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Marinette's P.O.V
"I cannot believe she did that," I growl under my breath, "The nerve of that fox!"
It has not even been an hour yet and I already cannot stand this infuriating engagement party!
For starters, Lila invites the worst of the worst people in the wealthy section. I will not be surprised if the many households and clans here begin a war before the end of the night. Lila's congratulatory toast felt more like mockery (which I find quite odd considering I am getting married before her). Lastly, I cannot escape to my bedroom or any hidden areas since this is not my house.
The only good thing so far, I managed to slip away from Luka before he joined the other two Ladies of the Court's group. I need a breather from this giant headache of a masquerade. I settle myself near a wall, finally able to relax.
I wish I am back home, practicing my sword fighting before seeing Chat Noir tomorrow night. I wish I did not have to attend this party and, instead, transform into Ladybug. Honestly, I pray for an Akuma to attack at this point! I would rather fight slaughtering monsters than be surrounded by these children!
My bluebell eyes lock onto a giant grandfather clock off to my right side.
It has only been two minutes!
I groan, hoping anything exciting might happen soon or I may very well die of boredom. I search for anyone—anything—that might be interesting. Maybe, I can be the ignition to fuel the flammable sparks of a fight between two hot-tempered males. That might be entertaining.
Another bad thing about this party, the only people around my age here are the ones I despise or am engaged too. A very select few and none are any good, except for Luka. He is a lot more tolerable to deal with than the Ladies of the Court. Now that I think about it, I will no longer be a part of the Ladies of the Court since I am engaged.
Chloe and Lila are still single.
I do not know whether to rub this fact into their grimy faces or stay here. Who am I kidding? I am tired of the drama. I am not moving from this spot unless something actually happens.
"Would you care to dance, my lady?"
I nearly jump out of my skin, shooting my head around toward the direction of the voice. A blonde-haired male with green eyes bows slightly, extending an offering hand for me to either accept or reject. Although, it does surprise me to see someone else possibly around my age here.
Who is he? I cannot tell with the mask concealing half of his face. I silently stare at him a bit longer, now seeing a very noticeable resemblance of someone I know.
"He looks a lot like Chat Noir?" I thought, needing further speculation. This is definitely going to be interesting. I place my hand in his, letting him guide me to the dance floor. I notice a few eyes glance at us in either shock or disgust. Those of these imbeciles probably think it is wrong that I dance with another man rather than be with my fiancé the entire night.
Luckily, this masquerade was made for my fiancé and me. Nobody will complain to my face or tell me to return to Luka's side. Plus, I am still technically a Lady of the Court until I am sealed by marriage. Manners are a top priority for a lady and it would have been rude if I dismissed his offer.
They can give me dirty looks all they want but nobody can be mad at me.
We arrive at the dance floor. I place my hand on the mysterious blonde's shoulder and grasp his hand.
"I must warn you. It has been quite a while since I have danced. I may be rusty," he says. My eyes widen a little, never hearing any wealthy male admit to his flaws (except for Max that is). It is always how they are the best at pretty much everything or showing off.
My curiosity rises the more I talk with this masked man, endlessly wondering if this is who I think it is. Chat Noir.
But why would he be here? Is he on a mission? Is there something at this party needing to be looked for...or maybe, someone? I can feel a cold sweat lace my forehead when realizing something. Out of every lady here, why did he approach me? Does he know my secret identity? Maybe, I am overreacting.
"It is alright," I assure him with a smile, "I will assist you in regaining the movements again. Though, I should warn you of my two left feet."
I can see a glint of stun in those emerald eyes. He did not expect me to say something like that but did nothing to acknowledge it. We began to slowly dance, getting a little faster once understanding the rhythm.
"If you do not mind me asking, what is your name?" I asked.
"My name is Félix Graham de Vanily," he introduced.
{+}{+}{+}
A few minutes earlier...
Adrien's P.O.V
I need to figure out who that strange man is. Maybe, I can ask around for some information.
Yet, it might be difficult to ask around considering this is a masquerade and I do not know any wealthy people. I do not know which servant is in charge of the guest list and the hosts will know everyone they invited. So, this leaves me with two final people. The guests of honor-the newly engaged couple.
The male of the two is conversing with one of the hosts. Though, I do not see his fiancée—very strange. Is it usually custom for the wealthy to stay by their betrothal's side during their engagement party? I find it rather odd not to see the couple together.
Fortunately, this is good for me. It will make it easier to talk with the maskless woman...once I find her that is. She could be anywhere in this ginormous room. My face scrunches at the thought of diving into the horde of tycoons again. Using all of my willpower, I blend myself back into the crowd and search for the missing fiancée.
After ten minutes, I find myself reunited with the wall and boiling in frustration with my failure. She cannot have gone far! From what I have been told, this is not even her house and her fiancé is still talking with that same group. I would imagine she is socializing and bragging about her engagement. Yet, she is nowhere to be seen!
"How hard is it to find one of two maskless people in a crowd covered with them?" I thought, irritated. I sigh, trying to think of a new plan when a crimson red catches the side of my vision.
And there she is. The very woman I have been looking for, standing along the wall with crossed arms. It is strange seeing her standing near the wall rather than interacting in the social pool. Also, the displeasure she is expressing at a party in her and her fiancé's honor too. I did not think any further on the top. I should not even care in the first place.
She is just like the rest of the people in this room—spoiled monstrosities.
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Marinette's P.O.V
"My lady, who is that man standing off by the wall?" the blonde asked, gesturing over to the side. I turn my attention over and see the intimating man from the last party my parents hosted.
"He is Gabriel Agreste. A very mysterious man with many rumors lingering behind his name," I answered, "Unfortunately, I do not think anyone really knows him. I recently learned about him at the last party I attended. This is the second time I have ever seen him."
He hums in acknowledgment, "That is rather a peculiar man."
"Indeed," I agreed.
"How is your fiancé?" the blonde asked, changing the topic. I perk up at the mention of Luka, not expecting the question. I roll my eyes and uncaringly shrug my shoulders.
"I suppose he is...adequate?" I replied, honestly unsure how to answer. Luka is not a terrible guy and probably the best I will ever get. But what is to say, he will not continue to be a gentleman after we are married. We have only met two or three times. I do not truly know him well enough and that is very concerning. For all I know, Luka could be a despicable human.
"Your answer is both strange and questionable," the blonde male said, raising an eyebrow, "How come he is only adequate? Are you not to marry him?"
"Well, I do not really know him. After all, it is an arranged marriage," I wearily smiled, feeling the tired bags under my eyes weighing me down. The masked man stares, lips thinning out in a straight line. Yet, a hint of sympathy glimmers in those emerald eyes.
"Oh," he says, a bit of a shake in his voice, "So, you are being forced."
"It is the life of the rich. You either have reputation and money or you are nothing. If you have nothing, then you are sent to live with the poor class," I hissed, disgusted with the wealthy status. The many betrayals of broken families all for the sake of making one's name perfectly taintless.
"I do not know why I am telling you all of this. I just met you and it is not like you have not seen the rich life yourself. To be honest, I am surprised you are not repulsed by me," I add on, begrudgingly. The blonde suddenly stops dancing out of shock, nearly making me trip.
"Why on Earth would I be repulsed by you?" "Felix" asked, baffled. I wince, wondering why I even said my insecurities out loud. I suppose keeping feelings bottled up for so long without any emotional support can make me ramble to strangers. He seems like a good-natured gentleman but I cannot know for sure.
"Forget I said that," I wave him off, upset at myself before walking away, "I hope you enjoy the rest of the masquerade."
"My lady, hold on," "Felix" said, following me, "You cannot expect me to ignore this after you said that."
I did not stop walking, continuing to head toward the wall. It has always been the only place I have ever felt comfortable near at a party. Yet, it seems like it will not be my safe zone at this party.
"There you are, Lady Dupain-Cheng!" a sly voice purrs. Lila stands in my way with Luka and Chloe not too far behind. A smirk appears on the vixen's lips, a warning that she has schemed a plan. I can feel many people watching us and whispering.
"I was worried when you had not returned to Luka's side in a while. Are you not supposed to celebrate your engagement with your husband? Do not make this party all about you? It is very undignified," she finished. My eyelid twitches in irritation, tightly clenching my fists.
The nerve!
I just want to upper-cut this fox in the chin! Maybe, it will break or lose some of her teeth, ruining that treacherous smile of hers. I am very close to doing so when Lila looks over my shoulder in confusion.
"Who are you?" She asked, innocently. I avert my gaze over my shoulder, seeing the blonde male I had danced with. He is frozen on the spot, a drop of nervous sweat sliding down the side of his face. I tilt my head in wonder, muscles growing tense.
"If Lila did not invite him...that means..." my thoughts trail off, eyelids enlarging when realization strikes, "...oh no."
"I will be so considerate to ask once more. Who are you?" Lila asked, growing impatient (which I would love to point out is not lady-like).
This is bad. If that is Chat Noir and he introduces himself under his fake name, Lila will surely have him executed on the spot for sneaking into this party. Another outrageously dumb law made by Chloe's dad. I wish I can help him but there are people here who know that I do not know him. It will be considered treason for involving myself in defending him. But I cannot do nothing or else he will be terminated!
"Felix" kept silent, unsure of how to get out of this situation.
"Guards!" Lila called, pointing at the masked blonde, "Kill this street rat!"
Two guards appear from the crowd of wealthy people with a gun. The masked blonde tries to make a run for it but accidentally goes the wrong way. He collides with the snack table, spilling drinks and crushing snacks. The servant working at the snack table stumbles back, thunderstruck by the sudden events.
The blonde sits up, rubbing his head in pain. The guards have him surrounded, pointing their weapons at the mysterious party crasher.
I can feel my heart pound, everything before me happening in slow motion as I witness the gun aiming at "Felix." Without thinking or hesitation, I hurriedly move.
{+}{+}{+}
Adrien's P.O.V
I watch as the weapon points straight at me, ready to fire its deadly shot. I would have accepted my fate a week ago, willing to fall and reunite with Kagami again. Yet, I feel fear course through my body and the urge to live mixing in.
"I cannot die," I thought, frustratingly, "I do have a purpose! I need to stop Hawkmoth, train Ladybug to sword fight, and protect all of Paris. I cannot die here! But these filthy rich scumbags will not allow me to leave here alive. I hate the rich!"
Suddenly, a flash of red stands between me and the weapon. My mouth is slightly agape, blinking in befuddlement. I look up to see the maskless woman I was just dancing with, arms protectively stretched out.
"You will not kill this man," she sternly proclaimed in a disturbingly low voice, a growl mixing into her words.
"Why not?" The auburn-haired host asks, crossing her arms, "It is the law. Besides, why do you care what happens with this street rat? It means nothing, just another mistake the world made."
"You are the biggest fool here, Lila," the bluenette stated, "He does matter—everyone matters—whether he is rich or poor. You will not take this man's life just because he crashed this party. That law is the most imbecilic rule I ever heard! You will have to kill me first if you want to get to him."
I am in disbelief with what is happening before me. A wealthy class person is protecting me, even putting her reputation and life at stake. I never thought I would see this day come. I am left speechless with her bravery. But I can tell by the way her hands tremble, she is afraid.
The "Lila" girl's face does not change from its stoic, uncaring look. She simply points, saying, "Then, I suppose it has to be done..."
Her features crinkle into a creepily, malevolent smile.
"Kill them both."
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