She glanced at Adrian, and as he sat next to her in the Limo and tried to act natural. He glanced her way and then with an odd expression glanced at the window he looked like he wanted to say something so she automatically thought of the worst possible thing.
"Something on my face?" she asked as she moved to check a mirror.
"Nothing, like that, it's just Nino just thinks he's smarter than he is," He explained as she waved off feeling uncomfortable with Adrian seeing her more defensive side she always wanted to portray herself in the best light but Nino's implications boiled her blood dating Adrian as a fast track into the fashion industry.
"What did Nino say?" Just looking around the Limo it was hard to think about it.
"Nothing too crazy I just worry he's giving me bad advice." Adrian waved off as she blinked in confusion.
She tried to approach it like Ladybug but didn't see anything nothing seemed to indicate. They pulled up to her home and her mom opened the door a bit confused until she stepped out.
"Thanks for the ride, Adrian," she smiled as Adrian stepped out,
"It's not too late is it" He shrunk a bit knowing it was a bit late.
"For one of our more frequent customers sure," she shook her head and sighed fondly. "If I didn't know you Adrian I would swear you started hanging around my daughter for nefarious reasons."
"Mom!"
"I would never!" Adrian blurted out looking very concerned. "What did I do for everyone to suddenly think I am that kind of person." He was now a bright red.
"Trying to get free food," she added as she gave a light laugh as Adrian breathed a sigh of relief. "Here," she handed him a bag, "as soon as I heard I figured I would see you at the end of the day."
"Am I that easy to read?" He admitted with a chuckle.
"Like a book, and if you keep getting my daughter home on time I'll make sure you get a few extra croissants
"Mom it's Adrian he's probably got plenty of chefs and bakers." She scolded putting that on him.
"If you want I could pick you up, oh, if it's not too much trouble could I order some macaroons for the shoot?" He asked, only to wince as the limo honked.
"On such short notice? I don't think so but Marinette could probably make a few for you."
"Could you make passion fruit ones?" He asked as she found her hands in his.
"Sure," she got out how could she say no to that face?
"Thank you," she was surprised by a hug then she was out of a hug. "Sorry I didn't mean to, I, I need to go," he all but dashed back to the limo.
"Mom," she looked at her mom.
"The best way to woo is through their stomach, though I don't think he needs much nudging." She smiled,
"What?" She glanced at the empty street.
"He was never that nervous around us before dear, he comes in on occasion he was as jumpy as your father when he met my parents."
She watched her mom leave as glanced at the table. "It's probably just wishful thinking." She got to work,
"I don't think so, believe in yourself Marinette," Tikki floated around with a little chef's hat on.
"If he liked me he would have said something," she didn't know why she was fighting against the idea so much.
She was lost in thought her mind trying to figure out what Adrian needed.
POV shift
"Father those were a gift," he tried to explain as Natalie tossed the baked goods away.
"Adrian you need to be careful with your diet you already got into a lot at the shoot." He frowned, Adrian opened his mouth but shut it, "of course, he had someone keeping an eye on him, honestly, he was burning off more than enough energy to treat himself.
With that, his father walked off with him alone in a massive house again. He headed up to his room,
"What weird thing to get hung up on," Plagg rolled his eyes as he got into his cheese.
Adrian sat down and started to look over medical notes. He had done this a few times but whatever had impacted his mother before she vanished wasn't anything normal. "If I had Silkk could she have?" He wondered as he shook his head. His original theory was mom had left to find help his Father seemed to agree so it was a while before her disappearance had been reported nothing added up. "Ugh," he grabbed his hair before releasing it.
"What's the problem?" Blurry asked as he looked at the computer.
"I feel like I am missing something, if I could bring this up to Ladybug she would know she's so smart but I feel like I am missing something." He had all the information but nothing fit it was like she was being drained."
"Plagg, Blurry what would happen if I were to use you without feeding you?"
"Nothing, you couldn't transform why?" Plagg swallowed a piece of cheese.
"Just a lot of things would sadly make sense if it's, nothing, maybe Peter was barking up the wrong tree, or maybe I want him to be."
He pulled up the book and was unwilling to look over the possibility of side effects. Most of the pages were on heroes and abilities. "Special power-ups?" He skipped over repairs he had already had concerns about with how his power worked. "Are there," he flipped back to his page while thinking about it could he intentionally do a partial destruction of anything? "Could I intentionally break his miraculous and repair it later?" He wondered to himself.
"I am the Kwami of destruction, of course with us working together smaller acts of destruction are possible. Cataclysm is the ace but yeah I can destroy things and not others it's all about intentions."
"So could I like do the orb thing or maybe beams and just destroy some things without harming others?" He stood up.
"Why not?" Plagg shrugged not putting to much concern in the train of thought destruction was destruction.
"Could I destroy a virus? Cancer?" He spun around as he suddenly started to think of all the possibilities."
"While I have no idea what that is, duh I am the Kwami of d-estruc-tion!" Plagg emphasized as he tossed his paws down to really point out the obvious.
He moved to transform, "not to keep you from this discovery," Plagg rolled his eyes. "But it's getting late you should get some sleep this discovery can wait to be tested." He advised. "Especially since Hawkmoth has been very quiet today this could lead to late night."
POV shift
"So why this? First?" Gabriel looked over the object it was a pair of wings.
"It's simple and useful," the AI informed, "also plausible deniability. Knowledge is power with this you can watch Ladybug as she works and pick her apart."
"So I could hire someone to just watch only Peter would know?" He smiled at the idea of slowly tormenting the man.
"Yes, however, this will require some willingness to allow someone else to benefit in its creation as you don't want to attach to this considering what other toys are available."
"Money isn't an issue and I have an idea I need a go-between," he focused on individuals and found someone. "Go forth my Herald and Championize them. "Ms. Mendeleiev you have great potential I will give you the ability to craft great creations all I ask is you give them to me."
"But of course Hawkmoth, all in the pursuit of technology," she agreed.
"Then go fort my Tinkerer and craft me the tools I need." He smiled at the idea now he just needed to wait as time was soon going to be his ally."
POV shift
Adrian was already up and ready. It felt weird he was only a model cause of his father but now it was an excuse to get away from the house. "Let's go Big G," he waved at his bodyguard as he walked past Natalie giving her a polite nod she seemed a bit surprised at his well curt behavior but at this point, he had long since stopped trusting her.
"We got a few people to pick up so let's not linger," he got in Gorilla glanced back at him. "Don't worry about it I guess I just give up." He wasn't sure why the baked goods were the last issue but part of it was he was willing to take them out and trade places with his double. "Would he have even noticed? Maybe I am just protecting myself?" He thought
"Adrian, Adrian are you okay?" Nino stepped in,
"Just thinking," he admitted,
"So that explains the smoke." He teased as Nino sat down in the Limo.
"Yeah hey, is Marinette a lesbian?" He asked as Nino practically choked on air at the sudden question.
"In all my time I have known her she never had an interest," Nino answered as he seemed to realize Adrian was serious
"Yeah male version of her was dating a guy I also saw a female version of myself living the same life. Put a few things in perspective seeing things from the outside."
"Yeah but that's a different person, what do you mean by seeing a female version of yourself?" Nino nodded for a second
"Yeah, she lived her life just like I do," he said as he leaned forward,
"Oh," Nino didn't have anything to add as Adrian stewed in his thoughts, "But you sure she is you know interested in guys?"
"I am sure enough. honestly have some confidence I need to introduce you to Chat Noir maybe he can help with this confidence issue." he chuckled as Adrian laughed nervously along.
POV shift
"You Okay Nino?" Alya found him,
"Hmm?" He glanced over as the girls did their choreography.
"You have been different lately what's going on?" She leaned onto his shoulder.
"I feel like I am more observant but I don't know what to do. I am also worried cause it's made my friendship complicated. I benefited a lot from being friends with Adrian and now that I realized that I feel bad that I can't return that goodwill."
"Guess I never thought about." Alya looked over at him. "Marinette and I are friends but neither of us are mansion in Paris rich."
"Well, support wasn't working so I figured a different approach," his head slowly shrunk between his shoulders.
"I take it it's not going well?" Alya asked as Nino sighed,
"He's convinced she might be gay," Nino looked at Alya who could only look back
"How?" She asked confused,
"The alternate reality of Marinette was gay" he admitted
"This why you should stick to letting Ladybug plan things out." She teased as she pulled his cap down over his eyes.
"So mean," he pulled his hat back up.
"We got a bit of a break would you mind?" She sat down next to him as they played Super Penguino, He just hoped they managed to get the steps right for the up coming music video.
"Ugh this is frustrating, almost two days and nobody is the right fit," Clara frowned, they glanced up as Adrian walked behind her.
"It's not over I still know two people who can they just don't want to cause they are really good friends. And the days are not over we don't want anyone getting Akumatized,"
"He does look like him," Alya realized,
"Yeah, but look at his stance he acts like Ladybug when in costume," Nino pointed out it was a small difference but Adrian didn't act like Chat Noir even in costume. "Did I ever tell you that Ladybug was the girl he had a hardcore crush on?"
"Really?" She looked at Adrian after a glance at Nino. "Did he ever say why?" She was already trying to scope out for Marinette.
"Never asked said he said it was kinda hypocritical considering." He chuckled as he recalled the conversations.
"Alya," Adrian walked over, "would you be willing to practice with me she had some parts of the dance for a partner, would you be okay with helping me out?"
"You're not getting me in that costume," Alya said as she glanced over at the ladybug costume they had set aside.
"It's not me you have to worry about," he admitted as he glanced at Nino
"Adrian," they were interrupted,
pov shift
"Kagami," he greeted, Alya watched as the girl glanced at him his costume then her. Alya waved nervously as she felt a bit of sharpness in the fleeting look Kagami gave her.
"Oh no," she realized new girl might be interested and considered her a concern.
"What are you doing here?" He asked,
"Your father talked to my mother about this dragging on so came by to see what I could do since I don't want my sparing partner tied up. At this." She glanced around as Alya got the impression she didn't see the point of the music video.
"Oh no," Clara fell as Alya moved Adrian knocked into her as they both rubbed their heads together.
"Thank you miss," Alya said as she looked at Kagami who helped her up to her feet.
"No problem," Kagami answered as Alya noticed Marinette and Nino had also moved to help but the Japanese girl had gotten their first.
"You would be perfect, you must be our Ladybug." Clara grabbed Kagami's hands.
"I wouldn't be a good fit," she glanced at Adrian her usually neutral expression begging for an out.
"Kagami is a great person Clara but dancing is not her thing." Adrian tried to help in his own way.
"Nonsense with you here to help she'll be fine. It's just a few steps." Clara
"I am more of a fencer than a dancer," Kagami objected,
"Dancing and Fencing aren't too different, it's all about controlled movements, and did say you wanted your partner back this would be the biggest help." Said a man who snuck up on the three.
"This could be trouble," Alya realized as Nino glanced at her. She headed back to her friends as the instructor walked them through.
"Why her?" Marinette frowned as Nino nearly jumped at her sudden appearance.
"Hey, you gonna be okay?" Alya glanced at her friend,
"Fine," she answered Alya knew better.
"Marinette you need to stop using us as an excuse to back out. You may not have gotten it but you gave up before you even tried. Now you get a nice view of your crush dancing with another girl." Alya told her friend. "If you are not willing to try you might as well move on all you going to do is hurt yourself. Or worse."
"Worse?" She stopped as the reality seemed to sink in on what could happen.
"Take it from the top!" The instructor shouted.
"Not ladybug!" The shout roared over even the music as everyone.
"I'll show you!" Alya blinked as what looked Like her hero dropped down. She glanced when something moved in front of her, Adrian had put himself in front of Kagami and Clara.
"Out of the way!" Adrian flew between the two he protected as Marinette gasped as he collapsed in a heap from the sudden hit he had taken.
The panic quickly poured out as she lost track of everyone. She glanced back Adrian was in danger she moved back only for Nino to grab her around the waist.
"Adrian!" She glanced trying to find the fool.
"He's got sent to another dimension he's tougher than he looks." Nino dropped her off, only to see Chat Noir was already in a sword fight with what the second faker? Chat Noir was already pushing the faker back far different from the original goof she saw at the stadium.
However, as the fight cleared out she spotted something with wings fly past. She glanced up to see something land, she pulled out her phone and zoomed in as much as she could. "I need, a camera," she dropped off the walkway as she returned to her bag as Nino and Cat Noir all but cornered the faker.
"Room for one more?" Ladybug dropped in.
"Didn't we already do this song and dance?" Chat asked with a laugh.
She pulled out her camera and pulled it up to snap a picture for the blog. "Priorities," she muttered as she zoomed in on the figure that seemed to be spying but was looking no less shady.
A close-up view looked like some kind of flight suit. It had a black metallic cover with some kind of red lining. A bird-like mask and he had a camera of his own. She took a few pictures however the distance was too great. She slung her camera she trusted her boyfriend and his friends to not need her. "I need to find a good angle."
She moved around the roads trying to keep the figure in view. Before Sunday he took off. Only to realize the flying figure had changed direction.
"Now what do we have here?" The figure dropped down and she could only see his jaw. "You sure," the man suddenly was no longer talking to her.
"All right boss. Make sure you get my good side." He launched off from the light post.
"Who are you?" She shouted at him.
"You'll find out soon enough," he laughed as he flew off. Not much longer a wave of familiar chills washed over them. She rushed back to the set as Nino rushed up,
"Good to see you are okay." He gave her a hug and a smile.
"I need to talk to you and your friends." She whispered in his ear. He gave her a confused look only to realize what she meant when she tapped his glasses.
They finished off the shoot as Kagami while stiff picked up the leg work and dance moves. She watched as Marinette kept glancing at them with a seemingly neutral expression.
They headed out only to see that after the wrap Adrian had dragged Kagami along still in costume.
"You have to give the costume back!" Someone shouted.
"You are more than welcome to try you did her dirty in the contract consider it compensation!" Adrian called back as Kagami looked back seemingly worried.
"Wait dirty?" Kagami asked a bit confused as she got pulled along.
"Everyone in the Limo quick!" He shouted as Nino scrambled to open the door.
"What did they do?" Alya frowned at him as Kagami glanced at him as Adrian smiled as he sat down.
"They barely paid you for your work, so a costume of that quality well it's good for a costume party." He pointed out.
"We should do that!" Rose clapped her hands together. "A costume party Halloween is right around the corner!" She squealed at the idea. Juleka perked up at the idea as everyone started talking about it.
Alya was only just listening as she side-eyed Adrian who was still looking suspiciously similar to someone. "Do, we could ask Marinette to make cool Halloween-themed treats?" Alix looked at her.
"Well," Marrinette started,
"That's way too much for one person," Adrian voiced as her girl gave him a thankful look.
"Oh no you don't, you're just going to throw money at it that's no fun," Rose pouted as Adrian laughed,
"I happen to know a thing or two about baking," Adrian looked mildly affronted,
"You!" nearly everyone said at the same time even Marrinette blinked in surprise at him.
"When?" Nino looked at him,
"Well it was only a day but I did learn a thing or two, I would make an excellent assistant, maybe we can ask to use Professor Parker's home since I'll be playing hooky that night anyway," he brought up,
"You?" Kagami glanced at him more surprised as Nino barked out a laugh at the idea.
"Will turn you into a proper teenager yet," Nino smiled as proud as possible,
"I'll call him up real quick," Only for Alya to pluck his phone out of his hands.
"I needed to talk to him about some homework as well so I'll text him," she explained as she quickly stole his phone number as nearly everyone was a bit shocked at her.
"You could have just used my phone," Nino brought up as she handed him back his phone.
"Sorry kinda important and I don't want to to tie your phone up," as she sent him a bad picture from her phone. and texted
"Yeah so I was wondering if we could use your place for a Halloween party?" she cringed a bit just at asking. "Really, Yes!" he flashed a thumbs up, "can we use the kitchen as well?" she cringed again expecting some kind of pushback. "Awesome," everyone smiled at the idea.
"It is on!" Alix "I am going to get the scariest costume!" she declared,
"We should let everyone else know,"
"Should we ask for other parents to be around?" Juleka said in a low voice. Everyone kinda froze and looked at each other.
"Probably not the worst idea, since getting our parents to drive us would probably bring up some questions,"
"On one condition," Adrian brought up as everyone looked at him, "His Nephew gets to join us," he glanced at everyone. "When did he get a Nephew?" she glanced as Nino had a second of realization.
"I met him once he said his dad and mom died he was cool and could probably use the company," Nino vouched as nearly everyone looked sympathetic.
"That works out what is his name?" Rose asked
"Richard Parker," Nino brought up as everyone nodded and started to text. it wasn't long before everyone was invited and the music video was forgotten. Her phone went off,
"Mr. Parker,"
"Where did you see this?" he asked in a very concerned voice this was easily the most serious she had ever heard.
"It was taken during the Akuma attack," she answered covered by the talk "I just wanted your opinion on the photos is something wrong?"
"You used the camera right?" he asked,
"Yep," she answered as both she and Nino looked at each other.
"Ask Nino to bring you over I want to look them over, and have fun at the party Halloween is a holiday I can get behind," he hung up on her.
Everyone was dropped off as Nino got out with her, "See you guys," she waved as the two walked off, and once the limo was gone. "Ready?" Nino asked as Alya nodded.
"Something happened," Silkk realized, as she floated in the air for a second.
"Peter seemed very worried let's go. Silkk webs out." He scooped up Alya as they took off towards the mansion. He swung down as he dropped Alya down at the door.
"Come in, may I see," but Alya already had the camera out as he motioned them in. He headed in as Alya realized this was the first time she was in a mansion. Honestly, she figured something was up after Silkk but they had an unspoken agreement that neither said anything on the matter.
"Sorry, it seems despite my best efforts some of my past has swung in." He stood up handing Alya the camera as he pulled out a book and flipped it up as he set it down showing a less advanced green version of the suit.
"These are news articles," she realized multiple articles she flipped over showing a few for the villain named Vulture.
"Yeah, part of the reason I was scanning everything when you got back. Was to prevent any possible problems but it looks like that's not possible, I am worried that things are going to get much more difficult." He slumped in his chair. "I am going to owe everyone a lot of apologies."
"Do you think Hawkmoth is behind this?" Alya jumped up.
"It's possible, however, this could be my demons coming back. The nightmare kid might have put unforeseen issues into play which might even be out of his control."
"Pity we can't just him." She crossed her arms and sat back down.
"I doubt he would tell the truth regardless," Peter shrugged "The trouble with such questions is the answer is almost always the same regardless of the truth.
"So what should we do this?" Nino picked up the book and he flipped over the pages.
"Well considering that the papers that published these articles don't exist. We can't exactly bring this to the public without having one heck of a long process of explaining a lot of things that would be hard to believe without scraping my ability to teach let alone exist." He explained,
"I can see that being an issue." She admitted,
"The best we can do is keep an eye on him, we could get out ahead of him if these photos were printed with questions. So we could lead the public a bit but the only thing we can do is wait and see. Sadly there is no crime for hanging around in a silly costume watching public crime." He closed his eyes and went silent.
"I wish we could be more proactive," Nino slumped,
"What if," Alya
"No," Peter spoke up "we are protectors, when Heroes get too proactive their minds often get the world will send new challenges and it can get dangerous for everyone involved. The best we can do is keep tabs and protect the people and the city. Now to avoid being rude if you plan on doing some investigating that's fine but no neck risking no confrontations you get to a wall come talking to me, I do not want you hurt." She locked eyes with her as she could swear she could see something in his eyes.
"Fine." She grumbled as Nino remained silent. She eyed him, part of the reason she figured out his new identity was the sudden shift in his behavior. He was more observant a bit faster to help and a bit more empathetic. He was still him just more willing to act on his good nature.
"I can see why your name keeps coming up, Miss Alya Césaire, anyway try to enjoy the rest of your day."
POV shift
Kagami sat at the tables her mother seemed to disapprove of her decision to help without saying anything. Mr. Agreste didn't say anything about it even though he requested she go. Adrian looked as presentable as her however there was something in his green eyes that had a hint of something she couldn't recognize.
The conversation hit business before too long, she listened to every detail but she glanced over at her peer. He was the same but he seemed focused on something else. They got dismissed as the two headed up to Adrian's room.
"So is it always like that?" He asked, she shrugged,
"More or less," she admitted, "I think my mother was mad at you."
"I got that impression," he smirked as his bodyguard stopped at the door as they walked in. He knocked on the wall as he stepped in.
She frowned at the action. "Are you superstitious?" She glanced at him hoping she hadn't lost to someone with such silly concerns.
"Sorry force of habit to knock something I just do without thinking. So you want to play a game? Watch a movie," he offered she saw the Foosball table.
"That looks like it's not a complete waste of time." She shrugged
"If you waste time but enjoy what you do it's not wasted," he smiled however it faded a bit with her look. "Besides the body needs time to recover might as well let the mind relax a bit as well." He gave a softer smile. He turned the TV on and the news came on.
She half expected cartoons or something it seemed he was more serious than she realized as the news came on. "I can change it if you want." He offered as she scored a point on him. The game was very easy to pick up on.
"The news is fine can I ask why you have it on, I don't care what's going on outside of fencing." She admitted, as she almost scored again.
"I have to do other things, I can't keep an eye on my phone in case of Akuma. News usually alerts if something is going on with Ladybug." He waved off,
"And Chat Noir?"
"Him too." He dismissed as felt a slight prickle at his dismissive.
"I'll have you know he's a great hero," she let a goal slide past as a combination of annoyance and her competitive edge leaked in.
"He has powers and he knows how to use them but I am not going to praise someone for doing the bare minimum." He scored a second time.
"So Ladybug's power is the reason she's so liked she does a lot less than Chat Noir." She insisted as she scored a point.
"She so much more talented if it weren't for her Hawkmoth would already won while he struggled to get his feet under him."
"And he improved, while Ladybug has stayed stagnant. Talent will always win over hard work but Talent that doesn't work hard will always be overtaken." She scored again,
"So Ladybug doesn't show off, that doesn't mean she isn't improving, when Hawkmoth hasn't exactly been improving she can't show off." He pointed out.
"Fair I guess it would be unwise to play one's hand early," she scored again,
"You just like him 'cause he saved you," he teased her.
"No!" She shouted as she realized how loud she was.
"Haha," he laughed a bit as she took the time to score again.
"Are you even trying to win?" She asked,
"I guess, oh the game in a sense depends on your terms," he smiled as she glanced at the score and then at him. "So do you only like him for saving you?" He asked,
"No," she said, "kinda," she admitted to herself. "He seems to be so free," she admitted as she scored again.
"Huh really?" He blinked, and she scored again.
"You have to see this," she whipped out her Phone She yanked him around the table not noticing as he scrambled over the table to keep from running into it.
"Silly Chatting," she scrolled over the recent posts as a video of Chat spinning between buildings. "He's so graceful," she froze as she realized what she said. "Anyway she rolled over the pictures and comments as she showed him a few of the goofier ones close-ups on Chat talking to victims and even a few close shaves during the Zoo incident.
"I had no idea," he blinked as he took a deep breath. "I usually just lurk on the Ladyblog." He admitted, "Um could you Um," he tapped her arm as she released her grip.
"Sorry," she glanced at Adrian, as she released her grip only to realize she had been so close to him. "I take you are not familiar with the Chat Noir appreciation sites?" she asked as he shook his head. "Shame on you, Come here this is one of the few things I do when I have some time."
"Seems like a waste of time to me," he smirked at her,
"Time enjoyed is never wasted," she gave him a look and she got a catty smile in return.
POV shift
Marinette felt very down as she sat at her computer Tikki glanced at her her Macaron half eaten. She had gotten an email showing off pictures. Adrian had sent them mostly of her and her friends and some group shots with Adrian and Kagami next to each other.
"This is so dull, can't we at least upgrade the computer." Finn glanced at the machine.
"Do you even know how?" Tikki looked at him.
"No but it's part of the process," he grabbed a chip, a French fry, and casually chewed on it. "Can't you at least use my powers for a hot second sometimes I have been cooped up here and while being allowed to roam is nice you never let me help." He finished his food.
"Well, it's not much of a secret weapon if I go flashing you around." She pointed out.
"Why not play in another playground?" He asked,
"I can't exactly jump to another country," she sighed,
"Ugh," Finn moaned
"You okay, you seem down," Tikki floated next to her.
"I just feel, it's nothing it's just selfish." She glanced at Adrian smiling brightly surrounded by friends. She gave a soft smile as she shut the computer off. "Okay let's get some work done,"
"Something anything," Finn begged, "Clothes?" He looked at her sketch pad
"Halloween costume I only got a bit of time and well I need to use my Birthday supplies."
"What do you think?" She glanced at Tikki.
"Let's do something flashy," She twirled around as she looked over the possibilities. "You are always so subtle let's really stretch our wings!"
"Why not just go in the costume Petey gave you?" Finn snorted as she glanced at Finn who was feeling like an annoying little brother by the day.
"That might not be the best idea part of the reason I wanted to do back up was to avoid that comparison. Maybe something darker? Vampire queen," how often could she go out something older and less modern and darker?
"Ohh," Tikki swooped around as the impulse idea grew on her. Something like this was completely different and she had to curb her impulse to design a bunch of ideas. She eventually settled on a few similar ideas so she could reuse cuts if one idea wasn't working as envisioned.
"We need more red," Finn added as she pushed him away from her with her index finger.
"Marinette!" Alya cried out as she burst up as the two Kwami made themselves scarce.
"Yes?" She smiled as her friend popped her head through the trapdoor.
"We should, I should have known," she smiled as she looked at the designs.
"I take it you wanted to go hunting?" She asked as Marinette got to work putting every cut she would need to make.
"I was going to as a witch and Nino figured he would go as a cat as my familiar but I thought it would be fun to help you out."
"Cat? Don't we have enough cat boys running around?" She shook her head at the idea.
"I think he just doesn't want to think about it." She chuckled at the idea. "So vampire? do you want help with the makeup?"
"I would appreciate it," she smiled as Alya talked about what was going on filling the air with small talk. "So how are you feeling?" She suddenly asked, "You seemed down after the music video."
"Nothing just being selfish I guess, also kinda worried that Adrian and Kagami getting together." She stopped as she looked at the dress.
"Ah, well I would say you have a bad habit of being too selfless. Maybe if he's in costume you would be able to ask."
A light glimmer of hope maybe that's what was needed to get over that newfound hurdle, or return of an old one.
POV shift
"This is weird," Adrian looked at himself. Richard now going by Dick, "odd nickname," Adrian thought.
"You kidding I love it." Dick ran his hair through his red hair. He had let it grow out longer nothing crazy but his hair had never been dyed or allowed to change much.
"Why red?" Peter frowned,
"It felt right the quick dye job got me thinking so Nino and Ladybug would know it's not my natural hair if they see me so a third switch."
"Good well this will let everyone get back in contact I know you are not friends with everyone but it's a door to some of what you knew." Peter had explained when the situation was brought. Dick nodded as he put in Blue contacts.
"It's really hard to see the similarities."
"Try getting a scar that would help," Felicia called from the other side of the hotel.
"No thanks, mom." He laughed at her.
Adrian flinched he was feeling a growing sliver of envy. He glanced over to see Peter stone-faced as ever.
Peter stood up as the doorbell rang it wasn't long before the mansion was filled Rose was leading the charge. She had already decorations. "Oh, this would be so much nicer if we had a budget." She grumbled, "Do you have something in mind?" He asked as Rose brightened, "I have a few things could you ask Ivan to help he's been looking for Ivan something to do." She pointed out that the biggest student in the class lingered near his girlfriend uncomfortable.
"I'll ask if the Professor has any of these things." He looked over the list it was mostly generic party items like a punch bowl and platers for food.
He smiled at everyone from class. Ivan was as quiet as ever Adrian thought about it and the guy never really spoke much the last time he heard much was the movie project. "You and Mylène seem to be getting along." He brought up.
"Yeah I guess," he answered as the silence returned. Adrian frowned as he realized he had nothing really in common with the guy. If he remembered the closest was maybe music but even that wasn't perfect. Since the Zombie Crushers were a different kind of rock than his preference.
Peter pointed them to the kitchen as he checked things off as Ivan lifted. He settled into silence as he ordered the stuff they didn't have to be dropped off. Suddenly his phone went off.
"Cut out lesson's model gig," he read to himself he frowned. "Sorry, something came up."
"Hmm, well see you," he glanced at him as Adrian walked over he managed to push his frustration down. The original model couldn't get it right and they had a deadline. He showed up and knocked it out of the park. A few takes and everyone was scrambling. He glanced at his phone as an alert popped up that his mom's movie was going to be released.
"Hey cousin" he texted to Felix
...
"Adrian? It's been a while why the sudden text?"
"Well, I can't exactly say I was reminded of you when I got tossed around the multiverse." He joked to himself
"Life got away from me and while still feel like I am taking way too many punches. I realized it wasn't much of an excuse not to reach out."
... "Never heard you that down." He texted back
"You try living in a city with an emotional terrorist it's great for your emotions," he deleted that and restarted "Just maturing I guess not by much but it's given me some perspective. Sorry, it took so long. We got a Halloween party coming up if you want to come over."
... "Sure, pass me the address." Adrian smiled as he turned off his phone and planned out his escape tomorrow.
"There you are," Peter spoke up as Adrian almost dropped his phone. "I just got that damn ring to work, and I got an itch to go fishing you want to come?" He asked,
"Sure," he turned to see his teacher with a tackle box and a few poles. He struggled with a circle Adrian blinked as he looked out onto a lake.
"What brought this on?" Adrian glanced at Peter as he stepped forward onto an empty peer.
"I always liked fishing you can pretend you doing something productive all the while you can take a nap. There is more to it than that but I feel like we need to talk. And what better way to talk than over a lake?"
"I guess that makes sense." Adrian glanced at the rod in his hand. Peter explained how to do things before he stepped onto a boat.
The mood was gentle as he drifted in his seat. "My uncle was a working man. He never had much money or time. However, he took me out to go fishing. We only got to do this a few times. It was a fond memory one I cherish. I told myself I would do this with my son."
"Ah," he frowned, "so I am a replacement?" Adrian couldn't stop the comment from leaving his lips. "Is he?" He thought about Dick who looked so happy.
"And that is part of the reason we are here." Peter admitted, "It took me a second to realize how my actions would look on the outside. Could anyone replace your mother?"
"No," Adrian snapped as he looked at Peter who looked old, very old.
"Even if you stole the earrings and created a copy?" Peter asked
"I would know," Adrian answered.
"If someone treats you like you can be replaced or are a replacement for someone else have issues you are not prepared to help them with. I may not be able to pass this little tradition down but maybe someday you can take your kids out and you can talk about whatever and a little bit of my uncle could survive in this little way."
"What about Richard?" He asked a little less bitter.
"He might not make it. He could vanish at any given moment. Then again the same could say about anyone." Peter reeled in his line and recast it.
"My father isn't a good dad. My mom's only movie is going to be shown tomorrow. I can't miss it as it's not something I'll get a chance to see again cause my dad has done his level best to erase its existence."
"That's dedication. His motivations still confuse me." Peter glanced at him.
"How so?" Adrian glanced at him,
"It's a common failure of men to bury their pain to shoulder it and remove anything that reminds them of that pain. It's why I never want to speak ill of a parent, children take up after their parents and can be living reminders of what was lost. However, we never remove these things cause throwing out those things is worse. In some ways he acts like a man who lost the love of his life in other ways he seems completely unfazed."
"You think there is more to it?" Adrian asked,
"I don't know emotions are messy things." Peter held up a cube of cheese as Plagg stopped trying to sneak around for it.
"Ugh all this mushy stuff is dull can't we just eat cheese and be happy?" He sat down on the wood bench.
"The simple life of an immortal, I think I prefer you over my universe primordial beings." Plagg perked up as Adrian nearly lost his fishing pole.
"Oh don't worry about it such things were way above my weight class, trust me it's not worth worrying about such things. However, that is why I poke at your brain dealing with concepts such as creation and destruction, they are not confined by the limits of technology and in some cases magic."
"Ugh, another lesson can't you cram it for a change?" Plagg returned to his food as Blurry showed up with his own preferred food, jerky (1)
"The curse of being a teacher, I got plenty of snacks so feel free to ignore my ramblings." He poured over as his little kitten perked up.
"Ramble away old man," he laughed as Peter pulled out a slim Jim and handed it blurry the stick was slowly eaten as the two magical immortals munched away.
"I am a bad person for being jealous of my time-displaced half." He slumped,
"You are overthinking things," Plagg dismissed however Adrian could tell his heart wasn't in it.
"Okay serious talk now is it bad, should I look into legal opinions?"
Adrian blinked as he realized Peter looked dead serious and very concerned. "It's just the attention," he was a little worried Peter had the wrong idea"Nothing bad is happening."
"Outside of neglect," Blurry muttered but Adrian hardly considered that an issue considering the rest of the world.
"Shouldn't we help with decorating?" He glanced at Peter in concern.
"Probably," Peter shrugged when Adrian's phone went off.
"Of course," they both said at the same time.
"It's Mr. Pigeon, well that lasted long." He sighed as Peter gathered up their supplies. He shot a web and pulled them to shore as he opened a portal for them. "This guy," Adrian shook his head "Claws out!" He jumped back into Paris.
Pov shift
"Mr. Agreste," the AI went off "I was doing a bit of analysis."
"Scan my son's ring and compare it to Chat Noir's," the man sat down.
"But of course," the AI glanced it over. "The shape and size are the same however the color is off. The boy's design is unique however as there are no records of such a design being mass-produced.
He took off down the hall as he opened his son's room to it empty. "This has to be his influence." He gritted his teeth. "I want my son found Now!" He roared down the cold white halls of his home.
POV shift
"Are you still looking at that music video?" Tikki paused as she realized it was an ad. Marinette was so focused that her food dropped off her spoon.
"Radiant. Carefree. Dreamy. Adrien... the fragrance."
"Or a commercial?" she glanced at her a bit confused.
Suddenly her phone went off as she was broken from the mesmerizing video. "Stop judging me," she turned a bit red.
"Girl where are you we have been waiting at the pool for fifteen minutes."
"I was struggling to pick out a bathing suit." She lied only for the video to loop as she realized she caught.
"uh-huh, and listening to Adrian's new ad helps with that how?" She teased as Marinette winced a bit as her friend slowly roasted her. She grabbed her bag and headed out the door.
"Marinette I think you forgot something," Tikki pointed out as she stopped.
"Right swimsuit." She realized only to notice Tikki pointing down.
"You know I feel like I should have noticed sooner." She spun around mid-thought hoping nobody noticed.
"Marinette?" Adrian only just avoided running into her.
"Adrian," she blinked as she cursed her luck of course.
"I need to hide we are not far from your house, please help me hide." He was practically begging.
"what my house? What?" she got out,
"Adrian!" Screamed a crowd.
"too late," Adrian realized
"come with me," completely forgetting why she had turned around in the first place as she grabbed his hand.
she found a dry fountain and thanks to her hero work they were both safe from the crowd at least for now.
"I never expected that Embarrassing ad to cause this much trouble. "
"you were in an Ad I had no idea." She could meet his eyes. "Well anyway, Heh! All good now! I'd better get going," she moved to leave.
"oh no," he hugged the ground as Adrian's bodyguard moved past.
"That's your bodyguard," she glanced down at him.
"I kinda snuck out," he admitted, she paused as she tried to figure out why exactly
"Adrien and his girlfriend in the fountain"! Shouted a guy in a disposal uniform.
"oh no," she felt Adrian cower behind her as she realized she was going to never hear the end of this.
She grabbed him, she needed to know what had caused him to sneak out, and in the simplest way he needed help, and despite her emotions that was all that was needed for her to already have an escape planned. It took some doing but eventually, they lost the mob.
"Sorry about dragging you into this. It wasn't my intention to make this much of a fuss." He glanced away and rubbed his arm. "Now you're probably going to be given at least a week's worth of trouble now that everyone thinks you're my girlfriend."
"Oh no how terrible," she waved off not sure about why she so pathetically tried to dismiss the idea. Adrian glanced at her and she could see him slowly understanding her. "So what's going on with your dad?" She hastily continued as that pesky fear of being rejected reared its head.
"Well," Adrian took a deep breath as he quickly ran through all the issues they had been having.
"Oh," this was new territory for her. "Do you think everything will be okay between you and your father?"
"That's," he smiled at her, "not a concern after all I have my luck charm," he showed off her bracelet.
"Now what?" She felt her phone go off. "Airplane?" She frowned as Adrian glanced at the back of her phone.
"airplane?" He echoed as she could see him fight against his curiosity.
"You got spotted at the airport." She glanced at him as she began to wonder.
"That's probably Felix he's almost an exact match for me I invited him to the Halloween party he must have come early." He answered,
"Where does he live?" She asked as Adrian pulled up his smartphone.
"In Britain with my Aunt, my mom was a twin so it's kinda weird being around her." He admitted as he showed off a photo with his family and a much younger Adrian and Felix.
"You were so cute," she blurted out, wow it was like both moms had the same kid.
"Yeah, I better warn him we used to pretend to be each other just like twins used to get a giggle out of our moms." He smiled as he lingered on the phone.
He headed over to the movie theater and she was surprised that nobody else was in the theater as the Adrian ad came on.
The movie had just started when she noticed the Mayor's name pop as director. "Akuma attack!" They both stood up.
"Sorry I need to go," she said only after she took a few steps did she realize Adrian had gotten up she glanced back to hear him choke up a bit.
He vanished as she rechecked the alert. "Adrian gorilla napped," she glanced back as she realized her friend was going to do something incredibly stupid.
She got out of the theater and by the time she transformed Adrian was long gone. "Chat Noir, where are you?"
She swung into action, "I am not Adrian!" Shouted the boy in the giant purple hand.
"over here!" Adrian screamed,
"That idiot!" She screamed, "I should have realized when he took off that he was going to do something incredibly, heroic," she sighed of course her crush would be willing to help he was always so kind. "Be still my beat heart." she put a hand to her chest.
"I think that's twice now or three times he's been involved at least twice he's being chased. Chat Noir dropped down next to her.
"He does have a habit of getting into trouble," she noticed he didn't have the coat on. She knew his double wasn't do to arrive until tomorrow.
She grabbed Adrian mid-swing as she quickly got him out of the way "Cataclysm!" Chat Noir shouted as the giant Gorilla dropped into the subway.
"You know I honestly thought you were Cat Noir," she dropped him to the ground.
"I just wish I didn't miss my mom's movie." She winced as he looked so defeated. She took a step away and went to finish her work dealing with the problem of the day. She managed to get the objects a bracelet and on purified butterfly.
"Well that's that, I kinda got to go, my lady," he nodded before he took off.
"Well that was brisk," she glanced over to see Adrian and his double probably for the best considering.
"I am so sorry," Adrian hugged his cousin as the bodyguard approached the pair. Ladybug took a second she knew the sacrifice and he did mention it to Ladybug so let's see if she could pull something off.
"Sure no problem, nobody seemed interested in watching it." The manager handed over a copy of the movie. She waited a while until the window opened and the sound of music flew out.
she was feeling particularly nervous her friends asking all kinds of questions. That and she needed a cover story, she made sure it was believable that she looked into the movie so he wouldn't suspect Marinette even returning to ask to get it however the manager was less inclined to bend the rules either twice or some random girl, heck he would only refund the ticket but there was no re-screening.
She dropped in only to realize Adrian hadn't noticed her. "Is this a bad time?" She asked only to be ignored. "Adrian," she tapped his shoulder as he nearly jumped out of his skin.
"Ladybug," he breathed out as she felt bad for interrupting.
"Sorry, I tried to say something but you seemed focused, oh I heard you say something about a movie so I figured this is probably the one you were upset about." She handed him the copy. "I think your mom-" she was cut off as she had been pulled into a hug he shivered as she realized he was crying.
"thank you," he got out, he pulled back his eyes filled with tears as he gave her the brightest smile she had ever seen on his face.
"I kinda figured out what you did that was brave. Anyway, I need to get going, I might get in trouble for doing this." She was worried she was going to faint considering she blitzed for the door. She closed the door and with a romantic sigh wondered if anyone had ever gotten such a genuine smile from Adrian Agreste.
Pov shift
Plag watched as Adrian hit his head against a wall. "This went from funny to painful real quick" he thought to himself.
"Why I promised, I promised," he pleaded with the universe.
"You know if you got yourself a girlfriend you might save yourself this heartache." Plagg pointed out as he swallowed another slice of cheese.
"That's it, I need a fake girlfriend someone to put me off the market." He realized as Plagg felt another headache coming on. "That way maybe I can avoid any trouble with fans and, ruin any chance with Marrinette, It's probably best to make it clear to my friends that it's just to avoid days like this in the future.
pov shift
Marinette yawned it was a long night after explaining everything to her friends that happened. She closed her locker as she spotted Adrian behind her locker. "Morning Adrian, Adrian?" She realized as she glanced at him and his very Cat-like smile.
"Marinette I need you to be my girlfriend," he said
"What?" That was all she got out before she collapsed.
"Dude that was a bit strong," Nino commented,
"I didn't think I was just I figured," she found herself looking at Adrian looking very scolded.
"Hi," she realized as her head was lying on his lap.
"I am so sorry I didn't mean to scare you," he apologized, as she scrambled to her feet. "I wanted to ask you if you would be my fake girlfriend,"
"fake," she felt her soul hurt a bit.
"why?" Nino asked,
"it's complicated, but after recent events I am certain it might be best if everyone thinks I am off the market, I'll make it worth it I promise," Adrian pleaded as her first impulse was to just agree to whatever he asked.
"hold up," Alya pushed her around a corner as Adrian couldn't look at Nino who looked very disappointed with him.
"Girl I don't know about this being a fake girlfriend," she looked at him.
"Well it's a step in the direction I want," she admitted even if the idea didn't feel particularly comfortable.
"Yes," she hissed, "but if he just views you as a shield and you become comfortable you might get stuck there." She pointed out she winced a bit,
"You could ask just be his girlfriend outside of him flat out asking you're not going to get a bigger green light than this." She urged as Alya moved to begin her to push her. "Either way he's going to want an answer." Marinette nearly fell as she spiraled her hands to keep her balance.
"Sorry Marinette," he got out
"Adrian," Chloe shouted before he could continue.
"Honestly if a fake girlfriend was what you needed you should have asked me."
"Of course," Marinette thought, "she chooses now to rear back up. "Wait," she had completely ignored it but Chloe had a familiar black hat. "No," she realized why did Chat Noir pick her of all people?
"Well that could require playing for the camera and well that wouldn't be comfortable with you."
"Please and having her dealing with your dad, Marinette couldn't handle him." She dismissed, "You could have gone with Zoe she's got some experience with men like him."
"If that's the case wouldn't Kagami work best?" Zoe who unlike her sister startled Marinette.
"Girl needs a bell." she thought as the entire situation got wildly out of hand.
"This is getting uncomfortable," She spoke up,
"talking behind my back?" Kagami showed up.
"It's nothing bad if that's what you worried about Adrian just needs a cover girlfriend is all and your name got brought up." She dismissed.
"I wouldn't have an issue with that." She glanced at him as Marinette felt her emotions freeze up.
"Don't go volunteering me I am not Sabrina," Zoe huffed at her sister. Marinette watched her surroundings as Chloe whispered to her half-sister and Kagami glanced at Adrian.
"Well that's nice, but I wouldn't want to inconvenience you." He brought up
"and it wouldn't inconvenience Marinette?" She asked her sharp look made her hard to read. This could be a warning or neutral.
"Well, people already are thinking it so less of an inconvenience. Your right I shouldn't have asked." He looked even more like a sad puppy when the bell went off and Adrian took off using it as his escape as Nino sighed
"dude." He frowned and shook his head as everyone scattered with nothing more to be said on the matter.
She headed into Class as Peter just shook his head in amusement Adrian seemed like he was trying to take a nap at his desk. The entire class was like that she only caught. "Poor rich white boy," before the teacher chuckled maliciously as class ended.
Before she could say anything Adrian blitzed the door with incredible speed "Oh it's on!" Kim shouted as he raced after.
"Oh no you don't!" Alix raced after him. She shook her head. Something felt familiar but she couldn't put her thumb on it. Her phone went off
Alya: could you come over tonight to talk?
"Mr. Parker Um can I show you something?" Max asked as Marinette glanced over.
"Sure," Peter smiled as Max pulled something small out of his pocket and nervously showed off a little robot. "What have we here." He smiled
"I am Markov, I have detected no issues in your lessons you are very efficient," the robot said,
"Why thank you," Peter smiled, "I take it this little guy is your creation."
"I don't approve of your tone it implies I am childlike when I am fairly smart." Markov huffed in annoyance.
"Sorry sir," Max moved but Peter just laughed,
"Hardly the most scathing of comments this one still has yet to grasp the difference between knowledge and wisdom." He stood up as Max sighed in relief. Peter glanced at her as she realized the unsaid question that was sent her way.
"Maybe I am just stubborn," she thought to herself as she carried on with her school day.
In the end, Adrian booked it "Sorry got a modeling gig need to go talk about this never," he disappeared into the limo.
"Good," Alya watched the limo vanish "My parents are going to a movie tonight so after my sisters are in bed you and me are going to have a chat." Alya dragged her along.
"But Alya I wanna help," she feebly tried to pull herself free.
"I know girl but sometimes you need to be a bit more selfish." She urged, "Sometimes you are so interested in helping you don't think about the negative aspects of your actions, especially with him."
"but I don't want to be selfish." She argued as she was dragged off to Alya's home.
Ella and Etta rushed around the living room as Marinette quietly hoped they would be distracting enough that Alya would forget.
She ended up helping with babysitting when Alya's parents went out to see a movie.
"Come on, bedtime, you little monsters! That's enough mischief for one day!" Alya urged as she grabbed one twin
"it's not us it the Sapotis!" They denied it as they kicked their feet. Marinette did her best to help even playing along.
"I knew they were going to be bad with the thought of Disney World in their heads," Alya slumped onto the couch. She grabbed a glass of orange juice, "Now then we need to talk, I was excited about my ladybug discoveries but I feel the Adrian issue is more of a concern."
"Ladybug?" Marinette was not sure what topic she liked less.
"yeah honestly not sure if I am going to do much with it, I did some sampling of her voice so while Ladybug was around since ancient Egypt she is around our age."
Marinette nervously sipped her drink. "Weird," she answered.
"but the weird thing is why?" She stood up and paced. "Who made the miraculous why are they passed to kids are they connected to families? If so why is there so little record? I mean these powers would have been all over during well any conflict." She pointed out, "did ladybug get them from her parents? How many of them are there why are some lost? And if they existed so long why are so both used so much or so little?" She worked herself up as Marinette blinked she never really thought about it.
However, Tikki was always tight-lipped and she knew Peter enough to know he was just in the dark. Master Fu didn't seem like he wanted to talk about it but he failed and was guilt-ridden in some way. However, Alya did bring up some interesting thoughts. What happens next? She moved to take a drink only to realize her glass was empty. "Huh?"
"It wasn't us," the twins pleaded as Alya fumed over them. Marinette realized her friend could take charge when she wanted. "So what is this Sapotis they keep mentioning?"
"The Sapotis? They're little monsters from a créole fable, who are always pulling pranks and making all sorts of mischief. My sisters blame the Sapotis for everything to get out of trouble." She explained as Marinette nodded and felt bad every time the twins cut off Alya as she tried to bring up her behavior.
"that's it nobody is going to Disney tomorrow." She all but slammed the door.
"is that your decision?" Marinette whispered to her as Alya deflated.
"No but I lost my temper, Marinette it's your choice how you handle Adrian, it's just I am worried," Alya admitted as she dropped all pretense.
"Adrian is way too kind for that and to be honest I feel most should be worried about me taking advantage of him." She thought back to her birthday gift.
"I wasn't thinking it would be intentional," Alya admitted, "let's just put a movie on." She lost the will to continue the conversation.
"Okay!" The twins shouted as Alya's frustration returned with a vengeance. "I have had it," she started to the door as Alya opened it she saw, "Sapotis?"
"It's a never-ending battle," she sighed as the room slowly filled with propeller-hatted troublemakers.
AN: Honestly I worry I have too much Peter and Adrian hanging out but I also feel the kid needs the support cause he sure won't get it at home. I think I'll try to take a break from him a bit and focus on other characters but we shall see if I am successful.
Blurry- Nick fury representation vigilance power is life duplicate weapon electro rod animal meerkat eyes open eyes closed belt
Silkk - Spider-Man representation mending power to repair damaged weapons nun chuck spider food cherry drops webs in webs out glasses
Stingg- black widow representation betrayal ability temporarily steal another's power. Weapon two taser gauntlets scorpion food chocolate scorpion needle rise needle lower item black hat
Finn- Iotn Man representation innovation power to temporarily recharge something weapon Iron man suit originally spear Dolphin food fries watch
Hopps- Wolverine representative integrity power berserk able to shake off recovery or injuries. Secondary power healing factor weapon tri-claws. Wolverine