Everyone's had a crush on her.
Everyone.
It made sense, of course. She was selfless but not a pushover, always there but not overbearing, kind but had a mean streak where certain people (Chloé, thought Adrien as he coughed) were concerned. Not to mention brave and smart and funny and cute and... Adrien shook his head, clearing all thoughts of Marinette from his mind.
Ok, so he might have been getting closer and closer to her. He might have been noticing her little quirks more and more. He might have memorized the placement of every freckle that dotted her face. He might have even developed a (small) (tiny) (insignificant, really) (just a passing phase, surely) crush on her since they started getting closer to each other.
Might have, he reminded himself, but that's okay, she's amazing and fun and... Who is that? He glared as yet another boy approached her, followed by several people he had to have hired. He stood in front of Marinette, no doubt to ask her to the party Mayor Bourgeois was having for Chloé's birthday.
And that's okay, Adrien thought, she's already told me she wants to go with someone else. She'll let him down in the kindest, nicest way possible- no, wait, he's making a big deal of it.
Had he really hired someone to play Spanish guitar in the background? (He had. How cliché, thought Adrien.)
Is he really kneeling on one knee in front of her? (He is. Does he think he's proposing marriage?)
Did he really have three people present the ugliest, gaudiest dress fashion had ever seen? (He did, and Adrien couldn't help but laugh as Marinette's face scrunched into a disgusted expression.)
"Oh, Marinette!" Was he really shouting to be heard across the courtyard? "Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the gala next week?" He was. And Adrien knew what he was hoping to accomplish with all this pomp and circumstance. He wanted to force Marinette into saying yes.
Adrien's blood boiled at the thought. He almost walked over to interrupt them. But Marinette - strong, brave Marinette - sat up straight, looked the boy in the eye with a glare that could melt metal, and, in a voice so cold and clear it made Adrien shiver from twenty feet away, told him off.
"I know what you're doing," she said. "You're asking me here, in public, in front of all these people, to be your date at the dance. You did this in front of all these witnesses so that I would feel pressured into saying yes. You also made a big deal of it with..." She gestured to the guitarist, the dress, him on the ground, "...this to make me feel like I have to say yes. And if I don't, that makes me the bad one because it makes me look like I don't care that you lost time, money, and energy on me. This is an incredibly manipulative tactic, one you've probably used before. I won't let you bully me into a date with you. No." She turned back to Alya (who looked appropriately smug) and flipped through her sketchbook, not paying the boy anymore attention. Adrien's heart beat wildly.
Holy hell he was head over heels in love.
And he thought Ladybug was the only one who could make him feel like this.
The boy - an upperclassmen by the name of Bruce, if Adrien remembered correctly - stood, looked around at all the people watching, and stormed off, knocking his followers to the ground. Adrien wondered briefly how it felt to be called out like that, but shrugged it off. It must have felt horrible, but that's what anyone like that deserves. Smiling, he and Nino walked to the bench Marinette and Alya shared. Nino slid in next to Alya while Adrien leaned against the wall beside Marinette.
"That was amazing, dude!" Nino said as he reached over Alya to tap Marinette in the shoulder. She looked up and smiled.
"It was nothing."
"It was something, alright." Adrien spoke up. "People like him need to be put in their place." Marinette smiled softly, a blush spread across her cheeks. "What are you working on?"
"Oh! I've been designing some dresses for the party. It's got a semi-formal dress code, right?" She flipped through her sketchbook, showing them her ideas. Adrien stopped her when he saw one that piqued his interest.
"Wait, what's this one?" He pointed to a dark dress suit with silver embellishments on the ends of the sleeves and legs.
"It's just another design I made. I thought..." Her eyes shifted to look at him and then fell back to her sketch. "I want to make it, but I don't know who would wear it."
"What about me? I could wear it!" he offered.
"Oh, I don't know. I kind of designed it to... To m-match the d-dress I made for m-m-me."
"So you designed it for your date?" He schooled his expression into one of polite interest, but inside he wilted a bit.
"I- uh, yes."
"What if I'm your date?" It was only after he asked that he remembered she was going to ask someone later that day. "I-I mean, if-"
"Yes!" she exclaimed, overflowing with enthusiasm. She flushed at her outburst and repeated in a calmer manner, "Yes, I-I would like for you to be my date. If you don't mind, of course!" She rushed the last bit out in a whoosh of air.
"Of course I don't. I would love it!" He smiled at her and she gave him a goofy grin in return, at least until Alya slid over to touch her shoulder to Marinette's. With a sly smirk, she spoke said something very reasonable.
"Won't you need to take his measurements?"
It was the night of the party, and despite being invited over multiple times for measurings and fittings, Adrien still hadn't seen the dress Marinette was going to wear. It was Alya's idea to wait until they left to see it. 'It would make a stronger impression that way,' she'd said. And boy, was she right.
Adrien felt his mouth drop open when she walked down the stairs to her attic room. His eyes scanned her from top to bottom, then back again. Several times. Nino had to nudge him to get him to stop, and he was grateful her attention was on Alya behind her.
But she looked beautiful.
The dress was a dark gray in color, with a tight bodice that gave way to the fluffy layers of the skirt that ended at her knees. The skirt was ruffled, made of a dark but sheer material folded over itself in four layers, and between the folds he could make out glimmering confetti. Stars and moons, embroidered in silver to match the ones that circled his own wrists and ankles, floated from the waist all the way up to the neck. They collected along the seam, where skirt met bodice, and thinned asymmetrically as they went up, until only one shone on the left side of the Queen Anne neckline. The sleeves fell around her bare shoulders, meeting again at her elbow in bunched frills. White lace gloves and black strappy heels completed the ensemble.
But the beauty of the dress paled in comparison to the beauty of Marinette. Her hair was free from her usual pigtails, twisting and curling in waves across her shoulders, the tips spray-dyed silver to match the dress. Her makeup was subtle, nothing more than a new tint to her cheeks and rosy lips, with a touch of glitter at the corner of her eyes. Eyes that sparkled with laughter when she saw him standing there, wonder-struck.
She looked ethereal. Like an angel. Like she would sprout wings and fly away at any moment. Adrien felt the urge to pinch himself just to make sure he wasn't caught in a dream.
Instead, he cracked a wide smile and held out his arm, offering her a "Breathtaking, Marinette."
"Thank you," Marinette giggled as she took his elbow. "You're not so bad, yourself."
"I have the bet designer in Paris to thank for that." He winked at her, knowing she outclassed him in terms of finery. He wore a simple dress suit, though he knew she must have put her all into making it. His shirt was white, his vest black, his jacket and pants the same gray as her dress. Stars ringed the cuffs of the jacket and hem of the pants, reaching up to peak on his elbows and at the back of his knees. He also had inner pockets in which to store anything he might need - from phones, to pens, or even one gluttonous kwami and his stinky cheese. He'd also slicked back his hair, save for one or two strands that just wouldn't stay put. Marinette had flicked them when she first saw them, calling them his antenna.
The coolest thing about his outfit couldn't be seen, though, which was a shame in his opinion. Marinette had stitched the twelve constellations of the Zodiac onto the back of the vest. Small silver buttons acted as starts, with silver stitches connecting them. It was so much detail to add to something that would be hidden by his jacket.
She didn't care about that. After all, she'd made a shoulder bag - much like the one she wore every day - with the same design, using beads as stars.
"They've got it bad for each other, huh?" Both Marinette and Adrien jumped at Nino's teasing.
"I don't know. I thought your boy only had eyes for Ladybug." Alya teased back.
"Your girl is just that much of a temptress." He punched her in the shoulder, a playful gesture that she immediately returned with a chuckle. They both looked at the other two, beaming at the way their faces had flushed.
If Marinette and Adrien were the sky at night, Alya and Nino were when the sun set and rose. Marinette hadn't made their outfits - she hadn't had the time - but thy were beautiful nonetheless. Alya wore a floor-length gown that started deep purple at the top, but faded to a cotton-candy pink at the bottom. The sleeves hung off her shoulders, and the back of the bodice was nothing but lace. She'd put her hair up in a bun for the night, the orange ends peeking out from beneath it. Nino's outfit did much the same as Alya's in terms of color - a red-orange at the top that gradually changed into a peachy pink. His shirt underneath the jacket matched the pink at the bottom of his pants, and he'd decided against a vest.
Sabine called them for a picture, and what a stunning one they made. Alya and Nino took the ends, squishing Marinette and Adrien together. At the last second, right before the shutter clicked, Alya bumped Marinette into Adrien's arms. The final image was of a smirking Alya and a laughing Nino on either side, with a flustered Marinette hanging from Adrien's surprised embrace. They were looking into each other's eyes in shock, but a smile tugged at their lips anyway, and the next few shots Sabine snapped were of the four of them laughing hysterically.
The pictures were treasured by all for years to come.
The party took place in none other than the Grand Paris Hotel's ballroom. It was an extravagant place, filled to bursting with dancers and musicians and other assorted workers and partygoers. They milled about, talking in groups and sitting at tables and dancing wildly throughout the room.
Which was huge. It was amazing to see it so lively. Were there even that many people in Paris? A stage was set up at one end, with an entire orchestra playing a smooth melody. A row of buffet tables lined one wall, and there were tables arranged in one corner as a dining area. In the opposite corner were plush chairs and sofas for people who wanted to relax in luxury. A series of balconies ringed the room, accessible by hidden stairwells.
Marinette walked in as Alya and Nino rushed into the throng of people, taking everything in. She was speechless. She was in awe. She was surprised she'd received an invitation. She had been expecting Chloé to skip over her when she handed them out to the class. But she supposed Chloé decided to take the opportunity to flaunt her wealth in her rival's face. That, plus her status, made her feel entitled to anything.
As was evident when she flounced over to Adrien in her golden gown and threw her arms on his shoulders. She asked for a dance and tried for a kiss, but was pushed away.
"I'm sorry, Chloé. But I already have a date tonight." He took Marinette's shoulders. "It's not fair to steal my first dance."
Chloé snorted. "You want to dance with her? Even more, you're her date? Come now, Adrien. Someone of your status deserves someone of mine! She's better suited for one of the kitchen workers, anyway. Or some other part of the help, you know?"
Marinette's face reddened, anger washing through her. She could see Adrien was feeling the same way. He stepped back, pulling her with him. "If anyone needs help around here, it's you." He said before she could get a word out.
Chloé hissed something in response, but it was drowned out in the music that picked up then. Adrien whisked Marinette to the dance floor and started to sway them back and forth to the beat.
"Sorry about that," he said into her ear.
"It's okay," she said back. "I know how she is."
"She didn't used to be like this, though. We used to be really close, but then she changed."
"Are you talking about Miss Bourgeois?" Adrien jumped and Marinette squeaked, butting her head against his chin in surprise. She twirled to find Gabriel Agreste standing behind her. His eyes swept up and down her dress, then Adrien's suit. "That's not what I gave Nathalie for you to wear."
"I didn't want to wear it, Father," he said casually, but Marinette could sense his tension. "Marinette made this for me. To match her dress, since she's my date."
It was Marinette's turn to tense as Gabriel inspected her again. "Miss Dupain-Cheng. I remember you from the hat competition."
"Yes! I was so happy when you declare me the winner. Thank you, for that, Mr. Agreste."
He raised an eyebrow. "It appears you make more than hats."
"I want to be a fashion designer when I'm older, sir."
"Perhaps you can get a start by modeling. I used to do it in my younger days, before I started designing. Plus, some experience from their side can really help in the future. I can arrange for a few photo shoots with Adrien, if you wish."
"Father?" Adrien asked in surprise. This was certainly a side he had never seen before - or, had never seen often. Then he noticed the empty champagne glass in his hands and the server holding a tray filled with more - both full and empty - hovering nearby.
"Mr. Agreste?"
"You have talent, Miss Dupain-Cheng. It would be a shame to see it wasted. As for you, Adrien." He stiffened at his name. "You should dance with Miss Bourgeois at least once. She has a powerful father and would be more than willing to sic him on your date." With that he walked away, the server Adrien noticed following at a distance.
"Talking with your dad is stressful, huh?"
"It's something. But he has a point. I should probably go apologize to Chloé." Her face fell, worry filling her features. He brushed her hair away from her face. "Don't worry. One quick dance and she'll be pleased. Besides, drunk or not, I'm holding my father to his promise of a photo shoot with you." He melted into the crowd with a wink, leaving Marinette stunned by his words.
A chance to model? With Adrien? The idea made her giddy, a smile splitting her lips. So caught up in her glee, she never noticed the presence that had been silently watching her. She jumped when an arm slid across her shoulders and a smooth voice whispered in her ear.
"Date abandon you, Princess?" But the endearment fell from the wrong lips, making Marinette shiver as she pushed the arm away.
"Don't call me that," she said to Bruce.
"Come now, Princess! You're the belle of the ball! I can't believe someone could just walk away from you like that!"
"And I'm obviously heartbroken about it, aren't I?" Sarcasm dripped from her voice even as a warm feeling - caused by the fact that Adrien wanted to model with her - filled her with joy.
"Well you had to have been heartbroken since you didn't get me as a date. We can fix that now, though." He winked and held a hand out.
It made Marinette scoff. "I'm sad that I'm not your date? In case you forgot, I turned you down, and that hasn't changed."
"Oh, Princess-"
"Quit calling me that!" she yelled, not caring who heard. With a flip of her hair, she walked away, only to be yanked back. Bruce's hand was on her wrist, squeezing tight as he pulled her into his arms.
"Dance with me," he growled, "or I'll do something you'll regret." His hands tightened in a threat, and his eyes slid over her body in a slimy way, and his tongue darted out to lick his lips.
It was at that moment she jammed the palm of her free hand into the bottom of his chin. He hopped back holding his tongue.
"Shit! What the hell?" He glared at Marinette, who took his distraction to duck into a ring of people. He marched after her and put a large hand on her shoulder. He twisted her around, surprised at the fist in his face the second he did so. She pushed his hand off her as he stepped back by the force of her blow.
This time, she sprinted, losing him in the sea of people.
Adrien was just bowing to Chloé at the end of their dance when the lights flashed.
"Ah! That's my cue!" She tried for a final kiss from Adrien, but ran off with a disgruntled look when he leaned away.
It was mere seconds after she left that Adrien felt someone else tap his shoulder. Stifling a groan, he turned, letting the air out in relief when he saw it was Marinette. She gave a timid grin - something he hadn't seen in a while - and her face flushed in a way that suggested she'd been doing something energy-consuming.
But aside from that, she was acting normal. Shyly, she took his hand, and offered a breathless, "Want to dance?"
He smiled at her, and ignoring the announcement requesting applause for the birthday girl, placed one hand on her hip. She slid her hand up it to take his shoulder. And they stepped forward and back, a semblance of a waltz forming. Marinette kept glancing down at their feet to ensure she wouldn't step on his, but then would take a quick look at their surroundings. Suspicious, he followed her gaze.
"Did something happen?" Marinette whipped her eyes to him.
"No. Not really." Adrien stopped their movement, skeptical. "Really. I had it handled."
"You had what handled?"
Oops. She hadn't meant for anything to slip. "It really was nothing. Just Bruce."
"Bruce?" He immediately scanned the dancers around them, but found only startled faces as people were forced to sidestep them. He kept watching until he finally saw Bruce's face, flushed with rage. He nodded in the direction, and Marinette cast a quick look over her shoulder. Shivering, she stepped closer to him. He moved deeper into the crowd to lose him, missing the purple glow that lit up his eyes. "What happened with Bruce to make you nervous?"
"It was nothing. He just came up to me and asked to dance." Adrien gave her a pointed look, and she sighed. "He was... A little touchy. When I turned him down he grabbed my wrist and pulled me to him and wouldn't let go. I popped him to get away. And then I might have- um, punched him because he grabbed me again."
"That certainly sounds handled." Marinette pouted, unable to tell if he was being sarcastic. But then she saw the twinkle in his eye and the laughter he tried to hide.
"And what's so that funny?"
"You're amazing." They both turned bright red. Silence floated between them until Adrien cleared his throat. "Dance?"
"Yeah."
They both started swaying to the music, rocking back and forth, their cheeks still flushed. It wasn't long before the compliment was behind them, lost in the lively beat of the song that started up. Halfway through the song, they forgot about it altogether. Adrien had his hand on Marinette's hip again, but her arm was flying freely through the air as they hopped back and forth and twirled in innumerable circles. The end of the song drew near, if the crescendo of the band had anything to say about it, so Adrien lifted his arm to spin Marinette underneath it. She slid to a stop, giggling and dizzy, but he continue to move her body, dipping her down toward the floor as the band played its final note. Both were panting heavily, but she still smiled up at him - a bright, radiant, beaming smile that pierced his heart.
He wanted to tell her "You're beautiful." He wanted to fill the air with pretty words, to sing to the heavens of this angel Marinette. He wanted to move on from Ladybug, a person who was just too far ahead, a person he could never catch up to. He wanted to tell Marinette those things and more.
But the minute he opened his mouth, ready to lay his heart bare, a foreign hand lifted Marinette from him. He looked up to see who would be so rude, but found another one of those hands at directly in front of him. He heard Marinette gasp as it covered his face. He scratched at the arm as it lifted him from the ground, and then he was airborne.
He heard Marinette scream his name as his back hit one of the serving tables.
A/N: If you follow my tumblr, you'll know I've been very excited about this! I was going to make this chapter last until the aftermath of the akuma battle, but it just got so long, so here it is! It's late, and the 15th episode premieres in like half an hour, so please forgive any mistakes!