"Why? Don't you trust me?" Chat Noir said as he and Ladybug stood on the topmost floor of the Eiffel Tower.
"I do…but…" Ladybug's voice trailed off.
"What's wrong about revealing our identities?" asked Chat Noir.
"How many times have we discussed this? There is a lot of danger in doing that!"
"But, we'll still be partners. I don't understand what can possibly go wrong?" Chat Noir inquired.
"Chat please…" Ladybug closed her eyes with frustration.
"Rena Rogue knows who you are…" Chat Noir kept on pressing the point.
"But that's a different story and I already explained..." Ladybug tried to reason.
"No, I can't take this anymore. I really hate secrets," Chat Noir muttered.
"Fine, then you can go on complaining, you'll only regret it later. Try to understand that this is not only about me, but this is also about you as well. You'll also be safe if I don't know who you are. And believe me, keeping secrets from you is the last thing I want to do, but I don't have a choice," Ladybug said as she swung her yoyo and flew away.
The streets of Paris were filled with shadows cast by the evening sun. Chat Noir remained on the rooftop, recollecting his feud with Ladybug. He felt a bit guilty about going a bit overboard and for starting this heated conversation. He made up his mind to apologise to Ladybug that night during the event at the Hotel Le Grand Paris.
Marinette looked out of her window as the sun sank lower in the sky, the light of day drained away giving way to the velvety dark of night. She had already prepared her speech for the 'Heroes Appreciation Event' at the Hotel Le Grand Paris. It was the Mayor's idea that there should be a social event for Ladybug and Chat Noir. Marinette knew for a fact that maybe Chloe had a helping hand as she was merely attempting to divert all the attention on her as Queen Bee. She dreaded the idea of attending but had ultimately given in to the Mayor's pleas.
But now she was skeptical of attending the event, especially after her feud with Chat Noir. But, a promise was a promise, and she had promised the Mayor to be there.
Marinette transformed and went to the Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel, to find Zoé and the Mayor waiting for her. The reporters were jam-packed and Ladybug understood that having more heroes definitely caught the eye of the public and the media. They entered the entrance hall and found decorated with balloons and flyers. The press was inside as well with Nadja Chamack leading them.
"Ladybug", said Chole as she went towards her, giving her a somewhat uncomfortable hug. Ladybug could have sworn she now realized how uncomfortable Adrien would often feel when attacked by Chloe's hug.
"Hi, Cho...I mean Queen Bee," said Ladybug. She was definitely not in a mood to talk or offend anyone.
"I see, you came…" said Queen Bee as she stared at Carapace and Rena Rogue.
"Yes, she did! Ladybug, we are so glad you could make it," said the Mayor.
"Good evening, Mayor Bourgeois", said Ladybug.
"Where's Chat Noir?" asked the Mayor.
"Never mind him, introduce us to the distinguished guests", said Chloe.
"Of course, Ladybug, I would like you all to meet the people who have been invited for the heroes' event, in light of their remarkable dedication to their work," said the Mayor as they walked towards the centre of the hall.
"First, as you know, Gabriel Agreste, the best fashion designer in France," the Mayor introduced.
"It's wonderful seeing you here, Ladybug", Gabriel greeted. He had not the slightest inclination of attending the event, since his public appearance at the Grand Palais. He had however decided to attend the event when he heard that the superheroes who would be coming. Hoping to carefully observe his nemesis, he decided to take this opportunity to bombard questions at Ladybug about her life other than her superhero work and record her voice with a tape-recorder and have it analyzed. Of course, in order to be extremely cautious as to not arouse suspicion, Gabriel Agreste had spent days racking his brains to come up with appropriate questions that would link her civilian life to her superhero life.
"Ladybug, tell me…" he was cut off by none other than the Mayor himself.
"I'd like you to officially meet my wife, Audrey Bourgeois."
Greeting the fashion critic with the extremist amount of curtsy she could generate, Ladybug heard a loud noise in the distant background and saw that Chat Noir had arrived, this unfortunately made her uncomfortable and she decided not to say a word to him and glanced to the other side, ignoring him. Chat Noir had his eyes glued Ladybug as he approached the centre of the hall where everyone was gathered. He did feel guilty about what he had said earlier, he knew he didn't mean to start an argument with the girl he loved. It was merely a slip of tongue owing to the level of frustration he had been experiencing. In the deep corners of his heart, he truly wished to know who she was, but he knew that keeping her happy and respecting her wishes should be his top priority. He had realized that Ladybug wanted nothing more than to keep him safe which was why she insisted on them keeping their identities a secret. Keeping that in mind, he had been practicing his apology speech in his mind for the past three hours.
"Chat Noir, how good of you to come," the Mayor said, "This is Johana Pierce, she is a renowned delegate and has participated in many of the UN press conferences", said the Mayor introducing the superheroes to the blonde.
"This is Wickmayer, the renowned French Doctor. This Yuri Martin, he was invited tonight for his excellent services in rehabilitation organisations. This is Célia, a renowned French actress and singer. She has won numerous awards in the film industry and has been invited for her services to the performing arts and finally, this is Louis Raymond, a renowned novelist whose stories revolve around crime," said the Mayor has he finished what would be called a long introduction.
"This is Ladybug, as you all know, the beautiful super-heroine who always saves the day. Chat Noir, her most trusted partner…" the Mayor was still talking as he was cut off by Chole who was now dressed as Queen Bee.
"And I am Queen Bee, the best superheroine to have ever existed."
"Umm...now, the event is about to begin, so shall we be seated?" asked the Mayor hurriedly as he escorted everyone to the platform. Nadja and the media came forward as ready as ever to record the ongoing speech which was to be delivered.
The Mayor did talk a great deal and spoke about the contributions of all the attendants, though making sure that Audrey would have prior importance. Since Audrey and the rest of the people had already stated that they weren't interested in giving any speech, the Mayor invited Ladybug to come forward and give a speech. Chat shifted back in his seat, while Gabriel Agreste took out the tape-recorder from his coat, ready to record Ladybug's voice in the hopes of getting to analyze her voice, he knew that in order to do so, she would have to talk for a great length. He had several footages of her speaking after an Akuma attack but she never really spoke more than a few sentences. She never attended any other events or functions and her interview with Nadja, before Nadja was akumatised into Prime Queen, had been removed from the net and Gabriel couldn't use his power to ask for the footage as it might arouse suspicion. When she was in his home, it would have been impossible as he was busy transforming from Gabriel to Hawk Moth and back to Gabriel. She may have talked to him as Hawk Moth on Heroes Day and other confrontations; but he couldn't possibly record her voice that time. On top of that, this idea had struck him, only a week ago, after Alya had told everyone about her voice app on the Ladyblog. The footages of her on the news and elsewhere wouldn't be enough, he needed a fresh, original voice. Apps didn't work with him, for they took too long to download and Gabriel Agreste was definitely not a man of patience when it came to the subscription deals. Besides it would be easier to use a tape-recorder. The tape recorder was at the edge of Gabriel's sleeves. Now, was the moment, the golden opportunity to do so.
Soon the hall echoed with cheers from the media as they waited in anticipation for Ladybug who instead walked towards the Mayor and whispered something to him.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I am afraid Ladybug doesn't have much to say tonight so I will be filling in for her", said the Mayor as he continued, "Firstly I'd like to thank Ladybug and Chat Noir for...", as the Mayor went on, the media continued to take photographs and record his speech.
Gabriel was taken aback. The tape recorder was at his sleeves and he wouldn't be able to push the stop button, not when the media was in front of him, it would be way too suspicious. On the other hand as the other guests listened on, Chat Noir tried his best to get Ladybug's attention but in vain, Audrey was busy fixing her nails and Gabriel was finding a hard time to switch off the tape recorder, he definitely didn't want to record the Mayor's voice. Luckily for the latter, the speech ended soon and was received with applause and cheers from the crowd as Nadja and her team went to take a break, Gabriel sighed in relief as he removed the tape-recorder, switched it off and tucked into his coat.
As the distinguished guests and the superheroes continued to sit together, Gabriel thought that this would be the right moment to talk to Ladybug. She was the prime focus of his mission. He would record her voice, analyze it and use his power to see with whom it matched. The process would be long and bitter indeed but the results would be sweet. He would then be able to kill three birds with a stone, in just one day. First, he'd know who Ladybug is, and then hatch a plan to take her miraculous without her knowing. Secondly, he would then akumatized someone and Chat Noir would have to fight, without Ladybug around, taking Chat Noir's miraculous would be child's play, which was also one of the reasons as to why he didn't want to waste his time recording Chat Noir's voice. Thirdly, he'd combine them together and attain ultimate power and finally fulfill his goal. He already had almost all the miraculouses, which made this plan perfect, only if he could get to analyze her voice, that is.
Chat Noir got up from his seat and went to Ladybug but she paid no heed to him.
"M'Lady, I wanted to say..." Chat Noir said as he was cut off by none other than Gabriel Agreste. He looked at his father.
Gabriel Agreste greeted them he hand went inside the coat to switch on the tape-recorder.
Ladybug silently greeted back as Chat Noir sighed as he went back to where he was seated before. Gabriel Agreste could have sworn he sensed negative emotions arising from Chat Noir, but now was not the time. He was finally getting to the steps to identifying who Ladybug was.
"It has been a long time since we met, if I recollect it was when I was akumatized and you saved me," Gabriel said.
"Yes indeed," said Ladybug.
Chat Noir kept looking at Ladybug, he really had to speak with her.
"Good evening, Ladybug," Audrey approached her.
Gabriel Agreste sighed in defeat once again realizing he really couldn't do anything about the interruption especially when it was coming from Audrey. He had only managed to get two words out of Ladybug's mouth. He nevertheless decided to keep the tape-recorder on and record her voice as the other guests spoke to her. There was no luck with Audrey, for she went on talking about her importance and the long list of people she had fired. Ladybug listened with the least interest but pretended to listen attentively, so as to not offend the fashion critic. After she left, Gabriel decided to talk to her but just then Johana Pierce and Louis Raymond approached her. In the background, Queen Bee was still talking to the media, along with Zoé who was apparently trying her best to tolerate her sister. While Audrey, Wickmayer, Yuri, and Célia were engaged in a professional conversation with the Mayor. Chat Noir sat alone, looking at Ladybug who was now standing on the platform's side.
The arrival of Johana Pierce and Louis Raymond made Gabriel feel a bit frustrated. Johana told Ladybug about her visits overseas and Ladybug nonchalantly shook her head. Raymond, on the other hand, went into a detailed description of how a heroes' work differs from crime.
"A superheroes' work, unlike a detective's work, is more straightforward. I have written several novels which are the best-selling books in Paris. You ought to take a look at them Ladybug," he said as the superheroine smiled in response.
The frustration inside Gabriel Agreste was starting to reach its breaking point as Ladybug wasn't really having a conversation and was merely just agreeing. Raymond's talk was becoming monotonous with every second and Gabriel exhaled his anger out a great deal.
After Johana and Raymond left, Célia arrived and began to fill Ladybug's ears about the numerous awards she had received.
"If you ever want to join the film industry, you should consult me, and if you want to make even a cameo appearance, you should do it for my films," Célia continued.
Gabriel Agreste shook his head. No one noticed the anger that was building up inside him.
"You know Ladybug, Johana over there," said Célia pointing to her as she continued, "Wanted to be an actress, but do you think she has the looks and the grace that I possess ?" Ladybug listened on as she felt drowsy from the nonsensical conversation.
"Well Ladybug, what do think about the cameo appearance offer? Will you? We can even do an autograph session together," Célia enquired as she headed for the washroom.
"I will," Ladybug replied softly as she made a mental note to herself that she definitely wasn't planning to anything related to the film industry.
"Ladybug," Gabriel Agreste tried catching her attention as the anger inside him started to disappear.
"Say, what profession would you be interested in ?" Gabriel questioned, thinking that this would be a good way to start a conversation with Ladybug. Though Ladybug idolized Gabriel Agreste, she was too tired to speak even a sentence to him. She was about to give a reply to him when Wickmayer approached her.
"Ladybug, it's a pleasure to meet you, especially considering the fact that we both save lives, me as a general surgeon and you as a superhero," Wickmayer said.
"Not again", Gabriel muttered, switching off the tape-recorder as he continued to stand next to Wickmayer and Ladybug.
"The pleasure's all mine", Ladybug responded to Wickmayer. Wickmayer went on talking about his career and Ladybug decided to pay attention to him for once. He seemed like a humble man. He talked about his work in the pharmaceutical industry before he became a surgeon. He was about to ask Ladybug something when Queen Bee came pouncing on her.
"Ladybug, Ladybug, some fans outside want an autograph, I wanted to go alone but they were demanding that you come along, so I guess I have no choice but to go together," said Queen Bee.
Not that nutcase again! Gabriel Agreste thought as he started to get impatient and yet was struggling as to not vent out any of his emotions.
"I am feeling a bit tired, why don't you go ahead and give your autograph, tell them I'll come later", Ladybug forced a smile.
"That means I get all the attention to myself till then", Queen Bee said as she rushed outside the Le Grand Hotel and started signing autographs.
Wickmayer took his leave and Chat Noir who had been standing and looking at Ladybug from afar now approached her.
"M'Lady, I need to talk to..." but he was cut off by Yuri Martin.
"Ladybug, the beautiful savior of Paris, it's a pleasure to finally meet you in person," Yuri said.
Gabriel Agreste rolled his eyes as he wondered how long he was going to get delayed.
"Thanks," Ladybug thanked Yuri.
"You must have heard about some rehabilitation organisations," Yuri said.
"I have," Ladybug said.
Luckily for Gabriel, Yuri spoke a little and went off to join Audrey for a drink. Everyone had met Ladybug, now this was his chance. Just before he could say even a word, Chat Noir grabbed Ladybug's wrist.
"M'Lady, we need to talk," Chat Noir was serious, "Sorry fa..I mean Mr. Agreste, but it's a bit urgent", said Chat Noir.
"No problem," Gabriel said as he backed away.
No problem? Gabriel wondered if all this waiting had fixed some patience in him.
Chat Noir and Ladybug went another end of the hall where there was no one around.
"What is it now?" Ladybug asked, annoyed.
"Please don't be angry with me, it pains me when you ignore me. I didn't mean what I said earlier, I really am sorry."
"Look Chat Noir, can we please talk about this later, I am feeling really tired."
"M'Lady I just wanted to sincerely apologize, I didn't mean to..." Chat Noir continued when Ladybug cut him off.
"Please leave me alone," she said as she walked back towards the platform.
Chat Noir stared at her, feeling dejected. If Ladybug was tired, he'd try and talk to her tomorrow. Staying silent for now was the best option to do.