Big chapter today! Thank you to my beta, Khanofallorcs for going through it all!


Chapter Forty-One

"Why does cheesecake take forever to make?" Plagg asked, staring down from the top of the fridge at Marinette.

"Why are you questioning it when you already know it isn't a quick recipe?" Marinette replied, raising an eyebrow as she mixed several ingredients together. "Besides, you should enjoy being out– Mom and Papa will be down in the bakery for a while longer, just enough time to get this into the oven."

"I swear, this takes longer than aging cheese," Plagg said, stretching out. He was wearing the same small toy apron as last time they had set out to make a cheesecake, and didn't seem to mind the cloth, and Marinette wondered if he would wear anything else if she were to make him some clothes.

"Do you want this camembert cheesecake or not?"

Plagg grinned. "You're just doing this to make me be your teacher."

"No, I am doing this because you said you wanted some," Marinette said, pointing her spoon at him. "And you're going to be my teacher because now is a good time and Master Fu's letter said you needed to teach me about the kwamis in the upper box."

"Meh, it's not like you're going to have another kwami besides me, so what's the point?"

"The point is that I get to know about the kwamis we're going to be taking care of one day," Marinette replied. "And that I know their powers in case I need to go get help in a fight. Look at Crimson– he brought the Fox because that was really the only other Miraculous we knew anything about at the time."

"Cool."

"...Or I can trash this and make a passionfruit cake for Crim instead," Marinette said– and suddenly Plagg was zipping right in front of her.

"Kwami lesson 101!" Plagg declared, paw on his apron. "You wanna know about the upper box, I can tell you all about it and the kwamis inside– we've all been apart of the same Miracle Box since we kwamis came to this stupid planet! Where should we start?"

Marinette smiled, pulling the recipe towards her, quickly glancing over it to make sure she was on the right step. "How about you explain what the 'upper box' is and how it differs from the Miracle Box?"

"The upper box refers to the seven Miraculouses that reside in the top section of the Miracle Box," Plagg replied. "The lower box is the twelve Miraculouses in the drawers below that. Inside the box there ain't any divide of any kind– the only difference is that we were once two separate Miracle Boxes."

"Really?"

"Yeah, when the Order started snatching us all up they merged a few boxes and even created another one," Plagg said, flicking his tail. "Originally, there were ten kwamis in the Cycle Box– that's what the upper box was called back then– though the Elk, Frog, and Qilin were moved to the Climate Box, and the rest of the Cycle Box was merged with the Chinese Box to create the Mother Box– where we currently are. Anyways, back to the upper box and the seven kwamis within: you got me, Sugar Cube–"

"Who?"

"Tikki. Ladybug kwami, you already know that, now pay attention– then there's Trixx, Wayzz, Pollen, Duusu, and Nooroo," Plagg said. "Of course me, Sugar Cube, and Trixx already have full time holders; then Duusu and Nooroo are missing– leaving just Pollen and Wayzz still in the box. And you already know plenty about me and Tikki and our powers, so we should just move along–

"But Master said that we need to learn about everyone–"

"So what? You need to know about the Miraculouses to use them. You already know everything you need to know about mine, and you're not using Tikki's. So we move on to the rest of the upper Miracle Box," Plagg said, flying in front of her, taking the spoon from her hands to start mixing the batter together. "So it's time to move onto the most important thing to know about kwamis: their palate."

"Plagg..."

"Obviously, mine is the best and the most refined, and Tikki just wants loads of sugar, preferably something baked. Really, the only kwami who comes close to having any refinement would be Nooroo– he has a love for red wines, and like good cheese he likes them well-aged. If Monarch isn't giving him any she just became far worse than she was before and I will personally Cataclysm her."

Marinette said nothing, not wanting to think about what the kwami could be going through.

"Next in line would probably be Wayzz– he likes tea, which is just meh in my opinion, but it's not horrible. Everyone else, though, is just like Tikki and wants pure sugar– Duusu goes crazy for chocolate, Pollen likes honey, and Trixx could eat berries all day. Oh, wait, I haven't even told you who Pollen is, have I? Well she's the Bee kwami, a polite little thing, and she embodies Subjection. Everyone else you have already have at least heard about; just as a refresher, Turtle is Protection, Fox Deception, Peacock Psyche, and finally Butterfly is Generosity. Got it?"

"Yes?" Marinette said, trying to keep track of everything suddenly being thrown at her, and she was thankful that she had been told about most of them before.

"Now I'm sure the old Guardian wants you to learn all the transformation phrases and their powers and what they do, but I'll talk about it later. So anyways, Trixx? Easily the funnest kwami in the upper box. I mean I'd kill for everyone, but Trixx? He just gets me, you know? Not so stiff and formal. Duusu knew to have fun as well, they were the life of the party, as you humans like to say..."


"It's been absolutely horrible, Adrikins– a living nightmare," Chloe said as she worked on applying a top coat to his nails.

"I mean, you barged into her room and started going through her things," Adrien said.

"Well technically it's my spare room– she's just staying in it," Chloe replied.

Adrien sighed. "Yeah, but you still went through her stuff. How would you react if she did that to you?"

"Well, that's not everything," Chloe said stiffly, ignoring his good, but annoying, question. "Did you know Daddy has told me to let her come to the dance tonight? I mean, she doesn't even go to our school, but he thought it would be good for her to be around people our age, but she isn't going to be here for that long!"

"You are literally hosting the dance in the hotel ballroom, it's not going to be the end of the world," Adrien shifted as she grabbed his other hand, and he held out his first one so it wouldn't get smudged. "I mean, what's the worst that will happen? She makes some friends she can hang out with while she stays here? Is that truly horrible?"

"Adrikins, you're a genius!" Chloe cried, sitting straight up. "Of course, I mean she was talking to Dupain-Cheng earlier this week... but I mean she doesn't need to make friends with our class– our school is big enough. Just a little shove and she can have something better to do than hover around the hotel all day."

Adrien let out another sigh, though she didn't know why, because his plan was brilliant. If Zoe had people like her to hang around, then there would be no reason for Andre to keep trying to make them be in the same room. The rest of her mother's visit here could be freedom, save for the occasional hallway encounter and the Gabriel show, but other than that she would finally be free!

"Chloe, that's not what I meant–"

"Oh whatever, I know," Chloe said dismissively. "You're just too soft sometimes, I mean look at you and that awful cousin of yours. If you were just a bit more–"

"Just because you and Felix don't get along doesn't mean he's like that with everyone," Adrien said, looking up at her. "He's a bit like you are when you're just around me and Sabrina. Very different from what everyone else sees."

"Don't compare me with that horrible awful disgusting Felix–"

"You're only saying that because you didn't like what he said about your hair once."

"He said that I dyed it, Adrikins! He called my hair fake, said it was 'too blonde' when the two of you run around with what's basically natural platinum blond hair and no one questions that, but heaven forbid–"

"We were eight, Chloe."

"Never forgive, Adrien, and never forget!" Chloe insisted, looking closely over his nails one last time to make sure there was no mistake. "Okay, now put them under the light, and don't move them about while they're in there. It's perfectly clean and I don't need polish smeared all over it."

"Yes ma'am," Adrien said with a dry smile as he did so, and she glowered at him in reply.

"Now, how long are you going to be able to stay?" Chloe asked, ignoring his comment. "Because you should stay until the dance, but I know that–"

"I have a fitting for the show this afternoon," Adrien said. "And who knows how long that will take– though Father promised it wouldn't interfere with this evening at all. And I'll have to get ready, and then pick up Luka too, but I should be there after that. Probably not long before it officially starts."

"Mmm," Chloe acknowledged as she pulled his hands out from under the LED light, tapping the top of his nail– which was now completely dry. "I suppose he wasn't the worst choice. I mean, if I had to choose a boy, I guess he looks alright... But he lives on the Seine, Adrien, it's filthy there!"

"I guess your father should be trying to do more to clean it up, then," Adrien said.

"Now you're sounding like Haprele," Chloe replied, giving him a small shove away. "So shoo, go and do all your stupid modeling things. I'll just stay here, all alone."

"I'm sure you'll survive."

"You're cruel, Adrien Agreste!" Chloe called after him as he rose to his feet.

"Thank you for doing my nails."

"You're abandoning your oldest friend!"

"You should go into acting, you'd be brilliant."

It was meant to be a friendly tease, but Chloe couldn't help but go quiet at it. Adrien was already being rushed out the door, however, his bodyguard had been waiting right outside for him– ready to whisk him away as soon as the opportunity presented itself. She managed to smile and wave as he gave his goodbyes, though that quickly turned to a scowl as soon as he was gone.

Acting… what Zoe wanted to do. Why did everything have to come back to her sister?

Chloe went to gather up everything she had used to do Adrien's nails, wishing that he was still here. His schedule had not been as overly packed as it had once been, but with his father's show on the horizon that had changed once more. Especially since he was making room for others in his freetime now (which was annoying, though she was happy for him, she supposed. He was the type that tended to do better with a dozen people to call friends, though she didn't get it). Unfortunately she had other things she had to do, however, and excuses wouldn't last her all day.

So she headed out into the hall and tried to get into Zoe's suite, which was locked. So she took out her keycard and let herself in, waltzing through the main room to find a very annoyed-looking Zoe immediately coming from the bedroom– having probably heard her come in.

"Haven't you heard of knocking?"

"And chip my nails?" Chloe asked, rolling her eyes. "I just got them done, you know. Now, anyways, I don't want to spend too long in here, so let's just get this over with, alright? My school is having a little dance tonight, and you're going."

"What?"

"Daddy said to 'invite' you, so that's what I'm doing," Chloe said, pushing past her and into the bedroom. "Now let's get you something to wear, because I'm not going to let you embarrass me."

"How about I don't go and you just tell your dad I did," Zoe said, following after her.

Chloe pushed open the closet door and looked at the pathetic collection of clothes in front of her. Granted, Zoe was just visiting and this was a whole walk-in closet– but there was barely anything in here aside from casual wear! There was the garment bag with that beautiful dress Chloe had seen on Zoe's first day here, and pulled it out with a frown.

"Yeah, Daddy would not let me do that. Why don't you tell him you don't want to go and save us both the misery of all this. I mean, is this really the only dress you brought?"

"Careful with that!" Zoe lunged forward, yet didn't yank it from her hands like she expected– and so Chloe pressed it into her outstretched hands. "I need that for the Gabriel show, I'm not supposed to touch it until then."

"Well, you most certainly can't wear it to two events in a row," Chloe snorted. "So either we need to get you another dress as soon as possible, or, you know– you go tell Daddy you don't want to go."

Zoe stared at her, clutching the dress, before going to put it back in the closet. "...You're kidding, right?"

"Well if he knew you truly didn't want to go, that would save us both some time, and I know he won't listen to me if I'm the one to say it," Chloe said, looking over Zoe's outfits again. There were the dress pants she had worn her first day here, and those would be passable– except for the fact she couldn't wear the same outfit to two public events in a row!

"What makes you think he'd listen to me?" Zoe whispered, sounding almost panicked, and Chloe frowned at her.

"Um, why on earth wouldn't he?" Chloe snorted. "Daddy's been obsessed with making sure everything is picture perfect for you. It's been a bit annoying, actually."

"Exactly," Zoe said, pulling a shirt Chloe had selected out of her hands, hanging it back up. "This all needs to be perfect, so if he wants us to go to this dance and look like we're getting along, then we're just going to have to do it, okay? I don't like it any more than you do, but I don't exactly get a choice in all this."

"What on earth are you talking about?" Chloe stared at her, and Zoe just stared back with the same expression. "You think Daddy cares if you show up to the school dance or not? He's being all soft and wants you to make some friends."

"No, he doesn't," Zoe muttered, and Chloe let out a laugh. "Stop that– you know this is just all a publicity stunt, right– no way you're that stupid."

"What did you just call me?" Chloe snapped. "The only reason I'm trying to help you is because Daddy wants me to! I could honestly not care less about what's going to happen, but Daddy's the one that wants you to feel happy and welcome and that's the only reason why I'm going to let you near my classmates because he's already been hurt enough by you existing!"

Zoe flinched.

Chloe bit down hard on her lip as something gnawed at her mind, a voice that sounded suspiciously like Kagami as she stood there watching this sister of hers. Zoe closed her eyes, but that didn't stop the tears from forming, which was rapidly making Chloe more and more uncomfortable– which was annoying.

"Look," Zoe finally spoke in a hoarse voice. "You don't want me here, Mother doesn't want me here, and your dad doesn't want me here– I get it. I don't want to be here, either. I was just fine with the fashion world not knowing of my existence– but I don't get a choice in this– okay?"

"Daddy not wanting you here? Um, have you been listening to a word he's been saying?"

"This is a publicity stunt, Chloe," Zoe whispered, taking a step towards her. "You realize this is just an act from both of them, right? We're supposed to be playing the part of a happy family with nothing wrong, and once this is all over I'll be going straight back to New York like this never happened."

"Well, yeah, of course Mother is acting, not doing a very good job about it if you ask me–"

"Look, some rival of Aud– of Mother's back in New York found out that I existed, okay?" Zoe said, pulling her further into the closet. "They were happily ready to try to use that to ruin Mother's nice 'perfect happy family' image and so she brought me here before that could happen. Your dad? He's just playing a role, acting like everything's okay. I'm not here to take that from you or whatever you're thinking– but once this is done you can have them both back and you'll never hear from me again!"

"Have them back?" Chloe snapped. "Mother's never here in Paris! Even when she has the time she's off with you in your little city of dreams and maybe you get to frolic around but people pay more attention to what the mayor and his daughter are doing than some woman and their magazine!"

"With me?" Zoe muttered, and a slight scowl formed on her face. "Is– is that what you think? Meeting Mother at the airport was the first time I saw her in person in three whole years!"

Chloe blinked. "What?"

"I– I don't see her, if that's what you think– I– I wasn't supposed to exist, and that's why she pretends I don't, okay? Maybe she is in New York all the time, but that doesn't mean I see her! And at least you got to have her acknowledge you your entire life, rather than be some scandal she has to bury!"

Chloe stared at Zoe for a moment, taking this in. Zoe's breathing was ragged, and Chloe's frown deepened slightly as she shifted. "Yeah– that does sound like Mom, honestly– but 'acknowledge' is the best I give her. Daddy, though? If you think he's pretending in any of this, you're blind."

"You said it yourself," Zoe snapped. "Just me existing is too much."

Chloe shifted uncomfortably at this, but simply held her head up. "Just because I said that doesn't mean that's what he thinks, I'm not a mind reader."

Zoe sighed. "Look, I think we can all agree that none of us want this, so can we just… just get through this? Please? I just want to go home."

"I'd like to agree to get this all over with, I really would," Chloe said, pulling out her phone. "But unfortunately for you I'm not going to stand by and let you think poorly of my father after everything he's been putting himself through for you. He wants you to be happy– and you don't get to deny that!"

"What are you doing?" Zoe hissed, her eyes widening as Chloe set her phone on speaker. "Who are you calling–?"

"Shh," Chloe hushed her, and thankfully she went silent as her father picked up.

"Yes, Chloe dear?" Andre asked, his voice echoing through the closet, and Zoe stared at the phone like it was about to burst into flames.

"It's horrible, Daddy, absolutely horrible!" Chloe said. "I can't just handle this, how can you put all this on me?"

Andre let out a sigh. "This better not be about the dance, Chloe."

"And what if it is? What then? Throwing this on me at the last possible minute–"

"Chloe, that is enough," Andre snapped, his tone even surprising Chloe. "I didn't expect this to be easy for you, or for anyone– but that is no excuse to act like this."

"Well–"

"Chloe, the only thing I have wanted of you is to be kind to Zoe, has that been too much to ask?" Andre asked in a low tone. "She's in a new place, a new country, and I can't even imagine how difficult this has been for her. I just hoped that at the very least she could feel welcomed, but between you and your mother…" he broke off for a moment. "I'm disappointed in you, Chloe."

Chloe took in a sharp breath, because this wasn't quite what she had in mind when she had called him up. Her eyes slid to Zoe, who was still staring at the phone, her eyes slightly wide as she stood perfectly still.

"You sound like Adrikins," she finally settled for, because she couldn't falter with an audience. "Whatever, I'll have her come to the dance. At least I was going to– but she has absolutely nothing to wear! Mother only gave her a dress to wear to the show, and you can't expect her to wear the same thing twice! I will not let that happen!"

"Then why don't the two of you go on a quick shopping trip? Find something she would like for the evening. Maybe a few other things for her time here?"

"We'd probably have to do the extra shopping another day," Chloe replied. "I still have to get ready for the dance myself. Can you tell Jean to have the limo ready? I don't have time to waste and I need to drag her out there."

"Of course, Chloe dear," Andre said. "And don't... don't 'drag' her off on this trip. Just try to be with her, alright? Let her pick out some things? She just needs someone, and I know you could do such a good job."

"Fine, I will," Chloe said– before ending the call without a goodbye. She looked at Zoe with a dry, triumphant smile as she tucked her phone away. "What did I tell you? None of this is an act– everything he's done has been sincere, and I better not hear you slander Daddy again. Anyways, grab your things, you heard him– we're going shopping."

"I– I don't have–"

"Well, whatever you don't have you will have soon," Chloe said.

"I don't have the money for this!" Zoe snapped.

"Then we'll use my dad's– and don't be like Sabrina saying you can't accept it, I'm tired of hearing things like that. I can afford it, so I can pay. Besides, he's the one that wanted me to take you in the first place, meaning he's fine with it, so there." She was digging through her purse. "Now this dance is supposed to be like an American prom, that's the whole theme. So no being awkward or anything, you should fit right in and all that. We like, even got those red cups for the dance."

"Red cups?" Zoe asked.

"The plastic ones, like in the movies," Chloe said looking up at her, and she saw a small smile on her face. "What?"

"Nothing," Zoe said quickly, but it was clear she was stifling a laugh.

Chloe rolled her eyes, she'd be more in her element once they were actually shopping. "Whatever."


"You look... red."

Marinette rolled her eyes. "Thank you, Plagg, I did not notice that."

"But you are red," he protested, waving a hand towards her dress.

The dress was indeed mostly made from a deep crimson fabric, highlighted with silky black trim. The dress fell just past her knees, a black sash tied around her waist. Marinette swore she kept finding flaws in her dress– a stitch that wasn't straight, the material not laying quite right, though everyone insisted it looked amazing– or in Plagg's case, that it was red.

"I don't know," she said quietly.

"Waddya mean you don't know?" Plagg said with a huff. "It's red– you made it red on purpose. You're not taking my purse with you because you wanted to use that matching red one!"

"I don't know if I'm ready for this," Marinette said.

"You already went on a date with fencing-girl," Plagg said. "Why will this be any different? You're literally going to the same hotel as well, and you should order me some more food from there because it was delicious."

"A dance with everyone watching is different than just eating out," Marinette said.

Plagg let out a groan. "Oh, come on– fencing-girl is, like, one of the most tolerable people you know! If I were to make a list, she'd definitely be near the top, you know. Ooo, that's actually not a bad idea."

With that he zipped off, grabbing paper and a pencil that had been sharpened to a small stub, stuffing them into the small silky coin purse she was wearing for the evening. "...You're not really going to make a list."

"Yes I am!" Plagg said, shoving the things in. "You're not letting me bring any smelly cheese or dirty socks this evening, so I'm choosing to bring this instead!"

"I am not putting dirty socks in my bag..." she muttered, before shaking her head. "Okay, whatever, that's fine, I don't want you to get bored."

"If I was bored I'd just sleep," Plagg said dismissively. "At least I can do that when you're with fencing-girl– when liar-girl was here doing your hair I had to keep an eye on her and listen to her horrible voice the whole time!"

"Plagg..."

"I mean, look at your hair!" Plagg said, picking up a curl. "You never wear it like this!"

"Tonight is a special occasion," she said quickly, carefully straightening her hair so it fell over her shoulders. "Um, go see if there's anything else you want for tonight. Remember, there's not as much room as in your usual bag."

Plagg zipped off to do just that– coming back with his ipod touch, a clean sock, and several sticks of string cheese, something she had especially picked out for this evening since she didn't have her normal bag which had the small pocket designed to keep his cheese from smelling up all her things. The two of them stared at each other as he put the sock into her bag, each silently telling the other no– because how on earth would she explain a single sock in a purse! In the end she let Plagg bring it, though, because it was better than one of her used ones she had found him sleeping in before (she did not get it at all.)

"Marinette!" Her mother called up the stairs. "Kagami is here!"

"Coming!" Marinette called, quickly stuffing Plagg and his sock into her purse, and looking in the mirror one last time. Everything looked perfectly fine, hair and makeup just how Lila had done it earlier, but still she adjusted her hair and dress one last time, before hurrying towards the trapdoor.

The steps to downstairs felt longer than ever, and she had a heavy feeling in her stomach as she went. Every doubt that had crossed her mind from before seemed to be at the forefront now, and she hated it. Small things that Lila had said that probably weren't meant to mean much now seemed to set her nerves on edge, and she wasn't even sure what she was supposed to say once she was down there.

But as she made those last few steps, her parents and Kagami coming into view, that all seemed to vanish. Her parents were smiling warmly as they talked with Kagami, who looked as composed as ever. She paused on the last few steps, watching them for a moment– and her dad gave her a grin and a wave, turning everyone's attention towards her.

"Hello, Marinette," Kagami said with a smile, and once more Marinette felt nervous– but with none of the heaviness from before; rather, it felt like butterflies were fluttering in her stomach.

"Whoa," Marinette said softly. "You look beautiful."

Kagami was wearing a light blue dress– a color she normally didn't see her wearing. It was slim and sleek, the skirt going all the way down to the floor. She wore a headband of the same color, decorated with floral patterns. In her hand was a flower, which was pinned to a wrist corsage, holding it out to Marinette as she came down the last few steps.

"O-oh," Marinette said, reaching out to take it, looking down at the perfect red rose.

"You do not have to wear it if you do not wish to–" Kagami began, and Marinette slipped it on her wrist.

"You need to give me more than one second to process things," she said, smiling. "Thank you. I... I'm sorry I don't have anything to give to you."

Her stomach tightened, and she felt stupid for not doing so. Wasn't that standard to do for your date to a dance? She hadn't even thought about getting a flower, nor even a box of pastries. She traced the petals with a finger, the heavy feeling returning again, but Kagami simply took the hand with the corsage.

"While I do enjoy competition, this is far from being one," Kagami replied, smiling– and Marinette felt herself going red. She was even more unprepared for this date than she realized, not even knowing how to reply.

The sound of a camera filled the room, and Marinette's blushed deepened as she turned and saw her father holding up his phone, taking a picture of them. "P-papa!"

"I need to remember the moment," Tom replied with a grin, taking some more.

"Make him stop, Mom!" She protested.

"I think he's right, don't want to forget tonight," Sabine said with a grin, which softened to a smile as she stepped forward. "You two girls be careful, okay? Have fun and don't be out too late."

"We won't, Mom," Marinette said swiftly, stepping towards the door. "Heh, speaking of late we don't want to be late for the dance..."

"Don't worry, Mme. Cheng, we will be back by a reasonable hour," Kagami said, stepping forward. "My mother will also be expecting me home, and we won't lose track of time."

Kagami offered her arm to Marinette, who placed hers on top of it after a moment. Her parents guided the two of them to the door, saying their goodbyes– and her father snapped a few more pictures of them as they turned to wave, the last few of the photos most certainly featuring her glowering at him.

Deep down, she didn't mind, though, and she knew that Tom knew that as well.

"Your hair looks beautiful like that," Kagami said as the door closed behind them. "I don't think I have ever seen it down, actually."

Marinette touched her hair, which had been curled by Lila. It was a style she didn't wear often, she preferred to keep her hair up– pigtails, ponytails, buns. Even as Lady Noire it was always tied back in a braid.

"Thank you," she said as Kagami glanced at her, realizing that she had been silent.

"Is everything okay?" She asked as they walked up to a bright red car parked on the corner.

"Just nervous," Marinette said with a smile. "I don't know why, really."

"Don't worry, I feel the same– and it is not often I feel such," Kagami replied. "Tatsu, please open the doors."

The doors automatically slid open, revealing the interior of the car. Even the entire inside was decorated in red, which made the car feel slightly off with all the bright colors. This wasn't her first time in it, however, and so she wasn't surprised to find that no one was behind the wheel as she and Kagami settled into the back seat.

"Take us to Le Grand Paris Hotel," Kagami told Tatsu, who seamlessly pulled into the traffic. It was hypnotic to watch the wheel slowly turn on its own as they drove along, everything moving like there was a ghost in the driver's seat.

"The technology Mother has in Tatsu isn't even on the market yet," Kagami said as she watched Marinette stare at the wheel. "It is all state of the art and has the best safety features– Mother wouldn't accept less. You have nothing to worry about."

"Just seems like something from a movie," Marinette replied. "I mean, I can't even imagine what it would be like to program something like that, and put it all together. It just all goes over my head."

Kagami shrugs. "It does with mine as well. My father is the one on the production side of the company, my mother handles all the business part of things. I have never really been brought in on either side of things, my mother has wanted me to prioritize my fencing and education."

"In that order?" Marinette asked with a smile.

"Honestly, it does feel that way," Kagami said with a small smile of her own. "I don't mind, though, I have always enjoyed fencing."

Marinette nodded, but they both knew Kagami's enjoyment wasn't the source of her mother's pressing for the sport. She had seen all of Kagami's drawings, and her love for art– but it was not encouraged at home. Kagami's time in the art room was a secret from her mom, and her chance to fully embrace her interests that weren't allowed at home.

They soon arrived at Le Grand Paris Hotel, which was always an impressive place, but clearly Chloe had made sure everything was perfect with her school coming. Lights pointed upwards at the building, setting it aglow, decorations streamed about at the front entrance. Tatsu pulled to a stop near the front, the doors sliding open so they could slip out– before driving off into the streets once more.

Kagami offered her arm once more like she had at the bakery, and this time Marinette didn't let herself hesitate as she placed her arm on top of hers. It felt formal as they made their way towards the hotel, but not in a bad way. She felt fancy, important, and she felt those butterflies in her stomach once more. A smile was spreading over her face, waving to familiar faces as they passed them.

"Marinette!" A voice called, and she turned her head to see Lila making her way forward as they passed through the doors. "There you are, I was a bit worried that you were running late. I was wondering if I should have stayed at your house and just arrived with you two."

Lila beamed, pulling up alongside Marinette and Kagami as they made their way towards the hotel's ballroom. At her side she could feel Kagami tense for the smallest moment, probably not used to Lila's surge of energy. "Hello, Lila Rossi."

"Kagami!" Lila beamed like they were old friends– and Marinette hoped that perhaps they could get that way. They hadn't had many opportunities to spend time together, save for when Reverser attacked– and akumas weren't exactly normal bonding experiences. "It's so good to see you, Marinette's been telling me about you and the dates you've been on. She just can't stop gushing about you, you know."

"I am glad you found our date enjoyable," Kagami said to Marinette, not directly replying to Lila. "I hope that tonight will be the same."

"Tonight will be awesome," Marinette said, squeezing Kagami's hand and laying a hand on Lila's shoulder. "I mean, the hardest part was getting ready, wasn't it? Rest of the night is ours."

"Well, if you ask me, I really enjoyed helping you get ready. I mean, just look at you, Mari! You look so gorgeous, your hair, your makeup, your dress, but seeing it all tied together– it's perfect."

"Well, personally I hope to enjoy this evening," Kagami said. "What would you like to do first, Marinette?"

"Maybe we should go get something to eat," Lila said, grabbing Marinette's arm. "I saw the selection they had earlier– and they look so delicious."

"Interesting, though I do believe I was asking Marinette and not you."

Lila's face fell. "You don't have to be rude about it."

"No no no, Kagami didn't mean it that way," Marinette said quickly.

"Yes, I did."

"Why don't we go grab some food," Marinette said. "Get it before they run out of anything, you know?"

She pulled the both of them forward, heart pounding slightly. This was what she was worried about happening– Kagami was very straightforward and matter of fact, while Lila was very up close and personal. She knew that the two of them could be good friends, they were both good people, but misunderstandings were the one thing that could stand in their way.

Marinette felt a wave of relief wash over her as she saw familiar faces up at the serving tables– Alya and Nino standing in line to get food as well. Their backs were towards them, but a slightly bigger group would be just the thing to get some space between Lila and Kagami.

"Oh my gosh, you know what you two should do?" Lila said, suddenly stopping– forcing all of them to come to a halt, and she stepped in front of them. "They're offering free couple pictures. You two should go get in line before it gets busy, and I could grab some food for all of us while you're in line."

Marinette hesitated, because it was a good idea. Take a picture while her hair and makeup were still freshly done before a night of close quarters and dancing changed that. Still her eyes drifted to the food table, watching as Alya and Nino made their way further down. They would have to go to the back of the food line anyways, it's not like they'd be next to them.

"I'd like to do that, what do you think, Kagami?" Marinette finally relented.

"...If that's what you would like to do," she said after a moment, eyes on Lila. "It would be nice to have a picture of tonight, but if you're hungry we can get food first."

"There'll be plenty of time for that later," Marinette said, and she turned towards Lila. "Hey, if you get the chance could you tell Alya and Nino where we're at? That way we can all hang out afterwards."

"Sounds great!" Lila chirped, waving at them cheerfully as they went off in search of the photographer.

Marinette relaxed slightly as they walked away, the excitement dying down, allowing her to just breathe. She was still arm and arm with Kagami, and she had to fight the urge to lean against her, instead just giving her a smile as she realized that Kagami was watching her. She did not hold her gaze for long, just shifting her eyes to look ahead.

"There it is," Kagami said, nodding towards a small line forming near one of the walls, a small place for a photo shoot set up at the end.

"Not too long of a wait," Marinette said.

"Not at all," she replied, before pausing for a moment. "Lila seems like... a lot."

"She's really energetic," Marinette agreed. "She's a bit like Rose in that way. Really nice, with a lot of ideas and ready to jump into the next thing."

"You have a lot of ideas," Kagami said as they got in line. "And Rose I have found very kind in our meetings– Lila does not come off that way to me."

"Well she's just–"

"You make a lot of excuses for her," Kagami noted, and her gaze shifted to Marinette. "And I noticed that she doesn't seem to relax until you pick her idea. I..." She paused, thinking. "I am not telling you who to be friends with, as I don't think that is appropriate, but I do want to express my concerns. She seems very fixated on what she wants rather than on both of your opinions."

"You sound like a friend of mine," Marinette said with a small smile, touching her purse. "Thinking too hard about Lila, she's just always jumping from idea to idea, that's all."

"Alya?"

"Huh?"

"Is it Alya I sound like?" Kagami asked.

"Er– no?"

"I see," Kagami said. "Well, I have expressed my concerns, and now that you are aware I see no reason to remain on such a serious topic. We are here to enjoy this night after all– just remember to be aware of what you would like to do as well."

"I did want to get our pictures taken," Marinette said defensively.

"I did as well," she agreed.

Their conversation shifted away from Lila from there, which Marinette was grateful for, and she felt herself relaxing. It was easier to carry on a conversation with just the two of them, and as they reached the front of the line the photographer had to get their attention. They took their place in front of the screen, linking hands as they smiled into the bright light.

"Would you mind if I got this printed out?" Kagami asked as they finished, looking at the photo on her phone, which had instantly been emailed to them. "Or would that be," she paused to think of the word. "Forward?"

"I don't mind at all."

"Good, because I already placed an order to do so," Kagami replied, tapping through her phone. "Now, may I set this as the background on my phone? I would like to be able to look at it easily, is that acceptable?"

Marinette laughed. "That's just fine."

They reached the serving tablings, and with a quick glance around Marinette saw no sign of Lila or Alya. She turned, looking out towards the dance floor with a frown. "Would you like me to grab food for us?" Kagami offered, drawing her attention back. "While you look for them?"

"Sure," Marinette said with a nod, and Kagami went to get in line.

Marinette wandered off through the crowd, trying to catch sight of her friends. She spotted a few familiar faces, but none of them were who she was looking for. She gave smiles and waves to those that offered them, eyes still scanning the crowd. It didn't take her long to bump into Lila– who seemed to appear out of nowhere, grabbing Mairnette's arm, and she jumped in surprise.

"There you are!" Lila said. "I was looking all over for you." She held out a cupcake to Marinette. "I realized it was kind of impossible for me to grab food for all three of us a little too late, so I tried to catch up with you so we could all go through the line together. Where's Kagami?"

"Getting food," Marinette said, eyes still flicking about. "Where's Alya and Nino?"

"I talked to Alya before I went off to find you," Lila said. "I told her that you wanted to meet up so we could all hang out, and she said maybe later. Er, she was kind of brisk about it? She said she really wanted to spend the dance with just Nino."

"Oh."

"I'm sure we'll see her soon," Lila said, bumping up against her. "Now, why don't we go and enjoy this party? It's just started!"

"Kagami is still back with the food," Marinette said as Lila tried to pull her off into the crowd, and she paused.

"Oh, silly me," Lila said with a laugh. "Let's go find that date of yours, Mari."

Kagami was waiting for them near the end of the line, two plates in her hands. She nodded at them as they approached, the smell of the food reminding her of the fact that she had yet to eat dinner. She gladly accepted one of the plates from Kagami, placing the cupcake Lila had given her on it as well.

"Ooo, those look so good," Lila said, reaching for some chips on Marinette's plate, only for Kagami to grab her hand.

"That's Marinette's food."

"Oh, she doesn't mind sharing," Lila tried to pull her hand free of Kagami's grasp, but she didn't let go.

"Well I got enough food for one person, not two. Besides, haven't you already been through the line?"

"I did, but I only grabbed desserts!"

"Then go get your own plate of food," Kagami said, finally letting go of her hand, and Lila pulled it away– looking at them with a hurt expression. Marinette hesitated, not sure what to say, and Kagami sighed. "We will save you a seat, Lila."

With that Kagami turned and walked away, and Marinette hesitated again, before hurrying after her date. She looked over her shoulder, watching as Lila dejectedly went to the back of the line. That heavy feeling was back in her stomach as she and Kagami sat down at an empty table, and apparently that was quite clear on her face.

"Marinette, it was your food," Kagami said, nodding to the seat next to her. "I thought she had already gotten some food, and the fact that she didn't when she was already in line is her own fault, not yours."

"I know, I just–"

"Marinette, don't make excuses," Kagami said. "Besides, this gives us some time together." She paused, thinking for a moment. "I... I also do want to spend this evening with friends as well, but I would like to have some time with just you as well, if you are okay with that."

"I would like that too," Marinette said. "I, um, would like to do a few dances with you, if you're okay with, er..." She flushed slightly. "I'm kind of clumsy, and lets just say I might step on your feet?"

"I guess that means I'll just have to teach you how to dance," Kagami replied with a smile.

"Many have tried, and many have failed."

"I like a challenge," Kagami glanced over her shoulder. "Where is Alya, by the way?"

"Oh, she wanted to just be with Nino tonight," Marinette said, keeping her expression even.

"I see. Perhaps we'll run into her while we dance," Kagami said, before taking a bite of her food.

Marinette did the same, but she found herself pausing as she threw a glance about to see if Lila was coming. She saw a flash of orange, but it wasn't Lila's dress, but another orange dress, the wearer seated at another table. She stared at Alya, who was sitting at a full table. Nino was next to her, of course, but she wasn't even talking to him at that moment– instead deep in conversation with Juleka and Rose, more of their classmates sitting at the same table as well.

The heavy feeling was back in her stomach, and she was no longer hungry.

"Marinette?" Kagami asked as Marinette stared down at her plate. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Marinette said in a small voice. "I'm just... nervous about dancing. That's all."

"I know that's not what's bothering you," Kagami said, and she looked down. "But if you do not wish to talk about then we won't. However, I am more than willing to listen."

"Thanks, Kagami."


"Hey, Nino, could you hold my food for a second, I'll be right back."

"Of course, babe," Nino said, taking Alya's plate from her as they reached the end of the line. She kept her cup with her, not about to burden him with attempting to juggle that as well, and headed back towards the food line.

"Hi, Lila," Alya said brightly, having indeed spotted who she thought she had. "How are you? Look at us– matching colors!"

"What do you know, we are," Lila said with a smile as she made her way through the line, selecting two cupcakes from a small display, biting into one. "I must say this is probably the most extravagant school dance I've been to. Well, there have been nicer dances and galas– but nothing compared to this for a school dance."

"Me either, but I guess that's what happens when you got Chloe in the class," Alya said with a laugh. "It is pretty awesome, though. I can't wait to meet up with everyone– have you seen anyone else from our class? Is Marinette here yet?"

"I think I saw Nathaniel earlier, he was with some of Ms. Mendeleiev's class, I believe," Lila said, moving through the line quickly. It seemed the cupcakes were the only things she wanted, just following those in front of her as they moved forward.

"What about Marinette?"

"…She's with Kagami," Lila said after a moment of silence as they reached the end of the line.

"Do you know where they went off to? All three of you should come sit at our table," Alya offered.

"I would like to," Lila said, her uncertainty clear, shifting slightly. "But, um, well…"

"You have other plans?" Alya offered, feeling the awkwardness growing.

Lila let out a sigh, glancing over her shoulder. She then grabbed Alya's wrist, and led her off to the side of the grand ballroom. She frowned, but let her friend lead her, Lila speaking in a hushed voice once they were near the wall, clearly not wanting anyone else to listen in.

"Look," Lila muttered. "I don't know everything that's going on, Marinette doesn't want to talk about it, and she's been really closed off lately."

"I know," Alya said, stomach twisting. "I've tried talking to her about it at school, but she says she's fine and I don't want to push."

"She's talked to me about how she feels," Lila said. "Not about what's happened, but she has said... um, gah. I don't want to come off rude, but... I think Marinette really needs some space."

"Or our support," Alya said, and Lila looked away.

"I... I don't know what's going on between the two of you, but from what I've seen and been able to gather..." Lila lowered her voice to a whisper. "Maybe we... maybe you should wait until she approaches you first?"

Alya's stomach felt tight, because that was the last thing she wanted to hear. "You think so?"

"It seems like she's been under a lot of pressure, and I know pushing her isn't the right thing to do," Lila said, before shrugging. "But whatever you think is best for her, Alya, it's not my choice to make. That's up to you."

Lila offered her a soft smile, and Alya's eyes flickered out across the room, and despite the music and chatter that filled the hotel, everything felt like it was dead silent. What she was hearing was what she was afraid of. Marinette had been more closed off, and it was her fault. She had no idea what she had done, but the only thing she wanted to do was make things right, to apologize for wherever she had gone wrong– but she was afraid that wouldn't fix this.

She closed her eyes, trying to keep her voice steady. "Will you tell Marinette that I was looking for her?"

"Of course," Lila said, giving her an understanding look. "You don't even have to ask. Is there anything else I can do?"

"No," Alya said. "I'll... I'll see you around."

Alya was quiet as she headed back towards where she had left Nino. Her hand was wrapped tightly around her cup, her mouth dry, but she didn't take a drink. A heavy feeling had settled in her heart, and it made her feel sick– the fact that she didn't know what to do just made everything feel worse.

Nino was waiting right where she had left him, smiling as he saw her, though that quickly turned to worry when he saw her expression. He made his way over to her, and she wordlessly took her plate back from him. The food did not look as appetizing as it had before as she stared down at it.

"Alya, what's wrong?" Nino asked.

"Nothing," she said. "Let's go find a table, I'm famished."

She got two steps, Nino putting a hand on Alya's shoulder to stop her. "We both know that's not true. What happened?"

"I– I don't want to talk about–"

"Did someone say something to you?" He asked.

"Can we talk about it later?" She said swiftly, looking back at him, and he hesitated. "Please, Nino, I just... later. Please?"

"Of course, babe," he said softly. "If that's what you want."

She let out a small sigh, thankful that he hadn't pressed further. She was still taking it all in herself, and she didn't know what she would tell anyone. Her mind just kept flashing back to her recent interactions with Marinette, trying to figure out what she had done, where she had gone wrong.

Nino led them to a table where some of their classmates were, Juleka and Rose on her side, while Ivan and Mylene were on Nino's side. They all were smiling as they sat down, and Alya forced a smile on her own. She turned to face Rose, because it wasn't hard for her to whisk them off into a conversation– who was happily showing off her and Juleka's matching dresses– one bubblegum pink and the other a dark navy blue.

"It looks awesome," she told Rose.

"Thank you!" She chirped, before pushing herself to her feet. "I'm going to go get another drink– do you two want anything?"

Alya shook her head, having barely touched her own food, and Juleka gave a quiet 'no'. Rose pressed a small kiss to her forehead, before hurrying off towards the food tables. As soon as she was gone Juleka slid into Rose's seat, looking at Alya. She didn't speak for a few moments, just staring, before she let out a small mumble.

"Are you okay?" Juleka asked.

Alya looked away at the question, and her eyes fell onto a relatively empty table– her stomach twisting. Marinette, Lila, and Kagami were all sitting together, swept away in a conversation of their own. She watched Marinette, hoping that she would look this way and they would catch eyes– but she was only focused on those around her. Her gaze then slid towards Lila for a moment, then she turned back to her own table.

"I'm fine," she told Juleka– sure that anyone could see through that lie.


"Um… it's different from most dances I've been to?" Adrien said, looking about. This was far from his first dance in Le Grand Paris Hotel, having attended many galas and holiday parties here with his father before.

"Not fancy enough?" Luka said in a teasing tone.

"Don't let Chloe hear you say that," Adrien said with a grin. "Just a very different atmosphere."

Usually the room was brightly lit, everything a blinding white. The music was often played by live musicians, with songs that more closely resemble the classics he played on the piano rather than the rock music that was currently being played from a large assortment of speakers, a DJ standing behind a booth. A heavy beat echoed through the room, lights dimmed, the chatter and calls from the students nearly as loud as the music.

"Not enough ballroom dancing?"

"No, a distinct lack of square dancing," Adrien said with a forlorn sigh. "I even brought a cowboy hat and everything, and it was all for naught. How could Chloe miss such an essential?"

"There you are, Adrikins!" A voice snapped from behind him, which only made him and Luka laugh harder. "You're late– you said you'd be here right from the start!"

He turned, watching as Chloe waltzed her way over to them, arms crossed. She was wearing the dress she had shown him earlier that day, a slim silky dress covered from head to toe with golden sequins. Even in the dimmer lights she seemed to glow, reflecting them across the floor.

"You look amazing, Chloe," Adrien said as she paused in front of them, subtly posing. She had gone all out, her hair looking fit for a bride. Two long braids were twisted into a bun on the top of her head, the rest of her hair curled, falling down her shoulders. An intricate golden comb was tucked into the bun, her makeup mirroring the same golden sparkle as her dress. "That comb's from Father's line, isn't it?"

A huge smile spread over her face, beaming, this clearly being what she wanted him to notice. "Of course, what can I say, A Miracle in Paris line just hasn't gone out of style."

Adrien's smile was a bit more hesitant, because he now knew that the designs were not random in nature. Though he hadn't seen all the Miraculouses himself, his time with his father's book and with Tikki had allowed him to know all the Miraculouses his father had drawn inspiration from in the Grimoire when designing these. There was the Peacock brooch his mother had often worn, the Fox necklace Lila had shown him, and now the golden Bee comb Chloe was now wearing.

There were two others in the collection, a ring and ear cuff based on the Lion and Elk Miraculouses, though those hadn't captured his interest as much as the first three were apart of the Miracle Box Tikki was from, which was fresh in his mind with Tikki's recent lesson. Transformation phrases and power names were still being shuffled in his mind, and that was only between seven of the nineteen Miraculouses he would one day care for.

"Hmm, I suppose you do clean up nicely," Chloe said, looking Luka up and down.

"Um... thank you?" Luka said after a moment– because coming from Chloe that, technically, was a compliment.

"Well if you're going to be dating Adrien there are standards you're going to have to uphold," Chloe said. "A Gabriel original is a good start, but you don't want to let Uncle Gabe turn you into a walking billboard like he does with my Adrikins, so branch out a bit with the suits you get, got it?"

"Chloe," Adrien said in a low voice, and she just rolled her eyes– but changed topics.

"Oh, you haven't met Zoe yet, have you," Chloe said, turning away. "Come on, both of you I suppose. She's with Sabrina and her date, I had to make sure I was leaving her in good company; you know the riff raff that can run around at school."

"She's different from what Juleka has told me about, yet not too different at all," Luka said as they followed after her into the crowd.

"What you just saw is Chloe in 'I'll-tolerate-you' mode," Adrien replied.

"I can hear you, Adrien!" Chloe called back.

"I know," Adrien said. "It's called a 'not-so-subtle-hint'."

"I hate you, Agreste!"

"Love you too, Chlo."

Luka chuckled at this, which only made Chloe give a huff. He could see Sabrina up ahead, who was talking with a boy from Miss Mendeleiev's class– Delmar, if he remembered correctly. Aurore, Mireille, Marc, and Nathaniel were in the small group as well, alongside Zoe.

He had yet to officially meet her, but he was able to easily pick her out both by the fact that he had seen the video of when she had arrived at the hotel, and the fact that she looked a lot like Chloe. Her expression was softer than Chloe's as she talked, raising her head as they approached.

"You are all being nice to my sister, right?" Chloe asked as she joined the group, looking over everyone with a critical eye. "Sabrina, they have been nice to Zoe, right?"

"They have been, don't worry Chloe," Sabrina said, and she smiled up at Delmar. "These are Delmar's classmates, you have nothing to worry about."

"Hi Chloe," Zoe said, a bit quieter than Adrien had been expecting.

"Zoe, I want to introduce you to my oldest friend," Chloe said, waving a hand towards him and Luka. "This is Adrien– he's Gabriel Agreste's son; he'll actually be modeling at the show, but that doesn't really matter. Adrikins, this is Zoe, my sister."

"It's nice to meet you," Adrien said warmly, holding out his hand– through his eyes kept shifting towards Chloe– but everything in her expression said this attitude was genuine, not just an act she was putting on for the crowd. Which was a good thing, but very different from what he had seen from her this morning.

"Same," Zoe said with a smile, shaking his hand. "Chloe has told me a lot about you."

"What do you think of her outfit?" Chloe said. "I picked it out myself– and we only had two hours to spare! Mother was just so sloppy that we had to go out on our own, can you believe it? I was thinking we could both do matching gold, but Zoe here prefers pink."

Zoe was wearing a sparking dress just like Chloe, though it featured glitter instead of sequins. It seemed that Chloe hadn't given up on a golden tone entirely for Zoe– her dress a rose gold in color. She wore black flats and a choker around her neck, and he recognized Chloe's makeup and hairstyling anywhere.

"Got dragged along on a Chloe shopping trip?" Adrien said, raising an eyebrow. "I'm glad to see you have survived– a very treacherous journey indeed."

"Adrikins!" Chloe snapped at him.

"Seeing how many I've been on, I don't know how I've survived all these years," Sabrina said with a grin.

"Traitors!" Chloe snapped. "Both of you are traitors! In fact, I'm going to go dance with Luka here and see what his intentions are with Adrien."

"Actually, I'd like to dance with him before anyone else does," Adrien said, grabbing Luka's hand. "Go find your own boy, Chloe."

"I most certainly will not!" She shouted, before turning away. "But you know what, I will find someone for Zoe. Boys, girls, or no preference?"

"Uh–" That was all Zoe was able to say before Chloe linked arms with her. "Nathaniel, you're disgustingly nice– you get to dance with Zoe."

Nathaniel, who had drifted to the edge of the group upon Chloe's arrival, stepped back slightly, eyes on Chloe. He was saved by Marc, however, who put a hand on his shoulder. "Actually, um... Nathaniel already promised me a dance, so..."

"I did?" Nathaniel squeaked. "I mean... yes. I did, so we're... um... we're going to go do that..."

And with that he walked off with Marc, his face as red as his hair. He kept looking at Marc as they headed towards the dancefloor, as if expecting them to turn away with the excuse having done its job– but Marc was making a straight line straight towards the dancefloor, where a new song was starting up.

"Whatever, he was too lame for you, anyways," Chloe said.

"Or maybe don't charge straight at a person who's dealt with more than one lifetime's worth of you?" Aurore said, raising an eyebrow.

"Who asked you, Beaureal?" Chloe huffed, as Zoe stood there awkwardly, not sure what to do.

"Well, seeing as you're not one to ask others, why should I bother asking with you?"

"Just remember whose hotel you're at right now– if I want you kicked out I could with just a word–"

"Chloe," Adrien said, cutting into the conversation. "Why don't we go get something to eat?"

"From the tables? Ew, no– I'll just order straight from the kitchen that doesn't have people breathing all over it and touching it," she shivered. "Same goes for you, Adrien. If you and Luka want something to eat I'll just order you something myself– you don't even have to wait in line."

"Want to dance?" Mireille asked Zoe, stepping forward. "No point in standing around all night."

"Um, sure," Zoe said with a smile. Chloe's eyes flickered towards Mirelle, scanning her quickly– before she let go of Zoe's arm. Adrien felt his heart grow warm as he watched the two sisters. He wasn't sure what had happened between now and this morning, but he was grateful that it had.

"Should we go dance?" Adrien asked, turning towards Luka.

"Think you can get Chloe to have the DJ put on a Jagged Stone song for us?" Luka asked with a grin.

"Sure thing. Hey– Chloe!"

"I was just kidding–" Luka protested, but Chloe turned her head towards them.

"Can you get the DJ to put on 'My Guitar is my Only Family'?"

"Anything for you, Adrikins."


It turned out the dancing lessons his father had made him take when he was younger were next to useless tonight.

It was music and songs he liked– but ones he had never danced to, save for in the shelter of his room, with no audience save for Tikki. Through the first few songs he had awkwardly stood next to Luka, trying to mimic the movements of those around him, and he knew he was failing miserably. It was only once he realized that no one truly cared what the dancing looked like that he loosened up a bit, letting the heavy beat guide his uncoordinated rhythms.

"Reminds me of the Jagged Stone concert I went to," Adrien called loudly to Luka, as they were a bit too close to the speakers for him to be heard otherwise.

"The one your class went to?" Luka asked, and Adrien nodded. "I was actually there too– Juleka gave me her ticket."

He said something else as well, though Adrien didn't quite make out his words, so he just nodded. He wasn't sure how the people right next to the speakers were dealing with the noise, as he was sure his ears would be left ringing. His heart was beating in time with the song, vibrations seeming to pulse through the whole room. Several times his hand went to his ears just to make sure his Miraculous was still there– even though he knew they couldn't fall out. They could only be removed if someone had the intention to do so, meaning he was free to jump and stomp around with the rest of the students.

He wondered what M. Bourgeois thought of all this music and teenagers rocking out in his ballroom, and if he was the one who had requested the change in music– or if a slow dance was just simply a part of what was done at a school dance. But as the heavy rock faded away and everyone started pairing up Adrien found himself more in his element.

"Still no square dancing?" Luka asked as they waltzed across the room, the boy looking down at their feet as he kept pace with Adrien.

"It probably will be the grand finale," Adrien said with a grin.

The song came to a close, and he and Luka made their way to the edge of the dancefloor, both tired. Adrien was ready to raid the punch bowl, and see what other activities there were– but before he could even make the suggestion Chloe appeared out of nowhere, grabbing Luka as another song started up.

"You're coming with me," she snapped, pulling him back towards the dancing. "I have a few questions for you."

Luka threw a glance back at Adrien, and he could only give him a smile to wish him good luck– but if he had survived his father's interview, he should survive Chloe's as well. He looked about at the students around him. He spotted Kim and a girl he did not know going onto the dancefloor, Alix making faces at Kim whenever his back was turned, making the girl laugh. Nino and Alya were off near the DJ's booth, to no one's surprise. Juleka and Rose were also heading out onto the dancefloor, while Kagami and Marinette were already out there– so Adrien's gaze settled into Zoe– who was currently standing alone, tossing an empty red plastic cup into a trash bin.

"Want to dance?" Adrien asked as he headed her way. Zoe looked up at him in surprise, before recognition settled over her gaze. "Chloe stole my date to interrogate him."

"I don't mind," Zoe said with a small smile.

He offered her his hand, which she took as he led her out. The song had already started, but it wasn't hard to slip into the crowd, putting a hand on her shoulder as she did the same. The first minute they moved about in an awkward silence, but he knew he couldn't put off why he had approached her in the first place.

"Zoe, how has Chloe been treating you?" Adrien asked.

"Chloe has been great today," Zoe replied– her expression looking completely relaxed, but very clearly guarded.

"I've... I've known Chloe since we were born," Arien said quietly. "She's like a– um– she's like family to me. I care a lot about her, but I don't agree with everything she does." He hesitated for a moment. "I know what she can be like, Zoe, and I know what she's been saying; she hasn't been treating you like this the whole time."

Zoe watched him closely for a moment, as if trying to decide what he truly wanted. She glanced over her shoulder, looking back at where Chloe was dancing with Luka– who looked very uncomfortable as the girl questioned him. Zoe then sighed, looking back at Adrien.

"Today has been my first day in Paris that hasn't been a nightmare," Zoe finally said. "Chloe has... I... I think we reached an understanding today? After that she's been... better. At least I think it's better?"

"I'm not trying to justify what she's said and done, because it wasn't right," Adrien said quietly. "Chloe is very selfish and... and blunt. Harsh. Even once you are someone she deems... 'worthy' she will be brutally honest about her thoughts. What you've seen from her tonight... is sincere," Adrien wasn't sure how to word this thoughts– describing Chloe was a difficult task. "She's not throwing the term 'sister' out there lightly, I swear."

Zoe nodded.

"I don't see her let people in that easily," Adrien said quietly. "We grew up together, I was there from the start, so I never had to fight to be someone she cares about. It took her nearly a year to start treating Sabrina like an actual friend instead of someone below her. Kagami has spent months just trying to be her friend– you breaking through her shell that quickly means something, Zoe, it does."

"I think she was afraid of me," Zoe said quietly.

"Afraid that you had the bond with Audrey that she didn't have," Adrien agreed, and Zoe gave a short nod.

"Yeah. That," Zoe shifted. "Between her finding out that I have nothing and, um... her getting yelled at by M. Bourgeois she just kind of stopped being so... boarded up? Bitter?"

"Andre yelled at her?" Adrien said with wide eyes.

"Well, not really 'yell'," Zoe said swiftly. "She kind of called him up to prove a point, you know, put him on speaker without him knowing I was there and he kind of told her off for how she's um, been acting?"

"The apocalypse must be here," Adrien said in disbelief. "I don't think he's ever told her off for anything ever before."

"But he did... for me?" Zoe said softly, mostly to herself.

"Andre is many things," Adrien said. "But he does truly love his family."

"But I'm not..." Zoe began, before going quiet, looking down at her feet.

"He's your stepfather, isn't he?" Adrien offered, and Zoe said nothing. "I mean, even if you don't want to call him that... you're Chloe's sister. Audrey's daughter. That means something to him– you do mean something to him, even if he just met you."

Zoe closed her eyes, tears forming, and Adrien was afraid he had said the wrong thing. It was a sensitive topic he was treading on, and he was afraid that he had messed up. Zoe looked up at him, hesitating. She had already said a lot to him tonight even though they had just met, but apparently she saw him as trustworthy.

"My father didn't want me anymore than my mother did," Zoe whispered, as if confessing. "Audrey left me with him after I was born and... and I think she paid him a lot of money to keep me around and keep quiet about it all." Her hands tightened around his arms. "I'm at a boarding school during the school year and summer camps the rest of the time. I'm only with him a few weeks a year."

Adrien's gut twisted.

"And now... I don't know. A few months ago Mother suddenly calls up my father for the first time in years wanting to see me and it's because... because she wants to drag me out to Paris just to act like everything is perfect in her family because someone found out about me and... and when I came here, I thought everything would be the same with Chloe and M. Bourgeois." She looked up at him desperately. "What am I supposed to do now that it's not? I... I don't know what to do."

She looked so lost in that moment, and Adrien saw a glimpse of himself– a boy on his first day of school, barely knowing how to interact with those around him. Except this wasn't with school or friends– but her own family. And the confusion wasn't from them pushing her away, but from the fact that they weren't.

"Chloe will do anything for her family and friends," Adrien finally said. "And you are her family– even if she wasn't accepting of that at first. I know I shouldn't just ask for you to give her a chance after how she's treated you... but if you are able to forgive her, she will be there for you, in her own way. I promise."

Zoe gave a small smile. "Don't worry, Adrien, I don't hold anything against her."

"I know we don't know each other that well," Adrien said. "But if you need anything while you're here in Paris, don't be afraid to reach out to me. Chloe's like a sister to me, so any sister of hers, well–" he rubbed his neck. "I don't want to cross any lines, but I'm willing to help if you need it."

"Thank you," Zoe said, and for the first time that night her smile looked real.

The song had come to an end, though Adrien wouldn't have even noticed if it weren't for the others stopping their dance around them– some making their way off the dancefloor, others joining. He and Zoe joined the ones heading off, making their way towards where they last saw Chloe and Luka.

"Here's your idiot," Chloe said as they approached, pushing Luka towards them. "He has my approval, for now– so he better not blow it."

"Sorry for all the interrogations you've been put through," Adrien said apologetically.

"It could be worse," Luka said with a smile. "Besides, it was interesting to hear Chloe's heart song– different from what I thought it would be like."

"My what?" Chloe shouted.

"A powerful melody drowned out by someone blasting the trumpet," Luka replied. "A bit like Adrien's actually, except his is a bit more jumbled and is being drowned out by sad piano music."

"...Whatever," Chloe snorted, trying to hide her clear confusion. "What do you say we ditch this crowd of losers and go upstairs?" Chloe said, hooking her arms through Adrien and Zoe's. "It will be quieter and we won't have to deal with anyone else. You can even bring that boyfriend of yours, Adrien, as weird as he is."

"Weirdness is an art," Luka replied in an unnecessarily ominous voice, and Adrien had to hold back a snort at the look on Chloe's face.

"Want to go?" He asked Luka. "I don't mind either way, we can come back down later if we want to– Chloe does have a lot we can do."

"Sure," Luka said with a shrug.

"You show them the way, Zo," Chloe said, stepping away from their group. "I'm going to go find Sabrina and Kagami and make them join us."

"Don't you leave out their dates," Adrien said.

"I won't," Chloe said as she waltzed away, waving a hand. "Probably. We'll see."

"Um, follow me, I suppose?" Zoe said with an uncertain smile.

Adrien's ears were ringing as they left the ballroom behind, and it was only now he was realizing just how loud it had been. Zoe led them to one of the private elevators to take them up to the floor where her and Chloe's rooms were. She seemed uncomfortable with the glances the staff would give them, so Adrien took the lead, having been down this route many times before.

"I guess we wait?" Zoe said as they came outside of Chloe's door.

"Nah," Adrien replied as he reached out to open it . "She sent us up here, she won't mind. And if she does, well, she's the one that's been barging into people's rooms herself so that's her problem."

Zoe and Luka hesitantly followed him in, looking about the main room of her suite. Adrien snagged a remote for the large TV that hung on the wall, sitting down on the couch to help the others feel more comfortable. Chloe's suite was made up of several rooms, and this was more like a living room than an actual bedroom, and there was no reason for them to be so tense.

He had Pokémon playing by the time Chloe came back, with Sabrina and Delmar in tow, reporting that Kagami wouldn't be joining them since Marinette didn't want to. Adrien wasn't surprised considering their history, though he had been hoping they would come.

"The Sinnoh League, really, Adrien?" Chloe said as she eyed the TV. "The original series is the best."

"The original series doesn't have Infernape."

"Well at least it doesn't use a legendary to cheat Ash out of being champion!"

"Every season cheats Ash out of winning the league," Adrien replied with a smirk.

"Whatever, I didn't bring you all here to watch TV, we're going to be playing games, thank you very much, so turn that off!" She snatched the TV remote from him.

"Meowth and Chimchar were having a bonding moment!" Adrien protested, but let it go regardless, because it seemed like he was the only one invested in the episode anyways.

In the end Chloe had pulled Mario Party up on the TV, dividing them into teams so they could all play. Adrien enjoyed the expressions on Zoe, Luka, and Delmar's face as they played, as they clearly were not prepared for nerd Chloe who was only determined to win.

Teams no longer worked as they switched over to Mario Kart; Chloe and Zoe having won Mario Party, and Adrien volunteered to sit out as this was far from his first time playing with Chloe. Luka joined him, going over to raid the food Chloe had ordered instead.

"So this is the secrets of the bourgeois," Luka mused. "Delicious food and Mario."

"Actually Chloe's favorite is Zelda, but there's too many of us to play that," Adrien smiled.

"Surprised I became your candy smuggler with what Chloe could've been getting you," Luka said, closing his eyes as he bit into a piece of chocolate.

"Technically, you won't have to keep doing that for much longer, the show is almost here–" Adrien then felt a jab in his side, Tikki poking at him urgently. "That doesn't mean it has to stop, though."

Tikki stopped poking him, and he had to hold back a laugh.

"Tossing me aside so quickly?" Luka raised an eyebrow, before sighing dramatically. "I should've seen this coming, all you were after was the candy."

"Maybe I had ulterior motives," Adrien replied with a wink.

"Maybe I did as well," Luka said quietly.

Adrien's heart skipped a beat, looking up at Luka– who held his own focus. The food was forgotten, the sound of the games feeling muted. He reached, brushing against Luka's hand.

"Adrien?" Luka asked in a soft voice, leaning closer. "Could I... could we...?"

Adrien gave a nod, his breath getting caught in his throat. He closed his eyes, tilted his head up as Luka's lips pressed against his. The kiss was soft and gentle, but it made his heart pound. His very first kiss... it was happening. This was actually happening!

It was a moment that felt like it lasted forever– but still it felt all over too soon as they pulled away. His eyes fluttered open, looking up into Luka's light blue eyes. He just stared for a moment, taking in what had happened. He didn't know what to say, but he felt himself smiling– and he wanted it to happen again. To feel his lips against his, to be held– yet he didn't want to dismiss his first kiss so quickly with another one.

There were people watching, but his attention was only on Luka, his hands wrapped around his own. Warm, gentle, and he leaned against Luka while his heart still beat erratically. He... he had just been kissed! And it had been amazing. He opened his eyes, and saw Chloe looking at him with a smirk, and he flushed.

She had been right there– and he didn't know what he thought of that. He wouldn't get to tell her all about this, yet at the same time he could. And the best part was that he knew that this was okay! His father had already given his approval for Luka, not just for the dance, but for them to become something more. And they would be something more after this, right? A couple, his first boyfriend.

The thought sent a thrill through him– his boyfriend. Luka could be his boyfriend, he just had to ask. Then he could go home and tell Father and Mother and Nathalie everything and–

The thought hit him like a train, and he felt himself stiffening up. He pulled back from Luka, concerned gazes being thrown his way– but he didn't notice them. It was just a simple realization– one so small and yet it was so horrible that he felt sick. He took a few steps back, barely hearing himself mumble an excuse as he bolted.

The nearest escape was Chloe's bathroom, and he ducked inside without thought, pulling the door shut behind him as he stood there, shaking, tears forming in his eyes. Tikki zipped out from his pocket, flying in front of him, panic in her voice as she whispered to him.

"Adrien? Adrien, what's wrong?" She asked desperately. "Adrien, can you hear me?"

He managed a nod– before a sob managed to break through. He tried to fight against the tears, to keep himself composed as Tikki wrapped her arms about him. Adrien grabbed her, holding her to his chest as he fought to control himself. She was saying something, but he didn't hear– but her voice was enough. Tikki was here, Tikki would be with him, she was here...

But his mother wasn't.

"...Adrien?" A knock on the door snapped him from his rushing thoughts, the voice coming from the otherside.

"Yeah?" He croaked after a moment.

"Is it alright if I come in?" Luka asked. "Or would you rather it be someone else?"

"You can come in," Adrien said quietly.

Tikki zipped away into his pocket, still pressing up against him as she was hidden away, and the bathroom door was slowly pushed open. Adrien just stared straight ahead in the mirror, watching as Luka came into the bathroom, who looked slightly hesitant as he closed the door behind him.

Guilt tugged at Adrien's heart, realizing that Luka probably thought he was the problem. He had just ran off without explanation, leaving Luka to think he had done something wrong. "It wasn't you, Luka, it was just something stupid, I promise."

His voice was a lot more steady than it felt

"I'm sorry if you weren't ready for that," Luka said, voice worried as he came closer. "I thought you were, and I should have been more clear–"

"It was a wonderful kiss," Adrien said quietly. "I promise."

"Adrien–"

"I loved it," Adrien continued. "It... it was my first kiss, and it wasn't what I expected but it was good and I... I wanted to tell my mom about it– and then I realized that I couldn't."

He wasn't turning towards Luka, but he was looking at his eyes by staring at the mirror. Luka's gaze softened slightly, reaching for him, and Adrien grabbed his hand, wrapping his fingers tightly around his.

"It just hit me all at once that I wouldn't be able to... to tell her. Anything. Again," his voice cracked. "This was my first date, my first dance that felt like it meant something, my first year in school... and she'll never know. I won't be able to tell her about anything ever again and– and–"

"I'm sure she'd be happy for you," Luka said softly.

More tears were coming, and that horrible guilt was drowning him again. "Y-you don't understand. If... if she was still here I probably wouldn't be able to tell her either because– because– because she probably wouldn't have ever let me gone to school like Father did and she did so much to protect me and now that she's gone I'm just going against everything she wanted for me!"

It was the words he hadn't been able to get out earlier, and he felt Tikki pressing up to him, trying to provide the comfort she could while she had to hide. He felt a pair of arms wrap around him, Luka bringing him into a hug. Adrien fought the tears for a moment longer, before breaking down as Luka held him. He was startled by how quickly his walls had come down, when he had been taught to keep them unbreakable, but the soft embrace seemed to melt that all away.

"What's wrong with me?" Adrien sobbed against Luka. "Wh-what kind of son am I being! Going out as soon as she's gone, l-like I've been waiting for it!"

"Adrien–"

"I'm– I'm hurting Father too," Adrien confessed. "At Christmas, he said that he didn't want to go against what Mother wanted but he did because I asked him, I begged him, I made him go against his promises to her–"

"You are not hurting anyone," Luka whispered fiercely.

"You don't understand," Adrien croaked. "This year at school has been some of my happiest in so long. What kind of monster am I to be happy as soon as she's gone?"

He couldn't say anything after that, and Luka held him even tighter– seeming to not know what to say. Adrien was fighting against himself– hurting from the painful guilt he hadn't realized had been haunting him, trying to just stop crying because this wasn't how he was suppose to be acting but he couldn't stop and he needed to stop but he didn't want to–

"No, I don't understand," Luka finally said, steering Adrien away from the mirror, arms still tightly wrapped around him. "I… I don't know what this is like for you. But… but I do know that none of that is on you– you have done nothing wrong, Adrien– yet you're putting it on yourself like it is."

Adrien shuddered in Luka's arms, not knowing what to do. He couldn't remember the last time he had an embrace last so long, and he didn't want it to stop.

"You love your mother, and that is so clear," Luka said softly. "You can't let yourself doubt that for a moment. You wouldn't be in here worrying about her memory if you didn't love her."

"But I–"

"No. Don't tell me about what has happened, just tell me if you love her," Luka said softly.

"I do love her, I love her so much and I'm–"

"You love her," Luka cut him off. "Love is complicated, you can love someone, even if you don't love what they do." Luka pulled back, looking him in the eyes, his arms still on his shoulders. "Just because you're taking a different path in life than what she was guiding you towards doesn't mean that you don't love her, and I know that it wouldn't change her love for you."

Adrien said nothing.

"You're allowed to be happy, Adrien, and that shouldn't have to be something you feel guilty about." Luka said softly. "It just means you're healing– and that's what every mother would want for their child."

"I'm sorry," Adrien whispered. "I'm sorry I ruined our kiss, that you had to see this. I just... so much was happening, and I realized just how much had truly changed."

"Good change?" Luka asked.

"Yeah," Adrien said quietly. "It was a good change, and I... I wouldn't mind some more, actually?" He looked up at Luka, who was waiting for him to continue. "I, um... wouldn't mind getting a boyfriend."

He flushed as he said this, realizing this was probably a stupid way to ask, but Luka only smiled. "Well, I wouldn't mind being your boyfriend, Adrien."

"Even if I'm a mess like this?" Adrien asked quietly.

"You're not a mess," Luka said softly. "You're human."

The thing about kisses, Adrien found, was that the second one was even better than the first.


"Nathalie, take these names and make sure they are banned from all Gabriel events and stores," Gabriel said, narrowed eyes on his computer screen. "I will have more for you to send to the lawyers later."

"Should I be worried?" Nathalie asked, looking over the message he had sent her, which was a decently long list.

"I will sue if I can," Gabriel murmured darkly. "People will know that they will not say such things about my son."

"Do you need my help looking over what's being said?"

"No. Just do what you can to make sure Adrien doesn't see this," Gabriel said, though they both knew it was an impossible task. "Speak to Claudia as well, I want to know what's going on in that 'fanclub'."

"Right away, sir," Nathalie said, pulling up a new message to send to Claudia, their inside eyes to the fanclub that had been created within Adrien's fanbase. And with Adrien having just announced that he was now dating Luka, she was sure things were more chaotic than ever.

She had been worried about him making a public announcement, even though photos of him and Luka from the dance were already circling the web. The world could be cruel, and he was in the public eye, but Gabriel had left the decision of whether to make an announcement or not to his son.

Despite her worries, Adrien's dating life had been well received. Yes, there was what Gabriel was currently dealing with– but Paris had not been quiet with their support of their favorite model. She had been prepared for the worst, but the good had far outweighed the other voices. The account Wayhem_Agreste seemed to be a rallying point for the support of Adrien and Luka, the same account that had released the video of Lady Noire saving Adrien, a memory that made her sick to think about.

"What if we were to akumatize someone about all this?" Nathalie asked, and Gabriel's eyes snapped towards her, sharp and dangerous.

"We will not be giving anyone power–!"

"No, Gabriel, someone from among those who support Adrien," Nathalie said, running a finger down the screen. "Someone who would never put Adrien in danger, and most certainly could use a voice. We could get our Miraculouses while still putting something good in the world."

Gabriel hesitated– but he was considering, and that was more than he had in a long time. She held her breath, but he only shook his head as he turned away.

"…No. That goes against what we decided when we started this. Besides, it was not long ago when people turned on akumas. Paris might have changed, but I don't want any reason for people to hold anything against the community." Gabriel closed his eyes. "When I was young, there was so much I had to hide. I don't want Adrien to grow up in that world."

"He isn't," Nathalie said, putting a hand on his shoulder. "You've been too focused on the negative tonight. Take a break, work on something else. There's still plenty that needs to get done before the show."

He let out a sigh. "Don't remind me. Audrey's been leaving me far too many messages that I honestly am not in the mood to look over."

"You only need to keep her happy enough for a few more weeks," Nathalie said.

"She's acting like her family is a show that needs to be put on and marched about," he muttered. "It's disgusting."

Nathalie gave a hum of acknowledgement, because this wasn't the first time she had heard him go off on Audrey. The two had conflicting personalities, and unlike Chloe and Adrien who had managed to click, things were always just one word away from blowing up with Audrey, and it was Gabriel who was always the careful one with them. But Audrey was the one that had found him in his early days, had taken him from a nobody to somebody– and Gabriel preferred to keep things civil because of that.

"...What if we were to akumatize Audrey?" Nathalie said, a small smile curling up onto her face.

"Excuse me?"

"It wouldn't be hard to push her to a point where an akuma would take hold," Nathalie said, sitting down across from him. "Besides, doesn't she deserve it, more than anyone? And wouldn't that be a sour dip in her reputation, the Style Queen being akumatized?"

Perhaps not as much as it would have once been, but Nathalie was confident that Audrey would not take it well, no matter what the public thought nowadays.

"Nathalie, I feel you are forgetting the three rules we put in place before we started all this," Gabriel said.

"I fail to see how this is crossing any lines," she replied.

Apparently Gabriel didn't agree with her, and she had to hold back a sigh as he began listing off the rules they had agreed on. "We agreed that we wouldn't use our powers or the akumas for personal reasons– so nothing leads back to us. We don't create akumas that can do more damage than the Ladybug Miraculous can restore, we need to be able to fix all that was done whether we win or lose a fight. And we don't akumatized anyone who would want an akuma's power before being under its influence– because they would be far too dangerous, and we can't remove the powers on our own."

"I fail to see how any of this is relevant to Audrey," Nathalie said. "I wouldn't give her deadly powers, and she's not a twisted criminal."

"Akumatizing her because we don't like her actions is personal," Gabriel replied, crossing his arms.

"Under that logic, me akumatizing you was personal," Nathalie replied. "As we were trying to remove you from suspicion."

"Well–"

"But we did that to help hide our identities, to make sure we could continue working towards getting the Miraculouses," she continued, leaning forward. "This won't be any different, we would be akumatizing Audrey to help us claim the Ladybug and Black Cat, it just happens to be that she's someone we know will be… receptive to an akuma."

"I don't disagree," Gabriel finally said. "But remember when we started this– it was never meant to get personal in any way. We want the Miraculouses, and those in the city are just unfortunately a stepping stone to get to that point– nothing more."

"It wouldn't have to be personal, she would be tasked to go after the heroes like always, it wouldn't be out of revenge." Nathalie pressed. "Besides, you know what she's like, and with the heroes out of practice after a month of silence, this might turn the battle in our favor." She paused again, but still Gabriel was hesitating. "It's not often we come across someone that deserves such, Gabriel, and who wouldn't be risky to akumatize."

"I... I will consider it," Gabriel finally relented. "But for now let's worry about Adrien and the show– akumas can come later."

"Of course, sir," Nathalie said, touching the small brooch Nooroo had given her. Soon the actual Butterfly Miraculous would be sitting there– and all would be right in the world.


Also, I just want to say that this story has a TV Tropes page now! DigiXBot and others have done a lot of work on putting the TV Tropes page together, and it was a lot of fun to read through and add to. :)

One last thing, I have not see the episodes Emotion, Protection, or Perfection yet; so please no spoilers related to those episodes. Thank you!