Alrighty, so this is where things get...interesting. Nothing huge happens in this one, but I promise that will come in the next one.
Enjoy~!
And thank you all for the wonderful comments. They've brought a ginormous smile on my face and I love the reactions to each chapter.
I don't own anything.
He followed in after his friends and servants, noticing the many looks he was getting from any women he passed, some giggling behind fans and hands, but all seemingly intrigued by the mystery he carried. The group, with him close behind, walked into the lobby, where servants stood at the ready and groups stood together, chatting. Most, however, were making their way up to the second story of the building by the large staircase, where he could clearly see Marinette ascending and simultaneously talking to Alya. He grinned and slowly followed after them, sauntering up the stairs.
Upon coming up to the second floor, he looked around. It only contained two opposing hallways that held a few closed doors and standing candelabra, with only servants coming and going from either side. Two butlers stood at the two main doors that contained the ball, opening the doors for anyone who handed over a ticket in return.
His two servants, thankfully, didn't give themselves away and handed over their invitations with ease, arms linked and looking like any regal couple would. He still didn't understand how two people were servants instead of trying to up their status; they would certainly succeed.
As he stepped up to the doors, a butler held out his hand, his steel eyes looming down upon the young master. Without skipping a beat, he pulled out the folded invite from his coat pocket and gave it to him, saluting him before strutting inside as the butler nodded.
Lively music welcomed him as he went into the large room, the giant chandelier dimmed for atmosphere. The place was filled with all sorts of costumed people, colorful and bright and creative in every aspect. Adrien grinned as he looked around, taking in the sight of all these mystery people that had no clue who he was behind the mask. He could finally have the fun he'd always wanted to throughout his years and he wasn't about to let the night go to waste.
Time to search the lovely maiden that had somehow vanished into the masses.
A few minutes passed, with no success. His smile lessened as he failed to spot her, which was nearly impossible when she wore such a lovely gown that he could pinpoint from anyone. Perhaps she had left? He needed to find Nino or Alya if that were the case. And quickly.
He roamed about some more, accepting a glass of wine without giving much thought to it, scanning the area in hopes of finding a knight, fox or lovely woman in red; no such luck. He sighed, walking to the edge of the room and standing as a wallflower, observing the ball with little interest. Where was she?
"There you are."
He jumped and turned to see Plagg and Tikki, holding each other close and appearing to be enjoying mixing in with other people of higher stature. Adrien was just relieved to see some familiar faces.
"What are doing here? You should be dancing the night away with Mademoiselle Marinette!" Tikki exclaimed.
Adrien sighed, ruffling his already messy hair (he rather liked not looking pristine and perfect). "I have yet to even find her. I'm beginning to question if she's even still here."
Tikki puffed out her cheeks in thought. "Then Plagg and I will help you find her. She must be here somewhere. There are quite a lot of people here."
He smiled. "Thank you, Tikki. I'll owe you after this."
"Nonsense. Come, Plagg."
They went off in one direction while he paused to make sure his mask was secure before going in the opposite direction, keeping to the edge of the room as he circled around, searching. Many turned their heads towards him in clear intrigue, but he ignored them all in hopes of finding the one person he was looking for.
"Found you! Come on, Tikki found her and is stalling her for you." Plagg hissed, coming out of nowhere and taking him by the arm. "Mademoiselle seems to have been avoiding you, but that's only a hunch at this point."
"Avoiding me…?"
"There. Go and woo her before she runs off."
Green eyes widened in glee at the sight of her, standing and talking animatedly with Tikki, both women glowing with warmth and excitement. They were surely to be good friends, seeing as they were similar in many ways. He took a deep breath and made his way over. He didn't get far before bluebell eyes caught sight of him and her smile vanished. She grasped Tikki's hands and briefly said something before rushing away and he lost sight of her.
Tikki, looking rather confused, turned in a circle before she spotted him coming her way and her face fell as she met him the rest of the way, trying to avoid elbows and feet.
"I'm so sorry, she ran off suddenly and I didn't get a chance to stop her."
"She spotted me coming over." He frowned. "So she is avoiding me…"
"I can't understand why." Plagg spoke as he joined them. "Looks like your luck ran out."
Adrien hummed in agreement. "So it looks like I'm going to need some luck for me to even talk to her now." He looked down at Tikki with a smirk. "I'm in need of some of your good charms, Tikki."
Well then. So Marinette has some explaining to do soon...
And yes, Adrien seems to just always have bad luck, not to mention Plagg. So, as a minor balance, Tikki is there to make sure these poor guys don't get a piano dropped on their heads...or worse.
Until the next chapter, where things get a bit fun...and MAYBE there'll be some dancing in there, too...maybe.
