Marc Anciel was a very timid young man. He had difficulty interacting with other people and tended to shrink away. This is what happened today. Marc had accidentally bumped into a cute boy with red hair. He offered to help him up, but Marc, being as timid as he was, especially around people he found attractive, just stared at him, backed away, and blurted out hurried apologies as he ran off, hiding his face in his hoodie.

He hid behind a staircase, dropping his books in front of him. He was so ashamed and embarrassed that didn't notice he wasn't sitting there alone.

"Hey, Marc?"

The boy turned to see Mary Jane Watson, taking some earbuds out of ears, looking at him with concern.

"You okay? You look stressed."

Marc sighed; no use hiding it from MJ.

"W-well I bumped into this guy with red hair, he helped me up but I got lost in his eyes and hair…and…and…"

"You ran off?" MJ guessed, getting a nod and letting out a wince. "Yeah. That's…that's never fun."

This made Marc look up in shock. Did that mean?

"Yeah." Mary Jane chuckled weakly. "Everybody has at least one experience like that. So don't worry."

Then she got an idea.

"You know, I know quite a few kids in the class next to yours who would love to be your friends. Would that be cool with you if I tried introducing you to them?"

"I'd like that. Thanks." The boy smiled as he accepted a hand up and began to follow the redhead.

"So, do you have any hobbies, Marc?" MJ inquired, wanting to keep the conversation going

"Well, I, uh, I like to write stories."

This gave MJ another idea. "Follow me."

She took Marc to the Art Room. Alix, Nathaniel, Juleka, and Liz were there as well as Luka and even Randy Robertson.

Marc felt like a stranger, but simultaneously, he felt a strange allure to the Art Room. It felt good to be here. He looked at how everyone was creating and expressing themselves. They all seemed so friendly too. Marc was ready to go in, but then he spotted the boy from before and froze. It certainly didn't help that he was coming over.

"Hey, I was looking for you."

The cat had definitely gotten Marc's tongue as he simply stood there, saying nothing. But then, before he could turn around and bolt, Nathaniel handed him a notebook, his notebook.

"You dropped this when you ran away from me. I'm sorry if I startled you. I was focused on my drawings."

Marc was shaking as he timidly took back his notebook.

"I hope you don't mind. I saw a few of the pages of your writing when they fell out. You're a very good writer. I'd love to work with you on a comic."

"I'D LOVE TO!" Marc shouted before covering his mouth with a blush.

Everyone was staring at him. Not good. Now was the time when Marc would have started running, but just as he was ready to, he heard something he didn't expect.

"Great."

Marc froze. "R-really?"

"Yeah. So, meet me here tomorrow? Maybe after school?"

"Yeah," Marc said, cracking a tiny smile. "S-sure."

Nathaniel extended his hand. "I'm Nathaniel, by the way"

"Uh, uh, I'm Marc."

He finally reached out and shook Nathaniel's hand.

"Nice to meet you, Marc. I can't wait to get started."

Marc's heart began racing. Normally a bad sign for him, but this time, he didn't want it to stop. Unbeknownst to him, Mary Jane was giving a proud thumbs-up while nodding her head in approval.

MIRACULOUS

A few hours later, Adrien was home, finishing up his homework before a night long marathon of 'The Grey Ghost', when he received a notification on his phone.

It was an update from Alya's 'Ladyblog'; Ladybug had stepped in to save two children from being run over by a car when they'd chased after a balloon. She'd gotten the balloon and gently reminded the two to be more careful, then paused for a picture and a few autographs.

Alya had asked where Chat Noir was, to which Ladybug had graciously explained;

"Chatton lives on the other side of the city and well…today is very special to him, so unless a supervillain shows up, I decided to let him have today off. But please, don't think he's slacking off. In fact; yesterday around….noon, I think? He saved a few construction workers."

The post was as usual, very popular, with several of said workers chiming in to confirm that had happened. Alya had, in comments, apologized to Chat for missing his act of heroism and reminded her viewers that as much as she and they adored Ladybug; Chat, Spidey and Bats were also due for recognition.

Adrien recalled that adventure: He had happened to be on his lunch break at a modelling gig (Agreste Threads was working on a line of fit wear). He saw some equipment fail and that no one was around to see him transform…And thanks to his intervention (and a NOT aimed at a living being Cataclsym), he had saved ten people, one of whom had been a father with his young son at work with him that day.

Seeing the grateful and safe family reminded Adrien how it felt good to know someone else was safe; even if Bruce and Marinette had worried about him; the accident had been at a skyscraper in development. Peter at least offered to help with his agility training.

Adiran then realized that he had NOT yet followed the Ladyblog; modelling, school, supervillains and the fun he had hanging out with his classmates kept him busy. So if that was the case, who had…?

Ah, no need to worry. It came from Marinette, bless her.

'You deserve all the praise you get, Kitty. Enjoy your Grey Ghost Marathon; I know my mom and dad will.'

Adrien replied a thanks back, almost sending his lady a heart emoji before he caught himself.

'My lady?' He asked himself. 'When did…? Marinette isn't my….I mean, I wouldn't mind if we were…but we're just friends! And that's fine! Heck, she's one of the few girls who DOESN'T LOOK AT ME LIKE I'M A SNACK!'...Although…'

The boy found himself reminded of how Ladybug's outfit accented Marinette's figure, her cute hairstyle, button nose, beautiful eyes…and a cute….

Adrien then slapped himself back to reality.

'No! Bad Adrien! Bad!' He mentally chatsized himself. 'You remember what some folks have said about mom aging so well! You're not one of those creeps! You were raised right!'

His memories then returned to how Marinette had been so quick to help him whenever he got in trouble, her adorable smile….

"Um…Something on your mind, Adrien?"

The blonde boy turned to see a concerned Bruce entering his room with something in tinfoil.

"Alfred went overboard and I figured you'd like it. Well, maybe Plagg more than you."

The cat Kwami suddenly manifested and took the package from Bruce, salivating as he smelt cheese and helped himself to Alfred's 10 cheese and tuna casserole.

"That man is a culinary genius!" Plagg sang with tears in his eyes.

"…Thank god for Pizza." Bruce smiled as he placed an order for delivery. Adrien giggled at that. "So, what's got you slapping yourself?"

Adrien blushed in embarrassment, realizing his cheeks were red.

"W-well…." He tried to pick the right words. "What…what should I guy do when he likes someone who is a friend?"

"This about Marinette?" Bruce asked, delighting in Adrien's shocked look. "Well, to be fair, it was either her, Chole or Nino and well…you've never looked at the other two like you do her."

Worried he was looking like a creep, Adrien wordlessly pleaded for a description.

"Like she's the only girl in the world. That the sun rises and sets with her. Her happiness is your biggest concern…and if anyone goes near her, they better treat her like a deity made flesh or you'll move heaven and earth to educate them to do so….Like your dad does your mom, I guess." Bruce explained.

Relieved, Adrien let out a breath he had been holding in.

"…What if she doesn't see me the same way and prefers to be friends? It'd be weird."

Anyone else, Bruce would've deadpanned in annoyance and lectured the boy for an hour about how a blind person could tell Marinette obviously adored him. But with Adrian, he was patient and just smiled.

"That is the usual gamble." Bruce admitted. "But if it helps? I'd say go for it. I mean, at least you and Mari aren't connected by trauma."

Adrien raised an eyebrow at that.

"Oh…right. I never…" Bruce sheepishly noted, but thankfully, Adrien didn't press.

"Well, let me put this another way." Bruce said. "I trust you with Mari more than anyone else."

This surprised the blonde.

"You're kind, brave, selfless, humble, helpful and you make people laugh. And Mari sees you for you and adores you for it."

The doorbell rang and Bruce went to grab the pizza, leaving Adrien alone in his thoughts.

(Play My Lady from the Miraculous Ladybug Movie)

Recalling his own thoughts and then taking Bruce's advice into thought, the Agreste heir found himself in a reflective mood. A mood that, alongside his complciated feeling, compelled him to sing.

It's been a while
Since I smiled, and meant it
Lately, I guess I've just been
Searching for purpose
For any incentive
To show me just where I fit in
Then suddenly I'm flying through the night sky
The city lit up down below
Watching and wondering and wanting to know
How far this adventure will go
Then she appears like a dream in a dream
And everything seems to slow down
She looks at me, smiles
Could this be what it seems?
My feet haven't yet touched the ground
And suddenly I feel so free
Leaping through the city
I'm leaving all the pain far behind
So strong, I can't ignore it
And as I'm stepping for her
Will she be there by my side?
It's been a while
Since I smiled and I meant it
Those who know me would agree
Maybe I finally found my incentive
Tonight in Paris, my lady

Bruce observed the song from the door and smiled.

'Yeah, okay. I ship it.' He admitted to himself.

MIRACULOUS

Adrien wasn't the only one dealing with feelings of love as after school, Juleka had invited Rose over to her house to discuss something important.

"Thanks for the invite, Juleka. So, what's going on?"

"Um, Rose? I have… a kind of personal question to ask you."

Rose sat down. "Okay. What is it?"

Juleka swallowed hard. "How… um… How do you feel about girls?"

"Well, I'm a girl, so I like them fine."

"No, I mean… how do you FEEL about girls?" Juleka emphasized.

Rose was confused for a moment before blushing brightly when she realized what her best friend was getting at.

"Oh! Well, I, mean, I like boys and all, but the more I think about it, the more I like the idea of meeting a girl, dating her, kissing her, it would be nice."

This made the goth girl smile.

"Well...What about me?"

Ever since they had met, Juleka had felt something special for Rosa; her sweet nature, the fact she never left her side as they grew up, helped her get out of her shell and meet Marinette, Alya and the others? That fact she was overwhelming adorable with eyes so blue they should be illegal was also a bonus.

Yes, she knew Rosa had a crush on Prince Ali; honestly, who wouldn't? He was a dashing prince who cared for and worked with the people. But after what happened with Ms. Bustier and Electro? Juleka did not want anything to go unsaid. If nothing else, she was happy to be friends with Rosa.

Rose's eyes widened in shock, a small gasp escaping her lips as she covered her mouth.

"Juleka… I…"

"Y-Yes?" Juleka asked nervously as she leaned toward her friend.

"I… I…" Rosa stuttered again, trying to find the right words; so much had happened between them over the years, so many highs and lows….And then, throwing caution to the wind, Rosa smiled sweetly and kissed Juleka.

"…Great Googly moogly." The perky goth smiled.

"…I can't believe I just did that!" Rosa whispered with a blush on her face, moving hair out of her face and darting back and forth with a blush on her face.

"I can't believe I just said that!" Juleka grimaced. "Great Googly moogly?! Where did that even come from?!"

She then fully realized what had happened: Her best friend, the cutest girl in all of Paris and the love of her life? Had just kissed her. And while she was shocl

"So, does this mean that we…?" Juleka asked shyly.

Rose just beamed brightly, that ever-radiant smile Juleka loved so much as she jumped up into her arms and kissed her again.

MIRACULOUS

"Welcome back to the big Apple, Harry!" Peter beamed as he hugged his other best friend; Harry Osborn.

"Thank god for that!" The redheaded heir of Oscorp smiled, before spying Peter had not come alone: "Mary Jane! Looking good."

"Thanks Harry." Mary Jane said. "Hope you don't mind, Pete and I have a project and…"

"Hey, you two are always welcome…especially since I need to catch up." Harry mumbled jokingly.

Harry and Peter had met in Grade 5, when Harry, after being booted from every other school he went to, tried to blackmail Peter into doing his homework for him in exchange for picking up where and whenever Bruce wasn't around to save him from bullies. However, the blackmail was soon forgotten as Harry met the Parkers and was introduced to a loving family; with his mother walking out two years before and his father constantly working.

Plus, as it turned out, Harry learnt better by doing, not through instruction and lessons. So, a genuine friendship was born; with tutoring being a nice bonus and Ben being Norman's go to freelance electrician.

Sadly, life was still not easy for Harry; while he treasured Peter, Harry tried so hard to be popular that he started buying and eventually abusing drugs to get ahead in sports. Luckily, his father had caught him just in time and pulled him out of school to get him the help he needed…which also repaired their relationship somewhat.

DING!

The trio turned to see the elevator open revealing a blonde girl in a green sweater entering the apartment, her eyes widening in shock and happiness.

"Well, wasn't expecting a crowd."

"Gwen!" the trio of friends all cheered as they raced to hug each other, with Gwen hugging Harry and giving him a peck on the lips.

"Miss you, red."

"Not as much as I missed you." Harry smiled. "Your dad okay with you being here?"

"He dropped me off." Gwen smiled, then gave Peter a hug. "Who you holding up?"

"One day at a time." Peter assured her. "But good all around."

Gwen Stacey was the daughter of George Stacey, the chief of Police and a lifelong friend of the late Ben Parker. She and Peter had known each other since diapers and they still lived on the same block. Gwen however, went to Midtown High due to her father being protective of her and wanting her closer to home, so she hadn't seen hide of hair of these faces for sometime.

Especially Harry; who'd been sweet on Gwen since day one. When his addiction became known, she stayed in contact with him along with Peter, and despite the distance, their relationship blossomed.

"How you doing Gwen?" Mary Jane asked the blonde as the boy she loved and his best friend started up a videogame.

"Its' been…a challenge with Harry." Gwen admitted. "But he's so sweet when the moment calls. Espiecally after nipping that addiction in the butt. You and Peter…?"

"Not yet." Mary Jane said, smiling. "Pete's got a lot on his plate at the moment and until I know I can help?"

Gwen nodded in understanding.

"How has he been doing since Ben died?" She asked. "Honestly."

"Well…." Mary Jane chose her words carefully. "He grieved and still does in his own way; but he's stepped up a lot too; helping new kids get settled, deesclatoing bullies…."

Gwen smiled, happy to hear that.

"Harry?" A voice called out as someone headed to the elevator. "I'm heading out, but left some cash for take-ou…Oh. I didn't realize you were entertaining."

The voice belonged to a tall, well built but older gentleman, obviously Harry's father through their shared hairstyles. He wore a fine suit, an Agreste tailored one too.

"Peter. MJ?" Harry said, breaking, stepping forward. "May I introduce my father; Norman Osborn."

"Great honor to meet you at last, sir." Peter smiled, idolism clear in his eyes and voice.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Osborn." Mary jane bowed with a smiled.

"Goodness, and I thought Gwen here was pretty." Norman chuckled.

"Daaaad…" Harry groaned as Gwen giggled and waved off the praise along with Mary Jane. Norman however, was focused on Peter.

"Harry tells me you're something of a science wiz' smartest kid in your school." Norman smiled, which grew when Peter's did. "You know, I'm something of a scientist myself."

"I know; I've read your work on nanotech and. Incredible stuff." Peter nodded.

"Not to mention your prediction on the 'screen age' back when you were at ESI." Mary Jane added. "…Wonder if Gates and Jobs should be paying you for that."

"…And you understood those?" Norman asked, shocked to hear someone his son's age being aware of his work. Especially Mary Jane; not to assume, but in his experience a girl as lovely as her wasn't often involved in the sciences.

"Yup. In fact, I've written papers about them." Peter smiled.

"Full disclosure; Pete's reports were easier for me to understand." Mary Jane sheepishly said. "But I do applaud Oscorp's work in the Super Solider redevelopment program and aiding Selina Kyle against inhumane testing conditions."

"Amazing." Norman beamed, not used to this. "Your families must be very proud."

"My aunt is." Peter said with confidence, getting nods from Gwen and Harry.

"Meh…" Mary Jane made a 'so-so' motion with her hand. "The old man's a wannabe writer with the talent of Butterscotch Horseman. I live with my Aunt too and she's way cooler."

Norman smiled; his day lifted by this interaction.

"Goodness, look at the time!" Norman gasped. "So much brilliance and I'm already running late for that meeting! Have a great night kids; I'll have Bernard swing back to give you lifts home. Wonderful to meet you, Peter. Mary Jane."

After waving the four friends goodbye, Norman smiled before frowning to himself. He was glad that Harry was happy with his friends but right now, his son didn't need to know about the struggles Oscorp was going through...

Knightmare Lord A/N:

We have some cute shipping moments with Nathaniel x Marc and Juleka x Rose as well as the budding romance between Adrien and Marinette. I kinda wanted to take a break from all the supervillains for a chapter.

Also, we get our first introduction to Harry and Gwen, who Mrotrax had set up as having been dating in this story. We also bring in the big man himself, Norman Osborn, who will take from his Willam Dafoe portrayal as well as his portrayal in Spider-Man: TAS.

Anything you'd like to say, Bro?

Mrotrax A/N:

A wonderful breather chapter, and of course adoring the set up for one of the biggest villains of this story.

Taking inspiration from the Ultimate Comics for this version of Gwen Stacey; the rocker and non-conformist, along with Mary Jane being somewhat more interested in science.

Harry is of course, mostly taken from his movie version, but with Specatcular's 'try hard' nature and the original comics of how he and Peter first met.

I wanted to have a scene of Bruce and Norman interacting, but couldn't find a good place for it. For now, just now that Bruce has immense respect for Norman as a self-made man and that Norman and Martha were on friendly rival, but the Wayne parents used the Oscorp board of directors as an example of the kind of people to NOT trust your company with, explaining why Bruce is personally conducting business so often.

And, as it is the month of December, the next chapter will be a VERY special one. Here's a Hint on what to expect:

'Jingle Bells, Batman smells, Spidey laid an egg.'