As Marinette walked down the spiral steps with Adrien, she marveled at how the lobby of the Louvre had been transformed. A large band played. Waiters mingled in the crowd of richly dressed people offering trays of drinks and snacks. Large ice sculptures were displayed on marble plinths depicting some of the most famous sculptures in the Louvre. It looked like a different world.
"Is that a reproduction of 'Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss?" Marinette said, pointing out an immense, ice sculpture, shimmering at the end of a large buffet table.
"Yep, and over there is the Venus De Milo and Diana of Versailles," Adrien said, pointing out two other ice sculptures arranged around the room, dripping on their large plinths.
"Adrien, my boy, so good to see you," a loud voice made them turn around to see the mayor of Paris walking toward them, "I was telling my little Chloe the other day we haven't seen you around as much as we used to."
"Nice to see you too, sir," Adrien took the mayors hand and shook it, "Yes, since I started going to school, I don't have as much time to visit as I used to."
"But then your in Chloe's class, so I'm sure you get to see a lot of her, even if I don't get to see you around as much as I used to."
"Oh, yes, I see quite a bit of her at school," Adrien said. "Have you met my date? Marinette Dupain-Cheng. She also is in my class." Adrien gestured to Marinette who the Mayor had, up to this moment, ignored.
"Oh, no. I don't believe we have formally met. I do believe Chloe might have mentioned you before," he peered at Marinette, "Don't your parents run that darling little bakery near Chloe's school?"
"Yes sir, they do," Marinette said.
"Lovely, lovely. I simply adore their pain au chocolate," Mayor Bourgeois, "Well," patting Adrien on the shoulder, "don't be a stranger my boy. We'd love to have you around for dinner sometime soon."
"That would be lovely sir," Adrien said politely.
"Good, good," the Mayor nodded, "It was lovely meeting you, Miss. Dupain-Cheng, was it? I will have to send someone down to purchase some of your delicious treats."
"Yes sir," Marinette replied, watching the mayor drift away into the crowd.
"Marinette! Is that you?" A familiar voice made Marinette look up.
"Jagged Stone!" Marinette cried delightedly.
"I'm so glad to see you here. I hate coming to stuff like this, but my producer Bob insisted," Jagged sighed dramatically. "But if up-and-coming designers like you are attending, maybe it won't be all that bad," He noticed Adrien standing next to Marinette, "Who's this?" He asked.
"Oh, Jagged, this is Adrien Agreste, Adrien this is Jagged Stone," Marinette introduced the two celebrities.
"Have we met before?" Jagged peered at Adrien, "you look really familiar."
"I've been at some of your album signings," Adrien said, bouncing up and down slightly, excited at getting to meet his rock idol.
"No, it's more than that. I have a great eye for faces," Jagged said, "and you remind me of someone."
Adrien looked a little nervous, "Really? I don't… I,"
"Perfume Ad," Jagged said, snapping his fingers, "that must be it. I've seen you on posters around Paris."
Adrien looked a little relieved.
"Wow," a sarcastic voice said behind him, "You had a hard time recognizing Adrien Agreste, you must be losing touch with the younger generation, old man." The young pop star Mr. XY came up behind them, a bit mockingly.
"Pleasure to meet you Adrien," he said elbowing Jagged out of the way, "I'm a big fan of your work. It's been a big inspiration for me."
"Well that would explain why his last album looked like a perfume add," Jagged whispered pulling Marinette away from the pop star.
Marinette stifled a giggle behind her hand.
"I'm participating in a benefit concert next month, you should come, I'll send you a couple of tickets, give you a chance to get ideas for my next album cover. Bring your Boyfriend," He said, giving a nod toward Adrien, who was still trying to extract his hand from Mr. XY. "Looks like he could use a little more rock and roll in his life."
"Oh, he's not my boyfriend," Marinette said.
"No?" Jagged glanced at Marinette, "Why not? Is there something wrong with him. He doesn't actually like XY's music, does he? Jagged said, taking another look at Adrien, who had by now gotten his hand back, but was now being subjected to selfies with the pop star.
"It's nothing like that, he loves your music," Marinette said.
"That shows he has good taste at least. Well, what's he waiting for? A girl like you doesn't come along every day. He better get a move on, or someone else will sweep you away." Jagged winked at Marinette.
"It's only our first date," Marinette protested.
"He brought you to a super exclusive, star studded, red carpet event on your first date?" Jagged raised his eyebrows, "never mind what I said about the kid, he doesn't mess around."
"No, no. We're just friends. He heard I really wanted to see this fashion exhibit, and he had an extra ticket…. So yeah, he asked if I'd like to come," Marinette ended a bit lamely.
"Uh huh," Jagged did not look convinced, "Tell you what," Jagged said, "I am going to send you a couple of tickets, complete with VIP back stage passes."
"That's, that's so generous of you, but you don't have to do that, we really are just friends." Marinette said.
"You keep saying that. It sounds kinda catchy, 'Just Friends.' Maybe I should write a song about it," Jagged thought for a moment, "Nah, I think it's been done."
He turned back to Marinette, "So anyway, I'll send a Limo to pick you up before the concert, to make sure you go, whether you bring your," he made air quotes, 'friend,' or a bunch of them, that's up to you, but I'm not taking no for an answer. It's for a good cause after all, you can't say no. Penny will handle the details. You're coming, and that's final. You've become a bit of a good luck charm for me.' He pulled the blue, white, and red Eiffel Tower glasses out of his pocket and put them on. "There are perks that come with being a super famous, number one selling, rock star's, go-to designer."
"Jagged," an exasperated voice called over the crowd. Both turning at once, they caught sight of Jagged's assistant Penny. One hand frantically waving at Jagged, the other, gripping Fang's leash, which Fang had managed to wrap around a passing waiter.
"I should go," Jagged told Marinette, "Fang looks like he's getting bored. He's already had eight platters of hos d'oeuvres and too many aren't good for a crocodiles tummy. It could give him indigestion."
Vol-au-vents were tumbling from the silver tray the struggling waiter was trying to keep safe, and falling into the eager crocodile's open mouth.
He turned back to Marinette, pulled his glassed to the end of his nose and winked, "Rock on girl, see you soon."
Marinette smiled and waved, "Later, Jagged," she said, watching him saunter over to his agent. Penny, was pulling on Fang's leash, trying to untangle it from another waiter, who had a silver tray full of what looked liked cream puffs.
Marinette turned back and noticed a tall man, with dark hair with a little soul patch on his chin, had joined Adrien and Mr. XY. I recognize him, Marinette thought, that's the artist who made the statue of me… well of Ladybug, She corrected in her mind. How nice to see him here, although, he won't know me. She sighed, and smiled to herself, sometimes it was a bit confusing being Ladybug. She had to pretend to not know people she had met as Ladybug when she was Marinette, and had to pretend to not know people she had known her entire life when she was Ladybug. Sometimes, she thought, the hardest part about being a superhero wasn't fighting the baddies, but keeping her civilian and superhero relationships straight.
"You simply must come to my next photo shoot. I'll send the details to your father's fashion house. XY still held onto Adrien's hand, not seeming to want to let it go.
"Theo," XY said, gesturing for the tall dark haired man behind him, "Have you met Adrien Agreste? His father is Gabriel, as in THE Gabriel, of Gabriel brand designs. Would you be a dear and send him the details of the next shoot." He added to Adrien, "Theo here is one of the best assistants I've ever had. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to find someone with technical skill and an artistic vision. When he projects a hologram of me on stage, I almost believe it's me."
Turning his attention to the man standing in front of him, Adrien held out his hand, "Pleased to meet you," He said, "You're Theo Barbot right? I've seen your work in the park. The statue of Ladybug and Chat Noir; inspiring."
"I'm glad you like it," Theo smiled, shaking Adrien's hand. Then his eye focused on something behind Adrien.
Turning, Adrien saw Marinette rejoining them. He smiled, enjoying having her near him. Marinette seemed to always have this aura around her that put others at ease. He had noticed it at school. When Marinette was around, everyone was more relaxed, happy. She always elevated those around her, spreading good feelings. If more people were like Marinette, Hawk Moth wouldn't stand a chance, he thought. "May I introduce you to Marinette DuPain-Cheng," Adrien said, gesturing to both XY and Theo, "This is Mr. XY."
XY looked down his nose at Marinette, "Charmed," he said, extending a slightly limp hand. Marinette wasn't sure if she was supposed to kiss it or shake it. She settled for giving it a slight squeeze. XY's phone beeped, and he dropped her hand and began fiddling with it in a distracted manner.
"And this is Theo Barbot," Adrien said, introducing the sculpter to Marinette.
Stepping up to Marinette, Theo took her her hand gently and bowed slightly, "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Miss Dupain-Cheng."
"Pleasure to meet you as well, Mr. Barbot," Marinette said, smiling.
"Please, Call me Theo."
"And you must call me Marinette," she said smiling, "Are you the same person who made that amazing sculpture of Ladybug and Chat Noir in the park near College Francoise Dupont? I didn't have the opportunity to go to the unveiling, but I often sit near it when I am sketching designs. It's quite inspirational."
XY's phone beeped again, "If you have a moment Adrien, I'd love to discuss a business idea my manager has," and he pulled Adrien away from Marinette and Theo.
"Knowing my work inspires you, fills my heart with joy," Theo said, gazing down into Marinette's face. "Are you an artist, as well?"
"I am. I design mostly clothes, but I've done other design work, as well," Marinette said.
"Well," Theo said, "It seems like we might have a lot in common. I'd love to see some of your work, and you should come to my workshop sometime and give me your opinion."
"I would enjoy that," Marinette said. Then, realizing Theo was still holding her hand, she started to pull it back, but before she could, a voice rang out.
"Marinette Dupain-Chang, who let you in here? And what are you wearing? It's so tacky," Chloe swaggered up.
Marinette grimaced slightly at the unwelcome voice and turned to look at her long-time tormentor. Why can't her dress at least be ugly, she thought, but there was nothing ugly about Chloe Bourgeois, at least not where you could see it.
Her hair was pulled up in a simple elegant knot and her dress… her dress is an original Gabriel, Marinette thought. The neckline was a sleeveless, one shoulder, with the Gabriel brand 'G' in what looked like high carat gold, holding the fabric at the top of her collar bone. The skirt of the dress flowed freely, and a thin black ribbon circled her waist, and trailed one side, balancing the asymmetry of the neckline. The bold color of the yellow played amazingly well with the uncomplicated line of the dress. It was simple and elegant. Chloe looked amazing.
Laughing, Chloe winked at Theo, "You'll have to excuse my little joke. Marinette and I are the best of friends. She just loves me."
Realizing Theo still had her hand, Marinette quickly let go, and balled her hands in a fist at her side. Great, just great. Of all the people she didn't want to see tonight, Chloe was at the top of the list.
"Well," Chloe's eye's glowed brightly, "Aren't you going to introduce me to your date?" Turning she held out her hand, as if for a kiss. "I'm Chloe Bourgeois, you might know my father, the Mayor," Chloe cut her eye's toward Marinette, to see how she was reacting.
Not picking up on the tension, Theo bowed over Chloe's hand, "Pleasure to meet a friend of Marinette's. I'm Theo Barbot."
"Theo Barbot," Chloe repeated out loud thoughtfully, "I know I've heard that name somewhere."
"I recently had one of my sculptures of Ladybug and Chat Noir erected in the park near your school. Your father was there for the unveiling," Theo said helpfully.
"Yes," Chloe clapped her hands together in triumph, "I know just who you are," her eye's twinkled, and a wicked smile crossed her lips, "Mireille has told me all about you."
"You know Mireille?" Theo said.
"We're in the same grade, although not in the same class. I often see her in the library and in after school activities." Chloe looked Marinette up and down in a very deliberate way, "My, Theo, you do have a 'type' don't you. Poor little Mireille. She didn't tell me you two broke up?"
Theo's face went red, then pale, he started stammering, looking from Marinette to Chloe.
Chloe's eye's sparkled even more, "You're still dating her, and she doesn't know your here with Marinette," Chloe shook her head, "Naughty, naughty Theo. Oh, this is going to break poor Mireille's heart when she finds out."
"B..but, we're not, not, together," Theo managed to strangle out.
"I'm not here with Theo, Chloe. We just met," Marinette said, gritting her teeth.
"You're not here with Theo?" Chloe said, letting incredulity drip off every word, "Who are you here with then?" Her lips curved in a wicked smile, "Don't tell me, you gate crashed."
"Um, Chloe, Marinette is here with me," Adrien said.
She spun around, "Adrikins!" Her smile melted away as Adrien's words penetrated. "You brought her?" She demanded, pointing at Marinette.
"Yes," Adrien said softly, "I did," he and XY had rejoined Marinette and Theo.
"Well," Chloe blinked, but quickly recovered, "That is so charitable of you, helping out less fortunate people." She sidled up to XY, "I'm Chloe Bourgeois the mayor's daughter, and a very good friend of Adrien. I just love your music, Mr. XY. I'm one of your biggest fans."
"The mayor's daughter?" XY looked her over, "Maybe you would like to be part of my next photo shoot, promoting my new album."
"That would be amazing!" Chloe slipped her arm into XY's, "I'd love to talk with you about it. Shall we go somewhere more private?" She began to lead the pop star away from the crowd.
"Clo-clo! I didn't know you were going to be here," a loud voice brought Chloe to a stop, her head whipping around to stare at the tall blond lady who was approaching, wearing a stunning low-cut scarlet dress, hugging every curve of her body. Her décolletage enhanced by a gold Y necklace, disappearing into the neckline of the dress. Her spike heels made an audible clicking as she glided toward the group of people.
Chloe's face went pale, "
Lorelei," she took a small step back, still clinging to XY's arm, "I didn't know you were in town."
"Oh, you know me, always up for a good party. You remember Brit and Bree don't you?" She asked, gesturing toward two girls, flanking the statuesque blonde. They were wearing dresses very similar to Lorelei's, body hugging and low cut. The major difference was the color, Brit was in Green and Bree was wearing blue.
Chloe swallowed, looking a little sick and nodded.
Lorelei looked around, "So, where's your little friend?" Samantha? Jessica?" Her brow wrinkled in false concentration, "What was her name?"
"Sabrina," Chloe said, "She's not here."
"Oh, that's too bad. Didn't have enough pull to get your friend in. I guess the daughter of the Mayor of Paris can't be seen with a little ragamuffin like her."
She turned her attention to Adrien, "You must be Adrien Agreste, Clo-clo has told me so much about you. Did you come with my dear little sister?"
"Ah, no," Adrien looked guiltily at Chloe. Marinette didn't really understand what was going on.
"Clo-clo, did you exaggerate your relationship with Adrien Agreste?" Lorelei turned to Marinette, "My dear Clo-Clo always loved making up stories."
"Clo-clo?" Marinette said to herself, but apparently loud enough for Lorelei to hear.
"It's my little nick name for her," Lorelei said, smiling so wide, it showed all her teeth.
She turned back to Chloe, "Where is your date Clo-clo?"
Chloe stood up straight and Marinette could see her rebuilding herself. "I'm saving my heart for just the right boy. I can't go around dating just anyone."
Lorelei laughed, "Oh Clo-clo, I don't think you'll ever really find a boy that will measure up to your standards," she put an emphasis on the word boy. "But you keep trying, dear."
Chloe's face went from pale to red.
Marinette wasn't sure if it was embarrassment or anger. Probably anger, she decided as Chloe opened her mouth and said, "Well, you go through so many men, no one with any sense of decency could ever hope to keep up with you, so I don't try."
Lorelei's eye's narrowed, "Watch yourself," she warned, stepping up to Chloe.
"Or you'll what?" Chloe said, "natter at me in front of all these people?"
Lorelei glanced around her at the crowd, curiously watching the exchange. A shadow seemed to cross her face, then her expression brightened, like a sunbeam breaking through the clouds. She laughed, "Oh, little sister," she beamed at Chloe, "how I missed you."
"Little sister?" Marinette whispered to Adrien.
"She's Chloe's older sister, well, step sister," he said. "Her father was married to Chloe's mother."
Marinette blinked, in all this time, she had never realized Chloe had a sister.
"Well, it's been wonderful seeing you" Lorelei said to Chloe, "I hope to see more of you very soon, in private," running her eyes over the crowd again, taking note of Adrien standing close to Marinette, before turning away. "Come along ladies," she said to her friends before gliding away into the crowd.
Chloe stood watching her step-sister move off with her friends, a sour expression on her face, before she rallied and turned back to XY smiling. "Why don't we get a drink and talk about that photo shoot."
Marinette watched Chloe flounce away with Mr. XY in tow. "Well," she said, glancing over at Adrien.
"So," Adrien added, filling in the now awkward silence between them.
Adrien noticed several couples on the dance floor, "Do you want to dance?" he asked.
Dance? With Adrien? How many times had she practiced dancing in her room, pretending it was Adrien she was dancing with.
Interpreting Marinette's pause for one of embarrassment, he added, "If you don't, that's ok… we don't have to dance, if you don't want. I didn't even ask you if danced." He ran his fingers through his hair, "God, I'm messing everything up tonight."
"I'd love to dance, Adrien," Marinette said, "and your not messing anything up." She paused and smiled, "Well, maybe your hair."
"Sorry, I'm a little nervous tonight," Adrien said, smoothing his hair back into place, "I've never actually been on a date before."
Marinette laughed, a happy sound, "It's my first date too," she said, admitting, "I still afraid I'm going to mess everything up and fall flat on my face."
Adrien smiled at her, "I tell you what, since this is the first time for both of us, if you fall flat on your face, I'll fall on mine, right beside you. It could be our signature move." he extended his hand and Marinette let him draw her onto the dance floor. He chuckled a little with a far off look in his eye.
"What?" Marinette asked.
"Hmmm," Adrien said, "Oh, nothing. I was just imagining the look on my father's face if the tabloids got a picture of me and you face down on the dance floor."
Marinette smiled, looking up into Adrien's eyes. His hand was warm and she could feel the calluses on his palms and fingers. The notes of a piano filled the air with a melancholy melody, high and sweet. Adrien turned, leading Marinette into a slow spin, as his other hand came to rest at her waist.
She rested her head on his shoulder. She had never really been this close to him before, well, not for more than a few moments anyway. She closed her eye's and allowed him to move her around the floor.
"You dance very well," Adrien said, "Have you taken lessons?"
"When I was 6, my parents enrolled me in ballet. I think they were hoping it would burn off a little of my energy. I was… active." Marinette smiled at the memory of her Father covered in flour, dozing off, while she made a mess in the bakery. "Really active. Dance helped me funnel some of that energy. It was really fun, and introduced me to clothing design."
"Really? How did you get from dancing to clothing design?" Adrien asked.
"I didn't like the way my tutu looked, so I made some 'alterations.' to it. The other girls saw what I had done, and wanted one too." Marinette giggled, "my dance teacher was a bit taken aback to see her little swans had turned into cupcakes."
"Cupcakes?" Adrian laughed.
Marinette shrugged gracefully, smiling as Adrien spun her, when she was back in his arms she answered, "I was inspired by my Papa's baking."
"That sounds adorable," Adrien smiled at Marinette.
"Lucky for me, my ballet teacher thought so, too. Although, she did ask me not to alter the costumes again without permission."
"And, she give you permission?" Adrien asked.
Marinette nodded, "I ended up sewing more than dancing. Word got around and different dance schools were offering me classes in return for designing and sewing costumes. I ended up taking a lot of different types of classes. It was fun, and dancing really helped me understand how to construct clothes that are easy to move in. A dress may look nice, but can you do a grand adage in it?"
"So dance classes taught you how to make better designs. It's so brilliant. I don't think even my father would have thought of it," Adrien said.
"Really," Marinette asked, feeling a bit pleased, then asked, "What about you. Where did you learn to dance so well?"
"My mother," Adrien said. "She and my father used to dance late at night when I was supposed to be in bed, but I'd sneak out to watch. Mom had to promise to teach me, before they could get me back into bed." He smiled, a little sadly at the memory.
"That sounds nice," Marinette said, "your mother sounds like an amazing person."
"Yeah," Adrien said, then he spun her around, letting the conversation drop as they danced.
Adrien led her through the steps expertly. Whirling her around the dance floor. It was so easy being in his arms. The only other time she felt this comfortable was when she was fighting along side Chat Noir.
Stumbling, she missed a step, Why am I thinking of Chat again? She thought.
"Whoa," Adrien said, catching Marinette and turning it into a dip. Marinette looked up into Adrien's face. She could feel his heart beating. She breathed in, he smelled like fresh dug earth or a freshly cut truffle, and under that was a slightly sharp smell, it reminded of her spring cleaning with her mother and father. It was comforting and familiar. It reminded her of something she couldn't put her finger on.
"Are you alright?" Adrien asked.
"I'm ok," her face felt hot. "just a bit clumsy. There's more than one reason I pursued design instead of dance.
"You're an amazing dancer, Marinette," Adrien said, smiling kindly at her, "we make a good team, no?"
"Right," Marinette laughed at herself, "I trip and you catch me." Her thoughts drifted to her other partner. He was always there to catch her too. Get a grip on yourself Marinette. She scolded herself. Here you are with the love of your life, and you keep thinking of that silly cat. Images of Chat Noir kept popping up in her head. What was wrong with her?
"Are you sure you're ok?" Adrien said, starting to look concerned.
Realizing that she was scowling, she quickly smoothed her features. "I'm fine. I guess It's a bit hot in here." She tried to cover her red face and embarrassment.
"Would you like a drink?" Adrien asked, covering over the awkward silence.
"Yes, please. I didn't realize it was going to be so… so overwhelming," she said.
"You seem to be handling yourself very well," Adrien said, smiling. He plucked two, tall flutes of clear sparkling liquid from a passing waiter's tray, and offered one to Marinette.
She looked at the tall flute of clear liquid, "Sparkling water?" she asked.
"Yeah, San Pellegrino. Sorry, I didn't ask what you wanted," Adrien lowered his head, "It's usually what I drink at these events. I wasn't thinking. I could get you something else if you like."
"No, no," Marinette assured him, "It's my favorite. I love how the bubbles tickle my lips," she said.
Adrien blushed slightly, glancing at Marinette's lips.
Marinette didn't notice, she was looking over his shoulder into the crowd, "Is that your father?" she asked.
Turning his head he looked where Marinette was indicating. His father was indeed making his way over to them. "Yes it is," he said.
"He doesn't look happy," Marinette said.
"He never does," Adrien sighed, and turned to greet his father.