~THAT NIGHT~
"Talk about a girl's night out!" Alya was about to burst at the seams as she, Marinette and Dianne sat in the front seats of the showcase, the room basking in violet and pink hues of light. "How did you ever get these passes, Dianne?"
"My mother received them as a gift for creating the new Papillon online shopping website," she explained as people began bustling to their seats, "but she already had a business meeting planned in advance tonight, so she said that I should take some of my friends with me."
"I'm going to take so many notes my hands might fall off," Marinette giggled as she pulled out her notebook and pen, "ooh, look, it's starting!"
The lights became dim as a spotlight appeared at the back of the stage stretched out before them. "Ladies and Gentlemen," a soothing announcer's voice came over the speakers, "we are proud to introduce you to the first look at Gabriel Agreste's latest fall collection, 'Autumn's Whispers', for your eyes only until their late October release!"
Alya nudged Marinette as deep bass music began to play. "I hope they're as colourful as his 'Zealous Jungle' collection."
"I heard from some workers as we entered, "Dianne admitted, "that he wants to keep them soft, just like his 'Feathered Youth' set from last year, but with the modern glamor of his 'Downtown Shimmering's' as a lovely touch."
Agreste could work with only blacks and browns, Marinette edged forward on her seat as the first model stepped out, and he'd still create the greatest lines of fashion the world has ever seen!
The showcase began and continued on with a bang as each model strutted out into view in shades of pink, orange, red, yellow, brown and gold. Alya took as many photos as she could while Marinette began to trace along the sides of her notes, eager to find inspiration for her own works.
This is amazing, she couldn't look away, and someday, I'm going to reach the top, just like he has!
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I once again thank you," the announcer spoke as the music ceased and the models disappeared backstage, "for attending this momentous occasion for Papillon's latest showcase. Before you all go, I have a special announcement to make."
Marinette glanced back to Dianne for answers but found only more confused expressions as a singular spotlight began to trace of the audience. "In honour of the latest hit sci-fi romance musical, from acclaimed director I. R. Drector, 'Orchard Comets', featuring costume designs from Mr. Agreste himself, one of you lucky audience members will be receiving two tickets to the premier, next Thursday evening!"
Forget it, Marinette told herself as the spotlight veered past her, all my luck this month went into getting to see the showcase. There's no way I'll win those-!
She shielded her eyes from the sudden bright light above her as hands began to clap. A dark figure appeared before her and placed two small pieces of paper in her hand before shutting the spotlight off. "Congratulations on your win!"
"Spot of luck, Mari," Dianne pat her shoulder, "do tell us how the show goes!"
Alya smirked. "I have a feeling I know who your lucky partner is going to be."
"…I…I won?" Marinette couldn't believe her eyes as she laid them on the two cinema tickets in her hand. "I…actually won something?"
"Fit the pieces together, girl! You have two tickets to the biggest romance in musical theatre of the year, and a fine young man from school who's desperate for a good friend!"
"…Yes…yes!" She jumped out of her chair, nearly falling onto the stage. "I'm going to do it! I'm going to ask Felix Agreste out!"
…I'm going to…to do what?! Marinette fell back onto her chair, her legs gone rubbery. I've got to be out of my mind…but…on the other hand…it feels like my luck is starting to change…so, maybe, just maybe…
"Yo, Eddie? You around here?" Kid Mime could still hear Denzel calling out as the sun dove into the horizon. "Man, he must have gone home already. Marinette better not get mad at me for losing him so quickly…and I thought I was spry!"
What's gotten into him, he breathed a sigh of relief as Denzel finally jogged home, it was impossible to get away from his company for more than five seconds!
He stepped out from behind the chimney and rubbed his chin, curious about his friend's last comment. "Marinette?"
Did she ask him to watch me? Why would she go to all the trouble of…unless…oh, boy.
"There are two options," he spoke in quiet murmurs as he jumped from rooftop to rooftop, eyeing the sky for any signs of HawkMoth's blimp, "either she's developed a crush on me, or…she's starting to have her suspicions of my secret identity."
How can that be? I act completely different as Kid Mime that I regularly do when I'm out of my costume…
"Then that only leaves the first option," he reached the roof of his own apartment building and slipped in through his unlocked window, "though from the way she acts around me I never would have guessed that my flirting actually had an effect on her."
He waved his hand over his mask, and as his costume disappeared he heard the ominous droning of the blimp outside as it passed over the street.
…I'm just going to have to play along for now, he resigned himself to the couch and, turning on the table lamp, opened his math textbook, if I make one slipup, my entire cover could be blown.
"Goodnight, Marinette."
"Goodnight, grandma."
Marinette's bedroom door was barely closed before she reached over to her desk and grabbed the tickets. Moonlight shone in from her window as she gazed at the large treble clef printed on each one.
"…Tikki?"
The earrings on her desk glowed. "Yes, Marinette?"
"Does the change in my good luck have anything to do with me winning these tickets tonight?"
"I would say so; but don't think too hard about it. Enjoy them, Marinette! You deserve them."
"…Yeah."
And I think Felix deserves to have a good friend, too, she felt her eyelids become heavy as she placed the tickets back, so tomorrow…I'll…ask…h…im…zzzzzz…
Guess who's posting at 10:30 at night? Moi! I just started a new summer course with lots and lots and lots...and LOTS of reading and writing, so I'm sorry if chapters come out a day late or so. It isn't because I'm losing interest, but my schedule is going to take some getting used to. Anyway, we're getting into the thick of our lucky duo's perdicaments with their new found good and bad luck, and poor Edmund is starting to worry about Marinette's stalking tactics. How will it all work out in the end?
You'll have to wait until the next chapter!
