Chapter 1

"Oh Marinette it looks wonderful" exclaimed Tiki as she gazed at the suit her friend was putting the finishing touches on.

"Aw thanks Tiki!" said Marinette the best she could, her mouth full of pins for hemming. "I'm just glad it's almost finished!"

"A bit under the wire aren't we?" teased the kwami.

"I know, I know," sighed Marinette. "But it's a big night and when Chat asked me to make his suit… well what was I supposed to say?"

"Oh I know," replied Tiki slyly, resting on the shoulder of the mannequin. "How could you say no to those big green eyes?"

"It'll be great exposure," insisted Marinette, ignoring Tiki's tone.

"I bet he'll look so handsome in it too,"

"Yes he will because I am an amazing designer," sang Marinette as she cut the final thread. She smiled contently at the kwami who looked at her smugly. "What?"

"Did you just say Chat Noir was handsome?"

"Oh Tiki, knock it off!" she laughed as she playfully threw her measuring tape at her. Tonight was going to be one of the biggest nights in all of Paris. Tonight the city was honoring Chat Noir and Ladybug with an extravagant gala. All of the city's finest were set to attend and Chat Noir had practically begged Marinette to design his suit. She had no idea how he knew that she was a designer, but when she let it slip that she was designing Ladybug's dress as well, he was sold. She took it as a means to make sure their outfits worked well together, but couldn't help but feel flattered knowing several high end designers had also sought out the opportunity.

"Now hide yourself before he gets here. Which better be soon or else he's gonna be late."

"Are my ears burning?" came a voice from her window. She turned to see Chat Noir leaning against her window frame, grinning his famous grin.

"You're late," said Marinette getting up to begin packing his outfit for him.

"Sorry, princess." he said. "I got caught up, but aren't I worth the wait? May I come in?"

"I suppose," she teased. "Just don't touch anything, and don't-."

"Wow," interrupted Chat, his eyes glued to the clothing displayed on the mannequin in the far corner of her room. "Is that Ladybug's dress?"

"Huh? Oh yeah," said Marinette nonchalantly. "Do you like it?"

In truth, Marintette was especially proud of this was her first full-length ball gown and had required several trips to the fabric store. The top was a deep crimson and faded to black as it reached the floor. She had delicately added over 100 rhinestones to give the dress a unique shine when it caught the light. The sweetheart neckline was a new look for her (well, Ladybug) but paired with the choker she had found at the thrift store and satin black arm length gloves, her alter ego was dressed to impress.

"It's amazing," he murmured. "Is this chiffon? Oh wow. Oh wow, she's going to look amazing in this."

Marinette tried to hide her blush. "Well thank you. Let's hope you'll like your suit half as much." she said as she presented it to him.

"Oh wow, oh wow" he continued, unable to find the words to express his admiration. She had adored the black suit with hints of his signature green, complete with a matching green bow tie and pocket square with tiny paw prints "Princess! This is… this is…"

"Is it okay?"

"Okay? It's the most amazing thing I've ever seen! And I've seen myself in the mirror," he joked. "But seriously, you have outdone yourself. I knew you were talented but this is just… how long did this take you?"

"Oh not long at all!" she lied, just knowing Tiki was rolling her eyes somewhere in the room. "It barely took any time at all, it was practically an afterthought. I mean i could've-."

She was cut off by Chat wrapping her in a tight embrace. "Thank you, Marinette. I love it."

She slowly began to return his embrace, but caught herself and gently patted him on the back. "Okay, okay, you're welcome kitty. Just make sure not to wrinkle it when you sit down."

"Who'll has time for sitting?" he exclaimed, letting go of her to once again gaze at her creation. "There'll be far too much dancing and autograph signing. How can I ever repay you?"

"Just don't wrinkle the suit," she laughed. "And, um, if Gabriel Agreste happens to be there and he asks who made your suit…"

"I'll say it's a Dupain-Cheng original."

"But only if he likes it!" she exclaimed. "And only if you want to! I understand if you're too busy or if you forget, but if he happens to think it looks okay then maybe-."

"Princess!" he interrupted, grabbing her by the shoulders. "Just try and stop me from telling everyone what an amazing designer you are."

She smiled. "Thank you Chat. It means a lot to me."

"Anytime."

It dawned on Marinette that she needed to start getting ready herself, but something about the moment seemed too calm to interrupt. As cocky as Chat could be, seeing him so excited warmed her heart. But there would be plenty of time for that at the gala.

"Alright then, you better skedaddle," she said at last. "Ladybug will be here any minute to pick up her dress and you can't be late for your own party."

"Very well," he sighed. "Tell my lady I'll meet her outside town hall and I can't wait to see her."

"I'll be sure to let her know," she said as she began to lead him towards the window. "Now don't forget the mask either."

"Wonderful. It's too bad I won't have my-."

"Ears?" she said with a raise of her eyebrow, presenting the pair she had crafted so her partner could keep his signature look even in formal attire.

He smiled as he took them from her. "You never cease to amaze me. Remember me when you're famous?"

"Of course," she smiled as she closed the window to usher him out. "And who are you again?"