Chapter Thirty-One: Happy New Year.

The New Year's Gala is finally here. Adrien and Marinette both want to catch each other at the stroke of midnight, but Chloé certainly doesn't want that.

Tuesday December 31st 2019. 5.30 p.m. Marinette's home.

Adrien couldn't help but feel terrified as he knocked on the living room door in Marinette's home.

Terrified in a good way, of course. There was a whole lot of excitement at seeing Marinette's dress, which he knew would be amazing, but there was also a lot of nerves over making a fool out of himself at some point tonight. Hopefully he wouldn't do anything ridiculous in front of her parents, his future in-laws, because he would never live it down and have to change his name and dye his hair and run away to…

Sabine opened the door then and gave him a delighted smile and his nerves increased a thousand fold. "Adrien! Oh, don't you look handsome!"

"Afternoon, Mme. Cheng."

She tutted but still had a smile on her face. Was that a good sign? "None of that now." Wait, was it a bad sign? Oh god he couldn't take this! "It's Sabine and Tom to you, young man. Now come inside."

"Thank you."

Adrien walked in, letting her shut the door behind him, and counted it as a good sign that he was allowed in their home. He'd not made a mistake just yet. Good, good. He needed to keep it up.

Plagg had laughed his head off at Adrien earlier, when he had admitted his nerves to his kwami, and the logical part of Adrien's brain understood that he really didn't have anything to worry about. Tom and Sabine both liked him and they had both been overjoyed when he and Marinette had started dating. Of course they would still like him today.

But he couldn't help his nerves!

This wasn't just another date, this was a gala. This was a formal dance where they could be seen and photographed and end up on the front page of the first newspaper of the new decade. This was huge.

There were footsteps on the stairs just then and Adrien felt his heart race. This was it. He was finally going to see her.

It was only Tom though. He smiled at Adrien as he came down from his daughters room and Adrien couldn't detect anything unfriendly in that look even though he tried. In fact, he looked ridiculous happy, fond, and, dare he say it, proud?

He crossed the room to stand next to his wife and the bookcase, and offered his hand to Adrien. He tried not to shake as the much larger man - seriously, how had he not realised how big Tom Dupain was before now - and returned the smile.

"It's great to see you again, son. You two are going to make quite the pair tonight," Tom winked at him and then looked down to the gift in his hands. "I see that you came prepared too."

"Oh, uh, yes."

He held his hand out to better show them the gift. He had chosen one single red rose in full bloom. It was utterly perfect. It was a deep ruby red, not a blemish or spot on the leaves, all the thorns had been carefully removed, and the scent was rich. Plagg had teased him for taking nearly an hour to select the perfect bloom but he really did care. It was for his Princess. It had to be perfect. He also had two smaller but finely crafted chocolate roses, looking to very lifelike, as part of his mini-bouquet.

Of course, now that he was here in front of her parents he was beginning to regret not going with a full two dozen.

"I, uh, I thought simple would be better than overboard."

Tom nodded with a wry chuckle. "That's probably a good idea. Those roses she came home with on Christmas Eve are still in full bloom. There's room for one more though." He turned to his wife and wrapped his arm around her, smiling down at her, before turning to Adrien with a wink. "Besides, I'll have you know that the way to a Cheng heart is with flowers."

Sabine chuckled. "And the way to a Dupain heart is with sweets. You made a marvellous choice."

"Mama, baba!"

Marinette's voice drifted down from her room, stern but slightly muffled, and he could hear her walking about. The soft click of her heels as he darted around was oddly comforting.

"Will you two stop teasing him!"

"We're not teasing lái fú. Are you ready?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure?" Tom grinned. "You haven't forgotten another thing down here on the coffee table that you need me to bring up right away?"

"Baba!"

"Just checking!" Tom winked at Adrien then pulled Sabine off to one side. "Come on down then sweetheart."

Adrien swallowed nervously. This was it. This would be the big test of his resolve. He knew the colour of her gown and the quality of her work, and her beautiful face was forever carved in his memory. He wouldn't make a fool of himself in front of her or her parents. He was certain of it… right up until Mrinette appeared at the top of the stairs and his jaw dropped.

He was wrong. He was so wrong.

Nothing could have prepared him for the vision that slowly descended the stairs towards him.

Her gown was nothing short of a masterpiece. The bodice of the dress was cut in a delicate sweetheart neckline and made of a beautiful midnight satin that flowed gracefully down across the smooth flare of her hips and fell into a full skirt. The top layer of the dress, a rich but dark navy chiffon, came up above the neckline of the bodice to rest just below her collarbones and accentuate her delicate neck and shoulders, before flowing down her arms and tapering to a point around her wrists. The many layers of chiffon fell from her waist asymmetrically, high in the front and low in the back, and were cinched in with a soft ribbon about her waist.

As if that didn't make the gown one of the most stunning he had ever seen, as she stepped down towards him the beading on the bodice and skirt caught the light and made her shimmer. He felt like he was watching a goddess descend to meet him. The beading around the top of the bodice was mostly silvers and whites and a few delicate pearlescent points, further accentuated by a scattering of navy and black beading, while the beading at the bottom was golds and whites and bronzes. The design was complimented by a simple pair of navy shoes and a small bronzed clutch. Part of his mind registered that her clutch was far too small for Tikki to hide in but he couldn't focus on that right now.

It suddenly hit him then, why he couldn't shake the feeling of familiarity. This was the view they saw from the Eiffel Tower all the time, the silvery starlight fading into a midnight-blue night sky before dissolving away into the bright golden glow of the city streets below. It was the view she had raved about just a few weeks ago and been itching to draw. It was the view that paled in comparison to the masterpiece she had created here.

Stunning. Completely and utterly stunning.

When he could finally raise his eyes to her face he felt his breath leave his body.

Marinette's hair had been twisted completely up and wrapped around her head in a loosely woven crown braid, threaded with seed pearls and silver and pearlescent beads. It only further enhanced her status as a goddess in Adrien's mind as it looked like she was wearing a crown of starlight itself. Her make-up was minimalistic with only a sheer gloss on her lips, but her eyes really stood out, enhanced by an expert touch of mascara and bronze eyeshadow. However it was the faint blush on her cheeks that robbed him of the power of speech as she shyly smiled up at him.

He wasn't even aware that he had held his hand out to hers to help her down the last few steps until she placed her hand in his.

"You are so beautiful."

The words slipped out before he was even aware that he was capable of speech and Adrien wanted to kick himself.

Beautiful? Beautiful!

She was so much more than just beautiful! She was dazzling, magnificent, exquisite, utterly bewitching, radiant. She was a goddess in human form and all he could say was beautiful?

Yet his clumsy words seemed to please her and he saw her blush deeply. She smiled up at him and idly reached out to straighten his bronze pocket square. "You're very handsome too - though, are you sure you didn't peek at my design?"

Adrien promised himself that he would buy Tikki as much chocolate as she wanted from the very best chocolatier in Paris for a whole year for giving him tips on his outfit. She had given him a fabric swatch which made finding the suit easy enough - all he did was turn it over to Nathalie and she got some of the Gabriel employees on it - but Tikki had been the one to give him hints about what accessories he should pick. She had insisted on silvers, bronzes, and pearlescent colours for his accents

Adrien wasn't about to out Tikki though and so gave a half-hearted shrug. "I just guessed." He held out the rose and one of the chocolates for her. "For you, my Princess, though it pales in comparison against you."

That was smoother and to his delight it made her blush deeper than before. She took the roses from him, handing the chocolate rose over to her mother, and breathing in the scent of the real rose. Her delighted hum was enough to start knocking the tension out of his frame.

Sabine was starry eyed. "I'll put that in some water for you, dear. You two don't want to be late."

Tom let out a loud sniffle then and furiously wiped at his eyes. "Let's get some photos before you two leave."

If pressed, then Adrien would still say that his favourite photo shoot was the Christmas Jumper one with Tom on Boxing Day, but that was only because he couldn't recall a thing about any of the photos that her parents took of them before they left for the gala. He felt like he was floating as he stood and posed and smiled next to the most gorgeous woman to grace this earth.

Tom joined them for a few photos, then Sabine, and then they set up a stand to take one group photo. By the time they were escorted downstairs, where Hélène and Colette cooed over them from the bakery door as they were closing up, Adrien's mind was starting to piece it back together.

He had enough wits about him at least to hold open the limo door for her, and hold a hand out to help her in. His cheeks were hurting from smiling at her but the delicate flush on her face just made him grin all the wider. How could he get so lucky to call such an amazing girl his? They both leaned out of the window and waved goodbye as Gorilla drove off. He went in the opposite direction to the hotel but Adrien had expected that - they always took a long and circuitous route for security reasons.

He jumped as he felt Plagg shift around in his pocket in agitation and he finally came back online and remembered something important he had to do. Thankfully the privacy screen was already in place between the two compartments so Adrien quickly pulled Plagg out of his pocket, helping his kwami hide his special present behind his back. Marinette got the hint and, instead of reaching for her clutch which Adiren definitely recognised as being too small for a kwami, she reached for her skirt and pulled Tikki out of a perfectly camouflaged hidden pocket.

Adrien didn't have the chance to ask Marinette about her ingenious design because Plagg stood up to his full height, cleared his throat, and produced the second chocolate rose from behind his back. Both Marinette and Tikki gasped as Plagg walked up to his Lady and bowed over the rose.

"Oh fairest of the fair, would you permit this poor stray to escort you tonight?"

There were tears gleaming in Tikki's eyes even as she gave a happy sigh and took the offered rose. "I would love that, my sweet kitten."

Marinette melted over them, cooing in delight, and Adrien found himself admiring how smooth Plagg was. Until he opened his mouth again.

"Then come, my sweet," Plagg smirked and grabbed Tikki's paw and pulled her over to Adrien. "My noble steed awaits!"

"Hey!"

Marinette burst out laughing at his indignation and he shot her a wounded look. Even Tikki was giggling at him but at least she was trying to muffle them. Adrien glared at Plagg, already thinking of bringing the cheese ban back for this, but Plagg was giving him a look that screamed 'please just play along' and he folded. How could he fault Plagg for trying to sweep his Lady off her magic feet, when Adrien was doing the same with Marinette? He could go along with it for them.

"Your chariot awaits, dear Tikki," he sighed and used one hand to hold his jacket open, revealing the specially enlarged pocket within.

It was the only request he had made of Nathalie regarding his suit, and she had given him a skeptical look until he managed to mumble through a hastily created excuse as to why he needed such large inner pockets. When he admitted it was to keep Marinette's clutch safe while they danced so she wouldn't have to put it down where Chloé could potentially mess with it or steal it, her skepticism had faded into a knowing look and she had put a rush on the alterations.

However, Adrien mused as he eyed the large chocolate rose in Tikki's paws, Nathalie would probably kill him if he came home with his special request pocket smeared in chocolate because she would assume he had been trying to cheat on his diet. It wasn't like he could tell her the truth either.

He used the hand not holding his jacket open to collect both kwami. "Please try not to get chocolate all over my suit."

Plagg snorted and grinned at Tikki. "Kid, I really don't think you need to worry about that." Tikki just gave a sheepish giggle and let Plagg pull her into Adrien's suit pocket.

He could see that Marinette looked completely unsurprised by her kwami's behaviour. "I did wonder why my parents were talking about flowers and sweets. One for me, and one for Tikki I see."

"Plagg insisted." Adrien couldn't help the blush that heated his face. "If I was bringing a gift for my lady, then he needed something for his - but you are far sweeter than those chocolates and more beautiful than the rose."

He was glad to see her blush this time. He hadn't made her blush enough yet tonight. She covered her flaming cheeks as if to cool them down. "You sir, are a shameless flatterer!"

"Hardly flattery when it's true, my love." Adrien reached between them for her hand and raised it to his lips for a kiss. He took a moment to admire her perfect manicure and how much attention she had paid to even the tiniest details when putting together her look for the evening. But then he sighed. "I really want to kiss you right now, but I daren't spoil your looks before we arrive."

Marinette was a little disappointed because she really wanted him to kiss her too, but she had spent ages getting her make-up just right. She wanted to arrive without needing to touch it up straight away. "Yeah, good idea. Alya would tease us to death."

Next to her, Adrien shuddered theatrically, and while she laughed she completely understood how he felt. She slipped her hand into his and gave it a reassuring squeeze. They could get through anything together, even Alya's teasing.

That chatted for a moment about what to expect. Adrien had been to several of Mayor Bourgeois' parties before, but Marinette had only attended the one when Chloé was trying to be nice. It had been an ok party but honestly she would rather have a nicer Chloé than one guilt-trip party. This was going to be different since it was actually the Mayor's party, not Chloé's no matter how she would hog the spotlight, and so there would be a lot more networking and talking and political dealings.

Adrien promised to spare her as much as he could but he was Adrien Agreste so a little small talk was to be expected.

Marinette wished again that she could kiss him if only so that she could reassure him she was fine with that part of his life.

They arrived in front of Hotel Grande Paris at precisely five minutes to six, which would mean they would be escorted into the hotels' ballroom at exactly six o'clock. Marinette giggled when Adrien rolled his eyes at her and explained that this was Nathalie's doing. She prided herself of perfect punctuality.

Her laughter fell away when she caught sight of the few reporters who were already around the red carpet and looking at the Agreste limo. She had expected that there would be some photos taken tonight, but she hadn't expected to encounter them so soon. What if she fell out of the car? What if she tripped walking up the red carpet? What if…

Adrien's hand on her snapped her out of it, as did his concerned look. She had no doubts that he would tell M. Guerin to drive off right this second if he thought she was too uncomfortable to go through with this and so she reached down into herself and pulled up every bit of confidence she could muster. She was Ladybug!

Marinette nodded at him and he smiled, a soft and loving look on his face as he picked up her hand and kissed it, before opening the door and stepping out.

This was it.

She gathered her clutch and stuck a smile on her face that she hoped looks good, and set her hand in Adrien's waiting one. She didn't trip getting out of the car as her skirts settled around her, and Adrien was quick to wrap her arm around his so he could support her along the carpet.

They were actually halfway to the doors by the time the reporters realised that, no, they weren't just another two nobody kids coming to the party, it was Adrien Agreste and a date.

The flashes were nearly blinding.

Adrien's hand squeezed hers where it rested on his arm and his presence by her side was enough of a comfort to get her through this ordeal. The footman by the front door had the door open for them by the time they walked up and shut it securely behind them, blocking the reporters from entering. They still did their best to get some photos through the door though.

An attendant immediately arrived at Adrien's shoulder, waited for Adrien to produce his ticket, and indicated to them that they should follow him to the ballroom.

Marinette leant against him a little more than was appropriate as they were shown to the ballroom. "That is so different without a mask," she murmured. It had been nerve-wracking! She knew she got a confidence boost from wearing the mask, but this much of one?

"You did wonderfully though, my love."

Then entered the ballroom at precisely 6 p.m. - thank you Nathalie - and Adrien turned slightly to see the crowd and plastered on his photoshoot smile. Nice and polite, friendly and approachable, but not too wide and not too aloof. Marinette did her best to copy him but she was sure her's was a pale imitation. It was harder to keep up when she saw just how many influential people were already there - yet the party wouldn't even start properly until 7 p.m! Adrien's best guess as to why they were expected to arrive early was because Chloé didn't want any of her classmates doing anything embarrassing upon arrival or to have her name associated with them and, honestly, Marinette could see her being than vain and selfish.

By her said, Adrien nodded to one or two people in the crowd, before his smile turned more genuine and he gestured into one of the corners of the room. "Looks like we're the last ones here."

Marinette looked in the direction he pointed as was pleased to see the rest of their class was already there. Alya, of course, had her camera phone trained on them and was wearing a manic smile big enough that Marinette could see it all the way across the room. Nino looked smug and the rest of their friends were either cooing over them or looking curiously at their joined arms.

Adrien chuckled. "Shall we go and tell them all the good news?"

"I wonder if their reactions are going to be as entertaining as Alya and Nino's?"

"Well , there are no cushions, so they probably won't hurt as much."

She muffled a laugh with her hand as he led her over.

As always, her designer's eye was immediately drawn to the colourful array of outfits her friends were wearing. She couldn't help but smile at how well-chosen their clothes were.

Marinette had helped Alya and Alix find their outfits - a stunningly beautiful plum A-line gown with a halter neck for Alya, and a dashing silver-grey ladies formal suit with pink accents for Alix - and she had not only tailored them to fit but she had also included a wide array of hidden pockets of all sizes for them. Alix was over the moon not to be in a gown and Alya was delighted that she not only had room for her phone, but two power-packs to keep her battery life going, as well as her make-up, purse, and business cards.

Everyone else was a pleasant surprise though.

The three boys there, Nino, Nathanaël, and Ivan, had gone for a traditional black and white tuxedo, but the bowtie and pocket squares were a bright splash of colour. Nino's matched the plum of Alya's dress, Nathanaël had gone for a bright red that actually complimented his colouring very well, and Ivan was wearing the same shade of green as Mylène's sleeveless ballgown. She had delicate ivory gloves up to just past her elbow and Marinette had never seen her so happy.

Rose and Juleka were predictably in pink and purple, but this time Rose's princess style gown was in a pastel pink so pale it was only a shade or two darker than white, but it had pink and red roses embroidered around the hemline. She wore a matching pink rose in her ear. Juleka had gone for a soft lavender, sleeveless, high collar dress that fell in a straight line to her ankles but that had twin splits from the hem to mid-thigh. Her hair had been pulled back into a bun with a pink and lavender rose accessory holding it in place.

They all looked so beautiful.

They were still a few steps away when Adrien blew their secret and she couldn't help but roll her eyes at him even as everyone descended on them in a congratulatory hug. Rose was so happy she was nearly crying and Juleka had to get the tissues out of her clutch. Mylène and Ivan wondered if they wanted to go on a double date, or maybe a triple date with Alya and Nino, and Nathanaël just hung back from the chaos and smiled at them.

Alix was the last one to come up to them and she punched them both in the shoulder. She held back a bit so from her in was an affectionate little tap, even though they both winced at the blow. She hugged them both, fully aware that Alya was snapping photos, but instead of letting Adrien go she grabbed him by the lapels and gave him a stern look.

"Even though I lost money on you two I'm super happy for you both. Also, Adrien, treat my girl right or I'll run you over with those fancy skates you got me. Understand?" Marinette was delighted that she couldn't see Alix's glare if it made Adrien look that worried.

He nodded but then smiled over Alix's head at her. "I have every intention of treating her like a princess, Alix. Don't you worry about that."

Alix held her stare for a moment longer before smiling and nodding at him. "Good. Because after Marinette got me a formal suit to wear instead of a gown, she beats you out on the best gift ever list now."

Adrien pouted. "Aww, so you won't fight for me any more?"

"I will fight you for her now," Alix winked and everyone burst out laughing. She then caught sight of something over Adrien's shoulders and groaned. "Well, dad's summoned me to meet-and-greet. Catch you losers later, I'm going to mingle!"

"Alix, wait!" Alya stopped her from leaving. The smirk on her best friend's face was only mildly disconcerting to Marinette. She was more bothered by the fact that Alya was recording this. "Before you go, tell us exactly why you lost money on them?"

"It was a bet with Kim. What else?" she shrugged, slipped her hands in her trouser pockets. "He picked the first half of December, I picked the second half. No biggie. I was only kidding, y'know. I really am happy for them."

Marinette now knew why Alya had asked and she braced herself. "Alix, we didn't get together until the 21st. You won."

"I won?" she gaped. "I won!" Alix threw both fists in the air and pounced. They only narrowly avoided a double headlock. "So I got new skates, a formal suit, and bragging rights over Kim? You two are the best! I will fight the world for you two! Seriously, you give me a name and they're gone!"

She drew her finger across her throat with a manic grin before waving goodbye and racing over to her father and brother. Whatever she said to Jalil had him blushing and then spluttering while their father ran a tired hand down his face at their antics.

Marinette gave a nervous giggled. "You know I fully believe she would."

Alya was straight up cackling in delight. The rest of their group were sporting the same nervous smiles and laughs as Marinette was. She might have been joking, but it was a risk they weren't willing to take where Alix Kubdel was concerned.

"You'd better believe it, girl!" Alya gloated when she could speak again. "Now, Alix had the right idea. I see a few journalists there and a very tempting dance floor! Let's go people!" There were several murmurs of agreement from everyone and they all followed Alya, stopping only to give Marinette and Adrien another round of congratulations.

She wasn't surprised when Adrien pulled her into his arms once everyone was gone. "I'm sorry about this, but we're going to have to mingle too." He looked so sad that it took Marinette a moment to realise that he thought she didn't know they would have to meet-and-greet while they were there. "One of the reasons Père allowed me to come once he realised I was bringing you as my date was on the condition that I speak for him and-"

Marinette pressed a finger to his lips to stop his babble. "I know, kitten. I told you before I understand. Besides," she gave him a wry grin as she removed her hand. "Nathalie sent me a huge email with a list of dos and don'ts and what not to say-" she giggled as he rolled his eyes because of course Nathalie Sancoeur did that "-I mean, I knew a few of those things from our other job, but it was actually kind of helpful. You're been pretty helpful too."

He smirked and pulled her hand up to brush a kiss against her knuckles. "Pretty or helpful?"

Marinette rolled her eyes. There was her silly kitty. "Both you goof, now let's go!"

Adrien was glad that his little tease had put her at ease, and he was determined to make this evening as painless for her as possible. He had the perfect plan to do it too.

But first, a dance.

He waltzed her around the floor for a minute, smiling with Mylène and Ivan who were the only other couple their age on the floor, and he cracked a few jokes to get her smiling and laughing. Once she was more relaxed, he steered the to the edge of the floor nearest to Séréna Chardon. He had seen Séréna as soon as they had walked into the room and that was when his plan had come together.

Séréna was a former Gabriel model who had aged out. She had tried to make it as a designer but ended up finding her dream job as a fashion reporter and critic for a small woman's magazine. She still sent Adrien a birthday card every year and she adored talking all things fashion. If anyone would show him a friendly face and be kind to Marinette it was Séréna. He knew his Princess was amazing, but if she got a confidence boost from an enjoyable conversation right at the start of the evening she would have far more fun tonight.

"Adrien!"

"Séréna!"

After making the introductions he sat back and let Marinette and Séréna talk fashion. When Séréna found out that Marinette had designed and made her own gown for that evening, once she had picked her jaw up off the floor she was very eager to get Marinette's details and help her out in any way she could. Adrien tried not to look too smug as he pulled one of Marinette's business cards out of his pocket - thank you Alya for sneaking them from his girlfriend's room - but judging by the amused look Marinette gave him he failed. Séréna gave Marinette one of her cards and made her promise to phone her in the New Year.

"Even if all you want to hear are embarrassing stories about Adrien's first few years in modelling." Séréna promised and with a quick buss to their cheeks and a wink she was off to mingle.

Their next three conversations were just as easy on Marinette, who positively sparkled as she talked about her passions, and Adrien just knew there would be several comments on him looking sappily in love. Oh well.

That's not to say that all of their conversations went well. There was a nasty troll of a man from one of the modelling agencies who was determined to get Marinette as either a model or a designer for hire. Marinette had to politely turn him down three times before Adrien stepped in and implied that Gabriel was going to snap Marinette up soon and there was no offer this bottom-feeder could make that the Agreste family couldn't better.

He stormed off in a sulk and that was the last they saw of him.

Marinette leaned into him under the pretence of adjusting his pocket square. "How bad would it be if Ladybug suddenly appeared and punched him?" she murmured.

Adrien could barely hold in his laughter as two tiny voices chimed up from his suit pocket. "Do it. Do it!" Instead he whisked her off to talk to one of his father's business associates about the price of silk on the international market.

Between conversations where people sang either his of Marinette's praises, they managed to squeeze in several more dances on the floor. They waltzed alongside Nino and Alya for one, then switched so that Adrien could waltz Alya and Nino could dance with Marinette. Adrien regretted it after the third time Alya stood on his feet and Nino shot him a smug smirk. Again.

Rose and Juleka were waltzing together too but they were having so much fun with each other that no one had the heart to ask to swap for a dance. Instead, the couples all danced together in a circle so they could easily chat and laugh with each other.

Before either of them knew it, it was already 11 o'clock, and they were in deep discussion with Alix's father and brother about historical fashions and preserving and repairing textiles. Marinette suggested a combined fundraiser, Gabriel models wearing period accurate and inspired designs in a special show at the Louvre, and M. Kubdel gave his tentative approval for it. Even if they didn't raise enough money for their conservation project they could certainly raise a lot of awareness and interest.

Adrien was glad when there was no one else to talk to once M. Kubdel and Jalil left them alone. His feet were just starting to hurt from being on them for so long, but if his were only just beginning to ache then Marinette's must be killing her. He couldn't believe she was still standing in those heels of hers.

He steered them towards some of the chairs set to one side of the room when an irritatingly fake voice sounded behind him

"Adrikins!" Chloé's voice set his teeth on edge but somehow he managed not to grimace as he turned to greet her. She look unbearably smug and he tightened his grip on Marinette reflexively. That look did not bode well. "Don't forget you promised me a midnight dance."

"I actually didn't forget, Chloé." Adrien tried not to sigh. He hadn't forgotten but he hoped she had since she hadn't sought him out all evening. It had been the best Bourgeois party he had been to in a long time. Still, he had an appearance to maintain. "If you really want a dance then I will give you one, but my midnight dance and all others belong to Marinette."

His heart sank when he saw just how quickly the smile fell from Chloé's face. Marinette inched closer to him and he slipped her arm from his in order to wrap his arm around her waist. If Chloé kicked off he wanted to be sure he could get Marinette out of the line of fire quickly enough. He could tell she was thinking the same thing.

Chloé sneered at both of them. "Just because that baker's daughter somehow managed to trick you into making her your plus one doesn't mean you owe her anything!" she snapped. Adrien kept his eyes on Chloé but was fully aware that her unique voice was starting to attract attention. M. Kubdel and Jalil hadn't moved far, and both were watching the three teens in concern. Marinette tensed in his arms when Chloé smirked and he had to fight a shudder of his own. It was pure malevolence. "Besides," Chloé tosse her hair over her shoulder, "she won't even be here at midnight so of course I'll have you all to myself."

Enough was enough. Adrien wiped his smile from his face. "I've already told you 'no' Chloé, and I'm telling you again. No. Of course Marinette will be with me at midnight."

Chloé scoffed. "No she won't because I'm having her and all the others kicked out at half past, which is-" he made a show of checking the extravagant watch on her wrist "-only ten minutes away now. Daddy may have made me invite those peasants but there is no way I am letting them take you from me. I am getting my midnight dance from you Adrien! Shoo, Dupain-Cheng. No one wants your kind here."

Adrien felt a cold fury shoot through him. "How dare you insult my girlfriend like that? And our friends!"

"Girlfriend? Her?" Chloé gaped unattractively before scowling again. "I won't accept it! You're mine Adrien! I won't let her have you!"

"I have never been anything more than your acquaintance, and I have never wanted to be more!" Adrien snapped. "I will not be dancing with you at midnight and if you insist on kicking my girlfriend out because you are a spoiled brat who cannot stand being told no - as I have told you many times - then I won't even be here at midnight."

Although he had kept his voice even, Chloé hadn't bothered to do the same and her shrill cries had caught the attention of the couples around them. Adrien had seen them, and spoken accordingly. Nothing he said could be deemed bad or poor taste by his father or Nathalie when they inevitably heard of this. Not that he planned on letting them hear about it second hand. Once he got home he was going to tell them he never wanted to be paired with Chloé Bourgeois for anything ever again and tell them why.

M. Kubdel and Jalil were looking upon Chloé in judgement, there was a reporter from TVi next to them positively vibrating at the thought of the scoop he was going to get - Adrien had better warn Nathalie about that one - Mme. Toussaint and her assistant from the Theatrical Arts committee looks positively scandalised, and Mlle. Chauveau was the biggest gossip in Paris and no fan of Chloé or her father.

Chloé either hadn't noticed or didn't care and Adrien didn't know which one he would bet on. She was far too used to having her father fight her battles for her, but she had never embarrassed the mayor this much before. Adrien wasn't sure that Andre Bourgeois could come out of this unscathed unless Chloé faced some serious repercussions for once in her life.

Chloé glared and jabbed a finger towards Marinette. "I refuse to recognise her as your girlfriend. She goes. And so do the rest of the rabble. If you know what's good for you then you'll stay and meet me at midnight."

She stormed off through the crowd, head held high and looking like she didn't even notice them. Adrien saw M. Kubdel holding Jalil back after hearing Alix and their friends called 'rabble', but it looked like he wasn't trying too hard to restrain him. Chloé had better watch her back.

Adrien only had eyes for Marinette though. "Are you okay? I'm sorry love, I-"

For the second time that night Marinette cut him off with a finger to his lips and a sweet and loving smile. "Don't blame yourself for her temper tantrum, mon coeur. She's the only one responsible for her actions. If she's that determined to cause a scene and ruin the party for everyone, then I'll leave, but you-"

"I am going wherever you go," he pulled her hand from his lips and brushed a kiss across it, glad that they were leaving as he would finally be able to kiss her properly. "I refuse to stay an an event with someone who won't accept no as an answer."

She smiled and nodded at him. "Then let's go and tell our friends about the time limit she imposed just now before she can do something ridiculous like ruin their clothes or set her security on them."

"Knowing Chloé I would imagine she would do far worse than that."

Alix had been there with her father and brother when Chloé had kicked off and in spite of the fact that she obviously wanted to punch the blonde brat's face in she went quickly and quietly around their friends and gathered them up. Adrien and Marinette only needed to collect Nino and Alya, who fortunately agreed to come along quietly, and they joined the rest of their friends near the ballroom doors.

Adrien stopped then, fully aware that everyone was still watching them, eager for gossip. "One moment. My father wanted me to say goodbye to the mayor when I leave."

Adrien kissed both of Marinette's hands before making his way through the crowd to the mayor. He did his best to mirror the cool and disdainful look that he often saw on his father's face and was pleased when several people stepped out of his way. He stopped in front of a nervous looking Mayor Bourgeois and nodded curtly. "Mayor Bourgeois, thank you for the invitation, but, alas, our time has run out and so my girlfriend and I will take our leave now." Adrien ensured his words were polite and courteous, but his tone was steel underneath. "Thank you for a pleasant evening. I shall be sure to tell my father all about it."

The Mayor paled lightly. "I'm very pleased to hear that, young Adrien. Are you certain you don't wish to stay? The fireworks I have planned for my guests will be truly spectacular."

Adrien shook his head. "Not with the conditions attached to my remaining here, Mayor Bourgeois. Have a Happy New Year."

He turned and walked back to the entrance, head held high, pretending he didn't notice the approving whispers around him. Instead he headed straight to his girlfriend, basking in her proud look, and then kissed her the way he'd been dying to do all evening. Alix whispered a cat-call, Nino sniggered, and the rest of their friends did their best to hold in their giggles, but Adrien didn't care. Not when Marinette was warm against him.

He separated after only a heartbeat, keeping it tasteful while in public, and offered his arm to Marinette and led her from the ballroom. The teasing started up properly as they gathered in the hotel lobby.

Marinette could feel a blush threatening as she listened to her friends tease her, but honestly, she was just so damn proud of Adrien right now that she refused to let it bother her. He had stood his ground admirably and turned everything right back around onto Chloé and her father, and he had done it in a way that neither his father or Nathalie could fault. She was just so proud of him.

A hotel attendant appeared and directed them to a small ante-room where they could wait for their coats in peace. Marinette was certainly she could see a hint of approval in the man's face too but he disappeared before she could confirm it.

Nino broke the quiet first with a loud chuckled. "Well, I'm mad we got kicked out, but dude! Oh dude!" he slapped Adrien on the back as he laughed. "It was so cool to hear you give the 'my father' line to Chloé!"

Alix guffawed too. "My old man was not happy either. Nor were any of those other eavesdroppers."

Marinette blinked. Evesdroppers? What eavesdroppers? Oh god what had she said just then, was it good, was it compliant with the email Nathalie had sent her, was it going to reflect badly on Adrien? Was it-

Adrien slipped one arm around her waist and brought her free hand to his lips, calming her with that gesture. He didn't seem concerned about her performance, not that she had known she was giving one, and so she wouldn't be bothered by it either. No else noticed her momentary panic though, they were too busy being angry at Chloé.

"Chloé's name is going to be mud for a long while after this!" Alya gleefully added.

Rose was the only one still looking upset. "I don't understand why she's so mean all the time." Juleka caught her girlfriend up in a hug and kissed her temple.

Mylène nodded. "She usually hides it better in front of crowds too. Not completely. But better. Sabrina usually reels her in too, but…" she trailed off uncomfortably. Sabrina's absence hadn't gone unnoticed but there had been no one there to ask. No one except Chloé that is.

Alix just smirked at them. "My Secret Santa gift worked?"

Everyone looked at her in confusion.

"Those books I got Sabrina about toxic friendships?" she jogged their memories. Marinette remembered them but she hadn't thought they would work. But Alix looked too smug for them to have failed. "She read 'em all. And she's starting to change. She came by my house this morning to thank me for the books and we had tea and cake and talked. Next thing I know I get here and Chloé is telling me that Sabrina is home deathly ill with the flu and laryngitis and other things Chloé doesn't want to catch." Alix snorted. "Honestly, you would have thought she had the plague with how Chloé was going on."

There was silence for a moment before Alya's softly murmured 'holy shit' opened the floodgates and soon everyone was falling over themselves to say how amazing that was and how happy they were for Sabrina and congratulating Alix for thinking of a tactic to help their friend that hadn't been tried before.

The attendant returned with all of their coats just as Alix was grandly bowing and accepting their kudos and acclaim. If he thought it was odd, he said nothing.

"That's amazing Alix!" Marinetted smiled. "We'll all get together before school starts up and invite Sabrina too, let her know we support her." It was the least they could do if their usually meek friend had managed to find it within herself to leave Chloé behind. Everyone enthusiastically agreed. Sabrina wouldn't be alone.

Alya nodded decisively. "Well, we'd best head out before security actually kick us out," she grumbled. She paused with her handle on the door and looked critically at Marinette and Adrien - more specifically their lack of coats. Marinette hadn't deemed one necessary since she knew M. Guerin would be driving them to and from the hotel. "You two aren't thinking of walking are you? Do you need a lift?

She let Adrien reply, noticing that he was currently in the middle of texting Nathalie. "No thanks, Alya. My bodyguard is waiting for my call. We'll be fine."

They stood by the door as everyone left, exchanging hugs and kisses and promises to meet up in person again soon, before school started up again, and Marinette turned to Adrien the second the door was closed and cocked an eyebrow at him. "Okay kitty, what are you planning?"

She had been in a prime position to see the text he composed to Nathalie before waving their friends off.

Nathalie. Chloé had a temper tantrum and kicked most of us out. I'll explain fully when I get home since there was a reporter there. I'm staying with my friends until midnight for safety reasons and I'll call for a ride later.

Her reply had been practically instantaneous, allowing him to spend time with his friends providing he remain safe, and expecting a full briefing on the issue when he returned.

He winked at her and then tapped his Miraculous. "I think they deserve a pick-me-up after such a dismal end to a party, don't you?"

Marinette could help but pull him down to her for a kiss. He was so wonderful. "You have the best ideas ever, kitten. Let's go."

Having faced so many akumas at the Hotel Grande Paris before - and gee, Marinette couldn't possibly think of a reason why so many of them occurred in Chloé's home - she and Adrien knew plenty of side entrances and unused corridors. They were able to discreetly head for a cleaning cupboard near the back doors, transform, and slip out into the alley undetected before quickly making for the rooftops.

Their friends hadn't gone far, and were fortunately still all together. It looked like they were all going to Nino's house for the midnight fireworks - which made sense as, other than Adrien and Marinette, he lived the closest to the hotel. It would be easy for them to rest up there, enjoy the midnight countdown, and then get lifts home from their parents.

Alya was the first one to notice them, but her screams quickly alerted the others.

Ladybug jumped down before them, Chat by her side, and somehow hiding her smile. "Is there a problem?"

After explaining that no, they hadn't been invited to Chloé's gala, and no, they wouldn't have gone even if they had, Ladybug and Chat Noir pretended to let their friend persuade them to take some selfies and sign some autographs. Alix got Kim and Max on facetime, mainly to gloat to Kim that not only had she won the bet but that she had actually met the heroes, and Kim whined until Alya asked Ladybug and Chat Noir if they could join them again once Kim and Max returned to Paris. When they agreed, the twin shrieks of joy from Alix's phone made all of them jump.

Ladybug shrieked when Chat scooped her up into his arms, bridal style. "Well, would you look at the time, folks. Got to go. Bye!"

He launched them into the air before she could do or say anything except curl up against him and wait for him to stop. What had gotten into him all of a sudden? They weren't running for long before he stopped and set her down carefully.

"Chat?" she pulled away and pressed her hands to her hips, idly noting that he had brought them to her balcony. "What was that for?"

Chat grinned and bowed over her hand. "Because, my dearest love, it's only five minutes to midnight."

Ladybug spun on her heel, looking out to the countdown clock on the street, stunned that it was already 11.55 p.m. "Oh."

He chuckled and wrapped his arms around her from behind, his breath tickling her ear. "Yes, oh indeed. Now why don't we let Plagg and Tikki out, grab a few blankets, and cuddle up on your chair?"

To answer him she simply let her transformation drop and caught a tired Tikki in her hands. He did the same before opening her window hatch and giving a startled laugh. Marinette let out a bashful chuckle, knowing he had found the pile of blankets she had set right there just in case this happened. There was even a kwami sized sleeping bag and a plate of cookies and cheese.

"You're amazing, my love."

"Seconded!" Tikki squeaked as she dove on her cookies.

"Thirded!" Plagg agreed as he inhaled his cheese.

Well, she was definitely blushing now.

Adrien chuckled and wrapped a pink blanket around her shoulders, choosing his favourite quilt for himself, then wrapped a third around both of them. He sat down in her chair and pulled her into his lap. Marinette snuggled against him and gave a delighted sigh when his purr rolled out. "Best boyfriend ever!"

He asked her a few questions about the people they had met - and fake-groaned when she insisted she was calling Séréna first thing in the morning - and the next thing they knew there was a cheer from the streets. All around them they could hear people in their homes, gathered with friends, chanting the countdown.

Twenty, nineteen, eighteen, seventeen…

Marinette sat up and pulled away just enough so that she could turn and face him, tucking the blanket around them again when it slipped. If she shivered it wasn't from the cold, but from the anticipation.

...twelve, eleven, ten...

"Make a wish mon coeur."

… six, five, four…

"You. All I want is you." Adrien cupped her cheek and pulled her in.

ONE!

Fireworks erupted in the sky above them but they paid them no notice and stayed wrapped in their sweet embrace. Whatever the New Year would bring them, they would face it together. Ladybug and Chat Noir. Marinette and Adrien. Perfect partners. Always.

Author's notes. Reminder, I have still not seen all of season 2 and none of season 3. Please check my author's profile for a list of the episodes I have seen and please don't spoil it for me.

It is 10 p.m. UK time as I post this. The sproglet is asleep and the hubby and I are going to curl up on the sofa with a hot drink and watch the midnight countdown on TV. We will more thank like be asleep by midnight haha. This is a emlong/em chapter. Yikes. Nearly 9k. But I wanted to end the year and the challenge with a bang so here we are. I hope you all liked it. Chloé may seem a little out of character but I find it hard to write her. I loathe bullies like her and so far I haven't seen anything in season 2 to change my opinion of her.

And so My Christmas Fluff Writing Challenge is over. Wow, what a journey this story has been.

I have been overwhelmed by how many of you have left reviews and favourited this. It has become my most viewed story and my most reviewed. It was also my milestone story, taking my total number up to over 200 on both AO3 and ! Wow! In a way I'm sad that this is over because it has been so much fun to write and to interact with all of you reading this, and sad because this story is a "see you later" of sorts since I'll be taking some time off from fanfiction for a short while.

Things are always hectic for me, the hubby, and the sproglet, and it has been hard to find the time to write this on top of everything else going on. Right now I want to use the little free time I have to catch up on season 2 and (with a bit of luck) season 3 instead of writing. What I have seen of season 2 so far has given me a few plot bunnies so I hope that the rest will inspire some more. When the sproglet is settled into his new school (he starts on the 6th!) I should hopefully get some more free time and I will return to fanfiction then. And obviously if I am particularly inspired by a remarkably insistent plot bunny then I may post a few things but I'm making no promises right now. I will update my author's profile with the episodes I have seen and blog about them on Tumblr if you want to keep up with things. Also, the sproglet has his own tag on my Tumblr too so if you want to keep up with his crazy antics then head on over there.

So I wish you all a wonderful 2020 and hope that you have an amazing New Year. Love from Aishoka, the hubby, and the sproglet.

Replies to reviews.

Firstly, thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time to review my work. It means a lot to me and I wa delighted to see so many of the same names popping up time and time again. You are all awesome!

bunnywabbit29 - thank you for all of your wonderful comments. I'm glad you liked Kim and Alix's competitive brOTP here. They're awesome to write.

Fire - I'm sad that this has come to an end too but it was a pleasure to write and I hope you enjoyed reading it as much. I hope Adrien's reaction to the dress was everything you wanted.

Skiigloo - I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for the review!

Ven Wilbur - I hope the final chapter does the rest of the story justice. I'm glad you liked it.

yellow14 - yes, exactly! I had Fred and George in mind when I wrote about Alya's sisters - Sapotis did nothing to convince me otherwise. I'm glad someone caught that.

ELinkA - glad you liked it. Thanks for reviewing.

Megan Cheang - I can assure you that there were many New Year's kisses. Thanks for reviewing.