"Would the mademoiselle and Mr. Noir like a front table?" Inquired the usher as he bowed to us. Chat sent me a quick glance and I slightly shook my head. "No sir but thank you. Are we able to choose our own seats?" Chat replied graciously.
"For such a prestigious guest of course! Would you like me to save a seat next to you for the lovely Ladybug?"
"That would be great thank you!" I felt a twinge of guilt at hearing my alter ego's name but pushed it away. The usher nodded and Chat guided me into the ballroom. Whispers immediately exploded. Luckily for us, these people were too well-behaved and self-absorbed to swarm us like helicopters swarming an alien in area 51.
That didn't stop them from whispering though. I ducked my head in embarrassment but Chat used his hand to lift my chin. "Don't bow your head you look incredible." his words echoed his sentiment from earlier that day.
EARLIER
The door opened to reveal Chat in a tailored black suit. A green tie lay crooked on his chest. In his suit pocket lay a pink hanker-chief, the same color as my dress. 'How did he do that?' Black gloves extended up into the sleeves of his suit and a mask covered his face. The light of the hallway glinted off his carefully musked hair. His eyes sparkled like beautiful emeralds finely polished.
'He must have gone to Master Fu and gotten a formal wear power-up.'
"Come in Chat!" Tom bellowed exuberantly. Chat stepped in but he never took his eyes off me. I shifted uncomfortably under his constant stare and looked around for Alya. 'Where is that girl'
That girl stood beside my mother as she smirked watching me squirm. I looked tentatively back at Chat and found his eyes roaming up my body. He opened his mouth to say something then closed it again.
I looked away from him and held myself. "I'm sorry if it's not good enough. I don't have the money to afford a designer dress. I also didn't have time to create a completely new one, so I just finished one I had previously started. I could just not go or I could-" Hands on my shoulders cut me off and I whipped my head around to meet Chat's intoxicating eyes.
"You look incredible. Beyond incredible! Don't bow your head! There are literally no words to describe the amount of beauty coming off you." I giggled and stood on my tip toes and pecked his lips.
"Thanks, kitten." My mom then hooked her arm around Chat and dragged him away.
"Who tied this tie?!" She exclaimed. "I did?" She sighed and undid it. Then she carefully but efficiently re-tied it perfectly straight on his chest. Then ran her hands very precisely through his hair somehow mussing it even more stylishly.
"There. Much better." he blinked at her a small smile gracing his perfect lips. "I forgot how it felt to have a mother." My mother's eyes clouded over slightly and pulled Chat into her tight embrace.
"Sweetheart you will always find a mother in this house. Whenever you need it and even when you don't" Chat paused then buried his head into Sabine's shoulder and squeezed her tighter.
BACK TO PRESENT
"I'm so excited for you to meet Ladybug! I'm sure you guys will like each other. You have a ton in common!"
"I'm sure we do. Let's pick a table near the side wall." Chat nodded as he continued to chatter excitedly. We found a table to sit at and I opened a brochure about the night.
"Ok, so it seems like we start with appetizers and mingling then we dance for a while then dinner with a special announcement then dessert and wine."
"I wonder what the special announcement is..."
"Me too but don't have too high hopes of something important you know how the bourgeois' are."
"Mr. Noir." Chat turned in his seat and I glanced up letting my eyes settle on the usher from before. "I was just informed that the lovely ladybug is unable to attend tonight's gala."
Chat's entire being immediately drooped and the pool of guilt in my stomach grew larger.
"That's ok Chat. Maybe you can introduce me some other time!" Chat nodded but his ears still lay flat against his head in a pouty way. I lightly rolled my eyes and initiated flirty mode.
"Besides," I smiled and rested my hand atop his "I wouldn't want to share." I sent a wink his way then stood up to go mingle. I strolled through the crowd till a saw a familiar face. A face I most definitely hoped to avoid. I started to turn away but the blond demon had already spotted me.
Chloe barged over in her yellow multi-layered dress. I had to admire the workmanship. Black lined the last layer of her dress. Yellow flowers flowed through the layers. Her top had many flowers decorating it and a large yellow-looking butterfly lay elegantly at her side.
Accompanying her was a tall man in a black suit. His blazer was navy blue but his tie matched his suit. In Contrast to Chats cole black attire, this man's was midnight black. His hair was the real eye-catcher though. Dark blue at the roots fading to a stark teal. The hairstylist who did it must be really talented. My musings were sadly cut short by Chloe's oh-so-annoying voice.
"How did you get in here Dupain-Cheng!" "Chloe let's not be rude." the man said in a melodic voice. "This is the girl I told you about Luka! The attention-seeking brat one!" the stranger's eyes turned to me and immediately hardened.
"Now back to the question! How did you manage to sneak in!?" I sighed and finally came to terms with the fact that, yes I would have to speak to her. "I was brought as a plus one Chloe."
"BY WHO?! Who do you know prestigious enough to be invited!?"
"My boyfriend. Remember Chloe how I'm dating Chat Noir" I emphasized Chat's name hoping that with that she would drop the subject and leave me alone.
"See Luka!" Chloe turned to the blue-haired guy and gestured at me. "She's using Chat Noir to get into parties and I even bet she made him pay for her dress! It's way too beautiful and high-end for her to afford."
"Actually," I felt an arm snake around my waist and I glanced up to see Chat's gorgeous face. "She didn't know about the Gala until a couple of hours beforehand when I surprised her with the invite. Also, this high-end beautiful dress was both designed and made by hers truly."
The guy's eyes widened and he looked between me and Chat. Then he held his hand out. "I'm Luka. Luka Couffaine." Chat reached his hand out and shook it.
"Chat. Chat Noir and this here gorgeous lady is my girlfriend Marinette Dupain-Cheng." Luka moved his hand over and held it out to me. I lightly shook it then pulled my hand away.
"Did I hear right that you designed that dress yourself?" Luka inquired. I nodded and I couldn't help a smile lighting my face.
"That's right. I drew the idea out first then began making measurements and deciding on color ideas. I then went to a fabric store and bought the spools I needed. Then I-"
"Blah Blah Blah no one cares about how you made the dress."
"I do." Our entire group all turned at the same time to see a man in a nicely tailored suit. "I really am sorry for interrupting but I couldn't help but notice the artistry in her dress and when I heard she made it herself well I couldn't help but listen in." His American accent sounded twangy to my ears but I smiled anyways.
"Thank you, sir."
"What did you say your name was again?"
"Marinette Dupain-Cheng."
"Well miss Cheng I would definitely be interested in seeing more designs of yours but I realize I'm being rude. I'm Marcus Lane."
"Wait." Chats voice cut in and boy was I glad. "Marcus Lane like THE Marcus Lane. The American Icon of fashion." (this guy is not a real person to my knowledge. I made him up. He's an OC)
"It's always nice to be recognized." I was still speechless. 'THE Marcus Lane!! He was just a little less famous than Gabriel Agreste. Marcus was my second favorite fashion designer! This can't be happening!'
"Hi, Marcus!" Chloe shrilled. "I'm sure you are also interested in my stuff."
"Not at all, Miss Bourgeois." Chloe was left speechless as Marcus turned his back on Chloe and faced me.
"Well, Miss Cheng here is my business card. Just call my secretary and we can set up a meeting." He nodded his head toward Chat and strolled off into the crowd. 'omgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomg'
"Marinette you can breath now," Chat said chuckling. "Do you realize what just happened!" I squealed holding the card as if it was a delicate family heirloom. "Marcus Lane wants to see more of MY designs!" I squealed again and I couldn't help but laugh in delight.
Chat squeezed me tight to his side as a wide grin traversed his face. "I haven't seen you this happy in a long time." "How could I not! A major fashion designer LIKES MY stuff!" I was absolutely giddy and felt like doing something crazy like a cartwheel. Luckily I still owned some self-control and refrained.
"You are one lucky girl," Luka commented. "Almost luckier than Ladybug."
"I am luckier than her. I have this goofball to call a boyfriend." Luka's hard demeanor finally broke and he cracked a grin.
"You were just offered an opportunity of a lifetime but the first thing you think you are lucky about is your boyfriend? I mean granted he is a superhero but still."
"He saved my life. Multiple times." I stated simply. He smiled at that but then my luck ran out. It seemed Chloe had found her voice again.
"Luka stop being nice to her! She's evil remember! Did you see what she made Mr. Lane do!"
Chat stepped forward to defend me but I put my hand out. "I'm sorry you see me that way Chloe but I think you honestly don't want to admit that I'm better than you at designing. I beat you in that derby hat contest a couple of years ago and I could beat you any other day of the week."
Chloe stood speechless and Luka hid a smile behind his hand as I turned on my heel grabbed Chat's hand and simply walked away.
"Is that confidence I see?" Chat asked as he happily followed. "It is Chat. I'm not letting a low-life brat like Chloe walk over me anymore."
"Good for you." Chat grabbed my hand and pulled me to a stop. I turned around to see him and he pulled me close. "I'm very proud of you." Chat pulled me closer and pressed his lips against mine softly. "So." kiss. "So." kiss. "So proud."
I was left breathless and butterflies took flight in my stomach. "Thanks," I murmured. Chat reached up and stroked my cheek with a soft smile. Then he turned away and grabbed two Hors d'oeuvres from a passing waiter.
"Would the lovely lady like a snack?"
"She would." He handed it to me and I took a bite. I could appreciate the expert baking and cooking put into this. Chat on the other hand could not. He almost immediately spat it out. I don't think he could have possibly made a funnier disgusted face.
I burst out laughing and couldn't stop. Chat was desperately looking side to side for a waiter carrying a drink so he could wash it down. At this point, I was holding my sides from laughing so hard. "I thought you said you were an expert in fancy parties." I barely gasped out.
EARLIER
"You know I love traveling with you around the city via stick but I am SO GLAD you decided a car would be better. And not any car a limo!"
"Well, a Princess must have a proper mode of transportation." I giggled and looked around the interior of the limo once again. We were sitting on nice leather seats that lined the two long walls of the car while there was a thing of little chocolates and a mini fridge-looking thing that must have held drinks.
"How did you afford this?" I asked in wonder.
"I'm pretty well off in my civilian life," Chat responded but he didn't sound smug like one would expect when bragging about wealth. Did he sound.... guilty? No that wasn't right. Lonely?..... maybe.
"Hey, are you ok?"
"Ya, it's just... cold in my house sometimes. My father isn't around much but is very restrictive about where I can go. Chat Noir is pretty much my only escape but being a superhero I don't have many people I can go to. Ladybug was my only source of warmth for a long time. Well and a couple of school friends."
Chat's eyes briefly flickered towards me then away again. I think he felt ashamed about his life.
"Chat.."
"No please don't feel pity for me."
"Chat there is no pity here. Only love. There's a difference. You will always have a place in my home."
"I know" Chat whispered. "You are the warmest place I know." I noticed he left out an important word in that sentence. Home.
I smiled and wrapped Chat in a hug. I pressed a kiss to his forehead and played with his hair.
"You know. We should go on dates more often." Chat commented after a minute. "Oh ya?"
"Ya! I get hugs and kisses from everyone that way!" I snorted and shoved him away. He chuckled then gestured at the mini-fridge.
"Would you like anything to drink princess?"
"Oh, that's ok. I'm gonna save room for all the fancy things at the party."
"You know I'm kinda an expert at events like these."
"Ya?"
"Oh, totally nothing can catch me off guard anymore." Chat proudly exclaimed with his chest thrust out and his thumb pointing at himself.
PRESENT
Chat sat slumped in a chair as I looked at him with raised eyebrows.
"Shut up," he muttered as he took another sip of his sparkling grape juice. They had offered him wine but he politely declined and ask for something non-alcoholic.
"I didn't say anything."
"Please your face is an open book." I giggled.
"I just thought an expert would know what to expect from an Hors d'oeuvre."
Chat grumbled something under his breath but then the loudspeaker turned on. "It's now time to dance the mayor's daughter will start the dance then all can join!" I directed my eyes toward the center of the room where Chloe and 'Luka' were. They stood in the middle with his hand on her back and his other hand enclosing hers.
A slow lilting song began to play and they waltzed around the room. They looked as if they were gliding. Perfectly in sync. Perfectly graceful.
I looked over at Chat. "Chat I don't know how to waltz!" I hissed out. I looked around the room for a way of escape. Unfortunately, Chat grabbed my hand before that possibility became a reality. "Trust me Marinette I know how to navigate a dance floor with a beginner."
"Ya but I'm Clumsy" He nodded and smiled.
"It'll be fine and a superhero is expected to dance." He stood and offered me a hand. I sighed and grumbled something that would probably get me grounded but took his extended hand nonetheless.
"If I trip and fall it's your fault."
"Ok" Chat chuckled as he lead me towards the dance floor. He surreptitiously showed me where to put my hands and quickly described how to waltz.
"It's a three-step box step. You wanna be on the tip of your toes and wanna glide through them not stop at each step. When I drop my arm from your back the signals that I'm gonna turn you. You have about two steps then you'll swing out from me and under my arm. This is a slow waltz so you don't have to rush." I nodded as I tried to retain all the information.
He then lead me into the fray.
'Ok three steps. Glide...Glide! Not trip! Be a butterfly. Wait no not a butterfly. Bad thought. Be a...? aaaaaaaa......? Oh, a flying squirrel! They glide! Be like a dancing flying squirrel. Oh, gods were turning. cmon you got this. Be the squirrel!'
"Uhm Marinette?"
"Oh uh yes?" 'Why you gotta break my concentration dude!'
"Not that I don't adore everything about you... but what's with the string of super weird facials?"
'Was I making a weird face?'
"Nothing!" I laughed the fakest laugh out there. "Just concentrating. You know remembering all the thiiiNGS!" the last part of my sentence got drawn out as I tripped but Chat's steadying hand made sure I didn't make a fool of myself.
"You my lovely darling don't make dancing easy."
"Shut up. I warned you!" Chat laughed and despite my grumbling, I was catching onto the dance moves pretty quickly. Finally, the long song ended and people politely clapped.
I pretty blond walked up to Chat not sparring me a glance. Kaitlyn. I narrowed my eyes while Chats did the opposite and widened.
"Partner!" She cried flinging her arms around him. 'Ew girl no. Get your grubby arms off him'
I didn't make a move. I may hate this girl but she did protect Paris while I was 'sick'.
"Oh, Kaitlyn how are you?" Chat asked as he wriggled out of her grip and held her at arm's length.
"I'm better now that you're here!" Chat awkwardly laughed and looked towards me. I simply averted my eyes and focused them on the floor.
"Right. Well, uhm Kaitlyn I'm sure you remember Marinette."
She glanced at me in complete disdain. "Unfortunately." she spat out. I kept my eyes on the floor as a phantom sting of pain from months ago tingled across my face.
"She's my-"
"Chat," Kaitlyn again interrupted him. "I was wondering if you wanted to go out sometime! Catch a movie or something."
"Sorry, Kaitlyn I have a girlfriend." Kaitlyn scoffed and turned to look at me. "What her? Or wait, I bet it's that incompetent bitch who couldn't do her job right aka Ladybu-" Chat suddenly stepped forward and grabbed the front of Kaitlyn's dress. Yanking her off balance and forwards.
"Don't you EVER talk about Ladybug that way again. You hear me? She was, is, and forever will be an astonishingly better Ladybug than you could EVER be. That woman is my partner and one of my best friends if I hear you call her a bitch again you will face the consequences. You were nothing compared to her and for your information, she is not my girlfriend. Marinette is."
'Weeellllll technically yes but also no'
Kaitlyn looked at him in complete fear. She hurriedly nodded. "Y-yes of course." Chat loosened his grip on her dress and let go. Kaitlyn quickly backed away, turned her back on us, and practically bolted through the crowd.
I felt my eyes prickle with tears looking at Chat glare at her back. Knowing that he defended me/Ladybug so vehemently is unbelievably touching.
Chat tore his gaze away from Kaitlyn and looked at me. "Woah Woah hey, are you crying!?"
"What? No, I just yawned. Whenever I yawn my eyes tear up." "Oh, that makes sense." Chat slung an arm around my shoulders and kissed my forehead. "I'm sorry that happened."
"Don't be. That girl needed to be put in her place." Chat grinned and nodded. "Hey, would the princess like to dance with her knight in shining armor?" I smiled and turned to face Chat. I noticed his tie was crooked again and sighed.
I straightened as I continued talking. "I believe she would. Also, your tie doesn't like to cooperate." Chat laughed then took me back onto the dance floor.
_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_TIME SKIP_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+
After about an hour of dancing, I was plum-tuckered out. 'Who says that?? Plum tuckered out. What is wrong with me?' My feet throbbed from being in the heels and all I wanted was to take them off. So once we sat down to eat the first course of dinner I peeled the cursed devices off my feet as surreptitiously as possible.
Chat grinned as he saw me doing this. "What my feet hurt." He continued on grinning as servers brought the food on silver platters. "I hope the food tastes better than their Hors d'oeuvre."
"Don't be like that," Chat grumbled as he lifted his platter top. The food was actually quite good. I enjoyed as much of the food as I could before my stomach protested. Basically, I ate the whole first course and half of the second. After that, I informed the server I would just like some sparkling apple cider. After the encounter with the assaulter a while back I couldn't handle the smell of wine.
I think maybe that's why Chat turned it down earlier. Or maybe he just doesn't like wine? Or am I just being a self-centered overthinker? Ugh, why can't I just get out of my own head? I sighed as I swirled my drink in its cup.
"What are you thinking about?" Chat inquired as he finished the third course.
"I don't know at this point. I'm just kinda overthinking everything."
"What's there to overthink?"
"Again I don't know, but it's making a tight knot in my stomach that makes me want to puke." Chat reached over and rubbed my thigh comfortingly. "Is there any way I can help?" I gave him a small smile but shook my head.
"I don't think so Chat."
"If I could have everyone's attention please!" I jumped as the mayor's voice boomed through the loudspeaker. His penguin-like form stood at a Microphone. "As the main course, it served I will make the announcement." He then promptly made his way off the stage. Murmmuers immediately skittered through the crowd.
"What could it be?"
"Maybe he's getting remarried?"
"Maybe Chloes getting married off?"
"Does this have to do with Ladybug and Chat Noir?"
"Have they defeated Hawkmoth? That would explain the lack of akumas."
"It's gonna be as fake as his daughter."
"Does this have to do with the serial rapists' trial? The one that assaulted Chat Noirs, girlfriend?"
"What's he planning?"
"Is the mayor stepping down?"
So many questions so few answers. I quietly discussed theories with Chat as servers delivered the meals. After everyone was settled and eating Mayor Bourgeois came back onto the stage and everyone immediately fell quiet. 'Amazing what curiosity does to people'
"I first want to thank you all for coming to our 25th annual gala." A small patter of applause ran throughout the crowd as Mr. Bourgeois continued "It's an honor to see so many important people here and having the opportunity to see and talk to you guys is truly a blessing. I do hope that you guys have had a grand time mingling, dancing, and eating. I'm sure some of you have had to loosen your belt since arriving. I know I sure have. From this point forward this speech is being recorded and will be shared live with all of Paris."
The crowd laughed and I heard some people mutter to their neighbors how sadly true that was.
"From this point forward this speech is being recorded and will be shared live with all of Paris. The news I'm about to tell you guys is important and while it is more pertinent to the Parisian people I feel our outside guests will also be interested to know."
"GET ON WITH IT!" Someone yelled from the crowd. Mayor Bourgeois glared in the general direction of where the voice came from but did indeed 'get on with it'.
"As you guys well know, a while back we had a building explode and at first glance, it was believed to be a gas leak. We are eternally grateful to Ladybug and Chat Noir for getting all the tenants out of the building. It is unbelievable that we only had two casualties and four hospitalized. And if Ladybug was here we would thank her for her abounding bravery in going into the burning building one last time to save a little boy's life at the expense of her own health. Since that fire, no one has seen ladybug and she was reported to be in bad condition by a medical examiner as they were preparing to take her to the hospital."
The mayor paused as murmurs of appreciation blazed through the crowd. I glanced over and saw Chat frowning. "he's right. I haven't seen her." 'This means I'm gonna have to make a ladybug appearance.'
"I plan to make some changes to this. Chat Noir I was wondering if I could talk to you after this announcement?"
"Of course Mayor." The mayor nodded his head.
"Now back to the building explosion. We had some arson experts look into the attack and we learned that this was no accident. Quite the contrary. It was a bomb." To say the room exploded like that building would be an understatement. Gasps and loud voices were everywhere.
"I need everyone to quiet down, please! QUIET DOWN!" The voices quickly faded away and people sat back in their seats. "After the arson experts told me that I was as shocked as you guys. So I decided to bring in a bomb expert. He was conclusive on the matter." The silence in the room was deafening.
"We are believed to have a bomber in Paris and they believe he will strike again. We implore that Ladybug and Chat Noir will help us catch this man before he strikes again." everyone turned in their seats and looked at Chat. He stood from his chair with a grim expression.
"Trust me when I say that both Ladybug and I will work nonstop to catch him." The crowd cheered as Chat sat back down and the Mayor continued.
"The last thing I wish to say is that the clean-up effort on the last building is going slow and we are now asking for citizenry help to clean up this debacle. I again thank you all for attending the 25th annual gala I hope you enjoy the dessert and the rest of your evening!" and with that, the mayor left the stage.
I sat there in stunned silence as Chat glared down at his hands. 'Ok but that boy got a glare that could kill'
"Hey, kitty what's wrong."
"How could I have not noticed?" Chat asked. His voice resonated with pain. "What do you mea-"
Chat cut me off as he lifted his eyes to meet mine. "How could I have not noticed that she wasn't around? She almost died in a fire god damn it and I didn't even call her!"
"Chat that's not your fault!"
"She has no one else to turn to Marinette! No one knows her identity! She could be dead for all we know! I have to go. I need to talk to the mayor then leave." Chat shot to his feet and rushed into the crowd toward the stage.
"Chat wai-" he was already gone. I cursed under my breath as I looked around. "How on earth do I deal with this." Tikki popped her head out of the small purse hanging on my chair. "Text Chat that you understand and that you decided to take a Uber home." "Ya good idea Tikki!"
I grabbed my purse and got my phone out of it as I rushed towards the doors. I ordered a Uber as I walked toward the front of the Bourgeois mansion. I stood outside as I waited and worked on composing the text. Suddenly I felt a presence behind me and someone grabbed my shoulder.
My ladybug instincts came in and I used the weight of the man against him as I grabbed his wrist and yanked him forward and into my back. Then grabbing the underside of his arm and wrist I bent forward and launched him over me and onto the unforgiving pavement below.
Luka groaned from the ground and I covered my mouth in surprise. "I am so sorry! It was instinct!" He groaned again and looked up at me. "Its instinct to judo flip people for you? What double life are you leading." I forced a fake smile with an accompanying fake laugh. I helped Luka up as I quickly thought of an excuse.
"Well uh- a few months ago, I think, I was assaulted by a man and he tried to rape me. Since then I've been taking self-defense." Luka nodded at that explanation.
"I heard about that in the news I guess I just didn't connect that to you."
"That's ok most people don't. But hey I'm not complaining, I don't love being in the limelight."
"Your dating a superhero," Luka said in a deadpan.
"Psht ya I know that and I accept that. But it doesn't mean I have to like it." Luka ponder that for a moment then nodded. "Fair. Anyways why are you out here?"
"Oh, I'm waiting on my uber."
"Why did you order an Uber can't Chat Noir take you home?"
"Well-uh- something came up. He had somewhere to rush off to, so I decided to just go home."
"I can take you home?" Luka offered.
"That's sweet of you, really but I'm not very comfortable with that. Sorry."
"No that's completely understandable but uh- can I get your number so you can text me when you are home safe? I know we just met but I'm not comfortable sending you off alone without being sure you get home safe."
I smiled at Luka and then laughed. "Ok fine." Luka handed me his phone and I quickly entered my digits. Right after a car pulled up and I simultaneously got a message from my Uber saying he's arrived.
"Be safe Miss Dupain-Cheng."
"Thanks, Luka."
I then got into the car and told the Uber my adress
Man was that one long chapter! I hit a new score of 5,000 words! So sry that it took so long to come out. With the holidays I just didn't have a ton of time to write! I hope you guys all I had a great new year and a great year to come!!
-UncleRickHookedMe
Word Count: 5042