Chapter Text
Marinette balled her skirt into her fist, keeping the long dress off of the ground. Making a nice pace to the Agreste manor, she looked down at the map Ivan had drawn out for her, her blue bell eyes darting around the darkened street corners. There was hardly anyone on the streets, most Parisians likely attending the party, or sleeping in their homes. Recognizing certain buildings and landmarks, Marinette made twists and turns until she came upon a rather huge mansion encased in pearly white gates.
This was on par with Chloe’s home, though the Bourgeois family was a bit more loud in their extravagance. The front gate was flooded with carriages, crowds of women surrounding the large, stone steps leading up to the front doors. There was a sea of sashaying fabric, waves of silk flowing with each woman’s movements. Marinette’s eyes shone brightly the closer she got, a rainbow of colors popping in the moonlight. She was brought out of her trance when she felt an impact at her side.
“Ugh, watch where you’re going.” A woman next to her scoffed, Marinette having bumped into her.
Marinette quickly bowed and apologized, having felt embarrassed she made herself known. Yes, this was a masquerade ball, making it hard to recognize anyone in the darkness of the night, but she wanted to be as invisible as possible. She wasn’t supposed to be there after all. She made her way through the crowd of women, making sure to step lightly. Reaching the front gate, two large guards stopped her where she stood. Marinette tensed up, would she be turned away? Did Chloe somehow find out Marinette was coming and made sure to tell the guards not to let her in?
Then, out stepped a woman in a red and black gown. She held her dark hair in a high bun, glasses pushed up on her nose. Marinette noticed a peculiar red streak in her bangs. The woman looked the seamstress up and down as if she was making notes about her in her head. Marinette felt anxious under her glare.
“She may pass.” The woman then said.
The guards said nothing as they opened the gate for Marinette. She let out a breath, feeling relieved from their intimidating glares. She entered the courtyard, captivated by the glorious roses and irises that accessorized the scene, a large fountain of a woman in the center. Marinette gazed at the marble fountain, thinking that whoever the woman was based off of must have been breathtakingly beautiful.
The music slowly drifted through Marinette’s ears, taking her mind off the fountain. The modely was classy and refined, giving a romantic mood for the party. She followed the tune, making her way through the crowd of women in dresses just as big as hers and came into the Agreste mansion.
Lights gleamed off of the marble floors, reflecting the scene like a giant mirror. Marinette was in awe by how beautiful it was, everything seemed like a dream. She was taken out of her trance by someone bumping into her, much like she had done earlier. “P-Pardon...me.” She mumbled as the woman who knocked her side continued past her without a word.
Marinette huffed at the lack of manners these women seemed to have. Moving past it, she followed the music. It led her through a crowded dining room, people chatting away and sipping wine. She took in the elegance of the room, fine wooden table with no chairs surrounding it, dark walls with white trimming and the ceiling a painting of angels on clouds. A large crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, lighting up the room. There were dozens of paintings hanging on the walls of whom Marinette could only assume were family members.
Her trip through the dining room came to an end as she reached another, smaller room. Marinette noticed that every single room she passed through was equally as beautiful and elegant. Finally, she reached two open double doors, glass panes encased in gold. The ballroom by far was the most populated space in the house, it was alive with music and drunken laughter. Her eyes lit up with wonder and enchantment, feeling her heart race with excitement. The music was loudest in this room, a band playing graciously in their own little corner. Chatter overlapped with the tune of the instruments, the voices of many women filling up the room.
Butlers with silver trays effortlessly maneuvered between the guests, passing out wine and hors d'oeuvres. Stepping forward into the ballroom, she looked around at the scenery to take in the grandeur of it all. Tall columns spread out throughout the room held up the ceiling which, like the dining room, was painted of angels and clouds. Chariots riding along the blue background and the biggest chandelier Marinette had ever seen hanging from the center of the room. Her eyes led her to see the various balconies filled to the brim with women chatting away as if they didn’t have a care in the world.
As she made her way deeper into the ballroom, some eyes made contact with hers, making her cheeks flush. Some women pointed and smiled. It made Marinette feel embarrassed, unsure of what they were talking about. She assumed the worst; Is my dress too plain? Too revealing? Is it ugly? Marinette shook her head, it was a beautiful gown though a bit avant garde. She may not have been the most outstanding girl at the party, but she worked through sleepless nights perfecting her dress and if someone didn’t like it then it wasn’t her problem.
Or so she tried to think. Marinette was always an anxious girl. She was clumsy and always seemed to trip over her words, her mind always thinking the worst when things didn’t go exactly how she’d planned.
“Isn’t it stunning? I had it specially commissioned myself.”
Marinette stopped in her tracks upon hearing that loud, familiar voice. She frantically searched the direction it came from only to see who she wanted to bump into least. Chloe . She stuck out like a sore thumb, her dress probably the most flashy and extravagant at the party. Sabrina stood silently by her side, almost like a shadow, while a tall blonde man that Marinette didn’t recognize in a white and gold suit smiled at Chloe. There was one more man among them, someone she also didn’t recognize. He didn’t stand out too much in the group, aside from being the only person of color.
“I actually designed it myself, you see.” Chloe’s loud, condescending voice could be heard a mile away. “I spent hours, night after night painstakingly drawing the blueprints for this dress. I wanted it to look perfect for Adrikin’s party.” She dramatically placed her hand overtop her bosom.
Marinette felt rage boiling in her veins. Chloe, designing the dress she was wearing? She barely acknowledged Marinette’s hard work and now she’s taking the credit!? And blueprints ? She didn’t even use the proper terminology for design! She watched the group chit chat, Chloe flinging herself over the blonde gentleman. She felt her cheeks grow hot when suddenly he looked her way. They locked eyes for a moment, a toxic green burning into Marinette’s mind.
Remembering where she was and who she was, she seamstress broke away from the man’s gaze. She decided to go cool down outside the ballroom, unable to stand being in the same place as Chloe. Marinette made her way to two more large doors that led out to the back garden. She shut the doors behind her, muffling out the music and laughter. She breathed in the night air, feeling the cold in the back of her mouth. She looked at her surroundings; tall hedges loomed over the flower bushes, creating a maze made of green. The garden was colored in hues of purple, blue and violet flowers with white lillies scattered about. In the center was a much smaller, simpler fountain than the one by the main gates.
Marinette decided to take a seat by the fountain, contemplating if she should just leave. She took a deep breath. “Why did I even come here?” She sighed to herself.
“Is everything alright, my lady?” A sweet, smooth voice came from behind her.
She looked up to find those same green eyes staring gently at her. It was the man in Chloe’s group. Marinette sat herself up straight, not wanting to look beat down in front of a stranger. “I’m fine.” She answered politely.
The man smiled weakly, almost to say he didn’t believe her but wasn’t going to press for more questions. Instead, went with something a little less nosey. “May I sit next to you?”
Marinette stared at him in suspicion. Why would one of Chloe’s friends want to speak with her? Did Chloe figure out that she was here? Was he a spy? Questions ran through her mind as she stared at the gentleman. He visibly blushed under her stern gaze, causing Marinette to remember she was speaking to someone. “Miss…?” He said nervously.
“Ah.” Marinette left her thoughts. “Yes.” She said softly.
He let out a soft breath and sat down next to the seamstress. The two didn’t say anything for a few moments, the man breaking the silence when things seemed to appear awkward. “So, what brings you out here? Why not enjoy the party?”
Marinette soothed out the wrinkled in her dress, not looking him in the eye. “I’m escaping.” She said flatly.
The gentleman chuckled. “Funny, I am too.”
She looked at him now, furrowing her brow at his response. She decided to pique her own curiosity. “Had enough of your friends?” She interrogated. “The one in the princess gown seemed to enjoy your company.”
“So you were watching us?” He flashed a suspecting smile.
Marinette blushed. He noticed. “No, I just happened to glance over.”
The man laughed, short and endearing. Marinette thought that it was the most charming sound she had ever heard. “The princess can be a bit...Overbearing.” He said, sounding a bit exhausted.
“I understand all too well…” Marinette mumbled.
“Pardon?” He asked innocently.
“Ah, nothing.” She brushed him off. “This is a very good place to come down from a party. This garden is beautiful.”
The gentleman looked into the night sky, breathing in the air the same way Marinette had done. The two sat by the fountain in contentment, staring up at the stars. The muffled music could be heard from the ballroom, making the man smile. Marinette looked to him. She studied his features, straight nose and chiseled jaw, his smile really made his whole face light up. Even under his mask, Marinette could tell he was beautiful.
The man then looked at her with that moonlit smile, making the seamstress blush but she didn't look away. “This is my favorite song.” He said simply, closing his eyes and nodding along to the melody.
Marinette smiled genuinely, feeling the stranger’s happiness radiating off of him. “It’s lovely.” She said softly.
He then looked at her with eyes aglow, like a child receiving a gift. He promptly stood up and extended his hand out to the girl. “Would you like to dance?”
Marinette blinked, staring at his gloved hand. “Dance?” She questioned.
“You seem like you don't normally do things like this, so I want your time here to be one of a kind. And what better way to do that than to dance to beautiful music?”
The wind blew, ruffling his golden hair. Flower petals danced in the air as he seemed to shine under the moonlight like an angel sent from above to take her to heaven. Flushed under her red and black mask, Marinette reluctantly reached out her hand. Everything seemed to brighten upon contact, the music clear in her ears as he pulled her close. Their chests touched, Marinette’s whole body set aflame. “Don’t be nervous.” He whispered which sent shivers down her spine.
He took a step to the right, then to the left, Marinette following suit. She took each step carefully, watching his feet closely. He spun her, then the two moved into dancing in slow circles. Marinette fixated her eyes on the man’s feet, biting her lip in deep concentration. “Relax, you’re doing great.” He said, not taking his bright green eyes off the woman in his arms.
As if his words were magic, Marinette felt all the tension leave her body. She set her eyes on his, transfixed by how radient they were. They danced to the music, drawn to each other like a moth to a flame. Marinette could feel her heart racing, the beating so loud in her ears she was sure he could hear it too. His gentle smile calmed her nerves, and his eyes, oh his eyes . They were practically glowing in the night light, deep pools of green swimming around dark pupils. She was sure it was just the romantic mood, but the gentleman seemed to look at her like she was the only woman in the world. It seemed to last a lifetime, Marinette feeling a great sense of euphoria.
Then, the midnight bells chimed, drowning out the music the man so adored. The two stopped dancing to listen. “Midnight already?” Marinette bit her lip.
“Everything alright, my lady?” He asked in concern.
Marinette separate herself from the man, taking a few steps back. If she didn’t get back to the Bourgeois home soon she was sure to meet with an enraged Chloe. “I’m sorry, but I have to go.” She turned and headed for the doors leading into the ballroom.
“Wait!” He called out to her. “Please, you haven’t told me your name!”
Marinette stopped with her hands on the door handles. She thought for a moment, she didn’t want to give him her real name if he knew Chloe. Sweat dripped down her neck as she debated leaving without another word. Then, she got a brilliant idea. She turned to face him and brought her index finger to her lips with a wink. “Call me Ladybug.” Was all she said before dashing through the double doors.
She squeezed through the crowds of women, swearing there were even more than before. “Excuse me, pardon me.” She pushed through.
Luckily most of the population had moved to inside the mansion, making leaving the property a breeze. Marinette took the same backstreets that she had walked earlier in the night. It seemed to take forever to get back to the Bourgeois household, the whole walk spent in fear that Chloe would be waiting ready to fire her.
Marinette finally, after what seemed like ages, reached the place she called home. She peeked open the door to the servants quarters and looked around. There, Rose met the seamstress with excitement in her big blue eyes. “She’s back!” She called out into the rest of the quarters.
The usual group came rushing in, Alya at the forefront of the crowd. The maid grasped Marinette’s hands, her eyes twinkling. “How did it go? Did you have fun? Was it as magical as you thought it would be? You didn’t run into Chloe did you?” Alya bombarded her with questions.
Marinette put her hands over her friend’s mouth. “Hush! What if she hears you?” She said with panic in her voice.
Alya removed the other girl’s hands from her face displaying a look of confidence. “Relax girl, the mistress isn’t back yet.”
Marinette let out a sigh of relief. “You guys didn’t get into any trouble while I was gone did you?” She asked with worry in her voice.
“Unfortunately, Kim was caught climbing the gates and got a good scolding from Monsieur Bourgeois about ‘manners’ and ‘etiquette’.” Alix said with her arms folded.
“And a pay cut!” Rose cried with watery eyes.
“Psh, it’s no big deal.” Kim chimed in. “Even a cut in pay here is enough to support my family.”
Marinette smiled as the group chit chat among themselves, feeling grateful that she had such wonderful friends. Alya then leaned in close to the other woman. “So, you didn’t answer my question. Was it magical?”
Marinette thought the night over, thinking of the many gowns she saw, the elegance of the Agreste estate, and the stranger she danced with. The thought of him made her blush. The scene of him glowing under the moonlit night sky, music playing from inside the mansion, the dance she shared with him. The memory made her smile.
“That’s a good sign!” Alya referred to Marinette’s smile. “Tell me about it!”
“Later,” Marinette put up her hand. “Right now I want to get out of this gown and wash my face.”
Alya nodded and followed the seamstress to her room while the rest of the staff went about their night, some heading to bed and others staying up to greet the mistress when she came home. As she made her way into her room, Marinette continued to think about the man she had met tonight. He seemed to come out of a dream, beautiful and charming. She had no idea how this meeting would affect her life.