A/N: Greetings! So, for those that are new, this is a companion fic to my other story, 'On The Prowl'. It's the same story only in a different person's pov. You don't have to read that to read this, although I recommend it. For those of you that have already read 'OTP' (lol, funny how the initials are otp...one true pairing...I'm gonna stop now) I hope you enjoy this :)

But before we go to that fateful night, when the stars aligned and our lovely heroine and sinister criminal had their first encounter, we need to go back to a rather bleak time in the life of 13-year old Adrien Agreste. You ready?

Chapter 1

"Father?"

Adrien knew he shouldn't be intruding in his father's office, he knew that his request would get a firm refusal. It's been refused ever since he could remember. But this was a new point in his life, the start of growing up. He was a fresh teenager, he needed to have friends.

Gabriel looked up from the papers on his desk, icy blue eyes not thawing in the slightest as he scrutinized his only son.

"You know I'm busy, Adrien."

The young blond gulped. "I-I know-"

"Then why are you here?" His cold voice asked sharply.

He's 13 now, he's not a baby anymore. He had to take charge. So, with a deep breath, and a quick prayer to his mother to please let him change his mind, he spoke.

"Father...I'm going to be starting ninth grade soon."

The renowned fashion designer only raised an eyebrow, his mouth not lifting from it's tight line except to speak. "I'm aware."

I can do this, I can do this, he chanted to himself. "And I'm also 13 now."

"Did you come in here to tell me facts that I already know?" His father asked, eyebrows furrowing in growing annoyance. "If so, then you can go to your room. I don't have time for this nonsense."

You don't have time for you own son?!, Adrien wanted to scream at him, but held it back. He cleared his throat and continued as calmly as possible. "Father, don't you think it's time that I made some friends?"

"You have friends, like Chloe and the other models you work with."

Adrien grimaced. Lately, whenever he saw Chloe, she started fluttering her eyelashes at him and puckering her lips. She had grown fond of kissing his cheek. At first he tolerated it, because he didn't exactly know what was going on, but when he figured out the reason he shied away and kept her back. He had decided that Chloe was only a friend to him, albeit a selfish, vain, and bossy friend, but a friend nonetheless. A friend who he wasn't interested in romantically pursuing.

From time to time he'll model with other people. He got along with them for the most part, but he found them more often than not having the same attitude as Chloe, which was a major turn-off for potential friendships. Whenever he worked with them, he had to grin and bear it, putting on his best smiles so the photo shoot would end faster and he could go home. Being alone was better than being with those people.

He wanted a real friend, someone who didn't associate him with euros and fame. And what better place than Collège Françoise Dupont? There had to be someone who would appreciate and truly like him there.

"No, Father. I-I want to make actual friends. I-" This was it. There was no going back now. "I want to go to school."

Gabriel's eyes narrowed. "Out of the question."

His son mirrored his expression, only with harsh green irises. "Why not?"

"Because I know what's best for you. Nathalie is giving you the best schoolwork in the city, you're years ahead of those regular children."

"But why can't I be like those regular children? I appreciate what Nathalie has done for me but-"

"You are my son, Adrien," Gabriel snapped. "You are not a regular person. You will stay in this house, where I can keep an eye on you and away from the outside world."

Adrien's fists clenched. "Keep an eye on me?" he scoffed. "You don't even take care of me! It's been a week since I've even seen you!"

"That's enough!" Gabriel barked, icy orbs flashing in warning. "You will not speak to me in that tone. How dare you say that I don't take care of you. Who put a roof over your head? Who gave you everything you could ever want? You feeds you? Clothes you? Tell me, Adrien, who does that?"

Adrien's shoulders slumped. "You," he muttered, defeated.

"I thought so. Now go to your room, I have work to tend to."

Adrien lifted his head one last time to gaze at his father. But the man's head was already bent down, pen flying across the paper as he most likely signed something.

The model sighed. "Yes, Father."

Silently he walked out of the room, closing the door gently and trying to keep the tears at bay. Nathalie waited for him, that permanent frown on her lips as her cold eyes regarded him. However, at the blond's gloomy expression, they softened. Just a bit, but it was more than what his father's ever did.

"He knows what's best for you, Adrien. He's your father."

He hung his head back down. "I know."

"Go to your room. Dinner will be at five."

"Yes, Nathalie."

The blond trudged to his room, his steps as heavy as ever before. When he got there, he felt it safe for the hot, angry tears to spill down his cheeks. He wanted to scream, kick something, punch something, just do something to let out all the anger.

Instead, he took a deep breath and slowly let it out. He was 13, a teenager. He wasn't a baby. Babies threw temper tantrums, not him. It was bad enough he was already crying.

Using the back of his hand to wipe away the tear trails, he walked to his computer chair and shook the mouse to refresh the screen. He idly clicked the internet icon, leaning his chin on his palm. Maybe there would be something new to see today.

He blinked when he came across a news article, detailing the newest crime committed by The Mime. This time he robbed an electronics store, stealing merchandise worth hundreds. The security footage showed him holding up the place with a gun devoid of color with the people then dropping to the ground with their hands behind their heads in surrender.

The Mime then grabbed as many electronics as he could, then ran out of the store. Police have yet to catch him.

In the middle of the written article was a grainy picture of the criminal himself, face painted and lips tugged down in that ever-present frown.

Adrien snorted. "If I was a criminal I'd at least smile for the camera."

The amusement died as he continued staring at the picture. What must it be like, to do whatever you want, whenever you want? Go wherever, whenever you want? To be able to don a disguise, traipeze your way in the day or night, without anyone none the wiser of your identity.

Despite being criminals, they had more freedom than law-abiding Adrien Agreste ever had.

If he was a criminal, he mused, he'd use it to his advantage. He'd model by day, run through the city and steal at night. He'd grin and laugh with the breeze flowing through his hair, he'd wander the city, not worrying about shadows lurking in the dark because he'd be one of them. He'd read about himself the next day in the news and be silently prideful of his work.

Plagg, his loyal cat, chose that moment to leap on the computer desk, startling Adrien from his daydreams. He rubbed his head on the blond's arm, indicating he wanted attention. He huffed but smiled as he scratched underneath the feline's chin, eliciting a deep purr from the black cat.

He returned to his previous thoughts as he absentmindedly stroked the cat's soft fur. To blend in with the shadows, the color black would work best, he supposed. As black as Plagg's fur. The whole outfit would be black, a sleek and well-fitted material so his limbs could easily move. It would have to feel like a second skin.

But what would his name be? A costume that's all black, with a black mask...

He stopped his hand's movements, drawing away to look at Plagg in deep thought. The cat gave a displeased meow, upset by the lack of petting, but Adrien ignored it.

A black cat. Yes...that could work. Cats were notorious for bad luck, and he supposed he'd be bad luck to the city.

Plus, he thought with a scowl, he had to have the worst luck to be Gabriel Agreste's son.

Adrien shook his head furiously. What was he thinking? Becoming a criminal? Ridiculous, impossible! He'd be arrested and stuck in jail for the rest of his life.

Although, hadn't he been living in a prison for 13 years now?

He paused before shaking his head again. No. It was absolutely ridiculous, he would not become a lawbreaker. Nope. Never.

His eyes caught a new article on the screen, showcasing a new jewel brought to the Louvre just today. It was extremely rare, and extremely expensive.

There was also an extreme chance that someone would want to get their hands all over it.

Not him, of course.

There was a rumor in the city, one he'd overheard during breaks at photo shoots, that many of the well-known criminals all operate under one main crime lord. If he could meet him-

No. Absolutely not. Why did he keep thinking of this possibility? This horrible, unethical, despicable...freeing, enticing, tempting...

Adrien grit his teeth and let out a frustrated growl. He kicked his chair back and stomped to the couch, unintentionally scaring Plagg, the latter letting out a violent warning hiss.

Someone would be at the Louvre to no doubt get that precious gem.

And Adrien wasn't going to wait for them and ask to take him to their boss. They'd most likely shoot him before he could get a word out.

Not going to happen.

He groaned and flopped back onto the couch cushions. Plagg, seemingly having forgiven him, hopped on top of his stomach and curled into a ball.

Adrien rubbed the fur behind the cat's ear. "What do you think, Plagg? Should I become...le Chat Noir, and be a criminal?"

The feline looked at him with disinterested green eyes.

"I mean, yes, I'll have my freedom, but it's dishonest. I can't do that. Besides, I can get my freedom when I'm 18 and I move out." He frowned. "Which is in five years, but that's not that long, is it? And besides, I can't just go waltzing throughout the city. I have no experience! Even though I'm a top fencer and received a black belt in karate...no, Plagg. I can't, right?"

For some strange, illogical reason, the cat didn't speak.

"You know what?" The blond decided, green eyes hardened in determination. "I'm going to do it. I need to live a little. To take a risk, disobey my father. I'll go insane if I have to spend another five years trapped here. You agree with me, don't you?"

Plagg yawned and turned his head away.

"I mean, I won't kill anybody. I won't hurt people, I'll just take their stuff! Yeah, not too bad. I'll be fine. Right, Plagg?"

The cat's body gradually moved up and down, indicating that he had fallen asleep.

"Right. I'll go out tonight and see if I can meet with someone that wants to steal the gem. I'll be fine."

Adrien fondly smiled at his pet, deciding to not get up from the couch lest he wake the cat. When he woke up, Adrien would give him a whole wheel of Camembert cheese, his favorite.

...

Adrien stood in the mirror, regarding his look. He was wearing a baggy, black hoodie (that he had to turn inside-out because of the Gabriel logo) accompanied by blue jeans and sneakers. He wanted to keep his head down at all times, so no one would see his face, but figured a mask wouldn't hurt, just in case something happened. He ended up cutting a strip of fabric off one of his black shirts and cut two holes in it, making it an effective eye mask.

"How do I look, Plagg?" Adrien asked the cat, striking into a modeling pose that he had performed dozens of times.

Plagg meowed and turned away from him.

"Great! Wish me luck."

Without looking to see his pet's reaction, he quietly opened the door and tip-toed to the foyer. It was past midnight, everyone was already asleep.

When he got there he pressed his hand to the security pad. His father had only programmed his son's hand print in case an emergency happened and his father couldn't get to him.

Well, Adrien thought with a sly grin, I guess my freedom can be counted as an emergency.

In no time he was out the door and out the front gates, speeding to the famous museum.

...

After walking around the closed museum building for more than ten minutes, Adrien finally found one, unlocked door. Praising the heavens for his luck, he ventured inside the dark place, careful of any security lasers or something like that.

After walking through a few rooms, devoid of the new gem, the soft sounds of footsteps reached his ears. He paused to take a breath, knowing this was a crazy plan but hopeful that it would work, anyway. Finally, before the opportunity passed him by, he walked in the next room.

He recognized this particular man to be Jackady, the top criminal in the city, notorious for hypnotizing people into doing his bidding and unleashing the occasional explosive.

On a side note, it's been known that he's the greatest when it comes to card tricks.

At the sound of Adrien's entrance the criminal froze, hand just hovering over the glass case the priceless jewel sat inside in.

"This is my heist," the man hissed threateningly. "Steal something else."

"I'm not here to steal," Adrien answered calmly, not lifting his head. "I'm here to ask you a question."

He paused. "What kind of crazy are you? Get out of here!" he whispered harshly.

"Not until you agree to take me to your boss."

He lifted his head a smidge, just enough to take in Jackady's reaction. He blinked in astonishment, before choking with desperately-attempted stifled laughter.

"Take you to the boss? Just who are you, boy?"

Adrien mentally cursed his shorter height, for that must be the reason why Jackady thought him to be a mere boy and not a man. A man would've been more intimidating. A man would've gotten what he wanted, no questions asked.

He hardened his voice. "My name doesn't matter. I just want to join you."

"Join me?" he repeated, chuckling. "And why would I let some strange boy join me?"

"Listen," he began, growling. "I can be a valuable asset to your crime ring. Just give me a chance."

"Sorry, kid," Jackady mock apologized. He used a tool to cut into the glass and safely remove the gem. "I'm not in the recruiting business."

"How about this?" Adrien began, losing hope along with patience. He was going to meet this crime boss, damn it. He didn't just risk his neck by sneaking out of his house and into the Louvre for nothing. "If I can get that gem off you, you'll take me to the boss."

Jackady snickered, throwing the jewel casually into the air before flawlessly catching it. He twirled it around in his green, gloved hand. "Alright, boy. If you can somehow get this gem off me, I'll take you to my boss."

Adrien smirked from beneath the hoodie's cover. He shifted into a fighting stance.

"Oh, so you're not going to try to pickpocket me, eh? Going for old-fashioned violence?" Jackady asked lightly, a grin in his voice.

"I think this way will be more efficient," Adrien answered, finally lifting his head to see his target.

"Alright, boy. Let's see what you got. But make your defeat quick, there'll be a security guard coming around here soon enough."

Adrien didn't waste time to lunge at him, a fist directed at his face. Of course the criminal effortlessly dodged, sidestepping out of the way to gaze at his attacker with what looked like shock.

"Not bad," Jackady commented with barely disguised awe.

"Want to skip this and go back to the boss now?" Adrien asked with a grin, already knowing the answer.

"Oh no, boy. The fun has just begun!"

The two engaged in the fight again, though it was soon made apparent that the younger man had more skills when it came to combat. At last, Adrien was able to emerge victorious, when he plucked the gem from the inner pocket of Jackady's vest with the latter on the ground.

"Looks like I win," Adrien gloated with a smirk. He eyed the panting criminal that was sporting a bruising eye and split lip. "Now, at the expense of sounding like a bad science fiction movie," he leaned down closer to him, "take me to your leader."

...

"I can't believe I'm doing this," Jackady grumbled as he pressed the panel on the wall to reveal the hidden staircase. "Hawk Moth is going to kill me." He paused, stealing a look at the quiet boy whose head was bent down. "Or you."

"I'm confidant he wouldn't want to kill someone who was able to steal this," Adrien replied, taking the jewel from his pocked and twirling it around in his fingers.

"I did all the work," Jackady retorted as they began to descend the steps. Adrien could faintly hear jazz music being played.

"Yes, because me having to fight you in order to bring me here didn't require any work at all," Adrien huffed, rolling his eyes. "Then again," his lips curled into a wicked smirk, "it wasn't that hard to get the gem off you."

"My patience with you is running thin," Jackady growled.

"Aw, and here I thought you liked me!"

"You better not try that attitude with Hawk Moth. He'll rip that tongue right out of your mouth."

Adrien placed a hand over his heart. "I knew it. You do care about me."

Jackady shook his head while giving a frustrated growl. Adrien gave a smug grin and continued following him. By now, the jazz music had been getting louder and louder, until finally they arrived at the door frame. Adrien raised his head just a bit to see the burly bouncer.

"Who's this?" He asked gruffly.

"He's with me," Jackady said simply, although the tone betrayed his annoyed state.

After a second the man let them through. Jackady took him towards the back, along the way Adrien could see many tables with men and women eating, drinking, and laughing. A neon sign was lit above the stage where the band was playing, reading 'Akuma'.

The model turned his head away to return his focus on Jackady. The latter took him up a set of stairs, down a hallway, and outside a wooden door.

Jackady visibly swallowed before raising a gloved hand to knock.

"Come in," a cold, masculine voice responded. Normally, Adrien guessed it would've sent a shiver of fear through him. But after hearing his father speak in that kind of tone for so many years, it hardly bothered him.

Jackady opened the door, and the pair walked in. Adrien rose his head a little to make out a man with a purple and black suit, wearing a silver head mask sitting behind a desk. His back was ramrod straight as he sat in his chair, his cold, grey eyes were calculating as they observed the two males.

"What is it, Jackady?" The man, who Adrien presumed to be Hawk Moth, asked.

"This boy wanted to meet you, boss."

Hawk Moth's eyebrows raised from beneath his mask, before his eyes narrowed and his lips pursed into a scowl. "And you just bring in any random boy who wants to meet me?" The question was purely a warning.

"He-He says he wants to join us," Jackady stuttered.

Adrien remained visibly calm.

"Join us?" Hawk Moth repeated. Adrien couldn't decipher what kind of tone it was. Interested? Disbelieving?

"Yes," the blond spoke up. "I would like to join you."

Hawk Moth paused. "Jackady, leave the room."

Adrien felt a hand on his shoulder. "Good luck, kid." And with that, the door opened, Jackady stepped past him, and was out the door.

Adrien held back a chuckle. He knew Jackady was starting to like him.

"Sit," the boss ordered. Adrien complied, sitting in the only chair in front of his desk.

Hawk Moth steepled his fingers together, eyes appraising the hooded boy. "How old are you?"

"I'm 13, sir."

"13," he repeated, almost in awe. The man released a snicker, that this time, did send a shiver of fear down Adrien's spine. Cold, emotionless voices he could handle, but laughter? He wasn't prepared for that.

"13...such a time in a youth's life. The brain is at such a delicate and malleable phase." He stopped talking to chuckle again.

Adrien swallowed his nerves.

"Although, 13 is rather young to be in this line of work. Why should I take you on?"

The blond said nothing, only reaching into his pocket and tossing the priceless gem to him. It clattered to the desk, Hawk Moth stared at it with astonishment written clear on his face.

"Is that-?"

"Yes," Adrien interrupted. "Though Jackady actually stole it, we made a deal that if I can steal it from him, he'd take me here to see you."

Hawk Moth didn't say anything, only picking up the gem and observing it from every angle. Adrien did his best to not fidget in his seat.

Finally, Hawk Moth returned his gaze to him. "I can see you're serious about this."

"Would anyone who isn't serious do all that just to see you?"

"I suppose not. What do you want, boy?"

"I want freedom," Adrien immediately answered.

Hawk Moth laughed, rearing his head back and cackling. "Freedom?!" He quickly sobered and leaned his head closer to Adrien, face devoid of it's previous amusement. "All teenagers want freedom, and here I was thinking that you might actually be different. Run along, before I change my mind and just kill you here and now."

Adrien's teeth clenched in anger. Before he knew what he was doing he had stood from his chair, knocking it to the floor, and slamming his hands on the wooden desk. He brought up his head just enough so Hawk Moth could see his blazing green irises.

"Listen," he hissed. "I didn't just risk my life to see you just so you can turn me away. You're going to bring me on to help, I'm going to steal everything you damn well please, and I'm going to finally be able to do whatever I want, whenever I want. Whatever I steal will be completely yours, I want nothing of it. All I ask is that you supply me with whatever I'll need to be a criminal. Now, Hawk Moth, does this sound like a fair deal? You bringing me on so I can steal whatever the hell you want, letting you keep all of it, while you only provide me with freedom and supplies in order to achieve your goals?"

Hawk Moth blinked in surprise, not expecting the blow-up from the young teen. Normally he'd shoot a man who would dare speak to him like that but this boy...it was impressive, to be honest.

"You want nothing?" Hawk Moth questioned, still surprised about that particular detail. "Not even a little bit?"

Adrien shook his head, having calmed down enough. "Nothing. I don't need it."

Hawk Moth tilted his head. A young teen who was able to defeat Jackady, stand up to Hawk Moth, and offer to steal for him and get practically nothing in return? Plus, he would be lying if he said he didn't see potential in him.

"Alright, I'll give you a chance," the crime boss said at last. "I'll give you a suit and anything you might need. But if you disappoint me..." He stood from behind his desk, staring down at the hooded boy. "Do not hesitate to think that I won't put a bullet through that teenage skull. Are we clear?"

Adrien nodded. "Crystal."

"Alright. Now, then." He sat back down. "Any particular theme of costume you thought of?"

"A black cat," Adrien replied without hesitation.

"A black cat," Hawk Moth echoed, chuckling. "Yes, I can see that. Any particular skills you have?"

"I know karate and I can fence."

"Well, you're not going to be carrying a sword by your side," Hawk Moth scoffed. "I'll have to think of something else."

The model quietly nodded.

Hawk Moth pursed his lips. "Come back next week, at 10. You'll have what you need along with your first assignment."

A/N: This honestly wasn't supposed to come out this soon. But I couldn't stop the creative juices from flowing xD Also, in the words of Geoffrey Butler, "I have no life." xD Another thing, I saw that On The Prowl got over 1,000 reviews :') You guys are the best! :D Thank you!