"Yes of course sir! I will see you inside I'm sure," Adrien called to an aging old client of his father's whose name he honestly couldn't recall. It took everything he had to keep his voice from shaking and his charming, winning smile in place. The old man and his wife passed him by, leaving him at the entrance of the hotel where the event was taking place.

He was hyper aware, every shift and rise in the murmur of the crowd ringing in his ears. Every rotation of the revolving door, every step and greeting, he heard it all. His eyes were restless scanning and rescanning the line of waiting cars and watching guests step out in lavish suits and dresses, huddling together against the soft almost unnoticeable falling snow. He wasn't sure if he was cold himself he was waiting outside, and occasionally a few flakes would drift into his protective space under the awning. His hands twitched and he realized his palms were sweaty, drying them off for the dozenth time in the interior lining of his pockets.

He had never been so nervous in his life. Well… he had, but considering the closest possible comparisons he had were near death experiences as Cat Noir he felt a little silly trying to compare waiting for his date to almost dying.

He shifted his weight, drying his hands again and trying to steady his thrumming heartbeat. He heard his name only just, turning to greet another designer who worked under his father. She was a middle aged woman who had always been kind to him, if only in a professional sort of way.

"Waiting for a girl?"

Adrien jolted, starting to stutter as the designer giggled into her glove. "Oh don't be shy, that's a look on a man I'd recognize anywhere. You look dashing Adrien, I'm sure she'll be impressed."

Then she left, becoming another faceless member of the mob as they cycled past him.

Was he seriously being that obvious? Uh… yeah, probably.

He checked his phone again.

"Chill out Adrien you're driving me nuts, stop shaking your leg!"

Plagg's quiet and irritated voice reached him but he ignored it, looking at his phone for any sort of message that would indicate when she would arrive and finding none. It wasn't like she was late, he was just losing his mind the longer he was left to his own devices. If he had to pretend to be sane to one more stuffy rich guy he was going to snap from the tension.

He couldn't stop thinking about her, couldn't stop thinking about doing everything right. What would he say? Would he take her arm or was that not okay, would he kiss her hand? Was he even bold enough to try anymore?

Before it had been easy, all the smooth gestures and theatric flirtations. Now though… all it took was picturing the color of her eyes, filtered through her lashes as she looked up at him and he could barely speak. It had steadily gotten worse and worse, the longer he was kept waiting the more paralyzed with fear he became.

He couldn't do this, there was no way.

However, there was also no way he wasn't going to go through with it, because this night was everything he had ever wanted and she had said yes. His lady had said yes and now he was waiting in his best suit on New Year's Eve for her to arrive. No amount of fear would stop him from meeting her.

He just hoped he would be coherent enough when the time came.

.

That's when he noticed the Gorilla.

Adrien froze, all of his pep talk 'no fear' nonsense leaving his mind instantly when he noticed that his driver had finally joined the line of cars for the drop off. To make him even more nervous, the Gorilla was grinning, and caught Adrien's eye to give him a wink.

Alright, so the man he had probably shared fifteen words with ever for as long as he had known him looked eager for something, and Adrien was willing to bet anything that it was for his reaction to Marinette.

'I'm gonna die,' his mind concluded, his nerves twisting his stomach into a nauseous mess, 'I'm gonna die I can't do this what was I even thinking asking the most perfect person on the planet to a dance I can't do this I really really can't.' He was but a boy. He was too young to die.

The car's deposited their passengers and moved forward one by one, his knees threatening to shake the closer his car got until eventually he saw his driver open his door, pacing around to the other side to hold open the hers.

And then out stepped Marinette.

.

It was hard to describe, the feeling that overwhelmed him when she stepped carefully to the sidewalk, for a moment the skin of her leg exposed before a flow of swishing silk washed over it. It was like the heart of a rose, petal like twists of silk cascading down gently as she stood. The deep scarlet against her pale skin, the ruby resting against the curve of her collar bone… the curl of her hair as the jet black was slowly dotted with the tiny pearls of white snow that hesitated to fade.

She locked eyes with him and he felt himself seize up, her blue eyes burrowing into him as she got her bearings, the gentle twists of snowflakes in the breeze almost framing her where she stood.

What he felt was awe.

Red blossomed on her cheeks and she nervously looked down with a small smile on her face… it just made her look even better.

When she started to walk towards him again panic attempted to seize his heart and failed, his heart incapable of expressing any further emotion. She paused in front on him and she looked up at him, snowflakes sitting on her eyelashes and her skin a brilliant red alone the bridge of her nose.

"Trying to catch snowflakes kitten?"

He listened to the sound, the way she said kitten, and his heart skipped and faltered when he could feel her heat against him. What had she said?

Oh.

His mouth was open.

.

Adrien quickly snapped his mouth shut, a burning flush already creeping down his neck as he looked down at her. He tried to think it through, to be suave and not just some infatuated boy but he was only aware he was speaking when the words reached his own ears.

"You look gorgeous Marinette."

He really did feel like he was going to die now, speaking in such a blunt manner like that with no self-control. But then… he watched the shape of her lips form a small and gentle 'o', a small gasp escaping her. He watched her eyes, and noticed they were looking him over before she nervously glanced away. Her scarlet blush deepened, and for the very first time it occurred to him that she might find him attractive as well.

"A-and you look… very handsome A-adrien, t-thank you," she stammered out, looking anywhere but him and he couldn't stand it. He couldn't stand not looking into her eyes.

He reached out, cool fingers very gently grasping her chin and tilting her face. All at once his determination returned, because he couldn't bear the thought of her being uncomfortable. He had to make it right, he had to have the right words. He couldn't let his lady forget for even a moment that she was the most amazing thing there was.

"I mean it," he spoke again, his awe leaking into his voice as he released her face, "You look absolutely perfect."

Though her blush was still firmly in place the self-conscious curl of her shoulders started to fade, her anxious gaze softening as she met his stare, and slowly but surely… her confidence grew.

She looked up into his handsome, earnest face… knowing he meant every word. Seeing him standing there, waiting for her… staring at her in shock and wonder… it made her feel beautiful. He was so… perfect, she had doubted as she approached him that she had any right to stand beside him, to stand beside Adrien Agreste.

But how could she feel out of place standing next to him… when that very same man looked at her like she was the reason people sang love songs.

"Thank you," she said again, her voice steadier now. Her head swam with uncertain, tangled emotions that confused and frightened her, but then she saw that same slight nervousness in his eyes and she steeled herself.

They were both on edge, both unsure of how to proceed… so she reached out and slipped her arm in his.

He jolted slightly at the contact, his cheeks still warm enough to melt any snowflake that dared to drift close, but then he swallowed the lump in his throat and lifted his other arm to cradle her hand in his boldly.

He was already so close to passing out it was either go big or go home at this point.

"Uh- um," he attempted to start as he led the way inside and she giggled quietly at him. He pretended to give her a reproachful glare. "Hey I'm walking arm in arm with the most beautiful woman in the world, excuse me if I falter on the small talk."

She squeaked a little, her blush darkening as she looked away. He was grinning to himself at what he deemed a victory when she said, "W-well I'm on the arm of a superhero and I'm holding up fine."

His neck felt warm but he was determined to stay on top, casting a charming smirk her way. "Well I suppose the effect is dulled when you're one too."

She scoffed, rolling her eyes and using her free hand to twirl the ruby of her necklace between her fingers, a fitting rebuttal escaping her.

"Your dress is fantastic Mari," he changed the subject, giving her a slight breather but not letting her free from the compliments entirely. "I knew it would be but I'm surprised my dad only gave you an internship. Something like that deserves the whole company."

"Adrien!" she scolded, but the sound was broken up by a laugh.

"No I'm being honest it's unbelievable Mari, you've really outdone yourself."

She was about to reply when they made it in the main room and her attention was instantly diverted. Adrien assumed she was looking over the lavish silver and glass decorations that adorned every flat surface but he should have known better. The only thing Marinette would be obsessed with was-

"Look at the dresses!" Mari whispered quietly to him, knowing he would hear her even over the murmur of the crowd. Woven between tables and filling every common area were people of every race, but not of every class. The crowd probably had more pocket change than a public school had funding, but it was Paris after all. When big parties took place rich folks from every corner of the world made an appearance. Such an event was clogged with high elites of the fashion world so every dress present was made to impress, but even still he could see a few suits that utterly fell flat and his was far from a professional opinion. He had always disliked things like this, but somehow he was more excited to be at an event than he ever had been before. He had a pretty good idea as to why.

His lady clung to his arm, peering around her at the grand hall and grand people, laughing dainty laughs and making practiced small talk. It was an unbelievable insight to a completely different world, live music leading elegant dancers across the floor. It was all astounding, but for Adrien all he noticed was the way he held his arm.

"Adrien this is fantastic," she breathed, walking with him as they headed further inside.

"Yet not nearly as fantastic as you," he almost purred, at first meeting her gaze fearlessly but then… There is was, what thwarted him every time. No matter how naturally he might say a line the second she looked up at him, so close by his side that he could count the freckles on her nose his confidence vanished. The blue of her eyes left him powerless to defend himself when her perfect smile spread across her face.

"Are you going to be all sweet lines tonight?" she asked, surprisingly composed and he realized he was even more screwed than he thought, because she was Ladybug. If he thought she was going to be all cute blushing messes he was extremely wrong.

"U-uh," he faltered, desperately looking ahead as crimson creeped down his neck. "A-as much as I can manage Princess."

She giggled, finding his response cute. She found it funny how they were about even on the flustered front, he was just as likely to trip over himself as she was.

Then, when she looked up at him next, she saw that his face was twisted into a grimace.

"Adrien?"

He sighed, looking down at her in an almost apologetic way. "I was really hoping we could get farther before she spotted us but no such luck."

He gestured lazily into a thick crowd of people, something bright, angry, and yellow barreling through headed straight their way.

"Oooh," she remarked in sudden understanding, fighting a grimace of her own. "She spotted us quick."

"Was probably waiting honestly, she was trying to get to me all through the press junket but I managed to hide."

"Don't worry scaredy cat," she teased, earning a raised eyebrow and a half smirk from her partner. "I'll protect you from the scary bee."

He barked out a laugh, enjoying the last few moments they were left in peace. "She is rather like a bee isn't she?"

"Alya and I call her Queeny."

.

An indignant, fuming Chloe Bourgeois elbowed through the crowd to see Adrien laughing hardily at something, Marinette smirking happily until she spotted the brattish heiress.

"Hello Chloe," Marinette greeted her confidently, shifting her hold on Adrien's arm to purposely draw her eye to the contact. Chloe's gaze flickered between the familiar touch and Marinette's calm expression, not missing the small almost smile on her lips.

"Hello Adrien," Chloe called, ignoring Marinette completely and delighting when she saw the twist in the designer's expression in her peripheral. "I've been looking everywhere for you!"

"Hey Chloe," Adrien answered, schooling his expression from the frown that threatened to overtake him. He did not like the tone this conversation had started in.

"Well?" she replied, taking a weird pose and batting her eyelashes at him. "Aren't you going to tell me I look beautiful? You're usually such a perfect gentleman Adrikins~." She cooed her pet name for him, not seeing how it sent a shiver down his spine.

"U-uh, you look lovely," he lied, strategically avoiding looking directly at her garish yellow… disaster. It actually might have been a fine dress but he couldn't tell, the bright yellow made his eyes water.

Chloe's expression became instantly superior, still not looking at or even acknowledging the third of the group. "Thank you, I figured I should have you say it out loud. You know, considering it will be the only time Marinette hears it tonight."

Both members of the super duo stiffened, but as much as the comment infuriated her Marinette's gaze flickered instantly up to Adrien. His impulse control was notoriously less than her own, and he was speaking before she could even draw his eye.

"It was nice of you to wear something so practical, but if you were looking to assist in directing traffic you should probably make your way outside. I'm sure your presence will be much more appreciated there."

Chloe gasped, her mouth dropping open as she stared wide eyed up at the model. His lips were set in a tight, hard line as he glared back at her, his attention only broken by the sudden snort of laughter at his side.

Marinette's hand flashed up to cover her mouth, her eyes squeezing shut as she tried to contain her laughter but it was so difficult. She was eternally grateful when Adrien gave a short, tense, "Good Day," before pulling Marinette away. He walked quickly, Marinette hurrying along as she bit her tongue to master the laughter. They were a good ways away before Chloe started to throw a tantrum, shrieking and turning into the crowd to find her father no doubt, but when eyes were drawn over to the glowing beacon of rage no one was able to tie Adrien to the event. Hopefully it would stay that way.

There was a pillar along one side of the room that Adrien stopped at, laying his back against it and giving Marinette a wry smile.

"We should probably stay here for a second."

He jumped when she slapped his arm and a harsh disapproving expression consumed her, but before she could even start to scold him she was laughing again, desperately trying to smother the sound.

"A-Adrien that was r-rude-" she couldn't keep it up, she kept picturing Chloe's face, how appalled she was.

A smirk slipped onto his face but he was still pretty amped, his anger not yet subsided. "I wasn't going to play nice when she was being a brat, trying to insinuate that you didn't look amazing like, ugh." His sentence ended in an aggravated huff and he was staring off into the crowds of people, trying to cool down.

Then he felt cool slender fingers grip his face and tilt his head, just like he had done before. Suddenly he was staring into her eyes again, blue jewels sparkling with humor.

"I appreciate it Cat," she said, switching the names without really thinking about it, the thoughtless action made his heart skip. Her smile brightened, not yet withdrawing her touch. "Thanks for standing up for me."

He swallowed roughly, extremely aware of the feeling of her fingers sliding against his skin as she withdrew her hand, and instantly feeling its loss. He tried for a joke, only the slightest shake in his voice.

"But you could have handled it yourself right?"

"Of course," she answered quickly, smirking playfully, but he was surprised to see the expression settle back into gratitude. "But still. Thanks."

"A-anytime My Lady," he smiled, cursing the slight falter but she didn't seem to notice.

Marinette's gaze traveled over the party and all its lavish guests, and she held out her hand. "Ready?"

The way she smiled at him sent a thrill through his body, coming out like electricity through his fingertips as he offered his arm. The thrill turned into almost a shock as she slipped her arm through his once again, and he used that singing energy to step back out into the main event space, the most beautiful woman to ever live walking gracefully beside him and leaning her weight onto his shoulder as they went.

However, much to his disdain, he was not the only one to marvel at her charm.

Adrien was on cloud nine, laughing like a fool from his sheer happiness alone sometimes. He and his lady walked easily arm in arm, occasionally stopping for chitchat with various guests and enjoying the next several hours of their night. Many adults complimented Marinette on her dress, saying it was of gorgeous design. Adrien could only grin every time one of the guests asked her who made it, eagerly looking on as Marinette nervously admitted to creating it herself. The reaction was priceless every time, he only ever stepped in when it was obvious they didn't believe her.

"She's starting an internship with my father this summer, he was so impressed with the dress. You can ask him about it yourself he'll tell you the same," was one of his favorite shut downs to use, knowing full well half of the designers in the room were terrified of the infamous Gabriel Agreste. It was usually enough for them to back off.

He spoke with effortless charm, his usually flat and polite demeanor swelling into the sort of conversation that had rich aristocrats completely engaged. He could feel Marinette's eyes on him while he spoke sometimes, listening to how prim and proper he was. As soon as she would join in though he would change back into genuine gleeful smiles. Even if it was just talk of some horrendously boring nonsense the second Marinette got involved with her sweet, timid voice he couldn't help but enjoy himself. He was sure it was starting to get noticed.

They had just stopped for a small crowd of designers asking Marinette questions about her dress when he saw a few faces he recognized. They were boys, about his age and a few that were one or two years older, all of them models. He worked with them regularly, but he had never struck up much of a friendship with any of them. They were nice but obviously high blood kinds of kids, and with someone as awkward as himself it just had never worked out. It didn't mean they didn't have a professional relationship though, and the second he was seen a boy named Darrius they called out to him and started their approach.

"Adrien!" Darrius called to him enthusiastically, shedding the rest of his group once a few other guests wanted to talk and halted their progress. The boy was handsome, just as tall as Adrien with dark ebony skin. The piercing blue of his eyes had always reminded Adrien of ice, and the perfect white of his smile against such dark skin had always put him on edge.

"Darrius! I haven't seen you in a while, how are you?" Adrien engaged politely, standing a little ways away from Marinette so he could hold this separate conversation outside of hers. He didn't have much to contribute to that one anyways, his limited knowledge of clothes had long since stopped helping him.

They shook hands, Darrius still putting that perfect charming smile to work as he replied with, "Fine, fine. It's a fantastic party isn't it?"

"Yes, very high brow," Adrien laughed, disliking such shallow conversation but he was used to it now.

Darrius seemed prepared to respond when Adrien saw his gaze fix on something behind him, his smile turning into a grin. "Pardon my distraction, but angels walk among us."

Adrien quirked an eyebrow, turning around to follow his line of sight. What he found was Marinette, laughing delicately at something with an attractive light pink blush on her cheeks, and he instantly tensed.

Marinette was turning, saying goodbye to the company that had kept her when Adrien saw something move in his peripheral and then suddenly Darrius was there, catching her hand with practiced ease and raising it to his lips.

The second his lips made contact with her hand Adrien felt something hot, uncomfortable and undeniably possessive burn through his chest, a tingling not unlike cataclysm surging through his arms. Whatever it was he was sure it was equally as destructive.

"Excuse me my lady," Darrius began, Marinette's eyes instantly widening in response and almost discomfort at having anyone else call her that, her mouth opening in surprise. "I couldn't help but notice someone so lovely all on her own."

Did he just call her my lady?

.

Marinette was at a loss for what to do, when her eyes caught sight of Adrien just behind Darrius. To say he looked pissed was an understatement. His eyes were trained on Darrius' hand holding Marinette's, the poor fool blissfully unaware of the near murderous superhero standing just behind him.

"Uh UH no!" Marinette blurted out, withdrawing her hand and forging a fast smile. She spoke quickly, saying, "I'm actually here with a date uh- o-oh there he is! Hello Adrien!"

Darrius stood up straight, looking confused as he started to turn around, Adrien only having just enough time to wipe his anger from his face. He didn't have enough time to fake a smile though, stony calm his only asset.

To his further distaste, Darrius didn't look bashful in the least, only entertained.

"This is Marinette," Adrien said plainly, grateful that she quickly stepped to his side and took his arm to emphasize the fact they were their together.

.

Marinette could feel how rigid his body was, his generous muscle straining against his suit as she clung to his arm.

"Marinette," Darrius almost hummed, looking at her exclusively as he grinned again. "A beautiful name for a beautiful woman."

If it was possible for Adrien to tense even more he did, his posture unconsciously putting himself slightly between the other model and the designer. Marinette's own opinion of the nameless boy plummeted, his flirtatious try-hard debonair persona still going strong even when she made it clear she was with someone else. Adrien seemed to be feeling possessive, and surprisingly…

She blushed when Adrien started to speak, his words harsh and barely controlled as he reiterated the fact that she was busy and no she wasn't free to dance because… she liked it. The way he looked, that wasn't something you could fake, his need to be between her and this other pushy guy was so impossible to ignore it was only her quick thinking that kept a much harsher encounter at bay. If she hadn't immediately stated him as her partner she was sure he would have been much less kind when he said it himself. It made her feel… valued? She wasn't sure what word to use, until she looked up at Adrien again. Treasured. That was the word.

"Well Ms. Marinette," the boy called to her, giving her a wink. "I'll leave you and your, boyfriend? That must be it, right Adrien?"

Adrien faltered, words catching in his throat because he wanted to shout yes but he couldn't, and Darrius seemed to know that.

"Oh," Darrius said with a rolling chuckle, "are you not?"

Darrius smirked, and Adrien very much wished punching someone in the face did not fall under his father's list of 'unacceptable party actions'. Then suddenly, Marinette was stepping out in front of him.

"I didn't get your name," she said, her voice steady and controlled. Darrius opened his mouth to speak when she held out a hand to stop him, "and I didn't ask. We have somewhere to be, I'm sorry. Have a good time though." She smiled, hard and forced before quickly ushering Adrien away, leaving a stunned and fuming model behind in the dust.

"The nerve," Adrien started, still braced like he was ready to catch a train.

"Who was that guy?" she asked, guiding Adrien towards the outskirts of the room so they could find some empty space to talk.

"A model, I work with him," he spat, trying hard to correct his attitude. Such an intense show of jealously was no doubt off putting but he was so pissed. He just wanted to throw that tactless bastard through a wall. He might have if Mari hadn't stepped in.

Marinette looked up at Adrien, the two of them standing close by the wall and out of the way of passing guests. His jaw was clenched, until he opened it to speak again.

"I am so sorry," he said suddenly, his voice still tense. "That was just- it was just so disrespectful to put you in that position. You said you were with someone, you said you were clearly not alone, you were very clear that you were uncomfortable and he was pushing it on you anyways I just- I know I'm over reacting but I just wanted to- ugh." He bowed his head, clearly embarrassed now that the tension had somewhat cleared.

Darrius was right. He wasn't her boyfriend.

But he wanted to be.

"You're all about saving me tonight," she laughed quietly, gauging his reaction and trying to say the right thing. When he looked at her his eyes were indecipherable.

"I'm sorry," he said again, his tone suddenly miserable as he looked away. "I wanted you to have a nice time but just- these kinds of people-"

"Woah!" she cut him off, forcing him to look back at her in surprise. "Hey! What at all has made you think that I'm not having an amazing time?"

His eyes widened slightly, feeling like it was obvious. "J-just, Chloe and him and-"

"And seeing you defend me because you care about me and don't want people being rude to me or making me uncomfortable?" she countered, hands on her hips. "Talking to interesting people and getting to spend time with you, walking around an amazing venue and spending New Year's Eve with someone who would rather risk his father's wrath than see me unhappy?"

She stared up at him, everything in her voice telling him she was being earnest as she said softly, "Adrien this is amazing. I'm having a great time, I promise."

Adrien looked at her, watching her gentle smile as she met his gaze, doing everything in her power to reassure him. Doing everything she could to make it okay.

"I-I'm having a great time too," he said quietly, trying to steady himself, "Y-you know, without them. Could do with less of that."

Marinette blinked at him before bursting into laughter, gripping his arm for support as he started to laugh as well. They laughed together at nothing at all for a few moments more, and even when their laughter started to die into flustered smiles and eager grins she never did drop the contact, letting her hand rest on his arm. He didn't seem to mind, not at all.

She saw something flash across his face, like something had only just occurred to him. Then, he had a hand on the small of her back, guiding her along the outskirts of the room.

"Where are we going?" she asked, but earned a smile that was somewhere between nervous and mischievous.

"Just follow me, I noticed something."

She huffed and pouted but ultimately obeyed, tailing him until he got to a section of the room that was a solid wall of windows and glass doors leading to a balcony area outside deserted of guests thanks to the cold.

"Adrien! It's freezing out here," she protested as he swung open the door, pulling her by the hand out into the extremely gentle snowfall. The door closed behind her and almost all noise died completely, leaving her a little stunned by the sudden roar of silence.

"Never fear Princess," he said with a smile in his voice, somewhat more at ease as he slipped out of his suit jacket, "Your knight is here."

"Adrien now you'll be cold," she tried to say, but the gesture of him draping the jacket over her shoulders made the words falter and slow, her face warming when she felt his body heat as he did.

"I never get cold," he said with a smirk, knowing full well he had spent ten minutes just that morning complaining to her about snow in his shoes.

She smiled, looking down bashfully and pulling the jacket close around her, trailing after him as he walked forward across the vast outdoor space with his hands in his pockets. Marinette felt something move, and looked down with a smile at Plagg, resting peacefully in Adrien's coat.

"Now, if I'm right," he said into the silent air, walking through the dark night until he reached the edge where the balcony met the building again further on, "there should be… a stairwell."

He let out a vague cheer of triumph when smooth marble steps came into view, coated with snow from lack of foot traffic.

"Planning on wandering somewhere we aren't meant to?" she asked, smirking slightly and making no move to stop him.

He grinned over his shoulder coming to the foot of the steps and waiting for her. "But of course. I noticed a small second level of the main room. You would only be able to get to it from outside so I bet it's empty. Careful," he stopped her suddenly, moving to hold her hand and trying to hide his blush at his own bravery. "U-uh the steps are icy. Hold the railing okay?"

She did as instructed, holding both the railing and Adrien's hand as they made their way slowly up the winding steps. When they reached the top they noticed a small landing and a large elegant door, and while Adrien went to investigate the door, a small gasp escaped between Marinette's lips.

"Adrien…" she said quietly, drawing his attention until he too saw the beauty of Paris, glowing and full of life one New Year's eve as seen through the filter of gently falling snow.

He could see why it had entranced her, the two heroes often expressing their love for their city on late night patrols, but this… this was something else. Like a flame burning beneath ice but not melting it away, just flickering and alive beneath the swirling gentle white of winter. The tower loomed in the distance, bright and lit even at this late hour, the time of a New Year quickly approaching. However even as calendars changed the world would stay much the same from one second to the next, between the small moment of silence, and the loud roar of well wishes for a brand new year, born beneath a filter of snow.

Adrien and Marinette enjoyed the sight of their city a moment longer before they shared a smile, turning to head inside without saying a word.

Adrien stepped out in front, holding the door open for her as she stepping into a dark and empty hall. Even in the dim she could make out rich, lavish red carpeting stretching through the upper floor of the building. The dull reaches of music could be heard only faintly, Adrien stepping in and closing the door behind him.

"This way," he said confidently, taking her hand again like he often did when they found themselves in dark places. As Adrien his night vision was no better than hers, but he didn't feel inclined to forfeit his excuse.

He strode forward, feeling the chill of her fingers as potently as if there was nothing else, almost falling flat on his face when he felt her lace her fingers through his more naturally. He marveled at how close they had been, how… willing she appeared despite her nervousness.

Was it really so much to hope?

"This should work," he said into the darkness, pausing before another large door and bracing against it with his shoulder, opening it for the two of them an instantly being enveloped in the swell of sound.

"Oh wow," Marinette exclaimed, following Adrien in to a small lavishly decorated room, everything that could be fitted with red velvet being just that. Velvet and gold decorated everything in the room, light flooding in from the open wall at the end, leading out to a small interior balcony that overlooked the main event room.

"Now this way we can listen to the music but not talk to anyone," he remarked proudly, acutely aware of the fact that she was still holding his hand as they ventured into the room, the door swinging shut behind them.

"We could get in trouble," she said with no true worry in her voice, looking around her as the two of them walked out onto the balcony to overlook the event as it went on below.

"If anyone comes up here we just suit up and say, 'Nice party!' What are they going to do, kick out Ladybug and Cat Noir?"

He loved her laugh.

When she did it had such a musical quality it blended in with the fading last notes of the music and he wanted to hear it every day. It was only when he realized a new song was soon to start that he remembered his other reason for finding a place alone and his nerves returned.

Marinette seemed to sense the change, noticing the stiffness of his hand in hers and looked over expectantly. He was grappling with something, trying to pick the right words.

"U-uh I was wondering, um. I know this was a big event. I didn't want to ask you to dance because I was afraid dancing in front of other people would make you nervous b-but, uh…" he used his free hand to toy with his bow tie, suddenly feeling like it was too tight. "T-there isn't anyone up here and it's just us a-and I'd never make fun of you. So… I was wondering. M-my lady," he steeled himself, looking over at a steadily blushing Marinette. "May I have this dance?"

Marinette looked up at him, her heart speeding in her chest as she saw how it all looked. Adrien Agreste, in a dress shirt and bowtie on a dim balcony with just her, dressed in the finest dress she could make and wearing his suit jacket to ward off the lingering chill of the snow. It was romantic, certainly but… it was how he asked. He held her hand and asked nervously but with as much confidence as he could muster, wanting to give her the best of him. Being respectful of what she would want, quietly hoping she might say…

"Always."

He felt her withdraw her hand, slipping his jacket from her shoulders and carefully setting in on a chair inside before turning back to him, stepping forward just as the first swells of music rose to meet them.

Adrien took her in his arms, settling into her as she did for him, and they danced.

It wasn't anything so wide or formal… it was gentle. And he realized this was his confession.

He held her tenderly but firmly, leading as she followed with a grace he marveled at. They turned together and he said it silently, everything. The words roared in his head, and wanted to shout them but he didn't. Not yet…

Her head rested against his chest as their rotations settled into the rhythm of the music, and he found himself laying his cheek against the top of her hair.

'I love you,' he wanted to whisper, knowing it was true and finding it so overwhelming. 'I love you Marinette. I love you.'

.

As she listened to his heart beat, following its quiet thrum she felt him lay his head on hers. It was something in the music, or it was something in his heart… but she felt like she heard everything he was trying to say, every word he bit his tongue to keep from saying, every thought of 'It's too soon,' and she agreed but…

She still whispered it in her mind, saying the words and hoping he might hear them just the same.

'I love you too… all of you. I always have.'

They danced in the loudest silence of their lives, only the music reaching them now as they listened to words they knew they couldn't say yet. But maybe one day soon, if they said the right things… If they were brave enough to try.

The notes of their song started to fade and they both hesitated to pull away, eventually standing in something too close to be personal space.

Marinette said nothing, a timid smile on her lips as she looked away, out over the party. As overwhelmed as he was though he couldn't look anywhere but her.

There was that silence between them where they just allowed themselves to think, before the live band prepared to start another piece.

"Another?" he asked quietly, his voice unexpectedly hoarse. "If you have the time."

She turned to look at him again as said the same thing she said before, a gentle smile just for him.

"Always."

.

Were they always dancing to music? She wasn't quite sure, but they danced all the same. They never said much, not many spoken words shared between them, just enjoying whatever it was they had found on that balcony late one Paris night.

Until they heard the steady cheer, as the hundreds of people gathered prepared to count down as one.

"The new year," Marinette said quietly, walking with Adrien to stand on the balcony's edge. "It sounds silly but I'd forgotten all about it."

He chuckled despite his words. "It's not silly. So did I." He said nothing for a moment, looking out ahead. "You have that sort of effect."

When he looked over she was smiling, looking down at the railing as opposed to the crowd. He watched as something relaxed in her eyes, some silent tension giving way to calm resolution as she turned to face him.

"Adrien…" she said finally, looking down at her hands but forging on, smiling slightly as she traded the name and started again. "Cat Noir… have you ever heard of a New Year's kiss?"

He felt like time slowed, the countdown's steady pace stretching out as he saw what was happening now. This was her, taking the step.

He had worried for so long, thought over it a hundred times how he would… how he could move forward. He wanted that, more than anything but… she moved first.

Shy Marinette… she was asking him first.

"Yes my lady," he finally managed, listening now as the countdown drew near to its end.

He wanted some line, something to say but there was nothing like that.

There was Ladybug, braving forward to prove to him it wasn't a one way street, to show him this was something she wanted too. To show him they were in this together.

Always.

.

The last five seconds drew near and so did she, stepping forward and raising her eyes to look at him. They were both nervous, certainly but… afraid?

No. Afraid was feeling that in some possible way… it was wrong.

And this wasn't that.

Because as the last two seconds rang out and they slowly closed the distance as the thunderous cheers of a new year filled the space of the hall… they thought the same thing they had both thought before.

They made everything okay.

They always did.