Miraculous:
Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir
Chapter Two: Dancing with the Stars
To help prepare her mentally, Marinette had asked Alya over January 30th for a sleepover, not that she thought she'd be getting any kind of sleep.
"Why did I say yes? I mean, of course I want to go, but why did he ask me? Why not Chloe or Kagami? I mean I know Kagami is gonna be in Japan and who would want to go with Chloe…" Marinette gasped with wide eyes. "Maybe he asked me as a last resort!"
Alya rolled her eyes at her best friend's ranting. "Girl, he did not ask as a last resort. You said it yourself. He said he's comfortable with you! Now you get the VIP treatment at the cost of his old man. I say enjoy it."
"But I can't dance and being on Adrien's arm, with all those people watching, I'm just going to embarrass him." Marinette hid her face in her hands as she dropped into her bed.
"You can dance and you've done it before, twice. Plus, you have the chance to be with Adrien at midnight on New Year's. You know what that means, don't you?" Alya smirked and leaned back confidently.
Marinette, taking the bait, peeked her eyes up over her knuckles. "No, what?"
"They say that if you kiss the one you love when the clock strikes twelve that you'll be together forever."
"Really?" Marinette's mood took a 180 and she instantly looked excited again. "Okay, I can do this!" She looked at her best friend with less certainty. "Right?"
"Absolutely!"
The next day, at 8am sharp, Marinette came out of the front of her house to see a limo parked on the street. She recognized Nathalie from seeing Adrien picked up before. Marinette waved goodbye to Alya and walked up to the car. "Um, hello, my name's…"
"You will have lady and etiquette lessons from 8-12, a nail appointment at noon, you will be fitted for your dress from 2-4, where afterwards you will return to the Agreste Mansion to have your hair and make-up prepared before leaving at 6:30pm for the gala." Nathalie read from her tablet.
Marinette frowned. "Uh, what about a break for lunch. I have to eat something, right?"
"Nonsense, we will have a protein bar prepared between your lessons and your nail appointment. Anything more and your dress fitting would be inaccurate and pointless. Please step inside."
Marinette sighed and got into the car, thinking to herself, I'm doing this for Adrien. I'm doing this for Adrien. If she kept telling herself that, she'd be able to get through anything.
Adrien sat at his computer desk, tapping his pencil repetitively against his mouse pad.
Plagg rolled his eyes. "Come on, Adrien. I'm sure she's fine."
"I don't know, Plagg. You don't know what it's like." The boy shivered in memory of his own etiquette lessons. "They analyze your every move, how you hold things, what you say, where you look…it's demeaning and nerve wracking. I just don't want anything bad to happen to her."
"Marinette's more capable than you know."
His owner raised his eyebrow at him. "And how would you know?"
Now Plagg just laughed nervously. "Oh, well, from the little I've seen of her and from you've told me. She sounds like an amazing girl."
"She is, Plagg. I'm so grateful to have her as my friend." Adrien looked up at the ceiling. Please be okay, Marinette…
"If you drink a cup of tea, you do not lace your fingers around the handle, but hold onto the back of it with two fingers and one thumb like so." The etiquette teacher demonstrated with her teacup. Next to that cup was one that had coffee. "If you are drinking coffee, you are allowed to interlace one finger through the handle like so. Now you try."
Marinette drank from one cup holding onto it properly, then began drinking from the second cup but when she interlaced her one finger through, her knuckle touched the cup, making her flinch. She spilled a few drops of coffee and panicked, quickly trying to clean it up when her teacher sighed heavily.
"It is also very important to not spill as the tablecloths you'll be eating at are always very expensive."
"Right. Sorry." Marinette winced.
The next lesson was on how to properly sit. "When one is in a dress and you are seating in a low-rise chair, it is proper for a lady to sit with her knees together, leaning to one side. You may cross your legs at the ankles if you like."
Marinette passed that one okay. Sitting I can do. It's only anything having to do with moving around.
Unfortunately, the next lesson was on dancing.
"When one is waltzing, always keep your eyes locked on your partner's," the instructor said. "The man always leads and you can follow him based on his signals."
While this part wasn't hard for Marinette, it was easier to do with her instructor, a female, than it would be with Adrien. I can stare into his eyes no problem, it's just the rest of me stops working when I do. Maybe I'll get lucky and we won't have to dance.
After four hours of lessons, including the very important—how to walk in high heels—Marinette was driven to a nail salon. This treatment was much nicer…except on the cuticles. The nail technician was told to do a blue and white color scheme, so she did an amazing combination of both with flowers and glitter. Marinette had never felt so pretty. Then there was the foot massage. She practically melted into her chair. It felt amazing, especially after all that dancing!
The next stop was clothes shopping. She was originally looking forward to this but when they arrived at the store, she was shoved into a changing station and handed a pile of dresses. She tried on long dresses, short dresses, layered dresses, some that were spaghetti strap, strapless, and some that hung off the shoulder. She was critiqued by Nathalie, as well as others, and when they didn't like something about the selection, she dutifully returned to the changing room to pick another outfit.
I suppose I should be grateful they're allowing me to change myself…She thought of the silver lining.
Without knowing which one they picked, she was told time was up and she was to return to Adrien's house. Her nerves returning, Marinette went into the car and tried to calm herself down on the drive over. It didn't work.
When she was ushered inside, she didn't have a chance to see Adrien. Instead she was rushed up and away from his room into a guest room of her own that was arranged with a divider for changing as well as a standalone sink and barber chair where she assumed they'd be doing hair and makeup. Already there was a team of 7 people inside. Why do they need 7 people? I'm just one girl! Thinking about it, Marinette imagined this would be what Adrien had to go through all the time for his ads and photo shoots. I'm getting to live just a piece of Adrien's world… The thought cheered her up and she took on her last assignment with the intent of learning a little more about her crush.
Adrien was practically pacing in the lobby of his house at the bottom of the stairs. It was almost 6:30 and he hadn't heard a peep from Marinette's room. A part of him was shy knowing there was another girl staying so close to his own room. He quickly shook his head to clear it. He wore a white tux with a light blue trim and matching bowtie. He always hated tight clothes, preferring the photo shoots where a few top buttons were left open. Unfortunately, this was a formal affair and they wouldn't even let him in without a jacket.
Nathalie appeared from the left staircase and stopped at the center divider. "I present the new and improved Marinette Dupain-Cheng."
Adrien looked up and watched as nothing less than an angel descended from the sky. His mouth dropped open in clear admiration and awe as she walked gracefully down the stairs keeping her chin level and eyes forward just as she had been taught. Her hair was down and barely brushed against her exposed shoulders. They'd given her a single barrette with a white flower to hold up one side of her hair and he admitted he really liked her hair down.
Her dress was white, strapless, with a see-through silk flowing flawlessly over it. While the silk was see-through, it had a light blue, sometimes purple, sheen that sparkled in the right angles and lighting, reminding him of a beautiful galaxy nebula. The same silk material was also wrapped around her neck in the form of a scarf which draped behind her.
Adrien, forgetting his manners, snapped out of his stupor and walked up the staircase to greet his date. He offered her an elbow and warm smile. "Marinette, words can't describe how beautiful you look."
She smiled nervously and gratefully took his arm. As soon as they started walking down the steps, he could feel through his coat she was trembling, even while she appeared so composed on the outside. He carefully covered her hand with his and patted it for encouragement. "You're going to do fine. I'll be with you the whole time."
She laughed nervously as they were escorted outside to the limo. "Heh heh, that's funny. I thought I was here to support you."
He shrugged casually. "We'll support each other. It's what we do best." He winked at her and saw her cheeks lit up a pretty pink hue. This is going to be a night like no other. I can feel it.
Once they were inside, Marinette looked around in confusion. "Where's your father?"
"Oh, he'll come separately with Nathalie. We don't usually travel together." Adrien sighed sadly and looked away. "We…don't really do a lot of things together."
Marinette shook her head. "Not uh, none of that now." She shook her finger at him when he turned towards her and tapped his nose. "We're going to have a good time. Don't think about him. Just think about me." When he smiled gratefully at her, her eyes went wide and she played with her fingers nervously. "I mean, obviously you don't have to think about just me, that would be boring and weird, and you probably have tons of other things you'd rather be thinking about…"
"Hey Marinette, you should have more confidence in yourself. You're an amazing person. Never doubt yourself." She pursed her lips and nodded, looking pointedly at her lap.
The ride to the gala was all too short and soon there were cameras flashing and Marinette was certain she'd fall on the red carpet. True to his word, though, Adrien walked with her and following his lead she smiled and waved at the reporters. He walked her inside where thankfully it was much quieter.
Nathalie was very clear. I'm not to start conversations with anybody. I'm just to remain by Adrien's side for the entire evening.
Before they entered the main ballroom being used for the gala, they were stopped by security and the backs of their hands stamped. "Do they usually do this?" Marinette asked.
"It wasn't like this before but with all the akuma attacks, they had to up security. Invitations aren't enough now. Besides that, since this is a longer event than normal, and people can come and go as they please, this allowed the security to keep track of the traffic." As they passed the checkpoint, he motioned with his head back at the guard. "See those glasses he's wearing? They aren't just fashion. With those lenses, he can see the invisible ink from the stamps."
"Really? Cool…"
Adrian took her hand. "Come on. Let's go get something to drink."
Gabriel Agreste existed his limo and looked dispassionately over the crowd of bottom feeders. None of them were worthy to be in his presence. When his wife Emily was ill, the mansion received so many so-called heartfelt letters and wishes for her quick recovery. None of them truly knew her, knew her suffering, yet they pretended to care. He hated them all. That was why when it came to akumatizing any one of them, he felt nothing but satisfaction.
Ignoring the pictures and reporters, he walked across the red carpet and prepared to enter the gala. He didn't immediately see his son but that mattered little. He had already been informed that he'd been dropped off previously with that girl, Marinette. Her mixed blood was a disgrace, but the negative emotions she'd stir by showing up at his side were enough to have him overlook her presence for one evening.
"I'm sorry, sir. I need to stamp your hand," the guard stated.
"Excuse me?" Having been home bound for so long, he was unaccustomed to this new security measure. "How drab and suburban. I am Garbiel Agreste. I need no stamp."
Mayor Bourgeois cleared his throat and approached from inside the gala. "I'm sorry Mr. Agreste, we must insist. With so many akuma attacks, we have to be able to keep track of all of our guests." The mayor gestured to the stamp and explained how it worked.
Garbiel's mind immediately began scheming. An invisible ink that can only be seen with special glasses. This gives me an idea. Allowing the inconvenience for the moment, Gabriel half turned to Nathelie whom he'd yet to acknowledge since their arrival. "Come, Nathalie, let us go to the gallery next store." Now to lay the foundation…
Adrien returned and brought Marinette a drink. It was a tall, champagne looking glass with a golden liquid inside. "Oh uh, thanks Adrien."
When she took it with hesitation, Adrien caught on to her way of thinking and laughed. "Don't worry, it's sparkling cider. We're still way too young for that."
Marinette took a sigh of relief and remembered to hold the glass just as she had been taught. Thumb and four fingers… Now if I could just stop shaking from nerves. "So how many of these do you usually have to go to?" She took a drink and the bubbles helped calm the knots in her stomach.
"Oh, I don't know. Three or four a year, I guess. Everyone has to have an opportunity to stay relevant." He looked out across the crowd and made a sweeping gesture. "You know, with your up and coming talent, when you enter the world of fashion, this will be your life too, now that I think about it."
Marinette blinked and realized he was right. The high-end social gatherings will always be where she would be needed most if her designs became popular. She wasn't going to stay hidden behind closed doors like Gabriel Agreste but where she was, who she went with, everything she did would be as monitored and criticized as it was for Adrien's father. "While you are right, this type of life isn't why I love fashion. I love designing and I love seeing people wear my designs. That alone makes me happy."
"And you have so much talent!" Adrien praised. "I told you that one time I saw your design sketchbook, right? If you wanted, I bet you could get an apprenticeship right out of high school. I know a few people. It would be easy."
Marinette, her drink empty, suddenly started juggling the glass trying not to drop it. Oh no no no, please don't drop it! Adrien's hand came forward out of nowhere and he deftly caught the glass. "Phew, thanks. I'm such a klutz." He put the glasses down on a passing tray that a waiter had while Marinette calmed her heart. "Thank you so much for believing in me. That means so much. I've never been happier than when you wore my hat and walked down the catwalk but…" she looked at the growing crowd. "If I'm going to make it here, I want it to be with my own ability. I don't want anyone to pull special strings or give me an unfair advantage." She looked at him and smiled. "Even you."
Adrien put his hand on her shoulder and looked at her with his eyes full of admiration. "Like I said, Marinette, you're amazing. You'll make it big, and on talent alone. I just know you will." He took her hand and started pulling her towards the edge of the dancing area where others were beginning to pair up. "And I'll be watching you every step of the way."
Music began, as if on cue, and Adrien started a waltz. Marinette's eyes couldn't leave his royal green ones and, in her mind, she faintly gave herself directions knowing she couldn't mess up now. Everyone was going to be watching him. Right back, left side, left forward, right side. Right back, left side, left forward… She could feel his hand at her waist and if she concentrated, he would signal her which direction he was going to go.
Adrien spun her around and she looked up at him like he was the pied piper. It was as if nothing else existed. There were beautiful statues in the room and high crystal ceilings casting stars all about the room, but the center of her universe would always be Adrien.
Adrien normally didn't dance unless someone asked him to and at these types of events there were always several women asking him to dance. Glancing around inconspicuously at his surroundings, he saw all of his usual harpies were being held at bay while Marinette stood by his side. They didn't look very happy but he could breathe for a change. I wonder if that's why Father did this…? Now he just had to make sure Hawk Moth didn't akumatize any of them.
A promenade began and he moved a little faster, Marinette's legs got tangled beneath her. He quickly picked her up and spun her around in a mild change to the real dance steps but it kept her from falling down.
"Thanks…" she whispered, her cheeks red.
"Don't worry, I'd never let you fall." She spun again, this time flawlessly, and her dress fanned out making it look like angel wings were spreading out behind her. He was captivated by her beauty like he hadn't been in a long time. His mother had been his angel and now his mother was gone. It's almost like she sent me Marinette to keep me company. The thought warmed his heart.
When the music slowed, he realized he didn't want to stop. Marinette took a couple steps, expecting them to return to the sides of the floor, but his feet remained planted and her arm caught when he refused to release her hand. She looked back at him in confusion. "Everything okay?"
He gave her a gentle tug and caressed her cheek in a move he hoped she'd find soothing. "Don't leave my side yet, okay?"
Her expression softened and she nodded, laying her head on his shoulder and he held her close, swaying gently back and forth. He'd danced with her a couple times before—once at Chloe's house and once on the rooftops of New York. Dancing with girls always felt forced upon him. He always did it to be polite, but it really wasn't what he wanted. When it came to Marinette, he found he wanted to dance with her.
He closed his eyes and took notice of her smell rising from her hair. Strawberries and powdered sugar. He stopped and his eyes flashed open. That's the same smell as… But it couldn't be…
Gabriel Agreste stood in front of a large piece of artwork that someone had decided was worthy to be seen by Paris' top celebrities. The gallery showing was in an adjacent ballroom in order to give the celebrities something else to do. Nathalie stood by his side, having already been explained the plan. Now to bring the despair.
"Who made this horrific piece of art! It's an offense to my eyes!" Gabriel huffed angrily.
The gallery's facilitator came rushing over stuttering their responses. "Um well, it was a piece we added as it won the top slot from a nearby art school. It's called New Age Fantasy."
"There is nothing new about this atrocity and I demand it be removed this instant! Aged is more like it! I'll even pay to have it removed! There is absolutely no talent in these brush strokes at all!" He spun on a heel and left.
Nathalie remained behind and made a scene of following up to find out who she had to pay to remove the piece of art. Meanwhile he had to find a quiet place to work his magic.
When the dance was finally over, Adrien separated from the crowds and took Marinette to the roof. It was cooler up there and lights had been strung in preparation for the fireworks show later at midnight. He was feeling light on his feet and his heart soared.
Marinette looked out across Paris where other gatherings were happening and the city was lit up specially for this evening. "So much has happened this past year. I feel like I've really grown and matured."
Adrien nodded. "At the beginning of the year, I had felt so trapped and lonely without my mom, I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel." He looked at Marinette and smiled. "Now I know my mother is still watching over me." The wind blew and Marinette's dress dance behind her. Even with his suspicions what did that really mean? He couldn't speak to her about it or, once again, she'd have to stop being Ladybug.
"Nooroo, Dark Wings Rise!" Gabriel transformed in a room away from the crowds and felt his power come to him. He turned his little white butterfly into an akuma and sent it out into the air vents. That artist was nearby and he was going to do the impossible.
It wasn't long before Hawk moth felt the connection made and he grinned. "Single Stroke, I am Hawk Moth. The celebrities at this party are all to blame for your embarrassment, aren't they? For one man to change the opinions of an entire crowd and the result is your dream of becoming a famous artist is destroyed. I give you the power to use you paints and bring revenge to them all. In exchange, I want you to use one special paint and reserve it for Ladybug and Cat Noir when they come."
"Yes, Lord Hawk Moth."
Marinette and Adrien were still on the roof when they started hearing the screaming of the people running out the front of the building far below. "What's going on!?" she exclaimed.
Adrien's phone beeped and he knew without a doubt. "It's an akuma! Hawk Moth is making a move!" He took her by the hand and dashed back inside. He found a maintenance closet and carefully put her inside. "Stay here and stay safe. When the coast is clear, I'll come back for you."
"Where will you go!?" she asked worriedly.
"I have to find my father and make sure he's okay!" the excuse was real enough but his father was most likely already in his car headed back home. He only needed to make an appearance, not stay the entire evening like Adrien. Back in the stairwell, Adrien called out his kwami. "Plagg, claws out!" I'll protect you, Marinette!
Marinette turned on the light inside the closet. "These akuma have terrible timing! What if it had been midnight!"
"There's still plenty of time before that, Marinette!" Tikki came out of her purse. "Let's save this person and put an end to Hawk Moth's scheme!"
"Right! Tikki, spots on!"
Her suit appeared and unlike when she'd first started out as Ladubug and she'd felt off and out of place, now her suit was her shield. She could do anything as Miraculous Ladybug. Too bad she didn't have something like that for when she was Marinette.
"You don't like my art, take that!" Single Stroke dipped his brush into the red palette and flicked his wrist, splashing the paint across the tables. Wherever it landed, fire magically combusted to life.
He spotted some patrons trying to run away, so he flicked blue paint and their bodies from the knees down became trapped in ice. "Haha, finally someone is captivated by my art!"
Just remember, as soon as Ladybug and Cat Noir show up, you must use your secret weapon!
"Yes, Hawk Moth."
"Where is Adrien!" Chloe Bourgeois stomped her foot, dressed in the latest fashion. "I came here to see him and I am not leaving until I get my kiss at midnight!"
Single stroke sneered, "Something stinks around here and I think it's you!" He used his brown paint, coating the poor girl where she stood. A strong, distinct odor began to rise from her locks and her eyes bulged with disgusted disbelief.
"Ew, tell me that is not me!" She smelled her arm. "Oh no it is me! Wahh!" She turned around and immediately cried all the way outside.
"Not that she didn't deserve that but I kind of feel bad for her." Ladybug appeared, twirling her yoyo.
"At least we know this will be more fun than watching paint dry!" Cat Noir entered from another entrance.
"Let's just remember, tonight I'm Cinderella so we need to finish this before the clock strikes midnight!" She used her yoyo on a chandelier and flew in towards Single Stroke.
Cat Noir's ears perked at this, "Does that make me your prince charming?"
Single Stroke tapped into his black paint and threw it at the floor beneath Ladybug. When she landed, the ground was slick as if it were covered in oil. "I think you're about to find yourself on a slippery slope!"
"Whoooaaahhh!" Ladybug feel onto her butt and went flying into Cat Noir, crashing both painfully into the back wall.
Single Stroke! Now!
While they were still recovering, Single Stroke used his paintbrush in a special paint on his palette set aside from the rest. "I think a custom look will work best for you!" He flicked his wrist, covering them with invisible ink. On the outside, it looked like he hadn't used anything at all.
Perfect.
Hawk Moth immediately recalled his akuma before Ladybug could summon her Lucky Charm. If he allowed her to use her Miraculous Ladybug powers, the ink would disappear. Now to move onto Phase 3…
Ladybug returned to the roof and transformed back into Marinette. Unable to repair the damage, the gala was pretty much ruined. Why…why when everything was going so well? Why couldn't I have just this one night? Paris, despite her inner feelings, looked so bright and cheerful. So many people out there would be with the ones they loved.
"Marinette!" Adrien came running over from the roof access door. He bent over out of breath and looked at her earnestly. "When I didn't see you in the closet, I was afraid you'd gotten hurt!"
She smiled sadly at him. "No, I'm okay." She left it at that and turned to look at the Eiffel Tower.
Adrien's hand came forward and tugged gently on her chin. His thumb caressed her cheeks and brushed away tears she hadn't realized were there. "Something tells me you're not okay."
Embarrassed at having been caught and terrified her emotions would further ruin what was supposed to be a perfect evening, Marinette hid her face behind her hands. "I'm sorry! I just tried so hard for us to have a nice night and Hawk Moth ruined it! Anything nice he destroys and for what!?"
Adrien hugged her and she shook with sobs. "Hawk Moth can't ruin something if we don't let him."
She sniffed and inhaled his cologne, coincidentally also his namesake. It helped calm her down from the inside out. "But what can we do? Midnight is minutes away and the gala is finished."
"I say it's not finished." To prove his point, Adrien took out his phone and played their song. He put the phone down on a nearby awning and held up her hand. "May I have this dance, Milady?"
She blinked and thought he sounded a lot like Cat Noir. But that can't be. Their personalities are so different. She took his hand and allowed him to pull her close. His warmth shielded her and protected her from the night chill. She could hear his heart beat through his clothes. It was beating hard and fast. Was he…nervous?
"Hey Adrien…" She looked up at him and unbeknownst to her, Adrien had been leaning down to kiss the top of her head. Their lips met and both froze, unsure of what to do. The loud explosions nearby pulled their attention and they finally broke apart. New Year's rang in loud and clear with fireworks exploding all around the Eiffel Tower. "It…It's midnight I guess…" Her cheeks were flushed and it only made her look more endearing.
"Marinette, I wanted to say thank you. I'm really glad you came with me. I had a good time."
She smiled shyly. "You're welcome, I'm so glad it worked out." They remained there, together holding hands, just watching the fireworks until late into the night. The year 2021 was beginning to look like the most promising one yet.
The following Monday, school would begin and Gabriel Agreste would execute his plan. He'd already been in communication with Principle Damocles and had arranged his visit. During his many encounters, he'd researched extensively and there was no doubt in his mind that Ladybug and Cat Noir somehow went to Francoise Dupont High School. That science teacher he'd akumatized had no doubt been in contact with their kwami. He'd poured over the video. He would discover who they were today.
Nathalie presented him with the special glasses which he eagerly put on and regarded a champagne glass that had been left behind in Single Stroke's wake. Without Miraculous Ladybug, the ink had remained and Gabriel could see it clearly. "Do we know that the ink will have remained even if they've showered since Friday?"
"Yes, sir. Aside from the magical properties of the ink, regular invisible ink takes 2-3 washes before it completely gets erased."
"Perfect." He turned and walked out of his office and went out into the lobby where he would go to the school with his son.
Adrien looked up at his father, dressed and ready with his bookbag. "Good morning, Father."
"Good morning, Adri—!" Gabriel's voice caught in his throat. On his son's face, invisible to all but him, was the clear marking of the invisible ink under Adrien's eyes, on his cheeks and nose. The outline left behind from Cat Noir's mask…
"Father?"
His emotions were in turmoil but anger won out. On the outside, he adjusted his glasses higher up on his nose and clenched his teeth. "Change of plans. Nathalie, hold the car. I need to take care of something first..."
"In a few moments, Gabriel Agreste will be reviewing the students for a new model he needs for his next fashion line." Principle Damocles announced to the teenagers in the central court. "Boys and girls are allowed to addition. He intends to review everyone here so put your best foot forward!"
Gabriel Agreste arrived with Nathalie and after a short introduction, he began to walk around and casually observe the students. Marinette was nervous but she could hardly pay attention to what was going on. Looking around, she rubbed her hands together. "Alya, Adrien isn't here yet. Do you think he's okay? You don't think his father would restrict him from coming to school again, do you?"
"Easy girl, his dad's here, isn't he? Why not just check with him? I'm sure he's just out sick or something." Alya brushed off.
Marinette nodded and when Mr. Agreste came around, she looked up at him earnestly. "Mr. Agreste, I don't see Adrien at school. Is everything okay?"
The older man regarded her with eyes full of scrutiny. She couldn't tell exactly because the glasses he wore were shaded. How could he properly look for models if his vision was darkened with sunglasses? "Adrien was not feeling well so I ordered him to stay home. I'm sure it would cheer him up if someone were to visit him. Why don't you allow my driver to come get you after school and you can see for yourself?" He regarded Alya and added, "However with my son's delicate condition, I must insist you come alone. One visitor at a time, you see."
"Of course, I understand. I'll be there!"
Gabriel nodded curtly and returned to Mr. Damocles where they exchanged a few words and he promptly left again.
"Uh, Mr. Agreste said the review is over and he will make his announcement sometime next week. You may all return to your classes!"
Marinette gave Alya a high five. "I get to see Adrien after school! At his house! This is amazing!"
Alya winked and leaned to whisper in her ear. "Just remember not to lose your cool when you're in a boy's room, alone, with your crush."
Marinette's face flushed and she started stuttering. "Oh no! I'm gonna be a total spaz!"
Alya just started laughing. "You are so much fun to mess around with."