p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Adrien flopped tiredly on to his bed. It had been a long evening, both with orchestra practice and the evening dinner at Akuma but he had enjoyed it all. With meeting Ladybug and being given the position of concertmaster, he was pretty happy. The other children at orchestra seemed nice, especially Marinette, Alya and Nino. Perhaps he could get to know them a little better as the year progressed. And Ladybug... he sighed. Her music was so beautiful. She seemed like such a lovely girl. He slipped the card out of his pocket and stared at it. Hmm. No address, just a phone number, a description of her services and her name. Adrien almost wanted to text her but he knew that wasn't what he got the number for. He father would be extremely unimpressed by his unprofessionalism. Ladybug's last words to him rang out inside his head. "emSooner than you think."/em/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Perhaps she was someone from his modelling shoots. He shook his head, too tired to even think about it. How could he get to know her... Adrien wondered, then the tiredness suddenly drained from his body./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Of course! He could get a job at Akuma! His evenings were usually free after about 8:30 on weekdays so it would be easy to sneak out in the big, empty house. But what would he do? He could play the violin too! Sure, he wouldn't be as good as Ladybug; after all, she played her own songs and he would just be performing songs written by others, but he was in it to get to know Ladybug, not earn money! It would be good practise for him too, to play in front of people and be judged accordingly. He could get pointers from other musicians as well!/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Adrien leapt to his feet excitedly and ran to his wardrobe. Now he needed a costume. Something easy to move in, perhaps something like Ladybugs... he recalled the other costumes of the performers and nodded. He would go with an animal theme too. Maybe something connected to Ladybug. Ladybug and Black Beetle? He thought, catching sight of a black suit. No. But maybe he could use the black suit for something else! Quickly pulling it on, Adrien stretched himself experimentally. Yes, this would certainly do. It was skin tight and made completely of black leather. He frowned. Which shoot did he wear this in? It was certainly unusual. Then he remembered. It was a promotion for Halloween. He had been dressed as a para-glider or something. But now Adrien needed to spice it up a little. Glancing around he saw his belt rack. Fingering a black belt with a silver buckle, he nodded and slid it around his waist, forming a tail. After doing some digging in the back of his drawers he found a pair of black cat ears and a golden bell. Adrien grinned excitedly as he placed the ears on his head and tied the bell to the top of the zip under his chin. Standing in front of the mirror he couldn't help but admit he looked good. Now for a name. Something to do with cats. Maybe a pun? Cat-astrophy? No. Meow-verlous? Nope, that didn't work either. He studied the belt. Black. The Black Cat? Nope, that was boring. But maybe he was onto something! Adrien slid into his chair in front of his giant computer and with a couple of clicks was at google translate. Black Cat... he typed, then selected Italian, deciding to go for the romantic languages. No, he didn't like Italian. How about French? Chat Noir. Oooh... that was good. Adrien swaggered over to the mirror again./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Good evening," he purred to his reflection before he started as Natalie knocked on his bedroom door./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Adrien?" she called. "Are you ready for dinner? I've brought you a list of your father's arrangements for tomorrow." Adrien glanced around, panicked. There was no time to get changed./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Um, sure just leave it outside! I'll be down in a minute!" he called quickly, hoping his voice didn't sound to strained as he frantically grabbed his clothes, pulling them on as fast as he could. There was a pause before Natalie responded./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""O-okay then," she said uncertainly. "Your dinner is getting cold."/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Sure, I'll be down in a tick!" he yelled, pulling his T-shirt over his head. He combed his fingers through his hair and straightened his shirt before opening his door. He grinned sheepishly at Natalie./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Sorry. I'm just organising some stuff," he said. "I'm going to have to practice my violin this evening. So perhaps I could have dinner up here?"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""I-I Of course," Natalie stammered. "I will have it sent up directly." With that, she vanished and Adrien retreated into his room. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and typed in the number for Akuma, hitting dial as soon as Natalie left his dinner on his table./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Hello, this Akuma, Rachel speaking! How can I help you today?" Adrien heard the cheery voice of a worker answer./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Good evening Rachel," he replied smoothly, "I'm a musician looking for a position and I was wondering if you possibly had a spot for me?"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;" /span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"The conversation continued and Adrien's dinner was stone cold by the time he finally finished. But he was in. Next week, he would be playing at Akuma right before Ladybug./span/p
p class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"~/span/p
p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Marinette laughed as Nathaniel cracked another joke, his hand casually dropping to her shoulder as he laughed with her. It was Friday again and she was glad to be fitting in with her other orchestra members. Nathaniel seemed like such a nice boy and he was going out of his way to talk to her. She looked around and spotted Alya and Nino quietly talking in their seats, waiting for practise to start./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Alya!" Marinette called, grinning. She and Alya had talked before Nino had arrived but Alya had excused herself as soon as he'd turned up. Nino seemed to be just as eager to see her as she had been to see him so Marinette suspected something was going on between them, whether they knew it or not./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Huh?" Alya looked up and met Marinette's eyes. Marinette smiled sweetly and walked over to them, Nathaniel following./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Did you guys get the memo from Mr. A?" she asked and Nino nodded./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Sure did!" he replied. "It was cool of him to get us all together. Are you gonna stay late with us to practise?"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Marinette glanced at Nathaniel and they both nodded. "I really want to get than piece down pat," Marinette said. "I seriously need to work on the fingering during that fourth shift."/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""How late can you stay?" Alya wanted to know. "We were thinking of going out to get something to eat after, at a place called Akuma. Heard of it? It's really cool!"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Marinette's eyes widened. "Um, no, sorry, I-I I don't think so, IhavetohelpmyparentswithsomestuffsoyeahsorryIcan't," she finished in a rush, her face flushing and her hands suddenly clammy. Tonight she would be playing there and she certainly didn't want to be recognised. Perhaps she would put on a little extra make-up tonight just in case they were there when she played. Ladybug was a strict secret. She had dreamed of playing her music to people and Akuma was the perfect place. Marinette didn't want to blow this chance./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Hey guys!" a cheerful voice called and Marinette jumped as a hand was laid on her shoulder. It took a second for her to realise it was Adrien and she smiled adoringly up at him, before remembering their meeting at Akuma. She smiled secretly to herself. To have someone like him say he loved her music was a big deal for her. Hopefully he would join the others tonight and see her play again! Marinette shook her head out of the clouds and her heart sank again as Adrien answered the question she hadn't even heard./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Sorry I have to leave early tonight. I can stay an extra 20 minutes but that's about it." He spread his hands apologetically. "But Akuma's great! They have amazing performers! Last time I went they had a girl playing her own music. Ladybug was her name and she was amazing!" he gushed. "I've heard that there's going to be a new performer tonight too," he said slyly. Marinette pricked up her ears. A new performer? She hadn't heard about this yet. Adrien continued. "Yeah his name in Chat Noir and he's a violinist too! Apparently he's really good!"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Marinette sighed inwardly. Another violinist. She would get kicked out for sure. Maybe she could perform on the streets. It wouldn't pay as well but at least she could get money. But her attention was captured again as Mr A stepped onto the stage./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""We're about to start so everyone in position!" he called and children shuffled to their seats. "We're starting with Spring again so if you could please turn to that..."/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;" /span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Marinette skipped out of the hall, violin in hand and bag under her arm. She turned, responding to the happy farewells of her friends and ran to the bathrooms. There was more than enough time to change into her Ladybug costume and get to Akuma in time to see the new performer Adrien had talked about but she wanted to be sure she would see him. Marinette wasn't one to scorn competition but she liked to know what she was up against. After quickly changing she stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her mask before she ran out, ready to walk the ten minutes to Akuma when she collided hard with something appearing in her path. She sat down heavily, the her breath escaping her with a sharp whoosh. The thing she had run into gave a startled yelp and then a black gloved hand was held out to her./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Ladybug?" a familiar voice asked, and she looked up. A blond boy wearing a black mask hovered anxiously over her. "Are you okay?" he asked, and Marinette frowned as she tried to place his voice. She was sure she'd heard it before but she couldn't think where./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Oh, I'm fine," she said, accepting his hand as he gently pulled her to her feet./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Falling for me already?" the boy asked teasingly. Ladybug raised an eyebrow at that./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Don't be so sure, kitten. I may be clumsy but I don't go running into people I like."/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""I'm sorry, I never introduced myself. I'm Chat Noir and I'm going to be performing at Akuma tonight! I've heard about you and I can't wait to hear you play!"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Ladybug smiled. That explained the cat costume. But the boy frowned./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""What are you doing here? Isn't this the practise hall for the orchestral students only?"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Ladybug shrugged. "Well, yeah, but what about you?"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""I'm in the orchestra," he replied flatly, with a hint of a smile./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Ladybug rolled her eyes. "Well I suppose now you've said that, now wouldn't be a good time to say I am too?"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Chat Noir stared at her for a second, his mind racing. Who played as well as Ladybug in the orchestra? No one. She could be disguising her skills, he thought wryly. At least that was a very big clue as to who she was./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Are you going to stand here all day or do you want to play at Akuma?" Ladybug cut into his thoughts./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""But of course, my lady. If I may?" Chat Noir asked, offering her his arm. Ladybug snorted and rolled her eyes but she took his arm anyway, hiding a smile. He did seem very sweet.../span/p
p class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"~/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Yeah Ladybug!" Alya cheered as Ladybug bowed to the audience. Her music had been beautiful and Alya was impressed. As the musician stepped off the stage and began to walk towards the stage door Alya turned to her friends./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""I wish Marinette and Adrien had been here to see her! She's incredible!"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Marinette heard the comment just as she left the room and she smiled to herself. Hopefully she could count on Alya's vote before they were numbered tonight. She pushed open her door and sighed as Chat Noir guiltily looked up from the small piano where he was playing./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Chat Noir, why are you playing my music?" she asked tiredly./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""I'm sorry my Lady, I was just curious to see what you wrote. And I am not disappointed. It is indeed superb!" He began to play again, this time singing along to the words of the tinkling tune./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Ladybug sat and listened. To tell the truth, she had been about to stop him but his voice was incredible. Rich and mellow, the music swelled throughout the tiny room and filled the hallway. Other performers stopped to listen before continuing in their busy schedules. But Ladybug continued to sit, spellbound as she listened to her music being played as she'd never thought possible. Gradually, Chat stopped playing, his fingers sliding off the piano as he turned to face her./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Ladybug," he began, "I love your music. I think we could make a really good team! Would you, um, perhaps be interested in, uh, well, what I'm trying to say is, can we, um, perform to- ahem, together?" He ended in a squeak, looking up at her nervously. Ladybug raised an eyebrow./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""I'm tempted to ask you to repeat that sentence but I fear we'll be here all day and we won't have time for our first practise." Her face remained solemn as she ended and Chat Noir visibly drooped before her last few words clicked /"So you'll do it?" Ladybug nodded, her face breaking into a smile./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Of course kitty! You are very talented. You sing, you dance, you play the piano and the violin and you do seem like a nice guy so... yeah, it would be great to be a duo performance. Besides," she teased as Chat Noir cheered happily, "I'm good luck so I suppose I'd need a balance to even things out for everyone else!"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Chat Noir stopped cheering and frowned as he realised what she was saying. "Milady, are you suggesting that I will bring you bad luck? I would never dream of such a thing!"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Ladybug giggled and rung Chat's bell. "Oh I'm sure you won't, Kitten."/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Chat grinned as his bell remained silent, despite her movement. Ladybug frowned./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""You have a bell that doesn't even ring?" she asked sceptically./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Of course. If it rings when I'm playing, it is distracting, both for me and my audience," Chat replied smoothly./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""I see," said Ladybug thoughtfully. "Well, we better begin practising, kitty. I have to be home before quarter past nine./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;" /span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Perhaps she was someone from his modelling shoots. He shook his head, too tired to even think about it. How could he get to know her... Adrien wondered, then the tiredness suddenly drained from his body./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Of course! He could get a job at Akuma! His evenings were usually free after about 8:30 on weekdays so it would be easy to sneak out in the big, empty house. But what would he do? He could play the violin too! Sure, he wouldn't be as good as Ladybug; after all, she played her own songs and he would just be performing songs written by others, but he was in it to get to know Ladybug, not earn money! It would be good practise for him too, to play in front of people and be judged accordingly. He could get pointers from other musicians as well!/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Adrien leapt to his feet excitedly and ran to his wardrobe. Now he needed a costume. Something easy to move in, perhaps something like Ladybugs... he recalled the other costumes of the performers and nodded. He would go with an animal theme too. Maybe something connected to Ladybug. Ladybug and Black Beetle? He thought, catching sight of a black suit. No. But maybe he could use the black suit for something else! Quickly pulling it on, Adrien stretched himself experimentally. Yes, this would certainly do. It was skin tight and made completely of black leather. He frowned. Which shoot did he wear this in? It was certainly unusual. Then he remembered. It was a promotion for Halloween. He had been dressed as a para-glider or something. But now Adrien needed to spice it up a little. Glancing around he saw his belt rack. Fingering a black belt with a silver buckle, he nodded and slid it around his waist, forming a tail. After doing some digging in the back of his drawers he found a pair of black cat ears and a golden bell. Adrien grinned excitedly as he placed the ears on his head and tied the bell to the top of the zip under his chin. Standing in front of the mirror he couldn't help but admit he looked good. Now for a name. Something to do with cats. Maybe a pun? Cat-astrophy? No. Meow-verlous? Nope, that didn't work either. He studied the belt. Black. The Black Cat? Nope, that was boring. But maybe he was onto something! Adrien slid into his chair in front of his giant computer and with a couple of clicks was at google translate. Black Cat... he typed, then selected Italian, deciding to go for the romantic languages. No, he didn't like Italian. How about French? Chat Noir. Oooh... that was good. Adrien swaggered over to the mirror again./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Good evening," he purred to his reflection before he started as Natalie knocked on his bedroom door./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Adrien?" she called. "Are you ready for dinner? I've brought you a list of your father's arrangements for tomorrow." Adrien glanced around, panicked. There was no time to get changed./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Um, sure just leave it outside! I'll be down in a minute!" he called quickly, hoping his voice didn't sound to strained as he frantically grabbed his clothes, pulling them on as fast as he could. There was a pause before Natalie responded./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""O-okay then," she said uncertainly. "Your dinner is getting cold."/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Sure, I'll be down in a tick!" he yelled, pulling his T-shirt over his head. He combed his fingers through his hair and straightened his shirt before opening his door. He grinned sheepishly at Natalie./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Sorry. I'm just organising some stuff," he said. "I'm going to have to practice my violin this evening. So perhaps I could have dinner up here?"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""I-I Of course," Natalie stammered. "I will have it sent up directly." With that, she vanished and Adrien retreated into his room. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and typed in the number for Akuma, hitting dial as soon as Natalie left his dinner on his table./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Hello, this Akuma, Rachel speaking! How can I help you today?" Adrien heard the cheery voice of a worker answer./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Good evening Rachel," he replied smoothly, "I'm a musician looking for a position and I was wondering if you possibly had a spot for me?"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;" /span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"The conversation continued and Adrien's dinner was stone cold by the time he finally finished. But he was in. Next week, he would be playing at Akuma right before Ladybug./span/p
p class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"~/span/p
p class="Standard" style="text-align: left;"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Marinette laughed as Nathaniel cracked another joke, his hand casually dropping to her shoulder as he laughed with her. It was Friday again and she was glad to be fitting in with her other orchestra members. Nathaniel seemed like such a nice boy and he was going out of his way to talk to her. She looked around and spotted Alya and Nino quietly talking in their seats, waiting for practise to start./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Alya!" Marinette called, grinning. She and Alya had talked before Nino had arrived but Alya had excused herself as soon as he'd turned up. Nino seemed to be just as eager to see her as she had been to see him so Marinette suspected something was going on between them, whether they knew it or not./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Huh?" Alya looked up and met Marinette's eyes. Marinette smiled sweetly and walked over to them, Nathaniel following./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Did you guys get the memo from Mr. A?" she asked and Nino nodded./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Sure did!" he replied. "It was cool of him to get us all together. Are you gonna stay late with us to practise?"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Marinette glanced at Nathaniel and they both nodded. "I really want to get than piece down pat," Marinette said. "I seriously need to work on the fingering during that fourth shift."/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""How late can you stay?" Alya wanted to know. "We were thinking of going out to get something to eat after, at a place called Akuma. Heard of it? It's really cool!"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Marinette's eyes widened. "Um, no, sorry, I-I I don't think so, IhavetohelpmyparentswithsomestuffsoyeahsorryIcan't," she finished in a rush, her face flushing and her hands suddenly clammy. Tonight she would be playing there and she certainly didn't want to be recognised. Perhaps she would put on a little extra make-up tonight just in case they were there when she played. Ladybug was a strict secret. She had dreamed of playing her music to people and Akuma was the perfect place. Marinette didn't want to blow this chance./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Hey guys!" a cheerful voice called and Marinette jumped as a hand was laid on her shoulder. It took a second for her to realise it was Adrien and she smiled adoringly up at him, before remembering their meeting at Akuma. She smiled secretly to herself. To have someone like him say he loved her music was a big deal for her. Hopefully he would join the others tonight and see her play again! Marinette shook her head out of the clouds and her heart sank again as Adrien answered the question she hadn't even heard./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Sorry I have to leave early tonight. I can stay an extra 20 minutes but that's about it." He spread his hands apologetically. "But Akuma's great! They have amazing performers! Last time I went they had a girl playing her own music. Ladybug was her name and she was amazing!" he gushed. "I've heard that there's going to be a new performer tonight too," he said slyly. Marinette pricked up her ears. A new performer? She hadn't heard about this yet. Adrien continued. "Yeah his name in Chat Noir and he's a violinist too! Apparently he's really good!"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Marinette sighed inwardly. Another violinist. She would get kicked out for sure. Maybe she could perform on the streets. It wouldn't pay as well but at least she could get money. But her attention was captured again as Mr A stepped onto the stage./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""We're about to start so everyone in position!" he called and children shuffled to their seats. "We're starting with Spring again so if you could please turn to that..."/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;" /span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Marinette skipped out of the hall, violin in hand and bag under her arm. She turned, responding to the happy farewells of her friends and ran to the bathrooms. There was more than enough time to change into her Ladybug costume and get to Akuma in time to see the new performer Adrien had talked about but she wanted to be sure she would see him. Marinette wasn't one to scorn competition but she liked to know what she was up against. After quickly changing she stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her mask before she ran out, ready to walk the ten minutes to Akuma when she collided hard with something appearing in her path. She sat down heavily, the her breath escaping her with a sharp whoosh. The thing she had run into gave a startled yelp and then a black gloved hand was held out to her./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Ladybug?" a familiar voice asked, and she looked up. A blond boy wearing a black mask hovered anxiously over her. "Are you okay?" he asked, and Marinette frowned as she tried to place his voice. She was sure she'd heard it before but she couldn't think where./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Oh, I'm fine," she said, accepting his hand as he gently pulled her to her feet./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Falling for me already?" the boy asked teasingly. Ladybug raised an eyebrow at that./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Don't be so sure, kitten. I may be clumsy but I don't go running into people I like."/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""I'm sorry, I never introduced myself. I'm Chat Noir and I'm going to be performing at Akuma tonight! I've heard about you and I can't wait to hear you play!"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Ladybug smiled. That explained the cat costume. But the boy frowned./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""What are you doing here? Isn't this the practise hall for the orchestral students only?"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Ladybug shrugged. "Well, yeah, but what about you?"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""I'm in the orchestra," he replied flatly, with a hint of a smile./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Ladybug rolled her eyes. "Well I suppose now you've said that, now wouldn't be a good time to say I am too?"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Chat Noir stared at her for a second, his mind racing. Who played as well as Ladybug in the orchestra? No one. She could be disguising her skills, he thought wryly. At least that was a very big clue as to who she was./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Are you going to stand here all day or do you want to play at Akuma?" Ladybug cut into his thoughts./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""But of course, my lady. If I may?" Chat Noir asked, offering her his arm. Ladybug snorted and rolled her eyes but she took his arm anyway, hiding a smile. He did seem very sweet.../span/p
p class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"~/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Yeah Ladybug!" Alya cheered as Ladybug bowed to the audience. Her music had been beautiful and Alya was impressed. As the musician stepped off the stage and began to walk towards the stage door Alya turned to her friends./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""I wish Marinette and Adrien had been here to see her! She's incredible!"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Marinette heard the comment just as she left the room and she smiled to herself. Hopefully she could count on Alya's vote before they were numbered tonight. She pushed open her door and sighed as Chat Noir guiltily looked up from the small piano where he was playing./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Chat Noir, why are you playing my music?" she asked tiredly./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""I'm sorry my Lady, I was just curious to see what you wrote. And I am not disappointed. It is indeed superb!" He began to play again, this time singing along to the words of the tinkling tune./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Ladybug sat and listened. To tell the truth, she had been about to stop him but his voice was incredible. Rich and mellow, the music swelled throughout the tiny room and filled the hallway. Other performers stopped to listen before continuing in their busy schedules. But Ladybug continued to sit, spellbound as she listened to her music being played as she'd never thought possible. Gradually, Chat stopped playing, his fingers sliding off the piano as he turned to face her./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Ladybug," he began, "I love your music. I think we could make a really good team! Would you, um, perhaps be interested in, uh, well, what I'm trying to say is, can we, um, perform to- ahem, together?" He ended in a squeak, looking up at her nervously. Ladybug raised an eyebrow./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""I'm tempted to ask you to repeat that sentence but I fear we'll be here all day and we won't have time for our first practise." Her face remained solemn as she ended and Chat Noir visibly drooped before her last few words clicked /"So you'll do it?" Ladybug nodded, her face breaking into a smile./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Of course kitty! You are very talented. You sing, you dance, you play the piano and the violin and you do seem like a nice guy so... yeah, it would be great to be a duo performance. Besides," she teased as Chat Noir cheered happily, "I'm good luck so I suppose I'd need a balance to even things out for everyone else!"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Chat Noir stopped cheering and frowned as he realised what she was saying. "Milady, are you suggesting that I will bring you bad luck? I would never dream of such a thing!"/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Ladybug giggled and rung Chat's bell. "Oh I'm sure you won't, Kitten."/span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"Chat grinned as his bell remained silent, despite her movement. Ladybug frowned./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""You have a bell that doesn't even ring?" she asked sceptically./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""Of course. If it rings when I'm playing, it is distracting, both for me and my audience," Chat replied smoothly./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;""I see," said Ladybug thoughtfully. "Well, we better begin practising, kitty. I have to be home before quarter past nine./span/p
p class="Standard"span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;" /span/p