"Keep still you damn cat!" Nino growled as he fixed Adrien's collar and bowtie. The kwami Plagg hid, floating by Nino's head as he watched. Adrien wouldn't stop fiddling while Nino fixed his collar and tie.
"I don't feel right if I wore just a mask. What if someone notice? I think I can transform and-" Adrien asked.
"Dude that's going to shred the suit. And it's going to be super sweaty and gross and yeah we don't need that. Just wear a cat ear mask or whatever." Nino rolled his eyes. "
"Not really." Plagg spoke out as Nino froze. Slowly turning around he was face-to-face with the flying sprite, green cat eyes staring at him warily.
Nino jumped back behind his best friend as he stared at the kwami.
"Nino, this is Plagg, my kwami...fairy. He's responsible for Chat Noir." Adrien introduced. "Plagg, you know Nino."
"It is an honor to meet you." Plagg rolled his eyes. Adrien scowled at the kwami as Nino looked at both his friend and the kwami.
"So he's sassy...I guess that where you get your Chat Noir from?" Nino noted.
"Only when he wants cheese. Why do you think I smell like that more often than the cologne I used to wear?" Adrien chuckled.
"I never really noticed dude...if it was BO problem I woulda told ya." Nino smirked. He faced the kwami, tipping his hat. "Nice to meet you cat."
Plagg raised a brow, "Cat? I am no ordinary cat! I am over five millennia and cat really isn't going to cut it! Lord Plagg sounds much better on the other hand."
Adrien rolled his eyes, "Ignore him, he's like that sometimes. Just call him Plagg. Anyway, we transform to be Chat Noir and fight crime and stuff. Ladybug has the same."
"Cool dude! I wouldn't mind being a superhero for a day, like maybe a turtle or a peacock? Those would be sick!" Nino's eyes beamed.
"Listen here boy, we are not toys. We are powerful beings that bring balance to this world and ward off evil. Being a superhero is a dangerous and serious task. People can get hurt...or die." Plagg's eyes narrowed.
"Plagg!" Adrien eyes widen at the kwami's harsh words.
"It's true!" Plagg whined, "And I'm hungry. I'm going to find cheese." And with that he flew off somewhere to the kitchen.
Nino rubbed the back of his head, then fixing his bowler hat in the mirror turning his back to Adrien, "Sorry I didn't mean to..."
"No...no it's alright. Plagg didn't mean it. It's just that...Hawkmoth is like one of us. And what he meant is that sometimes superheroes aren't all...good. They're supervillians. Hawkmoth is a villain, he's dangerous, and he's hurt people. And Plagg..." As Adrien looked out into the hallway, "I don't know what Plagg knows, but he has probably seen too many people get hurt, and wanted to do more. Hell, I do too."
Nino sighed, "I get it...this isn't a game Adrien."
"It is definitely not my friend." Adrien agreed.
"Do you...ever think about losing the people you care about? All the time as Chat Noir?" Nino turned to look at him.
Adrien swallowed. "No doubt about it...that's why me and Ladybug do our best to prevent that."
The awkward silence fill the air quickly after those few words. Adrien thought about the end sometimes; if he and Ladybug took down Hawkmoth, will this be over? What happens to their kwami? What happens then? Are they still heroes without fighting akumas? Will they have to fight real bad people that aren't akumatized? Did previous miraculous users just...quit after it was done? Plagg didn't explain the aftermath of taking down Hawkmoth and if leaving Paris would impact them.
"So you and Marinette huuuuh?" Nino chuckled.
Adrien didn't like that suspicious tone Nino spoke in. "Me and her what?"
"You know...tonight. Any special...afterparty plans? This weekend?" Nino hummed, nudging him.
Adrien shook his head, "After tonight I'm on a flight to Japan...father's orders."
"WHAT?!" Nino gaped, "ARE YOU SERIOUS!? Dude I thought that was next year!? No, don't tell me! He pushed the plans up, did it on purpose because he's on your ass about everything. What a fuckin' prick! I can't believe I was asking him for mercy for one goddamn birthday party for you! Shoulda asked Kim and Ivan to kidnap you and throw the party at Marinette's bakery."
"Chill. That was like, five years ago." Adrien smiled. He appreciated his friend's hard struggle to throw him a party, but it was fun while it lasted, before he realized he was akumatized and forced everyone to come. After that, he celebrated his birthdays in privacy among his few friends.
"Well anyway, what are you two doing after this then? Canoodle by the campfire and listen to carols? Walk in the city and go to that little festival they have going on? Or-" Nino thought.
"Spa. We're going to a spa. Relax our muscles, get out the cold. And she can stay overnight after I leave." Adrien said.
"Oooooh. Sexy." Nino snickered, "Be safe you two. I know we're all grown..."
"Nino..."
"And we have deep, deep desires and needs..." He continued.
"NINO."
"And just have fun!" He grinned, fixing his friend's coat one last time. Adrien rolled his eyes.
"Hey, you gotta meet your date soon. And I gotta pick up Alya, pre-dinner before the big thing...we'll see you later?" Nino asked.
"Of course, hit me up when you guys make it?" Adrien said.
"Yeah man." As they bumped fists. Adrien got in the car, making room in the passenger's seat for when he picked up Marinette, and drove off.
"Adrien." Plagg sat on his head as he drove. "Transform after the reception."
"But what about-" Adrien's eyes widen at the rear-view mirror.
"Just do it." Plagg groaned as he felt Adrien nod his head slightly.
When Marinette heard her phone buzzing on the table, she was uncurling half her hair with Tikki unzipping the back of her dress.
"Shoot, that's probably Adrien...what if he's outside?!" Marinette squeaked.
"Relax, you're almost done." As Tikki zipped her dress and handed Marinette her cell phone. Hesitantly, Marinette picked up.
"Hellloooo my little lovebug." Adrien Noir chimed over the phone. Marinette rolled her eyes at his Chat Noir qualities. It wasn't everyday you had a superhero boyfriend and longtime crush asking you out to prom and even an after-surprise...
"Hello mon petite chaton." She cooed, "Are you here?"
"Right outside. Are you ready?" Adrien asked.
"U-um...almost..." She managed, struggling at the moment with her hair. Adrien hummed mischievously as Marinette caught on.
"I'll come up, I want to greet your parents anyway." Adrien wasted no time to decide.
"O-oh but you don't really-" Marinette insisted that he could stay. She just needed...ten more minutes.
"No can do Mari, besides I want to see you. Now." Adrien insisted. "I'll be there in a moment."
Marinette heard the click as she wailed to the heavens as she struggled to get her white heels on and grab her belongings. Flying down the stairs she was at the door before Sabine was, opening it for Adrien. And she let out a soft gasp.
"Oh Tom, look at them!" Sabine awed at the kids, dressed so nicely in their blue outfits, a hint of red spreading across their ears and cheeks.
Marinette swallowed staring at Adrien in the deep blue tuxedo and black shirt and blue tie, all under his brown coat and another he had held for Marinette. His hair was combed back and definitely looked five years older. He stared lovingly at Marinette, a slow smile creeping upon his face as she bashfully stood with her arms behind her and trying not to look.
"Y-you..." Marinette began.
"Yes, you too." Adrien agreed.
"Kids! Before you go I want to take a picture!" Tom said as he got the camera. Adrien and Marinette shuffled as Adrien wrapped his arms around her and smiled for the camera. No doubt, Marinette knew he was photogenic and didn't bat an eye in a flash and Marinette used her will power to do the same.
"You two have fun ok? And be safe..." As Tom looked more seriously at Adrien, his hands on his shoulders, "Adrien...this is my little girl..." As Adrien stared at Tom intently.
"PAPA." Marinette insisted, "We have to go!"
"Don't...just..." Tom groaned, "Mama, you tell him."
"Use protection." Sabine put out blatantly before Adrien's eyes widen and he began sputtering along the lines of 'we had this talk already madame'.
"MAMA! Ugh, you're both...unbelievable! Come on Adrien." As Marinette dragged Adrien to the car with her parents saying goodbye. Adrien opened the door for his girlfriend before getting behind the wheel. They sat there, eventually smiling and laughing and adjusting themselves in their seats.
"You're parents are really something you know." Adrien smiled, "I like them."
"I love my parents but I need move out from the sheer amount of times they embarrassed me..." Marinette giggled. Adrien kissed her hand.
"That leaves me to carry out their lovely parent work...my lady." Adrien smiled.
"Quiet you." Marinette smiled, finally taking another look at Adrien. "You look charming..."
"I am charming." He assured.
"You are incorrigible." She quipped shortly after adjusting herself, putting the seat belt on.
"But you are so beautiful like the perfect frosting on a cake." Adrien Noir pouted.
"Listen kitty, we have more time to talk when we get to this thing, but we don't want more trouble showing up late now do we?" Marinette smiled.
Adrien gave up groaning, with a soft smile, "You owe me, but I'm sure that can be arranged for tonight..."
"Which you will not tell me about." Marinette huffed, "I couldn't even pack..."
"Sweet Mari, trust me. It will be all worth it." As he kissed her hand before buckling up and turning the car on. He reversed out on the road and set their destination for the reception.
"Wait." Was the spark of the silence as they reached their destination. The reception was starting in ten minutes, but the two were tense knowing this was business that had to be dealt with, and they had to tread carefully.
Adrien swallowed. He thought at night of regretting about putting through Marinette all of this. His terrible hubris pressuring her over the occasions of 'what was under the mask'. Despite her eventual timing of finally revealing herself as the heart-throbbing Ladybug that all of Paris, especially him, crushed over. He might even regret ever leaving his father's home because he was such the rebellious teenager unlike his brother. That he was too much like his mother, and his father couldn't stand it.
Marinette knew this was a big deal. Adrien had grudgingly abide to most of his father's orders...with him setting the contract to maximum potential to his advantage and literally driving her partner in-crime mad. She studied the twinge of anger in his eye when he heard Agreste anywhere even in his own name and it killed her that she was literally powerless to do anything about it. She wish she could break the chains Gabriel Agreste had Adrien in and punch the old man's face in.
"Just...behave." Adrien said. "Okay?"
She could only nod, "We have to."
Adrien reached over to her hand, "It's going to be okay...and afterwards, it will just be us forgetting everything else."
"Right." Marinette held his hand tighter, "Let's go."
So slowly, the magnificent superhero duos made their way to the entrance to the reception where they were showered by paparazzi. Marinette wore her Ladybug smile and Adrien wore his natural model grin, waving to the crowd as they were escorted by the Gorilla inside.
Standing at different spots across the ballroom, were some of the cliques from schools and other organizations and associations. Spotting a familiar friend nearby, Adrien and Marinette walked up to them.
"Well the best for last decides to show up finally." Nathanael eye's twinkled as he spotted his friends. He wore a long, royal purple robe with embroidered patterns made of gold and red with a silk white shirt. With a soft greeting, Nathanael kissed Marinette's hand as he shook Adrien's.
"Guys, meet my date...Alix." Nathanael introduced not-so enthusiastically. Alix punched Nathanael in the hip as she pouted.
"Perfect, match made in heaven." Adrien pointed out.
"I'm only a bachelor...for now." Nathanael hummed as he sipped his glass of water.
"I'm just a step-in." As she rolled her eyes, "I'm going to grab a can of pop. See ya in a bit."
"Later Alix, and you look nice!" As she complimented the purple dress she wore, knowing Alix rarely wore them being the tomboy she was. She waved as she tugged the dress down more.
"Come on, the other's are waiting." Nathanael nodded as they followed him. "I saved us spots because I know things might be a little...tense if you had to sit with the old man and your brother."
"Thank you, you've done more enough than we could ever asked." Adrien exhaled.
"You guys would've done the same for me and my significant other." Nate hummed.
"You are absolutely right." As they entered the hall it was immediately filled with chatter with grown-ups and other unfamiliar people. With one glance, Gabriel spotted Adrien with his date as he lower his head slightly, then turned back to speak with a business partner.
"I think that's our cue." As Marinette was the one who caught on to Gabriel's glance. "Thank you again Nate."
"Anytime." As he walked off to grab a glass of champagne after drinking his water. Adrien swallowed as he guided Marinette towards his father as he met him with a sharp glance. Stay calm, stay cool...
"And here's my model son, Adrien. Adrien, this is Mr. Asano, my contractor from Japan." Gabriel introduced as he allowed the man to step forward and shake hands. He dressed in a blue suit with a straight black shirt and tie.
"Hello Mr. Asano, it's a pleasure to meet you." As he shook back firmly.
"What an honor." He spoke perfectly in English, "I will be seeing you Monday morning when you arrive." Mr. Asano nodded. And he reached out to shake Marinette's hand.
"And you are?" Mr. Asano asked.
"Marinette. Marinette Dupain-Cheng." She told the man.
"Marinette is a fine artist that will be attending one of the top design schools in America next year. And if she continues to produce such marvelous work, no doubt I will train her under my wing with my company." Gabriel told Mr. Asano. Marinette bit the inside of her cheek of how smug he sounded.
Mr. Asano laughed, "Excellent students! I always hear fantastic things about your students from your school Gabriel, it is truly amazing what talent some of these children have!"
"Indeed." Gabriel nodded. "If you excuse me, I have some matters to discuss with my son Mr. Asano, but we will talk more later after the dinner?"
"Of course! Until then Gabriel!" Mr. Asano agreed as he clapped Gabriel on the back and walked away. As the client had walked away, the smile faded from both Agrestes. A bitter glare mirrored each other as a softer glance was laid on Marinette as Gabriel nodded.
"Marinette. You look lovely tonight. A fine dress you are wearing." Gabriel complimented.
Marinette swallowed the bitter taste that was on her tongue and faking a smile, "Thank you Mr. Agreste. It's an honor being here."
"Indeed it is. I invited the highest achieving students from my school and you have well proven to deserve the honor. How is the collection coming along for the show May?" Gabriel asked.
Marinette tensed; a flashback to her shredded collection that took her months to do. With the newer one however, she was able to get it done in weeks with the endless help from her friends.
"It's...coming along well! It's been quite the project I been working on and I can't wait to show you." Marinette managed a smile along her fine red lips. Adrien gripped her hand tighter as he watched his father.
"Excellent." As he cleared his throat, "If you mind Marinette, I would like to speak to Adrien about a few things regarding his trip soon."
"I already told her about Japan." Adrien said matter-of-factly, not wanting her to leave his side. Gabriel stared at Adrien.
"Adrien, it's fine...I'll see you in a moment." Knowing disobeying Gabriel Agreste would aggravate everything. They had a few months...just a few months more and it would be all good. So she walked away to see Alya with Nino.
"Alya! Nino! You guys were invited too?" Marinette gasped as she hugged her best friend tightly. She wore a long-sleeved silver dress that glittered and stopped at her ankles; slit at the sides.
"Yeah I know! It was last minute. It's mostly because of Nino...Dj and all he's pretty popular." Alya rolled her eyes as Nino nudge her with his arm.
"You know you're like the best journalist in junior high right now? This dude knows you got potential, like I told you a million times!" Nino huffed, putting an arm around her shoulder.
"He's right you know." Marinette agreed, nodding. Alya blushed as she harrumphed.
"Yeah well whatever! Where's Adrien?" Alya asked as she noticed the absence of her boyfriend. Marinette sighed as Nino spotted him by his father.
"Uh oh..." Nino squinted at the sight, "Not good...what is it now?"
"He wanted to talk about him going to Japan...I don't think that's the only thing..." Marinette told them. Alya's eyes widen.
"What?! Japan!? Why? How long? Why didn't you telllll meeee?" Alya shook her best friend as she whined.
"It was just yesterday! I was busyyy. Sorrrrryyy!" Marinette begged for her life as Alya had mercy, with a soft pat by Nino.
"You right, it's been pretty hectic lately." Alya agreed. "Let's meet up with the others to get our table with the others. Adrien will find us."
Marinette hesitated, "Actually...I'll meet up with you guys, ok? I want to get Adrien."
Alya and Nino didn't protest, almost grinning ear to ear. "Okay, see ya Mari."
And Marinette turned around to walk back towards Adrien and Gabriel.
"You looks fit, you been following the diet I had Nathalie send to you." Gabriel studied his son, noticing he wasn't lean like the previous years. Especially with the extra-curricular, he had actually been eating more protein and even kale...lot's of kale thanks to Nathanael. Adrien didn't say a word.
"Nathanael cooks for the week, mostly chicken and fish...and kale." Adrien didn't look at his dad. "What did you want to discuss?"
"I want to congratulate you on holding your bargain with the contract. It hasn't been easy, especially at your age...I didn't really expect you to move out." Gabriel complimented as Adrien immediately fumed.
"You threw my belongings outside. What else was I suppose to do? Cry and beg you to take me back?" Adrien hissed.
"You could've, but you did not. You were fortunate Nathanael let you stay...and money for rent." Gabriel caught the wide-look in Adrien's eye as he stared, "I know about the savings, and by right I could've closed it before you moved out my manor. But I was lenient, even with your rash behavior towards me. I gave you countless chances, and I forgave you."
"You made my life hell. For me, for Marinette, all because you felt I wasn't upholding to your standards of an Agreste. Why didn't you just pick Felix over me? If you just sent me away with Mom everything would be so much better." Adrien raised his voice, looking almost eye-to-eye with his father. Some people glanced at them, noting the raised voice by the young Agreste model. Gabriel's jaw tighten as a snarl crept along his lip.
"I kept you in line. You don't see the way I see things. I done everything I could as a father to keep you safe. You and your mother will never understand; which is why we divorced, which is why this family is dysfunctional, and that's why she's dead!" Gabriel snarled.
Adrien's eyes dilated in a Chat Noir manner as he felt his lip curl, the anger boil inside as he clutched his fist tightly and snatched his father's collar causing a commotion. Gabriel flinched as he held his son's wrists firmly.
"ADRIEN NO!" Marinette held onto him by the waist trying to pull him. "Let him go! Don't do this!"
"Father!" As another voice from behind a tense Gabriel got in between, taking the opportunity to shove Adrien back and hold his father upright.
"Are you ok pere?" Felix checked as Gabriel managed to fix himself, his eyes still dark and bitter, huffing.
"I am fine Felix. Thank you...your brother is out of control..." Gabriel took deep breaths. Looking around, he saw his guests staring. He shortly whispered to Felix as he caught on. Adrien was calming down, watching his two family members as Marinette caressed his face.
"Ladies and gentlemen if you can all make your way to the dining hall, we will begin shortly. Apologies for the commotion, the excitement cannot be contained sometimes..." As Felix plastered a fake smile on his face. Adrien huffed loudly. The guest made their way as Marinette saw her friends watching, wanting to jump in. Marinette fanned them to go, as they trusted her to handle Adrien.
"Don't...ever speak about Mom like that again." Adrien threatened.
Marinette's eyes widen as she studied the Agrestes. She swallowed, taking action and putting on her Ladybug act.
"C'mon, let's go to our tables...excuse us monsieur..." Marinette muttered as she held Adrien tightly walking away.
"Marinette." Gabriel said. She stopped in her tracks, with her back to him, not turning around.
"You're the only one that can contain him. You should do that more, for your sakes...if you want things to go smoother..." Gabriel suggested. "The next time will be the last if he put a hand on me again."
Marinette swallowed, then breathing, "Monsieur, Adrien is not a pet. He's my boyfriend." He's my tomcat, my partner in crime. "And we already know that."
Another word wasn't spoken as Marinette walked slightly ahead to pull Adrien by her hand to the dining hall.
Part one of the Masquerade, the next one will be focused on the reception and more angst of course.
I apologize for almost the two months I been gone kinda? I explained the situation on my profile but the next chapter will be out...trying for this Friday.
Until then, cheers.
