- Chapter 17 -
The single month leading up to Alya's and Nino's wedding went by at light speed. However, in other ways, it felt like an eternity; where time slowed down to the point of stopping. It depended on who you asked.
For Marinette, her days were consumed with her prospering business. At Chat Noir's suggestion (and his overwhelming encouragement), she booked herself at another local fashion show. This time, she was among other up-and-coming designers, and she hired a team of professional models to wear her prototypes. The event was hosted at a premier fashion house. And the setting was far less intimate than her little boutique. Plus, the show had a much more serious and professional tone. This was the real fashion industry game. She'd have to learn the talk, and walk the walk, to earn her place for her brand. High end shows would be a whole other animal to tackle. But, in due time.
All in all, the event was mostly successful. She made a few new professional connections, and built up more of a following for her brand. From conversing with other designers, her biggest take-away was to begin branching out and build a website. That way she could reach a more global clientele. And, even though the idea of going global sounded absolutely ridiculous and outlandish to Marinette, the thought still made her squeal with hope.
As luck would have it, Clarke was in the website building business. In fact, he was incredible at it and worked for a reputable firm. So, one call into Leo and she had a meeting set up with Clarke at his downtown office. The man remembered her instantly, greeted her warmly, and was happy to help out his boyfriend's infamous business partner. In fact, their meeting turned out to be incredibly beneficial, as Clarke had advertising and business connections that Marinette couldn't even dream of. They talked for an entire afternoon discussing their business strategies and goals. At the end of the conversation, Marinette excitedly signed a contract with Clarke's firm. Her face was flushed with enthusiasm and Clarke called her "adorable".
She told Chat Noir all about it. Almost hyperventilating over the phone with enthusiasm. Thanking him a thousand times for his support. Truly, it had been his words that pushed her to take her business to these next steps. She would have been satisfied with just her store. But the recognition, the good press, and the brightly lit future was making Marinette see stars.
And, just like that, poof, two weeks were gone in a flash.
At one point, she invited Alya and Leo over for dinner so Leo could practice Alya's wedding hair and makeup. Clark tagged along with Leo - because he had beta drafts of Marinette's website to show her, and the two men couldn't get enough of one another and seemed to be connected at the hip ever since they met.
Shortly after they finished eating, Alya's three sisters came over to see Marinette's store for the first time. And the evening quickly turned from a casual hang out into a mini bachelorette party. Leo got to experience the full Cesaire clan, especially the rambunctious twins: who were full-fledged teenagers now. They became instantly obsessed with Marinette's shop, trying on every piece of clothing and snapping pictures for social media. Despite the mountain of clothes piling up on the floor, Marinette didn't care. Any publicity was still good, and her shop was tagged in every post they made. By the end of the night, even Leo was socially exhausted as he collapsed against Clark's shoulder in the back of a cab taking them home. Alya's older sister hauled the twins out of the store so Marinette could finally go to bed.
Almost every day leading up to the wedding became that chaotic.
However, before all of these events had taken place. Way back at the beginning of the month, there had been a single akuma attack to shake things up.
This akuma liked to garden and proceeded to turn Paris' beloved landmarks into giant fruits and vegetables. Each one proceeded to roll and crush buildings and cars. Ladybug herself was nearly squashed by a giant pineapple - which had once been the Eiffel Tower. Thankfully her ever diligent Chat Noir was able to intervene and used his cataclysm power to destroy the larger than life piece of tropical fruit. Except, in a bizarre twist, the pineapple did not disintegrate under his power. Instead, it simply exploded, showering the hero's, and Paris, in pulp and juice.
In that wildly unexpected moment, he froze, and stared at her, both of them now dripping in fruity goo.
A playful smirk crept up his lips and he said, "I did not purr-ceive that happening."
So Ladybug promptly threw a chunk of pulp at his head. Laughing hysterically, when it stuck to his armor and slowly dribbled off.
It was a sweet but sticky mess to fight in. And, once Ladybug cleansed the akuma and restored the city back to normal, the city still smelled like a fruity air freshener.
The pair broke apart briefly to refresh their kwami's powers before re-donning their masks and met up again. Choosing a hidden spot on a rooftop to sit together in the late afternoon sun.
Despite his unfortunate error with the pineapple Eiffel Tower, Chat Noir boldly sprawled himself across her lap. Working the kitty cat angle as much as possible, which earned him one of her full-hearted laughs and some head scratches.
Truly though, his heart was happy. Finally behaving, what felt like, his true self in a relationship. Despite still wearing a mask, this was, in a sense, better than any fake relationship he'd ever been in. Letting that silly side out to play. It was a blissful break from the unfortunate madness of his work life. His father was still watching his every move, and now Chloe was controlling his calendar, which conveniently started including business lunches with just the two of them. Although, Chloe's attempts to rekindle their fake romance, barely phased him. They might as well be pebbles hitting his armor.
However, he hadn't had time to take Marinette out on another date since their first. Sure they met up on patrol. And, when they didn't go out on patrol, they still talked. Her voice became his lullaby to fall asleep to every night.
Oh and he texted her a lot. Probably too much. But that's just where his heart was right now.
Right now, Ladybug's fingers felt like pure heaven running through his hair. He wanted to capture the moment, bottle it up, and save it for the darker days to come: like when Chloe was grinding on his last nerve or when his Father was openly micro-managing him.
"Your hair has grown so long." She cooed, making silly twisted peaks with a few sections, before combing it away with her fingers.
"Should I cut it?" He asked contentaly. He hadn't done much modeling lately, so the need to keep it short and trendy wasn't necessary.
She shrugged. "It's your hair, not mine."
He smirked. "So, shave it all off. Got it."
Chuckling, she replied. "Just never dye it."
"Oh? Why's that?" He asked. Naturally curious.
She started playing with it again, pondering her answer.
"I guess, I just really like it? In the sunlight it looks like spun gold. And, with your green eyes, it's just so… uniquely you… I suppose…"
Touched by her comment, his smirk softened into a real smile. He reached up and touched the side of her face. Claws brushing her hairline. Gone were the pigtails of her youth. Now it hung past her shoulders like a dark cape. How had he not noticed her before? He shook the thought from his head. It didn't belong there. He had to stop dwelling on the past. She was here now. And he was so grateful. The way they were now, it wasn't about the heart fluttering kisses or the way their bodies heated up together (although that was certainly on both their minds). They had a genuine connection. They talked, laughed, and bantered with one another effortlessly. It was a partnership built on trust, and now woven with threads of romance.
"Then I'll never change it. Just for you, I'll grow it long, like Rapunzel." He sat up slightly, pantomiming flipping his long locks dramatically over one shoulder.
She grinned happily. "Oh yes! Then let me braid it!"
He laughed hard, clutching his abdomen and doing a half sit up in the process.
She echoed his laugh. "You're so silly."
He settled back down in her lap. "You're so silly." He parroted back.
Far below them, car horns honked with the gridlocked traffic. Although the sun was beginning its journey closer to the horizon. Shadows growing long.
This was when the clock started. He had bad news to tell her. And, gods, he didn't want to.
He didn't want to spend a month away. Not now, with their romance so fresh, fun and new.
He must have been unconsciously frowning because Ladybug suddenly tapped him on the nose. Pulling his concentration back to her instantly.
"What's the frown for?" She asked softly.
He sat up, leaned forward and kissed her surprised mouth.
"I have to leave Paris for a little bit." He said bitterly.
Ladybug felt her heart instantly sink down into the pit of her stomach.
"F-F how long?" Her voice shaking with gathering nerves.
He sighed, avoiding her gaze. "A few weeks."
When she said nothing, he looked up and was met with an expression mixed with worry and building sadness.
"Maybe less?" He added with a hopeful tone.
Ladybug breathed a sigh of relief. "I guess that's not too bad."
Chat Noir cocked his head to the side, so much so that his ear nearly touched his shoulder.
She chuckled at the gesture. "As long as it's not years, like before."
He touched her arm, pulling her attention back to him. With an earnest tone, he promised, "No, that won't happen again."
She smiled dully. Overlapping his fingers with her own. Trying not to show how much it hurt to have him leaving again. Even if it was only for a few weeks. She liked having him around again. He had an unmistakable place in her life now. And Marinette had become selfish over him.
He made her feel safe. Which was an odd thing for a superhero to care about. But, she needed that sense of security. And, with his head in her lap soaking up the cuddles she gave, it was hard to imagine a better guy in her life. No one made her laugh like he did. Or was more outwardly affectionate towards her. Plus, she secretly wondered what he looked like without all that dark armor on. Probably muscles on muscles like a Greek god. His abs probably had abs.
Chuckling to herself, she flipped their sad conversation into a little joke.
"So, is this trip for business or pleasure?" She teased lightly, adding a sultry tone to the last word.
Chat Noir flopped back down in her lap, nuzzling into her legs. "Business actually."
She touched one of his ears, making it flick. "Oh? Where are you going?"
He squinted his eyes inquisitively. "Do you really want to know?" He asked.
She waved her question away, remembering their self imposed rules.
"Sorry, I keep forgetting. Don't tell me."
He adjusted his head in her lap. Crossing his arms comfortably across his stomach.
"It's not far though." He calmly explained. "Same continent. Different country."
She was instantly curious, like this was a question on a game show, but let it go.
"Sounds fun." She replied, brushing fingers through his hair once more.
He sighed heavily. "I have a sinking feeling it won't be."
Her tone softened out of concern. "Why's that, kitty?"
He swiped at the air. "Lots of reasons that I don't want to get into right now."
"Oh." She was rather taken aback by that. "A-Alright."
He sat up, leaning into her face, his eyes faintly shining in mischief.
"Instead, I'd like to talk about Pennsylvania."
Ladybug's face twisted in real confusion. "Pennsylvania? Like in the USA?"
He nodded, smirking devilishly now.
"I don't know much about Pennsylvania." She admitted, still confused. "Geography wasn't my best subject."
"Well, Let me tell you. There is this really special city in Pennsylvania. And, in that city, there is a famous factory."
He paused for dramatic effect before continuing. "And do you know what that factory makes?"
"What?"
He leaned in closer, their noses practically touching.
"Chocolate." He purred.
She chuckled affectionately, her vision filled with his lips, suddenly realizing where this story was going and the pull it was having on her.
Despite the urge she felt to close that small gap, she cheekily replied.
"Chocolate is bad for cats." Pushing weakly at his chest. Fainting like she wasn't into it. Even though her heart was pounding in her chest.
Her sassy joke caught him off guard, making him turn his head away to laugh unexpectedly. Any other woman would be butter to his words, but she always threw him off his game.
"Don't ruin my moment." He snapped back playfully.
She straightened up. "Sorry! Sorry, please continue. Lay it on me. You were saying… what about chocolate…?"
He ran clawed fingers across her neck, getting them lost behind her head. Ladybug found herself swallowing down her pulse.
"Well, M'lady. There is one particularly famous piece of chocolate."
"Is it chocolate… kisses?" She asked hopefully.
"So, you have heard of them?" He purred. "And you're right, chocolate is bad for cats." He closed the small gap between them. "I guess we will just skip straight to the kisses."
She chortled in laughter. And through her laughter, he kissed her over and over again. Because he already missed her.
Adrien leaned his head back against the squishy leather seat on the Agreste company's private jet. It was a short flight to London. However, every airborne second was taking him further away from Marinette.
If he closed his eyes, and ignored the smell of Chloe's perfume gagging the small airplane cabin, he could still feel her lips on his. It was bittersweet.
But it was only for a few weeks. He'd be back with plenty of time to take her on proper dates before Alya and Nino's wedding. Plus, he wanted to join in on the pre-wedding festivities. But, for now, he had to live vicariously through pictures and the occasional phone call.
So, for Adrien, time crawled by. The days were long, and the nights even longer. He felt himself drifting back into that negative headspace. In a time before Marinette was in his life in a romantic way.
Her energetic phone calls got him through the initial two weeks after that, it felt like Chloe and his Father were coming up with excuses to keep him in London.
London had charms similar to Paris. Both cities were incredibly touristy with tons of traffic. But London felt calmer, more friendly with its casual pubs and gloomy weather.
The new distribution center would bring in a lot of new jobs. And Adrien was happy to smile for the cameras while cutting the ribbon.
The nearby London office of Agreste Fashions was smaller than the Paris office. Adrien wanted to take the opportunity to walk around, greet and thank all the employees individually, but Chloe insisted that his schedule wouldn't allow it. So he was whisked away day-in and day-out from meeting to meeting all of which showed him PowerPoint presentations about nothing. And just when he thought the cycle was over, he was then passed off to an unexpected press conference to discuss the upcoming Fall line.
During the bustling press conference, one particularly sneaky reporter jumped topics and unprofessionally asked Adrien about his love life.
Which then sparked a wildfire of follow up questions.
"How are things in your love life Adrien?"
"Still a heartbreaker?"
"Will we be seeing a certain Miss Chloe Bourgeois more often?"
Adrien's eyes narrowed at that particular question.
"Does anyone have any other questions about the Fall line that I can answer please?" He asked the crowd of reporters. Gritting his teeth through his best professional smile.
"Are you still single?"
"Aren't you worried that your popularity will decrease?"
"Are things with Miss Bourgeois serious?"
"Are you going to walk away with more than just a secretary?"
He felt a hand touch the small of his neck, fingernails tracing skin through his shirt.
At this point, camera flashes erupted in his face, as Chloe leaned into the microphone.
"Adrien and I are very…" she started to say.
He covered the microphone with his hand. Turning his body to block the reporters so that the cameras wouldn't read his lips.
"What are you doing?" He whispered to her.
She smiled crystal white veneers at him, but her gaze was icy. "Giving the people what they want." She replied smugly.
Not wanting their muffled words to be further misconstrued, Adrien shook his head.
"Thank you. But I can handle this."
Chloe leaned away from the microphone, shrugging casually. She continued to stand next to him, smiling like nothing was wrong.
As camera shutters continued to click non-stop, Adrien repositioned himself in front of the podium.
"Mr. Agreste, what can you tell us?"
"What does the future hold?"
"I'm happy to answer any questions about the Fall line. Otherwise, I think we're done here." He responded firmly, but with a smile.
There was an audible sound of a crowd of people groaning.
"Are we done?" He asked the reporters again.
To which, no one responded. So he thanked everyone for their time, adjusted his tie, and turned away to leave.
"Does your Father disapprove of your relationship?"
He paused, glancing at the reporter who asked that pointed question.
"Excuse me?"
The reporter smirked knowing they finally got him to admit something. Shoving their phone closer to Adrien's face, they recorded his every word.
"So there is someone?" The reporter fired back.
Adrien leaned down, putting his face near the phone. His eyes fixated on the reporter's expression - which suddenly went wide-eyed. Even the straightest of men would blush under the weight of that emerald gaze.
"You want the truth that badly?" He purred effortlessly.
The reporter nodded, unable to form words.
"Here's your truth: I am seeing someone and, more importantly, I am finally happy."
For a few seconds, the only sound was of people gasping and camera shutters flicking.
"And Miss Bourgeois?" Someone from the crowd called out.
Adrien stood up to his full height. Head held high with pride.
"Chloe is my secretary, not my girlfriend."
And, with that bombshell of a headline, he turned on his heels and walked out of the room to the sound of a thousand questions echoing from behind him. Although the grin in his face was unmistakable.
Later that same night, Adrien wandered away from the boring-as-hell charity event he'd been obligated to attend. His tux was too tight and stiff. He couldn't sit down at all without it looking and feeling incredibly uncomfortable. So, for that reason, his feet also hurt.
The event was at someone's mansion on the outskirts of the city with an incredible view of the skyline. But that skyline wasn't Paris. Which made him feel homesick.
Poor Plagg was probably feeling just as squished inside of his jacket pocket. Thankfully, the kwami wasn't complaining. Although he was moving around a lot. Which made Adrien feel like he had a bug crawling around under his skin.
Retrieving his phone, he snuck into the shadows to check in on his favorite person.
(CN): Are you still awake Purr-incess?
(Marinette): Of course. Wanna talk?
(CN): Can't talk right now. But I can text? If that's okay?
(Marinette): Of course! How are you?
(CN): Good, but I miss you.
(Marinette): Do you now? ;)
(CN): I really do. I can't wait to be back in Paris with you.
(Marinette): When do you think you'll be back?
(CN): Hopefully on Friday
(Marinette): Hopefully?
(Marinette): Is it not a guarantee that you'll be able to leave?
(CN): Honestly, no. And I'm really upset about it. It's so frustrating.
(Marinette): It'll be okay, kitty. I'll be here waiting for you, whenever you get back.
(CN): You're too good to me.
It was Friday morning. The day before the wedding. The night of the rehearsal dinner. And Adrien was still stuck in London.
He was in the back of a towncar on the way to the office, half-listening as Chloe rattle off his schedule for the day.
Chloe had been unceremoniously quiet ever since the press conference. Either she was plotting something, or she was pissed. Or both.
"What time is my flight?" Adrien asked, cutting her off mid-sentence.
"What flight?" Chloe asked.
"Back to Paris for the wedding. Chloe, I personally booked that time in my schedule, so don't tell me it's not there."
Chloe shrugged, fingers swiping across her tablet. "I haven't seen anything."
"Then cancel my afternoon appointments and call the hangar to prepare the jet." Adrien told her.
"I'll see what I can do. But you really need to ask your Father about taking so much personal time off." She spoke coldly.
Adrien bit his tongue so hard he could taste blood in his mouth, he pulled out his phone. "You know what, forget it. I'll find my own flight. You can take the jet back to Paris."
She slapped her hand against the tablet screen. "Why are you being so mean to me? Haven't I suffered enough after you so permanently ended our relationship with the press?"
Adrien ignored her, searching for tickets on his phone.
"Hello? Are you even listening to me?" She started to get choked up. "Do I mean so little to you that you felt it extremely necessary to embarrass me like that?"
"Chloe." Adrien tried to calm her down, feeling the guilt rip into him for no reason at all.
She sniffed back tears, holding her head up so that they wouldn't fall and smudge her makeup.
"Am I not good enough for you?" She asked him.
Adrien opened his mouth to say something, but then shut it again. Because her question really wasn't worth answering. He retrieved his wallet and entered his credit card information on the screen before hitting submit. He opted to take the train, which would get him there with just enough time to make the rehearsal dinner practice. Hopefully.
"I doubt whoever it is you're fooling around with is prettier than me anyway." Chloe snapped, realizing her guilt trip was having little effect, so she went with anger.
Adrien leaned across the car's interior, extending his hand towards Chloe.
For a moment, her eyes lit up with glee. Thinking he was consoling her or starting to apologize.
She reached out to take his offered hand, but he dropped it away instantly.
"Give me my schedule please Chloe."
Chloe harrumphed dramatically and handed Adrien a leather binder containing his schedule for the day.
Twisting her body away from him, she began to rummage in her purse which sat on the seat beside her.
"Oh, I took the liberty of printing your new contract with Agreste Fashions from your Father." She commented, while staring at her reflection in her mirrored compact, checking her makeup was still slathered on to perfection, despite her weepy eyes.
"Excuse me?" Adrien asked as he flipped to the document and began reading over the words of the contract. One bit of language stood out to him immediately.
"Wait a minute, this says I'm not allowed to appear in any charity or small business runway or advertising campaigns without prior approval?"
Chloe closed her compact dramatically. Not responding to his question.
"Approval from who exactly?" Adrien asked. His irritation threatening to boil over into real anger now.
Chloe shrugged and flipped her hair over one shoulder. "I don't make the rules, Darling. But you can't go against the interest of the company or your Father's wishes. Besides, it's bad press to associate with those undignified independent designers anyway."
This was a direct jab at the event he did for Marinette all those months ago. He knew it was. And that irked him more than words could say.
Snapping the blinder closed, he put his elbow on the door, leaning his head against his palm. It wasn't even nine in the morning yet, and he was over today. In fact, he was over it all.
Perhaps his anger gave him an unusual bit of clarity to the bigger picture. Because not only was he over the constant manipulation, micromanagement, and threats, but he was over the endless guilt and lies. And he abruptly realized that this included his own secrets. Even the ones he kept closely guarded to his heart. Because, that's what starting over meant. No more secrets, no more lies. A new chapter, written by only him.
As the car pulled up to the office, Adrien mentally collected himself. He'd attend to his obligations this morning, and then cancel everything else. He didn't care what his Father thought. By lunch, he'd be on a train back to Paris and Marinette. And with that lovely thought, he exited the car without another word to Chloe. However, he could hear the sound of her high heeled shoes as she tapped along behind him, her whiney voice calling out for him. But he kept his eyes facing forward to the future.
'I'm going to tell Marinette that I'm Chat Noir. But I'm going to do it my way.'
The taxi barely came to a full stop before Adrien had the door open and one foot out the door. Luckily, this was the Ritz, and the extremely attentive bellman caught the car door before it could swing out and ricochet back. And, in a moment that looked almost choreographed, an umbrella appeared over Adrien's head as he slid out of the car. The umbrella hovered above his head as he walked across the carpeted sidewalk and through the rotating glass doors.
The hotel lobby was busy, but with a quiet, almost haunting quality. Like children being told to be seen, but not heard.
Posh hotels were like that. All glitz and glamor, and anything remotely disruptive was swept under the rug in an instant. The hotel's atmosphere flipped a switch in your brain. And, suddenly, every move you made, every gesture and mannerism felt improper and undignified. Were you dressed correctly? Did you have the right look? Would someone notice if you wore last season's shoes? You were surrounded by endless judgement and scrutiny. Because, if you truly belonged here, you were here only to make an impression and be flashy.
Which made the main hotel bar a gathering place for celebrities and wannabes. All dressed to impress and wanting to be noticed. Once upon a time, Adrien had met a few blind dates there for a drink. At the time, it fit his playboy, model image. But now, he never wanted to set foot in that place again.
A smartly dressed member of the hotel staff approached him and wordlessly gestured towards the hallway which led in the direction of the hotel ballrooms.
No warm greetings, no handshakes. They knew who Adrien was, why he was here, and where he needed to go. It was their job to know, and all part of the luxury experience.
The staff member led him through a series of hallways. Always staying one step behind Adrien, so as to not upstage him.
The ballroom reserved for Nino and Alya's wedding was the last one at the end of the long hall, and was probably the smallest by comparison. As the staff member pushed aside a length of velvet drapery to reveal a door that looked to be a part of the ornate wall, Adrien could hear the familiar voices coming from within the room.
He felt himself instantly relax as he stepped into the room, seeing all the familiar faces turn to look at him as he entered. The wall door was swiftly closed behind him with a soft click. Keeping the commoner riff-raff from permeating back into the hall. Another subtle reminder of how the hotel truly felt about the situation.
Ignoring that for now, Adrien walked towards the group who were scattered around the room.
Alya was standing in the center of the room up on a raised platform with a few stairs leading up to it. Drapery was elegantly hanging down from a chandelier overhead, framing the platform in a veil of ivory fabric. The fabric was tied back at all four corners with tassels made of flowers and ivy.
Rows of covered chairs surrounded the platform on three sides like patient soldiers standing at attention.
It was a short walk down the aisle, but the stairs and raised platform added a bit of drama for the event.
He waved to Alya who waved back, but then she turned to continue listening to a poshly dressed woman in a pencil skirt and white blazer. Assumingly, the hotel's assigned wedding coordinator.
Nino had his back to him, simply watching Alya and waiting for his orders to take part in the rehearsal. It was easy for Adrien to sneak up and stand next to him for several seconds without being noticed.
Nino wasn't even looking in his direction. His eyes were glued on Alya, with a gentle smile on his lips.
Smirking, Adrien leaned in and playfully whispered in his ear.
"Nervous?"
Nino physically jumped and lost his balance with the sudden shock.
Although he then immediately started laughing and clasped Adrien on the shoulder to catch himself.
"Dude, you made it!" Pulling him into a quick hug. "How was your flight?"
"Great, actually. Cause I took the train instead of flying. But, yeah, sorry for being late. I hope I didn't miss much?"
Nino shrugged, turning towards the wedding coordinator to be sure he wasn't being summoned for anything.
"Nah, just practicing walking to music." He joked dryly. "Oh, and how to stand properly. Apparently, I slouch and have terrible posture." He made little air quotes with his fingers.
Adrien chuckled. "You'll get used to it."
Nino smirked. "Yeah, Mr. Model you'll probably get this right on your first go."
"That's why you practice. And, don't worry, it won't even matter tomorrow." Adrien told him.
"You're right about that. You should have seen the looks we got walking into this place though." His voice dropped a little low on the last sentence.
Nino was in baggy jeans and a collared polo. Worn converse sneakers peaked out from under the jeans. He definitely did not match the flashy decor and was feeling the social pressures.
Adrien tried to put his mind at ease. "Don't worry about it. Just focus on Alya and have fun. This is your wedding."
Nino smiled gently. "Yeah, I know. It's funny, Marinette actually said the same thing."
At the mention of her name, Adrien felt his stomach do a flip and his heart began to flutter in his chest. It had been three weeks, four days, seventeen hours and… forty-six minutes since he'd seen her. His heart ached to be with her again. He had come straight from the train station to the Ritz. Still dressed for the office with no time to change into casual clothes to fit in alongside Nino. In fact, his luggage was probably still in London. Oh well, he had clothes at his apartment.
However, he still had to be Adrien for right now, and it was torture.
Taking a calming breath, he tried to keep his voice neutral as he asked, "Speaking of, where is Marinette?"
Nino gestured with his thumb over his shoulder back towards the wall door.
"Putting the dresses and tuxes away in the changing areas with Alya's sisters."
"Oh." Adrien managed to squeak out. "Cool." And resisted the urge to turn and stare longingly at the door.
Thank god the wedding coordinator took that exact moment to call for both of them, and his mind was able to be momentarily distracted with learning where to stand and how to hold his hands.
He and Nino took turns walking down the aisle. He was nervous and it showed with his hurried movements. Nino continued to struggle with his pacing, but eventually got better with some tips from Adrien.
When it was time for the final rehearsal, everyone was pushed towards the door to go through it from start to finish.
Adrien was attentively listening to the wedding coordinator explain the schedule for tomorrow, when he caught the sight of Marinette's dark hair in his peripheral vision.
Her hair was in a tight french braid cascading from the top of her head down past her shoulder blades. Giving him immediate Lady Noir flashback memories. When had her hair grown that long? Or had it always been that length, and he just missed her so much that everything looked different?
Her striped t-shirt dress looked soft and comfy. Cinched at her waist with a braided brown belt that matched her brown sandals. Gods, he was staring.
She slipped quietly into the wedding party crowd, trying not to draw attention to herself, and politely listened as the wedding coordinator continued to talk.
Adrien felt a tug on his arm, followed by a soft kiss on his cheek.
"Hello sunshine." An unmistakable voice purred into his ear.
Adrien felt himself smile as he turned to see another familiar face. To his surprise, Leo was hand in hand with another guy. Someone he did not know.
Seeing the confusion building on Adrien's face, Leo waved him away.
"You had your chance. But, I'm officially off the market now." Leo bragged, gripping Clark's hand lovingly.
Adrien chuckled. And opened his mouth to introduce himself, but Leo pointed a painted fingernail back towards the wedding coordinator.
"Introductions later." Leo told him. "Go finish up. I'll see you tomorrow." And blew Adrien a quick kiss before turning to leave. His companion followed suit.
Soon, everyone who was a part of the wedding party was told to match up and prepare to walk.
Adrien was slowly coming unglued. She was standing right next to him, and he couldn't pull her into his arms. He couldn't kiss her. In fact, he couldn't even talk to her. They hadn't spoken in months. Ever since that one night. Oh that night. Okay, he should definitely not think about that night right now. Trying to keep his blood from pooling in the lower parts of his body.
She was doing a pretty good job of ignoring him. Choosing to talk excitedly to Alya's sisters, who stood just in front of them.
And slowly, one group at a time, groomsmen and bridesmaids locked arms and walked down the aisle.
When it was their turn, Adrien was sweating with nerves. But she casually slipped her arm through his, eyes flicking up to briefly acknowledge his, before facing back forward.
She practically pulled him along. He was tripping over his own feet as he attempted to walk with her. Earning disapproving looks from the wedding coordinator.
They were down the aisle and split apart before he could even remember what had happened.
He took his place next to Nino, who shot him a confused look. Adrien chuckled to hide his embarrassment, feeling like a schoolboy with a huge, debilitating crush.
Once the rehearsal was over, Ayla and Nino picked a little Italian place to have dinner. Pasta and carbs to soothe over any last minute anxieties. The place was only a block away from the hotel, so everyone walked together down the street. Talking excitedly as they moved as one big group.
A bright camera flash went off halfway into the walking trip, making everyone turn and look around for the descending mob of Adrien fangirls and fanboys. Thankfully, it was just a one-off paparazzi. And Alya's sister took off her blazer and jokingly draped it over Adrien's head to hide him. Which made everyone chuckle and they made it to the restaurant without any other major complications.
Two seats down and across the other side of the table Marinette was sipping her water and texting. She smiled as she typed.
Adrien's phone vibrated in his jacket pocket, and it took every ounce of resolve he had not to pull it out and text her back immediately. Or, leap over the table and kiss her in front of everyone.
Not ten minutes later, He caught himself staring at her pouting lips while she sipped her soup. His throat went dry with the visual. He was suddenly jealous of the spoon. He'd give anything to be that spoon right now. Hell, he'd settle to be the soup.
'Omg get a hold of yourself Agreste!'
He quietly excused himself and headed for the restroom at a breakneck pace. Leaning over the sink, he tried to regain his composure. Although, these feelings weren't necessarily bad. In fact he was downright giddy. He just couldn't calm down.
Pulling his phone out he read her message.
(Marinette): The venue was amazing, kitty. I've never seen such a fancy place. They are still setting up, but tomorrow there will be fresh flowers everywhere. I wish you could see it. At the rehearsal dinner now. Should I order the steak or the lobster? Hehe.
Smirking, he typed a response.
(CN): Tough choice. I say go for the lobster. Although cats always purr-fur seafood.
Sending the text, he washed his hands and headed back to the table.
Returning to his seat, everyone around the table was discussing what they were planning on ordering.
"Yeah, I'm not sure what to get."
"Me either."
"Everything sounds so good."
"I'm getting pasta."
"You sure babe? You've gotta be able to fit in your dress tomorrow."
There was a solid thump sound followed by a trickle of laughter all around the table.
Adrien watched as Marinette closed her menu in satisfaction.
"What are you getting Mari?" Someone asked.
"The lobster special." She replied happily, sipping from her wine glass.
"Ooh good choice."
"Yeah, that looked good."
Adrien closed his menu as well. Earning him a quick glance from Marinette.
He caught her gaze and held it with a soft smile. "I always prefer lobster too." He purred. No one else was talking, so she absolutely heard him.
Although, it physically pained him not to put the feline emphasis on his favorite word pun. Either way, he kinda hoped she'd notice.
Turns out, it was totally worth it as something shifted across her face. It was subtle, and she collected herself quickly. But he saw it. Meaning she had read his text, and was now hearing the similar words spoken out loud.
She'd think of it as a simple coincidence. But Adrien felt a warm sneaky feeling of joy settle in his stomach. Bringing out a little bit of mischief.
Shockingly, her mouth upturned into a little smile.
"Well, you'll have to order your own. Cause I'm not sharing." She sassed him right back.
Those might have been the first words she'd spoken to Adrien in months. And, now that they had been said, the air between them shifted instantly. People at the table who were in the know let out a small sigh of relief.
Adrien chuckled a throaty laugh, and then put on a semi-serious face.
"Oh wait. When I was walking back, I heard the kitchen say they were out of lobster." He jested, trying not to smile, and keep up the ruse.
Her eyes widened, and then narrowed in disbelief. "No they're not."
"It's true. I heard it. Promise." He continued to tease.
At that point, the waitress came over to take their orders. She stood by Adrien who looked up at her with his big, sultry eyes.
"It's so sad." He pouted to the confused woman. "You're out of lobster, aren't you?"
The waitress glanced around the table. Some people were chuckling. The rest we're trying to hold it in, but failing.
"Monsieur, we're not…?" She tried to politely correct him.
"Oh, I see. Well, that's too bad." He continued to tease mercilessly. "Sorry Marinette, I guess they're out."
A balled up napkin suddenly hit him in the shoulder, he caught it before it hit the floor.
"He's not allowed to eat." Marinette told the waitress sternly, pointing a finger at Adrien while trying to keep from laughing.
At this point, the entire table erupted with hysterical laughter.
The waitress got the joke and pretended to make a note on her pad. "No food for Monsieur Agreste, understood."
She then took the entire table's order, and when she finally got around to him, he politely ordered the lobster and, without missing a beat, she said, "Oh, Monsieur, I do apologize but the Mademoiselle got the last one." Gesturing towards Marinette.
At that point, Alya was in tears laughing against Nino's shoulder. Nino himself was about to fall out of his seat, unable to contain himself. People were gasping for breath, fanning themselves to try and stop from laughing. It was all orchestrated too perfectly to be real. Like the setting for a cheesy sitcom.
Adrien's face physically hurt from how wide his smile was. Even from across the table, he could see Marinette's eyes were shining with laughter as she dabbed her teary eyes with her fingers.
Adrien promptly handed her the thrown napkin. Knowing full well that it had come from her. And she nodded in confirmation, accepting it back to wipe her eyes.
Despite the vast number of calories consumed, the amount of laughing that took place during the rest of that evening burned them all away. The sheer joy and love that filled the room was electric and dizzying. It was the kind of atmosphere that cleansed the soul.
Once desserts were shared and the check was paid, everyone piled into taxis to go home. Hugs and kisses were exchanged as people parted ways to go get some sleep before the wedding.
Soon, only Adrien and Marinette were left in the restaurant. Adrien needed to make a mad dash to the next available cab to avoid any paparazzi who were sure to be lurking outside.
Standing near him, Marinette was texting. And he waited until she finished, only to feel his phone vibrate again in his pocket.
To distract himself from her message, he offered, "Want to share a cab?"
Marinette smiled pleasantly, digging in her purse and flashing a plastic hotel room key.
"Thanks. But I'm actually booked back at the Ritz tonight."
"How fancy." He replied teasingly. "Guess I'll see you tomorrow then, won't I?"
She nodded. "Yes, see you tomorrow."
There was a pause. As if something more needed to be said. It hung in the air between them.
However the cab pulled up outside and Adrien had to go.
"Have a good night." He called.
"You too!" She replied sweetly.
He went in for a hug. But she went in for a handshake. Which somehow morphed into a one armed hip bump and a weak high five. And Marinette still managed to step on his foot in the process.
"Oh my god. I swear I'm not this clumsy." Marinette muttered, feeling embarrassed.
Adrien chuckled warmly. "I know you're not. It's okay."
"Haha yeah. As long as I don't trip and fall on my face during the wedding tomorrow." She joked awkwardly.
"You won't. Besides, if you're going down, I'm sure I'll go down with you."
She smacked him on the arm. "Don't jinx us."
The cab driver got out of the car, looking around for his pick up.
Adrien sighed. "Well I guess that's my cue."
"I don't see any paparazzi. So I think you're in the clear." Marinette remarked as her eyes searched the street.
He leaned down closer to her, dropping his voice low like he was telling her a spooky, haunted tale.
"They're always out there somewhere. Lurking. Ready to pounce."
She giggled and opened the restaurant door. "Then you better make a run for it."
He played along instantly, running in dramatic slow motion. Every step was overly exaggerated and ridiculous.
He slow-turned his head towards her, making his voice go super-slowmo.
"I'm… going… as… fast… as… I… can…" Drawing out every syllable.
Marinette gave him a playful shove. "Oh my god, go you big goof."
Adrien dropped the act and opened the cab door, but before sliding in he paused. "You sure I can't offer you a ride?"
"The hotel is literally around the corner." Marinette reminded him. "I'll be fine."
"Yes, but what about me? You're going to make me take this scary cab ride all by myself?" He pouted.
"I think you'll survive." Marinette sassed back.
"Well, if I don't. You were the last one to see me alive."
She laughed and waved him away. "Go on. Get out of here before the paparazzi do show up."
He smiled brightly. "Goodnight."
"See ya." She replied, before heading down the street.
Adrien slid into the back of the cab, shutting the door behind him. He told the driver his address and the car slowly pulled off the curb and onto the street.
Leaning his head against the seat, he felt the euphoria roll off of him in little waves. He adored her. So much so that it made him question how he'd survived this long without her.
He loved her banter. Her laugh and smile. Her wit and sass. He didn't have to watch his words or hold his tongue. He was… himself.
Having only been back a few hours and his romantic plan was even further cemented in his mind.
Phase one initiated.
Thank god this was just the dress rehearsal. Tomorrow he'll do better. He had to do better.
As the cab drove on, his happy brain clicked into an entirely different gear. He let the cab drive for a few more blocks before he asked to be let out on the side of the road.
Finding a discreet and dark alley, he called to Plagg and transformed. Leaping to the top of a nearby building he stared longingly at the Ritz hotel. Knowing she was somewhere inside.
Using the little plastic credit card key to enter into her hotel room, Marinette didn't bother turning on the lights as she moved down the narrow hallway into the main room. The heavy blackout curtains were open, with only the sheer privacy curtain to allow city lights to pour inside the room - making the darkness glow in a faint blue hue.
The king size bed was overdone with a mountain of pillows and a crisp, white feather-down comforter. There was a chocolate on each pillow, which Marinette promptly snatched up, setting her purse down on the side table and unclasping the hinge to let Tikki fly out.
Tikki looked half asleep, but she welcomed the chocolate and landed on the edge of the bed to eat it. Marinette unwrapped hers from the crinkley foil as she kicked off her shoes. Popping the rich sweet into her mouth, she belly-flopped down onto the huge bed. The mattress cocooned around her, as she melted into the softness.
Her eyes closed momentarily as she breathed in the scent of the industrial strength fabric price of the room was worth it for the bed alone. She'd sleep like a queen tonight.
She opened her eyes to glance at the window, watching the city lights twinkle behind their veil.
She needed to wash her face and change out of her clothes. But, as the chocolate melted on her tongue, she could only be content with the moment.
From inside her purse, her phone vibrated.
Marinette sat up slowly, crawling across the large bed to retrieve it.
(CN): How was the rehearsal dinner?
(Marinette): Really nice actually. What did you do this evening?
(CN): Not much.
(CN): Thought about you a lot ;)
(Marinette): We talk all the time kitty.
(CN): And yet, I still miss you.
Marinette plopped back down on the overly plush hotel bed. Reading over his sweet words and missing him terribly. How had he been gone for an entire month?
(CN): What hotel are you staying at?
(Marinette): lol Why?
(CN): Curious minds want to know. Maybe you'll get a surprise.
Marinette felt herself blush at her phone like a fiend.
(Marinette): What are you saying? Are you back in town?
(CN): Oh… Purr-haps ;)
(Marinette): Are you really?! Why didn't you tell me?
(CN): I didn't want to ruin your evening with your friends.
(Marinette): I'm back in my room now.
(CN): Well, in that case… I want a kiss.
(Marinette): Now?
(CN): Why not now?
(Marinette): That's a terrible use of your superpowers.
(CN): Worth it ;)
(Marinette): You're ridiculous.
(CN): What? Weddings put me in a romantic mood.
(Marinette): More than usual?
(CN): Maybe :3
Marinette got up and went to the window. Through the curtain she could see the Eiffel Tower glowing in the distance. As romantic as it sounded for him to appear at her window, green cat eyes glowing in the shadows, she couldn't risk them being seen.
(Marinette): One kiss
(CN): Five
(Marinette): One
(CN): Three?
(Marinette): Two
(CN): Deal
Marinette unlocked the window and opened it. A warm rush of air struck her face. She peered down at the street far below.
(Marinette): Eiffel Tower. Two minutes.
She called for Tikki and transformed. Leaping from her open window, she free-fell straight down for a solid five seconds, letting the air whip around her body, before hooking her yo-yo onto another balcony and catapulting herself towards her destination.
When her spotted feet hit the top platform of the Eiffel Tower, she was breathless with excitement. Seeing her Chat Noir after so long, she felt almost nervous? Which was ridiculous.
Heart fluttering in her chest, she bounced around looking for him. But found that she was early and all alone.
Although, not for long.
As quiet as his namesake, Chat Noir snuck up behind her. Ladybug felt the heat of his body across her skin even before he physically touched her.
"Meow." He cooed into her ear.
Smiling she leaned against him, closing the small gap between their bodies as she laid her head against his wide chest. Feeling his physical presence pressed so strongly against her spine. He really was back.
His claws traced her arms, drawing a little breathy gasp from her lips. He chuckled at her intimate reaction.
She spun around, gazing up at his stupid, smirking face.
Leaning up onto her tip-toes, she hovered her mouth just above his.
"One." She reminded him playfully.
And then she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down and kissing him as he chuckled again, this time, against her hungry lips.
His arms wound around her waist, drawing her tightly to him. Willingly giving himself over to her eager mouth. Feeling her eagerness like a subtle tremor through both their bodies.
His fingers clawed up her back, and his lips became hungry as his tongue started to devour hers.
She pulled away, panting and breathless. "Easy kitty." She warned him. Knowing that their kiss was getting dangerous.
His voice was husky and low when he replied. "You can't drag me out here in the middle of the night, kiss me like that, and not expect me to want you."
She smiled, loving his honesty. Not that she would ever expect anything less from Chat Noir. Never had a man wanted her so easily and completely.
Feeling frisky, she traced the hard muscles of his stomach through the armor of his suit. Earning a sharp hiss from his lips.
Chat Noir grabbed her hand, snatching it away from his body. "Stop that." He warned playfully.
She flashed him an innocent look. Like she wasn't completely aware of what she was doing to him. She began running her thumb over the top of his knuckles. Slowly, methodically, tracing every joint.
"You're going to ruin me." He warned her, lifting her fingers to his lips like he was about to start sucking each one individually.
Ladybug pulled her hand away and dove in for another deep kiss. Feeling him almost desperate against her mouth. Pleading and yearning to taste her lips and tongue once again like he couldn't get enough of her taste.
She may be ruining him. But he had already ruined her too. No other man kissed like Chat Noir. He had ruined all other kisses for her. They might as well have never happened.
When their drowning kiss finally ended, she softly whispered to him. "I missed you too."
"I missed you more." He purred back.
"It's not a contest, kitty."
"If it was, I'd be winning."
She laughed and tilted her head to kiss him again.
He pulled away after a brief moment. "That's three." He teased her.
"Oh, shut up." She sassed back and kissed him again.
After a while, they simply sat together staring out into the Paris night - just happy to be together again. Her head was leaning against his arm.
"I wish you could be my date tomorrow." Ladybug told him through half closed eyes. She could instantly fall asleep like this.
He looked down at the top of her head. "Just say the word, m'lady, and I will be there. Tux and all."
She grinned, but shook her head. "No, no. It's okay. Besides, bringing you as my date is pretty much guaranteed to upstage the bride – and she would kill me. Literally kill me."
Chat Noir chuckled warmly. "You have interesting friends."
"Oh, just wait until you meet my business associate Leo. He makes Alya look normal."
Chat Noir smiled to himself. If only she knew.
Carefully, he tested the waters. "Maybe I'll get to meet them one day?"
Ladybug nodded her head and yawned. "I'd love that."
The wedding went off without a hitch. A beautifully splendid affair that left not one dry eye in the whole place.
Nino looked handsome and completely wrecked with nerves. He swayed in his feet a few times, and Adrien playfully pretended to prop him up. Earning a chuckle from the audience of family and friends.
Alya was radiant and completely calm. The wedding dress Marinette designed was even more befitting on her as she floated down the runway and up the stairs. Leo had pinned up her hair in a sea of twisting curls, intermixed with sprigs of Gypsophila.
Once Nino took her hands, his nerves seemed to fall away almost instantaneously. They laughed and even joked through their vows.
Adrien stole a glance at Marinette during the ceremony. Her lavender dress looked almost delicate the way the fabric laid across her body. Yet another one of her brilliant creations, no doubt. Her hair was half done up, leaving a few pieces down to frame her face.
To him, she looked lovely. And he felt an immense sense of pride to be with her.
Once the ceremony was over, the hotel staff moved the chairs away and organized them around a group of round tables. The platform was disassembled to reveal a dance floor.
And, once the cake was cut, and Alya smushed some in Nino's face, the lights dropped low and the music kicked on. The reception was in full swing. Tux jackets were abandoned on the backs of chairs, and high heels were kicked off.
Building his nerve, Adrien approached Marinette cautiously. Memories of a certain promised dance triggered in his mind. He owed her that dance.
"Care to dance?" He offered. Seriously concerned she would say no. And he really wasn't prepared for that.
Marinette scraped the last bit of icing off of her plate, sucking on the plastic fork.
She eyed him suspiciously. And then realized it was pointless to stay upset at him. He'd been nothing but kind to her. Even last night. Besides, she certainly wasn't crushing on Adrien Agreste anymore. That was definitely for sure.
Setting down her plate, she wiped off her fingers and stood up.
"Sure."
He offered her his hand and she took it delicately.
Slowly, he led her out onto the dance floor. The songs were romantic and slow right now. But he'd be able to hold her close and talk.
They swayed together gently to the soulful love song that piped through the speakers as the spotlights flashed little beams of light onto the dancers.
A few dancing couples away, Alya and Nino were doing the same thing. Alya and Marinette exchanged a quick glance. Marinette nodded to her and Alya shot her a thumbs up. All was well.
Adrien gripped her hand tighter, drawing her attention back to him. He couldn't stand it any longer.
"Are we okay?" he asked her cautiously.
Marinette dropped her chin in embarrassment, staring at the floor. "I-I don't know."
He leaned in closer to her. "I want us to be okay again."
She nodded slowly. "I do too."
A part of him was relieved she agreed so easily. "Can we start over?"
She picked up her head. "Start over how exactly?"
He hesitated. "Being friends, I guess? I honestly hate having you mad at me."
"I was never mad at you." She admitted shyly.
"But you wouldn't talk to me."
She shook her head, the memories rushing back. "That was different. I was… I was just embarrassed and scared. I didn't want to get hurt again."
Hurt in more ways than one. Not him hurting her. But of her hurting him.
His heart ached for her just then. "I never meant to hurt you. Honest."
She nodded in quiet understanding. "I know you didn't. It's not in your nature. I was just being stupid."
He made a face at her choice of words. "My nature?"
"You're a good person, Adrien." She told him honestly.
"So are you." He squeezed her hand. "And you're not stupid."
"My behavior was stupid." She muttered dryly.
"I beg to differ." He smiled softly to try and sooth her.
They didn't say anything for a few moments. Just dancing together with the soft music playing all around.
He filled the air with the only words he could think of to make it better.
"I'm really sorry."
She blinked slowly. "Yeah. I guess, me too."
"Why are you sorry?" he asked.
Her face flushed a tiny bit. "Because I pretty much dropped a huge truth bomb on you and then bolted. And then I ghosted you because I was too embarrassed to face you."
He had to admire her honesty. That night had been a huge eye opener to him too. Perhaps it's what actually started the whole thing.
"What changed?" he asked, actually curious.
Marinette thought about his question. Trying to decide what to say that wouldn't come as such a blow. But ended up deciding to just be honest with her childhood crush. The man who, for the longest time, she compared all others to. But not anymore. She'd moved on. Wow, that was crazy to admit, even to herself.
"Truth?" she asked him.
"Truth." He agreed.
She chewed on her lip. "I've met someone." She admitted shyly.
Adrien started to smile and bit down on his own tongue to stop himself. "Have you?"
She nodded her head. "Yeah. Surprise, right?" laughing at her own self-deprecating joke.
"Is it something serious?" He asked, because he couldn't help himself.
Her face flushed a bit more. She couldn't believe she was admitting this to him. "Yeah, actually, it is."
"Well then, I'm happy for you." He told her, his inner self wanted to jump for joy.
She smiled warmly. "Thanks."
"He must be a special guy to attract your attention." Adrien nudged for details.
"Oh, he's… something alright." She muttered playfully.
"You deserve to be happy, Mari. I hope you are?"
"I am." She answered. Then realized that her own curiosity needed to be satisfied.
"What about you? Is there someone special in your life?" She asked.
He smirked, delighted that she asked. He adjusted his hold on her hand so he could spin her more freely. With a quick turn of his wrist, he spun her in a little circle and then pulled her back to him.
"Maybe." He purred, smirking.
The unexpected spin made her eyes wide and a small giggle escaped her lips.
Collecting herself, she replied, "Well, I guess congratulations to you too. Someone finally tied you down."
He pulled her into another half turn before answering with a sly tone. "I'd like to think of it as a mutual tangling, but sure."
She chuckled dryly. A small bit of silence passed between them as they swayed together to the music. A bit more comfortable with one another now.
It still didn't excuse how she treated him. He was being far too lenient. But, then again, that was Adrien.
"I'm sorry." Marinette admitted softly. Feeling like most of their disagreement had been her fault.
He leaned down and whispered into her ear. "You already apologized." He reminded her, but his tone sounded almost playful, like he was scolding her.
She smirked. "Well, I guess there's no use arguing about it anymore then."
He caught her gaze. "Are we arguing?"
"No." she replied with a little humor to her voice. "Just being stubborn."
"So, I guess I'll ask again. Are we okay?" He wanted to confirm.
She sighed heavily, but nodded. "Yeah, we're okay."
It was his turn to let out a heavy sigh of relief.
"I am truly sorry." He told her for perhaps the hundredth time. But needing her to understand where it was coming from. Otherwise, she may never accept him.
She flashed him a pleasant smile. "Me too."
The sappy love songs died away with their final spoken words. Building suddenly to a jazzy, big-band instrumental. All pounding trumpets and trombones. People around them started busting out some swing dancing moves.
He chuckled at the drastic music shift. But he certainly wasn't afraid of the quick beat. Nor did he want to stop dancing with Marinette. Hesitantly, he turned to glance at her.
"You got this?" He asked, willing to show her some dance steps.
Confidently, Marinette grabbed the edge of her dress and gathered up the extra fabric into one hand. Now her feet and legs were free to move.
She did a quick bit of fancy footwork, showing her confidence and skill to keep dancing to the song.
"Oh yeah." She called confidently.
The upbeat song brought everyone out onto the dance floor. People danced together in a huge group, being silly and laughing.
Adrien smiled to himself as Marinette danced near him. Her eyes met his, and she struck a silly pose in time with the beat of the music.
He matched her pose with one of his own, making her laugh.
Phase one complete.
Author's Note: Remember when this fic was supposed to be an Adrien/Luka rivalry? Yeah... me either lol. Now it's just my excuse to write a rom-com, but I'm totally okay with it. Anywho, I'm so sorry it look me this long to give you all another chapter. I hope the 10.8k words will makeup for my slacking. Please say hi to me in the comments!