Make Me Sway

Adrien knew that his break up with Lila would degrade him to some extent, but this was entirely beneath him.

Nino slapped him on the shoulder, grinning widely and Adrien frowned. "Really, Nino, you brought me to strip club?"

"Yeah, Dude! What better way to get over a babe than to find another one? Besides, Kim's checked it out a ton of time. I personally have my own favourite."

Adrien sighed. "I didn't need to know that Nino." Pivoting on his heel, Adrien turned his back to the club. "I'm just gonna go home."

"Hold up!" Nino grabbed his elbow and held him back, "You haven't even checked it out. Come on, Bro, just try it. Please."

Adrien wanted to say no. He wanted to turn his back to the strip club and walk all the way home. But the break up with Lila did hurt like hell and he did tell Nino he'd do anything to get rid of the pain. There was just one problem.

"Nino, my father's one of the most well respected people in Paris. If I'm seen in there by anyone, I'd be –,"

"Already covered." he replied, crossing his arms smugly over his chest. "The Akuma is one of the best clubs in the whole joint because people go in with disguises."

"Disguises?" he asked, "How does that work?"

"Easy, you go into the restaurant next door and tell the manager you wanna check out the Miraculous and she'll hook you up with some sweet digs."

It sounded shady and Adrien didn't do shady. "Nino –,"

"It's been three weeks, Adrien." He could see Nino's patience wearing thin. "I know it sucks, but you really need to get it together. This could really help you, me and the guys are sick of seeing you mope all the time. Just try it." he said, his shoulders sagging.

Adrien sighed, "Fine, but if I don't like it I'm bailing."

Nino grinned, readjusting his glasses. "I wouldn't expect anything less from the model son." Rolling his eyes, Adrien scoffed and Nino waved him over. "Come on. It's this way."

The restaurant was completely vacant with chairs upside down on tables and the lights switched off. "Are you sure it's not closed?" asked Adrien, peering in through the window. Nino shrugged him off and stepped inside with Adrien following warily behind.

"Kung Food, you here?" called Nino. Everything was silent from a moment and Adrien had half a mind to walk out the door, but just as he'd made up his mind to leave a man stepped out from the back. Wiping his hands on a dish rag, the Chinese man threw it over his shoulder and smiled warmly at them

"What can I provide you young men with? I'm afraid we don't serve any strong drinks here."

"That's all right, Dude. We just wanted to check out the Miraculous." Nino gave the chef a knowing smile and he returned it.

"If you'd kindly go into the back room to pick out your disguises, no fee charged." He stepped back into the kitchen and Nino smirked, gesturing for Adrien to follow him. Towards the back of the shop was a wooden door covered in carved cherry blossoms with a red curtain behind it. Nino opened it for Adrien and allowed him inside first.

"Each costume is one hundred percent original. Hawk Moth hooks up all his members with one so no one ever looks the same." he said, closing the door behind them.

Adrien was awestruck. Two shelves stood on either side of him, piled with plastic packets each with their own costumed. "So I can take any one? But are you sure it's free. I mean –,"

"I've got it covered. Once you're a golden member like me or Kim, it's pretty easy to call in favours with the big dude. Pick on out." Nino slung his bag on the floor, pulling out his own costume and Adrien began scanning the shelves.

Something black caught his eye beside his feet and he bent down towards it. Looking at it more closely, he realised it was a cat costume with pin on ears and a black leather mask to match. "I think I like this one." he mumbled, tearing open the packet.

"Now all you need is a name. So Agreste, what'll you be in the dark hours of the night."

Adrien thought about it carefully and smiled. "Chat Noir." he replied, "Chat Noir of Paris."

And suddenly he didn't feel so tense about the idea anymore, because for one night he wouldn't be Adrien Agreste anymore. Instead he'd be someone else entirely, someone with all the freedom in the world and no chains to hold him down.

He couldn't wait to get started.

"You nervous?" asked Lady Wi-Fi, changing into her costume. Ladybug helped her with the zipper on the back and scoffed, her fingers running delicately over the slightly transparent fabric.

"I'm never nervous." she muttered.

"Imagine if you had this kind of confidence as Marinette. You'd send Miss Bourgeois packing for sure." said Lady Wi-Fi, tying the mask around her head and letting her hair fall over it.

Ladybug didn't respond. She patted down her short skirt, picking at a loose thread and readjusting her mask. "Marinette doesn't exist tonight. Now it's just Ladybug and all the money we'll make onstage."

Lady Wi-Fi shook her head. "You need to stop doing that. Pretending Marinette and Ladybug are two separate people is gonna screw with your head one day and I don't want you getting one of those split personality disorders."

Ladybug snickered, "I don't think it works that way."

"Not the point." Walking up to the mirror in front of Ladybug, Lady Wi-Fi smiled at their reflections. "You need to accept what you are and who you are. You're sexy, girl. Be proud of it!"

"I don't see it that way." she replied, loosening her hair from their usual pigtails. Unlike most of the other girls here, Ladybug didn't want to join here to show off her curves or tempt men without repercussions. She needed money and this was unfortunately the only job that could pay everything she needed.

"Don't worry, Mari. At this rate you'll be able to leave for University in a couple months. Just...hang in there." said Lady Wi-Fi, softly brushing her fringe to the side. "Let's just focus on tonight. Okay?"

"Okay." And Ladybug meant it.

The curtain to their dressing room opened and Prime Queen stepped inside. Her suit stuck to her skin beneath the dress, making her look more like a cyborg that a barista. "Are you two both ready? Hawk Moth wants you both onstage any second now."

Lady Wi-Fi glanced at Ladybug and when she offered her a reassuring smile, she nodded. "We're all set Prime Queen."

The woman stepped to the side, watching as Ladybug and Lady Wi-Fi stepped out into the club. Loud music burst from the speakers, shaking the air around them and the ground beneath them. The stench of alcohol and sex wafted through the air and Ladybug's face hardened.

It was something she'd learnt during her first week here. One, always smile. A happy stripper is a willing one. Two, never say no to the customers. If they get too troublesome simply smile and lead them to Gorizilla. He'll do the rest. And three, never take off your mask.

Stepping on stage, Ladybug grabbed the yo-yo from around her waist, swinging it around. A few men in the front turned towards her, smiling wickedly and she returned it seductively. Lady Wi-Fi danced to her right, moving in rhythm with the glowing symbols on the floor as provocatively as possible. There were wolf whistles and vulgar calls, but Ladybug and her friend ignored them.

Ladybug always tried to wrap her yo-yo to around her limbs while she danced, stretching and occasionally snagging one of the men in front and drawing them forward towards the stage. It was always the worst part, especially when they got too personal trying to stick their hands beneath her shirt or skirt.

But it was always the thing that provided her the most money. And the more money she made, the sooner she could leave.

"You look ridiculous." said Adrien. "And I mean really the Bubbler?"

Nino glared at him, the contacts in his eyes changing his eye color to violet in the multi-colored light. "Like you're one to talk Chat Noir, I mean could you be anymore unoriginal?" he asked. Adrien brushed off his comment reaching up to touch his mask, but Nino stopped him. "What do you think you're doing?"

"It's itchy." he replied, "I need to scratch my nose."

"Listen, Dude. This club is totally awesome, but swear to me you won't take off your mask." said Nino, glancing around them suspiciously.

"Out of the two of us, I'm the one that needs it the most, remember Nino?"

Nino hissed and clamped his mouth down on Adrien's mouth, pressing harshly against his teeth. "Don't call me that! And I'm serious, Bro. You can get into real trouble if the body guard sees you without one."

"Okay, okay, okay." he muttered, brushing his upper lip, "I'm sorry, Bubbler."

Nino relaxed slightly, but Adrien could still tell by the hunch in his shoulders that he was still tense. "So, Bubbler," said Adrien, "Which one's your favourite?"

Nino smiled and pointed to the front of the room where two people were dancing. The flashing lights and loud music made it hard to focus, but Adrien could clearly see he was pointing to the one in black and purple.

"What's she called?" asked Adrien.

"Lady Wi–Fi." Nino grabbed Adrien's clawed hand and pulled him forward, weaving his way between the crowds. "She's the best, Dude. You don't understand how wild she drives me."

Adrien snickered. "I think anyone can tell. Isn't that thing super tight on you?" Nino glared and Adrien's laughter only grew louder. They passed the stage and Adrien could see her better, sending a fierce blush to his cheeks.

Her thin black suit was nearly transparent, giving no modestly to her thick curves. The symbol on her chest covered the bare minimum while the fabric grew thicker in places they weren't meant to see, leaving little to the imagination, but enough to keep them from being completely exposed.

Nino whistled, but it sounded like a whisper compared to those around them.

Her narrowed eyes caught sight of them and she came closer, sitting on her knees along the edge of the stage and touching Nino's blue face lightly. "Didn't think you'd be back tonight." she purred, "Wanna dance?"

"With you, I'd gladly." he replied, jumping on stage with her. Adrien didn't know whether to watch or find a stripper of his own, but before he could decide he felt something tap against his arm and looked down to see a wire wrapped around it.

Pulling it off, he saw it was attached to a red and black spotted yo-yo.

"Hey there Kitty." Adrien snapped his head to the right, his green eyes boring into the most beautiful blue eyes he'd ever seen. They sparkled in the dim light, drawing him in and Adrien grew flustered. "Looks like you're my lucky prey."

Glancing down at her body, Adrien grew hot at the sight of her low cleavage and high skirt. Everything was spotted in shades of red and black, along with her mask. "W –Who are you?" he stuttered.

She traced his jaw with her finger and smirked. "Why don't you join me and find out?"

He didn't need to be told twice. Adrien quickly jumped on stage, standing in front of her and watching as she danced around him. He could feel the hem of her dress brushing against his thigh and the light feather touch of her fingers as they fluttered over his chest.

"You're new here." she said, pressing herself completely against him, her lips hovering inches away from his.

He swallowed thickly, his mind scrambling to process the words tumbling out her lips instead of the way they'd feel against his. "Y –Yeah, I came here with a friend."

"I'm Ladybug." she said, wrapping her yo-yo around them and pressing her pelvis into his. A startled curse slipped passed Adrien's lips and she laughed. "Enjoying your first time, Kitty?"

"You have no idea." he breathed.

His claws trailed lightly over her body throughout the dance, but every time he managed to get his arms around her, she'd slip from his grasp. It was surprisingly exciting, electrifying his body every time when he saw the mischievous glint in her blue bell eyes.

After the sixth attempt, he managed to catch her, pulling her back into his chest and pressing his lips against her neck. She stiffened in his grasp, but he kept his hold on her gentle, kissing her tenderly until he heard her breath hitch.

"Do I take your breath away?" he asking, nibbling on her ear.

"Hardly." But even he could hear her voice was strained. He laughed and twirled her forward, spinning her out his arms and drawing her back in until her chest was firmly pressed against his.

She pouted. "I'm supposed to be the leader."

"You are," he replied, "But I'm a cat and sometimes we get tired."

"You don't seem like the lazy type." She replied, her hand grazing his bicep softly. His muscles tensed under her touch and he fought the urge not to grab her and kiss her. "Work out much?"

"For you," he rasped, "definitely."

Then he dipped her, her hair brushing the dance floor and her skirt lifting up slightly towards the men at the bottom of the stage. He heard their whistles and cheers of victory and encouragement, but he wasn't focused on anything but her.

Her face was flushed and her skin warm through the leather of his gloves. Her lips looked so soft and shiny in the harsh lighting, tempting him to dive down and taste them.

"Who are you?" he whispered, trailing his lips lighting to her earlobe and nibbling on it while he pulled her up.

"I –I already told y –you." But the way she stuttered near his neck sent his pulse racing. "I'm Ladybug."

"No," he breathed, "Who are you really?"

She shook her head, stepping away from him, "That's against the rules, Kitty. What kind of professional would I be if I told you?"

"Please," he said, "I have to know." He took a step forward and her yo-yo wrapped around his ankle.

She smiled wickedly, "Time's up, Kitty." Then she yanked it forward and Adrien fell backward onto the sofa in front of the stage. He landed on one of the men, his elbow digging into the arm of the couch, but they didn't seem to mind –their attention too focused on Ladybug.

Her yo-yo swung down, wrapping around the arm of the guy on the other side of the couch and she pulled him up on stage. But Adrien knew, by the way she kept glancing at him that he was the one she wanted. He had to be.

"Chat Noir!" called Nino from behind him. He waved Adrien over and Adrien scurried off the couch, glancing behind him at the mysterious beauty and watching enviously as the other man got to taste her skin. He clenched his fists.

Nino frowned at him, "You all right, Dude?"

"I have to find out who she is." He muttered, "I have to know who Ladybug is."

His friend laughed, "Good luck with that, Dude. It's against the rules. You never know what kind of perves will show up here and that mask is the only thing protecting them."

"She thinks I'm a pervert." mumbled Adrien, staring down at the purple tiled floor.

Nino laughed, "Dude, with the way you two were dancing, I'm not even sure if you're not."

Adrien punched his arm lightly. "You shouldn't talk with the way you were with Lady Wi-Fi."

He shrugged, "She's foxy. What can I say?" Shaking his head, Nino sighed, "We've been here an hour already and we've still got our history project tomorrow. We better start it before Ms Bustier finds out. Oh, feel better?"

"Extremely." And for the first time in three weeks, he didn't miss Lila at all.

Alya folded her outfit and placed it in her yellow rucksack, running her hand through her brown and red hair. "What a night! Can you believe it? I made at least a thousand today."

But Marinette wasn't listening. Fingering the red fabric of her dress between her fingertips she couldn't help but think of the cat that'd been caught in her yo-yo. He was so innocent, so inexperienced and yet he caught on so quickly –turning her own dance against her. She was intrigued and undoubtedly impressed.

Alya came up from behind Marinette, running her fingers over the blunette's shoulders. "Thinking of a certain someone?"

Marinette scoffed, brushing her off and shoved the dress in her bag. "As if! I just can't wait to get out of here. I saw you were dancing with the Bubbler. Is that the reason for your good mood?" she teased.

Alya sighed, "I wish, but I barely know the guy. Flattery is nice and all, but every guy here does it. It gets old after a while, especially when they use the same lines over and over again."

"Yeah. Totally."

Her mind flashed back to the cat and Prime Queen stepped back inside the dressing room. "Okay, girls, the place is all locked up and every eligible guy has left the premises. Get home safe and we'll see you tomorrow."

"Sure thing, Queen." said Alya, walking out the curtain into the empty club. The speakers had been switched off and the lights were turning off, leaving the entire place feelings eerie and quiet. She saw someone tall step out of the shadows and when she saw his grey mask she froze. Alya did the same.

Walking up to them, Hawk Moth tapped his cane on the floor and smirked. "Well done my little akumas. You brought in a great deal of money tonight."

Alya shrugged. "It's nothing. Our pleasure." she squeaked.

"Oh I'm sure." He glanced at Marinette and she felt an unpleasant shiver run down her spine. "Did you enjoy yourself little bug?"

"Y –Yes Hawk Moth." she replied, keeping her head lowered.

"Good." he replied, "Because I'd really hate to lose either of you for any reason." The statement shouldn't have made her feel so frightened, but she couldn't help it. Alya was the only one who knew of her plans to leave the club once she could afford to study at University, but something in the way Hawk Moth spoke to her made her think he knew too. And she dreaded it.

"Get home safe." he added, "The streets of Paris become a battleground for beautiful young women when it gets dark."

"Yes Hawk Moth." They replied. He nodded to them, dismissing them and the girls hurried out the building. Once they'd crossed the streets, Marinette's mind couldn't help but race.

"It's gonna be okay." said Alya.

But Marinette couldn't help but wonder whether she'd said it to comfort her or herself.

Sleeping through her alarm and waking up late had been something Marinette had gotten used to since she started working at The Akuma. Her parents didn't know anything about it. How could they? But it still didn't mean arriving late made her feel any better about herself. She hated it and how it drew attention to her, every single morning.

Rushing to pull on her clothes, Marinette raced towards the school, her heart racing when she heard the bell from a block away. She crossed the street hurriedly and ran up the steps towards the door. Her mind scrambled for an excuse: A traffic jam, a sprained ankle, a crisis in her parent's bakery, a –

Marinette opened the door and slammed into someone, sending them both to the tiled floor. He hissed as she feel on top of him and Marinette's eyes widened.

"I'm so sorry! I'm so, so sorry! Please, forgive me, I wasn't –,"

He opened his eyes and Marinette was stunned.

His bright emerald eyes were so soft and warm that they melted her heart. "I –I –," She couldn't think. She couldn't breathe. She couldn't move. And then he did the most absurd thing.

He laughed.

"It's all right." he said, pushing himself on his elbows, "I wasn't looking where I was going. See I'm new here and I have no idea where anything is."

"O –Oh," she replied. Marinette pushed herself off him on shaky hands and distanced herself from him, her face flaming from embarrassment. "I –I'd be happy to s –show you around later if y –you like. It's n –not that b –big."

He nodded, standing and dusting off his white shirt. "I'd really like that. Thanks." He smiled at her and Marinette swooned, her knees growing weak. He was gorgeous, with a youthful face, charming eyes, a gentle smile and a body any man would kill for. That much, she knew.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't catch your name."

"I –I'm M –M –Marinette. Marinette Dupain –Cheng."

"Well, I'm Adrien. Adrien Agreste. It's nice to meet you."

Held out his hand to her and she shook it, marveling at the warmth that spread from his skin to hers. And she knew right then and there his hand was one she'd never want to let go.