"They're almost perfect fakes," Ladybug stares down at the duplicate jewelry I'm just come back with to the car. "Hopefully, Corvus takes the bait," I say, pulling back out into traffic. I drop her off, telling her to be ready in a couple of hours and we'll head off to the party. When she's safely inside, Plagg appears. "Don't you think she's wondering why you made a copy of your ring, when she has no idea your Cat Noir?" "It doesn't matter if she doesn't, Plagg. The important thing is that we fool Corvus."

"So, is Cat Noir going to make an appearance tonight?" Plagg asks, as we pull back into the gates of mansion. I sigh, shutting off the engine. "What do you think I should do, little buddy?" Plagg smiles. "I know this is going to sound cheesy, but I think you should follow your heart. Wait for the moment, and then surprise her. Either way, she'll be thrilled to see you again." A lump grows in my throat. "You think so?" Plagg nods, touching my cheek. "I know so."

My laugh comes out a bit hoarse and choked up. "Your right, Plagg. That does sound cheesy, but right now, cheesy is awesome."

Being a model, it doesn't take long to get ready, but I feel a bit nervous when I go to pick up Ladybug. There's going to be crowds of people there, and we though we expect that, if something does go wrong, it would be easy to get separated in the crowds. Still, I'm proud to escort her on my arm, and maybe I'll see some old friends from my modeling days.

I idle on the curb, thinking she'll be out shortly, but then I receive a text.

Ladybug: Hey, can you come in for a minute?

Adrien: On my way.

Her parents greet me at the door with hugs and smiles. "Ladybug should be down shortly, honey," Sabine says. "Nope, here I come."

Everything else fades away as she seems to float down the stairs, dressed in a purple and white gown, the skirt full and flowy. Her hair is pinned up with purple and white ribbons to match the look, but I catch a black ribbon among the white. Is there some meaning behind it? Before I can ask, Tom blurts out. "Honey, you can't leave without letting us take some pictures." "Yes, Tom, let's go get the camera, its downstairs."

Ladybug and I laugh as they scurry downstairs. "You look so beautiful," I take her hands. "Thanks. I feel like a teenager again attending my first dance."

I went to my first dance with Marinette, and the night was magical. A little ache in my chest opens and I nod mutely. Whenever is she is I hope she's happy.

"Adrien." Ladybug is in my arms, hugging me and I hold her tightly, and we almost cling to each other. "I won't let anything happen to you tonight, I promise," I whisper, cupping her cheek and giving it a kiss. A sudden tear slips down her cheek and more tears follow. "Hey, what's going on?" she rubs her eyes, trying to smile through her tears. "Nothing," she sniffles. "Your-your just not the first person to tell me that and they're really special to me." She's talking about Cat, and in that moment, I know somehow and even for a few minutes, he'll show up just for her.

I wipe her tears with my fingers. "Dry your eyes, my love. I love you." Before she can respond, Tom bursts back through the door with the camera. Ladybug laughs, and we have fun posing for pictures, some silly, some formal.

We're quiet, both lost in our own thoughts as we head to the event. When we arrive, even before we step out of the car, the cameras are clicking feverishly. Taking a deep breath, I hold out my hand to Ladybug. "Ready to do this?" she nods, entwining our fingers. "Remember, stronger together."

"Ladybug! Adrien!" The paparazzi can't stop snapping pictures or asking questions. And then I know it's time to slip away into the crowd, and make M'lady happy. She wants to see her Kitty again, and I am here to deliver. "Will you be okay on your own for a bit? I have a friend I need to see." "Okay," she smiles, and a reporter grabs her attention.

I head to a dark corner where no one will notice me, then strut down the red carpet in style. "Ladybug, maybe here, but I'm the real Cat's meow!"

"Cat! Cat Noir!" Ladybug is rushing towards me, pure and utter joy on her face and I scoop her up in my arms. "Oh, my Kitty!" she's crying, but she's happy, so happy. "Glad to see you again, Bugaboo," I set her down. Her lip is wobbling now, not caring if the world is watching. "In all my years of being your partner, I'd never thought I'd be glad for the day you called me Bugaboo!"

The crowd laughs, and its time to head inside for the fashion show before dinner is served, then the dance. "So, who are you here with?" I ask, her hand clutching mine tightly, as if she doesn't want to let go. "Adrien Agreste. We've been hanging out ever since we saw each other at a Taylor Swift concert. Our friendship blossomed, and now its something more…." her voice trails off.

We have to break our conversation off as the guards pat us down. "Boys rooms on the left! Girls on the right! Listen for your cue!" they bark. Its hard to part ways, and I duck into one of the dressing rooms, detransforming in a bubble of happiness. I slip off my ring, handing it to Plagg then slip on "the fake" I had made. "You know where this goes," I tell him and he nods.

Just as Ladybug and I predicated, they take our jewelry for safekeeping as we're dressed and styled, and I breath a silent sigh of relief. The show is fun, and Ladybug shines upon the stage, wearing a dazzling smile.

We find each other after. "Oh, Adrien, love! I saw Cat!" "Ladybug, that's wonderful!" "Is he still here?" she scans the crowd eagerly, and my heart drops when I have to lie to her. "No."

"I never got to say goodbye," her eyes shimmer and before I can stop her, she runs away.

"Here you go, boss. One ring, one Miraculous. Looks like a boring old ring to me, though." one of Corvus's helper said. Corvus cawed out a laugh, echoing through the corridors. He was tempted to put them on and make the wish now, but he would wait for morning for he wanted to admire the shiny just a little longer.