Sorry it took so long exams have been an ass
Disclaimer: I do not own miraculous ladybug
"Nino get over here I need to take a picture of you before everyone arrives,"
The boy slid over to his mother, straightening down his shirt and standing straight for the picture, blinking as the flash hit eyes.
"Oh my little boys all grown up, it was just yesterday you were blowing bubbles in the backyard now you're all dressed up in a suit "
"Mum it's just a fundraiser at Adrien's, it's not my graduation"
"I know but this is the first time you're wearing a real suit and you look so dashing you must thank Marinette for me, how she managed to get these all done in time I'll never know"
Nino looked down at the dark blue suit that almost seemed black in the light that fit him like a glove and was more polished and professional than most stores.
"I know Mari's amazing, she made Alya's and her own dress and she even made one for Adrien, though he has to wear his father's clothes instead"
"Ooh speaking of Alya, it's nice to hear that she's your date for this"
"M-mum", Nino stammered a blush crept onto his face, "if anything I'm her date she was the one who was invited because of her internship"
"Yeah but still it's your first date-"
"- As friends"
"Sure whatever you say….So is Adrien bringing Marinette then?"
Nino nodded as he sat on the couch
"He said that it would be a good idea so she can show off her designs to his dad's colleagues but personally I think he would rather bring Marinette rather than Chloe"
"Or maybe he just realised his overwhelming crush for her and acted upon it"
"Mum ... No"
"Well anyway, I need a group picture once they arrive, it'll be so nice to get a picture of all four of you dressed up, when are they getting here"
"They'll be here any minute, don't worry you'll get your picture"
A chime interrupted them as the doorbell rang out through the house attracting their attention.
"Oooh they're here get the door Nino "
Opening the doors Nino was met with a flash of light and a smile which shined as bright next to his two other friends.
"Guys look at my date for tonight, you scrub up well Nino I just had to take a picture"
"Thanks also but it's all Mari's hard work in the suit, you did amazing"
"I know right, I was complimenting the girls on the way here Marinette really outdid herself it's a shame I only get to wear the tie she made."
"Thanks, guys," said the blushing bluenette in her red strapless dress that matched Adrien's tie.
"Nino doesn't just stand outside bring them in I want pictures before you leave."
"Come on guys we better go in before my mum drags us in."
The group moved towards the living room to be met with quick flashes of light in their eyes.
"Mum I swear I just got attacked with bright lights by Alya are you trying to make me even blinder?"
"That's nice, now let me see these dresses I keep on hearing about."
Alya and Marinette stepped forward giving a little twirl in their dresses as flashes of photos were taken.
"Girls you look stunning, Alya amber suits you so much and Marinette it all looks amazing"
"Thanks, I'm hoping to show it off tonight"
"Yep, loads of my dad's colleagues will be there so we're hoping to show off Mari's designs, give her a publicity boost through them"
"Though you have to admit you are known Mari I mean you designed for jagged stone"
"Yeah, Alya but this might help me get into the designing scene rather than music.
"Well, I hope it goes well for you now let me get pictures of you guys, dates first!"
"Okay, guys before we go in I just want to remind you that there are some pretty serious people in there don't do anything to…"
"Dude, we will not annoy anybody there"
"I can't make promises due to me being a reporter and having the right of free speech."
"Alya just don't go crazy"
"I'll try girl but no promises"
"Okay Alya I'm going to see my dad first, if you come to with me we should be able to get you a comment for your article"
"Well let's go then"
The group entered the building to be met with plush velvet carpets, crystal chandeliers and the soft noise of classical music drifting through the hall as they made their way into the function room. The room was filled with bustling people chatting at tables and walking around while a few were on the dance floor with an orchestra beside it.
"Come on guys he's over there," Said the blond pointing as he led his friends over to the figure dressed in white surrounded by a group of people.
"Hello father, I just came to let you know we arrived"
"Ah Adrien, if you wouldn't mind," He spoke to his audience,"I just need a moment with my son and his friends".
"Good evening father, I hope everything has been going well"
"It has been so far, I assume one of these three is your date?"
"Yeah this is Marinette Dupain-Cheng she is my date for the night"
"It's nice to meet you Marinette, though if you don't mind me asking where did you acquire your dress for the evening I do not recognise the style"
"Oh it's my own design, I made my dress and my other two friends outfits"
"Marinette… did you participate in any of my design competitions?"
"She did father and she won it."
"Interesting…"
"Father I'd also like to introduce you Alya Cesaire and Nino Lahiffe."
"Hello sir, I'm here today representing the Paris Parade Newspaper, I was wondering if I would be able to get a few words from you about the event"
"I will have a few minutes if you would like to come with me now, oh and Adrien could you please show Marinette over to the centre table there are some people there who would love to hear about her designs"
Adrien nodded as his father turned around to leave, Alya shooting the others a thumbs up before following him.
"Come on Mari, I'll show you to that table"
The two quickly ran off hand in hand, Marinette's face tinged red.
"Oh great", Nino thought, "I just got ditched by my date and friends", as he made his way to an empty table and sat down.
"Hi, can I get a lemonade."
The man nodded and turned to make the drink as Nino slouched against the bar looking out at the crowd for any sign of his friends, sighing from the lack of results. His phone started beeping, the screen lighting up in his hand.
"An Akuma attack near the school, yay no chance of them coming here and stop me from being bored then," he thought as he turned round to grab his drink and started moving back towards his table.
The once empty table was now half filled with a few ladies sitting opposite from him who was talking away with the sounds of the orchestra flowing behind.
"Yes, the shows almost prepared though we seem to be having problems with the music."
Catching Nino's attention he sat up straighter and listened on to the conversation.
"See Albert wants to do something different, instead of the usual classical music for the runway he wants to incorporate modern music into the sets to make the show a bit more upbeat however he can't seem to find the right person for it."
"How would someone be able to do that anyway Claire"
"Well you could just remix the song and add a few layered beats"
"Excuse me?"
Nino looked up at the ladies who were staring back, the sudden realisation that he had spoken flashed across his face as a little blush crept onto his face.
"Sorry, I was just listening to your problem and I just wanted to tell you how you could remix the song and add layered beats to get some more modern music"
Claire stilled and stared at Nino for a second her eyes piercing his before settling into a questioning smile on her face.
"So do you know a lot about this type of stuff young man?"
"It's Nino, and yeah I like to DJ in my spare time so I am pretty good with this kind of 'stuff'."
"So would you be able to do this remixing, would you"
Nino paused thinking for a minute before nodding to the lady.
"Yeah, probably I would just need the songs."
"Perfect!", Claire clapped her hands together as she stood up and went over to Nino's side of the table, "come with me, I'll introduce you to my husband and we can start getting everything organised."
"Wha-"
Linking her arm with his the blonde pulled the boy over to a group middle aged men standing near the centre of the room all seeming busy with their conversations.
"Darling I have the solutions to your problems."
A slightly balding man stopped talking and turned around to his wife catching the attention of the group around him.
"You know the problem you were having with the music for the next show."
"Yes darling I was just telling Michael about it"
"Well this is Nino, and he is your solution"
The man looked at the boy in front of him before gesturing at him as if waiting for Nino to say something.
"So, Nino was it? care to explain how you can help me"
"Well erm, I'm a DJ in my spare time so when I heard about the problem I explained to your wife about how you could remix your songs to give them a more modern feel…"
The man nodded before crossing his arms and looking Nino in the eyes,
"And would you be able to do this?"
"Yes sir, I would just need the songs first"
"Perfect", the man clapped as he picks up the small tablet at his side,"If you could just give me your email address I will get the songs sent to you and we can set out dates, details and payment"
"Wait you're hiring me for the event?"
"Well of course otherwise my wife wouldn't have dragged you over, now have you met Francois yet?"
Shaking his head Nino stared at the man his face still in shock.
"Well then follow me I'll introduce you I heard he has a modelling party soon and I think he would be interested in a person like you."
Nino just nodded as he followed Albert to the man.
"Nino, I've been meaning to ask you where did you get your suit, I don't seem to recognise the brand, which is strange because I am great at these type of things"
Nino smiled at Claire who had been following him as he spoke to numerous people about events and his music.
"You wouldn't Claire it was made my friend Marinette, she wants to be a designer so said he would make my suit and the dresses that she and my date wore for the event"
"Oh do you want to get back to them I'm sorry if I'm keeping you from your friends"
"No it's fine I haven't seen them for a while anyway"
"So is this Marinette your age"
Nino nodded and took a quick drink from his glass.
"This is amazing work for a teenager Albert, Michael, have you seen Nino's suit"
The men moved over and looked over his suit and nodded approvingly.
"I recognise the style though I can't remember where any ideas Michael?"
"The girl from earlier with the Agreste boy"
"Yeah Marinette, she's my friend who made my suit for me"
"I would have loved to see more of her designs but she disappeared suddenly saying she needed to something," Michael said to Nino sadly while the boy patted his arm.
"Don't take it personally it happens a lot"
Ninos face brightened and got out his phone swiping until he found what he needed.
"Here is some more of Mari's designs that she created most of which were commissioned by friends and she was even recently commissioned by Jagged Stone a well-known music icon."
Michael took the phone and looked at the photos, Albert and Claire peeking over his shoulder to see the screen.
"Nino if you wouldn't mind would I be able to obtain Marinette's work email address I'd like to contact her some time on her designs."
"Sure and if you know anyone else who would be interested just give them that"
The man nodded before making his way back over to his group.
"Now Nino" the said boy turned to Claire who was grinning at him, "I think it's time for a dance if you would be too kind to escort me"
"Ermm I'm not much of a dancer"
"Yeah and neither is my husband" and with that, she dragged him onto to the dance floor where she led him into a dance even giving him a little twirl".
A brunette walked amongst the crowds of people looking for her date for the evening among the posh guests. The boy was not sitting at a table but was definitely still in the building, it wasn't till a sharp laugh attracted her eyes to a group in which Nino was amongst. Raising her eyebrows she slowly made her way over to the group.
"Hey Nino, sorry I was gone so long I just got carried away with interviews"
The boy shrugged, "It's fine, I had good company, Alya this is Claire, her husband Albert, and Michael."
"Alya so nice to meet this dashing man's beautiful date, he wouldn't stop mentioning you"
A blush crept across both their faces as Nino spluttered to himself.
"I heard you were a reporter would you like a comment from us about the party?"
"That would be great Claire I don't have that many so far"
Nino turned to look at the girl a questioning look on his face.
"I thought you were interviewing people all that time"
"I was, it's just that I would like some more comments, now come on let me get some interviews with you, new friends."
∽∽∽ Nino∽∽∽
"So everything went well last night then?"
"Yeah mum, even though the guys did disappear for a few hours, the night seemed to be a great opportunity for me"
"And why's that honey?"
"Oh well I woke up to six different event invites in my inbox for me to be the DJ at said events and they seem to pay pretty well"
"Wait, what? how did you get invited to them did Adrien introduce you?"
"Mum, I did it all myself, oh and that reminds me Claire and Albert invited us over for lunch one day when we're free"
"Claire and Albert…"
"Oh em Moreau, Claire and Albert Moreau"
"The model and designer"
"Yep"
"Oh my god Nino"
∽∽∽ Adrien∽∽∽
"Everything seemed to go well last night Adrien, however, you did seem to disappear for some time, I remind you that if you and Dupain-Cheng needed space at least not be long"
"Dad I wasn't doing anything with Marinette, I mean I was with her but we weren't doing anything"
"Mhm, I would also like you to bring your friend to the next function they made a big impact on the crowd last night"
"Oh, Alya?"
"No her data, Nino"
"Nino?"
"Yes and also ask that if his schedule is not too busy from all the events he has then I am in need of a DJ for my next fundraiser and I would like to hire him."
"What?"
∽∽∽ Marinette∽∽∽
Marinette stared at the screen in front of her before grabbing her phone from the side and calling Nino.
"Hey Mari what's up"
"Nino how the hell did all these designers get my email"
"Oh I gave it to them"
"You gave this many designers my email"
"No I just gave one of them it, I guess he must have spread it around...Mari...you there."
But the girl was too busy lying on the floor from shock to notice.
