Whew... another chapter done... This darn story is turning into a novel. My word document says that this chapter ends on page 167. That's just nuts.

I fixed the 5'3 thing. Thanks to those who pointed it out. That was one of those things that sounded fine in my brain but didn't translate right on paper... ah well that's why I have you lovely readers! Thanks for all the reviews!

Marinette is a detective who can't keep a partner while hunting down the notorious Hawkmoth gang. Chat is the new cat burglar on the streets who never gets caught. After Marinette gets handed his case it's it won't be long before their fates collide especially when monsters start roaming the streets.


Finishing Touch

The mood was a truly jubilant one as Spike and his unfortunate running partner finally wheezed their way up to the finish line. They both looked worse for wear and Spikes partner simply dropped to the ground in a sitting position as soon as they crossed the line.

"You…you guys cheated!" Spike gasped bracing his hands on his knees

His caustic words made the jubilant revelers quiet down and Adrien felt Marinette shift forward, her arms resting on his head as she leaned. "And how in the world do you think we cheated? Considering we took the hardest courses, were in front of you almost the whole time, yet somehow, magically you guys managed to get in front of us. Are you sure it's us that cheated?"

Spike's face was already red from exertion, but the way his face contorted made her realize it would be turning purple from fury soon. "There's no way you could have gotten through the obstacles faster than us! Not the way they are set up. You had to have cheated or something to catch back up!"

"Why do you say that? Is it because we should have fallen into your little sabotaged traps?" Marinette asked her voice going cold. "You do realize that if anyone else would have fallen into those little traps of yours they could have been killed right?"

Spike flinched back finally realizing that he had said far too much. A growl echoed from the throats of the many runners and suddenly finding himself under scrutiny he blustered. "I-I don't know what you are talking about."

With a derisive snort Marinette tapped Adrien's head and he swung her off his shoulders knowing that if he didn't let her down she would turn her irritated gaze on him. However he did stay at her back, not quite trusting her to refrain from punching Spikes lights out.

"I'm sure you don't." Marinette answered crossing her arms. "You took the green line almost the whole way since you nor your little buddy there has the stamina or strength to do the yellow or red lines. However, you sent one of your partners out to sabotage different obstacles with little thought as to how badly someone could be injured on them. This area is a free running zone and is supposed to be a fun relaxing place to simply let loose. You have nothing to gain by hurting the people that run here so what in the hell were you thinking?"

Spike waved a hand in front of his face putting on airs as he blabbed "I don't have to answer to you and you can prove nothin since…."

"Oh I have proof Spike. An you are so very lucky we are not outside the fence because if we were I would have already taken you down." Marinette snapped breaking Spikes bravado to pieces.

A scowl slipped onto his face and to Marinette surprise he stepped forward clearly itching to fight. "I'm part of the Hawkmoth gang you crazy nobody and I don't care how fast you can run. You can't dodge a bullet when you don't know it's coming."

The mood of the runners instantly shifted several people taking steps back as a round of growls echoed from a dozen throats. Adrien let out a growl as well while inching closer to Marinette and Spike glanced about seeming to finally realize that he was alone in a very large crowd of people. His partner had eased away the moment Marinette had started talking. Narrowing her eyes Marinette answered his challenge by stepping closer her voice dropping so only Spike could hear her next words. Adrien heard them too but that was only because of his superior senses, however even he got a chill from the coldness of her tone.

"Outside or inside of this fence I can guarantee you can't outrun me. No matter where you try to hide I will find you. As for your threat I am quite close with members of numerous other gangs and I know the pulse of this city's streets regardless of the fact that I am a detective. Yes you heard me correct, I am a detective with one of the best known precinct in this city. I don't like Hawkmoth and I would love to take him down, but I do know that Hawkmoth doesn't protect fools Spike and your actions here tonight have proven you to be a massive fool."

Marinette stepped back and Spike suddenly glanced around a cold sweat coating him as he saw several pairs of eyes on him. They weren't just the simple unfriendly eyes of the common bystander who was upset with his threats. No these eyes were judging him and it wasn't a good judgement either. A few shifted towards the shadows and Spike noticed the butterfly barrette one of them wore. Swallowing hard Spike spat "You wouldn't let any Hawkmothers run here if you are truly a detective. There's no way you can just look the other way."

Marinette shrugged and Adrien answered for her. "Three words Spike. Free running zone. If you are part of a gang you should understand what that means."

"The young man is correct. We may not like each other but the first step towards peace are designated areas where we leave our… oh how to you foolish children call it… beefs at the gate. Did you really think you were the only member of Hawkmoth who ran here?" A voice asked and Spike twisted in time to see a tall lanky male come forward, his costume reminiscent of a mime.

Spike flinched back recognizing the male, all of his bravado gone and found himself unable to answer. Looking to the side he hoped to find his running partner but the coward had long ago abandoned him. Mime, realizing Spike wasn't going to answer crossed his arms as he moved to stand across from Marinette leaving Spike trapped between them.

"What did he damage and how bad?" Mime asked

"He ordered one of his earlier comrades to take the rope off the high wall and they sawed part of the way through one of the beams on the beam hall. Adrien and I fell off but managed to grab struts so we didn't splat on the next floor down." Marinette answered since a swiftly paling Spike didn't.

Numerous gasps and grumbles filtered from the crowd and Marinette turned her attention to them. "No one is to race in Dangers Run until we can clear the whole course safe for use. I don't know how many other obstacles are sabotaged and I don't want anyone getting hurt."

"So that's what took you so long to finish!" Alex cried as Marinette turned her attention back to Spike and Mime.

"So what is your excuse?" Mime asked his voice hinting at an unannounced threat.

Spike had paled considerably and he took a step sideways in an effort to edge his way out from between two dangerous people. Adrien slipped from Marinette side moving so he was behind Spike as he took another step.

"You may want to answer the man. I believe he is your superior." Adrien said startling Spike so he leaped forwards back between them.

Marinette hid a smile but Mime laughed mockingly. "Marinette's partner is correct but you already know this. If you have no excuses run now and do everyone here a favor. Don't come back."

Spike glanced around but seeing no one ready to stand up for him he took the only avenue left for him. He ran forwards the crowd moving out of his way as he neared. Within a few moments he was gone disappearing through a door and Marinette caught Alex's eyes who nodded once before starting after him.

Mime snorted crossing his arms as he stared into the darkness where Spike had vanished. "Sometimes I do wonder who is in charge of recruiting. It's fools like that who create such unnecessary havoc in our little world."

"Well if it irritates you that much you could quit being in Hawkmoth and join the rest of the real working world." Stormy broke in coming from the right with two others and the boy Adrien had caught.

Mimes gaze flicked over to her. "Ahh Ms Stormy, still using your thunder punch to bring down your prey?"

"Still using those colorless weapons to cheat?" Stormy retaliated although there was a smile flickering at her lips.

Mime nodded his head in a sign of respect. "Touché." Then he caught sight of the panting individual who had sat as soon as they stopped. "Is this the one who did Spikes dirty work?"

The boy glanced up at Mimes question then at the others in the group. "I didn't have a choice. I made sure none of the obstacles were damaged badly enough to cause a death though I'm pretty sure that's what Spike wanted. No one should have gotten past the high wall in the first place though! I don't know how they managed it without a rope!" he cried pointing at Adrien and Marinette.

Mime glanced at Marinette who shrugged and Mime shook his head knowing she wouldn't give up her secrets. As of yet they hadn't crossed paths on the other side of the fence and Mime hoped they never would. He had heard plenty of rumors surrounding Marinette and he had witnessed her strength, cunning, and will here in the running zone. Using colorless weapons might give him a slight advantage in a fight if one came up between them but he knew Marinette had taken out people far stronger than him.

"Apparently she uses magic. That's not the point however. I don't recognize you and the fact that you followed Spike makes me question your intelligence. What are your plans for him?" Mime asked looking between Marinette and Stormy.

Neither girl had a ready answer. They had been prepared to use him as leverage over Spike if needed but after that fact they hadn't thought of a punishment to mettle out.

"I'd say make him clean up his own mess." Adrien stated realizing that none of them were sure how to punish the boy.

Stormy nodded "Good idea actually. After that we will see how he has acted and if anything like this ever happens again…"

"It wont! I don't care what Spike says or does I'm going to stay as far away from him as I can." The teen said suddenly cutting Stormy off.

All three of them looked at the teen a bit surprised causing him to blush but he climbed to his feet while attempting to not look like a cowed child. "I promise I won't do anything like this again. I really like coming here. Its one of the few places I can hang out without worrying about gangs or the police and I don't have to pay to just have fun. I'm sorry for what I did. Please let me make up for it."

Mime shrugged and looked at Stormy. "He's not one of ours that I know of, so its up to you to decide his fate in here. However I will say this. Boy, you are lucky no one got hurt. This might be a free running zone but you are not safe outside the fence if I ever hear of something like this happening again. I will deal with Spike, you keep your own nose clean." That said Mime turned away moving towards the same exit Spike had taken.

"Uh should we let him go?" Adrien murmured as Mime melted into the shadows, his striped costume allowing him to blend in surprisingly well.

Stormy shrugged. "Not our place to stop him really. Don't worry he won't kill Spike although he might break a few of his bones. I don't think I've seen him that mad before."

"Its because of Mylene. Remember when this everyone first started this place up? Someone sabotaged one of the courses and she got badly hurt. It was over a gang thing and now she doesn't run anymore." Marinette said softly. "Mylene is Mimes daughter."

Stormy sighed as the memory came back to her. "Right I forgot about that since it was before he jumped in with Hawkmoth. Well now that we have this whole situation dealt with what are your plans now?"

"Well its starting to get late…" Marinette said wondering how Adrien felt.

"We can head out if you want Marinette. I know you wanted to walk those kids home anyways." Adrien stated knowing she was leaving the time to head out up to him. Truthfully he was tired and taking a shower before climbing into a warm bed sounded like heaven right now.

"Will you come out tomorrow or should I deal with our little trouble maker?" Stormy asked.

"I say we turn him over to Alex. She can whip him into shape." Marinette answered. "It depends on what I have going on at work but I might come back out."

The boy remained silent clearly accepting his fate and Stormy nodded to the both of them. "Adrien it was nice meeting you. I hope Marinette didn't scare you too badly out here, and I hope to see you again sometime."

"You as well Stormy." Adrien replied putting his hand out for her to shake.

Stormy took his hand with a grin before Marinette could intervene and a slight buzz of electricity made Adrien jolt back with a near hiss.

"Stormy!" Marinette snapped looking aggrieved but Stormy just laughed turning her hand up so Adrien could see the odd strip of metal across her palm.

"Sorry, sorry it's a joke I play on all the people Marinette brings here." Stormy confided "Don't worry I will pull it again at some point and we will see if you remember."

Marinette slapped a hand to her face with a grumbling curse while Stormy turned away dragging the now bemused teen away with her.

"Well shall we go turn off your lights Marinette?" Adrien asked shaking his hand out. The buzz hadn't hurt but it had felt really odd and he was a touch worried how Marinette was still grumbling under her breath.

After a moment Marinette sighed "Yeah lets go, and when we are done we can walk home the other kids. I'm sorry about Stormy by the way. She is odd to say the least."

Adrien shrugged. "I guess this means that I can do a prank to get her back?"

Marinette eyed him a little surprised before voicing "You really are a different person outside of work aren't you?"

Adrien froze wondering once more how just how stupid he was acting the way he was with her tonight. He wasn't unleashing his full Chatness on her but Adrien was leaving himself precariously balanced when it came to keeping his alternate identity a secret. Still mulling on how to answer her question Adrien suddenly tensed when Marinette reached up to ruffle his hair.

"It's ok Adrien. You are sweet and fun and I don't mind the difference since you need to keep your professional look at the office. I know your father puts a lot of emphasis on not showing any emotion, it's one of the many reasons why he, Tiki, and I butted heads."

Managing a grin Adrien nodded "I am sorry about that you know. I know I come off as cold and hard hearted around most people which is why people are taking such an interest in my presence around you."

"Well that and you are the director's son, while I am the black wolf in the pack of sheep." Marinette quipped as they started walking back up the street. "Although I am curious as to why you have truly taken an interest in me. I mean I know part of it is because I was partners with Tiki but is there something else going on?"

Adrien shrugged and decided to come at least partially clean. "Well as long as you don't mind my slight bipolar-ness when it comes to dealing with others I really would like to be your partner in the field. From what I've seen you are the best detective in the precinct and my father knows that. I'm hoping that the more I'm seen around you without causing havoc, the more my father will get used to the idea of us being a team. Although he is out of town for a few weeks starting soon so I guess the whole team thing will have to wait for him to return."

Marinette felt herself blush under both his praise and the fact that he truly wanted to be her partner. Truthfully she saw no issues with him being her partner at work and the only minor thing that worried her was the fact that he had gained her trust so quickly. He really seemed to have that effect on people even ones he hadn't yet met, since Fu had already told her she could share some of the whispers knowledge with him. Marinette didn't know if this sharing was a test or if they truly trusted Adrien but either way Marinette knew she would have to keep an eye on everyone involved.

"Well I think you will be a great partner although you might change your mind the longer you hang out with me. I know lots of people like Stormy and Mime and sometimes even though they are royal pains in the butt doesn't mean you can take them out."

Adrien chuckled "So we have to catch them in the act. That sounds like a fun game by itself. When do we start?"

His answer surprised a laugh out of Marinette who lightly punched him in the shoulder. "Legally? When I'm not on desk duty and you are not in records. Off the books? It will depend on the situation. For now let's just walk the kids home and worry about not getting caught in another mess."

Together the two of them turned off the lights to Marinette's underground and by the time they made it back to the main hub there were a small group of four kids waiting. The boy and girl that had run past them earlier were passed out in a group of bean bag chairs while the other two only looked slightly more conscious.

"Where is Mikey?" Marinette asked as they approached the group.

"Bathroom." Mikey answered as he jogged from around the corner only to stop and pick up the passed out boy on the bean bag chair. Once he had him practically thrown over his shoulder he nodded at the other sleeping girl. "Hey Marinette do you mind carrying Lily?"

Marinette shook her head and moved over to where the girl lay poking her lightly on the nose. "Come on little one, I can give you a piggy back ride but you have to wake up a little first."

The girl grumbled and Adrien hid a grin but after a moment Lily woke up enough to wrap her arms around Marinette's neck so Marinette could lift her up.

"Anybody else need a ride?" Adrien asked looking at the other two who waved him off only to find arms wrapping around him one arm.

"Depends on the ride, what cha offering?" Alex asked grinning up at Adrien mischievously.

Adrien felt himself flush a little and thankfully Marinette saved him from answering. "Alex he doesn't know you well enough to know you're messing with him. What did you find?"

Alex shrugged as she released Adrien's arm moving over to where Marinette stood. Adrien followed so he wasn't left out and taking that as some kind of cue the whole group started moving towards the exit with Mikey in the lead.

"Spike is gone. I followed him to the edge and he took off up the north side which is the total opposite way you are going thankfully. Pretty sure I saw Mime heading in the same direction a few minutes later so I really wouldn't like to be Spike right now." Alex reported "I don't foresee any problems with you guys getting out of here though I wouldn't be surprised if you get a body across your desk in the morning."

Marinette rolled her eyes. "I don't think Mime will kill him, at least I hope not. At worst he will put him in the hospital for a bit which means less trouble Spike can cause us here. Either way I'll probably be back tomorrow to help look over the course to find the rest of the sabotage."

Alex nodded then turned her attention to Adrien again. "And will you be joining her? You still owe me a run I believe." She had a slightly mischievous look in her eyes and Marinette glanced back at them suspiciously.

"Marinette has already invited me back." Adrien answered realizing that Alex was giving him a way back in even if Marinette didn't invite him back, though she already had.

Alex pursed her lips looking a bit disappointed and Marinette growled "Adrien do you mind taking Lily for a second I have a pink haired annoyance to deal with."

Alex snickered putting up her hands in defeat "Alright, alright not interfering, but dude if you get the chance and she doesn't kill you, you should totally date her."

Adrien sputtered nearly tripping over his feet and he was glad he hadn't taken the kid from Marinette because he might have dropped them in shock. As it was Marinette whipped a cookie from her pocket and it managed to chuck it into the side of Alexs head as she took off laughing. The cookie didn't slow Alex at all and the kids that were awake were all trying to contain their giggles.

"Oh all of you hush or I'll make sure you are on lock down for the next week. Ohhh I am so going to toss her out a window on the end of my chain I swear…" Marinette growled turning a deeper pink as she glanced back at Adrien.

Wisely Adrien didn't dare say a word and the rest of the trip to the kids home was quiet. Adrien ended up carrying one of the younger teens about halfway back and when they arrived at the door they were greeted by the woman who ran the building.

"Hey Nadja." Marinette greeted softly and Nadja sighed taking Lily from Marinette's arms.

"Hello Marinette. Thanks for walking my cretens back tonight even though they should have been back over an hour ago." Nadja answered turning a disapproving glare on the conscious kids.

All of them cowered before her and Marinette spoke up coming to their defense. "It wasn't all their fault. We had a bit of trouble with a saboteur on the Dangers Run course and it got a bit hairy at the end."

Nadja sighed pressing two fingers to her temple. "Alright the rest of you upstairs and I am serious about the curfew kids. I can and will put you on lockdown." The kids all ducked their heads mumbling apologies and when Nadja jabbed her thumb at the stairs they all scrambled up them without a word. "Anything I'm going to hear about at work tomorrow?"

"No Mama Nadja, but Marinette and her friend kicked their butts and then the spiky guy took off running when Marinette put her scary face on." Lily mumbled from her draped position in Nadja's arms.

Nadja glanced down at her and gently tried to set the reluctant girl on her feet "If you're awake enough to talk you're awake enough to walk. Scoot yourself to bed missy."

Lily gave a noncommittal grumble even trying to keep her feet off the floor as Nadja bent forward, but Nadja poked her fingers into the girls side in a tickle and with a squeak Lily let go. Once on her feet she gave them all a wave before darting for the stairs nearly getting run over by another smaller figure.

"Marinette!" Manon cried managing to dodge Nadjas hands and leaping at Marinette who just barely caught her.

"Hey Manon! Shouldn't you be in bed? It's really late." Marinette asked hugging Manon to her before setting the little girl back on her feet.

"Yes she should be in bed. Asleep actually since I put her there over two hours ago." Nadja stated in her big mom voice making Manon freeze.

Realizing she was in trouble Manon gave her best I'm sorry big eyes while mumbling an apology making Adrien laugh and Marinette sigh.

"Is Kitty with you?" Manon asked as Nadja shook her head in exasperation.

Marinette froze realizing what the little girl was asking and glanced up at Nadja to give her the silent "Help me!" signal.

"She has been asking since she met him Marinette. Its kind of cute." Nadja managed hiding a smile behind her hand.

"Uh Kittys out roaming, he is a bit of a stray Manon. Go cuddle your stuffed kitty I made for you instead and get some sleep ok?" Marinette answered finally as Nadja hid her snickers.

"But I wanna see kitty! His ears were soft and I liked his purring!" Manon whined even as Nadja lifted her from the ground to shush her.

"Goodnight Marinette. Walk safely although your friend might want to look out for your kitty." Nadja said with a barely suppressed laugh.

Marinette for her part gave a short snarl and spun away nearly slamming into Adrien since he was right behind her. Nadja did laugh then, swiftly closing the door and Adrien merely stepped out of Marinette's way choosing to remain silent. Although he did sorta wish to ask, Adrien felt that Marinette had probably been tortured enough by people inquiring about his 'kitty' side tonight. He did put a note in his mind to stop by and visit Manon at some point though since the child seemed to be rather insistent about seeing him again.

Marinette remained silent for most of the walk back to her home and Adrien decided that silence was a good thing as they wound their way through back alleys and shadowed corners. They weren't the only two people out although most people in the shadows chose to remain that way. A few bums gave them odd looks and one even asked for some food. Marinette managed to produce a small bag of cookies for him and the man accepted them with a gracious thanks before slipping back into the shadows.

"So you walk this path alone every time you go running?" Adrien asked as they finally made their way out into the open streets of Paris. Walking through some of those areas had made the hairs on the back of his neck rise numerous times and he wondered if the constant eyes he felt on them were friendly or something else entirely. It was late so the city life had definitely died down but the open street was a far safer place to talk than the shadowed corners they had been traveling through.

Marinette shot Adrien a wary smile. "It depends, but most people recognize me so I usually don't run into trouble. Not many people choose to bother each other along the paths I take."

Adrien raised an eyebrow at her then sighed. "I will be happy to be your escort tomorrow if you decide to go running again."

Marinette gave a small hum of consideration as they climbed the stairs to her flat. "Lets see how sore you are tomorrow and decide then. I mean you are welcome to come I just don't want you hurting yourself or anything."

Adrien grinned as she opened her door letting a blessed waft of cool air brush past their skin. They were home or at least she was Marinette thought to herself with a bit of a blush. It had been a bit of a wild, fun night but finally she home.