Cinderella, you SHALL go to the ball

Bliss.

Absolute, pure bliss.

Those were the words Ada could use to describe how the next few weeks flew by.

Between stolen kisses at work and spending nights at one another's homes, it was fantastic. At the end of the first week together, Otto had even given her a spare key.

'You work overtime and tell me to go home but…if you'd like to spend the night with me, let yourself in. And you'll always be welcome.'

The first night she'd let herself in, he was actually cooking dinner for her. She'd been so touched; she'd taken him back to the bedroom first to make love. THEN they ate.

But Otto had also shown his wicked side.

Around the third week, he'd become bold and whilst they were riding up in the elevator, with a few other people in front of them, Otto had surprised her.

At first, he'd innocently tried to hold her hand but she gave him a teasing look and kept it away.

'Wait,' she had mouthed to him, secretly hoping he'd try again.

Apparently, he had other ideas and stealthily, controlled one of his tentacles to press against the back of her leg, slowly caressing it up and down.

Since she couldn't really move without drawing attention to herself, she could only mouth 'BEHAVE' as she blushed furiously.

He merely smirked, faced forward, and folded his arms as innocently as he could, as though to show he wasn't doing a thing.

The metal had moved over, smoothing over her hips, and her bottom before finally teasing at the bottom of her skirt.

Finally, when the last person left the elevator and the doors closed, she turned to him and gave him a gentle smack in the chest.

"Otto!" She chuckled, scandalised but very excited.

He had laughed back and drawn her closer.

"Couldn't help myself," he'd kissed her, keeping one tentacle around her, "couldn't possibly wait another five floors to do that."

'Bliss.'

X x One week later x X

"We have an important piece of mail today."

Ada looked up from her microscope and saw Otto standing in front of her desk, holding out a small, thick card.

She took it, wondering if it was a special offer on takeout, but alas, it was something she hadn't expected at all: an invitation.

"Norman Osborn cordially invites you to Oscorp's first charity ball! A Masquerade ball that will blah blah blah," she began to paraphrase as she went in between reading it out properly and mumbling here and there, "will be inviting the staff and blah blah blah to the impending end of term yada yada yada…oh, I see. Rich people dressing up and giving sums of their money to charity, which is nice, but then someone announcing a BIG donation to a new section of the building to help with apprenticeship. I'm guessing. I sort of hope it's a library."

Otto watched her as she put the invite down on the desk and then immediately went back to looking into her microscope.

"Yes, it will be rather tedious, but unfortunately, Norman told me I HAD to make an appearance as his 'star scientist'. Whatever that means."

"You know exactly what it means," she didn't look at him, but he observed how her lips curled into a grin as she teased him.

But Otto was curious. Why was she disinterested in the invite? Maybe she thought the invite was only for him?

"You're invited also. It's for all staff."

"I saw."

'Oh.'

He put his hands in his pockets and tried another angle.

"Would you like to attend as my…date?"

She pulled back then and looked at him with large, startled eyes.

"Oh. Like-"

"My…companion? Is that better for you or do you prefer-"

"Oh, it's not the wording," she tucked her hair behind her ear and almost seemed nervous, "it's just…well, I wasn't planning on going. At all."

"May I ask why?"

"Of course. I…don't really like parties," he knew that much to be true, "people pretending to be something they're not and all those uncomfortable conversations with strangers you don't know but have to pretend to like."

That last part didn't ring true to him, and he could see her looking at the invite, a little glimmer of longing in her eyes."

"Even if I DID want to go…I can't," she sighed and it was almost like she was trying to convince herself, "I hate to sound like every stereotypical woman in those silly romantic comedy movies written by a man but…I don't have anything to wear. All my dresses are conservative and hide my scars. Even my prom dress was a difficult find until I found a shawl that I pinned to my dress for the rest of the night. All quite cheap and I won't lie, a little dowdy. That's usually why I wear skirts and pants."

She looked back at him and could see the resolve in his eyes, as well as a little disappointment.

"But…if I did have the dress and shoes and," she waved her hand around her head and face, "everything…I would attend with you. In a heartbeat."

He smiled at her, nodded his head, and turned away.

"Very well. Let me know when you're done with your work, and we'll go over the next sheet."

He sounded happy enough, so Ada got back to work, occasionally looking at the sheet and feeling a small pull inside her chest. It's not that she wanted to go but…she would love to be with Otto. Out and having a good time, even at a large party such as this.

But she got back to her work and tried to concentrate, thinking it would be the last she heard of it.

Little did she know, the cogs in Otto's mind were already turning.

'But…if I did have the dress and shoes and everything…I would attend with you. In a heartbeat.'

That is what she had said and since she didn't necessarily decline his invitation…he supposed he'd have to help her get ready!

The next day…

Otto was a little frazzled but very lucky. Lucky, because not only had he managed to convince Norman to give him some time off so he could attend to tux shopping for the ball, but he'd successfully deceived Ada by telling her he had a doctor's appointment across town.

Frazzled because as he stood waiting outside for his secret collaborator, he kept seeing happy, squealing people go in and out of the store he was to visit, and began to fill him with a sense of dread. There were groups of young schoolgirls clutching prom dresses, women with their mothers squabbling over evening wear, and BFF's of all ages clutching both garment bags and steaming cups of something unpronounceable. And most would pass by Otto with looks of suspicion and fear.

Probably because he looked a little like a pervert, with his hat pulled low and his long, tailored trench coat. But he supposed it was better than letting his tentacles wave around and accidentally knock into a dress display.

"Doctor! Doctor Octavius!" A familiar face came through the crowd and Linda found a parting as she walked straight up to him, "Sorry if I'm late, the traffic was horrendous as always."

"It's no problem, really. Have you eaten or-"

"I did everything before I left," she gave him a friendly, sympathetic smile, "I think it's best we just get in and straight to the task at hand. Trust me, you don't want to be here for more than an hour."

"An hour?!" He sounded astonished and barely noticed as she laid a hand on his shoulder and guided him toward the doors.

He'd never been clothes shopping for more than ten minutes, even with Rosie, let alone an hour!

But this was absolutely necessary, and Linda's presence was required. Not only did she know her daughter's personal tastes, but her comforts and measurements. Otto was still learning stuff about her, and he didn't want to get anything wrong.

She had also been intrigued by his proposition to come clothes shopping.

"I've been told shopping with myself is excruciating. My husband stopped ten years ago, and my daughter wishes only to shop for books. At least I can get an honest analysis from an outside source."

If he thought the street outside was busy, he forgot about the hell that was on the ground floor of the women's clothing department. He was knocked and bustled and the only thing stopping him from turning around and running away was the face her hand was still on his shoulder.

"I can feel how tense you are, Doctor. Calm yourself, we're heading to formal wear first. Then it'll be shoes and make-up and we can leave."

'I knew I should have just ordered something online.'

X x An hour later x X

After thirty minutes of walking around, following Linda obediently, and picking everything out that matched and went together, Otto stepped outside of the doors and took in a deep breath.

"Well, that wasn't too bad."

He looked at Linda as though she had grown two heads and watched as she quickly anti-bacced her hands and sighed happily.

"I haven't been that successful in finding gifts for my daughter for a while. As with her current tastes, I'm sure she'll be happy with what we've picked out," she turned to him fully with a courteous smile, "and your input was necessary. Just remember to book someone to do her hair. I have a local stylist who can come out and help?"

Otto, almost ready to take her up on the offer, remembered an offhand comment Ada had made months ago about having very different tastes about her mother's style.

'Despite the science of it all, she's very much new styles of snazzy highlights. She thinks it makes her look younger.'

Linda did look very snazzy with her sharp, straight fringe, blonde and red highlights, and wavy hair, but he knew Ada wouldn't appreciate the look.

"No, it's fine, I have someone in mind who works with us," he lied, hoping she wouldn't push it, "I just want to say thank you, truly. I would have had no clue what to get her and that she needed shoes that matched but were comfortable. If there's anything I can do for you, please don't-"

"Actually," she raised her hand up to stop him and sighed, "whilst I hate interrupting people, there is something you can do. I would like you to listen."

She straightened her lapel, stepped closer, and looked up at him, her focus becoming stern.

"Before you go, I want you to know…that I'm aware of your feelings for my daughter."

Had Otto been able to open his mouth and tell a lie, he knew it would have been useless. His face dropped before he could stop it and he could only stutter.

"I-I-we-"

"Please, let me finish."

'Oh, God. Here we go.'

He prepared for the onslaught. The screaming. The inevitable 'how dare you!' and verbal berating.

'You're too old, she's too young for you!'

'You're a maniac taking advantage of a young girl.'

"My daughter was never truly herself in relationships and even away from her partners, she didn't seem happy. But the change in her demeanor ever since she met you…I say this with complete honesty: she has never been happier, nor has she ever been so in love."

Otto wasn't sure what was happening. Was he hallucinating and having a stroke?

"Truly, thank you. For taking care of her. I can see the respect you have for her and…despite my initial worries with…everything, you're a perfect gentleman who cares for her. It took a while for my husband to come around and I'm afraid you may still feel a little awkward around him, but…he truly loves her and sees her as his little girl."

"You've known all this time?" Was all he could ask.

"We're scientists, Doctor. It'd be hard not to see the signs. She's a smart, headstrong woman. Independent," she cocked her head at him, "were you expecting me to start screeching like some sort of wild banshee?"

"Honestly, yes," he wasn't ready to be relieved just yet, feeling she may turn at any second, "it would be perfectly understandable."

"I could waste my time and breath and scream at you, cause a scene, and stomp off to return to my house. But I played it over in my head. Regardless of my feelings on the situation, it is solely up to her whether or not she wants to see you. I just wanted you to know that we were aware and…well, we are tentatively accepting…everything," she waved her hands as if to emphasize the 'everything'.

Otto's mind was thinking a million things. Mostly if she was tricking him and how she was about to pull a weapon on him. But she appeared calm, and he believed her.

"Well…thank you," he choose his words carefully, "you have my word, I did not intend for this to happen when I first hired her, nor do I intend to hurt her in any way shape, or form. Truthfully, when we started to become friends, feelings did spark, but we both suppressed them in order to continue working together and once we realised we could not-"

"Let me guess, she made the first move?"

"No, we both did. But I tried to pull away and your daughter made me realise how…stupid I was being."

"That sounds like her. She's always got a fantastic argument for any situation, hasn't she?"

Linda's smile was smug, and Otto then remembered another conversation he'd had with Ada.

"You know, she was worried about how proud you were of her. I see now you are."

Linda's face dropped, her eyes widening in shock.

"We've always been proud of her!"

"But did you ever tell her?"

She paused and he could see the realisation that she had not. Maybe that would be a future conversation she could have with her daughter without him pushing it.

After the moment had passed, they both said their goodbyes and went their separate ways, Otto feeling surprisingly lighter despite the large bags he was carrying.

He supposed it was some sort of serendipity that he ran into two other people he knew.

"Doc," Peter smiled and waved at him, "how are you doing today?"

"Very well, Parker. And if I remember," he turned to the young man's companion and held out his hand, "this is Mary Jane? Hi, we met briefly last year."

"I remember," the sweet redhead took his hand and shook it eagerly, "you helped Peter out with his college work."

"I did nothing really; Parker has all the brains. He actually surprised me after everything I'd been told about him," he'd remembered the word 'lazy' being thrown around a lot, "once he focused on himself, he excelled beyond my expectations. Plus, I think having someone come and visit him every so often helped motivate him."

'MJ' (as Peter called her), had frequently popped by just before they finished work, usually to remind him that he had to go and eat something or take him back to his house since she got on so well with his aunt.

Peter had evidently noticed the shopping in Otto's hands and used his brains to ascertain he was also planning for something special.

"I take it you're also going to Oscorp's shindig?"

He was eyeing the bag and whilst he knew it couldn't be for Otto, he was a little curious. Who could Otto be taking?

"I will be in attendance and of course, you'll both be there?" He already knew the answer. Peter and Harry were best friends and he'd heard on the grapevine that MJ and Harry used to date, but now she was with Peter and it was all rather amicable. Parker would always speak of his friends and Otto was actually a little envious about it all. He'd never had such a close group of friends, Rosie being the one to get him out socially. Anyone

"We will. We had to come out today to grab a tuxedo. The one he had for our Prom was NOT suitable anymore," she laughed and he joined in.

"I know I've gained a little weight, but come on," Peter sounded mock-offended and it gave Otto an idea.

"You wouldn't happen to know someone who is good at hair and make-up, would you? I'm planning a surprise for my companion that night," Otto asked, only half-serious. Maybe Parker could recommend a friend of a friend, but he'd be willing to pay.

MJ actually turned to Peter with a curious expression, and he gave her a thoughtful look back, a silent communication passing between the two.

"Actually, Doc," he turned to Otto with a small smile, "I think we do."

There had been something in the way Otto had said 'companion' that Peter knew exactly who he was talking about. Although neither knew it, since he had been in Spiderman those days, he'd observed the way Otto and Ada had been together. It was perfectly obvious. The worry and affection in both their eyes. He felt the same when MJ first was attacked in front of him.

He didn't need 'Spider senses' to see that Otto and Ada were a couple.

"Doctor Octavius, I think we'd both be happy to help you out."

X x Two weeks later x X

As usual, Ada was working hard. One hand was scribbling notes on a pad of paper, whilst the other typed furiously on a computer, making sure her calculations were correct.

She had stopped thinking about what that night was over an hour ago, all thoughts of the ball pushed out of her mind when she'd come across data that had been extracted the year before from a terrorist group that had been infiltrated by the police and come across information regarding some of Norman's older research.

She barely even noticed when the door chimed and Otto came in, but he'd cleared his throat gently and got her attention.

"Oh, hi," she blinked at him a few times and registered his attire, "wow! You look very nice!"

Otto had gone with a traditional black ensemble, with a white shirt and black bowtie. Tailored, of course, to allow his claws to wave about.

"Nice?" He queried, teasing her as he held out his hands, "Is that all?"

"Ok, very handsome and elegant."

She smiled at him, though felt a pang in her heart that she wouldn't be joining him.

"Thank you. I feel a little over-dressed up here, but…well, I wanted your approval."

She stopped her work and walked to him, her eyes soaking in his appearance. He looked more than handsome, and she wondered if she could convince him to stay with her for an hour or so?

'No, that's not fair on him.'

"You have my full approval. You go down there and have a wonderful time. And bring me a glass of champagne at the end, if you can," she placed her hands on his colour, fussing over it although it was already perfect.

He took the opportunity to gently take her face in his hands and plant one, sweet kiss against her lips.

She shut her eyes and heard his claws moving about around them as usual but paid them no notice.

When they stopped, however, he had an odd look in his eye.

"I have a surprise for you. Turn around," he instructed, and she did as he said. At her desk, where her work had been laid out, was now a simple but large white box.

"How did-oh," she looked at the claws including her favourite one, tilting its head at her as if to say, 'Who me?'

"Sneaky."

She reached out, gently fingering the corners of the box and trying to guess its contents.

"You know it opens, right?"

"Shh, I'm guessing."

He chuckled and waited patiently as she finished touching it, lifting it, and peeking underneath for stamps or markings.

She finally opened the lid and put the top aside as she carefully pulled apart the soft white tissue paper inside.

There was a single, long-stemmed rose laying onto of a black garment and she sniffed it happily as she let the petals rest against her lips.

"Thank you," she felt his hands move over her hips and waist and decided not to keep him waiting much longer.

She grabbed the item and pulled it out carefully.

"Oh," she gasped as its full length fell down and she had to hold it up to see it properly. It was black and white, soft, and appeared to be off the shoulder and have one long slit in the legs of the skirt. It was matched with a long scarf, and she could tell, it was expensive.

"Otto," she turned, disbelieving that he'd got her something so thoughtful and…perfect.

"You didn't really think I'd leave you here all by yourself?" He could see her shock mixed with admiration at the dress and was glad he'd taken her mother with him to pick it out.

"But, how?"

"A magician never reveals his secrets. And I will be keeping mine because I know you'll have theories and later, I'd love to hear them."

Just then, the door to the elevator pinged and he checked his watch.

"Right on time."

"Who?"

She peered around him and arched a brow (which he rather enjoyed since it made him feel she'd been hanging out with him too much) as Parker and Mary Jane arrived.

They said their hello's, Peter looking very dapper in his suit and MJ looking glamorous in a glitzy, sequined pink gown.

"Ada, this is MJ, MJ, Ada," Otto introduced both and kept looking at Ada's face because (and he would never admit it to her), she was adorable when she looked confused.

"Hi, I've heard a lot about you," MJ held out her hand, a small paper bag dangling from her wrist that Ada noticed seemed a little weighty.

"Hi," she suddenly realised that MJ was Peter's MJ and smiled, "you're Mary Jane. Or do you prefer-"

"MJ, please. Come on," the redhead gently took her arm and gestured towards the other door, "we've got thirty minutes before it starts, and we need to get you ready."

Ada hesitantly went with her, feeling a little like she'd been tossed out in OZ after riding a tornado from Kansas.

"Why do I feel like Otto's not been at those doctor's appointments?" She looked over her shoulder at him, but he had turned and was talking to Peter.

'Cheeky bastard.'

A short while later…

"This is the final touch, I swear," MJ's voice said calmly, and Ada could only trust her as a brush glided gently across her closed lids.

After going to the bathroom with MJ, she had been surprised to find a small assortment of beauty gadgets pulled from the paper bag, along with make-up. Somehow, Otto had also snuck in a comfy plush chair, a pair of shoes, and two glasses next to a bottle of wine.
"How did he do this, I only used the bathroom a couple of hours ago?!"

"Never ask. Both Otto and Peter like to keep an air of mystery about them," MJ had sat her down and began the long, arduous process of getting her ready.

Luckily, as she did so, they got chatting and she revealed how, when she first started off acting in plays, she had to do her own hair and make-up and got VERY good at doing everything in less than twenty minutes. Doing it on another person was in fact a much easier task, especially since Ada sat perfectly still.

She was secretly pleased she'd remembered to wash her hair that morning and that her face was a 'good palette' for the make-up.

MJ only scooped her hair into a fashionable bun, with two long dangly bits at the front, which she quickly curled her tongs.

It was a more natural look than Ada had expected, but she was happy about it.

"There, all done."

Ada opened her eyes and looked into the mirror. The bronze eyeshadow complimented her features and went well with the plain, salmon-coloured lipstick she had on.

All in all, MJ did a great job.

"Heads up!"

She just had time to shut her eyes again as she was liberally spritzed with perfume. She blustered a bit as it tickled her nose but waited for the effect to leave before opening her eyes.

"Well, that was refreshing. I felt like a cat against a water bottle."

"Sorry, I nearly forgot to warn you," MJ straightened her back and looked at her watch, "right on time. Slip into those shoes and we'll be arriving with all the other fashionably late guests."

Ada stood up, slipping into the shoes, and smoothing down her dress.

"I'm really surprised he picked something like this. It's perfect," the off-the-shoulder and slit were on her unscarred side and if she wanted to be a bit more conservative, she could easily drape the scarf around herself. It'd be perfect for the cooler outdoors.

"Otto said that he didn't want you to feel uncomfortable but did want to make you feel beautiful. You don't have to hide your scars, but we can show off your other areas," MJ adjusted her own dress, admiring her own simple curves.

"I've never worn anything like this before."
"Really?" MJ looked genuinely surprised and smiled, "You need to wear it more. You look perfect. Drink before we go?"

The two girls had a quick toast and downed their drinks for courage. Ada had a feeling that after this, the two of them would be good friends.

"Quick check?" MJ looked her up and down and nodded, "You look amazing, so I did a great job."

"You did. Although, did Otto pick out the shoes?"

"He did."

"He did a great job," she sighed in relief, "the small heel is everything."

"Comfort before style. Ready?"

Ada took one long breath and nodded.

Both women left the room, MJ leading the way as Ada hid behind.

She wanted to make sure she had the maximum effect on Otto and see his face and she timed it perfectly as she stepped out from behind her new friend and Otto turned to face them.

His jaw dropped open and his eyes went wide in astonishment.

"We'll go on ahead and meet you downstairs," Parker had said as he and MJ slipped away, but they may have well as just left without saying anything.

Ada was looking at Otto, waiting for him to say something. She knew he approved but there was a look in his eyes that told her he wanted to say something more to her. Something more than just, 'you look nice.'

He slowly walked towards her, taking a few deep breaths before speaking.

"I am genuinely lost for words at how beautiful you look," he seemed to be struggling and wanted to say more, but Ada decided to help him relax and stepped close enough to push her body up against his own and pull his head close enough so she could whisper into his ear.

"Thank you," she placed a chaste kiss against his cheek, which he returned.

"I'm going to find it difficult to be professional tonight when you look like that," his hands already moved to her waist, but she quickly stepped back with a laugh.

"Behave, we have no time for that."

She made to move towards the door, but he stilled her by keeping her in his arms.

"One more thing."

"You didn't have to buy me anything else."

"I did," with great reluctance, he let her go and reached into his pocket. He pulled out a long, silver chain, and in the middle, sat a small teardrop pearl. Her hand came up and gently held the precious gem between her fingers.

"Otto this is…it's beautiful."

"They say it is that mother of Pearl offers soothing protection."

'And love,' the woman at the jewelry store had told him, but he stopped himself short. He didn't know if she was ready to hear those words. It might frighten her. Or…well, he'll just wait and see.