Adrien quickly pulled his arm away from Marinette and placed his jacket back over his grey vest top. If Marinette wasn't so shocked by the lack of soulmark, she was quite sure she'd be hyperventilating from seeing Adrien in a vest. Every single, hard toned muscle on show. It would have been her dream a couple of weeks ago.

Suddenly her brain seemed to kick into gear.

Hang on ... no soulmark? Kagami?

As her eyebrows creased together, unease took over Adrien's bones. He was meant to have told her, he needed to speak to her now about this. Even though Alya was going to help out he made it clear he wanted to tell her. Kagami and Marinette were close friends, and Marinette adored her friends. She was going to kill him.

"Mari, I-"

"Model boy and partner, I have not given you permission to chat. Now get back and foxtrot." The instructor flounced over grabbing them both by the hands and flinging them back onto the dance floor.

"I thought we were doing the waltz." Marinette huffed as she placed her hands in the correct position. Truth be told she didn't want to do anything now. Especially with Adrien. How could he lie? She thought he was better than that.

She couldn't look into Adrien's eyes. He knew sometimes Marinette would have issues maintaining eye contact with him, but that would be joined with stuttering, or some sort of clumsy movement. At the moment he could only feel two emotions from her; bewilderment and anger, lots of anger.

"Mari, I need to explain." Adrien insisted, as they began moving to the instructor's counts.

"Explain what?" She snapped back, "how you're playing Kagami?" She met Adrien's steps with synchronised precision. If they were doing the tango, the tension between them would be seen as perfect.

"I'm not playing anyone -"

"Not playing! You're going to break her heart, Adrien! Do you not have any idea how she feels about you?"

"Model boy and pigtail girl, very nice. Now, pull her in a little closer, and add in a whisk and wing."

Even as they continued their conversation the two secret heroes moved in time, making the dance flow freely and effortlessly. They worked together as though their bodies were on the same wavelength, as if they were one.

Adrien pulled Marinette closer to him, feeling the increased speed of his heart against his chest. Marinette's body brushing against him was causing a familiar stirring in his body, as though they'd been like this many times before.

He began to think about what he could say next, what he could do to ease the blow of Marinette's strike. He looked down trying to gather his thoughts only to lose them straight away.

Did she really have to look so good in her dancewear?

"I know! Do you think I don't?" His words came out like a hiss, "I can't get out of it though." Adrien whispered and shouted through his clenched teeth.

"Model boy, take her into a heel turn and hover-"

"You shouldn't have got in it in the first place." Marinette gritted her teeth as she followed the instructions, and flawlessly pulled off a heel turn.

"Mari, please ..."

"Don't Mari me! I'm not happy with you, Adrien. She's your girlfriend, you said she was the girl that you love and you're lying to her."

"The girl that I love?" Adrien was confused, when had he said that?

A flashback hit him of the two of them in his car.

The girl I'm in love with doesn't like my jokes either.

Oh no!

"Mari, she's not -"

"Go for the lift." The instructor shouted out.

Adrien scooped Marinette up, settling her on his shoulder and spinning around. Whilst seated Marinette opened her arms out in a display of excellence, before hopping down and going straight back into the routine. Heel drags, into a spin, pose, turn of the head.

"Don't you think she'll notice you haven't got a mark yet? She's smart and perceptive, she'll know and she'll kill you. That's if I haven't beaten her to it." Marinette said, as they walked back into a feather step.

Noticing the heated debate going on with the superhero couple, Alix stopped and began to watch. A smile took over her face, and she couldn't help marveling at the fire between them. The tension was becoming excruciating, and she couldn't help but enjoy the ride. If it wasn't the middle of class, and both were single, she'd shout out for them to kiss.

"She told me she'd received her mark on my birthday. What was I meant to do? I don't want to break her heart. I'm open to any ideas to let her down gently." They began to dance faster, each step coexisting with the speed of their current matching heartbeats. It's funny how you can be angry and besotted at the same time.

"Tell her the truth perhaps. When she finds out, she's going to be so angry. You've betrayed her!"

"You won't tell her, will you?"

Unknown to the two, everyone else had now stopped alongside Alix to watch them. They began to move in a more advanced way ignoring the instructions and following each other's leads. It was amazing really, especially for a pair who'd never ballroom danced before.

Alya grabbed out her phone and began to film the display going on in the middle of the courtyard. This was going to be viral. They looked like professionals, and, she had to admit, she was impressed. Especially as Marinette was still on her feet. The girl that is known for her clumsiness looked so graceful as she glided across the floor.

"Of course I won't tell her." Marinette looked away from him.

"Thank y-"

"You'll be telling her! I'll give you two weeks, or I'm getting involved, Adrien."

He nodded at his partner. That was more than fair. He just needed to grow a pair in the next fourteen days.

"Hey, isn't it your birthday around that time?"

"Don't you change the subject, Agreste! I'm still so angry with you."

Adrien took Marinette into a final spin, before dipping her into a dramatic ending position.

Once finished, applause broke out around the area, whoops and cheers coming from their friendship group.

"Very impressive. If you two ever want to go professional, please contact me. It would be great to have you in the championship squad." The instructor was impressed, ridiculously impressed. It'd been a while since he'd seen skills like that.

Both Marinette and Adrien began to fluster.

"What? Us? No way?"

"I do so much already."

"My father wouldn't like -"

Alya slapped a hand to her forehead as she made her way over to Marinette. Seriously, how could she go from grace and beauty, to an absolute fumbling mess, and for once, it wasn't caused by Adrien Agreste.

"He was just saying, girl!" She slung her arm around Marinette's shoulders and began to lead her over to the stairs where the majority of the class were now seated.

Marinette looked over her shoulder at Adrien. He winced as her eyes met his. He was now low down on Marinette's trust list. Hopefully, not as low as Lila. He crossed his fingers behind his back as he made a silent wish for this to sort itself out.

"Dude! What the hell was that?" Nino had made his way over to Adrien, "I didn't know you could ballroom dance. Do you and Marinette have secret lessons or something?"

Adrien let out a false laugh, signalling Nino to pry more. One think Nino knew, that Adrien Agrest faked happiness, and the laugh he'd just been graced with was definitely fake.

"Ok man, spill."

"Marinette knows, and, to put it mildly, she's not happy." Adrien stretched up to rub the back of his neck, eyes focused on the floor and heart flipping around for unknown reasons.

"Oh."

Adrien stared at his friend. Oh? Is that all Nino could say? Where's the words of wisdom? The bromance advice? Any advice?

They made their way over to the stairs and took the bottom step. Adrien couldn't help but allow his eyes to drift up to Marinette. She glared back at him before turning her head away. His heart ached. They'd just got to a point where she was growing more comfortable with him and now he's messed it up.

"I'm posting this on Instagram. People will go mental to see it."

Adrien smiled as Alya began fangirling over their ballroom skills. He could imagine Marinette turning that glorious shade of red before begging her friend not to post it.

As the class chatted amongst themselves, most about Adrien and Marinette, Miss Bustier made her first appearance of the day in front of the class. Student after student were fawning over what a great morning they'd had, before the conversation moved onto the skills of their two resident heroes.

Adrien couldn't help feeling a hint of pride. He had done something good that his father hadn't forced onto him. Maybe it was beginner's luck? Maybe it was his partner? All he knew was he could feel pride in himself. Pride for something he'd done naturally.

"Right, is everyone ready to hear their next assignment?"

Cheers went around, the class still riding the endorphins of such a fabulous day long activity.

"We will be holding our very own Pride and Prejudice ball. You have three weeks to practice your dance skills and get your outfits sorted." Miss Bustier exclaimed.

The girls began to turn to Marinette. If anyone could make super ball gowns it would be her. Miss Bustier settled the class.

"Now, Marinette can only make her own and her partner's outfits. You all need to be fair, she has enough going on in her life."

"Hear, hear." Alix shouted out causing looks from many of the other students. She looked at Marinette and winked, before shrugging. Marinette made it number one on her priority list to talk to Alix. She'd only had her Miraculous for a couple of months and already she was becoming a tyrant.

Kim put his hand up to signal he had a question.

"Yes Kim?" Their teacher called out.

"Can we make it into a competition? Like best dressed wins a prize?" He asked. Of course Kim would make it into a competition.

Rose shot her hand up next, practically bouncing on her seat.

"Miss Bustier, Miss Bustier." She began to shout, trying to get the attention of their teacher.

"Yes Rose?"

"How about, like, in America? You know, like the films when they do the King and Queen thing?"

"Like a prom?" Chloe questioned. Suddenly her nails weren't as interesting anymore and the idea of being a Queen perked up her attention.

"Exactly." Rose squealed.

The class began to chatter between themselves and Miss Bustier knew she'd lost them.

"I've got an idea," Marinette made herself known by standing up. "As class president, I will gladly put together a team to decorate the school and plan such an event. However, Miss Bustier, please can soulmates be invited too. It's not fair on those who's soulmates don't come to this school." Her eyes gazed down on Adrien and she watched as he nervously gulped.

Miss Bustier looked at the hopeful faces staring back at her.

"I will need to clear everything with Mr Damocles, but as long as you're all willing to pull your weight I can't see this being an issue."

Everyone cheered, hugging the person next to them. A few had already put their name down to help Marinette plan and decorate the event. Ivan had also nominated Kitty Section to play a set, whilst Nino agreed to DJ.

"One more thing," Miss Bustier shouted over the ruckus before her, "prom king and queen will be decided by your dramatisations of the scenes you have. So get practicing."

With that she turned away and walked back to speak to the instructor, a smile spreading on her face. She liked the idea, and couldn't wait to be part of it herself. They'd never done anything like this before.

The chatter continued with laughing and excited squeals, until they were interrupted by a continuous chiming exiting Alya's phone. She pulled it out her pocket to see notification after notification. It seemed Marinette and Adrien were becoming an internet sensation.

"Yo, Mari, Adrien, you're a hit! Even your dad has liked the post, Adrien."

Nervous suddenly came over him as he looked at the post on Alya's phone. There it was, 'liked' by @GrabrielBrand. He was sure his father would have something to say about this when he got home. A cold sweat began to leave his body, but nothing could beat the chill in his bones as the next comment popped up on screen.

@KagamiTsurugi This looks cosy!!!!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kagami knew she shouldn't have her phone out during the school day, and if her mother ever found out she'd most likely be banned from seeing Adrien and shipped off to boarding school. However, when the notification had come through that Alya had posted she couldn't help but look. If Alya posted during the day Adrien was usually included, and she liked to keep up to date with his activities.

@TheLadyblogger Who needs to watch 'Dancing with the Stars' when you've got the amazing Adrien Agreste and Marinette Dupain-aching in your class. #Matchmadeinheaven.

Match made in heaven?

Kagami scoffed. Marinette can't walk in a straight line, let alone be compared to a ballroom dancer. She lacked the skills, the pose and the grace.

She looked back at the triangle over a picture of the couple and pressed on it. The video began to play and immediately felt her heart drop. They were amazing, she had to admit. The timing, the Grace, the looks ... it just seemed right. They seemed perfect, perfect for each other.

Unconsciously, she began to stroke her jacket knowing underneath was her soulmark. Her soulmate was Adrien, so why did something feel so off? Removing the jacket she looked at the deceptive pattern.

It was beautiful. She couldn't ask for a more beautiful soulmark. The fencing saber situated in the middle, exploded from the end into perfect lilies. She understood the saber was for their fencing but the lilies were a mystery to her. She imagined it was his mother's favourite flower, or something linked to the Gabriel brand. Adrien had a soft spot for roses so it had to be something more.

The flowers burst into life and began to open and close, indicating her soulmate was near. She shrugged it off as she had just watched a video of him. The soulmarks must react more than just to physical proximity.

"Hey Kagami."

A voice approached behind her, and she quickly threw her jacket back on and over the mark. She didn't want anyone to see it. Not before Adrien.

"Thomas. Hello."

Thomas was the one other male in her life which she found somewhat tolerable. He was English, almost six foot and a brunette. His eyes were the colour of honey and he was a sweet boy. If she'd met him before Adrien she may have had to deal with her heart being stolen by a different male to the blonde supermodel.

"There's a new exhibit at the Louvre this week, are you free to join me?"

This wasn't the first time Thomas had invited her somewhere. She wasn't sure why he did it to be fair? She never made a lot of effort to talk to him, no more than the others in her class. He'd even invited her for a meal on his birthday, a couple of weeks back. Although, because it was on the same day as Adrien's, she'd politely declined.

"I'm out with Adrien this weekend."

Kagami watched as a flicker of something passed over his face. Was that sadness? She wasn't sure, but she knew it didn't suit him.

"Oh yeah, your boyfriend. I'd forgotten."

Before he could speak again, their teacher had entered the room.

"Thomas Lillie?" He requested.

"Yes, Sir." Thomas spoke politely to their teacher, taking his eyes away from Kagami.

"Your driver is here to take you to your meeting."

"Thank you, Sir."

Though only sixteen years old, Thomas was an inspiring entrepreneur, and a very successful one at that. Kagami admired him for what he had achieved at such a young age. One thing was for sure, Thomas didn't hesitate.

"Well, see you tomorrow."

"Goodbye Thomas."

Kagami nodded as he began to walk out of the room. He stopped at the doorway rolling up the sleeve of his shirt. The lilies spurting out the saber were moving. He had no doubt his soulmate was close. He had no doubt that that person was the beautiful Kagami Tsurugi.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Adrien!"

Adrien knew it was too good. He was hoping he'd be able to go straight to his room when he'd made it home. He'd never been in need of Chat Noir time so much in his life. Everything was building up and he just needed a break. Just an hour or two and he would be good.

"Yes, Father."

He steeled himself for his fathers wrath. He knew he'd be in trouble for Alya's video. There'll be something wrong with it. He will have brought shame on the Agreste family name.

"My office ... now."

Taking a deep breath, Adrien removed his bag and placed it on the sofa outside his fathers office. He needed to remain calm and just deal with what his father dished out. After all, if he's grounded he can still escape as Chat Noir. That's no big deal. Plagg was always game for a bit of rebellion.

Gabriel was standing at his altar watching something on his tablet. Adrien shuffled in and stood before him. The steps up to the altar made Gabriel towered over his son. It was intimidating, and Adrien swore his father stood there on purpose.

"You wanted me for something, Father?"

Gabriel still had his eyes on the tablet. What was he looking at?

"Quite a display you and your 'friend' put on today." He'd seen the video. Life Adrien knew was over for the foreseeable future.

"We - um - she -"

"I've always been fond of the art of ballroom dancing. Your mother, she adored to dance. The performer in her, of course."

Adrien looked at his father unsure where this was heading. Was his father proud of his dancing ability? He wasn't looking too disappointed at the moment. On the contrary, Gabriel looked - dare he say it - proud.

"Your next perfume campaign will include Miss Dupain-Cheng."

Adrien's head shot up. Eyes meeting his fathers. Did he just say Adrien's next campaign would include ... a friend?

Adrien couldn't help the bubbling in his stomach. Finally, he was going to have fun at a shoot, he was going to get to model with a friend. He was going to model with someone who wasn't Lila. Well, as long as she was still speaking to him.

"But she's not a model?" Adrien questioned. He wasn't sure why he was doing that. His father had just given him a free pass to hang out with a friend.

"Nathalie has gone to get permission from her parents. She's a stunning girl, she will compliment your aesthetics, though if I remember correctly she has her own ideas about what is seen as suitable behaviour. This can be her chance to prove she is worthy of your friendship. I will be keeping a close eye on the shoot."

All Adrien could do was stand and nod.

"I'll book the venue to begin the shoot in two weeks time,"

"Father, that's Marinette's birthday."

"Well lucky for her, she'll get to spend it on a fashion shoot. If I remember correctly, she wants to be a designer? This is a good opportunity for her. She'd be a fool not to accept my offer."

Adrien knew all too well what his father meant. No shoot, no future career.

"You have Chinese to practise, and if I've heard correctly, a script to learn. Can't have anyone else being your schools 'Prom King', that would not look good on the Agreste name and having something so Americanised will help with our growth out there. That is all, Adrien."

It was clear the conversation was over. Adrien dragged his feet out of Gabriel's office, grabbed his bag and headed up the stairs to his room.

His mind was whirling with the events of the day. The electrified touches with Marinette, dancing so perfectly with her, the look of anger on her face as she defended her friend and, finally, his fathers proposal. Throwing his bag against one of the blank white walls, he flopped into his desk chair and threw his head back, placing both hands over his eyes. The day had been draining, Chat Noir could wait, all he wanted to do was curl up in bed and go to sleep.

Could things get any worse?

Adrien's phone signaled the arrival of a text message. Without thinking he removed his phone from his pocket and opened his mailbox.

Kagami: Are you going to explain yourself?