Narrator's POV:
One word to describe the Annual Agreste Charity Ball, resplendent. They went above and beyond on all decor, cuisine, and ambiance. It was the most formal event in Paris, France, where all people were invited. Purchasing tickets wasn't mandatory, however it was necessary to RSVP in order to make the appropriate amount of food and dessert. There were gambling tables, games, bets, and of course the masquerade ball (which was strictly black and white and ticket purchases were required in order to dance with the next Agreste heir).
"Luka, say you'll come!" Marinette pleaded Friday morning as he walked her to school.
"Alright, only because you asked." As if Luka could ever refuse his girlfriend; she had a new power over him which both excited him and made him nervous.
"Good, because I RSVP'd for two. Oh look, Gloria and Adrien. Morning!" Marinette walked over as Luka followed her.
"Ack, good morn tae ye Marinette an' Luka!" Gloria smiled as she held onto Adrien's hand and waved at them with the other. They all chatted for a bit since school was over and it was the weekend.
"Morning you two." Adrien waved and approached Marinette, letting go of Gloria's hand as he hugged Marinette quickly; she hugged him back as Luka let go of her hand.
"So the Ball's a week from tomorrow." Marinette squealed as Adrien nodded.
"Yep, I can't believe it." Adrien smiled bashfully as he'd realized that it would be the first time he'd introduced Gloria to his parents.
"Ah just dinnae wha' ah'm gonna wear." Gloria sounded terrified as Marinette smiled.
"Fear not, I can make you a very special dress for the occasion." Marinette winked at Adrien as he sighed with relief.
"Well with Marinette designing my girlfriend's dress, no one would doubt her chicness." Adrien thanked Marinette as she blushed and looked away.
"Oh well, I am the greatest." Marinette giggled as she walked Gloria over to her house for measurements.
"So, I heard you're introducing her to your parents. Things are getting pretty serious huh?" Luka asked as the two of them walked towards the arcade.
"Yea, things have been getting serious. How are things with you and Marinette?" Adrien found a game he was good at and sat down to play as Luka challenged him.
"Great. We've also been getting pretty serious." Luka winked as Adrien blushed.
"Oh, that's great. Take good care of her; Marinette's very important to me." Adrien focused back on the screen as Luka gritted his teeth.
"Of course I'm taking good care of her; she's important to me too." Luka upped his game as Adrien somewhat cringed when Luka took out Adrien's avatar.
"Hey, it was just a friendly match." Adrien smiled at Luka as he grumbled.
"Oh look, the claw game. Gloria'd love one of these Pokémon plushies." Adrien leaned against the glass as he looked down and recognized some of the classic Pokémon: Pikachu, Vulpix, Nine-tails, Charmander, and others.
"Cool. You know, isn't Gloria going to be pretty busy with training and competitions soon?" Luka leaned against the nearby wall as Adrien put in a quarter and kept a close eye on the claw's movements.
"Yea why?"
"Do you think your parents would really approve of you being with a girl that's so . . . laid back?" Luka looked up at Adrien as he shrugged.
"They're not dating her; I am."
"So confident." Luka chuckled.
"Look Adrien, I'm not trying to discourage you or tell you how to live your life but be prepared ok? Marinette's parents weren't thrilled that she's dating a musician, but my band got signed and we've been doing well with getting gigs and our views on social media have been really helpful. There's a market for music. And well, your family is really renowned; just think of what your parents will do when they meet Gloria. She's a sweet girl and all, but you and I both know they'd prefer you to be with someone like Chloe or Kagami. That's also why I'm assuming you've been so insistent on Gloria attending and looking her best. You're thinking that if your parents see her in a regal dress that Marinette designs that they'll overlook the fact that she's not successful like your other potential suitors. Just because you put glitter and a tiara on a farm girl won't make her a princess. And all this pressure you're inadvertently putting on Marinette doesn't fly with me. Just because you've been going through to her doesn't mean I don't see what's going on." Luka was standing up straight and staring at Adrien who'd dropped a Vulpix plushie and was red in the face.
"Hey, I'm not trying to make Gloria out to be some princess when I know exactly who she is. If anything you should be supportive."
"Oh I am; I'm glad that Marinette had the sense to get over you but I don't appreciate you depending on her so much to try and solve your problems. Be a man; don't be a coward about your decision. It's not fair on Gloria either. You know she's not accustomed to your style of living. Just don't fuck this up." Luka shook his head as he walked past Adrien and played skeet ball as Adrien went back to the claw game and thought long and hard about what Luka'd said. Was he trying to pressure Gloria into acting more like a refined princess rather then being herself? Adrien knew he'd been calling and texting Marinette for advice, but was he pushing the limits? Adrien ran his fingers through his hair as he finally won a Pikachu and headed for home with numerous thoughts buzzing around in his head.
The remainder of the week before the ball went by in a flash as Luka was doing his best to be more cordial with Adrien, especially since he'd stopped calling Marinette at odd hours of the night.
"I am so excited." Marinette twirled around in the room as Gloria watched and smiled.
"Ah cannae believe it's tonight. Ah'm so nervous. Ah know Adrien's parents will be there." Gloria bit at her fingernails as Marinette rolled her hands.
"Don't worry about it. Adrien's mom Emilie is really nice; Gabriel is a complicated man but I'm sure they'll both love you." Marinette held Gloria's hand as she got her up and put her dress on, checking to see if there were any more last minute alterations needed.
"Man, I am good. It's perfect! Fits you like a glove." Marinette smiled confidently as she nodded her head as Gloria slowly turned and watched herself in the mirror.
"Now hair and makeup time!" Marinette smiled brightly as she prepared the curling iron and some makeup as Gloria giggled. She'd never had any siblings or any really girly friends that would help her do her makeup; thus this was all new to her. After two hours, Marinette had Gloria stand up straight as she looked in the mirror, gasping at her own reflection.
"Ah almost dinnae recognize mahself." Gloria smiled as her eyes lit up. Marinette is going to design a dress for Gloria. The dress is going to have a sweetheart neckline, sleeveless, mermaid style with a form fitting black bodice with a lace overlay, however what made it so unique was a fold at the front of the dress that opened up whenever she took a step in her black stilettos, revealing a plaid pattern paying homage to her beloved country. Her hair was curled and worn down.
"You look stunning, now, let me finish getting ready and we can go. Luka and Adrien said they'll be meeting us there." Marinette smiled brightly, wondering why Adrien couldn't pick Gloria up and walk in with her; Luka had offered to pick the two girls up but Marinette didn't want to upset Gloria, she was sure Adrien had an explanation for it and thus brushed it off.
"All finished." Marinette turned as Gloria gasped when she looked over the all white princess style dress with a lace one strapped bodice and a puffy shirt skirt made of tulle with glitter, a pair of white stilettos, her hair was pinned back (including her bangs).
"Let's go." Marinette winked, she may have done an excellent job with Gloria's dress, but she wanted to look mature and confident by Luka's side.
Marinette's parents drove the two girls as they made their way to set up their station for dessert.
"Now you two have a nice time." Marinette's mom smiled as they nodded and walked in, without escorts or masks, since the masquerade didn't start until after dinner.
"It's so beautiful." Gloria looked around the room as her eyes sparkled.
The ballroom was exquisite to say the least. The Agrestes had their annual ball at Mayor Bourgeois' hotel Le Grand Paris. Within its walls was a mélange of Parisian and Venetian decor with a slight modern touch. The ceilings had fabric hanging low in hues of black, white, silver and gold. The walls had backdrops of Venice with numerous Venetian masks hung up, some adorned with gold or silver antique frames, others with sleek black or white frames with metal masks adorned with diamonds and precious gems. There was a jeweler renting out their finest pieces. Each lady was decorated with either earrings, a tiara, a necklace, bracelet, or a ring; some even wore all five. Marinette's parents were in a corner serving dessert, the finest chefs in Paris, France were making a six course meal. There was a live band playing softly in the background as auctions took place, couples were dancing, and some vendors were encouraging people to buy, since half of what they spend will be donated to the charity of their choice. Marinette and Gloria felt somewhat out of place, but Marinette shook it off and walked along gracefully.
"Come on Gloria, let's get some drinks." Marinette led Gloria over to the punch bowl. Luka was running late and Adrien had to attend to his guests. Marinette poured them each a glass as she handed Gloria hers.
"Thanks." Gloria swallowed and looked around. All the women were wearing expensive gowns, their perfect hair pinned up with pearls and diamonds in it, some even rented tiaras.
"Gloria, stop fidgeting, you look stunning. Not trying to give myself a compliment, but the dress I designed for you is beautiful; you're beautiful." Marinette smiled reassuringly as Gloria observed her dress.
"Ack, yer right. Ah'm just nervous. Ah never realized how well off the Agrestes are." Gloria sipped at her punch and seemed a bit more relaxed.
"Now, let's go dance." Marinette polished off her punch as they made their way towards the dance floor where the DJ had just begun to play some upbeat music. Suddenly Gloria felt hands on her waist as she snapped her head and noticed it was a man wearing an all white tux.
"Adrien, ah almost dinnae recognize ya." Gloria breathed as she turned and faced him. Adrien wore an all white Venetian mask make of porcelain covering his entire face, even though everyone knew what he looked like, no one knew it was him.
"Oh, there's Luka. I'm gonna go dance with him." Marinette winked as she beamed whilst Luka walked over to her. Luka was wearing an all black tux with a white tie and vest with what appeared to be glitter and tulle matching Marinette dress. Luka's was hair gelled back except a few pieces resembling blue slightly covering his face. They began dancing as Adrien continued to dance and talk with Gloria.
"Sorry I'm late. I had to greet some people. I'm wearing this mask so no one would recognize me."
"Well, ah'm glad ya came tae see meh." Gloria smiled as Adrien gently pulled her aside into another room.
"I have something for you." Adrien pulled off his mask and reached into his pocket; he held a hair pin made of gems resembling Gloria's Pokémon Sobble.
"Oh, it's lovely." Gloria grinned as Adrien pinned up half of her hair as she looked in a mirror and observed herself.
"I'd like you to come and meet my parents." Adrien smiled as Gloria gulped and nodded.
"Alright." She nodded as Adrien put back on his mask and led her over to his parents as he pulled his mask to the side.
"Mother, Father, this is Gloria; the girl I've been seeing for a few years now." Adrien introduced her as they looked at her apprehensively.
"It's so nice tae meet ya both." Gloria put out her hand as she roughly shook their hands.
"Yes, Gloria, we've heard quite a bit about you." Emilie smiled in a friendly matter as Gabriel grumbled.
"Yes, nice to meet you." Gabriel simply nodded his head cordially as Gloria nodded and shook it firmly.
"What does your family do?" Emilie asked politely.
"Well, it's just me mah mom an' mah brother Victor; she usually takes care of the house an' works part time as a receptionist. An' Victor is a Pokémon trainer as well. Ah'm a Pokémon trainer an' a champion; ah've won awards an' scholarships of all sorts." Gloria stated proudly.
"Oh, I see. That's really fascinating." Emilie smiled as Gabriel made a face.
"And what kind of money or future is there in Pokémon training?" Gabriel said with a stern and disinterested look.
"What my husband is trying to ask is if you have any plans to attend college or what goals you have?" Emilie smiled as she looked at her husband with a warning look.
"Well, ah must say that college was never really part of my plan. Being a Pokémon trainer is a pretty demanding an' ah 'ave tae train constantly whit mah Pokémon an' ah'll be travelin' a lot in the near future. It's mah dream tae keep training, competing an' travelin' the world." Gloria beamed as Adrien's parents looked anything but impressed.
"Ah, I see, well you two go and enjoy dinner and the masquerade. Please excuse us, there are some other matters we need to attend to." Emilie smiled politely as Gloria simply nodded and walked with Adrien to the dinner table.
Dinner was served; everyone ate and drank; then it was time for the masquerade. Marinette wore a shimmering all white butterfly mask making her blue eyes look enchanting. Luka wore an all black mask covering his face with some icy blue shimmering stones in it bringing out his eyes and the blue tips of his hair slightly overlaying on the top of it. Gloria wore a gold metal Venetian mask that brought out her brown eyes, to which her smoky eye looked helped make her eyes pop.
"Thank you everyone for coming, I hope you're all having a wonderful time." Emilie walked out wearing a stunning white gold mask covered in diamonds.
"Now, for the final and most opportune moment to donate tonight, there will be tickets sold to dance with our son Adrien. So ladies, this is your best chance to try and snatch up the most eligible bachelor for a dance. The rules are as follows: those dancing with Adrien must have a ticket, no other person can cut in during that dance with Adrien, and have fun." Emilie giggled as the band began to play while tickets were being sold like crazy.
"May I have this dance?" Marinette walked up to Adrien as he bowed and she curtsied; they chatted and laughed as Luka watched from a close distance. As the song ended, Chloe and Kagami both rushed up to Adrien's side as he offered his hand out to Chloe first. She managed to cling to him during the entire song; then it was Kagami's turn. She was graceful, elegant and beautiful; yet Adrien found her company to be a bit dull. Adrien sighed as he felt his obligation intermixed with boredom to be overwhelming.
"May ah 'ave this dance?" Gloria asked as Adrien chuckled.
"Of course." He took her hand as they glided across the dance floor. Adrien drank in every inch of her as he continued to compliment how beautiful she looked and how much he enjoyed being with her compared to the others he was dancing with. Before he knew it, they were simply living in the moment as they hardly noticed that they had danced together for three songs.
"Adrien dear, I do believe these other ladies bought more tickets; please fulfill your obligation and dance with them." Emilie whispered in his ear as he nodded his head and obeyed. The remainder of the evening seemed to drag on; then the guests finally all left and Adrien had snuck off with Gloria to his bedroom at home. Since everyone else was still busy either cleaning up, collecting cash or getting home; they were alone.
"Alone at last." Adrien brought Gloria in for a kiss as she giggled.
"Let's get these stupid masks off." Adrien pulled his off as Gloria gently untied hers.
"I don't know about you, but I've been dying to kiss you all night." Adrien purred as Gloria smiled.
"Ya know ah'm always wantin' tae spend time wrapped in yer arms." She walked up to him as they began kissing, their tongues dancing together as she begged for him to unzip her dress.
"You know; a bath doesn't sound too bad either." Adrien growled at the back of his throat as Gloria giggled and nodded. Adrien started the tub as they both undressed and got in. Gloria slid in front of him as she sighed.
"This is more like it." She kissed his hand as he agreed, running his fingertips over her body as she shivered.
"Did yer parents like meh?" Gloria looked up at Adrien as he sighed.
"My parents are complicated people; I wouldn't worry too much about what they think. My father especially; he has impossible expectations for me, as for my mother, well she'll always have my side in things. She always has."
"Mmm." Gloria held her breath as Adrien's fingers began to encircle around her erect nipples as she bit at her lower lip.
"Let's not talk anymore." Adrien kissed her neck as he slid one hand down to Gloria's womanhood and began stroking her folds as she moaned loudly. Gloria lifted her hand and reached out to Adrien's manhood as she began to move her hand up and down in a slow motion as Adrien growled at the back of his throat. They pleased one another until Gloria had looked at the clock and realized she needed to go home. They kissed each other goodbye, Gloria left, and as Adrien got ready for bed, there was a knocking at the door.
"Adrien, we need to talk darling." Emilie was standing at the other side with a distraught look on her face.
"Sure, what is it Mother?"
"You aren't serious about Gloria are you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, your father and I were talking about it and we just don't think that she's right for you."
"What?"
"Well, she's a nice girl and all, and it's fine if you want to date her . . . temporarily, but let's be honest, she's not the marrying type."
"And who decides that?"
"Well, society does dear, and quite frankly your father and I do."
"So what's that supposed to mean?"
"It means, you're going to start courting other girls soon. And the wonderful news is that there are two already very interested in you. Chloe and Kagami. Isn't that wonderful!?" Emilie clapped her hands together as Adrien was at a loss for words.
