In which Adrien puns and Marinette has to wear a dress.

sweetXDmelody... Ummm I officially just hit 400 pages in microsoft word for this story... I haven't yet written the reveal but it is in my head ready to come out since some things have altered since I started this story. This story was never supposed to be this long or complex. lol.

(Slow Burn Detective AU!) Marinette is used to working alone on the streets of Paris as she strives to take down the Hawkmoth gang. When the thief Chat Noir comes crashing into her life things are bound to get magical, especially when co-detective Adrien returns to Paris and seems to want to be her new partner. Will their fated partnership end in a capture or a kiss?

Police Ball

Two boring, and thankfully, uneventful days passed and Adrien found himself spending the majority of his time with her. At work he would read files, ask questions, and make a general nuisance of himself even if Marinette didn't seem to see it that way. Marinette only called him a nuisance when he cracked puns, although the words she used were closer to 'menace' than anything. He only did that when there were no ears turned in their direction and Adrien found that Marinette had wicked aim even without her manriki in hand. Since they now lived next to each other, they walked together to and from work often stopping in at one of the delis for food since Marinette didn't feel like cooking and Adrien refused to try. Adrien would have loved to hang out further into the evening but Marinette begged off till after the ball because she was working on some project that she wouldn't share any details about. More than once Adrien was tempted to visit as Chat Noir to sneak a peek, but in the end he decided to work on memorizing the files his father had given him. It was boring, dry stuff and he was glad for Plagg's company since the kwami was always happy to make a jab at the people in the files. After all, he had known several of them when he had been human.

Finally, the night of the ball arrived and Adrien felt rather nervous as he put on his suit and slicked back his hair. He was meeting Marinette soon and they would be riding together in the limo to the ball. If he was being honest, Adrien was nervous both for the upcoming speech he had to give and for the outfit he had chosen to wear. He'd had to return to the empty house his father lived in to get the vest he wanted, and he had spent a whole afternoon searching for a shirt, but the end result left him pleased even if he never had found a tie. Even without a tie there would be no doubt in anyone's mind that they were a pair now with how he had made sure his colors matched the ones in Marinette's dress.

"You'll be fine, Adrien," Plagg called, a wicked gleam in the kwami's eyes. "You're also going to be late, which is stupid since you literally live next to the girl of your dreams."

"Shut it, Plagg," Adrien hissed, then realized the kwami was right so he rushed from his flat feeling relieved when the hall was still empty.

Happy for the few quiet moments to calm himself, Adrien settled his features into his neutral stone-face. Usually he allowed himself to be more relaxed with Marinette, but this was a work function and for some reason there seemed to be far more traffic than usual on their floor. More than once a neighbor of some sort passed by while staring intently and Adrien made sure to ignore them. His focus was on one thing only when finally, Marinette appeared stepping into the hall like an angel sent from above.

She was stunning, beautiful... ethereal... ooohh, he liked that one Adrien decided as a huge smile cracked his stone-face apart. To hell with acting like a stiff upper-class gentleman when no one was around, Marinette deserved to know how amazing she looked. As both Chat and Adrien he had seen the dress on the mannequin, but that had not done this dress justice. Overall, Adrien recognized the style of dress to be a mermaid style, but Marinette had taken that basic form and transformed it into something otherworldly. The dress hugged all of her curves leaving nothing to the imagination, and yet it did it in a way without being revealing or slutty. The bodice reminded him of a Chinese top, the way crimson lace framed with beading hugged her torso and wrapped elegantly around her slender neck. The crimson color flowed into darker shades down the dress until it bled to black where the edges brushed the floor. Sequins littered the dress in just enough places to make her sparkle without being overpowering, and he noted that the back of the dress was open. The final touches were the lace gloves that extended up to her elbows and followed the dress' color scheme.

"You look ethereal in that gown," Adrien complemented, enjoying the pink tinge that showed through the light makeup on her face.

"Th-thank you Adrien. You look quite charming yourself," Marinette managed after swallowing the whimper that had wanted to come out after seeing him.

Adrien wasn't charming, he was smolderingly hot and it just wasn't fair. Really Marinette should be used to seeing him in some sort of suit since that was what he wore on a fairly regular basis. He rarely wore a tie at work, since he argued that a perp could strangle him with it, but that was beside the point. He was in a tux that was tailored to the point it looked painted on, and the vest and shirt he wore beneath it were just as well-made. The whole thing even followed her dress' color scheme, making Marinette wonder how long he had been planning this evening. The pants and jacket were dark, though not quite black, while the vest was a shade of deep crimson. The long-sleeve, sculpted dress shirt beneath had a silver sheen to it that Marinette knew would match the sequins on her dress. It wasn't dark silver since that would have contrasted the colors too much, instead it was just a few shades darker than white so it blended with the other colors and Adrien pulled off the no-tie bit extremely well.

"Shouldn't you have a tie?" Marinette asked curiously, accepting the hand Adrien offered while walking towards the stairs.

"My father isn't here, and to be completely honest I couldn't find a clip-on tie that matched the crimson color of your dress," Adrien answered

Marinette huffed, "You're a sneak. How long were you planning on taking me as your date anyways? You can't tell me you just had those colors simply lying around. I won't believe you."

Adrien smirked as he led her to the car, "Ever since my father told me I had to attend I planned to ask you, and I even returned home to dig my old tuxes out. The suit and the vest were items I already owned, although I had to get them slightly altered since it has been years since the last time I wore them. The shirt is the only new thing, and as I said, I couldn't find the right color tie."

Marinette rolled her eyes as he opened the car door for her and she settled into the seat. She wasn't completely sure she believed him, and while he pulled off her colors really well she felt like he would look better in green. The thought was odd so she shoved it aside as Adrien slid into the limo from the other door. The door snicked shut and Adrien grinned at her, his open collar reminding her of her last minute creation.

"You know, you really do need a tie, Adrien. This is a formal event and our matching outfits will garner enough attention as is," Marinette sighed slyly.

Adrien shot her a pouting look, "Well I didn't bring one. So unless you have one in that teensy purse of yours…"

Marinette pulled out the black tie that had rich, crimson embroidery, with flecks of silver all down its length. The pattern matched her dress' top perfectly and Adrien's jaw dropped. Slowly, Adrien reached for the length of fabric and Marinette passed it to him with a blush settling on her cheeks.

"You don't have to use it…" Marinette started, taking his silence to mean that he didn't like it.

"I love it," Adrien breathed hurriedly knowing that Marinette was about to try to take the beautiful creation back. "I really, really love it. You made this?! This is incredible!"

He turned the tie over in his hands, wondering when in the world she'd had the time to make something like this.

"I kinda had to cheat and use the sewing machine to do most of the heavy embroidery but I hand stitched the details with the silver. And now, on the plus side, you have a tie," Marinette hummed, happy that he liked it. She wished that she had known before that he liked clip-ons better, but at this point it was better than nothing.

"Can you tie it for me?" Adrien asked knocking Marinette right out of her reverie.

"Oh! Uh-yes! I can do that. I've done that before!" Marinette babbled. Adrien grinned as he handed her the tie before bending forward into her space.

Marinette's brain was frozen even as her hands moved on auto pilot reaching up to pop his collar up. The limo's interior had seemed expansive when she had gotten in initially, but now it seemed smaller and warmer and she wasn't sure that having Adrien's lips this close to hers was such a good idea… The car jerked to a sudden stop and Adrien grabbed Marinette to keep them from possibly tumbling off the seat as the Gorilla slammed on the car horn.

Marinette giggled nervously, "Good thing I wasn't cinching the tie… um, do you like your ties longer or shorter?"

The moment, whatever it had been was gone and Adrien wanted to snarl in frustration at it loss. Instead, he flashed what he hoped was a suave smile and leaned down a bit so she could reach his neck easier. "Whichever will show off your skills the most, Princess."

Marinette raised an eyebrow at him, then tossed the tie around his neck while determinedly ignoring the temptation of his smooth skin. It took a few deft movements to tie an Eldredge knot and she popped the collar down, her hand lingering as she pushed the tie into its proper resting place.

"Thank you, Princess," Adrien purred near her ear, his tone just shy of seductive.

All Marinette had to do was turn slightly and their lips would meet. She had a feeling that if that happened, things might quickly run a touch out of control for the both of them. It hurt to have to be the responsible one and to fight against such an instinctive pull like she felt towards Adrien, but she had a feeling that he was fighting the pull, too. In that moment Marinette realized that Adrien was trying to let her lead and follow her decisions, even if he didn't like them. He was determined to be her partner for work and she had already accepted him as such no matter what their official designation was. However, there were many different types of partners, and taking Adrien as a lover would mean that they couldn't work in public. She wasn't ready for that choice yet so she gently pushed a finger against Adrien's nose, forcing him back out of her breathing space.

"Let me see how the tie looks," Marinette said taking in the slightly hurt look in Adrien's eyes since his face showed nothing.

Flicking her eyes towards the divider, Marinette was relieved when he glanced towards the front and saw how the Gorilla was watching the two of them closely even as he carefully drove them through the winding streets of Paris. Taking a deep breath, Adrien forced a smile on his face. She hadn't rejected him, she was protecting him, or 'them' he supposed, and he knew that this… something… between them would continue to grow. He liked her and she definitely liked him. It was just a matter of the proper location to express such things.

"So, how does it look? Does it TIE the whole thing together?" Adrien teased.

Marinette let out a low whine, "You're insufferable. Next time I'll just let you wander in looking incomplete. I'm sure Gabriel would love that."

Adrien laughed and squeezed her hand in favor of kissing it since he knew every movement and word they spoke was going to reach his father, one way or another. Hopefully the Gorilla would paint them in a professional light.

The rest of the car ride was totally uneventful, filled with innocuous conversations between the two of them. Lights lit up the night before them as they arrived with multitudes of people crowding the carpeted valet area. Adrien wasn't sure if he was pleased or disappointed that they arrived at the ball right on time. The gorilla opened the door for the two of them and Adrien stepped out first, his stone-face in place before holding out a hand for Marinette to take. Camera lights exploded from the paparazzi as Marinette stepped from the vehicle and Adrien was pleased to see her give them a look of total disdain.

"Every year…" Marinette sighed, her lips barely moving as she laid a hand on his offered arm and they moved towards the main entrance.

Questions were shouted from the sidelines and Adrien was a bit surprised to not see Alya amongst the flashing lights. They ignored the paparazzi completely and moved inside, finding the first level fairly empty. Marinette checked in her small bag after texting Alya he assumed.

"You two look stunning together. Go knock those stuffed shirts dead," the bag claimer said, handing Adrien the small plastic number that Marinette would need to get her bag back.

Adrien blinked in surprise but Marinette just sighed shaking her head, "Do not cause a scene. There is no way I can cover for any of you in this place."

"You wound me, Marinette…" the bagger pouted, then held up a phone to snap a swift photo of them before placing a hand over his heart. " Don't worry, Marinette. We're all here on honest jobs, besides Stormy's already here somewhere."

Marinette rolled her eyes and tugged a very confused Adrien away and towards the stairs that led to the ballroom down below. Music wafted softly from the area before them as the band began their warm ups and Adrien snuck one last glance at the bagger who was waving jauntily after them while ignoring his next upcoming guests.

"Should I ask?" Adrien wondered.

"Some of the Whisperers apparently thought I might get lonely at this since it's the first year since Tiki… Well, Tiki and I always went to these together. As friends, or partners, work partners I mean, and some of the Whisperers, Stormy included, have infiltrated the Ball," Marinette grouched even though she couldn't find it in her heart to be upset at them.

"Oh… that's really cool of them. I'm glad you decided to accept my invitation and not come alone, though," Adrien admitted. "I have a feeling that this ball would be torture without your quick wit keeping me on my toes."

Marinette elbowed him, "Behave or I really will ditch you."

There was no heat in her tone and the two of them stepped down the first set of stairs, each of them keeping an eye out for people they knew. It was an open, live band so there was no way to spot Nino amongst the sea of mostly black suits. For a moment Adrien had been worried that his friend would wear his ever present favorite cap, but after Alya had snarled at him about it the other day, he knew Nino would never chance it. People stared as they descended to the floor and Adrien caught the question of 'Who are they?' coming from more than one set of lips.

"I think we cleaned up too nicely, Marinette. It would seem that people don't recognize us," Adrien murmured, his lips barely moving as they descended the second staircase.

"Just give them a minute. Most of these flutter brains are a tad slow on the uptake," Marinette returned, her voice just as low.

They arrived at the base of the crowd to haughty stares and murmuring, but not even Adrien could pick out the individual questions flying around the edges of the group. Realizing Adrien wasn't sure what to do, Marinette subtly tugged him towards the one side since she had seen Stormy on the edges near some tables. Adrien followed easily and somehow they made it appear as if Adrien was leading, even though it was Marinette who guided them through the sea of people. Apparently she had spied someone she knew because they broke through the main throng and Adrien found them at a set of tables where Stormy was grinning cheekily at a blush-faced Nathaniel. Adrien felt himself go a little tense at seeing Nathaniel, Marinette patted his arm before letting him go to put her hands on her hips.

"Hey there, Stormy…"

Stormy was in a shorter cocktail dress, which was cutting it close since this was technically a formal event. Dark purple with shots of white decorated the dress tastefully and tulle made the skirt slightly poofy. Her hair was done up in a bun and Marinette spied a small lightning shaped barrette holding some of her longer bangs in place. Nathaniel, on the other hand, had chosen a basic black suit with a white undershirt. His hair had been mostly tamed and slicked back although he looked like a kid caught with his hand in a cookie jar right this second.

Stormy's head jerked up and the brief second of surprise was blotted out by the giant grin that took over her features. "Marinette! You look totally hot, girl. Did you give Adrien a heart attack when you met up with him?"

Marinette rolled her eyes, "No, Stormy. Have you given Nathaniel here a heart attack yet?"

Stormy shook her head, "Nope, not yet! He wants you to save a dance for him at some point tonight, though."

Nathaniel's face changed colors so rapidly from red to white then back to red that Marinette and Adrien took a step closer worried that the young man might actually pass out. He squeaked out something unintelligible and Stormy patted him on the back making his face turn redder.

"A dance sounds nice, Nathaniel," Marinette soothed, hoping that Adrien wouldn't mind. "We were partners for a bit so it'll be a good moment to catch up. I'm on the hunt for Alya, although I have a feeling that she's getting some new scoop. Stormy, try not to kill him ok?"

Stormy chuckled, "I'll behave, Marinette. I promise.

Marinette didn't believe her but there wasn't anything she could do since she really didn't know why Stormy was here. Had she finally asked Nathaniel out like she had threatened before, or had she snuck into the ball to spy on someone? It wasn't even too far out of the realm of possibility that she was simply here to spy on Marinette or Adrien then report back to Gram and Fu. With a bit of a sigh Marinette tried to put it out of her mind as she glanced up at Adrien.

"You don't mind if I dance with Nathaniel, do you?" Marinette asked as they moved back towards the crowd, then felt foolish for doing so.

Adrien wanted to growl because of course he minded! It was obvious Nathaniel was infatuated with her and Adrien didn't want him anywhere near her because Nathaniel wasn't her work partner any longer and he could act on his desire to date Marinette if he became brave enough and-

"Adrien?" Marinette queried starting to worry that she had angered him.

"Of course I don't mind, Marinette. He's your friend, and besides I'm sure Chloe will demand a dance at some point with me as well," Adrien managed, the words coming out even and without heat.

What went unsaid was that he would rip Nathaniel's throat out if he even looked at her wrong. He wasn't being jealous as Plagg claimed so many times. Adrien was simply being territorial, which was totally different. Marinette hummed under her breath, the look on her face telling him that she didn't quite believe him.

"Did you happen to see Alya or Nino coming down?" Marinette asked deciding to change the subject.

"No, I didn't. I'm surprised that you noticed Stormy or Nathaniel in all this," Adrien replied as they wandered around the large, open room.

If there hadn't been a sea of people blocking the view, the room would have felt massive. Tables and chairs littered the sides of the room and a small stage with a podium was set up in the front. The back of the room held a buffet table which housed heating devices and covered dishes until they were ready for the guests to dig in. The center of the room was to be a dance floor, but for now people mingled on it waiting for the speeches to start. The band was off to the side of the stage, steadily doing warm ups and little jigs that would rise then softly trail off over the noise of the crowd.

"Nathaniel has red hair. Not many people here do," Marinette said stopping for a moment as she glanced around them.

"Hello, Marinette! Who is this strapping young man?" an older feminine voice called making Marinette turn, smile, and hug an older woman about her size.

"Very funny, Clara. This is Adrien, he is…" Marinette started, unsure of how to describe him.

"I'm her partner," Adrien answered for himself.

Clara glanced between the two of them, a grin forming on her face, "I'm assuming that he's only saying that because Gabriel isn't here."

"No, I'm going to convince my father of my position as soon as he returns," Adrien said, his tone even.

Clara laughed, "Oh I'm telling Jackady all about this. He'll love it!"

"Clara…" Marinette complained, but Clara patted her on the cheek before turning to Adrien.

"Don't bite off more than you can chew, young man. And always be honest with Marinette here. She has a habit of uncovering secrets."

A touch of surprise showed on Adrien's face, though he quickly masked it, "I think the moment I met Marinette I bit off more than I could chew. Don't fear though, I've been told I have a large mouth."

Clara laughed gleefully, even clapping her hands together, "Oh my, I do like you! Not like your stuffed-shirt of a father at all! If Marinette ever takes Jackady's offer, come with her. Now then, Marinette, do a little twirl so that I can see this splendid design of yours!"

Adrien felt a little left out and confused as Marinette laughed while twirling obediently. Clara clapped again and the two started talking about seams and dresslines and things that Adrien had no clue about. After several minutes a man joined them and Adrien recognized him as Jackady, the boss of one of the other precincts.

"Clara, were you successful in this attempt to bring Marinette to our precinct?" Jackady asked pressing a kiss to her cheek.

Marinette rolled her eyes and answered for herself, "You know I won't and couldn't, Jackady."

"Ah, yes…" Jackady sighed, his tone one of suffering. "The Hawkmoth case is far more important than actually having all your talents put to good use. Tell me, have you found anyone worth working with yet or does the glacier still have you on desk duty?"

"I'm hoping to convince my father that I'm worthy of Marinette's time as a partner," Adrien stated, breaking into the conversation.

Jackady turned, fixing Adrien with a gaze that he simply returned until Jackady slowly started to grin.

"Ohhh yes, I can see the potential here…" Jackady murmured, his hands slowly rubbing together in glee.

"Don't even try anything Jackady," Marinette grouched. "Adrien hasn't been around long enough to know you and we both know that Gabriel will never agree to any scheme you come up with, especially after the 'Ali' incident."

Jackady pouted, "Ali was thrilled with how everything turned out so I don't even want to hear it. Besides, you know that I'm covering for Gabriel at the precinct right now. If you want off desk duty I can clear you until Gabriel comes back and undoes the paperwork."

Marinette sighed shaking her head lightly, "We both know that's a terrible idea. Don't worry too much, we'll work this out just fine."

Jackady sighed tossing up his hands, "C'est la vie then, darling. Adrien, it was wonderful meeting you. Do watch Marinette's back, will you?"

"I will, sir," Adrien intoned, liking the man even though he knew his father didn't get along the best with Jackady.

Jackady nabbed Clara's arm, "Come, my darling. I believe they're starting to uncover the food. Adrien, I'm sure we'll be hearing a speech from you soon. Try and liven up anything your glacier of an old man has written up?"

"Sorry, sir. I'm trying to stay in my father's good graces, not piss him off."

"Jackady, leave him be!" Marinette snapped, waving at him in a 'shooing' motion. Jackady pouted but Clara dragged him off before they could argue further.

"Has Jackady offered you a job?" Adrien asked offering his arm to Marinette.

She took the offer, twining her hand around his arm and ignoring the annoyed glances thrown their way by some. "Yes he did, although he had offered a new job with better pay and such to Tiki and I on a few occasions. After Tiki died and I went through my first three partners he approached me again, but I really don't want to leave the Hawkmoth case. Your father would never let it be transferred and, I don't know, as grumpy and cold as Gabriel is, the precinct is home to me."

"Yes, it would be a pity to leave all that climbing equipment to rot since we both know that no one else is brave enough to even attempt using it," Adrien hummed. "How did you become acquainted with Jackady? I've heard that he's nicer than my father but he doesn't usually know the officers or detectives from other precincts."

"It was the Ali thing. Jackady's precinct was in charge of protection. Somehow while he was visiting, Ali slipped through the cracks and vanished on them. Jackady's reputation was on the line and he personally asked me for help since I'm apparently the one to come to when someone important goes missing in Paris. Thankfully, I happened to be with the Whisperers when the call went out. They were happy to help as long as they got an autograph of the prince and a picture with him. I fixed things but it was almost a scandal since Ali's aid was up to some nasty business."

"You're amazing, Marinette," Adrien said wanting to know more details but knowing that this wasn't the place for it. He could always ask her later, or even at work the next day.

Marinette blushed at his words, "I didn't do much. I was happy to help and as I said, it was his reputation on the line."

Adrien wanted to complement Marinette again maybe even weasel a few more details out of her, but before he could try a voice interrupted prompting the two of them to turn and face their newest aggressor.

"You know, Adrien dear, you should have someone with a better reputation on your arm. No offence, dear, but your reputation precedes you," the woman purred her words filled with venom no matter the sweetness of her tone.

Marinette felt Adrien go completely stiff at the woman's words and Marinette knew he didn't recognize her so she decided to answer for him. "Hello, Madam Sule. Is your business doing better this year without all the embezzlement?" Marinette was careful to keep a completely neutral face although the slight tilt of her head invited curiosity.

The Madam's eyes went stony, "This is the first year without your troublemaking partner, isn't it? Already corrupting someone new?"

Marinette grinned a rather nasty grin making Adrien glad that he wasn't the one facing her ire, "Oh, I've already corrupted five others. Even arrested one partner myself but I'm sure that's just idle gossip and not worthy of your time. Matter of fact, I think trading barbs is a little beneath my standing. So, shall we be off, Adrien?"

"Of course, My Lady," Adrien answered automatically, feeling her stiffen even as he realized what he said. Pretending his slip meant nothing to him, Adrien led Marinette off leaving the Madam to splutter something incoherent behind them.

"I'm sorry about that, Adrien," Marinette said softly as they slipped through the crowd, trying to put distance between them and the irate Madam behind them.

"It's quite alright, Marinette. You warned me that this might happen. I'm just sorry that it has. Was it like this with Tiki?" Adrien asked keeping his eyes on the shifting crowd around them.

"Tiki was a good luck charm when it came to dealing with people like that. She could turn their complaints into praises even as she contemplated spilling her drink on them," Marinette chuckled. "I've never had that talent, unfortunately. I can get a few good comebacks in but I can't sway them like Tiki could. Mostly I'm just good at pissing people off, although for the most part I don't get into trouble for it."

Adrien chuckled under his breath, careful not to let his amusement wipe the cold look off his features. His glare seemed to keep a good bit of people from approaching, although the few that did only wanted to have a good honest conversation with Marinette. Several were women wanting to know where she had purchased such an exquisite dress. It made something very warm and satisfying glow in his chest to hear their cries of disbelief or envy when she told them she had made it herself. It was just about time to start heading for the podium to do his speech when a throat cleared right behind them.

They turned as one and Adrien somewhat expected to see another fan of Marinette's. However it was an older gentleman doctor, one that Adrien actually recognized from his father's files. The man was short, rotund, and dressed in a suit that made him look like a black bowling ball. A badly made toupee covered little of his round, chubby head, and a large full wine glass was clutched in his hand. Adrien reviewed what he knew about the man since he knew for a fact that he and his father did not get along. Apparently, several times while the good doctor had been working his health codes weren't all up to snuff, but every time someone filed a complaint against him their case would go missing or the person would drop it after being pressured by unknown sources. Normally an officer of the law, much less his father, wouldn't get involved in what should be a case for lawyers. Adrien still wasn't sure how it happened since his father essentially sat behind a desk all day, but somehow word of the good doctor's malpractice reached his father, who oddly decided something had to be done. Adrien was a touch surprised to see the man here at this police ball since his malpractice suits were just now starting to go public.

"Good evening, Dr. Benson," Adrien acknowledged after the three of them stood in silence for several moments waiting for the other to speak.

"Hello, Adrien. The last time I saw you, I believe you were a little boy. Did your father decide not to show up this year? I haven't seen him skulking around as of yet," Dr. Benson semi-slurred, raising his glass towards the two of them.

Marinette hissed under her breath at the reek coming off the man and Adrien wished he could as well. Dr. Benson was drunk and, considering how early in the night it was, Adrien knew that this conversation probably wouldn't end pleasantly. As if able to read his thoughts, Marinette shifted beside him raising an eyebrow in question clearly wanting to know if he wanted her to take over.

Adrien gave the slightest shake of the head turning his attention downwards, "Gabriel is at the annual conference representing Paris. I am attending this ball in his place. Good to see you doing so well."

Adrien started to turn, clearly ready for the conversation to be over, but Benson was not one to be ignored so easily and he trotted to the side, forcing Adrien to maintain eye contact.

"Now, now, boy. This party is one of the largest events held in celebration for our fine officers. I'm sure one such as your father would want to be here unless he was afraid to show his face."

Adrien counted to three slowly in his head knowing that this round, bouncy-ball of a man was trying to piss him off, "There is very little my father fears. But you should know that since he was the one who took you down."

Benson's face wrinkled, "You look to be just like your father and that tart on your arm. You know, there are scarier things in this city than your little criminals. If you want my advice I'd ditch the girl and work for a better man. Maybe someone like me, I could use a bodyguard."

"Thank you for your advice, sir, I will let you know when I see a better man," Adrien seethed even as he felt Marinette tighten her grip on his arm ever so slightly.

"I beg your pardon?" Benson spluttered in disbelief.

"Then beg," Adrien snapped, his voice colder than ice and sharper than a whip.

"Adrien, it's time for your speech," Marinette broke in knowing that if she didn't get Adrien out of this cesspool soon his temper might really snap, and she knew he would regret it the moment it happened. What he had said was a pretty decent comeback, however, and she would have to remember it. But for now, she looped her hand around his arm so she could pull him away. The doctor remained where he was, looking like a gaping fish and Marinette could swear she heard a growl rumbling from Adrien's chest, "You ok?"

Adrien took a deep breath, his face revealing nothing even as the Mayor came out to the podium, "I'll be fine. We had better hurry up, however."

They moved swiftly through the mingling crowd coming to the curtained off area that was the backside of the stage. Marinette absentmindedly adjusted his tie and brushed an invisible piece of lint off his shoulder.

"Remind me to deck that man the next time I see him, ok?" Marinette asked feeling relieved as Adrien chuckled

"You would have to hit him rather hard, Princess. Otherwise all attacks might just bounce off," Adrien snickered then drew himself up straight as the mayor finished his speech and announced Adrien's name.

"You'll be fine, Adrien. Just imagine them in their underwear," Marinette said, keeping her voice soothing.

Adrien, however, rolled his eyes, "No need to add to the nightmare-fuel, Marinette."

Marinette, snickered staying in place as she watched Adrien slide between the curtains. The Mayor stepped back from the podium allowing Adrien to speak but he didn't go far since he was announcing the next people to speak as well. Marinette watched as Adrien gave the opening speech, marveling that this stony, uptight young man was the same person she was content to call her partner. The conversations out on the dance floor had confirmed it for her. Adrien considered her his partner, no matter what his father thought and no matter how these people felt. No high-class idiot could make him change his mind and Marinette had felt herself melt a little when she truly realized it. Honestly, it made her fall in love with him a little more.

Did you guys like the matching outfits?