Oh, this was wonderful to write. I got inspired after having nearly 12 hours of sleep, which I needed. So read on and enjoy~

I don't own anything.

P.S. So I tried fixing that weird bug from Chapter 6, but it would appear that, no matter what I do, the second half of it will stay italicized. However, I realize that this is only if you're reading it from the mobile version, so I'm not sure what's going on with it. Thank you mayuralover for having pointed that out to me. I've been trying to fix it since you mentioned it, but it refuses to do what I want it to. Stupid thing.

He had a mission now. A mission and a plan to succeed said mission. He had asked Tikki to play a part of it, but Plagg was his second pair of eyes in this.

So imagine Marinette's surprise was she got a tap on her shoulder and turned to face the same man from before, his smirk still present and his mask perfectly placed. Adrien couldn't have been happier for Plagg having spotted her and had rushed as best he could to get to her before she spotted him first. That way, his job would be much easier from here on out.

"There you are, Mademoiselle. It would appear to me that you've been thoroughly avoiding me throughout our time here. And to think that I was only going to ask for a dance partner."

She frowned. "It would appear you are correct in your observations. One would think to stay away if a lady were trying to avoid you. There are plenty of eligible women who would love to be whisked around the room with you."

He held out his hand. "Perhaps, but I've been looking for only one little lady and I was hoping that she would be the one to accompany me in a waltz."

She stared from his masked face to the gloved hand held out for her, her expression unrelenting. He held his breath and waited. She finally groaned and rolled her eyes, followed by flopping her hand into his. The immediate grin on his face was a handsome sight.

"Thank you, my Lady." He bowed at the waist. "I'm honored and very ecstatic to be given such a wondrous opportunity."

"Don't push it." she mumbled.

"I wouldn't dream of doing so." Now for part two: the important part of his mission. "Shall we?"

She resigned herself to her fate and nodded, allowing him to guide her to an open section among the dancers. Adrien waited for her to be the one to fall into the waltz stance before doing the same, his hand touching her waist.

"I would recommend you not try anything tonight." Marinette warned him. "I know how to fend off disgusting men."

"I wouldn't dream of it." he replied sincerely, which was acknowledged by his companion.

She opened her mouth to say something, perhaps even apologize, but he moved and she had to concentrate on following him. It was only after a few steps when she stumbled, which Adrien was quick to grab her and continue dancing as if nothing had happened. Her cheeks went pink as she did so again, silently chastising herself for still being unable to move gracefully like so many other women could. She was have expecting her mysterious man to make an excuse to leave after the third or fourth time she tripped or somehow managed to step on his feet, but he didn't even seem fazed by her clumsiness.

By the dozenth time, she finally forced herself to speak, lest she die of embarrassment.

"I…I'm sorry…"

"For what?"

She looked into green eyes. "Because I'm such an awful dancer."

He chuckled and she gasped as she was spun around before being pulled back to him. His eyes glinted with innocent mischief and his grin was teasing.

"I'm not sure what you're talking about, my Lady. You're a lovely dancer."

She stared up at him. Was he lying to her or had he really not noticed? She bit her lip as she then bumped into another lady, who turned and apologized before spinning away. Adrien smiled.

"My Lady, you need only tell me to leave you alone if you didn't wish to dance with me that badly."

She sputtered nonsense before gaining her composure. "If that were the case, Monsieur, I would have simply declined your offer."

"I see." He grinned at hearing those words, which had locked his second phase into place. "Then I thank you."

"…who are you?"

"Pardon?"

"Who is the mysterious man who doesn't even flinch at such a clumsy lady as myself? Who tries to look everywhere in this large crowd for me? Whom even stepped in to help me with my mask when you don't even know my name?" She paused and looked thoughtful. "Do I know you beneath that mask?"

"Perhaps." He smirked. "And am I hearing right, my Lady? Were you actively avoiding me this entire time I was searching for you?"

Her blush was darker this time. "I-I…no, that's not what I said."

"Oh? You're a terrible liar."

She ducked her head and stared down at her feet, thankful that the mask covered the majority of her face.

"And you're also very fun to tease." he added.

Her head shot up. "You-!"

He boldly winked before the music sped up, which snapped them to attention to focus on matching it. It was only until they could do so automatically that Marinette looked at him.

"Why were you so set on finding me and wanting to ask for a dance?"

"That's a daring assumption."

Her eyes narrowed. "No, actually. Ever since you came up to me from outside, your attention has solely been on me."

So she was more observant than he had first thought. He was glad she wasn't too perceptive, else she would have figured out his identity the moment he had helped her with her mask. Same with Alya and Nino.

"Then it would seem I've been caught."

"So you admit it."

He smirked. "Did I?"

"Don't you try that again with me."

"Then let me ask you a question, Marinette." The mention of her name had her listening closely. "Why have you been avoiding me for so long? Do I seem to have ill intentions? I know you're not a married woman, so that can't be the case either."

She was surely going to turn as red as her dress if he continued being as blunt as he was. He was glad he had the mask on, else he doubted he would have been able to be as brave in his words and actions. She cleared her throat before answering.

"I…I was actually hoping for someone else to come ask me to dance. I was looking for him, but…it would appear he didn't come." Her tone was one of despondency. "He may have been scared away by me and went home."

He sucked in a breath at hearing that. That was what Alya had said earlier out near the carriage! She was talking about him! His heart soared.

"Then he's not worth your time if he's just going to run off from such a gem."

She shook her head. "He's much too kind and…well, I don't know him very well, but I had been hoping to. He…he's so sincere and much too kind for his own good."

"So I have competition?"

Her smile was sudden, but he could see the teasing nature in it. "You don't stand a chance against him, Monsieur."

He only laughed and spun her. Oh, if only she knew.

Ah, so we have some answers now. But there are still some questions, aren't there? Hm...maybe in the next chapter.

Thank you, my sweet readers!