So... I know this isn't something anyone wants to hear but after this story and the next one-shot I have planned I'm probably going to be taking a break. I got my work schedule for the rest of June and it's going to be awful and I know I won't be able to create quality stories for you all to enjoy if I try to write and do all that life expects of me. It will give me time to flesh out a few ideas and other things that I am working on however so huzza to that at least. Also if I run a little behind on posting the rest of this story that's why.

Avatar NIX... More cuteness and awkward moments!

fangirloverload56... You are correct when talking about the tensile strength of spider silk. Its one of the strongest things we know of organically. Hence the reason why Ladybug and Chat couldn't simply pull free from the spider webs strands. Instead they both had to slice there way free in each instance. Ladybug used her yoyo to slice through the spider webs which is a totally different thing altogether. Plus the yoyo is magic and in the show we have seen her slice through steel with it. Basically you can cut through spider silk.

The-Unnamed-Artist... Yes it is bittersweet but no one seems to notice his absences much in the show either.

Kuroyuki no Ryu, marissamtz03 ...Ill never tell... but maybe you will find out if you read on?

Between akuma attacks and the stresses of everyday life Chat starts to see who the real person is behind a girl named Marinette.

I own nothing... Except my imagination.

The Cats Shield (Part 3)

(Tuesday)

An alarm that was set far too early startled him awake and Adrien groaned as he sat up in his bed. He had been having a pleasant dream although as he stopped to think on it he found he couldn't remember exactly what it had been about. A lingering scent of cookies in his mind made him think of Marinette though and he smiled as he slapped the alarm into silence. Glancing at the time he realized his alarm had gone off almost an hour earlier than it was supposed to. With a shrug Adrien re set it then stretched back out across his bed burrowing his face into his pillows figuring he could get a little more sleep before having to get up. Relaxing once more Adrien let his mind drift off until Plagg dug his tiny but sharp claws into him.

"OUCH! Plagg what the hell?!" Adrien snapped shooting upright and turning to face his kwami.

Plaggs tail twitched and his little paws were crossed as he floated before his chosen. "You never got me cheese last night and I want some more cheese bread as payment."

Adrien growled under his breath even as he rubbed a hand over his face. "Yeah, yeah, fine but… wait… did you set my alarm?"

Plagg nodded then dodged Adriens pillow as it flew at him. "I didn't think you would want to be questioned as to why you had food from an outside source since I assume you want to eat the leftovers for breakfast?"

Adrien blinked and looked at the doggy bag Marinette parents had given him. He had wanted to eat the leftovers for breakfast and he couldn't exactly heat up the food in front of the staff. For many people it might seem odd but he hated the protein shake, bland eggs, and rye toast he was forced to eat every morning.

"Fine." Adrien conceded getting up off the bed "But you could have warned me last night or something."

Plagg snickered "Where is the fun in that?"

Adrien snuck into the kitchen and found he was up early enough that he beat the chef that usually prepared his meals. After heating up his food then grabbing Plagg his precious cheese, he left a note telling the chef breakfast wasn't needed and neither was lunch. Adrien just hoped that the chef wouldn't alert his father to the missed meals since the chef sometimes seemed sympathetic towards Adriens diet. Skipping meals wasn't something Adrien could get away with very often but it was nice when he could. The taco pastries were amazing heated up and so was the tiny piece of cheese bread his gluttonous kwami left him. All too soon his real alarm went off and Adrien got ready for school slipping out of the house before the gorilla could seek him out to drive him there. Arriving at the school early Adrien relished the calm atmosphere the building had as sleepy students filed in looking unprepared for the day. Having already gotten his school bag ready for his first few classes Adrien headed over towards the classroom only to freeze as a shrill voice caught his attention.

"...don't know who you think you are asking someone as prestigious as Adrien for help but you need to learn your place." Chloe snarked and Adrien groaned heading in the direction of her voice. Briefly he wondered who she had cornered this time then decided it didn't matter since it was far too early in the day for her to be causing akumas.

"I didn't ask him. I was asking for Marinettes help and he practically invited himself." A boys voice answered a bit wobbly and Adrien recognized Wes's voice easily. Grinding his teeth Adrien hurried forward really not liking the situation especially after yesterday morning.

"Tch…" Chloe spat "Like I care for your excuses, you stupid newbies should mind your place. This is an elite school and…"

"And everyone who is here belongs here Chloe." Adrien snapped coming around the wall.

Chloe spun around surprised and poor Wes looked relieved at his sudden arrival. Adrien felt for him. Usually it was Marinette who caught the worst of Chloes attitude but for the most part Marinette could handle herself and Alya was always happy to back her up. It was probably because Wes was new and didn't back down when she snapped at him the first time. However like Marinette, Wes seemed to bring out the worst in Chloe.

"Adrikins! You're here early!" Chloe purred moved towards him even as Wes wiped a slightly disgusted look from his face.

Adrien sighed as she threw her arms around him with a happy squeal. "Chlo, it's too early to be causing a scene. Why are you picking on Wes?"

Chloe pulled away briefly her nose scrunching up. "He is being a nuisance and he needs to learn his place."

Adrien wanted to pull his hair out even as his eyes met Wes's and the boy flashed him a smile that to all other would seem real but one Adrien recognized as a fake almost instantly. Adrien wanted to apologize for Chloe's behavior, hell he wanted her to apologize for her behavior but he knew it would never happen. Chloe was a force all her own to be reckoned with and in her eyes she was never in the wrong. That thought brought a slice of anger surging through Adriens blood since his father acted much the same way and all at once Adrien decided he'd had enough. Reminding himself to be gentle he pulled Chloe off him.

"Chloe quit picking on people. Wes hasn't done anything to you and you have been extremely rude to him from the first day he has been in our class."

Chloe pouted as Adrien took a step away from her and towards Wes.

"I'm sorry about Chloe, she is having a bad week since Sabrina is sick right now." Adrien said softly as he approached the boy.

Wes shrugged even though the look in his eyes told Adrien he was still miffed by Chloe. "It's alright I suppose but I would rather this stop happening."

Chloe huffed the glare she shot in his direction telling him this wasn't over. "Whatever." She sniped realizing she wasn't going to get her way and flounced off.

Adrien sighed one hand scratching at the back of his neck as Wes glared at the ground. "Are you ok Wes?"

With a shrug Wes shifted his school bag to his other shoulder. "It's not going to stop no matter what I say or do so sure I guess."

Adrien winced but didn't try to stop Wes as he brushed past him. It was obvious the boy didn't want his company but Adrien also didn't want to have to deal with an akuma this early in the morning. With a sigh Adrien decided to try cheering the other boy up somehow although he wasn't even sure how to begin going about it. In the next instant though he had his answer as Marinettes voice called "Morning Wes!"

She was early today for once in her life and Adrien felt his heart stutter at her voice. Darting around the corner Adrien froze as he saw Wes approaching Marinette the smile on his face a natural welcoming smile instead of the forced garbage he had flashed at Adrien.

"Morning Marinette! Are you well this morning?" Wes asked and although Adrien could feel the bubbles of jealousy start to pop inside of him, he decided to let Wes have a moment of peace with his princess. Marinette had a way with soothing moods and anything was better than an akuma even if he was taking up his princesses time. At that thought Adrien froze wondering were in the hell it had come from. Sure he enjoyed Marinettes company but when had he become so possessive of her? Besides he liked Ladybug and Marinette was allowed to have friends besides him, Nino, and Alya. The thought wouldn't leave him alone though and Adrien had to force himself to keep heading towards homeroom even as the sirens call of Marinettes laughter echoed out behind him.

In the end there was no other way to describe it. Adrien was grumpy. He'd been grumpy from the moment classes had begun and the only time he had even remotely lightened up was when Marinette had said good morning to him in her adorable halting way. When the class called for them to work in small groups of four Adrien managed to have a whole conversation with her. It had helped his grumpy mood tremendously but that class had ended two periods ago and on his way to his final class before lunch Adrien had spotted Wes trailing after Marinette like a lost puppy. Ears flushed and teeth gritted Adrien had forced himself to go to his last class not seeing Marinettes worried gaze light upon him. Class was boring allowing annoying thoughts to spin through his brain and it was to his great relief when the bell rang. His fellow classmates filed out swiftly and Adrien wondered what he should do for his lunch. He was about to ask Plaggs opinion in the now empty class room when a nervous voice cleared itself from the doorway. Head jerking up Adrien felt instantly better as he spied Marinette standing in the doorway.

"Hi… um hi… I just… are you ok?" Marinette managed even as she cringed.

Adrien suppressed a chuckle his irritation dissipating like fog in a sunrise. "I am now. Sorry Marinette I think I am just hungry."

Marinettes cheeks flushed bright pink unsure if he was better because it was lunch time or if it was because she was there. "Ah… well ok… I'm heading in lunch, I mean for lunch… I mean I'm going home for lunch."

Adrien sighed at the thought of all the wonderful leftovers he had helped make the night before. "Ah I forgot my lunch actually I don't know what…"

"You can eat lunch with me!" Marinette practically yelped cutting him off and making Adrien blink curiously. Marinette on the other hand as she realized what she had blurted out turned a darker red "I-I mean… y-you can eat el-elsewhere or…"

"I'd love to join you Marinette your family has some fantastic cooks." Adrien answered before she either retracted her offer or spontaneously combusted. Adrien wasn't sure he had ever seen a human change to that particular shade of red before.

"O-ok yes c-come on then…" Marinette managed before turning and wandering back out the door. Adrien joined her a moment later and out of the corner of his eye Adrien swore he saw Wes disappearing into a nearby class room. He put the thought out of his mind as the two of them left school with Marinette in the lead as she took him to her house.

Lunch was a slightly awkward fun affair and about halfway through Adrien discovered a way to make Marinette loosen up around him. All he had to do was make her laugh. He made it his mission to make her laugh all through lunch and through several rounds of gaming they squeezed in after they were done eating. Adrien even managed to win one of those matches with a well-placed giggle fit on Marinettes part. When her alarm went off and she sheepishly suggested heading back to school Adrien wanted to say absolutely not. Her home was just as friendly and welcoming as it had been the night before and he was becoming seriously addicted to the unique scent of baking, flowers, and warmth (if that even was a scent) that permeated her home. If he had been Chat, Adrien would have refused before curling himself around a pillow and burrowing into the soft couch. He marveled how everything in Marinettes house was soft. The floor, the blankets, the furniture, hell he wouldn't be surprised if the countertops were soft and as full as Adrien felt at the moment he was sure he could fall asleep on just about anything.

"Adrien? We really need to start heading back." Marinette said her voice holding a slight tremble but she hadn't stuttered.

Adrien beamed at her. "I know I was just marveling at how soft everything in your house is. It makes me want to take a nap."

Marinette giggled "Well if you want to take a nap later you can but for now we really ought to head back."

A blush streaked her cheeks as Adrien shot up. "Really? You don't mind me being here?"

"I love it when you're here." Marinette blurted out then turned fully red even as Adrien felt a blush start up in his own cheeks.

"Oh th-thank you." Adrien managed then they both jumped as her alarm went off a second time.

Instantly Marinette went into frantic mode as she grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the door.

"C-come on! We are going to be late if we don't run!" she managed then they were running and all Adrien could think about was the warm impression her hand had left on his.

They got to class with a few minutes to spare and everyone gave them a funny look as they walked in. Marinette blushed but Adrien expertly ignored the looks as he sat down and tried to catch his breath.

"Dude where were you during lunch?" Nino demanded asking his own version of the questions he could hear Alya rapid-firing at Marinette.

"I forgot my lunch and Marinette was nice enough to feed me. We were playing some video games and we kind of lost track of time." Adrien answered feeling his cheeks heat up a little and was glad the sprint back to school had already flushed his cheeks.

Ninos jaw dropped. "Duuude… You're so lucky! Her cooking is the best!"

Adrien smiled as the teacher walked in "Yes it is Marinette is amazing." He said softly and Nino snickered even as he lowered his voice.

"SO are you going to hang out with her after school?" he asked as their teacher began to write something on the front board.

For a brief second Adriens face brightened then just as quickly fell. "No I can't father has some shoot planned and I can't skip out."

"Bummer dude. I think she is going to help Wes with the costumes again." Nino muttered just as class started in earnest.

Adrien once more felt those bubbles of jealousy starting up and resolutely decided to ignore them. He was friends with Marinette and she was allowed to have friends besides him. He didn't own her or her affections and besides he liked Ladybug. What he felt towards Marinette was simple friendship and joy at being offered a warm happy place to stay. That though firmly stayed in his mind as classes went past in a blur and at the end of the day he found himself walking towards the front of the school with Marinette at his side. Alya and Nino were here too but Marinette was the important one.

"Hey Marinette!" Wes called as he spotted them and started to jog over.

Adrien felt a sour taste fill his mouth and offhand wondered if this is how his friends felt when Chloe constantly pounced on him.

"Hello Wes." Adrien called a friendly smile pinned to his face as the boy came over.

Wes actually returned the smile "Hey Adrien are you going to come help with the costumes again today?"

Instantly Adrien felt bad at his jealous thoughts towards the other boy. Wes was new and was trying to find his place in the school much like Adrien once had. It wasn't his fault that Marinette was one of the best designers ever or that for some reason Adriens instincts had decided to get all possessive over her.

"No" Adrien sighed a little miserably. "I can't. I have a shoot to go to and I can't skip. In fact there is my ride."

Wes nodded looking a little sorry for him. "Well maybe next time then. Are the rest of you guys coming? I know Alya wanted to get some pictures."

Alya nodded "Ill come for a few minutes but I've got some stuff to do as well later so I cant stay for long."

Nino simply shook his head. "No offence man but not interested. I'll catch you guys later. Adrien want me to walk you out?"

Adrien smiled at his friend "Sure man. Can I give you a ride home?"

The two boys walked out to the car side by side and Marinette watched with a touch of longing. She wanted to be the one walking out next to Adrien but she had promised to help Wes on the costumes again.

"Well shall we?" Wes asked and the two girls nodded following him to the studio.

Alya took her pictures and asked a few people in the club questions then for a while simply watched Marinette work. Marinette was glad for her friends presence. She didn't know how to explain it but she had a feeling that it would be more awkward without her there since Wes practically hadn't left her side since arriving.

After a while though Alyas phone beeped and she sighed climbing to her feet. "Sorry girl but I've got to go. Be careful walking home ok?"

Marinette nodded blushing slightly as she thought about the previous nights fiasco. "I will Alya. You be careful too since you have a far longer walk than I do."

Alya grinned at her and waved calling "See you tomorrow. Thanks for letting me check this place out Wes!"

Wes nodded with a smile unable to let go of the fabric he was pinning. "You're welcome! Come back any time."

Then Alya was out the door and with exception of Wes's other club mates they were alone. They worked in silence for several long minutes before Wes spoke up.

"Thank you again for helping out Marinette." Wes managed his voice cracking a little.

Marinette smiled at him "You're welcome Wes. I'll probably have to go in a little bit though because I have homework I've got to get done today."

"O-oh" Wes answered as he bit down on his lip wondering how to phrase his next question. "Do you like Adrien?"

Marinette jumped as she stabbed herself with the needle and yelped her finger flying to her mouth. Wes cringed mentally as Marinette turned red. "Ah Adrien?" Her voice was high. Too high but she couldn't seem to get it to stop squeaking. "I like him… um friends? I mean we are friends and I like him as such… I mean um… Do you like Adrien?"

Wes choked "I'm a guy."

"Oh! No not like that… I mean its would be ok if you did but I mean…" Marinette slapped a hand over her bright red face freezing in place.

Wes to his credit chuckled a little sadly. He could tell she liked Adrien far more than a friend but maybe he could change her mind. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable Marinette. I just wanted to know because I was maybe hoping to ask you out on a date?"

Marinette peered at him eyes going impossibly wider her hand still clapped over her mouth. She didn't know what to say what to do and a beat of awkward silence past before suddenly the schools alarm system went off.

They both jumped looking around as everyone froze then ran rapidly for the doors leaving everything where it lay.

"It's an Akuma attack Wes get to safety." Marinette yelled over the alarm and in the next second she was out the door before he could even think to stop her.