Chapter 4: Just a Fool

Turn the music up a little bit louder
Just gotta get past the midnight hour, uh huh
Maybe tomorrow it won't
Be this hard

Who am I kidding
I know what I'm missing
Oh, I had my heart set on you
But nothing else hurts like you do
Who knew that love was so cruel
Yeah, yeah, yeah

And I
Waited and waited so long
For someone who'd never come home
It's my fault to think you'd be true, yeah, yeah
I'm just a fool
~ Christina Aguilera (featuring Blake Shelton) – Just a Fool ~

Marinette zipped through the city as fast as she could, but despite her best efforts found her transformation wearing off mere seconds before she was able to make a safe landing on her rooftop. In a bright flash of pink, her yo-yo disappeared, and she was left to tumble ungracefully onto her balcony, rolling several times before crashing heavily into her railing.

"Ooowww," she groaned.

"Oops. Sooorry," Tikki said in a flippant drawl. "I just couldn't hold it any longer!"

The insincere tone was completely lost on Marinette as she pulled herself shakily to her feet. "No, no, it's okay Tikki. Here." She retrieved a cookie from her purse and handed it to her kwami. "I'm really sorry. I guess I got a little caught up there," Marinette said, a deep blush starting to stain her cheeks.

"I noticed," Tikki said blandly, in between bites of cookie.

Still oblivious to Tikki's manner, a bright grin spread across Marinette's face as she scooped her kwami out of the air and carried her down into her room. "Can you believe it though? I'm actually going to the ball with Adrien! Adrien!" she squealed. "Oh my gosh! I never thought this would happen! And to think he actually asked me!"

Tikki sighed as Marinette placed her gently on her desk before dashing off to rifle through her closet. "What am I going to wear? I have that blue dress, but, no, that's not really fancy enough. Oh! What am I talking about? Nothing I have is right for a ball! I wonder if I have time to make something new… That's it!" she called excitedly, darting back to her desk and pulling out her notebook. She flipped through several pages in the book before landing on a specific design. "Ah ha! This one!" she said triumphantly. "What do you think Tikki?" she asked, before turning the book to display a pale pink gown she'd drawn in class that afternoon.

Tikki gave it the briefest consideration before returning to her meal. "It's very nice Marinette, but don't you think that shade of pink will clash with your Ladybug costume?"

"My Ladybug costume?" Marinette asked. "What do you mean? Why would I wear…?"

"Because, Marinette. Adrien didn't ask you to the ball. He asked Ladybug. Which means that unless you're planning on telling him who you really are, you're going to have to go to the ball as Ladybug, regular costume and all!"

"Oh," Marinette said, sinking into her chair. "I-I hadn't thought about that. I-I don't suppose Master Fu knows some kind of special kwami recipe for instant formal wear?" Marinette asked hopefully after a moment of consideration.

"No. We kwami's do not do ball gowns," Tikki sniffed disdainfully. "Just slip a black skirt around your waist and call it good."

Marinette gasped in horror at the notion. "I couldn't possibly do such a thing!"

"Do you even know how to dance?" Tikki asked.

"Well… No…" Marinette said, her shoulders slumping with the admission. "Not really," she said as she began to pace back and forward around her small room. "I mean, I kind of know how to waltz, but just the basics, and I still get tripped up sometimes. I don't even really know what else they do at those kinds of events! Oh no Tikki! How could I be so stupid? What was I thinking saying yes to him? He's going to be so embarrassed, showing up with a girl in a superhero costume that can't even dance while everyone else twirls around in those fancy gowns and suits. This is a disaster!" Marinette cried collapsing dramatically onto her chaise lounge.

"Personally I think dances and dresses are the least of your concerns," Tikki grumbled under her breath.

Marinette turned to look at her kwami curiously, noticing for the first time how she had her eyes closed and her eyebrows creased, a frown marring her chubby cheeks as she munched ferociously at her cookie. "Tikki," Marinette said tentatively. "Is there something wrong? I mean… I know this isn't really an ideal situation, but… it's Adrien we're talking about! Why aren't you excited for me?"

"Because you're making a terrible mistake!" she blurted abruptly.

"Wh-What do you mean? You're the one that's always encouraging me to try and spend more time with Adrien…"

"I encourage you to spend time with Adrien. You! Marinette! I told you to be yourself around him! And what did you do? You agreed to go out with him as Ladybug!"

"B-But, you've always said that Ladybug is me."

"Adrien doesn't know that! All he sees is a mysterious girl in a mask, not the amazing, sweet girl that's his friend and classmate. If he falls in love with you as Ladybug, you can't really have a normal relationship with him. And that would ruin any chance you have of getting closer to him as Marinette!"

Marinette chewed her lip thoughtfully. "I know… I know! You're right Tikki," Marinette admitted reluctantly, dragging her fingers through her hair. "But I couldn't just say no! I'm so tired of waiting around for something to happen between us. He's just… Never seen me the way I see him. At least not until tonight. The way he looked at me when I was Ladybug… I've been dreaming of him looking at me that way for so long, and now that he is… I mean… What if this is the only chance I ever get with him? I'd be a fool not to take it. You heard what he said! There's no one else he'd even consider taking to the ball, and that includes poor little clumsy Marinette, with her pathetic crush on a guy ridiculously out of her league."

"Marinette," Tikki said, softening. "I know it's hard, and I know you feel like you're not getting anywhere with Adrien, but isn't it better to wait and try to form a relationship with him on something that's real?"

"I'd rather have a relationship with him based on false pretenses than no relationship at all!" Marinette pouted stubbornly.

"This just seems like a bad idea to me. It's only going to make things more difficult for the two of you in the long run. Not to mention…" she trailed off abruptly.

"Not to mention what?"

Tikki let out a high pitched sigh, considering carefully. "I was just thinking about how this might affect your relationship with Chat Noir. It wouldn't really matter if Marinette started dating, but Ladybug…?"

"Don't be silly!" Marinette deflected nervously. "I mean Chat and I… We're just… You know. We're partners! I know he flirts a lot, but it doesn't really mean anything. He's not… We're not… I mean… He doesn't like me like that!"

"Are you sure about that?" Tikki asked.

Marinette hesitated, because truth be told, she wasn't sure about that at all and the last thing she ever wanted to do was hurt her partner. The more time she spent with him, the harder it became to convince herself that all his flirtations meant nothing. There was something more to their interactions now, and she wasn't oblivious to the way he was constantly pushing to learn more about her and spend more time with her. He'd asked her to meet him that night, and seemed very insistent about showing her something, and…

"Oh no!" Marinette gasped, lunging back to her feet. "I completely forgot! I promised I'd meet up with him after the akuma!" She glanced at her clock, wondering if it was too late. "Tikki…" she began, pleadingly.

Tikki gave her a wary look and sighed, popping the last bit of cookie in her mouth. Her gaze grew distant for a moment as if she were thinking, or trying to sense things Marinette could not see. "Maybe now isn't the best time for you to see Chat Noir."

"Tikki, please? I have to at least try and find him. I promised!"

"Fine," Tikki grumbled. "I just hope you know what you're doing."

Marinette stared at her kwami in worry. "A-Are we okay, Tikki?"

Tikki let out one last sigh before flying up to Marinette's face and giving her a quick peck on the cheek. "Of course Marinette. I do trust your judgement. You always make the right decision in the end. So whatever you do choose, I'll support you one hundred percent."

Marinette wavered briefly, still worried that something might be wrong. But then her thoughts returned to her partner, and she shook away any lingering concerns. She'd figure everything out later. "Thank you," she said to her little friend. "Alright Tikki! Spots on!"

Adrien stared at the place Ladybug's figure had disappeared for quite some time, waiting for that expected feeling of excitement and euphoria to wash over him. When the feeling never came, he eventually turned and started trudging back home, trying to figure out why he felt so disquieted about the whole thing.

"What is wrong with me?" he muttered out loud.

Plagg popped up then, making his presence known. He knew perfectly well that the question hadn't been directed at him, but had an impulse to answer it regardless. "Hmmm, are you looking for an all-inclusive list, or more of a current events kind of answer?"

Adrien gave him a sharp look. "Not now Plagg. I'm really not in the mood."

"Okay, fine. I'll skip the list. But since you're clearly too caught up in your little head drama to think responsibly, I fear the burden of rationality must fall on me. Which is why I find it necessary to remind you that you spent an entire afternoon lighting a rooftop on fire, and then left it unattended!"

Adrien stopped dead in his tracks. "Dangit!" he cursed before darting down an empty alley to transform. "Just great. This is the last thing I want to deal with right now."

However, despite his frustration, as he bounded through the night, back towards the rooftop he'd abandoned, he found he was grateful for the excuse to transform. There was a certain clarity that he could only truly possess as Chat Noir, and suddenly he understood why there was a sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach, encroaching on what should have been pure happiness.

Because although it was true, Ladybug had accepted him as Adrien, she had also rejected him as Chat Noir.

And that realization hurt. Furthermore, it didn't make any sense!

Chat Noir had been Ladybug's companion and friend since day one. He'd stood by her through everything. Encouraged her when she doubted herself, jumped in when she needed support, and caught her whenever she stumbled. He'd risked his life for her and offered her his heart and soul on a silver platter. For months he'd tried everything he could think of to get her attention. He'd complimented her and showered her with all kinds of pretty words and flirtations. He'd offered her flowers, asked her on dates, and alternated between being suggestive and direct about his intentions, but despite everything he had said and done, she had not been swayed!

At least not until Adrien Agreste waltzed onto the scene, with his stupid good looks and his fake rehearsed countenance and charm and suddenly she was all blushes and smiles. In a matter of minutes Adrien had done what Chat Noir hadn't been able to do in all the months he'd known her. He'd gotten a date with Ladybug.

It had all been just a little too easy. All he'd had to do was ask. And after months of trying every trick in the book to get her attention, that was more than a bit confusing, and disappointing. And as he landed heavily on his candlelit rooftop, staring around at the proof of his wasted efforts, he came to the clear realization that he didn't want simple. He wanted excitement. He wanted a give and take, a push and pull. Witty banter, an elaborate dance… He wanted romance.

He wanted fireworks.

It wasn't just Ladybug that he loved. He loved who he could be when he was with her. In his everyday life, as Adrien, he always had to pretend to be something he wasn't. He could never speak his mind fully, or joke around the way he wanted to. He always had to be reserved and on his guard, for fear of doing anything that might get back to his father as being immature or unprofessional.

But as Chat Noir, he had the ability to do and say exactly what he wanted, when he wanted. After a lifetime of constant rules and regulations placed upon him in a world that was constantly watching his every move, the anonymity that Chat Noir afforded him had been incredibly freeing.

That also meant, that with Ladybug, from the moment they'd met, through every battle, every investigation, every brief exchange, he'd only ever been himself with her. He'd never had to pretend to be something he wasn't.

After finally finding someone that he could be real with, he didn't want to start pretending again. Not with her. But none of that mattered, because at the end of the day, she didn't want him as he really was. No, she preferred the diminished shell of his true self.

With a deep side he trudged dutifully over to the nearest candle but stopped short, finding himself unwilling to blow out its flame. Instead he flopped down onto his back and stared up at the sky.

"Why does she like me as Adrien, but not as Chat Noir?" he whined to the stars. When the stars gave no reply, he called out to his kwami, hesitantly. "Plagg…" he wavered for a moment, trying to decide if listening to the little god of chaos and destruction compare romance to cheese would in fact be better than sitting by himself in a depressed silence. He was pretty sure Plagg would just mock him for being overly dramatic. Truth be told, why shouldn't he? After all, Chat Noir had gotten what he wanted, even if it wasn't quite the way he'd imagined. And he was happy. Thrilled really, in one corner of his mind. But he couldn't get past the fact that having Ladybug accept him as Adrien just felt wrong.

Ladybug was the sunshine and the wind. She was compassionate and carefree. Adrien lived a shallow, earthbound life. He could never keep up with her. Even as Chat Noir, she felt far from his reach, as he trailed in her footsteps, basking in her radiance. But at least he had something to offer her, as her partner and protector, her confidant and friend.

What did Adrien have to offer her? A frivolous little date at some pompous, overdone ball that exemplified everything he hated about his regular life? They'd be stuck hob-knobbing with the biggest snobs in Paris. There'd be endless introductions, salutations and obligatory dances with young heiresses that he wouldn't be able to escape as Adrien Agreste. Chat Noir and Ladybug could have easily avoided all of that. They could've slipped unnoticed through the crowd, as they feasted on the finest caviar, glazed duck and fancy desserts. They could've danced and laughed all night long, and when they'd finally had their fill, they could've escaped into the night from the nearest balcony.

And maybe, if he was very, very lucky, he could've kissed her goodnight from the top of the roof.

With that final thought, he frowned deeply. In his mind it was all so clear. Ladybug and Chat Noir could've been so perfect together! They were clearly made for each other. Why couldn't she see that?

With a final sigh he gave in, recognizing he'd rather listen to Plagg, than his own ridiculous thoughts that were getting him absolutely nowhere.

"Okay Plagg," Chat Noir said, bracing himself to transform back. "Claws i-"

"Wow," breathed a voice behind him, stopping him short.

He sat up with a jolt turning to look at the other end of the rooftop.

There in the moonlight stood Ladybug, her arm still extended to retract her yo-yo as she spun, looking around her in amazement. "So pretty," she cooed. "Who did this?" she asked, turning her attention to him for the first time since she'd landed. As soon as she'd asked, realization seemed to dawn on her and she stiffened, the smile slipping from her lips. "Oh! Did y-"

"Just some silly boy trying to impress a girl," he replied quickly. "I just figured I'd stop for a while and enjoy the view."

"Oh," she said seeming to relax. It grated at him slightly that she was relieved it hadn't been him, but he didn't regret the misdirection too much seeing as it allowed the smile to return to her face. "And did it work? Did he impress her?"

He paused for a moment before answering in a low voice. "Not in the way he had hoped."

"That's too bad," she said.

"Yeah well, you know how it is," he said, standing and casually strolling towards her. "Nice guys finish last and all. You ladies all say you want romance, but when it comes down to it, you're much more impressed with a pretty face."

She gave him a funny look. "Oh come on, you don't actually believe that?" she said. "Just look at this place! It's like something out of a fairy tale! And the flowers," she said, as she darted over to the nearest vase. "You know, for some reason guys usually just go straight for the roses, but these are so much more creative and colorful! He must have really put a lot of thought into this. Not to mention the time it must've taken to set this up," her eyebrows squinted suddenly as she looked around. "Come to think of it, how did he get all of this stuff up here, anyway?"

"There's a fire escape," he said hastily before stepping in front of her in an attempt to distract her from asking more questions. "What brings you out here anyway? I didn't expect to see you again tonight."

"Oh," she said, looking a bit unsettled. "I uh… I'm sorry. I almost forgot before. You said there was something you wanted to show me tonight. I didn't remember until I got home, though."

"So you came back?" he asked.

"Well of course. I made a promise, didn't I? So, what was it you wanted to show me, anyway?"

"Oh, I uh… Nothing important really," he said, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "At least, it doesn't matter anymore. There was something I, uh…"

He was interrupted as a large explosion sounded, and suddenly the night sky was alight with color. Ladybug immediately spun around, to stare in awe at the fireworks going off over the Seine.

"Oh my gosh!" she called in excitement. "I'd completely forgotten they were doing this tonight. Did you know?"

"Um, yeah. That's uh- That's actually what I wanted to show you. I thought we missed them though. They were supposed to set them off earlier, but I guess they delayed the show because of the akuma attack. Lucky."

"Very lucky!" she smiled, eyes brighter than the lights sparking above them. She grew silent then, entranced by the show, and he watched her from the corner of his eye, equally entranced by her.

Mentally he was kicking himself. "Maybe I was a bit too hasty, asking her before. She still came to meet me tonight, even after I'd given up on her. She really seems to be enjoying the fireworks, and she was even impressed with the way I setup the rooftop. If I'd waited..." He frowned, remembering how she'd also tensed up awkwardly when she considered for a moment the possibility he'd arranged everything for her.

"Well, it's too late now. I should just back off for now as Chat Noir and see how things work out with me just being Adrien…" he considered, before turning to focus his attention back to the fireworks.

They watched together side by side, in relative silence, Ladybug occasionally gasping in delight, and letting out little 'oohs' and 'ahs' or making inconsequential remarks about the colors or the way a firework twinkled.

Then quite out of nowhere she turned towards Chat Noir and smiled. "Thanks for inviting me Chat. This is really amazing. I can't remember the last time I saw fireworks like these."

"I see them every time I look at you," he whispered in his mind. It's what he'd planned to tell her all along, from the moment he'd received the invitation to the ball, and decided to ask her to accompany him on the night of the fireworks.

But he had to accept that it wasn't going to be excitement, romance and fireworks like he'd originally hoped. It was going to simply be Adrien, awkwardly stumbling over his words as he vainly attempted to impress a girl that was insanely out of his league. But because that's what she apparently wanted…

Chat Noir kept his eyes resolutely fixed on the sky and said nothing at all.

As the fireworks drew to a close, he was aware of a shift in her mood. She glanced over at him a few times, before nervously speaking her mind.

"S-Say. Chat Noir? There's something I should tell you…"

"Let me guess," he said, cutting her off. "You're going to the ball with Adrien Agreste?"

Her blue eyes grew wide as she stared back at him. "H-How did you…?"

"I didn't make it very far before my transformation wore off. I got stuck at the hotel. I guess it was inevitable I'd bump into you."

She winced, at his words. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't consider that."

"Yeah, you did seem a little preoccupied," he said with a slight laugh.

"I'm sorry," she said again, hanging her head.

He shrugged, attempting to look indifferent. "Don't be. It's none of my business what you do with your free time."

"I-I know I just… I didn't mean for you to see that. I thought it might… Bother you or something," she muttered a bit awkwardly.

"Why would it bother me?" he asked, a touch of exasperation slipping into his tone.

"I don't know! Because we're… partners. And we're close, and because you… well, sometimes…"

"Oh. You mean the flirting?" he attempted a carefree laugh that came out more like an abrupt bark. "Don't worry about that. Haven't you heard? Apparently I flirt with everyone."

She frowned, feeling there was something off about his statement and pressed on stubbornly. "Well, yeah, but… I just thought that maybe…"

"You said it yourself, Ladybug," he snapped at her abruptly, because the whole thing was becoming humiliating. He already knew she didn't want to go with him as Chat Noir. Did she really need to spell out for him that her feelings for him weren't the same? "We're partners," he said bitterly. "Nothing else. You're free to date whoever you want."

"Well, I know that!" she said, her temper rising to match his own.

"Okay, then what's the problem?"

"I don't have a problem!"

"Yeah, well neither do I!"

"Clearly!" she growled gesturing at his irritated stance.

He crossed his arms and glared, frustrated that she couldn't just let it go. "Okay," he hissed through clenched teeth. "If you must know, I am a little ticked about it."

"You don't say?" she said sarcastically.

"But it's only because I expected better of you!"

"Excuse me?" she hissed dangerously, her eyes narrowing into slits as she crossed her own arms.

"I just find it a little disappointing is all. I never expected you of all people to fall for a guy just because he's rich and good looking. I figured you'd have a bit more depth than that."

He knew the moment the words left his mouth that he'd gone too far. The air between them practically snapped with furious energy. But he couldn't take it back. He didn't want to anyway. Because when all was said and done, that was the crux of his problem with the whole messed up situation. Adrien Agreste was everything Chat Noir was and less. The only thing that Adrien had going for him was good looks and money and after everything he'd done as Chat Noir to try and get Ladybug's attention and win her over, he couldn't help but be disappointed that it was something as superficial as his appearance that had finally done the trick.

"You have no idea what you're talking about!" Ladybug finally said, her voice low, and dangerous. "You think that's why I said yes?"

"Well, isn't it? I mean you barely know the guy!"

"I know him better than you obviously! He's not just some rich… good looking… guy," she stumbled. "I mean, you'd think he'd be full of himself or stuck up because he's a model, and he's wealthy, but he's really not! He only ever sees the good in people, and is kind to everyone, even when they don't deserve it. He sticks up for others and he… He… I mean, yeah, sure, he's good looking… I guess," she stammered slightly. "But that's not why I lik- I mean… that's not what I like about him. I like that he's the type of person that always puts others before himself. He's considerate. He gave me his umbrella once when I didn't have one. And when I looked into his eyes… something just felt right. And familiar. And safe… He's sweet. I didn't say yes to him because he's handsome. I said yes to him because he's the type of guy that would do something like this," she said gesturing around the rooftop, before letting out a slight deflated sigh. "I just… I want… I wanted to spend some time with him. I wanted him to actually see me for once. I wanted the chance to find out if there could be something between us."

Her anger had completely disappeared somewhere in the middle of her tirade, leaving a sad, defeated girl in its wake. Chat could do nothing but stare at her for a moment, his eyes wide. His own anger had been forgotten as well and he found that all he felt now was confused.

"Where did all of that come from?" he wondered. "All those things she said… It's almost as if she really does know me. And what was all that about the umbrella? I don't remember anything like that ever happening."

In truth, he couldn't help finding the whole thing to be a bit preposterous. "An umbrella... Fireworks, music and an entire rooftop full of flowers and candles and all she really needed was a stupid umbrella?!"

He sighed heavily at the ridiculousness of it all, but then was hit by a weighted feeling. He was missing something, he was sure. There was a faint memory, prickling at the back of his mind, just out of his reach. But as he looked at Ladybug's slumped shoulders, he realized whatever epiphany was looming on the horizon, it would have to wait.

"Hey Ladybug," he said softly, stepping closer to her. "I-I'm sorry for saying that. And for doubting you. It's none of my business who you date and why. I don't know what came over me. I guess I was just a little…" he paused for a moment, trying to find an appropriate word to explain his behavior.

"Jealous?" she supplied with a slight quirk of her lips.

He smiled in response, glad to see she wasn't holding a grudge against him. "Me? Jealous of Adrien Agreste!" he said in an exaggerated manner, hoping to coax her the rest of the way out of her melancholy. "Don't be ridiculous! Chat Noir is way cooler than some pretty boy model."

She giggled slightly behind her hand. "Did you seriously just refer to yourself in the third person?"

"Chat Noir did!" he crooned with a Cheshire grin. "Twice! Or was it three times?" he said mischievously.

"Ugh. Twice," she clarified for him. "Apparently your math skills are as bad as your grammar skills."

He merely grinned, keeping his own little private joke to himself. And suddenly, there it was. The feeling of excitement and euphoria he'd been waiting for all along. Because Ladybug did like him. Genuinely liked him, and for reasons that actually mattered. And she was going to go with him to the ball. Sure, it still hadn't happened quite the way he'd expected, but suddenly that didn't concern him as much. Because he knew he could make it work. He would make it work. After all, he finally had a chance with her, and he wasn't about to open his big mouth anymore and do anything to screw that up.

"For the record," he said, hoping to dispel any lingering doubts she had about Chat Noir's feelings on the issue. "I was only going to say that I was a little confused why you wanted to go to the ball with someone like him. And concerned I guess. It's my job to look out for you after all. But if you say he's a good guy and all, I'll believe you. I'm sure the two of you will have a wonderful time together."

"Thanks Chat," she said with a sad smile. "But I… I probably won't go…"

And just like that the feeling of excitement and euphoria was gone. "What?" he cried. "Why not?"

"Well, just think about it! It could cause problems for him in the long run. What if Hawk Moth targeted him because of me? I couldn't live with myself if he got hurt and it was my fault."

"B-But that's… That's just silly…" he whined in desperation. "I mean come on! Adrien can take care of himself. And he'll have us to protect him. No one ever gets hurt when Ladybug and Chat Noir are on the case!"

"But what if…"

"No buts! We can handle this, okay? Nothing bad will happen. I promise. Just trust me."

She smiled at him sweetly. "Ah, Kitty. Of course, I trust you. But if I'm being honest… That's not my only concern. There are other issues."

"Like what?"

"Well… I mean…" she sighed heavily. "It's a formal wear event! I can't just show up like this," she said making a sweeping gesture at herself.

Chat paused for a moment to consider. He had to admit he'd never actually thought about that. "You can't like… just wear it over… or like… your kwami can't… hmmm… Yeah, I see your point. I got nothing."

She nodded. "Exactly. Really, the only option would be for me to go without transforming and just wear a mask, but I don't know. That seems a bit risky."

Chat Noir instantly perked up. "You'd go as yourself? I mean like your real self? No miraculous?" he asked excitedly. The possibility of her going as her real self was an unexpected perk he'd never really considered before.

She shrugged. "I don't know… Honestly, it's probably for the best if I just don't go at all."

"No! You have to go!" Chat exclaimed in a panic causing her to give him a startled look. "I mean, uh… It's not like I really care one way or the other… It's just a bit sad, you know? The great Ladybug scared of going to some silly little dance."

"I'm not scared!" she bristled instantly. "I'm just thinking practically! Besides, it's not like I…" She flushed slightly and looked away petulantly, muttering something under her breath.

"What was that?" he asked, stepping closer to her.

She looked at him, seeming to consider him briefly before letting out a heavy sigh. "I said, it's not like I really know how to dance anyway," she admitted reluctantly in a small voice.

"You don't?" he asked, taking her hand abruptly and spinning her under his raised arm. "You've always seemed so light on your feet to me!"

Following the impromptu twirl, she seamlessly fell into a perfect dance position opposite him, one hand laying lightly on his shoulder, and her other clasped in his own. He stared into her surprised eyes for a moment before giving her a playful grin.

Ladybug gave him a half smile before lowering her eyes and gently stepping away from him. "Sure, Ladybug is but as Ma… myself, I'm just some clumsy nobody, that's never been to a fancy event or a ball and has no idea how to act, or what to do. I don't know how to dance and I don't even have a dress," she sighed heavily. "Pretty sorry excuse for a date I'd make. It's probably better if I just forget about the whole thing. I don't belong in that kind of world."

"Well, that's true."

"Chat!"

"No, really. You don't belong there. You're too… Good and noble and stuff. And genuine. Those parties are all about the glitz and glam and superficial nonsense. It's all stiff and formal… Honestly, I think we'd all be a lot better off if fewer people fit into that kind of world."

"Ah… You're just saying that to make me feel better about not going."

"I'm not saying don't go! I just want you to realize that you don't have to try and be something you're not to fit in there and have a good time. Just be yourself and you'll be fine."

"I think you're seriously underestimating just how clumsy 'myself' can be."

"Ladybug, come on. You can buy a dress and you can learn how to dance. Or you can show up in a brown burlap bag and do the chicken dance. It doesn't really matter what you do. You'd still be the most amazing girl in the room. Look, do you want to go or not?"

She hesitated for a moment, chewing on her lip before reluctantly answering. "I don't want to embarrass him," she said in a small voice.

"Not possible," he said without missing a beat.

"But what's the point in going at all if I can't even dance?"

"If that's your only problem, then I'll teach you," he said.

"You'll teach me?" She began to giggle. "I appreciate the offer Kitty, but I don't think this is really a break-dancing kind of event."

"Ha ha, you're hilarious," he said while rolling his eyes. "Believe it or not I know exactly what kind of event this is. I've been going to those kinds of things for years."

"Really?" she asked incredulously. "I just can't picture you at something like that."

"This cat has many layers. Not only am I witty, charming, talented…"

"Humble," Ladybug interjected with a snort.

"Good looking, and intelligent, but I am also a pawsitively amazing dancer, and a fabulous teacher! What do you say, Bugaboo? Want me to teach you the art of ballroom dance?"

"I don't know if it's such a great idea. After all, I'd probably crush all your toes."

"And I'd probably make all kinds of cringe worthy puns."

"Hmm, yes. Probably not the best idea for us."

"Yeah, you're probably right. Well, good luck to you then. I'm sure you'll figure it out on your own."

"O-Of course I can! I mean how many different dances does a person really need to know anyway?"

"Well, let's see there's the standard waltz, Viennese waltz, tango, two step, foxtrot, quickstep," he said starting to list random dances offhandedly. Suddenly he laughed. "Not to mention those silly choreographed period dances the Bourgeois' always insist on having that everyone somehow knows. Other than that, I'm pretty sure they're doing a more traditional formal theme this year, so you don't really need to learn any of the Latin or American style dances, although they have been known to change things up at the last minute. Like there was this one year, where they played nothing but jazz music, which worked out pretty well since my partner and I went as Bonnie and Clyde that year. That was probably my favorite dance so far."

"You're kidding right?" Ladybug interrupted.

"Not at all! The Lindy-Hop is awesome!"

"The Lindy-what? No! I mean… There can't possibly be that many dances!"

"Uh… Yeah, sorry to break it to you M'Lady, but there's kind of a lot."

"Well then that settles it!" she said, throwing her hands up in the air. "I can't possibly go."

"What? No! You have to go!"

"I don't have to do anything. Especially not something that's going to end up making my date and me look ridiculous."

"You won't look ridiculous! Look I meant what I said before. I can help you. Besides, one thing you can count on with these yearly balls is that the music theme will always match Chloe Bourgeois' costume. She's doing Swan Lake this year, which means all you'll really need to know is the waltzes and maybe the foxtrot and a few tangos."

"Tangos?" she squeaked. "As in there's more than one?"

"One tango," he quickly amended. "You just need to know one! Probably."

She sighed heavily. "I don't know Chat. Isn't this a bit risky and complicated? Why would you want to help me anyway?"

"Because, if the princess wants to go to the ball, then I will do whatever I can to grant her wish," he said with a flourishing bow. Despite his bravado he found his posture stiffening the minute the words left his lips. Somehow it felt wrong calling Ladybug a princess, when he'd already bestowed the title on a different girl.

He failed to notice that Ladybug had also gone still at his words, yet she was faster to recover with a slightly forced grin. "What are you, my fairy godmother?"

He straightened up and smiled at her, snatching a flower from one of the nearby vases and handing it to her. "Actually, I was going more for a knight in shining armor."

She laughed, taking the flower from him and twirling it between his fingers as she stood to leave. "We'll see about that," she said coyly before biting her lip and seeking out his eyes earnestly. "You're really okay with this? With helping me I mean?"

"I just want you to be happy," he said with a shrug and smile.

His tone was sincere and straightforward, and though Ladybug would swear to the world she didn't have any romantic feelings for her partner, she'd be hard pressed to say that his simple admission and his warm smile didn't do strange and pleasant things to her insides.

"O-Okay then," she coughed, breaking his gaze and turning to walk across the roof, preparing to leave the same way she'd come.

"That's a yes?" he asked a little too eagerly as he followed along behind her.

She turned towards him again, walking backwards towards the edge of the roof. "I guess it couldn't hurt to try," she allowed.

"You won't regret it!"

"I'm guessing I probably will," she teased. "But it's not like I can tell anyone else about my sudden need to learn to dance in a hurry."

"I guess not. Looks like you're stuck with me Bug!"

"Wouldn't be the first time today. And I doubt it will be the last," she said with a wink as she jumped up on the low roof ledge and unhooked her yo-yo from her waist. "Tomorrow night good?"

He gave a noncommittal shrug to hide his eagerness. "Sure. Round eight?"

"It's a… Lesson then…" she quickly corrected herself before giving a brief wave and dropping down off the roof, swinging away into the distance.

For the second time that evening, he stared after her retreating form, but this time the smile on his face came naturally as he felt his heart soaring across the rooftops with his lady, who was apparently not quite as indifferent to him as he'd assumed.