Here comes prom! :) This is my second favorite part. It's a little longer, but I'm trying to keep it all together. :)

Enjoy!

Adrien straightened his thin red tie nervously. "Do all girls take this long to get ready for a dance?"

Mr. Dupain-Cheng chuckled. "Always. Somehow, it makes them happier the longer they primp and preen."

Adrien nodded, thinking of all the girls he'd modelled with. "I believe it..."

They sat there in silence for a few more moments, Adrien readjusting the red and white corsage he rested on his knee. He glanced around at the Dupain-Cheng's small but cozy home, finding all the pictures of Marinette that were displayed around the living room. She seemed to be always dressed in her favorite shade of coral pink, and she always had a huge grin on her face as she held up a scarf or a baguette and wrapped her arms around her parents.

Adrien felt a sudden shaft of pain in his chest. All the pictures of him that were displayed in his house were modelling pictures, and he was never smiling. His father would die of shame before he posted a picture of Adrien doing something so commonplace as flipping a pancake.

"Let me go check on them," Mr. Dupain-Cheng said, rising to his feet. "Just to make sure they're all right."

Adrien laughed. "Good thinking."

Plagg squirmed anxiously as Mr. Dupain-Cheng climbed up the stairs.

"Wait..." Adrien murmured, watching until Marinette's father's feet finally faded from view. Then he opened his tuxedo jacket, letting his kwami out into the open air.

"Phew. You're pretty nervous, aren't you?" Plagg studied Adrien carefully.

Adrien let out a deep breath. "You think?" He set the corsage on the couch next to them.

"Why?" Plagg tilted his head curiously. "You know Marinette's crazy about you, right?"

Adrien scoffed. "Crazy? Naw, we're just friends." He felt a pang in his chest. "Well, that's what she thinks anyway."

"You did kiss her at the top of the Eiffel Tower," Plagg noted. "That seems awfully friendly to me."

"But...but she doesn't think of me like that," Adrien insisted, reaching into his pocket and pulling out the flashlight from Marinette. "Besides, what about Ladybug?"

Plagg rolled his eyes. "You brought that with you?"

Adrien's cheek colored, and he put the flashlight back in his pocket. "Is that weird?"

Plagg opened his mouth to answer, but Adrien heard footsteps above him and grabbed his kwami.

"Hide, Plagg!" He hissed, shoving his friend into an inner pocket of his tuxedo jacket.

"Here she comes!" Mr. Dupain-Cheng announced as he walked down the stairs.

Marinette's father grinned. "Are you ready, Adrien?"

Adrien opened his mouth to respond, but then Marinette appeared at the top of the stairs, and he was speechless.

She wore a creamy white dress that was fitted around her waist with a silky red bow and flared out, the hem just covering her knees. The shoulders were smooth, ending mid-bicep and were tied off with little red bows. The fabric shimmered as Marinette walked gracefully down the stairs, and Adrien thought he saw little red sparkles trailing behind her. Her blue-black hair was gathered into an elegant knot on the top of her head with a red ribbon holding it in place. Her face was shining, and she beamed as Adrien's eyes grew wider. He cleared his throat and quickly moved to the landing of the stairs, his hand quivering as he held it out to his date.

"My lady," he said softly. Marinette's smile grew wider and she took his hand, shifting her purse further back on her hip.

"H-Hi, Adrien," Marinette said shyly, coming down the last couple of stairs. The tip of her sparkly red heels caught on the stairs, and she stumbled forward. Smoothly, Adrien took a step forward and caught Marinette easily, his arms tightening around her waist

"Stupid...clumsy..." Marinette blushed, her hands clutching his shoulders. Adrien steadied her, grinning.

"I got you, don't worry."

Marinette's father roared with laughter. "Marinette, I think you're going to be well cared for!"

Adrien flushed with embarrassment and he and Marinette quickly stepped apart.

"Th-thank you, sir." Adrien rubbed the back of his neck.

"I think so too, dad," Marinette said, smiling sideways at Adrien.

"I-I have something for you." Adrien turned and strode into the living room, grabbing the corsage off the settee.

"Oh! Me too!" Marinette headed into the kitchen and picked up a small plastic box out of the fridge.

The two teens met again by the stairs, holding out their flowers to each other.

"Y-you first!" Adrien held out the bracelet of flowers. A rose was centered on the elastic with two fluffy white carnations supporting it on either side. Two plastic ladybugs rested on the petals of the carnations, their black spots prominent against the white and red.

"Adrien, it's beautiful!" Marinette gushed, holding out her hand. Adrien carefully slipped it on her wrist. "I love the ladybugs!"
"Thanks! I do too." Adrien's hand lingered on Marinette's arm before he took a step back.

"Okay, now me." Adrien glanced down at his lapels expectantly. Marinette obliged, stepping closer to him and popping open the florist box.

"Did you design this?" Adrien asked as Marinette positioned the small cluster of red and white roses against Adrien's lapel. Marinette nodded, her tongue protruding out the tip of her mouth as she delicately pinned the flowers to Adrien's jacket.

"It's fantastic." Adrien smiled softly. Marinette beamed as she stepped away.

"Well, have her home before one!" Mr. Dupain-Cheng instructed, holding out a hand to Adrien. He shook it firmly. "I will, sir."

"Be careful!" Marinette's mother said, clasping her hands in front of her. "Call me if you need anything, sweetie!"

"Okay, mom." Marinette slipped her hand around Adrien's elbow, grasping his forearm. "See you later!"

"Have fun!" Marinette's parents chorused, waving. Marinette dragged Adrien toward the door, grabbing a red sweater on her way out.

"Th-thank you!" Adrien called over his shoulder as Marinette slammed the door closed behind them.

Marinette exhaled. "I'm sorry about that. My parents are awkward sometimes."

Adrien laughed, raising his arm to make a square for Marinette. "I think it's nice. I wish my parents were like that."

Marinette smiled hesitantly, squeezing Adrien's arm as she shifted her balance.

"You look beautiful, by the way." Adrien grinned. "Just magnificent. It's so...you." He gestured to the dress, turning to gaze at Marinette. "The red and white...with your hair and your eyes..." Adrien cleared his throat, realizing that he was babbling. "You're beautiful, Marinette."

Marinette blushed, smiling down at her shoes. "Th-thanks."

"Every guy's going to be jealous of me tonight." Adrien straightened his shoulders, his chin coming up. "I've got the most beautiful date in Paris."

Marinette giggled, nudging Adrien. "Well that makes two of us."

Adrien glanced sideways at her, smirking. "I didn't know you had it in you, little lady!"

Marinette's eyes widened. "Oh! Did I say that aloud?"

Adrien burst into fresh peals of laughter, rubbing the back of his neck. "Oh, Marinette, you're an absolute joy." He winked. "Let's head to the dance, yes? Show off our awesome moves?"

"Anything with you," Marinette cooed, leaning in closer. Adrien raised an eyebrow, grinning. Marinette covered her mouth in embarrassment. "Oops. There I go again." She tightened her grip on Adrien's arm. "Let's just go."

Adrien chuckled and lead Marinette carefully down the stairs. "I asked my father if we could up the stakes for the dance, so..." He trailed off as he pulled open the door to the street.

Marinette gasped. "A limo! Oh Adrien..." She beamed at him, her eyes sparkling.

Adrien winked. "What do you think? Good?" He held out his arm again, and Marinette took it eagerly.

"This is great! I can't believe it..." She let Adrien lead to her the sleek black automobile. Adrien opened the door for her with a short bow.

"Need a ride, little lady?"

"I do, sir." Marinette giggled shyly, sliding into the limousine. Adrien waited until she was settled before running around the other side and clambering into the car.

"Go ahead." Adrien called to his driver. Adrien's bodyguard nodded silently, and the limousine rumbled as it sped off to the school.

Adrien slid closer to Marinette. "Are you excited?"

Marinette grinned. "I don't think 'excited' covers it. I've been looking forward to this for a long time." She blushed and clasped her hands in her lap.

Adrien put his hands over hers, squeezing them gently. "Me too."

Marinette's blush deepened, and she laughed softly. "I still can't believe this is happening..."

"What?" Adrien asked curiously, still holding her hands.

"You...me...prom..." Marinette smiled wryly. "I thought you never even noticed me."

Adrien chuckled. "Marinette, it's hard not to notice you."

Marinette slipped a hand away, feeling her cheeks. "Stop, I'm red enough as it is!"

Adrien winked, lacing his fingers through hers. "I noticed that."

Marinette sighed happily as Adrien's fingers slipped in between hers.

They sat in silence for the remainder of the trip, enjoying each other's company. Adrien's bodyguard kept glancing at them, as if he was chaperoning them, and Adrien made sure that the sight of their clasped hands was out of his view.

The black limousine rolled up in front of the school and Adrien's large chauffeur set the car in park.

"Wait here," Adrien instructed, slipping his hand away and getting out of the car. He dashed around the back and quickly yanked open the door for Marinette.

"Thank you." Marinette set a sparkly red heel on the sidewalk and prepared to step out.

"Here, let me help." Adrien stepped closer and offered his hand. Marinette took it, grinning, and gracefully stepped out of the car. The pear orchard in the front was decorated with white streamers, and music and flashing lights blared from inside the school. Groups of students were everywhere; a group of boys was clambering up the trees in the orchard, a couple of girls sat on the steps, rubbing their feet, and there was a huge crowd of people just stood chatting at the base of the stairs.

"Is that Adrien Agreste?" A voice cried, and Adrien and Marinette were suddenly swarmed with photographers.

"Adrien, is this one of your father's designs?"

"Who is your date, Adrien? Is she one of your father's models?"

"Does your father have a statement on your outfit, Adrien?"

"Sheesh, can't a guy take a date to prom?" Adrien snapped, annoyed. He put his arm around Marinette's shoulders and pushed his way through the crowd. Marinette's eyes were wide and innocent, and she was frozen with shock.

"Just keep walking," Adrien murmured in her ear. "Ignore them."

The photographers clamored around them, snapping photos and all shouting varying questions regarding Adrien's father.

"Does this always happen?" Marinette whispered.

"No." Adrien said shortly. "Natalie usually manages to keep them away. I wonder how they found out I'd be here."

Suddenly, the photographers parted, and Chloe stood before them at the base of the stairs. She wore a frilly, fluffy floor-length yellow dress with elbow-length shiny black gloves, and her eyes were heavily lidded under yellow and black eyeshadow.

"I know who told him," Marinette said flatly, leaning closer to Adrien possessively.

"Chloe," Adrien said wearily, squeezing Marinette encouragingly. "Can't you give us a break?"

Chloe scowled at them. "And why should I?"

"Forget it." Adrien sighed, letting his arm drop from around Marinette. She glanced at him curiously. "Just watch, Chloe. You'll see what my feelings are."

He deliberately laced his fingers through Marinette's and pulled her up the stairs. Marinette stuck her tongue out at Chloe as she passed by.

Chloe spluttered in anger, but Adrien and Marinette didn't look back.

"That felt good." Marinette took a deep breath, reaching across her body and grasping Adrien's forearm.

"I still can't believe her," Adrien muttered darkly. "Why can't she just-"

"Adrien! My man!" Nino grabbed Adrien's shoulder, turning him around. Adrien grinned and released Marinette's hand as Nino encased his best friend in a hug.

"I told you it was good idea!" Nino winked at Marinette over Adrien's shoulder. She winked back.

"You weren't wrong!" Adrien pulled away, putting his arm around his date. "I've got the most beautiful date in Paris!"

Marinette blushed, giggling.

"I might have to disagree with you, bro." Nino grinned, stepping aside to present his date. Alya had a floor-length shimmering blue dress on with purple accents that matched her glasses.

"Alya! I love it!" Marinette cried, pushing past Adrien to hug her friend. "I told you it was the one!"

Alya laughed, patting Marinette on the back. "Yeah, well, you were right all the same."

"Let's chill out here for a second, dudes!" Nino slung his arm over Adrien's shoulder and they stood at the top of the stairs. "It's hot in there."

Marinette shared a smile with Alya, and they stepped away from the boys for a moment.

"Any other details I need to know?" Alya asked Marinette softly. "How did the pictures turn out?"

Marinette sighed happily. "Alya, they were wonderful! He kissed my cheek in one!" She pointed to her face. "Right here!"

Alya's eyes widened. "No way! What else?"

"He's been holding my hand and putting his arm around me all day," Marinette babbled, "And he basically told me he likes me!"

"You go, girl!" Alya gave Marinette a high five. "That's awesome!"

There was a sudden howl of anger from the pear orchard down the stairs.

"My trees!" A voice yelled. "You stupid children!"

Marinette stopped. "Did you hear something?"

"Hm?" Alya turned curiously. "What, M?"

"I, uh, got to go," Marinette blurted, backing away. "I think I left something in the car."

Adrien and Nino turned around. Adrien raised an eyebrow. "You okay, little lady?"

"I'll be right back!" Marinette turned on her heels, dashing back outside. Her feet wobbled, and she almost fell.

"Whoa." Adrien's arms were suddenly around her, and he steadied her. "Good thing I followed you."

"Adrien, you should go back inside," Marinette insisted, grabbing his hands and pushing them away. "It's not safe."

"What? No, I'm not just going to leave you." Adrien stared at her in confusion. Then his gaze fell on something over her shoulder. His eyes widened nervously.

"What?" Marinette said sharply, glancing behind her. "What is it?"

Adrien swallowed nervously, his arm going around Marinette once more. He turned her toward the orchard. "I think you'd better just see."

All the pear trees in the orchard were growing, expanding into enormous trees with trunks the size of cars. The boys that were messing around in the trees earlier yelped and were running out back onto the cement.

Marinette gasped, moving closer. "The pear trees! Of course!"

"They've been popping up all over Paris," Adrien breathed, coming up behind her. "At Notre Dame, at the Luxembourg Gardens..." He cursed under his breath. "I should've noticed!"

"This is all my fault!" Marinette and Adrien cried in unison. Then they turned to each other, eyes wide.

"Your fault? How-how is this your fault?" Adrien asked.

Marinette gulped. "I might ask you same question."

The garden wall lining the orchard suddenly burst, bricks flying in every direction. Adrien leaped forward, shielding Marinette's body with his own.

"Get inside!" He yelled over the screams of his fellow students. "It's not safe out here!"

"Adrien, what about you?" Marinette cried, trying to break away from his embrace.

"Go!" Adrien kissed her cheek and shoved her toward the stairs. Then he disappeared into the crowd.

Marinette blinked, reeling for a moment. Adrien just kissed her! Again!

"Marinette!" Tikki hissed from inside her friend's small pink purse. "We need to help!"

"Right!" Marinette shook her head, trying to focus. She darted into a corner and clicked open her purse.

"Tikki, spots on!"

Sorry about the cliffhanger! I promise I'll upload the resolution and the end tomorrow, though!

Any thoughts, inklings, prediction...leave them in a review!

Thanks for reading!