It rained the night of Mayor Bourgeois' ball. An ill omen if you were to ask Marinette or Adrien. Their first night being reintroduced into proper society, and it rained.
A limo had been sent to the bakery, so that the guests of honor could arrive in style. Alya and Nino had shown up early, also invited because of their hero status, not that any event planners besides Chloe knew.
Gabriel had really outdone himself. Though the designs were based on sketches from Marinette, he had taken them to a whole new level. "So you," he had said. "It's perfect, just for you!"
The champagne dress with exposed back and high slit leg hadn't felt 'like her' at all. Of course it was gorgeous, and it was a beautiful dress. The iridescent silk changed colors as she moved, drawing all eyes to her. Maybe in another life, when Ladybug hadn't been defeated, she'd feel more deserving of the dress.
As it stood, the low back just showed her scars, and made her feel exposed. 'Wear them like a badge of honor.' Gabriel had said, 'you survived, you're here. You're stronger than anyone else in that room.'
And yet, as she stood looking herself over in the mirror, she couldn't help but feel self-conscious.
Ugly.
The door to the bathroom opened and closed, her husband entering. Gabriel hadn't spared him from the 'wear your scars with pride' treatment either. The white shirt under his suit only buttoned up to his sternum, allowing the scar from his rib surgery to be seen. He was just lucky his skin graft scars were hidden under the deep gray suit.
"You look beautiful," Adrien said, looking at her with adoration.
"I don't think so." She brushed her hair once again. It was still too short to really do anything with, so she had opted to let Alya curl it. With all of her nervous tugging and pulling, the curls were turning into waves, and would soon be flat.
Adrien rested a hand on her bare shoulder, kissing her scarred neck. "I've always found you beautiful, Marinette. No amount of dirt or scars could change that."
"Well, what about everyone else? What will they think?"
"Do you really care what everyone else thinks? Much less a bunch of stuffy, obnoxious politicians?"
"No…I suppose not. I just…if I get criticized at all, I don't think I'll be able to handle it."
"No one will criticize you. I happen to think the dress is very flattering on you."
"The scars don't ruin it?"
"No. If anything, they compliment it."
"You're just saying that to make me feel better."
"Is it working?"
"I love you, Adrien Agreste. Thank you." She bounced on her toes and pressed a delicate kiss to his lips.
There was a knock on the door, followed by Sabine's voice. "Are you both ready? The party starts soon."
"Better bite the bullet."
They left the bathroom together, meeting up with the rest of the group downstairs in the bakery. Before leaving the apartment, Adrien grabbed an umbrella, and held it above his wife as she climbed into the limo.
The action felt familiar, as did his smile in doing so.
The ride to Le Grand Paris was pleasant. Alya and Nino gushed over the amenities in the car. "I've never ridden in a limo before! I feel so fancy!" Said Alya, as she sprawled out over one of the seats. There was plenty of room to do so.
"Would anyone care for some champagne?" Nino asked, in his fanciest poshest voice.
"You open that bottle, and I'll tell your mother." Sabine warned. "It's not polite to get drunk before arriving at a party."
"I'm glad you both got to come," Marinette said, smoothly changing the subject. "This would be really boring without you."
"Oh, we're boring?" Tom asked, arms crossed.
"You know what I meant, Papa." Marinette smiled at him.
Arriving at Le Grand Paris, you would have thought they were arriving at a movie premier. The door to the limousine opened and there was a series of flashes from the paparazzi.
Tom and Sabine went out first, followed by Nino and Alya, and then finally, Adrien and Marinette stepped out under the umbrella.
"Did you design the dress yourself?"
"Did Gabriel design your outfits?"
"Are you wearing someone else?"
Clothing. They were all asking about the clothing. That was something she could handle. Adrien was right. The dress was flashy, and eye catching, and that's all anyone was going to talk about.
The alternative was not polite for such an occasion.
They were led through the lobby, into the elevator, and upstairs into the ballroom.
Before the elevator doors even opened, she could hear the crowd, a garbled mess of voices and laughter. Her heart rate increased.
Then the doors opened, and they stepped into the room.
All eyes seemed to land on her and Adrien, as guests clapped for their arrival. She wasn't able to do anything but stand there. Stand there frozen and staring, not even smiling. These guests were here to pay her respect and honor, but by god it was the worst experience of her life.
Over and over, her gaze flitted to face after face in the crowd, barely recognizing them for a second. These were strangers, people she never would have known, except for one tiny little detail.
Some of them, she had murdered.
She had seen their faces only once before, in her memories, last breaths, screams of agony.
And they were clapping for her.
Did they not remember? Or were they pretending? Were they hiding and plotting? Were she and Adrien in danger?
Then Chloe was there, in her bee-themed dress, loud and bright and inviting. "Adrikins! Maripoo! You're here!"
She never would have said this before, but thank God Chloé was here.
She weaseled between them, hooking an arm through both of theirs. "Come on, I'll show you to your table!"
It was right in front of the dance floor, which was vacant for now. A small symphonic band played beautiful music, filling the hall with the sort of ambience only seen in Disney movies.
Gabriel and Emilie were already at the table.
"Oh Marinette!" Emilie cooed. "You look absolutely gorgeous! Gabriel insisted on keeping this dress a surprise from me and I have been dying to see it!" She played with the long piece of flowing fabric over Marinette's shoulder. "I love the purple undertones! It perfectly matches your lipstick!"
"Thank you, Madam Agreste."
"And look at you!" She immediately went to her son. "My handsome man! Oh! You're so grown up!" She rested a hand on his cheek. "Before I fell asleep, you were a little shorter than me. Now...now I have to look up at you."
Adrien looked away from her, a pain in his chest.
"Sorry, I just...got swept up in emotion. That suit fits you like a dream."
Then she was onto the next target. "Oh Sabine!"
Now that they were in public, Adrien's voice disappeared again. But Marinette could read his expressions like an open book. "The suit makes you look older. Of course it would stand out."
He nodded in understanding, letting the resentment go. He had no reason to be angry with his mother. He just constantly had to remind himself until it stuck.
They both took a seat at the table. Obviously, people were schmoozing around and rubbing elbows. But the schmoozers could come over here if they were so inclined.
Next to Marinette sat her parents, and next to Adrien sat Nino and Alya, while Gabriel and Emilie sat on the other side. Chloe sat at the table next to them, just an arm's length away from Adrien.
So they were surrounded by mostly trustworthy people. The jury was still out on Gabriel, but he had at least shown that his harm was unintentional.
They had to be prepared for the worst if someone in the room decided to go for revenge.
Of course, now that their identities were out in the open and the party planners were somehow educated on kwamis (probably thanks to Chloé) there was a small doll sized table in the middle of their table, fitted with two chairs and settings.
"Oh, that's cute. Tikki, Plagg, you can join us."
The Kwamis peeked out of Adrien's jacket, where they had hunkered down for the night.
"Oh don't mind if I do!" Sang Plagg, as he took his seat. "I demand cheese cubes!"
Tikki was only a beat behind. "Behave yourself Plagg, this is a very fancy event."
"And we are the guests of honor," he said snottily. "While Adrien and Marinette are the brains and bodies, we are the brawn. So we get just as many accolades as them!"
"Selfish." Tikki drawled.
A waiter appeared at the table. "Dinner is still a ways out, but can I get drinks or hors d'oeuvres for anyone?"
"Your finest cheese cubes, my good man! And keep them coming until I fall out of this chair!"
"Yes, of course Mr. Black Cat."
Gabriel ordered a white wine for the table, while Marinette just asked for water for her and Adrien.
"It's alright," said Sabine. "You can have a glass of wine. It's a special occasion."
"I appreciate that, but I need to be alert. Just in case."
Sabine heaved a little sigh, disappointed, but understanding. "Alright. Just try to have a little fun, okay?"
Marinette looked over the crowd again, subtlety trying to see who was watching her.
Considering this was her first public appearance as Ladybug, there were quite a few.
"Did you need something Miss Dupain-Cheng?" A waiter asked.
"Oh…no, no just—just looking."
"Alright, don't hesitate to flag us down if you need something."
"Thank you."
He cheerfully filled up her water cup before scurrying off.
Before Marinette could get lost in her scouring, she was interrupted by Gabriel. "Adrien, will you come with me a moment? There's someone I'd like you to meet."
Adrien stood from his seat with hesitation. Even now, at an event like this, Gabriel wanted him to rub shoulders with business folk? Maybe not, and so his curiosity propelled him on into following.
"Should I come too?" Marinette asked.
"No no, just…just relax Marinette."
Ah, so this was one of his business associates. Well, he'd humor his father this once, and see what this was all about.
They crossed the room, coming upon a group of laughing men, all in expensive suits with expensive wine in hand, with expensive watches on their wrists, and fattened with expensive foods.
Adrien immediately felt out of place.
"Adrien, this is M. Mercier. He's the lawyer handling your case with Salo."
"Hello there, kiddo." The man grasped his hand tightly and shook. "Nice to formally meet! Of course, your father and I have been in contact for a long time. Don't worry, we have everything under control."
Well. That was good. It wasn't as if he had to testify or re-hash anything he had been through. It was all recorded.
"And this is M. Chevrolet, he works on the Board at Gabriel. One of the primary stockholders."
"We met when you were just a boy," he clarified with a tight handshake. "But you were so busy with modeling, there was really no reason for us to chat. But now that that avenue is closed, I've been working on finding you a position in the company. One that wouldn't require too much investment, so you can come home to your wife at night." He smiled. "And well, since college isn't in the future either, it might not be exactly lucrative, but you are a stockholder, as Gabriel's son. Of course, you could always fall back into superheroing, if you think you could."
Was this man…mocking him?
"Adrien hasn't ever specified if he was interested in college or not," Gabriel said calmly. "But I do thank you for looking out for him. He and Marinette have been…apprehensive about the future."
"Oh of course they have."
That tone, no matter how well intended, made Adrien bristle. He didn't have to take this. He didn't need to be polite.
He tapped his wrist, an indication he needed meds.
"Alright, you can go back." His father excused, absently.
As Adrien turned to leave, he could hear M. Chevrolet say, "You know, he's not going to get anywhere not speaking. He'll be lucky if I can get him in as a janitor."
He hurried his paces back to the table, gnawing on his lip and trying not to cry.
Before he got half-way there, a hand reached out and grabbed his wrist.
He jumped, yanking his wrist free, and stood prepared to fight.
A woman looked at him with shock and horror. "Oh my goodness! Mr. Agreste, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to scare you, I just wanted to get your attention."
Adrien relaxed into a stance a normal person would take. He then noticed there was a little girl sitting at the table next to the woman. The girl's face was badly scarred, and she wouldn't meet his eyes.
"This is my daughter, Adrianne." The woman smiled. "She…she was in the same place as you. My ex-boyfriend owed that woman some money…and she took Adrianne as ransom. Because you and Ladybug escaped, the police were able to find her and bring her home. So…I just wanted to say thank you."
"Thank you Chat Noir." Said Adrianne. She was so quiet, it was almost lost in the crowd. But he heard it, and that's all that mattered.
Adrien crouched, getting eye level with the girl, and gently rested a hand on her head, petting her hair in a way that he enjoyed too. The girl smiled up at him, face full of respect and adoration.
He mimicked the action of typing on a phone.
"My phone? Uh, here…" Said the woman.
Adrien put in his contact information, and whispered Adrianne, right in her ear. "If you need anything, just text me. Chat Noir and Ladybug will help."
Then, Adrianne's subdued smile doubled, turning bright and warm. It warmed his chest, and gave him hope.
—
Marinette kept on a firm alert. It was hard not to panic, with the discovery she had just made, but the fear twitched her fingers. She needed to find Adrien and get out of here, but she couldn't give away what knowledge she'd learned.
A man, just a table over, had a gun concealed. She saw it as he reached forward for a glass of water, and she was trying not to stare.
But she did.
A very rational part of her brain told her he was probably a police officer, and it was no big deal. But she had killed police officers during her rage, and their vow to protect and serve didn't prevent thoughts of revenge.
Once Adrien came back, she'd steer him towards the elevator, and they'd make a break for it. They had appeared. They didn't owe anyone anything else.
As she cast her glance over the room, she missed her target moving. "Uh, excuse me?" He asked.
Marinette turned, wide eyed and horrified to see the man standing beside her.
He knelt to get on her level. "Sorry, I Uh...I just wanted to check in with you. I saw you looking at my gun. I'm with the police. I'm here because I worked on your case, but I'm also on security."
Oh, she knew who he was. Now that she had a good look at him, she recognized him from the last time they met.
"I stabbed you. At the Police station...I stabbed you with a lance...I killed you."
"Yeah, you sure did." He laughed nervously.
She shut her eyes tightly, swallowing the bile in her throat.
"But," the man continued. "So did Stoneheart, and Glaciator, and Siren, and Frozer. There were probably a couple others. Being on the force in Paris with Akumas is always a gamble. But, I'm back. Ladybug always brings me back."
"I'm sorry..."
"I forgive you. I haven't held it against any other Akuma, so why would it be different for you?"
"I...I just..." there was so much relief, she couldn't find the words to say. She wanted to apologize for being suspicious of him.
"I'll be right over there. If anyone tries anything, we'll handle it. I mean, of course Ladybug and Chat Noir are more than capable of handling anything...the chief just wants you to be able to relax. So, relax. Okay, Miss Ladybug?"
Marinette allowed herself to take a calming breath and smile. "Thank you. I think I will."
It was only a minute or two before Adrien returned, looking less than happy.
"Is everything alright?"
He didn't respond to her question, but offered a hand out to her.
She took it, and allowed him to help her out of her seat. He led her to the dance floor, and wrapped his arm around her waist while he held the other in his own.
Then, he began to lead her in time with the music.
"We're the only ones dancing," she commented astutely.
"Yes. Everyone knows it's rude to interrupt a dancing couple."
"Who'd your father want you to meet?"
"Some rich assholes."
"Just as I thought."
Adrien guided her out into a twirl, and the band began to play just a little louder. Just for them.
"There's a little girl here, Adrianne." Adrien said. "She was held prisoner like us. You should say hi to her when we get the chance. I gave her my number, in case she needed anything."
"I'm glad. I would like to meet her." A quick turn, and her long skirt flailed outwards in a glittering pinwheel. "There's security guards here with guns, in case anyone tries any funny business. I was told we could relax."
"I am relaxed," Adrien assured. "This is the most relaxed I can get nowadays."
"I feel the same."
"But I feel better here with you."
"Because I'm tough and I'll kick anyone's ass?"
"Yes." He chuckled. "Exactly."
The band lulled into something a little slower, to Tchaikovsky's Valse Sentimentale, so that Adrien could bring her a little closer, chest to chest. The slow pull of the strings allowed them pause, to hold each other without anyone thinking it was anything other than dancing.
"Do your feet hurt?" He whispered.
"No. Are you okay?"
"I'm wonderful, my lady."
"Good. We never got to have a first dance at our wedding."
"I suppose we can count this for now." He hummed. "But I want a real wedding first. One that I'm happy for, and I get to see you in a pretty white dress."
"This is just practice then," she amended. "So we can get used to dancing in front of people."
"I think our battles were a little like dancing, we worked in tandem all the time."
"When we weren't getting tangled in my yo-yo."
"You got better. I secretly think you wanted to be close to me."
"Subconsciously, way deep inside."
"Glad I finally got you to admit it."
"Only to you, love."
When they finally decided to sit back down, there was some faint applause from the room.
"You guys are the definition of adorable," Said Alya, as Adrien helped Marinette take her seat.
"Thank you. It's fun dancing with a twirly skirt."
"I got it on video, if you want it later."
"Thanks Al."
From there, it was smooth conversation. Gabriel didn't try to introduce anyone else to them, and Marinette actually found herself beginning to relax.
The lights dimmed, and Mayor Bourgeois took the podium.
"Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, today we are here to pay respect to the heroes of our city, Ladybug and Chat Noir!"
There was a resounding applause from the crowd.
"There is no doubt of your strength and courage. Heroes you were, heroes you will always be. Know that every moment you suffered, we were right there with you, hearts breaking, and voices full of prayers. Hundreds of brave men and women put their lives and families on the line to do what it took to bring you home. Tonight, we want to thank them for their hard work."
Marinette closed her eyes, a pain in her gut. Now she would come face to face with the numbers. All the people that died trying to save them? Or was she thanking all the people that failed?
By time she came out of her thoughts, there was a woman up at the podium. "…the brave men and women that were assigned to this case, that spent hours analyzing footage and clues to try and get a lead. It was the most exhausting case the bureau has undertaken to date…"
Marinette crossed her arms, but tried not to show her disdain. What was she supposed to say? Thanks for trying?
"Every day, our hearts broke a little more for our heroes…"
She heard Adrien sigh behind her.
Soon, another man took the podium. This time, she did catch a name, Arthur Vanderguard, Minister of Interior. The last time she had seen him, he had been dangling off the edge of a building, Chat's claws in his neck being the only thing separating him from a nasty fall.
He looked right at them. "Marinette, Adrien, thank you for coming to our little dinner. It hasn't been that long since you got out, about you're both looking well. On behalf of the police department, the city of Paris, and France itself, I'm truly sorry for failing you."
That was not what she was expecting. These bureaucrats had all gotten up and talked about how hard it was for them, but patting themselves on the back for their hard work anyways. For someone, especially the Minister of Interior, to admit they failed?
It was unfathomable.
"We did try hard. But in the end, Hawkmoth had to step up to the plate. That's humbling. Someone our city has been fighting for years in the one to fix our mess. We were fighting a war on both sides. The war to save the innocent, and the war to protect the ones we love. Your bravery and strength supersedes that of all of Paris. You endured pain we can't imagine, even with the footage we saw. And when you escaped, you went out and talked some sense into us. Into me. I was afraid of Edward Savauge and Salo. And that fear prevented me from doing my job. But not anymore. Because of your actions, I and everyone once that were being blackmailed by them are free to do our jobs the way we're supposed to. The way we vowed we would from the beginning. So, Ladybug, Chat Noir, I owe you an apology, and a sincere thank you. Despite everything, all your pain, all the trauma, you still managed to make Paris a better place. You truly are heroes, and I sincerely hope that you'll continue to watch over us in one way or another. Thank you."
The apology washed over her like fresh water on a hot day. After what she had done to the officials of the city, she was certain she owed them one instead. She underestimated the effect Lady Lacrima had had.
Mayor Bourgeois was back at the podium. "Of course, there is one more person we'd like to hear from tonight. The foundation of hope in Paris, resilient, brave, and strong. The Lady of the hour, Ladybug!"
Marinette tensed up as the crowd clapped.
"Did you know you were speaking?" Asked Alya.
"No! No, I had no idea! I don't know what to say! Alya—"
But a strong hand clasped her shoulder as Adrien stood, taking her place.
"Adrien?"
He just kissed her forehead. Then he tugged on Chloe's pigtail and gestured to her to follow.
"Err, Chat Noir, everyone!" The Mayor corrected, as Adrien made his way to the podium.
He took the mic off the stand and handed it to Chloe.
"What am I supposed to say?" She hissed.
He shook his head, and then went over to the grand piano, silently asking to have a seat.
The pianist scuttled off, giving him the bench. Adrien moved Chloe's arm so she was holding the mic in front of his mouth.
Then he began to play.
Just a chord at a time. High, low, high, low. Slow, and droning.
Then he began to sing, with a voice soft and full of the grit of silence.
So far from who I was
From who I love
From who I want to be
There were gasps all around the room, shocked to hear him not just speak, but sing.
So far from all our dreams
From all it means
From you here next to me
"Is this the song he was working on?" Whispered Nino.
"I think so…"
So far from seeing home
I stand out here alone
Am I asking for too much?
Watching his face, Adrien had closed his eyes, and furrowed his brows in concentration. He was putting everything into this.
So far from being free
Of the past that's haunting me
The future I just can't touch
His voice broke, not conditioned for singing, and so filled with sincerity.
And if you take my hand
Please pull me from the dark
And show me hope again
He looked up and over to Marinette, holding her gaze, like she was the only person in the room. And to him, she was.
We'll run side-by-side
No secrets left to hide
Sheltered from the pain
The song faded out with the final chord, and he stood. The applause was overwhelming, and he bobbed his head in gratitude. As he made his way back over to the table, Marinette stood to greet him, throwing her arms around his neck.
"Thank you for saving me, Kitty."
"I thought if someone was giving us the opportunity to speak, I ought to make it worthwhile."
Marinette kissed him then, right on the lips and unashamed of being seen by anyone.
The rest of the meal went smoothly. Marinette and Adrien were allowed to remain at their table, only occasionally being bothered by other guests, but mostly just basking in the fancy atmosphere and good company. Even Gabriel was on good behavior. Though he did occasionally sneak looks at Adrien throughout the meal.
It wasn't until they got back to the bakery, Gabriel and Emilie included, that things took a turn.
"Adrien, do you mind if I have a word?" Gabriel asked, as the rest headed upstairs.
Emilie and Marinette both hesitated, and stayed just out of sight, eavesdropping.
Adrien had a hunch he knew what was about to happen, and only clenched his fist to hold himself back.
"Your behavior tonight was inappropriate." Gabriel began.
Adrien's nostrils flared, but he remained quiet.
"You snubbed two very important people that only wanted to help you. It was not an appropriate time to dance with Marinette, especially since I had other people I wanted you to talk to, and you deeply insulted Mayor Bourgeois with that performance. He put on this dinner for you and Marinette, the least you could have done was thank him for it. Instead, you treated this like one of your high school parties. All eyes were on you, and consequently, all eyes were on me."
"I've heard enough!" Emilie snapped, coming around the corner.
"Now dear—"
"Don't you 'now dear' me!" She sent a perfectly manicured hand into his cheek. "How dare you, Gabe! Is this how you talked to him after I left? Is this normal for you?!"
Adrien rested a hand on her shoulder. "Mom, I'll take it from here."
Both Agreste's snapped their jaws shut at his tone. At his voice.
Marinette peeked around the corner, just visible enough for comfort and support.
"Father, I don't need your criticisms anymore. I know perfectly well how to behave at an event. I left the conversation with your 'important men' because they were patronizing me. I didn't appreciate it. I left in the most civil way I could, but I've been through too much to be treated like that. I'm not stupid, and I'm not weak. I'm just as capable as anyone else. Maybe more so." He breathed deep, being spurred on by the attentive look on Gabriel's face. He wasn't angry, he was just listening. "I wanted to dance with my wife. I saw an opportunity, and I took it. No one else seemed to mind. And, that song I performed I wrote myself, in isolation. Marinette wasn't prepared to speak, but I knew my song would convey everything that needed to be said." He nodded once. "There. I explained myself. Are you happy now?"
Gabriel Agreste didn't smile. Not really. The closest he got was a slight twitch of his lips. And that's what he did. "Yes. I am."
Adrien blinked. "You are?"
"Yes. Thank you for explaining to me. I misunderstood your behavior. I'm sorry I snapped at you."
Adrien almost cried then. Both from shock and relief.
"It was a very lovely song, by the way. I think it did get the point across."
"Th…thank you, Father."
"You're welcome." He squeezed his arm. "Now come along, I believe Sabine is making coffee for us."
Adrien's song is 'So Close' by Olafur Arnalds.