Adrien's POV

"As a reward for helping your friend, you may," Father says.

I can't believe my ears!  "What?"

Nino claps me on the back.  "Dude! We're having a party!"

"Mission accomplished," Alya says.

I look down at Marinette in my arms.  She's smiling at me. She has a really great smile.  I return it.

"As a matter of fact," Father continues, absorbed in thought, "since you've been... moderately... well-behaved all year, I ought to let you have your first slumber party."

"What?" I say again, Marinette joining me.

"Sweet!" Nino cheers.

"But that means no girls allowed," Father says.

"Wait, how is that fair?" Alya snaps.  "We come all the way over here, Adrien gets a party for helping Marinette, and you decide no girls allowed?  This is..."

"My house, my rules," Father interrupts.  "Adrien, bring these friends up to your room.  Text your other friends and tell them about the slumber party tonight at 7:00 PM."

"Thank you, Father!"  I tip my head toward the stairs.  "Come on, guys."

We all go upstairs to my room.  I set Marinette on the couch as Alya sits on my desk chair and Nino starts playing with the foosball table.

"How are you feeling?" I ask Marinette.  I really don't want her to be hurt...

"Fine," she replies.  "I don't think anything's broken.  Just a little twisted."

"That's good."

Alya is fuming.  "No girls! Really?"

"It is a slumber party," I tell her.  "Though I don't know why he chose to let me have one..."

Nino scores a goal in his game.  "Your old man sure is strange."

"Tell me about it," I reply.

"Maybe he has a reason for it," Marinette says, poking her head up from behind the back of the couch.

Everyone nods and mutters to themselves.

Maybe he does.  But what could it be?  I never know with him. I should be grateful that I at least got a party.  Still, I don't like it that the girls are upset... Wait, I have an idea! "Marinette, you said you could cater, right?"

"Yeah."

"I'll ask my father if you and Alya can bring some food over and hang out for a bit!"

Alya snaps her fingers.  "I like that plan!"

"Me too," Marinette says cheerfully.

I'm pleasantly surprised at how all this is working out!