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'Oh, no! Tikki, where have all the macarons gone?'
Marinette gaped in horror at the empty plate on the trolley just outside the kitchen. Twenty minutes ago it had been piled high with passion fruit macarons, arranged into a perfect pyramid. Now, to her great dismay, all that was left was a small pile of crumbs. The young baker's daughter opened her purse and looked sternly at the kwami within.
'Did you eat the macarons, Tikki?' she asked.
'It wasn't me, Marinette, I promise!' Tikki exclaimed, flying up in front of her owner's face. 'I would never touch anything that you'd made specifically for Adrien. You know that.'
Marinette could see in Tikki's blue eyes that she was telling the truth.
'Okay, I'm sorry. But if it wasn't you, then…who? Who would do this?'
Just then her parents emerged from the huge hotel kitchen, carrying more plates of baked goods. Tikki quickly zipped back inside the purse. Tom and Sabine immediately noticed their daughter's distress.
'What's wrong, honey?' asked Sabine. 'I thought you were excited about this gala.'
'This is what's wrong,' exclaimed Marinette, gesturing to the empty plate. 'Someone's stolen my macarons! I worked so hard on those, and now I'll never get to give them to Adrien at the gala tonight.'
The family of bakers had been thrilled to be asked to cater for the Agreste Foundation charity event. Marinette, of course, had spent the afternoon baking a fresh batch of passion fruit macarons, even though they weren't listed on the official menu. Tom and Sabine hadn't even bothered trying to stop her, since it was obvious that they were intended for a special someone in particular who would definitely be at the event.
'Not to worry, Marinette,' said Tom, placing a reassuring hand round her back. 'We have plenty of other things you can offer to Adrien. Maybe he likes chouquettes?'
'Yeah, maybe.' Marinette tried to brighten up her mood. 'Thanks, Papa.'
'Even so,' said Sabine, 'Whoever took your macarons should be very ashamed of themselves. Stealing is an awful thing to do.'
'I bet it was Chloé,' Marinette scowled. 'She lives in this hotel and she's probably bitter that she wasn't invited to the gala. She knows I make those macarons for Adrien because she's seen me do it before. I bet she's thrown them in the trash and is in her room having a good laugh.'
'Let's not blame anyone without proof,' said Tom. 'You don't know it was Chloé. Perhaps one of the other waiters already took them up to the function room?'
'And left the plate behind?' questioned his wife with raised eyebrows. 'Seems unlikely. If I find the culprit, Marinette, I'll give them a good talking to. Now, in the meantime, we all need to work together to get the rest of this food on the trolley.'
Marinette nodded and followed her parents back into the kitchen. Maybe it's just as well, she thought miserably. She'd probably have tripped and thrown the macarons all over Adrien if she had had the chance to give them to him. Whoever had taken them had probably saved her from embarrassing herself like every other time she tried to talk to him. She still felt angry and upset, though. Who would do such a thing?
Ten minutes earlier…
Adrien was starving.
He'd come straight to the hotel from a very lengthy photoshoot after a light lunch provided by his personal chef. Any breaks he'd had had been spent with people fussing over him, touching up his hair and makeup and giving him new outfits to change into – there had been no time for snacks. There would be food at the gala – Nathalie had mentioned hiring a team of bakers to cater for the event. However, it didn't start for another hour and then he had to make a speech on behalf of his father, who would be late as always. Who knew how long it would be?
Adrien watched wistfully as Plagg guzzled a large slice of cheese. He clutched his hands to his perfectly toned abs as his stomach let out a loud, low rumble. He groaned.
'What's up, Adrien?' asked Plagg, noticing his owner's discomfort. 'Ah, hungry are we? I know the feeling.'
'I can't do the speech like this, Plagg,' Adrien complained. 'The microphone picks up all noises. It would be totally embarrassing.'
'Yeah, you're right,' said Plagg. 'I think there are a few people the other side of Paris who didn't hear that just now.' He floated over and poked Adrien's middle with his tiny paw. The boy brushed him off, annoyed.
'I'm serious. I need to find some food, and fast. And by any means necessary.'
'Well, then, why don't we head downstairs and raid the kitchen?'
'Wouldn't that be…stealing?'
'Didn't you just say any means necessary?'
Adrien felt that he had no choice but to agree with his kwami's idea. The only food he had on him was Camembert, and he wasn't that desperate.
'Okay, let's go.'
Plagg hid himself in Adrien's shirt and he began to make his way to the ground floor of the hotel. As he was walking down a corridor, he bumped into Nathalie.
'Where are you off to, Adrien?' she asked with a stern undertone.
'Oh, um, to the kitchen,' Adrien confessed. 'I'm hungry.'
'I'm sorry, but you'll just have to wait until later,' Nathalie informed him. 'The bakers are very busy and not to be disturbed. You need to go and change into your suit for tonight.'
'Okay,' he replied miserably. 'I'll be up as soon as I've, er, you know.' He indicated to a nearby men's restroom.
'All right, but don't be too long.' Nathalie departed and headed back upstairs.
Plagg waited until she had gone before poking his head out and saying:
'To the kitchens?'
'You bet,' Adrien agreed and carried on walking. He descended the main staircase and spotted the large white pair of double doors. He was just starting to think about how he would turn on the charm and sweet-talk these bakers into letting him sample their creations early when a wonderful – and very familiar – smell wafted into his nostrils. He breathed in deeply and exhaled with a huge sigh.
'Is that what I think it is?'
Sure enough, a moment later his eyes landed on a trolley just outside the kitchen doors with a single plate on it. And that plate was piled high with his favourite passion fruit macarons.
'Well, what do you know?' Plagg remarked. 'Just what we need.'
Adrien drew closer to the trolley. His tongue danced over his lips as his mouth began to water. What a stroke of luck. He stopped in front of the plate of delicious baked goods and looked thoughtfully down at them.
'Well, what are you waiting for?' asked Plagg.
'I dunno. I feel like I should go in there and ask permission,' he said uneasily.
'Didn't Nathalie say not to disturb the bakers?' the little black cat replied with a mischievous glint in his green eyes.
'Yes, but…'
'Go on, Adrien. Nobody will ever know.'
'Um, I think they'll notice. It doesn't feel right. These don't belong to me.'
'They're for the gala tonight, right? So they will be available to you sooner or later. It's your family's charity event.'
'You're good, Plagg, I'll give you that.'
'Oh, I know. I can always justify eating.'
Adrien's stomach did the rest of the reasoning, by gurgling loudly. He sighed, giving in to the temptation.
'Okay, fine. I'll just try one. I'm sure they won't notice that.'
'Whatever you say.' The smirk on Plagg's face revealed that he didn't believe that one bit.
Adrien picked up a macaron from the top of the pile and took a tentative bite. And as soon as he did so, he knew very well that he would not be trying just one. His eyes flew shut as the sweet, tangy flavour caressed his taste buds.
'Mmm, so good,' he mumbled, before grabbing a second one. This time, he shoved the whole thing in at once. Plagg watched, trying not to laugh as the third and fourth macarons also made their disappearance.
'You really are hungry, aren't you kid?'
'You gotta try this, Plagg,' Adrien said through a sugary mouthful, holding up a macaron to his companion.
'Ehh, you know I'm not into all that sickly sweet stuff. That's Tikki's territory.'
'Don't make me be the only criminal here,' Adrien joked.
'Oh, alright.' Adrien tossed the macaron into the air and Plagg caught it in his large purple mouth.
'Isn't that the best thing you've ever tasted?'
Plagg gave a wicked grin, baring his fangs.
'I can't say. I'd have to try a few more in order to decide.'
'Oh, I see where you're going with that.' Adrien gave him an equally wicked grin and went back to greedily stuffing his face. He gave a moan of pleasure. This was much better than Camembert. Whoever had made these macarons was definitely a professional.
Five minutes later, the pair found themselves looking guiltily at an empty plate.
'Did we just…?'
'Yep.' Plagg lay on his back next to the plate, rubbing his tiny round belly. 'Well, if there are any akumas tonight, I'm charged and ready to go.'
'Me too. I feel much better now.' Adrien licked the last few crumbs from his mouth. 'Oh, we're going to be in so much trouble.'
'Like I said, no-one will know.'
Just then, they heard voices from inside the kitchen.
'Uh-oh!' Plagg leapt up just as the door slowly began to open and voices drifted out.
'Run for it!'
Adrien ran like the wind to the nearest elevator, which was mercifully open. He and Plagg dived inside and he slammed his hand on the UP button. The doors closed painfully slowly and then they were being carried up to the higher floors of Le Grand Paris.
They heaved a sigh of relief. Adrien leaned against the wall and ran his hands through his soft blond hair.
'That was a close call. I hope they're not too angry right now.'
'I'm sure they have loads of other food. They're probably just super confused. It looks like the macarons vanished into thin air.'
Plagg belched loudly. Adrien caught his kwami's eye and they both burst out laughing. Tears rolled down Adrien's cheeks. He felt a bit bad about stealing the macarons, but it also felt good to break the rules and be naughty for once. Plus, his tummy had ceased its complaining, which was a relief.
The doors opened with a ding. Adrien took a deep breath and composed himself as Plagg hid once more in his shirt. He made his way down the corridor back to the hotel room he was occupying for the night, and ran into Nathalie once more.
'There you are. You've been gone a while, Adrien. Are you feeling all right?'
'Yes, Nathalie. I'm fine.'
'Very well, go and get changed then.'
'Sure will.'
As Adrien changed into his fancy suit and was joined by yet more people who fussed with his hair and brushed powder onto his face, he began to feel irritable and restless. He supposed it was from eating all that sugar in such a short space of time. He began to envy Plagg, who didn't have that problem. Perhaps listening to his kwami hadn't been such a good idea after all.
When he was ready, Nathalie came back in holding the tablet, which had his father's face displayed on it. Gabriel looked Adrien over and gave a small nod of approval.
'You look perfectly presentable, Adrien. Are you fully prepared to make your speech on behalf of the Agreste Foundation?'
'Yes, Father,' said Adrien monotonously.
'Good. I will see you later tonight.'
If we're lucky, the blond thought to himself.
'See you tonight, Father.'
The video call ended and Nathalie put the tablet away.
'You may stay in your room until you are called, Adrien. You have about half an hour.'
'Sure thing.'
As soon as the door closed, Plagg came out once more.
'Ah, peace and quiet.' He settled himself comfortably on one of the sofa cushions. 'Time to relax until the gala.'
'I can't relax, Plagg.' Adrien paced around the room. 'I have so much energy!'
'Ugh, I forgot what happens when humans get a sugar high.' Plagg rolled over onto his front. 'I'm not transforming you, kid. I want to save this energy for whatever akuma attack happens tonight.'
'Fine, then we're going for a walk. We just have to be careful that nobody spots us.'
'As you wish.' Plagg made himself at home in the soft, satiny pocket of Adrien's jacket. Adrien opened the door, stuck his head out, looked both ways and determined that the coast was clear. The door clicked shut behind them as they set off.
After turning a few corners, Adrien came to the function room. He peeked inside and saw that it was looking very grand, with balloons, streamers, and fancy decorations on all the tables. The band were arranging their chairs into position and setting up their music stands. With a smile, Adrien turned away – and someone walked straight into him.
'EEEEEK!'
The young girl stumbled forwards and Adrien instinctively flung his arms round her to steady her. He put his right foot back in order to stop them both crashing to the floor. He took a good look at who he'd just caught and was met with a pair of beautiful bluebell eyes. A delighted smile spread across his face.
'Marinette? What a nice surprise.'
He gripped her gently by her shoulders and helped her regain her balance. The pair swept their eyes over each other's outfits. His smile widened as he remembered just how adorable she looked in that waitress's outfit, with her hair up in a bun and that little apron. Too cute.
'A-A-A-Adrien?' Marinette began gesturing wildly with her hands. 'Seeing here I fancy you. I-I-I mean – fancy seeing you here.'
'Um, yes.' He chuckled. 'It is my family's gala. So yes, I do have to be here.'
'Right! Of course you do! Gosh, you look so handsome in that suit.' Her cheeks turned the colour of ripe tomatoes. 'Did I say that out loud?'
'Yes. Yes, you did. Thank you. I'm very flattered.' He winked and her blush deepened even more. 'So, what brings you here? I'm guessing you're working here as a waitress?'
'Yes, and helping my parents with the baking.' Marinette's eyes suddenly turned sad for some reason.
'What's the matter? You're not enjoying it?'
'Well, I was enjoying it, but then…something went horribly wrong. Some of our food went missing.'
Adrien felt a horrible, sickening twist in his stomach as he registered what Marinette had said. Helping my parents with the baking.
Oh no.
'Wait, so…your family are catering this event?' he asked, dreading the answer.
'Yes, we are. My parents are so excited about this opportunity and what it'll do for the bakery. But…earlier I left a plate of macarons outside the kitchen, and when I came back, they were gone. Every last one.'
'Oh.' Said macarons were now feeling like rocks in Adrien's gut.
'I've just been in the function room to see if anyone brought them up already, but nobody's seen them. Which can only mean someone's stolen them.'
'How…unfortunate.' Adrien could no longer meet her eyes.
'Tell me about it. But nobody really cares besides me, because they weren't on the official menu anyway.'
'Uhh…I'm not following.'
'Well, the thing is…' Marinette's blush returned, even brighter than before. 'They weren't just any macarons, Adrien. They were passion fruit, your favourite. I made them especially for you, because I…thought it might make you happy.'
'For…me?' he said in a tiny voice, guilt and shame cascading over him.
'Yes. But now you won't get to taste them. Just like last time.'
Adrien saw a tear welling up in the corner of Marinette's eye, and his stomach writhed uncomfortably. He felt awful. That was why the macarons had tasted so good. They hadn't been made by a professional – but they had been made with love. For him.
He couldn't lie to one of his closest friends. Especially when she'd been so kind to him. He was going to have to come clean.
'Marinette, I…um…'
'I reckon it was Chloé,' Marinette said with clenched fists. 'She was probably snooping around just waiting for the chance to ruin things for me and my family. She's done it before.'
Adrien chewed his bottom lip, which still had a very slight taste of passion fruit. Which didn't help the situation.
'That does sound like something Chloé would do,' he agreed, 'However…' He suddenly found great interest in his patent leather shoes. A shamefaced reflection stared back up at him. 'I can tell you that it wasn't her.'
Marinette's eyes widened.
'Did – you see who it was, Adrien?'
'You could say that, yes.' He gave a flat, humourless laugh.
'Well?'
'Um, funny story…'
Marinette folded her arms. She was no longer nervous or stuttering.
'Adrien,' she said with an accusatory tone that made him gulp. 'Do you have something to confess?'
It was his turn to blush.
'Uhhh…'
'I'm waiting.'
He looked up and instantly regretted it. The stern look in her eyes reminded him of Ladybug – and that was too much for him to bear. Suddenly, he blurted:
'I'm really sorry Marinette! It's just…the thing is…I had a four-hour photoshoot this afternoon, I didn't eat much before, and I didn't get to eat anything during or after it, and tonight I have to make a speech on behalf of my dad and my stomach was rumbling, like super loud. I saw your macarons outside the kitchen and they looked so good. I didn't know you'd made them, and Nathalie told me not to disturb you guys, although I know that's not an excuse. I'm just – really sorry!'
There was a deafening silence. Marinette looked as if she didn't know how to respond to this outburst. Then, a smile tugged at her lips and she began to giggle.
'Well…that's, um, not what I expected, but it does make a lot of sense.' She frowned. 'Adrien…I made a whole batch of macarons. You're not telling me you ate all of them?'
Adrien couldn't exactly say:
Well, actually, I ate half of them. The other half was my kwami, Plagg. Because, by the way, I'm Chat Noir.
Nope, not happening.
'Sure did,' he lied through gritted teeth, cursing that stupid kwami of his, who was probably laughing his head off in his pocket.
'Wow. I…just hoped to give you some of them at the gala tonight, but it looks like you beat me to it. I guess I underestimated your appetite.'
'Yeah…sorry about that. I couldn't help it. They were just so delicious. You're an excellent baker, Marinette.'
'Flattery will get you nowhere,' she replied, although the smile that lingered on her lips suggested otherwise. 'However, now that I've heard your side of the story I'm willing to forgive you.'
Adrien heaved a huge sigh of relief.
'Thanks, Marinette.'
'But you're not out of the woods yet,' she sang playfully. 'You still have to explain yourself to my parents. My mother said that if she found the culprit she'd give them a good talking to.'
Adrien squirmed. Uh-oh.
Five minutes later, Adrien stood before Tom and Sabine, who were gaping at him with their mouths hanging slightly open.
'I'm really, really sorry,' he said for the umpteenth time.
There were a few moments of awkward silence. Then, Tom gave a huge, booming laugh, that made Adrien jump.
'HA-HA! Oh, I like to see a boy with a healthy appetite.' He turned to his daughter. 'Well, Marinette, you don't have to worry about Adrien tasting your macarons now. You didn't even need to give them to him.'
'Yes. He saved me the trouble.'
Sabine wasn't laughing but was looking rather concerned.
'Adrien, I'm surprised you haven't made yourself terribly sick. Are you sure you're feeling all right?'
'Oh, yes, I'm fine. Mostly.'
'All right then. Well, next time just come and speak to us first. We'd be more than happy to help you,' she told him firmly but kindly.
'That's right, Adrien,' said Marinette. 'If you ever find yourself having to go without food, you can always call me. Being a baker's daughter comes in pretty handy sometimes.'
'Thank you. I will,' Adrien replied, and he meant it. 'I just wish there was some way I could make it up to you.' Then, his face lit up as an idea came to him. 'Actually…maybe there is.' He glanced over at Marinette with a sparkle in his green eyes. 'Marinette…how would you like to be my date to the gala?'
Marinette's eyes grew to the size of dinner plates. Her parents exchanged a delighted look with each other.
'M-me? On a d-date? With…you?'
'Sure. My dad said I can bring a date if I want. I think he had Kagami in mind, but since we broke up…things are a little awkward. So, I'd love it if you'd accompany me. And it would make the whole thing a lot more fun.' He turned to Marinette's parents. 'If that's okay with you two. If you need the extra help, I understand.'
'Oh, no. We'll manage just fine. You two go on your date,' said Sabine, who looked almost as ecstatic as Marinette did.
'So, will you come with me, Marinette?'
'I'd LOVE to! Oh, but…I can't go looking like this!' She looked down at herself in dismay and Adrien realised what she meant. Although she looked unbelievably cute in the waitress outfit, it wouldn't do for attending the gala as a guest.
'Well, being a model does have its uses too. I can ask my team of stylists if they can change it up a bit for you.'
'You would do that for me?'
'After tonight, I think it's the least I can do.' He smiled warmly down at her. She gave a little squeal of joy and threw her arms around him. Then she stiffened, looking embarrassed. He returned the embrace and gently patted her back.
'You kids had better hurry,' said Tom. 'You've only got fifteen minutes.'
'Yes, right.' The pair broke apart awkwardly. 'Come on then, Marinette. I'll show you to my room.'
Adrien's team of stylists were surprised when he introduced his date with only ten minutes to spare until the gala, but they all took an instant liking to Marinette and were more than happy to help her. Adrien had to go and greet the guests and then make the speech for his father, so he bade her a hasty goodbye, taking her hand and dropping a little kiss on it.
'I'll see you soon.'
'See…you…' Marinette trailed off, staring dreamily into space. She couldn't believe this was really happening!
'Miss Marinette?' one of the stylists asked. 'We need to get you ready for the gala.'
They worked quickly, removing her apron and replacing it with a simple white satin ribbon which they used to recreate the large bow at the back. They left her hair in its elegant bun, switching the waitress's headdress for another ribbon, and let her keep her shoes – higher heels would only increase her likelihood of tripping over. Then she had to sit still while they applied makeup. Finally, they found her a short necklace with a pink pendant, and a matching bracelet. There were a pair of earrings too, which, of course, she politely refused.
'You look lovely,' a young man informed her, holding up a mirror. 'Adrien's a lucky boy.'
'Oh…I…um…' Marinette stammered. 'We're just friends.' She tried, and failed, to keep disappointment out of her voice. They all exchanged knowing smiles.
'Don't worry,' a young woman told her. 'He'll open his eyes eventually. Boys can be so clueless sometimes.'
'Hey!' her colleague retaliated. Marinette giggled.
'I sure hope so. Thank you so much. You've been very kind.'
'Don't mention it. Now, you'd better get going.'
'Yes. Goodbye!'
Marinette slipped in the door of the function room just as Adrien was finishing off his speech. She fiddled nervously with her outfit and jewellery, feeling very underdressed compared to the sea of tailored suits and ballgowns. However, when Adrien made his way over to her after a smattering of polite applause, his eyes shone with admiration.
'You look beautiful,' he told her.
'I don't look that different,' she replied self-consciously.
'You didn't need to,' he said, taking her hand and making her fall for him all over again.
Marinette spent the evening on Adrien's arm, being introduced to various members of the fashion industry. Adrien gushed enthusiastically about how talented she was, telling them all about her experience.
'Marinette wants to be a fashion designer herself one day,' he told anyone who would listen. 'She once won one of my father's design competitions. And she designed Jagged Stone's album cover.'
Quite a few people seemed interested and asked Marinette questions, which she tried her best to answer without stammering. Adrien nodded encouragingly and piped up to help her when she needed it. Once they were on their own, she released the breath she'd been holding.
'I didn't sound like an idiot, did I?'
'No, but you don't have to be so modest. It's very sweet, but you deserve to give yourself more credit.'
Before she could reply, a voice spoke up behind them.
'Adrien?'
The pair froze. They both knew that voice well.
'Evening, Father,' Adrien said as they turned round. Gabriel was looking quizzically at Marinette. 'I brought a date, like you said I could. You know Marinette, don't you?'
'Yes, I do. Miss Dupain-Cheng, I was under the impression that you and your family were catering this event?'
'Oh! Um, yes. We are. My parents are right over there.'
'We bumped into each other and I asked her to come with me,' Adrien explained, squeezing her hand tightly for comfort. 'It was a very last-minute thing.'
Gabriel pursed his lips.
'I hardly think…'
'Blame me, Father. I wouldn't take no for an answer,' his son interrupted. 'There's nobody I'd rather spend my evening with. And Marinette is very talented. You know that.'
There was a silence that seemed to stretch out forever.
'I suppose I cannot disagree with that. I know talent when I see it. Very well, young lady. But your parents must do a satisfactory job without you.'
'Oh, they will, sir. I promise.'
Gabriel gave a curt nod.
'Have a pleasant evening, then, you two.' His tone was still clipped and cold, but the two teenagers were grateful and relieved.
'You too, Father,' said Adrien politely. Gabriel turned and disappeared back into the crowd.
Marinette let go of his hand and wiped her sweaty palms on her skirt.
'Thanks, Adrien. I really appreciate it.'
'My pleasure. Now, I suggest we sample some of your parents' excellent baking. And by we, I mean you. I'm not particularly hungry.'
'Oh, I wonder why,' Marinette teased as they made their way over to her parents. 'Hi, you two.'
'Hi, Marinette. Are you kids having a good time?' Sabine asked.
'Oh, yes! It's wonderful. And this food all looks amazing. You've got everything under control without me, right?'
'Of course,' said Tom. 'We do this for a living,' he joked.
'Right. Of course.'
'My father was just a little surprised that Marinette was with me instead of with you,' Adrien explained. 'But it's all fine,' he reassured them.
'Don't worry, Marinette,' said Sabine. 'We're doing just fine. And the publicity is going really well too. We should have lots of new customers after this.'
'Glad to hear it,' said Adrien. 'One of them will be me.'
Adrien went and chatted to some more guests while Marinette helped herself to food. She sat down, pulled out her phone and found that Alya had texted.
How's it going? Did you give the macarons to you-know-who?
Marinette grinned. This was going to be good.
Sort of. Now I'm on a date with him!
Within minutes, Alya replied:
What!? For real, girl?
Giggling, Marinette typed:
Yes. It's a funny story. Will tell you tomorrow!
You better had, or else!
'What's so funny?'
Marinette looked up to see that Adrien had joined her once more.
'Oh, just Alya…being Alya.'
Just then, the band struck up a familiar tune. One that she'd heard twice before – and both times she'd been in Adrien's arms.
'Hey, it's our song. May I have this dance?' He extended his hand to her. Her face fell. 'What's wrong? You don't want to?'
'Oh, I do, Adrien, really. But…I have two left feet; you know I do.'
He put a hand on her shoulder.
'Now that isn't true. I've danced with you before. I said it at the time – your baking is just as good as your dancing. And that must mean your dancing is exquisite.'
This drew a little laugh out of her.
'Still…what if I trip and fall on you like I did earlier?'
'Then I'll catch you like I did earlier.' He took her hand and began leading her to the dance floor. 'No more arguments.' He gathered her up in his arms. Marinette felt her heart rate go through the roof as she was enveloped in the soft fabric of his suit, her body pressed gently against his. But as they began to sway in time to the music, her nerves melted away. He was right. He'd looked after her all evening and he wouldn't let her fall, no matter how clumsy she was around him. She was completely safe in his arms.
He spun her around a few times, so that her skirt fanned out around her, all the while keeping a tight hold of her hand. She was spinning, spinning, spinning…
Now, it may seem that Plagg had gotten off scot-free. But this was not the case.
While Adrien and Marinette were busy dancing the night away, Plagg made his way to the refreshments table. And as soon as Tom and Sabine weren't looking, it didn't take long for Tikki to corner him, grab him by the ear, and drag him under it.
'Hey, cut it out!'
'Had a little snack, did we, Stinky Sock?'
'I don't know what you're talking about,' Plagg said with feline aloofness.
'Don't play innocent with me. I know what you did.'
'Adrien told me to, Sugarcube. Well, after I told him to.'
Tikki shook her head sternly.
'You boys are just as bad as each other.'
'We were hungry, okay? Well, Adrien was. Do you have any idea how hard that boy works, Tikki? And that's not even counting all the stuff he does as Chat Noir. He deserves to let loose once in a while. And besides, how was I to know the macarons belonged to Marinette?'
'What you made him do was wrong, Plagg. You know that.'
'What's wrong is that Gabe and Nathalie didn't make sure Adrien was properly fed. That's no way to treat a teenage boy. Sometimes I feel like I'm the one who looks after him the most.'
Plagg suddenly looked embarrassed, like he'd said too much. Tikki's gaze softened.
'Oh, Plagg. You really do care about him.'
'Of course I do.'
Tikki smiled.
'Okay, I forgive you. But no more stealing food, okay?'
'Hmm, I can't promise.'
'Plagg!'
All too soon, the evening came to an end. Adrien and Marinette, still lost in each other's embrace, blinked in surprise as the music stopped and the lights flickered on. She lifted her head from his shoulder.
'Oh. Is it over?'
'Looks like it,' Adrien replied. 'Time flies when you're having fun, right?' Both their eyes slid down to where their arms were still wrapped around each other, and they slowly, reluctantly, pulled apart.
'We should do this again,' Marinette suggested.
'Absolutely,' he agreed.
He took her hand and kissed it once more. Feeling bold, she placed her hands on his shoulders and pecked his cheek.
'Thank you, Adrien. For a lovely evening.'
Adrien brushed his fingers on the spot where her lips had touched his skin and smiled.
'Thank you, Marinette. For those amazing macarons.'
'I'll make you some more if you like. And this time, I'll actually give them to you in person.'
'Not if I beat you to it again.' He gave her a mischievous smirk that reminded her strangely of a certain cat. 'And I'll definitely invite you to my next event. You can wear one of your own creations.'
'I can't wait.'
Glancing over each other's shoulders, they noticed their parents beckoning.
'Father wants me. I'd better not keep him waiting.'
'Yes, my parents will want to get home. I should help them tidy up.'
'See you at school tomorrow.'
'Goodbye, Adrien.'
'Goodbye, Marinette.'
They shared one last quick hug before going their separate ways. As Marinette re-joined her parents, she smiled to herself. Her evening had definitely not gone the way she'd imagined. But it had been much better.