Chapter Two

Adrien didn't know how much longer he could hold up. Acting wasn't one of his better fortes, even if he was brilliant at feigning emotions for the camera. Was anyone buying the smouldering looks he was throwing Kagami's way? Honestly, the girl owed him big time. Then again, he wasn't one to say no to a friend in need. Especially a friend whose skill with a sword rivalled his own.

Yet it boggled his mind to think there was an unwanted suitor out there stupid enough to continue pursuing Kagami, given that she'd threatened to disembowel him if he didn't leave her alone. Although Adrien wasn't blind to Kagami's appeal. There was something downright sexy about a strong woman who could handle herself in battle. The thought had his mind racing off on a Ladybug themed tangent, meaning his lovestruck expression was now genuine.

While there had been a time when Adrien had entertained the notion of dating Kagami, he'd quickly changed his mind after a number of sporadic outings. Getting to know his fencing rival had been an eye opener. Pieces began to fall into place, meaning he'd come to the scary realisation that Kagami's personality was disturbingly similar to his father's. That dawning had been like an icy bucket of water over his simmering attraction.

Unfortunately, he'd gained Kagami's interest by that point and dissuading her against a possible relationship had been challenging. If there was one thing Adrien had learned well it was his indifference to girls only seemed to make them keener for his attention. It really sucked. Chloe was a prime example. Heck, there were smatterings of his fangirls within this very crowd. Each one sitting in wait for a chance to nab his attention, or his underwear. His expression soured at the thought. And not one of those girls seemed to get the hint when he threw them unimpressed glares.

Adrien's drifting mind was returned to his current situation as Kagami stomped on the toe of his shoe. "Agreste, focus."

"Right, sorry," he said with a wince while refraining from rubbing his now aching foot.

"That jerk is still looking over here and you're off with the fairies."

"It's been a long day," he sighed. "What can I do?"

A wicked glint shone in Kagami's eyes and suddenly Adrien was afraid. "Kiss me."

"What?"

"Kiss me, it'll throw him off."

She couldn't be serious, could she? While the idea was just starting to permeate Adrien's brain, Kagami placed her hands on his cheeks and he knew there was no escape. He should have been thrilled, Kagami was very pretty. Those brown eyes narrowed in annoyance at his hesitation, her fingertips digging into his cheeks as she drew his face down to align with hers.

Resigning himself to the fact that this was going to happen, Adrien decided to improvise. Because when it came down to it, he did like dark-haired beauties with a feisty streak. All he needed to do was envision his masked partner as the girl standing opposite and he fell into character, appearing enamoured with Kagami. Closing his eyes, Adrien delved into the fantasy and kissed with an ardour he'd reserved for Ladybug.

Kagami melted against him, her fingers skimming up and into his hair. Apparently, she liked what he was doing. Adrien placed his hands on Kagami's hips and eased her away. Their parting would appear natural to anyone watching, yet Adrien wanted to wipe his mouth with the back of his hand. It should have been Ladybug pressed against him like that. Or so he wished. His lady was still adamant about remaining professional.

Kagami had a dreamy look on her face as she gazed up at him and Adrien had to wonder how much of this was fiction on her part. "Did it work?"

"Huh?" she asked dumbly.

"The kiss, did it work? Did it put off your unwanted admirer?"

Dark eyelashes fanned as Kagami blinked back to reality and peered around Adrien's side. "He looks seriously ticked off. I think we should do it again."

Adrien frowned. "Um, no. I need a drink."

"Alright then, let's head to the bar." And with that Kagami looped her arm through his and they made their way through the throng of people.

Being taller than his companion, Adrien peered about with ease over the heads of others in search of his friends. He stopped dead as he spotted Marinette and Luka on the dancefloor, making out. There was a sudden pang in his chest and a deep-seated feeling of annoyance, yet he couldn't understand why. He liked both Marinette and Luka, seeing them together should have been a good thing but Adrien had an almost overwhelming need to storm over there and reef them apart.

Kagami tugged on his arm, forcing him back into motion. Mentally shaking himself, Adrien allowed his companion to lead him to the bar where he ordered a G&T. He barely took any notice of what Kagami ordered but paid regardless. For a while they mingled amongst the crowd, chatting to various friends. Yet his mind continued to linger on the unexpected emotions swirling within him.

With his mind churning, Adrien couldn't help but glance in the direction of the dancefloor. The uneasy feeling lessened as he watched Marinette and Luka depart from the mass of bopping bodies, but it resurged as they retreated to a booth. His vibrant green gaze continued to wander across to the pair and his nose wrinkled when Luka draped his arm around Marinette's shoulders. They chatted and laughed while Adrien fidgeted and tried to appear interested in the conversation between Kagami, Alix and Rose.

When Alya plopped down in the seat opposite her best friend, Adrien decided to make a move. As he neared he caught snippets of their conversation.

Luka wore a cheeky grin as he gazed at Marinette in amazement. "You can't be serious."

"Dead serious," she chuckled as she lifted her glass to sip.

Adrien leaned an arm on the edge of the booth. "What's dead serious?"

Marinette stared up at him in surprise. "The time my boss at Gabriel requested that I buy a clown wig for Chloe to wear for the summer line preview launch."

Luka shook his head. "It had to be a joke, right?"

"Nope, the dude was serious." Adrien confirmed.

Marinette eyed the model awkwardly while attempting to conceal her amusement. But the mirth in her eyes couldn't be disguised. "This guy hates Chloe with a passion and wanted to make her look like an idiot."

"She already is an idiot," Alya grinned then looked sheepishly to Adrien. "Sorry but it's true." Turning back to the others, she continued, "Did you hear she's starring in her own reality show called The Decadent Search for Mr Right or some such nonsense. A bunch of pretty yet clueless rich guys will try to woo her. I swear they will all run away screaming before the show has even come close to wrapping up."

"I bet we could start a drinking game for each time she says 'I'm calling Daddy!' throughout the show." Marinette laughed.

"Or 'Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous' would be a high contender too." Alya added.

Adrien decided it was best not to comment. He didn't like that they were dissing Chloe, yet he understood their reasons. She wasn't the nicest person.

Luka chucked, "She really is a piece of work. I remember when she made Juleka cry over your school photos."

Marinette looked lost in thought. Adrien could only assume she was recalling the whole Reflekta debacle. "Chloe has been the cause of a lot of akumas."

"Like you haven't," Alya teased.

"Hey! I have not."

Adrien couldn't help chuckling, and that's when Kagami returned to his side and threaded her arm through his. The moment Marinette's eyes zeroed in on the contact he wanted to shake himself free.

"What's this talk of akumas?"

All three occupants of the table turned to regard Kagami. Alya adjusted her glasses as her eyes coolly assessed the other girl. "I was just teasing Marinette about how many akumas she's caused."

"No, we were discussing how many akumas Chloe caused and you just had to go and drag me into the equation." Marinette pointed out.

Kagami's laugh sounded a little forced, and Adrien winced as she elbowed his side. "This one has caused a few akumas of his own. Mine included."

Unfortunately, there was truth in what she said. Adrien bit his bottom lip and rubbed his nape. He wasn't comfortable being put under the spotlight in such a way. His green eyes narrowed on Kagami. "How was that my fault? I tried to offer you a decisive match, instead you ran off like a sore loser."

They all gasped and turned to look at Kagami. The elite fencer eyed him with aloof appraisal. "I can and will wipe the floor with you, Agreste. Besides, if I want to make things really easy all I have to do is mention Ladybug."

"What?! Why would you think that?"

"Because it distracts you every single time." Kagami's smirk grew smarmy. "Is there something you want to share with us?"

The model's cheeks flamed. "No, I just have a deep admiration for her."

"I bet," Kagami said with a knowing leer.

"Ladybug is pretty awesome," Luka said as he eyed Marinette. "Although I know another girl who's pretty amazing under pressure. That time my Mum was akumatised, you were the one to save us."

"Wait," Adrien said with a confused look. "Ladybug and Chat Noir rescued you guys."

Luka shook his head. "Marinette was the one to raise the alarm and notify Ladybug." His gaze returned to the girl at his side.

Shock had Adrien flabbergasted. "I-I didn't know that."

"Brave and beautiful." Luka added as he raised his glass in appreciation to Marinette.

"I'll second that," Alya beamed as she raised her own glass.

Kagami raised her drink and Adrien followed suit automatically. But there was something very wrong with this situation. The model's grip on his glass was overly tight, his jaw was clenched and he desperately wanted Luka to stop looking at Marinette like she was a goddess. Before he could stop himself, Adrien's gaze landed on the pair and he asked, "Are you guys a couple?"

Marinette glanced to Luka who looked thrilled by the idea. "Hopefully. Marinette, you want to be my girl?"

"Maybe, you want to be my guy?" she sassed back.

"Undoubtedly." Luka grinned, leaning forward and planting a kiss on her lips.

"Sealed with a kiss," Alya laughed, eyeing Adrien in a way that made his skin crawl. "Now it's truly official."

An undeniable tremor of fury zipped through the model, shocking him to his very core. Yet Adrien didn't understand his reaction at all. What was wrong with him?

Poor Adrien, an unconscious part of him understands that the girl he wants is drifting away yet he is also clueless... at least for the moment.

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