Chapter 06

The one issue with his process was you did not always know what you were going to get. Case and point The puppeteer is a little girl who really wanted a doll. Not first pick but this one seemed to be working. He got a few past villains as goons for the little girl. "Good job puppeteer," he grinned if only he had a few more victims she could have used.

Pov shift

"I am now regretting my decision to choose Nino," Adrian was feeling the pressure. Nino's puppet had been captured apparently Marinette made Arachnid first and hadn't made one of him yet. He was not sure if he should thank his lucky stars or be a little bitter that he was left out.

Arachnid slammed a punch to his stomach and while it hurt he was brainwashed so a lot of the training was not being implemented. He twisted back his feet as Rogercop shot at him. His ears twitched as he twisted around the shots. However, that damn spider-sense was impossible. Nino could just keep dodging with little effort. He wasn't even sure if destroying the floor would work thanks to the web-shooters. Fighting him was frustrating he couldn't imagine it would be any harder.

If it was not for his focus on other senses he would be in trouble. The faint smell of rubber, baby powder, and cinnamon alerted him before Alya started to launch pause buttons at him. Powder donuts and coffee for the cop. He planted his hand as he flipped behind as Roger was paused, he kicked back as web shots peppered his feet as the Evilstraitor was given away but the smell wood and the strong smell of paint. However, the warm smell of baked bread was ladybug who managed to block a few shots.

"Chat Cataclysm and catch!" Ladybug shouted as he grabbed the Arachnid doll.

"Whoa," Nino called out as he nearly fell on him. He was about so close to decking him again, the smell of vinyl and computer hardware.

"No!" the Puppeteer stomped her foot as Alya tagged him, and Nino and Rogercop, and The Evilstrator, and herself. Ladybug walked over with a confident strut and a whistle.

He collapsed onto the ground however he was so distracted hardly noticed Nino drop on him. "What happened?" Nino asked very confused as his memory probably had a few holes.

"You got used as a puppet the five-year-old voice's coming out of your mask was weird," he helped him up. The two realized Ladybug was already gone as he noticed she had left the dolls behind. "Perfect," he thought sarcastically, as he glanced at Nino.

"Hey, could you drop the dolls off I got a date with Alya," Nino whispered as Adrian blinked in confusion.

"Wait when did this happen? I thought," Adrian blinked in confusion, it's moments like these he realized he missed out on a lot when it came to his friends.

"It's no big deal could you?" he asked as Nino held up the objects, he looked at the dolls. His ring beeped and he decided it was worth the concern.

"Sure, so who's the," he paused as he realized everyone had scampered off, "probably Alya," he finished, it felt weird holding on to the dolls as he had to admit Marinette had talent. He glanced down to see Roger making sure the little girl got to her mom and poor Nathaniel looking just as confused and awkward.

"Okay now where in the world did she live again?" he blinked in confusion he got so caught up in his thoughts. He took a second to give Plagg some cheese.

"Ugh demoted to delivery boy, and no cat doll ugh," Plagg commented as he gave the Kami a smile at least with Plagg someone would always be outraged on his behalf.

Pov Shift

She was so quick to get going before she forgot about the dolls. Thankfully the news updated and she had an excuse to be in the building.

"There you are," she nearly jumped,

"Chat Noir?" it was only seeing the dolls in his hands that eased her worry.

"Right these got left behind." he held them up, he looked like he wanted to say something but just kinda looked away. It was weird seeing the Flirt be so shy.

"Thanks," she noticed one was missing and gave him a look. "Where is the Ladybug doll?"

"The little girl still had it, I figured that was a losing battle," he admitted however she new his feels and still wasn't convinced.

"There you, oh Chat Noir," Nadja walked with her daughter who did have the Ladybug doll.

"Don't mind me," he took a step back.

"Here sorry about that, I take it she gave you the puppy dog eye routine?" she gave him a knowing look.

"... Well if you take all of them you wouldn't have anything to play with when you visit Marinette." they both Noticed Chat on one knee talking at eye level with the little girl.

"I guess that makes sense," she kicked at the dirt a bit.

"I'll see you next time," the doll was handed over as she was left with Chat.

"kids," he gave a slight smirk as Marinette shook her head. "Well I am going to get going t-"

"There you are, oh friend of yours?" her mom interrupted with that tone that implied more than that. She gave her mom a look.

"We hardly know each other, but you do seem to attract a lot of attention," he rubbed his chin. A spike of concern hit her. "I smell croissants," his distraction was well-timed as her mom handed him a bag.

"Thank you!" he almost jumped as he helped himself.

"For all your hard work,"

"I'll make sure Ladybug gets a few, two, I'll see if they last long enough." he gives off a bright smile. "I need to go see you ladies around," he vaults away as she can't help but shake her head. Still the way he brightened up at the food.

"I think you made his day," Marinette shook her head she could already see him stuffing his face.

"I hope not, it was just a few croissants," her mom headed back in as she wondered about that comment. She really did not know much about him outside of their work as heroes. She was not sure about that train of thought, however, it was folded away for later.

As Mr. Parker walked into his classroom, "Hello Mr. Parker," she greeted as he nodded at her but remained silent. "Can I trouble you for some input?"

"I suppose I seem to be more of a therapist than teacher some days. So shoot," he offered as she glanced at her mom. She paused at that comment but continued.

"How much of a person bleeds into the mask?" she asked as she tried the best way to word the question.

"That is the question, it really depends on the person. Sometimes the hero suit is just brightly colored work clothes. Sometimes the hero is all there is. Some use the mask to be braver, and others redefine themselves being more what they want to be or how they think they should be." he explained, "You don't exactly open up with someone the first day you meet, even with out masks people rarely straight up tell you who you are. if you have someone in mind, but I fell an example would be helpful me. You had to pry my secrets out of me. When I was younger I was a wall flower you never would have guessed I moonlighted as a crazy photographer hunting down villains at night all the while be teased and bullied at school. However sometimes what you see is what you get you just got to spend time with people even if they don't flat out tell you, listen people will tell you who they are." he patted her on the shoulder as she realized how deep his example went she doubted anyone would look at her an think protector of Paris. However his explanation left her unsatisfied she was no closer to understanding Chat Noir and what was an act and what was genuine.

"Oh don't forget the class photo thing," he recalled only to suddenly move. She blinked in surprise as he crushed a butterfly.

"Is that?" she looked at him.

"Yes, I keep finding them hanging around apparently I attracted some unwanted attention."

"That's not good," she could feel some panic,

"Oh it's perfect," he corrected as that froze her. "That means others will move around less noticed, still it is interesting I don't think too many people here in Paris know me that does lower any potential suspects wouldn't you say?" he glanced at her. He got a box of food before he walked past.

She later found herself in her room. Putting her organizational skills to work and reusing a board that, wasn't used for anything nefarious. Somehow Mr. Parker came in contact, now unless his identity had been compromised only so many people would have interacted with him. Thoughts for another day she was tired after babysitting and hero work she needed a nap.

The board had a picture of the school staff with one exception. As well as the student body and parents most did not have pictures but she already tossed out any victims.

"Well this is new," Tikki glanced around, as Marinette brought out her mental powers as she considered how a person could find miraculous. Well, it could be handed or found if a person traveled around.

So long family lines or travelers, well travel was easier she knew that Gabriel traveled around a lot, and Chloe's mom did so as well. She ignored the detail that put Adrian as a possible suspect at least to a lesser extent. Mr. Parker would be at the top due to his behavior but recent events changed that. "Hmm," she considered

"Something up?" the Kawmi asked as the designer looked at Gabriel.

"Nothing just I wouldn't have considered it if a few things didn't line up. I already thumbed the teacher but knowing what I know I can't help but notice similarities. It's probably nothing I'll add to this later." he hid the suspect list as she worked on her next project a Chat Noir doll. As she worked she mused over a suspect list. Other big names popped into her head. If she knew the origins of where the Miraculous were originally from maybe that would help, Especially with how many people made their way to Paris.

The next day was class pictures and the idea of being in the same picture as Adrian just sparked joy. Not even Alya pointing out the obvious could dampen her spirit.

She was a bit surprised when Mr. Parker and Vincent got into a heated conversation on cameras. Juleka took off just as it looked like the photo was going to be taken only for the teacher to complain about digital claiming nothing beat classic film.

Outside of a few dirty looks from the photographer, the picture was taken and Juleka seemed a bit happier. In all honesty, only Rose could really seem to tell. However, the most unusual part was that Chloe gave minimal fuss.

"Thanks, Parker," Grumbled a teacher that she had not seen before apparently, Mr. Parker was not beloved by all. But the one-legged man looked just as confused.

"I am young-at-heart!" was heard from the hall as science class was interrupted as Mr. Parker hung his head and looked like she felt.

They quickly evacuated as she used the opportunity to slip away. "One step forward two steps back," Tikki shrugged as she realized Peter was trying to prevent more victims when he argued about the camera.

"Tikki spots on!" she transformed as the suit formed and she rushed into battle.

She jumped into the hall only to see a hall of babies. "I am not prepared for this!" she panicked at the sight of so much responsibility.

"I would not mind making this permanent," said a young voice that sounded familiar.

"Teach?" she glanced to see a very young brown-haired teen in a tank top and gym shorts. He looked really fit at whatever age he was at.

"I think I lost about twenty, twenty four-ish years?" he shrugged he has both legs and looked way too fit.

"Who's the new guy?" Chat Noir rushed up the stairs.

"Yo," Arachnid landed next to them. As the crying started up.

"Only through emotions would this ever seem like a good idea." Peter shook his head as he picked up one that had been reduced to a baby.

"Right well Mr. Parker we'll take care of this, could you?" she looked around. The blonde baby coed as she noticed him gather up the clothes.

"Please tell me everyone gets their clothes back on," Peter blinked in concern however Marinette could only shrug.

The trio booked it out a window, "I will get you back for this!" he shouted after them. The trail was easy to follow the sounds of kids as they finally spotted the teacher who looked like something from a disco scene from the seventies.

"Time to turn back the clock!" as he swung around a necklace with a massive clock around his neck as he popped his collar.

The levels of panic and happiness were as wild as ever she landed her yo-yo ready to go. "Ladybug a few pieces of jewelry are a small price to pay for a few years off the top!"

"Tell that to all the kittens you left behind," Chat thumbed behind him as the villain just waved the worry off.

A blast of light and clocks shot at them as everyone dodged out of the way. More blasts focused as her first concern was to find the object but nothing really stuck out him. As she avoided another blast Chat hooked the man with the legs as Arachnid only just bent out of the way of a stray blast as Chat Noir only just avoid a swing to the back of his head.

The white coat flickered as as his weird shows danced away from the webbing Arachnad shot his way. "Chat give me some space!" he shouted as the cat boy shot back propelled by his staff.

"Now this is embarrassing," Chat Noir got tagged in his retreat. He looked the same but was now sizably shorter.

"Opps," Arachnid distracted by the bad call on his part. Got completely blasted,

"This sucks," Chat Noir ran away as Marinette grabbed Arachnid.

"I don't think so," young-at-heart jumped in front of them as the baby in her arms started to cry.

"Catalc-uism!" Chat called out as he hit the road giving them enough of a distraction.

"Welp that could have gown better," Chat sat down the effect kinda ruined since he looked about sixish. "What?"

"You look so cute," she blurted out,

"I am always cute," he reminded putting his hands on his hips however any attempt to flirt fell flat.

"Sure thing Kitty Noir," she teased however her focus returned to Arachnid.

"Funny," Chat shook his head,

"How come he didn't get alerted," she recalled him mentioning the spider-sense.

"No idea Maybe he lost focus? Or the attack didn't register Spider-man said things can slip past if the danger isn't recognized. However Arachnid explained it like extra eyes so maybe it works differently for him," he sounded so squeaky.

"Wait you used it how did it feel for you?" she asked,

"I was fused but it was like I was aware but not aware of everything around me." she was a bit surprised to see Chat analyze the situation she was really seeing different sides of him lately.

Magic," Mr. Parker took Arachnid who looked like some parent had paid way too much for their kid's Halloween costume. Everyone was covered up with a blanket and clothes were folded and close by.

"Did you shrink when I wasn't looking?" he asked Chat Noir. Peter shot him a look as Chat pouted instead of retorting.

"Don't you start," he ducked behind the desk as a flash of green popped up. She heard some light chatter and a pair of green eyes popped up "Plagg, the voice scolded as he pulled the Kawmi back down to feed him. "Plagg claws out!" he stepped back out.

"He was a teacher here do you know what the object could be?" she looked at Mr. Parker.

"Not sure," he admitted, "Mr. Monlataing isn't a teacher I am too familiar with." he admitted, "give me a second," he opened up a few programs as he tapped into the street cameras. Chat climbed onto the chair, as she looked over his shoulder.

"You see anything, his staff, the wood likes like one of his paintbrushes," she pointed it out.

"I figured he would have been more art-based." Chat Noir scratched the back of his head as he popped up between them.

"Don't define people by their job. Sometimes when you turn your hobby into your job, you loose your love for them." she glanced at him however she was confident the staff was what needed to break.

She glanced at the teacher who seemed a bit distant. "You ready for round two?"

"Off course m'lady," he still fumbled his words he looked so adorable.

"Let's go Kitty Noir," she stopped her feet in the window.

"It's Chat Noir!" he stomped his foot and puffed his face into a pout as she tried not to laugh at his antics as his ears went flat in a vain attempt to look scary.

"Will, you hurry up I don't want this to be any more of an issue." Mr. Parker grabbed Chat by what almost looked like his scruff. Chat tried to pry himself free but all he did was flail around. "Out!" he tossed Chat out the window as he aimed a kick at her.

"Yipe," she cried out as she dodged the lazy kick. Chat managed to get a pretty good distance. It's moments like these she wondered what he would be like in his prime.

She watched as Chat Noir snuck along his smaller frame allowing him to sneak up on the victim. The only issue was. "Ah-ha," Chat dangled off the staff as Young-at-heart pulled the staff up.

"Hehe," he smiled brightly like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "Ahhh!" he cried out as he was flung into the air.

Only thanks for sight and a quick swinging in prevented another blast from hitting him. He clung to her as she was certain that she heard some purring.

"Well that was a nice attempt," she dropped him on the roof.

"Curse my small body," he said as she dropped him. The two ducked under a blast, he really didn't need to. "I resend my previous statement."

"Chat," sheet out a giggle in spite of herself. "Lucky charm!" she called out as she caught a tire. "Ugh," a very big tire." let's do this quickly cause this is cumbersome." her vision focused first on Chat, then Young, then a building, then the charm.

Things went fast, "Chat distraction," he nodded as he dropped down she watched as he skated around the blasts. She leaped to her target and when she was confident she was at the right spot she dropped it. Chat used the opportunity.

"Cataclysm!" he called out and she set out her yo-yo.

"Bye-bye little butterfly, lucky charm!" she tossed the wheel. Satisfied with a job well done "pound it," they both said as their fists connected.

Marinette dropped down as Tikki dropped from the earnings. "Well I guess that's done it feels like a week doesn't go by," she sighed as she headed off. Only to get a text, "oh God," she laughed Alya sent her a photo of Mr. Parker in clothes way too tight a few of the older teachers looked impressed though if the blush on Miss Bustier was anything to go by.

Pov shift

Adrian took a deep breath. He moved to knock then moved away. Then paced a bit, he was not sure what to do fighting villains was easy and straightforward. "Chloe," he readied himself and knocked.

The hurt look he got still stung even if he knew he did nothing wrong. "Chloe you haven't been yourself lately, you okay?"

"Now you care," she sat down and crossed her arms.

"I always cared I just wish the person who use to stand up for me would appreciate seeing me willing to stand up in turn." He sat down as he questioned if he said that right. He still remembered the day when Chloe stood up for him when she found out about his birthday. Mind you she didn't succeed but still, the thought counted.

"I thought you wanted me to be nicer," she scowled and looked away from him with her arms crossed.

"Well, I don't want you to change for anyone but yourself. While the class has been peaceful even people you have bullied are worried." His body was tense he was still not sure he was flying blind and was very aware that these negative emotions bubbling under the surface were a prime target.

"They don't care about me, nobody cares about me," she curls in on herself, she's on her bed now.

"I care about you it's only when people stop trying to help that's when people truly stop caring." He reminded he wants to hold her hand to comfort her but he doesn't to give the wrong idea.

"I don't need help, I am Chloe Bourgeois!" She looked ready to explode at him as he winced ready to be yelled at his realized his mistake expecting the worst only for it not to come. He looked at her and seemed frozen as if something had stopped at her. He wasn't sure what he did if it was good or bad. But he was in a hug as she sobbed on his shoulder.

"It's not fair," she sobbed as he gave her a loose and awkward hug. What came out was a blubber of frustration and sadness.

"Talk to me," he said and hoped his voice didn't crack.

She shifted back and did her best to salvage her pride. "How much do you know about Marinette?"

"Not much," he admitted, "she seems kinda weird but okay,"

"Of course you wouldn't see it," she glared at the floor.

"Not the way you see her." He admitted

"It's all there ugh you can be so oblivious. Remember the design contest your dad held?"

"Yeah you stole her design," his nose twitched at the memory as he started to really consider the situation. With who Chloe's mom was and Marinette's natural talent.

"Don't make me say it, when I first met her she, it so amazing it was the one thing I couldn't have." She curled in as her head dropped onto her arms as they tested on her knees.

-flash back Chloe POV-

She walked in and saw her mom. "Mom," Chloe nearly jumped at the sight.

"Not now Zoe," she dismissed, "I don't care the magazine comes first I want that design I don't care if it didn't test well." She continued on as she glanced down to see the magazine in question.

She found herself, at a sheet of paper, "that looks really good," her father pointed out,

"Thank you daddy," she smiled and brought it to school. Days moved forward, however as she left them around her mom never commented on it. Then one day, she found Marinette.

"Gabriel is so amazing his designs are so wonderful no mater the style." She cooed as she talked to Nino. Chloe looked at the work and it was amazing her own work looked childish in comparison.

"Mr. and Mrs. Bourgeois there have been some concerns about her behavior," the principal started only to be drowned out.

It was rare for the family to be so united. "My daughter is not doing anything wrong," "you dare interrupt my time cause my daughter is putting people in their place?"

"This must be what I need to be," she concluded, she left that room secure she had gotten what she wanted.

"You are to be on your best behavior, if Gabriel or his family have any thing bad to say it could be disastrous. So be nice to his son," her mother warned,

"I don't see why I have to be nice," she folded her arms only to get a very harsh glare she wasn't sure how to respond her mom considering she never punished her for anything.

"Then be silent, Mr. Agreste is very important and we need him to at least be friendly."

"Hello I am Adrian, pleased to meet you want to play?" He introduced he seemed so happy to see her. She had fun and felt wanted, it was one of her happiest memories.

-end flashback-

POV shift

"So what is it you want from me?" She glared at him,

"Your my oldest friend I want to be friends, I want a lot of friends and it feels like your trying to prevent that. I don't want you to change but sometimes what you say and do makes me uncomfortable to call you one. I am not sure what would be ideal I still don't know how to do this." He admitted as emotions felt knotted in his stomach this was almost as bad as a most of his conversations with his dad.

"Just go," she turned away from him, and not sure what to do beyond that did so.

He really only had one option only one person he could talk to. He dropped onto the roof and the window was open. He knocked and was given the all clear.

He dropped in "claws in," he slumped to the floor as Plagg floated in front of him. The cat looked sympathetic but clearly was as lost as him.

"That bad huh?" Mr. Parker looked at him,

"I failed, I think I made things worse," he admitted,

"That's why I stick to Camembert," Plagg shrugged however his words lacked the harshness that it normally had when he dismissed social issues.

"If anyone failed it was her parents, you tried to put an end to her bullying. A noble goal even more so since your not her target. But in the end such journeys can only be walked by the person in question." Adrian looked away even if the man was right he still felt like a failure.

"Sure," he halfheartedly agreed,

"Dealing with a bully is never easy sadly there is no quick fix with people." He grunted as he sat down next to him. "Even more so if it's a friend most people wouldn't have bothered. But you stood up and did what's right the mark of a good person regardless of the outcome. These things take time and one could do everything right and still fail in the end." He felt a firm pat on the back.

"Did you have to deal with bullies?" He looked at the teacher who got a long look in his eyes.

"Yes, it was a different time but I did not handle it well. My high school bullies and I never really it along regardless of one becoming a better person."

"Was it that bad?"

"It would be best not to share to much on that subject. It was a trying time and there were heroes back then that wondered if I would stay on the straight and narrow. In retrospect they had a point a bullied child given life changing powers doesn't always end heroically. I have no concerns about that happening to you though," the teacher messed up his hair only to hear a knock at the door.

"Mr. Parker," Nathalie started only to pause as he casually jumped to his one foot from a prone position.

"Right on time," he glanced at his watch as he offered a hand.

"Of course?" She gave a frown as if anything short of perfectly punctual was an insult. "I do hope you are not spending time just sitting on the floor instead of teaching."

"I would teach hanging upside down if I feel it helps. I'll walk you out."

"I can take care of myself," she returned,

"I need to lock the doors," he shrugged, as he grabbed his cane.

They got to the door only to see the limo hood was open as the Gorilla frown at it. Nathalie breathed hard out her nose only for Peter to roll up his sleeves.

"That won't be necessary," she tried to stop him as Peter glanced at the engine, "belt snapped," he pointed out, as he pulled something from his pocket.

"How did you?" Adrian felt a hand on his shoulder.

"You'll get dirty," Nathalie reminded as she kept a firm grip.

"Isn't that what kids are supposed to do?"

"Not Adrian Agreste," she glared harder as he winced a bit under the pressure of her grip.

"But of course, there it's a patch job but it should get you home." He shut the hood the Gorilla gave a thankful nod as he checked and the limo started up with no issue.

"What did you use?" Adrian asked,

"Just a little fluid," he winked as pulled his sleeves down as he flashed a capsule.

"You never know what will come in handy," he winked as Adrian smirked in realization.

POV shift

Peter glanced at the invitation then at the suit that Felicia got him. He could almost feel the groan escape his lips. He suited up adjusted the coat and made sure the tie was straight. He had an invitation after the care thing and while spreading the net out he was fairly confident that Gabriel was his man but at the risk of not being fair new that the search for suspects was primary issue. After talking to Fu he had a general idea of was in Tibet go figure this universes version of the sorceress. It wasn't much but it was something. He lost the miraculous in that area and since there had been no reports that he had found about, he need a well off adult who had been in Tibet with in the last decade or so. The trouble was if this Moth had any sense they would keep his distance from any such trips.

Everything was taken care off he just had to make nice. He walked out of the mansion as Felicia waited for him black dress that was just sexy enough to turn heads with a feather white cropped coat with a feathery collar. She was dressed in the right style and jeweled up and ready to shine.

"Here, a little something," Ashe pulled out a wood cane. However the head was a spider with eight jeweled eyes.

"This really isn't my thing." He reminded,

"It's for emergencies," she insisted as he grabbed the cane and then offered his arm. "It's got a bit of a sting to it if we run into an Akuma." He was confident in their abilities as he adjusted his belt.

"I will keep my eyes peeled," Burry looked as serious as ever and took his chosen task as he vanished into his cane.

The two walked to the limo as he kept his eyes forward. This was going to be a interesting night. He wasn't wrong, "Rock and Roll!" Shout a man as he lead in an Alligator on a leash rushed past him.

"I did not realize Paris was so weird," he admitted as Jagged stone moved past considering the season he was surprised it wasn't a costume party.

Well there were a few odd balls the over all crowd was more subdued. "Chloe?" He nearly tripped over a young blonde.

"Sorry," the girl apologized but at a closer look she was not Chloe.

"Sorry I mistook you for someone else." He apologized as he was a bit surprised to see the Mayor approach him.

"Sorry about that, Mr. Parker correct I heard a bit about you from my daughter." He offered a hand, Peter doubted anything good but the politician seemed unfazed at least outwardly.

"Sorry I prefer to keep things quiet in my classroom," the two shook hands.

"Between you and me it was nice to see someone willing to weather the storm." He pulled at his collar as he realized he had the Mrs. in mind.

"Who is this?" Peter glanced down

"Zoe, she is my step daughter," he admitted as Peter gaged ages and wondered how that worked she didn't seem that much younger than Chloe.

"We had a slight bit of confusion when we got the surrogate, my wife was not interested in the process. The rest is far to complicated to get into here." He explained as Peter nodded and accepted the explanation.

"Ah well pleased to meet you Miss Zoe," He smiled at the girl who seemed much shyer than her more louder sister.

"You and kids," Felicia shook her head. he cocked an eyebrow at her. as the Mayor ushered Zoe off his smile faded as he watched the young teen. He however was surprised by a familiar face.

"Tom?" He recognized the baker behind one of the tables.

"Friend of yours?" She asked,

"Baker, I go to his shop often and also another parent of a student. I also talk to him about parenting." he whispered the last part as Felicia rolled her eyes.

"You are one long beard away from sitting on a mountain for the rest of your life, you go do your think and I will do mine," she patted him on the arm.

The man's size was still incredible as his hand that he shook was probably bigger than his head. "You never seemed like a guy to rub shoulders with this group." Tom chuckled,

"I try not to, I was once a mover and shaker but I was as out of place then as I am now." He grabbed one of the pastries. "I never figured I would see you at such an event here, I thought I was special for knowing the quality of your food." Peter took a bite.

"Occasionally someone recognizes my wife and I's talent." He smiled as he glanced at him. "So who was the woman you walked in with?"

"Old flame, and an old friend this is more her speed," Peter shrugged as he kept his other ear open to listen in on other conversations.

"Really," he raised an eyebrow at him,

"Your not bringing up anything that hasn't crossed my mind." He sighed,

"I really can't imagine the situation your in," Tom continued to work.

"I wouldn't wish it on anyone," He whispered not sure if Tom heard him, as he made a note to make sure the family was protected.

"Ah Mr. Parker," Mr. Agreste Walked in as Tom nearly jumped as Peter realized where Marinette got her eccentric side from. "So glad you could make it, Mr. Dupain not bothering you I hope," it was weird to see the bigger man look concerned Mr. Agreste was a man to be feared it seemed.

"Hey I am trying to steal the man's baking secrets your interrupting me." Peter whispered loudly to the man. To say he enjoyed the look from the fashion designer would be an understatement. Even his spider sense gave a light buzz. Tom looked torn between pride and concern.

"You seem to be settling in quite well next door," He brought up as Tom went wide eyed and seemed to glance at him. "Here I thought you would be staying in Paris for a school year at most a mansion is bit larger of an investment."

"Eh, I've been everywhere on the globe, Paris has its own quality I just couldn't resist settling in." He shrugged mentally annoyed once this got out he was going to be dealing with all sorts of fun people.

"Really everywhere?" Gabriel raised an eyebrow on his stony face.

"China?" Tom asked,

"Yep," Peter answered and before long he had a small crowd as he talked everyplace a person could go. Locations from Japan to Britain. Every state in the union. He asked other places and eventually Tibet was asked about.

"Oh yeah not for to long though I had a friend that went there looking fore a cure for his damaged hands he would know more about it then me, anyone else been?" He slipped in as he focused his senses.

However the conversation continued on with out any answer on that front. Only for a window to crash. Nearly everyone turned to see a person who looked like he was in a witch costume that split between two colors purple and white with two arrows of the other color, pointing across.

"I am Switch-craft and you lot need a change in perspective." She smiled as as pointed her finger and hit the Bourgeois.

"My figure!" André freaked out as he moved more like his wife.

"Ah," Peter realized as he avoided a blast as few others got tagged and the panic quickly set in.

Before much more could happen he got tackled by Gabriel and the two got hit. "Ahh," Gabriel grabbed his head as Petter in a much weaker body grabbed the man.

"Why, does my head hurt?" He forced out

"I have chronic migraines," Peter lied as he grabbed his cane. He was thankful the man was in good shape and he was use to fighting without his spider-sense. He tossed the man into a side room as he exploded a web charge bindings he man. He kept his cane as Felicia glanced at him he held up the cane as she nodded only for Chat Noir to drop in.

"D-Mr. Agreste?" He caught himself as he landed next him.

"Body switch, it's me Peter," he explained, as he avoided a few blasts from the villain, it was nice to have both legs even if he lost just about everything else.

"Oh that's weird," he admitted as he flipped away from the beam attacks. "How long til ladybug arrives?" as Peter nearly grabbed his phone on instinct.

"Crap," his phone was now tied up with Gabriel. "No idea and I can't use your phone or mine," he admitted as he avoided another blast and hit a plate at the attacker which distracted the woman.

The three escaped out of the room. "Well Gabriel is rich do we need to wait for her?" Felicia pointed out, as they barricaded the door to by some time.

"That seems mean," Chat Noir pointed out,

"That's what insurance is for," she shrugged "you two can play hero I am heading off, least I risk my figure literally," she smirked only for a hard knock at the door almost dislodged the door.

"I'll keep her busy like I always do," Chat decided as he was ready to move the table they had just put in the way.

"I'll check over the other civilians and get anyone out of the area try to keep her in the main hall." Peter advised as Chat Noir nodded,

Peter moved to go only to be stopped by a grab to the hand. "Are you proud of me?" He asked as Peter.

"Yeah of course I am I couldn't be prouder," as Peter only heard Gabriel's voice come out of his lips

"Thanks dad," he could have sworn he heard but Adrian had his head lowered so his hair obscured his face.

He headed down the hall as he realized Felicia was long gone. He was still not sure if he heard Adrian or if his imagination was playing tricks on him. "Is there a problem I am hearing a lot of panic but no alarms. Peter stopped as he saw a blind woman and what looked like her Daughter.

"I take it your not up on current events here in Paris," he hummed,

"I am afraid not some sort of recent issue?" She asked as unflappable as ever female version of Gabriel pretty much. Only for a wall to explode as drywall and 2x4s to shatter instinct took over as he protected the two as the daughter flinched.

"Chat you still you?" He asked as Chat dusted himself off.

"Yeah this is weird she flew me through a few walls." He admitted,

"Ma'am with all do respect the fewer people here the better,"

"Excuse me?" She started only to be scooped up,

"Grab the girl," he instructed as he got a hit from the woman's cane while he felt it was deserved he did not have time to explain.

"Um what about the villain?" Chat asked,

"Don't wait for her to show up book it!" He shouted as Adrian scooped up the girl and sprinted a head.

"I hope that boy knows his place," she growled, as Peter glared at her knowing full well she couldn't see him.

"Mr. Chat Noir is an upstanding citizen and gentleman and any girl would be hard pressed to find a better partner." He growled back as he heard the cackling. He was getting goblin flashbacks.

Thankfully, "duck!" Adrian shouted as he returned, "she's behind the police barricade." The beams were deflected as he sailed over his head. He found an exit and shouldered his way out there was a solid crowd being kept back. He spotted the daughter and quickly dropped her down.

"Thousand apologizes," he said as he turned only for a hand to grab him.

"Sir it's to dangerous," Roger of all people, he thought fast.

"My son is still in there and I will not risk loosing another one," he shouted as he brought forth his own grief, Roger let go startled at the rage. He raced into the hotel. He headed back in his real worry being Gabriel if they were going through walls. He then paused, he stopped at a mirror and patted himself down, nothing that looked like a miraculous it was a good thing he got that signal from Stark that messed his spider sense up or else Gabriel might be running around with his powers or find Burry.

He fallowed the noise as he headed in. "I haven't done this in years," Felicia shouted as he found her hanging off a chandelier.

"Well at least someone is having fun," Peter shook his head as he glanced at the cane it was supposed to do something right? He had little to really add at this point as Chat Noir blinded the woman as both cat themed heroes dropped down next to him. Felicia had torn her dress her sleeves where long gone as her arms looked just a muscular as his if not more in some cases.

"Well this brings back a few memories," Felicia smirked,

"We need to get Gabriel out of the way, however the lack of Ladybug is worrying." Peter admitted, as a downpour of blasts rained down at them.

"How are you containing someone with your power?" Felicia glanced at him.

"After the Otto body swap I made damn sure I could drop myself as quickly as possible all you need to do is worry about the time." He answered as he found the man were he left him and with the door slammed he could feel the impact against the wall.

POV Shift

"Of course," Marrinette dragged herself out of bed and was swinging across the city the one time she decided to go to be early was the one time Hawkmoth decided to work late.

She quickly raced along the roof tops as she swung into action. She landed and headed in as the sounds of battle drew her closer only to see "Mr. Agreste?" Carrying Mr. Parker,

"You are not wrong, villain swaps bodies with Targets be careful Chat is already in there." Gabriel? quickly rushed past her as she blinked as clothe explanation made perfect sense, considering how out of character Mr. Agreste was in that brief interaction.

She got to the door only for her world to go black. She blinked only to see herself. "Crap," her body said as she saw it standing in the door way, that summed up the situation perfectly.

"This is weird, this is really, did someone use Agreste cologne?" She paused as her sense of smell noticed the fragrance.

"Yes," her face has a weird expression before the Chat got distracted.

"We might not want to stand here," Chat Noir pointed out as it was still weird seeing herself. She quickly noticed another smell bread, she realized he could smell really well, she was thankful she took a bath recently. "Wait would he, did he always know?" She felt her face turn red as Chat pushed her down. "Time and place," she steeled herself as her mind quickly got to work on what to do. "Still make sure I shower more often."

As she moved in zags she got use to the body and weapon she noticed something was off. Normally at this point they would be shouting about the miraculous to some level. She watched as the older blonde woman sat down and she recognized the substitute teacher as she grabbed a glass of wine.

Chat in her body was surprisingly graceful as he figured out the yo-yo and deflected a few shots as Miss Hardly as she enjoyed the wine.

"You might want to get moving Miss," Ladybug shouted in Chat's voice.

"You worry to much." She dismissed as she seemed unconcerned and completely calm she was sure she had been there a while but not a drop of sweat on her.

"Should we try to get hit to switch back?" Chat asked as she spotted her body on the chandelier. He even crossed her legs properly it was really weird to see the confident aura around her.

"All will be understood!" She cried out only to suddenly fall as Arachnid appeared behind the Akuma.

"Sorry I was a bit late," he rubbed the back of his head."

"Right on time," Ladybug sighed, as Chat Noir purified the the Akuma. Peter did something with his watch.

"So what did this one do?" He blinked as she realized she was back in her own skin.

"Body swapping," Chat Noir explained, as the three came together and pounded fists.

"Oh, that must have been weird," Arachnid commented as he glanced between them.

"It was," they both said at the same time, only for Arachnid to giggle.

"We should probably get going," Chat Noir bough up as they parted ways. She lingered last out as the two adults looked over the victim.

POV shift

Gabriel winced as ghost pain rattled around in his head. His little plan had been unpleasant, and it seemed to have done nothing that he wanted.

Peter looked no less suspicious of him, he was tied up with some weird invention from the man so he couldn't even check if the man had a miraculous on him. The only good thing was the news saw him doing all the work. Peter seemed uninterested in correcting them as he was interviewed apparently he had yelled at the officer claiming his son was inside.

"Are you proud of me? Thanks dad," he looked at Chat Noir he looked nothing like Peter. However that woman he brought. He looked over the video feed. Felicia it would've possible for her to be his mother they looked close enough. She also seemed, could it be she had the Miraculous and passed it to her son. "If Chat Noir is indeed Peter's son perhaps illegitimate? Wait maybe he isn't the guardian," he glanced at Felicia. Non of his sources could dig anything up on her. She had moved outside of Paris. If this woman was the Guardian that would explain a bit about her history as Mr. Parker was well documented, even if it felt like he would have heard of him much sooner.

"Still nothing?"

"Nothing for sure, but the boy is Parker's weakness and if these two are working behind the scenes it would explain the skill of these two children. With him either being the Guardian or a former wielder my losses make much more sense as even out of costume they are frightfully effective.

Nathalie remained silent as he steepled his hands in front of his lips. "I will need to tread lightly I hadn't anticipated such a roadblocks. To think the Guardian would be such a man of action."

POV shift

"Achoo," Fu sniffed as Peter handed him a tissue:

"So what do you think?"

"If Hawkmoth can put his Akuma's on autopilot that would make his identity that much harder to figure out." He hummed,

"Agreed but I wanted to be sure I plan to to ask the kids to keep their ears open and see if they come to a similar conclusion." Peter really did not want it to be Gabriel colossal jerk that he was Furball probably couldn't take such a revaluation.

"Young Lady please stop," Fu glared at Felicia who Peter was sure was hunting.

"Please don't upset the man," he looked at Felicia who rolled her eyes.

"Hmm, well it wouldn't be unheard of," Fu looked particularly cagey as if recalling something he really did not want to talk about.

"Well that is important you don't strike me as an investigator type so any information would be appreciated. Don't hesitate to help we don't need someone slipping past us cause we didn't know something." Peter really hopped there wasn't anything the old man wasn't forgetting anything.

"You worry to much, Mr. Parker somethings will come in time," he said a calm tone.

"I am only worried about what I can control. You have been alone for a while just making sure you know the door is open." Peter released a long breath communication issues had screwed him in the past so making sure that was clear with was an issue.

After a tea break Peter left, "seems nice a little short," Felicia said as they headed off.

"I don't think he gets out much. In all honesty if things keep up like this." He stopped as the two let a wave of pidgins flew past. "They could all be stuck like this until Hawkmoth dies of old age." Peter continued as Marinette swung past them.

"Oh good news I found another one." She handed over another box.

"Please don't tell me," Peter glanced back. "Oh no back to her old habits."

"Haha very funny you know you have been looking flabby maybe I should at least it would get you running around more." She jabbed him playfully in the belly.

"You do that I will web you up," he promised with a smirk on his face.

"Don't threaten me with a good time Spider," she purred as Peter rolled his eyes playfully as Nino swung past being chased by the birds.

"So what does this one do," he asked as all three heroes raced above them as Mr. Pigeon did his thing.

"Not sure the only one I am interested is the Cat one," she admitted as she rubbed her hands together.

"Please don't torment the confused bean he's got enough to deal with besides some cougar, wait sorry Milf," Peter poked back as the amused turned into a glare.

"Don't ever call me that again," she glared with little humor, "However Milf has a nice ring, anything you want to share with the class?"

"I plead the fifth," Peter returned as the wave of bugs passed over the city.

"Fun killer, oh well have fun with that," she waved off and disappeared into the crowd.

"It's good to see you too Felicia," he shook his head as she walked off.

He glanced at the phone however he could still see her glance back at him. He refocused on his work it didn't feel right being interested in her again they dated before he got married to MJ but his continued attraction still felt like a betrayal.

He headed off as he ignored his emotions he really didn't think he could handle another death and being in a relationship seemed like a death sentence at this point.

The meet up was the usual place as he sat down all three showed up. "So what's so important that you needed us?"

"Well this is more a question did you guys notice anything odd about the newest villain?" he asked,

"Switch face?" Ladybug frowned, as all three seemed to be thinking

"Yeah, she didn't ask for the Miraculous the entire time," Chat Noir realized,

"Wait why that what he's always after even the more strong willed victims usually mention handing them over at least once," Ladybug realized,

"So he can let them go on auto pilot then, I guess that makes sense since your Ladybug swarm fixes everything so unless your in costume twenty four seven," Nino reasoned

"Feel free to practice this theory see what the unwritten rules are, in the mean time try and figure out when someone is or isn't on autopilot. That might help, also I wan you all to think of worst case sicarios, on the identity of Hawkmoth," Peter brought up as all three blinked at him.

"Why exactly, I mean he's a guy so worst case he's some ones dad," Nino chuckled at the idea of the villain being a dad.

"A friend of mine's dad was my greatest enemy, he even took up the mantel when the man faked his own death. Resulting in a lot of pain and death," he explained as all three went stiff.

"That would be bad," Ladybug admitted, "But why worst case odds are he's just some power hungry guy who lives in the city what are the odds any of us would know him?"

"It's the nature of Hawkmoths powers have me worried. I am just thinking worst case scenario the last thing you want is one of you three finding out your have been fighting someone close and being ripe for being his next victim. Braise yourself and steady your emotions." He wasn't sure if the idea sunk in however he really couldn't dwell on it. "Now on a lighter note we get a new toy thanks to Felicia." He broke out the new miraculous.

"So who do we have here?" A black creature with a long tail and red eyes.

"Stingg," he introduced with a bow. "I am the Kwami of betrayal," he introduced as everyone kinda stopped at that. The small black creature at a segmented trail and looked a bit like a scorpion.

"That's not usually a good thing," Arachnid brought up, "do you like betray us?"

"Not every loyalty ends well, I have had plenty of times were backstabbing villains were my ticket to see the next day." Peter offered as a few friends popped to mind, only to see Adrian look at the ground. "Mind you I also got into a lot of trouble trusting the wrong people so I guess like creation and destruction it's all in how it's used." He shrugged however it seemed to have eased at least the other two. He pulled out the miraculous item itself a black baseball hat.

"Why a black hat?" Ladybug asked as she looked at the item.

"yeah why not a a watch like Watch your back," Chat Noir offered as Ladybug groaned as she pinched the bridge of the mask.

"So let's see now we have two free Kwami running phrase?" he asked

"Needle rise, and needle lowered," he explained "I also like chocolate," he explained, "One other thing betrayal isn't always a bad thing Change would be an apt idea as well a radical change where one becomes someone else someone the old you might feel betrayed by." he explained calmly, as his read eyes glanced over everyone.

"Okay so I need some recommendations anyone you think might be a good fit?" He glanced at the hat before putting it on, nobody spoke up. "I feel like I am back in class, we'll keep an eye out in the mean time I'll see what he can do. It's getting late and I am sure you got other things to do. Just keeping you guys updated,"

Peter didn't need his spider sense to see that trouble was coming. While Ladybug took off instantly and Arachnid lingered but seemed to think better, Chat Noir hadn't moved.

"You think it might be my dad?" He expected more heat to be honest. "He saved your life," Adrian's fists balled the accusation came strong as the green eyes locked onto his.

Peter sighed as he sat down lowering himself to eye level. "If someone suspected you were Chat Noir first impulse?"

"Deny it, try to trick them into," he slowly stopped,

"Exactly in trying to protect me he's made himself the most suspicious man in Paris. Now suspicious does not mean guilty I am not going to lie to you on this such things can make a family a tragedy. Chat Your powers and Ladybugs are extremely dangerous and with a villain running around preying on negative emotions." he winced at the idea "So better now then some Akuma forcing it out of me. No son should ever thing less of his father. This is unpleasant, but lying to you is it's own form of betrayal. Here talk to him if you know a good fit bring them in, if not I'll hold onto him."

To his credit Adrian took the hat as the black being hovered between them silent. "If, I, do you really think he could do this could akumatize me?" he held the hat with both hands

"Ladybug suspected me cause of my losses. What kind of husband, a father, wouldn't?" Peter hung his head the pain swirled inside. "Do anything for his family," he pushed it down as he stood up. "But that's not what heroes do," he brought out the full power of his voice as Adrian jumped back. "We make sacrifices of ourselves to allow other to live as safely as possible. If you want out I'll talk to the guardian, but I promise I won't blame you in fact I would encourage it. Go home enjoy your childhood. However in the end only you can decide."

POV Shift

Adrian just watched him swing away he looked at the watch. He looked at Stingg who looked kinda sad.

"Sorry, it's just Betrayal isn't a fun subject." He apologized to the Kwami.

"It's is in my nature, as change is part of life. To be loyal to an ideal means a willing ness to betray it." Skill spoke up,

"A willingness?" He moved over the city as Stingg floated next to him. The scorpion Kwami was very different.

"Well of course unless your crazy. You fallow any idea to far and you become an extremist. That rarely helps with friends and other human contexts."

"Huh, so did Mr. Parker meet you before he brought you out?"

"No, last I checked I was in the step, I helped defend the nomads but something happened and I went into hibernation."

Huh so that is all new to you," Adrian tried recall his world history.

"There is a reason most Miraculous where placed in miracle boxes power often attracts those unworthy of our abilities."

"You really sound different from other Kwami," Adrian leaned his head back a bit.

"I went threw eight wielders in about five years. Someone got it into their head that betrayal was needed to transfer my powers. Nobody really listened to me during that time."

"I know the feeling," Adrian lowered into his room. He checked his small paper next to the door. Still in place so room was safe. "Claws in," he said as he landed.

"I don't have to share my cheese do I," Plagg eyed the newcomer.

"No thanks I'll take chocolate, dark chocolate please?" He swirled around as the child like nature reappeared. He felt a bit of relief the day was already stressful enough.

He took both of the magical items and intentionally hid them in his room. He wasn't exactly a light sleeper Plagg took one of the pillows however Sting turned on a lamp and used it to stay warm. He didn't go to sleep right away "Could dad really do such thing?" he frowned cause he couldn't say no.

Au notes:

Buff Felicia why cause of the nineties show I figured it would be a nice touch for those who didn't watch the show she got the super solider serum I never got to watch all of the series so I don't know all the details but I felt it would make her more of an equal partner in the story even if she's glob trotting. Another new Kawmi for the game after editing this one I realized I kept changing the pronouns thank goodness for me going back over these chapters. Also I got a bit of sand in my eye during the Body swapping I hope that tugged at the heart strings a bit and with a few side plots possibly put in the air as for the next chosen user take a wild guess.