Weeks passed by in a blur after Christmas. Akumas were popping up everywhere now and Mom and I took over as the Evangelique watchers while Noel and Astrid were at work. Mom had actually started teaching her how to paint when she wasn't working on getting her paintings sold or making more of them, and Angel looked like she was having the time of her life when she'd come out of Mom's studio with paint covering her skin and stuck in her hair, giggling and happy.

Adrien was suddenly able to hang out with the others and I more, which was shocking. I had to silently thank Nathalie for that, though, because it meant that Adrien was finally able to be a normal teenager. Of course, he still had to do all his lessons and modeling jobs, but suddenly his schedule wasn't as packed as Summer Vacation was appearing right around the corner for all of us.

Neeks was growing more and more nervous as time went on, and whenever I asked he would say it's because he felt like something bad was coming. Something that always caused us to hesitate as Wolven whenever the impending battle with Hawkmoth came up. Honestly, I was starting to feel it, too, especially when there were a few of those strange Akumas tossed into the mix. The lady who knew who Neeks was never showed herself again, though. She was still hiding in the shadows.

It reminded us that our battle wasn't as close to finished as we thought.

"Wolven, seriously, what's causing you so much hesitation?" Ladybug asked as we sat around a low table in Master Fu's home, and I shrugged meekly. Chat Noir, who was sitting next to me, rubbed my back comfortingly. Master Fu simply hummed, serving tea to the three of us.

"It's just... That lady is still out there, and... My kwami's really nervous about it all. She's waiting until Hawkmoth is defeated before making her move."

"She can't be worse than Hawkmoth though, right?" I shook my head at her question, looking down. Chat Noir spoke up for me in response.

"Milady, you can't forget that her Akuma aren't Akuma. They don't have the butterfly, and they aren't created from anger. It's- it's like they are actual monsters." He said softly, looking at her worriedly. "You can't purify them."

"And we still don't have any idea who she is, or what she's trying to do, or why she knows my Kwami." I listed, biting my lip as Neeks' nervousness sent jitters throughout my body. I carefully took the tea cup Master Fu offered me and sipped at the warm beverage, smiling gratefully at the man.

"Master Fu, do you know anything?" Ladybug asked softly, and Master Fu hummed again, smiling that smile that meant he knew more than he let on.

"It is not my culture nor my secret to share." He said softly, looking over to me. "I was surprised you had come here at all, young Wolven. I must say I never expected you to leave America like we did China."

"So the American kwamis tend to stay in America?" Chat Noir asked, and my ears flattened against my head as I looked at Master Fu, confused by his words. Was it really that rare for Neeks to leave America?

"Something like that." Master Fu said in that steadily becoming annoying voice paired with that secretive smile. I groaned softly, resting my head in my hands.

"Well, I don't know anything helpful in that department. My kwami's really secretive, remember? All I know, is that he's afraid of her, he was inactive for a really long time, he has a set of rules that apply to his chosen that's actually really hard for people to meet, and unlike you guys, I might have been the only hero like this in America. I'm just as lost as you are."

Chat Noir's hand continued to rub my back, and it really did help to calm me down. "Hey, it's alright. We'll figure this all out, but I think we should really plan on defeating Hawkmoth soon... I'm honestly getting run ragged with the frequency of all these Akuma attacks and my schedule." Ladybug and I both made sounds of agreement, and my ear flicked in response to Neeks' agreement.

"So how should we handle this?" I asked, lifting my head up again and looking at the others. "Do we go in guns blazing, or let him make the first move?"

"We aren't to just go in without a plan, Wolven."

"No, I meant, are we going to make the first move. Not 'Are we going to go charging in screaming our heads off?'"

Chat Noir chuckled, shrugging slightly. "I think we should make the first move. We have the element of surprise, right? I mean, we know where his hideout is, and I don't think he knows we know."

"Chat Noir has a point." Master Fu said with a small smile, sipping at his own cup of tea. "The element of surprise is always something one should use to their advantage."

"The way you just said that worries me." I said slowly, looking at Master Fu worriedly. "Why did it sound like you know something you aren't telling us?"

Master Fu simply smiled, and I groaned again, letting my head hand back in my hands with a groan. "That's starting to get on my nerves, sir." I said as politely as I could muster. Honestly, I was just tired of this, and the nervousness Neeks and I were feeling had reached a point where I was just ready to end this all and feel that euphoric high that came from defeating the villain that all heroes seemed to feel.

I felt Chat Noir's hand reach up to my hair, and he began to scratch right underneath my wolf ears, make me groan in a completely different way and my tail thump against the floor as it wagged. I relaxed, leaning against Adrien gratefully as he helped me relax, which was something I didn't even realize I needed to do even though I was stressed.

Ladybug giggled slightly, hiding what was most likely a smile behind her hand, and Master Fu's eyes twinkled. I didn't care that much, just nuzzled into Adrien's side as he continued scratching beneath my ears like he would a dog.

"Hey, um, I thought cats and dogs were supposed to hate each other." Ladybug said, a laugh bubbling up in her voice.

I growled slightly at her insinuation and she laughed, her hand unable to hide her grin. Chat Noir laughed as well, a faint dusting of red on his cheeks as he ran his hand through my hair one more time before dropping it.

"Okay, for starters, I'm a wolf not a dog, there's a difference."

"Okay, yeah, but wolves were the first dogs." She pointed out, completely amused.

"Doesn't matter." I stated firmly, "Secondly, dogs and cats get along swimmingly most of the time. My cousin had a dog and cat and they were best friends. Actually, they were more than that, but I'll spare you two the same scarring I earned when I walked in on them once." I shuddered slightly, even though I was smiling, at the memory of walking into my cousin's living room once to see the two trying to mate even though they were both fixed. It was weird, to say the least. And funny. But mainly weird.

All the other occupants in the room burst out laughing, and Chat Noir pulled me closer. "Well then, guess our relationship makes purrfect sense now." He said softly, his r's having a soft trill in them when he made the pun since he actually almost purred when he spoke, and I felt my heart rate spike as my grin grew a bit more and I laughed.

"Chat Noir, did you run out of animal puns? You've used that one before." I asked softly, and he hummed, nodding a little.

"Yeah, but it worked! I got you to laugh."

"You are such a dork."

"Ooo, are you giving me some ruff love?" He teased, and I laughed again, lightly shoving him.

"Alrightly, lovebirds, that's enough." Ladybug teased with a small laugh, making both of us look at her quickly, embarrassed. Did we really seem like we were lovebirds?

Ladybug laughed softly again, shaking her head with fond exasperation. "You two, I swear." She sighed heavily, crossing her arms over her chest. "Anyway, back to the topic at hand. When should we go after Hawkmoth?"

"Maybe in the next week or two? We shouldn't put it off any longer." Adrien suggested, and I nodded in agreement.

"On the weekend, too. That way we all have a few hours of free time, since we have no idea how long this will take. I mean, it could take ten minutes, or it could take hours. We can't be sure." I added, and the others nodded.

"How about you three go next Sunday, perhaps in the early morning." Master Fu suggested, and I nodded.

"Well, that works for me. What about you two?"

"Um... I have to double check with my father, but I think I'll be alright. If not, I can just sneak out." Adrien said hesitantly, smiling bashfully. I smiled, gently nudging him with my shoulder and reaching up to lightly scratch under his chin. He purred, and I nodded when Ladybug also confirmed that that would work. "So when should we meet up?" Chat Noir asked, and I hummed, thinking.

"5? 6? He's an adult, so I would think we should be there when he's just getting there, surprise him even more."

"Sounds good to me." Ladybug smiled, and Chat Noir nodded his agreement. I smiled.

"Great. Hopefully we can get a break from it all for a week." I sighed, and Chat Noir rubbed my back again.

"Yeah, that would be nice." He said softly, and Ladybug nodded, before looking at Master Fu.

"Master Fu,why aren't you fighting with us? Aren't you a miraculous holder?"

Master Fu chuckled, shrugging a little as he explained. "My dear girl, I'm not as young as I used to be. I'm afraid that I cannot fight anymore, however I can be here to guide you." He said sagely, and I hummed softly as I listened to him, nodding a little.

"Master Fu, how long have you been the caretaker for the miraculous?" I asked softly.

"Longer than you three have been alive. Why, I believe I was only a few years older than you when I have been chosen by the previous caretaker."

"Do you know if America has one?" Master Fu's eyes twinkled again at my question, and I sighed. "You won't say, will you?"

"You'll find out in due time, Wolven. All three of you will. For now, simply focus on trying to rest before the final fight against Hawkmoth."

"Yessir." The three of us said together, and I gave him a mock salute as well, still comfortably leaning against Chat Noir.

We all stayed at Master Fu's a bit longer, planning our fight against Hawkmoth and just talking about random things or the miraculouses. Eventually we had to go, though, so we all left, Adrien and I heading to his place. When we got into his room, we transformed back, Plagg being overdramatic about how hungry he was, as usual. Neeks and him flew off to enjoy their snacks and talk to each other, and Adrien and I went to play videogames.

Some games we played together on, and others we played against, but we had fun all the same. Adrien groaned as I beat him at one of the fighting games, making me grin. A few minutes later, he defeated me, making me let out a weak groan and laugh as I leaned back against his couch. Plagg and Neeks were cheering us on from their small corner before going back to their treats and their own conversation. We continued to play video games for about an hour, when my phone chimed my mom's text tone. Adrien paused the game and I looked at the text, biting my lip.

Hey sweetheart, can you do me a favor?
What is it, Mom?
Can you watch Angel tonight? Astrid, Noel, and I were hoping to have a date.
Sure thing. Can Adrien help out?
If his father or Nathalie is alright with it, sure.
Great! Have fun on your date, mom ;)

I smiled, looking at Adrien. He hummed questioningly, and I showed him the texts, before writing in my notebook, "Do you want to spend the night again? Angel would love to see you."

"I need to ask Dad... I still don't know if he's really okay with all this, though. I mean, Nathalie's kind of been helping me go behind his back so I can hang out with you and the others." Adrien said softly, biting his lip lightly.

"Why don't you just ask Nathalie, then?"

"Because Dad still needs to know, sometimes."

"Alright. Let's go ask now." I wrote, standing up and holding out my hand for him. He took it and I pulled him up, although he looked really worried. "It'll be okay." I mouthed, and he smiled nervously, nodding.

We went to his dad's office and I knocked on the door, waiting for his dad to let us in. When he did, I took Adrien's wrist and pulled him into the room, waving hello to his father, who raised an eyebrow but otherwise held on emotion on his face.

"Adrien, Jasper. What do you want?"

"Um... Well, Jasper's mother asked him if he could watch her boyfriend's daughter for the night, and he was wondering if I could help him and maybe spend the night?" Adrien asked as confidently as he could in the presence of his father. His father stared, not letting anything show on his face as he looked between me and Adrien.

After what felt like forever, his father sighed, breaking eye contact as he lowered his head. "Well, Nathalie, as well as your mother, Jasper, have told me I have been much too hard on Adrien, and while I..." He lifted his head as he took a breath, making eye contact again, "Do not fully agree or condone them of telling me how to raise my son, I have noticed how much happier you seem with your friends, and you still uphold your work." He looked over to Adrien, nodding slightly as a smile quirked at his lips, "You... Can spend the night with Jasper, Adrien. But you must be back before noon, you have a photoshop to attend."

I smiled clapping very lightly, and Adrien laughed in relief. "R-Really?"

"Yes. Now hurry and go before I change my mind." Adrien smiled and grabbed my hand, thanking his dad before leaving, pulling me along. I grinned and managed to give Mr. Agreste a wave before Adrien pulled me out of the room, cheering after closing the door.

Adrien looked shocked behind the excitement and joy, and his laugh was almost in disbelief. "He- He's letting me go... I can't believe he's letting me go!" He jumped, excited, and grabbed my hands again, the both of us laughing as we made our way to his room so he could pack a bag.

I smiled and texted my mom that Adrien could stay the night, while Adrien relayed the news to Neeks and Plagg as he packed a bag.

"That's great, Adrien!" Neeks said happily, flying up and giving his cheek a hug. Plagg looked almost dumbfounded.

"Wait, your father, Mr.'You have to do as I say and can't have any fun', just told you you can have fun?"

"Yeah!"

"Is he okay?" Plagg asked, genuinely sounding worried underneath the jab at his father. Adrien laughed, petting Plagg.

"He's fine, Plagg." He said, voice filled with laughter. "Apparently he doesn't take kindly to others telling him how to raise me, and I'm guessing he didn't want even more people telling him to lighten up."

"So he's letting Adrien hang out with us more!" I added, showing the Kwamis my notebook.

Neeks laughed, settling himself on my shoulder. "I'm happy for you two. Means less worrying and more chances for you to be with each other." He hummed, tailing wagging excitedly. "Oh, and the others, of course." He added quickly, like he had just remembered the others, a wolfish grin on his face that had Plagg laughing. Clearly, it was an inside joke or something.

Adrien finished packing and we went downstairs, finding Nathalie and Adrien's bodyguard waiting. "He'll be driving you to Jasper's house. Be careful, alright you two?" Nathalie said with a small smile. I nodded and Adrien gave her a verbal confirmation, and we went outside and got into the car.

When we got to my house, little Angel was already there with the adults, and she cheered when she saw us, running over and barreling herself into our legs. We all laughed as the adults joined us, and Adrien let out a whistle when we saw them.

Mom was wearing a simple light blue off the shoulder dress with her hair done up in a high ponytail with some of her hair still in her face, while Astrid was wearing a dark red, long-sleeved dress, her long brown hair falling in waves around her, while Noel was wearing a lilac button up shirt with black trousers. He still looked a bit disheveled, probably from dealing with a hyper five year old girl on the way here.

"Wow, you three look stunning." Adrien complimented, and Evangelique grinned.

"I helped Daddy and Mommy get dressed!" She cheered, before looking over to my mom. "Jasper, your mommy was already dressed when we got here, and I wanted to help her get dressed, too!" Angel whined, and Astrid chuckled, leaning down a little to talk to Angel.

"Now, now, Angel. She let you help her pick out her jewelry, didn't she?"

Angel pouted, and my mom laughed. "Alright, sweetie, next time I'll wait to get dressed so you can help me, but now it's time for you to play dress up with the boys, alright?"

Evangelique's eyes widened as she gasped, whipping her head back to Adrien and I. "I can?!"

I looked at Adrien, smiling, and he laughed, picking Angel up. "I don't see why not. But if we tell you not to do something, you have to listen, got it?" He said, pointing at her as he gave her a stern look, and she nodded quickly.

The adults took that as the sign it was okay to leave, because Astrid went on ahead to the car while Mom kissed me on the cheek while Noel kissed the top of Evangelique's head, and they all bid us goodbye. Adrien and I walked into the house and he set Evangelique down, who went running to my room the moment her feet touched the ground. Neeks and Plagg peeked out from their hiding spots, and we all grinned at each other.

This was going to be fun.