{+}{+}{+}

   Marinette sat across the table from Luka and Kagami. The bluenette fiddled with her water bottle and nibbled on one of her father's pink macaroons. She quietly listened to the couple talk about many different things like school and recent travels. Kagami would sometimes ask Marinette questions and she would feebly answer in return.

   Marinette didn't really know how to join in, feeling like she isn't meant to be a part of this conversation. She mainly twiddled her thumbs and speak when spoken too. Her bluebell orbs would occasionally stare off into the crowd of dancing teens or tables starting to fill, hoping to find a friend to hang out with.

"Yeah, I'm just trying to find a dateless friend that I can be with for the entirety of the dance. I'm totally not trying to find an excuse to escape," Marinette thought, knowing fully well that she is lying to herself and let out a quiet whine.

"I still can't believe you two have already met. How did it happen?" Luka asked, snapping the bluenette out of her thoughts. Marinette glanced over at Kagami before returning to Luka.

"The day I was meeting with the mayor, his daughter, Mr. Damocles and my mother in the principal's office, Marinette accidentally ran into me on my way there," Kagami started, "The sweets I brought were ruined, so Marinette was kind enough to help get me some more."

   "Well, it was kind of my fault in the first place that the cookies were ruined," Marinette added, sheepishly scratching the back of her neck. Luka smiled, humming in acknowledgment and nearly chuckled imagining the scenario.

   "Why were you going to meet with them?" Luka asked Kagami.

   "My mother is funding this school's athletic program," she explained before excitedly continuing, "Also, I might be attending here too."

   A dumbfound Marinette froze after hearing Kagami's thrilling news. Marinette stared at the couple as Luka's smile grew, happily placing his hand on his girlfriend's shoulder.

   "Really? That's amazing!" The musician spoke, astonished. That was the last thing Marinette heard before zoning out. She is happy for Kagami, yet the bluenette couldn't help feeling slightly jealous. Luka was her long-time crush and those feelings have hardly gone. Even though he wasn't Chat Noir, doesn't mean Marinette didn't immediately stop liking him in that way.

Now, she'll have to watch Luka and Kagami walk down the hallway together with their hands laced, cutely whisper to each other like any couple would do. The imagery within Marinette's head stung her heart, her hands clutching the skirt of her dress under the table.

The song didn't help either, Girl Crush starting to play. Some people partnered up, slowly swaying to the gentle rhythm while others stuck to the side like wallflowers.

   Marinette pushed her chair out and stood up, catching the couple's attention.

"I..." Marinette began, shaking off the wavering in her voice and rapidly blinking away the glossiness in her orbs. Marinette tried to smile but it turned into more of a grimace.

   Though her shoulders are slump, she stiffly perked up. The bluenette forced her enthusiasm, trying to make her excuse to leave more convincing, "I'm going to...check out the rest of the place! Yeah!"

   Luka and Kagami weren't stupid though. They could tell something was wrong and grew worried.

   "Marinette, what's wrong?" Luka asked.

   "Nothing!" Marinette practically shouted a little too quickly before slowly faltering away, "I'll...I'll see you both later."

   The bluenette turned on her heel and disappeared into the crowd. Even though she is pretty sheltered from the world, Kagami knew something saddened the baker's daughter. Kagami frowned in dismay, wondering if she said something wrong.

   Luka groaned, hitting himself in the head much to Kagami's surprise.

   "What's wrong?" She asked her boyfriend.

   "I'm an idiot," he said, sighing, "I should have given her more time but I wanted you two to meet."

   "I said I'm going to be attending this school. She'll see me almost every day. Wait, what do you mean "give her more time?" Kagami asked, raising an eyebrow.

   "I didn't know you would be attending until you broke the news to me a few minutes ago. I told you beforehand, she had a crush on me. I didn't think she'd probably still retain some feelings and hasn't gotten over them yet," Luka answered. Kagami hummed, understanding the situation and rubbing Luka's back.

   "I do recall you mentioning a girl having a crush on you but I didn't expect it to be her," Kagami said, "Just give her some time, I'm sure she'll pull through in the end."

   Luka nodded, "I hope so...before I mess up anymore."

{+}{+}{+}

   Marinette sniffled, hiding in a bathroom stall with puffy eyes and makeup running down her cheeks.

   "Why does it still hurt?" She asked herself, "Why can't I just turn these feelings off for tonight and go have fun? I'm so lame! I practically ran away to hide in a bathroom stall to pathetically cry!"

   Marinette sniffled again, reaching into her pocket and grabbed her phone. A notification from SSP sat on her screen, waiting to be opened and read. The bluenette figure checking it wouldn't hurt, maybe even cheer her up a little and give her the energy to get out of here.

   Marinette unlocked her phone and selected the app, opening the new message. Bluebell eyes scanned the picture of Lila posing with a peace sign and a confident smirk. What threw Marinette off, Lila is laying on a hospital bed with some machinery sitting beside the bedside.

Marinette shot her gaze down at the phrase and read the text.

I wish I could've gone to the dance tonight, but I had an ultrasound and fell in love at first sight!

Marinette's blank-slate face stayed neutral, bluntly hitting dislike and put her phone back into her pocket. She sat there, contemplating on whether she should try to search for Chat Noir again (or anyone in general) or go home.

   "You know what..." Marinette said in a huff of optimism, standing from off the titled flooring, "...I'm going to go have fun! I'm not going to let any of these feelings or abandonment ruin my night!"

The bluenette unlocked the stall door and swung it open, determination held within her posture like a superhero about to serve justice to a villain. Marinette was about to march towards the door when noticing an upperclassman. She raised an eyebrow in confusion, holding her lipgloss a few inches away from her face.

The two stared at each other for a moment. Marinette felt her whole face flush pink before clearing her voice to ask, "How long were you standing there for?"

The upperclassman blinked, still processing what just happened. Marinette nodded, getting the answer she needed and quickly walked out of the bathroom.

"I hope she doesn't recognize me without my mask after the two-week break," Marinette mentally thought, making her way through the crowd and heading for the snack table. She can talk with Alix until they met up with the rest of their friends to take a group picture. The snack table is also a good place to find people.

Once the snack table is in view, Marinette immediately spotted Alix...talking with Chloe and her lackey. Marinette could tell Alix was really annoyed and displeased with Chloe's company. So, the bluenette made her way over to help out her friend.

"Hey, guys. What are you talking about?" Marinette asked, getting a hand moving back and forth at the neck gesture from Alix to stop talking.

"Well, Dupain-Cheng..." Chloe snobbishly began, earning a groan from Alix, "...my Adrikins is going to be at this dance tonight."

"Who?" Marinette asked, raising an eyebrow.

"She thinks Adrien Agreste is coming to this dance," the skater explained with a sigh, getting a scoff from Chloe. Marinette nodded, understanding the situation before turning to Chloe.

"What makes you think Adrien is going to be here?" Marinette questioned, wanting the blonde brat to elaborate.

"My daddy is hiring the ex-assistant woman to work at the hotel, for some reason. I warned daddy that she probably assisted Gabriel Agreste with more than just clothes and schedules. But, I let it slide because she's taking care of my Adrikins," Chloe explained, flutter a golden fan. Marinette tried to connect all of what Chloe said but it just left her more confused.

"Now you know how I feel," Alix tutted, crossing her arms. Chloe huffed, whipping her head around to look at Sabrina.

"Come on, Sabrina. These peasants are being just utterly ridiculous," she prissily spoke, raising her head to show off her almightiness and walked off with Sabrina following shortly behind.

"Christ, finally!" Alix said, relieved, "If she stayed any longer with all that perfume she's wearing, I think I would've thrown up or grabbed the nearest drink and "accidentally" spill it over that dress of hers."

   "You could've done those things but I know you won't," Marinette said.

   "That's bold of you to assume, enlighten me," Alix said, smirking.

   "You're a good person and like Alya reminds us on a daily basis, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good people do nothing," Marinette explained. Alix pursed her lips before nodding in agreement.

   "Alright, you got me there but don't think it wasn't tempting to mess with Chloe," the pink-haired skater replied. Marinette let a settle grin spread on her lips, bluebell rolling and head shaking.

   "Yep," Marinette thought, "I wouldn't put it past you."

{+}{+}{+}

   Adrien stood stock-still at the school's entrance. He scanned the area full of nicely dressed teens either talking on the sidelines or weirdly moving (and jumping) in the middle of the floor, assuming it is dancing.

   Adrien didn't exactly what to do.

   He knew Kagami is supposed to be here. Yet, he didn't want to disturb her and her boyfriend. From what Kagami has told Adrien, those two hardly ever see each other but make a great couple, complementing each other's weak and strong points. Adrien would feel bad if he interrupted the little time they have together.

   The blonde knew the mayor's daughter is here too. Adrien isn't the biggest fan of her presence.

   So, there is only one person left, who he decently knows here. The only problem is, Adrien does not exactly know who that person's identity is. The only really clue he has is that Ladybug is dressed as the very insect's design. The hard part about it, quite a few girls are wearing red and black dresses...

   "I'll find her," he encouragingly told himself, looking down at the rose as if it is his source of power, "I know I will."

{+}{+}{+}

"Say cheese!"

Marinette, her friends and their dates repeated the two words, smiling at the camera. The photographer took about three pictures before removing the guys. The group of girls huddled together and another three pictures are taken.

"Alright, you ladies and gentlemen are done. I'll have these printed. You'll receive them from your teacher when you return to school," the photographer explained. The group thanked the photographer before heading back to the dance.

"I can't wait to see how the pictures turn out," Rose gushed.

"Me too! I want to see if the photographer will give us a third copy," Marinette wondered.

"Why a third copy?" Alix asked, perking an eyebrow. Marinette held back a smirk, saying, "I may have given you bunny ears in the friends photo."

Alix scoffed, "The one time I did a skating dare that involved wearing a bunny suit and suddenly, I'm nicknamed Bunnix."

   "You had it coming when you accepted Kim's dare," Alya stated, shrugging her shoulders.

   "Well, it was worth it for free froyo for a whole month," Alix replied, getting a few nods of agreement. Marinette smiled, feeling a little quenched from all the running around.

"I'm going to get some water. I'll be right back," the bluenette said before splitting off from the group. Marinette felt glad she stayed, having fun with her friends and jamming to some of her favorite songs that played.

"I wonder how papa is doing with all the baking," Marinette wondered within her head. Suddenly, the back of her dress's skirt caught on something and made her fall forward.

"Oh, sorry about that Marinette. I accidentally stepped on your dress," Marc apologized, reaching out his hand for Marinette to take. The bluenette graciously took the offer, pulled back up onto her feet.

"It's alright, no damage done," Marinette replied.

"Um..." Nathaniel began, Marinette noticing him nearby and picking up something from off the ground, "...I wouldn't say no damage hasn't been done."

Bluebell eyes stared at the torn red fabric before quickly averting her gaze to the back of her dress. Much to any fashion designer's horror, there is a giant piece of her skirt missing. Marinette gasped, hand over her mouth in both shock and disbelief.

"Oh gosh!" Marc gasped, eyes wider than frisbees, "I'm so sorry, Marinette! I really didn't mean to—shoot!"

Nathaniel handed over the torn piece to Marinette, who slowly took it. She stared at the red fabric, feeling the sides of her lips fall and shoulders slump.

"No," Marinette said, shaking her head sadly but reassured Marc, "It's not your fault and it was an accident. It's my fault. I shouldn't have used such a weak material for a long, flowing dress."

"Can I at least pay you? How much did the dress cost?" Marc asked, feeling terrible for ruining his friend's dress.

"I made this dress," Marinette replied, "Besides, I still wouldn't allow you to pay me when it was only an accident. I can...try to fix this or make..."

The bluenette perked up in realization, a light bulb flickering to life above her head. Then, she looked at the two boys and asked, "Actually, I think you can help me."

Marc and Nathaniel looked at each other for a moment.

"What exactly can we do?" Nathaniel asked Marinette.

"I'm going to need paper, a pencil, scissors, and some sewing supplies," Marinette listed, "Can you guys get that stuff and meet me in the art room?"

The two boys agreed.

{+}{+}{+}

Adrien felt like he has been looking for Ladybug for nearly an hour. Every time he thought he saw some kind of ladybug design, he was mildly let down to see it wasn't.

   The blonde decided to take a break by the snack table. He placed the rose down for a moment to grab two cookies and a water bottle. He took a bite out of the treat, loving the sweet taste of dough and chocolate.

   "You look somewhat familiar."

   Adrien nearly choked, shooting around, spotting the very baker the fencing team helped make snacks.

   "Oh!" the baker exclaimed, "Maybe not, you look a little bit different from whom I thought you were."

   Adrien smiled at the baker.

   "Actually, I think you do know me. I'm on the fencing team and helped you bake with my friend, Kagami—if you remember who that is, of course," Adrien explained.

   Though it is somewhat dark, Adrien notice Mr.Dupain stiffen a little at the name but waved it off. The teen probably would have missed it if he blinked. He tilted his head in slight confusion, wondering why he seemed to be somewhat nervous.

   Tom's face scrunched into one of thinking before snapping his fingers.

   "That's right! Your name is Ad-"

   "Sssshhhhh," Adrien quickly cut off the baker, "Sorry for being rude but I don't want to be recognized."

   Tom blinked before realizing what the teen meant, recalling Adrien's last name. Tom felt guilty for the boy, having a difficult life and having such a terrible father with a dark secret...not that Tom was any better.

   "Oh, right," Tom agreed, "What can I call you then?"

   "You can call me Chat Noir or Chat for short," Adrien answered, earning a confused look from the baker.

   "Alright, Chat Noir it is," Tom said, "Was there something troubling you? I happened to notice you were bummed. Penny for your thoughts?"

   Adrien looked down at his bitten-into cookie before shifting his gaze over to the rose. Tom noticed the movement and followed, understanding the situation.

   "Ah, so this is a girl problem," he said, a bit of teasing within his tone.

   "Well, kinda yes," the blonde answered, scratching the back of his neck, "You see, I can't...exactly find her. The only hint I have is she is wearing a ladybug-designed dress."

A wave of déjà vu washed over Tom. He hummed, trying to recall why that description was so familiar but couldn't put his finger on it.

"Now that I think about it, it does seem...familiar. I might have seen someone dressed like that," he offered, making the teen perk up. The news raised Adrien's hope of finding Ladybug. His heartbeat fluttered in both nerves and excitement. Adrien's damper mood changed into a ball full of adrenaline.

"Really? Can you point me in the direction?" He enthusiastically asked the man and snatched the flower from off of the table.

"I don't really remember. I think she was talking with someone at the end of the table over there," the baker informed, pointing to his left where all the drinks sat. At the end of the table, a pink-haired girl wearing a tux stood and nursed a cup. Adrien has a hunch that is the girl Ladybug probably talked too.

With a smile, Adrien thanked the baker and walked over to the girl. The closer Adrien grew to the girl, the more familiar she looked.

"Have I seen her somewhere?" The blonde thought while approaching the short female. The girl catches his figure moving towards her at the last moment and looks in his direction.

   Adrien gulped a little, wanting to make his first impression with someone he's going to go to school with go nicely as possible. The only other teens he's ever interacted with were other models, Kagami and sometimes, Chloe. So, he's never really associated with a normal teenager before and that made him slightly nervous.

   Questions spun faster than a top in his head.

   What if this girl found out who he is? What if she judges him before getting to know him? What if she freaks out? What if she does the clique "dumping a drink and walking away" thing girls sometimes do in movies?

   To Adrien, almost anything bad could happen in that one moment and ruin his reputation here before it even started.

   "Okay, Agreste. You can do this! Your tongue may be knotted and knees could buckle at any moment. The good thing about it all so far, nobody has recognized you...yet," Adrien thought, putting on a cheery smile like he is about to go into an interview for his dream job.

"Uh...hi," the blonde started, "I've got-"

"Hold that thought," the girl said, cutting him off and making the blonde nervous. The pink-haired girl chugged the rest of her drink before shooting it into the nearest trash can.

"First off, not interested, buddy," she began.

"I was just-"

"Secondly," she continued, once again cutting off Adrien, "I dig the hairstyle."

"Wait? Wha-"

"Thirdly," she added, "and it might just be the lighting, but I think you have sweat stains under your armpits."

"Can I please speak?" Adrien asked, trying hard not to check for any sweat stains (though, there probably are). She nodded, leaning up against a metal support beam.

"I was just going to ask you if you recently talked to a girl wearing a ladybug-designed dress," Adrien stated, adding on under his breath, "and probably about the sweat stains too."

Alix owlishly blinked, letting out a silent "oh" before processing his question. As if a giant truckload of bricked buildings fell from the heavens and landed on her head, the realization hit. Adrien could tell she knew who he was talking about and scored himself a pat on the back.

Then, she skeptically narrowed her eyes and scanned Adrien, who thinks he should take back that pat.

"Who are you?" The girl asked as if she were a police officer interrogating a suspect. Adrien opened his mouth but no words left, unknowing of what to say without giving away his actual identity.

An arm locked with his. Adrien barely had time to process what happened before the person locked arms with him spoke.

"He's a close friend of mine," Kagami intervened, reverting the pink-haired girl's attention to Adrien's friend.

"Yep," a guy Adrien recognized as Kagami's boyfriend came up on the blonde's other side and placed a hand on his shoulder, "I trust my date's judgment and hope you trust mine too, Alix."

Adrien made a mental note of the girl's name. Speaking of, Alix shifted her gaze over to Kagami's boyfriend and seemed to study him for about a minute. Every second that passed only increased Adrien's anxiety a little.

Eventually, Alix hummed and a smile spread across her face.

"I trust your judgment any day, dude," Alix answered, helping Adrien relax until she asked, "Seriously, what's your name?"

Adrien glanced between the couple, getting signs of approval. He sighed and met Alix's hard, judgmental stare.

"My name's Adrien and I need some help."

Alix smirked, "How can I be of service?"

{+}{+}{+}

   Gabriel sat at a table, watching the closest TV. The news played, showing warnings of Slade's escape on screen. Gabriel's facial features broke out into a menacing grin.

   "By the creepy look on your face, I assume the plan is close to going into motion," his inmate said, mouth full of mushy prison food.

   Gabriel turned to the man across the table.

   "It's definitely getting closer but there's one more thing that needs to happen before we put the plan into motion," Gabriel said, "My son needs to unlock the safe. Then, the final Agreste secret will be revealed, something I've kept hidden and persevered all these years."

   "You're a strange one, Hawky," his inmate said before continuing to chow down his food.

   Gabriel ignored the nickname, only reveling in the close victory coming ever so closer.

   The day he escapes.

   "The Agreste's secrets chapter will come to a close," Gabriel thought, watching the news, "and soon, a new chapter will begin with the Dupain-Cheng's."

{+}{+}{+}

Next week's chapter, be prepared for what you've all been waiting for for 39 chapters!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter, I would love to hear your theories and have a wonderful day/night!