Notes: Thanks to National Novel Writing Month I was able to write this. :D While I'm mostly focusing on my weekly web novel, I am super happy I was able to get this done as well. Enjoy

Chapter 9

Marinette wanted to murder Alya when she opened the bag with the outfit Alya brought her to borrow. Usually it was a flattering dress or top that she let Marinette wear for the evening, but this. Well, this still had a tag on it and she knew Alya bought this just for her to wear tonight.

A classic, little black dress. Just her size too. Alya was certainly bustier than Marinette, and usually whatever she borrowed wouldn't fit correctly, but this had her own shape in mind. Knowing she had no choice, she changed into the dress, becoming even more horrified when she realized the dress wasn't meant to be worn with a bra.

"How's it going on in there?" Alya's voice was on the other side of the door. If they weren't already at Adrien and Nino's place she might've refused the dress, but she knew Alya far too well. With the guys already there, and the party almost set up, she couldn't make a scene and her best friend knew that. She wanted Marinette to look appealing to the ex-model, and Marinette wanted to murder her for that.

"Absolutely wonderful," Marinette replied through the door, hoping her sarcasm didn't come through.

Marinette cursed under her breath and removed her bra, throwing it into the bag with her other clothes. She zipped it up with the hidden zipper in the side of the dress, and stared at herself in the mirror.

If this wasn't a situation Alya put her in, she might've been pleasantly surprised by how she looked, but today of all days, she couldn't help but think there was too much cleavage, and far too much leg showing. Pulling the dress down, only succeeded in giving her breasts even more freedom.

"It's showing so much," Marinette whispered under her breath. But to her horror, Alya heard and replied.

"I got some shape wear in your skin tone. You don't need it, but it will help hide your ass from hanging out!"

She heard Nino snicker and Marinette's face reddened and she threw the door open in horror. "Alya!"

She wanted to remain angry at her friend, but all she noticed was Adrien standing a few feet behind Alya, his bedroom door open, mid changing his shirt. He obviously didn't mind anyone seeing him change his shirt, or he would've closed his bedroom door, but both were now staring at each other awkwardly. Adrien shirtless, with a clean shirt in hand ready to be put on. And Marinette dressed in the black dress, that left little to the imagination.

Alya stood amused, but she stepped into the bathroom and closed the door behind her, grinning.

"I'm going to murder you," Marinette mouthed.

"Relax, you look hot," Alya stated.

Marinette was now speaking in a loud whisper. "You did this so Adrien would see me like this, didn't you?!"

"I'm not gonna deny that," Alya replied.

Marinette groaned and sat on the edge of the bathtub. "I don't feel that way about him anymore. We are just friends."

"You still look at him exactly the same," Alya stated. "And you know what, you have a chance now to actually spend time with him, get to know him in a way none of us were able to in school. He's finally free to live a normal life, and you're free to actually maybe win him over."

Marinette couldn't deny that part of her felt like maybe she could fall for him again. They were spending an awful lot of time together these days. And she had confessed about her past crush and he didn't show any disgust, and he technically didn't reject her.

She couldn't let herself fall in that trap again. Marinette didn't have any luck in love and refused to date after the disaster of a relationship with Luka. Being a student, hero and guardian made dating far too impossible. Adrien would be no different. These days she only found time to help him out because Hawkmoth was so unusually quiet. And she knew far too well how quickly that could change.

"Not tonight," Marinette pleaded. "This is his chance at a real party. Every party he was part of was interrupted by an Akuma. I don't want to ruin this for him by flirting with him."

Alya has pulled out the shape wear, and was smiling as she handed it to Marinette. "You honestly, surprise me. You always have an excuse, but trust me. You don't need to force anything on him tonight. I have a feeling he's going to be spending much of his time with you tonight."

Marinette pulled up the black dress to slip on the shape wear. It matched her skin tone, and fit her bottom like a booty short, giving her more coverage than the skimpy underwear she didn't want anyone else to see. When she pulled the dress back down, she felt at least a little more covered. Alya was waiting with Marinette's make up bag and a tiny bag that must have been inside the bag she gave Marinette earlier.

"Jewelry and makeup," Alya stated, giving both bags a little wiggle in her hands, a grin present.

Marinette was worried when she took the bag of jewelry and peered inside. Relieved to find rhinestone studs and a long nickel necklace with decorative rhinestones. Clearly cheap costume jewelry, but fine by her. She put them on, and then grabbed the make up bag from Alya, before her best friend decided to do her makeup in several layers. Marinette liked to do her makeup to look more natural. Though Alya liked to do her make up to sharpen Mari's features. The dress would already be drawing attention tonight.

When done, Marinette took in a few deep breaths, and prayed to the fashion gods she wouldn't have too much attention drawn to her tonight.

When she left the bathroom however, both boys shot their attention to look at the two girls. She noticed a quick glance from Nino, who gave her a thumbs up. "Looking great Mari, but you can't hold a candle to my Alya."

Alya was nowhere near as dressed up as Marinette, but she knew for a fact Alya was wearing Nino's favorite top for her to wear. It was low cut, but the already large breasted woman was wearing a pushup bra, which made her pop in the shirt more than usual. Alya gave a smile and moved towards her boyfriend and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Well, aren't you the sweetest?"

Marinette moved from the two, and looked around for something to do. She saw the open cooler with tons of ice inside, but no drinks. Nearby they sat untouched in their boxes. Marinette could handle that.

She knelt down and grabbed a box, and opened it, grabbing the cans of beer and began to place them within the ice.

"Let me help," she heard Adrien's voice.

Her gaze shot up and her blue eyes met his green ones as he crouched down beside her and grabbed some cans. He followed what she'd been doing with them and repeated the action.

"Thanks," she stated.

"No problem," Adrien replied, flashing her a grin.

He was wearing the t-shirt he'd been holding earlier, and she recognized it as one of the ones Madeline had given him that morning.

"Does the clothing fit?"

"Perfectly. She knows her sizes, doesn't she?"

"Sure does," Marinette chuckled.

Adrien held one of the beer cans in his hand and studied it, looking it over. "You know, I've never had beer before."

"Really?" Marinette sounded surprised, but he gave her a nod to confirm.

"Some very expensive wine, and only a few times since I turned legal age. My father controlled every aspect of my life. Only the best foods, and the healthiest. No getting drunk and ruining his reputation. A lot of sugars too. Gotta keep those teeth white and maintain the model body under his thumb, right?"

"Well, I hope you enjoy your beer tonight. It's…a taste you gotta get used to. Though, I do hope you don't get drunk tonight, maybe just buzzed. I want you to enjoy your first real party and be able to remember it. BUT," Marinette added sharply. "You are free now, so if you want to get black out drunk, you are at least at home to do it. So, don't feel like I'm trying to con-"

"You're not," Adrien cut in. "Just a friend's helpful advice."

Marinette didn't dare open her mouth, but she gave a nod with the tiniest hint of a smile. Adrien flashed her a smile as he placed the beer he'd been holding into the cooler. She joined him in continuing to unbox the cans and chill them.

When complete, they were pretty much ready for the party. There were bottles of water for those who didn't want to drink in the fridge. Chips, dip, and other snacks, including some treats from Marinette's parents bakery. Solo cups were placed with markers so people could write their names on the cups and windows were open because with the extra bodies it would no doubt become way too hot.

It was 8 o'clock when the first of the guests began to arrive. Instantly Marinette stood back to breathe all while watching old classmates approach and greet Adrien with warm hugs and congratulations on moving out from his father's home and choosing his own path. Everyone was so happy to see him and Marinette could tell that he was glad to see how many friends he still had.

After greeting Adrien, their friends turned to Nino, to greet him on his birthday. Marinette in turn greeted some people as they came in the door.

Across the room, Adrien was left talking with Rose, who remained by his side for now. They were talking, but Adrien kept peering over at Marinette as she greeted more people as they came to the apartment. He couldn't deny to himself that he'd been taken aback by Marinette when she opened the bathroom door and came out in that dress.

He'd heard jokes and seen memes about girls and black dresses, and he'd certainly seen plenty of models in said dresses, but none looked even remotely close to how Marinette did in hers. The young woman looked stunning. Her hair let down, and curled into little waves, and not a lot of make up, and just enough jewelry to make her pop. It was such a simple look, with no heavy designs or difficulty in putting on, yet Marinette stole the show.

Rose noticed before he realized how much he was glancing over. "Checking out Marinette?"

"What?" Adrien asked, his attention drawing back to Rose completely, who giggled.

"I have a pair of eyes, I see how you were looking at her," Rose stated.

Adrien felt his face burn when he realized both what he had been doing and then getting caught doing it. The heat burned all the way to the back of his neck. He looked at his feet, too embarrassed to look at his ex-classmate.

"You never looked at her like that in school…so, are you two dating?"

It seemed impossible that his face would become redder, but the heat he felt somehow felt scorching now. "N-No."

"Oh, it's just that…well, hmm…" Rose began, and then began to ponder to herself. "Do you have a thing for Marinette?"

Adrien didn't think he did, and shook his head. "We're friends. She's helped me out a lot during this whole new part of my life…I appreciate everything she's doing for me."

"So, she can hold a conversation with you now?"

Adrien thought about why that would be asked. "Oh! Because she had a crush on me?"

Rose's mouth hung open. "You knew?"

"Marinette told me recently. I thought she hated me, but she confessed she had a hard time talking to me because she liked me. But yeah, we can talk just fine now. She's helping me learn to cook, she helped me do laundry, and just this morning she helped me out with shopping at the flea market for some new clothing," Adrien explained. "But I had no idea in school."

Rose glanced between him, and Marinette, who was now greeting Ivan and Mylene with warm embraces at the door. "So why do you keep looking at her like that?"

Adrien hadn't realized he'd returned to staring at Marinette. He shot his eyes back at Rose, his mouth hung open, speechless. She continued. "It's okay to reunite with someone and admit you're truly seeing them for the first time, just so you know."

"Juleka!" Marinette cried, giving the next guest a warm embrace.

Rose now turned her attention to the doorway, and she lit up. "Trust me, I'm a romance expert. Someone like Marinette doesn't come around often. Now if you excuse me, I haven't seen my girlfriend in a week because of work, and I missed her like crazy."

Rose skipped off, taking her moment to give Juleka an embrace and a soft kiss when Marinette and her parted. Marinette smiled and Adrien heard her speak. "You two are too darn cute!"

Juleka, still shy, blushed and hid behind her hair, but Rose, ever proud of her long-term girlfriend, brushed Juleka's hair behind her ears and gave her another kiss, this time on the cheek. "It's all Juleka and her cuteness."

Adrien had been watching, but when Marinette suddenly looked his way, he felt like he'd been caught doing something he wasn't supposed to. Even so, Marinette smiled at him, and worked her way around the couch to him as he stood awkwardly in the kitchen area now by himself.

"Having fun," Marinette asked.

"Oh, y-yeah," Adrien replied.

Marinette turned to the cooler and grabbed two beers, and offered one to Adrien. He took one and watched as she opened hers and took a drink.

"You said it's an acquired taste?" Adrien asked.

She gave confirmation. "If you don't like it, let me know and I'll have it after this one. I never go past two, so that will be my limit, nice and early into the evening."

He stared at the cold can for a few moments longer, and then opened his, bringing it to his lips and took a drink. Adrien had no words for the taste, and his eyes went wide as he drew away, forcing the liquid down his throat, his tongue sticking out as if the air would get rid of the bitter taste.

Marinette burst out laughing, seconds after she swallowed, which might've ended up everywhere had she not finish her drink.

"That is fowl," Adrien complained.

"I told you, it takes time to learn to enjoy the taste," Marinette stated. "Just sip a little at a time."

"So enjoying beer is like Stockholm syndrome," Adrien stated.

Marinette laughed again, this time Adrien had been able to enjoy the sight freely, and noticed the pure joy she displayed. Marinette used to cover her face when she laughed, hiding her smile. Here it was on full display, and it caught him by surprise. He found it contagious, making him smile too, though he did put the beer on the counter for now.

"There is no pressure to drink if you feel that way too, of course," Marinette explained as she came down from her laughing fit.

"I'm just happy you're here," he explained. It took him a second to realize what he said and how it might've been taken. Surprised by his own choice of words he quickly added. "I'm happy everyone is here."

He still noticed how her cheeks reddened, and she turned her head before taking another sip from her drink. "E-Everyone's happy you're here too."

He hadn't meant to make her flustered, but clearly he had. He glanced around to find the time, and noticed the microwave. It was a little after nine. He should go out for his patrol now before it became suspicious.

"I'm happy to be here too. But you can have the beer. I think I might get an energy drink. I got some tip money," Adrien explained, though it was a lie. He didn't need an energy drink, just an excuse to leave for a bit.

"Oh, want someone to go with you?" Marinette asked.

He shook his head quickly. "The party is a bit much all at once. It's just to the corner store, so I won't be long. I'll be back soon."

"Oh, okay," Marinette stated. She still smiled warmly at him, and it made his stomach flip flop, feeling as though he was awful for lying to her, no matter how necessary it was.

"We'll talk more after," he promised. "You can tell me how the suit is going. I'd love some updates."

"Oh, yeah, of course!" Marinette replied. "I got photos."

Adrien carefully slipped away, and left the apartment, leaving Marinette by herself in the kitchen. She put her own beer on the counter, not feeling like drinking anymore herself. She wondered if she made him uncomfortable. It wasn't like Adrien to just leave a conversation like this of his own accord. Usually it'd be his father who forced him away, or an Akuma attack. Before she could move to another group, Marinette found herself surrounded by her female friends.

"Where did Adrien go?" Alya asked.

"He said he wanted to go to the corner store, and get an energy drink," Marinette explained.

"Why didn't you go with him?" Rose asked frantically.

"H-he said the party was a bit much and he'd be back soon, after I offered to go. That's code for he wants to be alone, isn't it?" Marinette explained.

Alya groaned. "Mari, I swear to God, go with him!"

Rose remained frantic, "You have to go with him! I swear he was checking you out earlier!"

"Was he?!" Mylene gasped.

Rose confirmed. "I called him out on it too! Mari! Go down and go with him!"

Marinette wanted to protest, but Jukela spoke up next. "Marinette, you've been in love with him for five years. He's noticing you now. Show him you're there for him. It's a walk to the corner store."

All her friends were here cheering her on, and Marinette knew deep down she did want to go with him. She bit her bottom lip, and glanced up at the doorway. "Okay."

The girls parted ways, and gave Marinette the space she needed to go out. She hurried to the door, and opened it, following the hallway to the stairs to the lobby. Marinette hurried to the door and went outside, the chilled air hitting her bare arms.

She looked at both ends of the sidewalk, but couldn't see Adrien in any direction. He couldn't have possibly moved that fast, could he?

"Hurry up, it's freezing."

She heard Adrien's voice and she froze when she heard it. Someone else was with him.

"How do you think I feel? My whiskers are going to fall off. At least you have clothes," an annoyed voice replied.

Marinette froze, and her eyes went wide. She knew that voice. She hadn't heard it in a long time, but it's one she knew well. She pressed herself against the brickwork of the apartment, and peered around the corner carefully. The alley was dark, but she could see Adrien's form, and floating a few inches from his face was the darkened form of a kwami. She froze, confirming the identity of Plagg. She pulled herself back to the front of the building, her eyes wide, but her ears still open and listening.

"Well, we'll both be warm when I transform and then we can finish this patrol and go back inside," Adrien spoke. "Plagg, Claw's Out."

Marinette saw the flash of green at the corner of her eyes, and she slipped back in the corner of the doorway, hiding herself away. She heard movement, a grunt and a moment later, silence. Marinette knew what she saw and heard, and even so she had no words to describe what just happened.

Her small crossbody purse clicked open, drawing her attention down to Tikki who popped her head out, her face one of concern.

"That happened, didn't it?" Marinette asked, needing the confirmation.

"Yes," Tikki replied.

"I always knew you'd seen Chat Noir's face, at least twice before that I know of, but I didn't think you knew who he was," Marinette said, though her voice had lowered to barely above a whisper. "I know you wouldn't have been able to tell me, but, I suppose you did know all this time."

"I did know," Tikki replied, her expression was one of sadness.

"I'm not upset," Marinette replied. "You have to protect our identities at all costs, even from other kwami's. I understand that as Guardian. I just…didn't expect…Adrien to…be him."

Marinette felt a surge of emotion come over her and before she could try to take in deep breaths to calm herself, but tears were already falling down her cheeks as panic set in.

Notes: I guess where I want to go with this is Marinette, with adult eyes will be forced to look at this as less of: OMFG THE HOT BOY I LIKED IS THE BOY WHO FLIRTS WITH ME. and more like: Adrien and Chat Noir are so different. Why does he act like this? Well his home life left him no time to just be a kid and...etc etc. So I have plans for this for Marinette finally seeing Adrien in a new way, like he has been seeing Marinette.