professor Parker," he said as he realized the teacher was already there.

"Ah Max just fishing over some of the old tech." He glanced at him.

"I didn't realize you were also on the janitorial staff," he was ready to file that away.

"Nope recycling I have a personal project and need to repurpose some old computer parts." He explained,

"Oh, anything for class?" Max asked

"No person, I already got the system set up," Max nearly missed the massive amount of things Peter was hefting.

"Do you need some help?" Max asked only to watch him open the door seemingly unhampered. He looked at the system however his curiosity got the best of him he was ahead of schedule so his inner inventor was curious. The science class was already set up he had chemicals growing and was already removing the gold. He was ninety-five percent sure that the professor was reusing the gold to build something from the ground up.

"Can I help you Mr. Kanté he glanced up from his work as he pulled out a few wires.

"This is wasteful unless your project is on recycling,"

"I need these things in a certain way I know a few things and it's just easier to start from scratch. Also cost-effective."

"If you say do I feel you are doing far more work than needed."

"So who is your partner for the tournament?" Mr. Parker asked him as he continued to move through his work with a leaven of ease gained by being an old pro.

"Partner? This is solo play, the partner is only for the official tournament."

"People play differently with a partner the best players may not always jell well I would recommend a tag team tournament. Or at least practice,"

"Your concerns are well-founded, I will file this away however I do not plan to lose regardless."

"Nobody ever comes to play plans to lose Max but someone always has to." He went back to his work.

POV shift

The sudden ground shake probably would have screwed him if his sense didn't grab the flask filled with acid. His phone went off apparently this one was called the gamer and before long there was a giant mech battle in the middle of the city.

He continued to work as his drone retraced the path of the villain using the security system. He frowned he was not sure about the validity of the data but he had no idea if he didn't record it.

The day finally ended, "professor, you were right," Max nearly caused him to jump out of his skin before the kid ran off. Adrian walked in not much longer.

"Right where I left you," he teased as Peter gave him a look. Only for Peter to slap down a complete sensor system.

"Yes, well we got something. A city is a big place but we have something that can track Miraculous and wildlife," he admitted, "this is going to take some tests and a lot of fine-tuning and more false positives than I care to think off. However, this is one of many little cuts that will bring down old Hawkmoth." He probably looked like a mess but Adrian picked up the sensor.

"You made this in a day?" He looked at him impressed,

"No, the software is my own most of that was just reworking it." He did not want to talk about the amount of coffee and time he had done. He really could have bought this stuff but he did not want a paper trail. "Everything else was simply time in front of a computer." His double dropped in through the window with dinner. "You hungry?" He asked as the two bodies slipped back into one.

"Sure Chinese?" Adrian realized,

"Hey, it comes with its own plate." Peter unfolded his fried rice as he got into the chicken.

Marinette coughed this eye as she looked like she wanted to step in only to hesitate. He glanced at Adrian then slowly pieced a few things together. "Oh this is going to be fun, teach you for snooping under my desk," he thought to himself. "Come on in I can share, don't worry Adrian doesn't bite, well unless you want him to." He smirked as his eyes twinkled a bit as she turned red and the implications flew over the blonde's head.

(1) for those who don't know Mary Jane and Harry dated in the comics, like in the Sam movies, while Peter was with Gwen and if your read through it Mary does not come out very good as she flirts with Peter a lot during this. Gwen was an interesting her word choices during this time as well lets just say she might not have been interested in a (cough)traditional(cough) relationship.

An: ladybug is not weaker Peter is out of the loop and is just guessing. Also thanks you for the reviews I really appreciate them. Don't worry about Gabriel I have plans trust me I might have gone a bit overboard cause the fun of Peter vs Gabriel is just to much fun as both men have every reason to hate each other even out my little tweaks to add to the story.