Reader's POV

We arrived home after an eventful day at school, I still had a grin on my face; excited for whatever tonight will hold.  This dinner lounge sounds super nice.

"How'd the photo shoot go?" I asked filing out of the limo

"Eh, fine. Uneventful, honestly.  I was being serious about you getting your head shots taken." He reminded me

"I know, you told me when I got here." I smirked

"Seems like you and Marinette are getting along."

The mansion doors creaked open.

"Yeah, she's pretty cool."

"Did you know she's a fashion designer too?"

"Noooo! I didn't, you stinker!" I said nudging him

"You dress pretty good; you obviously know what you like."

"Thanks, I love a ton of bands so I kind of just dress however I want.  I love my long sleeves and hats any day of the week, but something I really fell in love with was this long sleeve black and white button up shirt with a gray hood.  Too bad I left it back home, kept me so warm during the cold."

"You have a picture of it?"

I pulled out my phone and showed him the pic.

"Wow, that's really nice."

"Yeah, I know."

After I showed him it, he had a spark in his eye. I could tell he had an idea, but I'll ask him later.

Our shoes clicked against the marble steps walking up.

"I have a feeling after you get your head shots done, you'll be wearing awesome threads like that in no time! Even better!"

"Dude, thanks but enough." I said rolling my eyes

"I'm just saying, in addition to your music stuff you love, being a model would be a great thing too."

"I'll keep that in mind."

My hand slid across the soft, polished banister.

"You got a bit of time to kill before tonight, what do you wanna do?"

"I'll just play my guitar and the piano."

"Cool with me, have fun." Adrien said heading to his room

I grabbed my acoustic, and headed back downstairs. As I unzipped the case, my eyes caught that the piano lid wasn't propped up. A thought came to mind.

Can I lay on top of it? I mean, obviously I can; singers have done that a few times...but would it hold me?

"Oh who am I kidding? I weigh next to nothing compared to the piano anyway. Time to cross something off my bucket list!" I declared

With my guitar in hand, I hoisted myself onto the lid feeling the ultra-smooth gloss finish. Laying my head above the keys, the hairs on my neck stood up as the cold mother of instruments rested against me.

As if on cue I started finger-picking what I played last time. My fingers switched from position to position, and shape after shape. The capo was missing, but I didn't care. And honestly I didn't want to leave from here. Calluses on my fingers formed, I kept playing as I slowly let the last notes ring out and fade away.

A long exhale exited my lungs.

"Looks like someone's enjoying himself." Adrien said from the balcony

My nerves told me to jerk up in surprise, but they didn't comply.

"Yep, sup?"

"What're you doing?" He asked

"What do you think? Playing my guitar."

"While laying on your Great Aunt's piano."

"Shush."

"You're a weird cousin, you know that?"

"Ignoring that. Hey, can you take a picture of me like this?"

"Sure, weirdo."

"Hey! It's on my bucket list."

Adrien walked from the balcony to the foot of the piano.

"Get a good above view of me."

"Alright Mr. Photographer." He said rolling his eyes smirking

"Smile!" He said

I smiled holding my guitar close.

"Alright, you're good."

"Thanks." I said sliding off the piano

"I will admit, that's a first for me."

"Ha."

My phone dinged, and it told me that Adrien sent me the pic.

"Thanks for sending it."

"No prob."

With my guitar in its case, I took it to its rightful spot against my closet mirror. I slipped out of my street clothes and switched to another shorts and shirt pajama set. My phone vibrated on the dresser. I grabbed it as I laid back on my soft bed.

1 New Message

Alya: Hey (Reader,) good first day huh?

Reader: Yeah, your drum solo was TIGHT!

Alya: Haha, thanks. I'm mediocre.

Reader: Could've fooled me. ;)

Alya: Oh stop.

Reader: Stop what?

Alya: Quit acting like such a flirt, ya goof! You know how to make me and Mari blush, that's for sure.

Reader: If I was being a flirt, I'd be making unwanted advances towards you two, which I'm not.

Reader: And if I remember correctly, it was you and Marinette who put your hands on my shoulders.

Reader: Not that I minded.

Alya: One, you're right with not making advances to us. Two, you looked like you needed support after that bitch Chloe harassed you.

Reader: I handled myself just fine, yinz saw.

Alya: Well yeah, after we came to you n Adrien

Reader: And three? ;)

Alya: There is no "three."

Reader: Three, I just know nice things to say to girls. There's your 3.

Alya: Hahaha, you're a card you know that?

Reader: I do now.

Alya: So, ready for tonight?

Reader: As I'll ever be, looking forward to it

Alya: Good

Alya: I look pretty good in a dress. ;)

Reader: I bet.

Alya: No betting about it.

A call notification showed up.

I answered it, to my surprise; it was a video call.  Alya's smiling face showed up on my screen.

"Oh hey!  Didn't know this was a video call, almost put it to my ear.  Haha."

"Lookin good (Reader.)" She said

"It's just a black pajama set, nothing special.  Goofball." I said winking

"Whatever dude, you got a good sense of style."

"You too?  Adrien's telling me the same thing."

"He ain't lying, you got the look."

"Thanks."

"Hey, this lounge place we're heading to tonight, care to tell me more?"

"They play like big band music, that kind of stuff.  And it's outdoors, better dress warm.  Supposed to be a little chilly."

"Noted."

"So, how's your homework coming?"

"Wait, there was homework!?"

"Yeah, didn't you look in your bag?"

"I guess I'll have to start my tutoring with Marinette sooner than I thought."

"I can help ya too you know, just ask."

She smiled, white teeth and all.

The way her glasses circled her brown eyes, her long hair, white teeth; and cute mole on her forehead made me blush a bit.

She also had a nice figure too.  If she's taken, her boyfriend must be the luckiest guy on earth.

"What's this (Reader?) Are you blushing?" She teased

"N-No, I'm not blushing."

"Yeah you are, what is it?  Me?" She smirked

"I can't deny how good looking you are, that's for sure."

"Thank you (Reader.)"

"But I'll leave it at that."

"I'm not, what's the word....'off the market' if that's what you're insinuating."

"N-N-No, I-I'm just saying....you're quite the catch is all."

My face blushed even more, no point in hiding it.

"(Reader,) you're really sweet. You know that right?"

"Y-Yeah."

"I mean really sweet.  You must've been quite the magnet in the states."

"There were some, yeah.  But they never worked, got dumped no less than a day before I found out my parents died."

There was now an unbearable silence between the two of us.  Alya had this blank look of surprise, disgust, and grief all into one.

"......Pardon my French, no pun intended.  But she sounds like a total bitch!  Absolutely pathetic on her part!"

"....Yeah, thank God she didn't show up at the funeral.  If she did, I'd say she wasn't welcome there."

"Serves her right for making the biggest mistake of her life."

"Thanks Alya."

"But hey, on a more positive note.  I've seen how good you and Marinette seem to be getting along, given you two only met yesterday."

Finally, a change of subject.

"Yeah, she's really cool.  Not to mention sweet, cute, she's got a great smile."

Wait, am I actually saying this out loud?

"Hit the nails right on the heads my friend, I see the way you look at her."

"And so much for you being Mr. Quiet and Sweet, you literally confessed your feelings for her to me." She winked

"She's a smart, strong; and pretty woman."

My cheeks burned at this point.

"Yeah, alright.  Well, I'm done buggin ya for now.  Can't waste all my energy for that till tonight."

"See you tonight."

The video call ended, and all I wanted was a hot shower, and sleep.

Lots of sleep.

Thank God Adrien didn't use all the hot water this morning.  The steam filled the room and warmed me up.

The skylight window's let the rays of the sun in, adding more warmth on my body.  My short, thick brown hair got in my eyes.  I pushed it aside as the blue 3 in 1 body wash ran from my head to my eyes.

Stringing a hell of a lot made me rinse my head and finish up.

"AHHHHHHH!" I sighed walking out the door with more steam came out

"About time." Adrien said

"You'll never knock will you?"

"Nope.  Hurry up and get some clothes on, I gotta get you measured for your suit."

"Oh right, I almost forgot. Thanks."

"Marinette texted you too." He said walking out

Unlocking my phone, I read the text Marinette sent.

Marinette: Hey (Reader,) tonight will be fun, I know it.  Can't wait to learn more about you.

I quickly sprayed on some deodorant, and put on some jeans and a gray shirt.  Adrien took me to a different part of the mansion.  There a tailor was waiting for me.

"Ah, (Reader) Adrien requested for me to get your measurements."

"Yes." I replied

"Arms out." He said

I complied with him, and my measurements were done in minutes.

After that, Adrien lead me to what looked like another huge walk in closet in the back of the mansion.

"Pick whatever you like." He said

It didn't take long for me to settle with a simple black suit with gray trim, and a black tie with small blue stripes.  The dress shoes were a different problem though.  I either chose a pair that was to big, to tight, or was lose.

"What size are you?"

"10."

He grabbed another pair hoping these would fit, and fit they did.  Perfectly.  They didn't even flop up when I took a few steps.

"Lookin good my man. Have fun tonight."

"Thanks.  What're you gonna do?  Won't you get bored without me?" I asked nudging his arm

"Oh a little this, little that."

"Whatever that means."

We heard his limo honk outside the gates as I took in the setting sun as the sky was turning to dusk.

"Looks like they're here.  Good luck to ya."

Adrien walked me out to the gates.  Like the weirdo cousin he is, he opened the door with a serious look on his face that made Alya and Marinette chuckle.

"See ya." I said ducking my head

Adrien waved us off as the limo pulled away.

"Lookin sharp tonight (Reader.) You clean up nice." Alya said

"Thanks."

"Don't you go getting wandering eyes while we're at the lounge, I got my eyes on you." She teased

"Alya! Stop it.  He's not like that." Marinette said annoyed rolling her eyes

"You two are looking great tonight." I said

And breath taking they are.  Alya was wearing a strapless black dress, her short hair resting its self on her shoulders.  Marinette was wearing a red dress, her hair in their signature pigtails; and a pink flower resting on her left ear.

"Thanks." They said in unison

We were about to cross a bridge when Marinette told the driver to pull over.  I looked out the window, and the Eiffel Tower was across the river.  The two got out, Alya pulled out her phone!

"We gotta take a selfie!"

They took it in seconds.

"Looks good." Alya said satisfied

"Hey (Reader!) Get in here!" She called

"Where do you want me?" I asked

"Get in the middle." She said

Her camera shuttered as the water from the river rang in my ears.

"Perfect." I said

"One more, put your arms on us.  Don't be shy." Alya smirked

"Alya come on, quit teasing him." Marinette said

"It's fine." I said resting my arms across their shoulders

I hoped this was the last one.  I didn't let my annoyance show, I smiled; teeth and all.

"Alright, let's get there before I-we're late." Marinette said rushing us back into the limo

We soon arrived, and Alya lead us to an elevator inside the main entrance.

"Did I also mention that it's on the top floor too?" She said

"You always keep details like this from your friends?"

"Nope, just you."

Marinette brought her lips to my right ear.

"You'll see me again in a bit." She said walking out ahead of us as the elevator door opened

Me and Alya grabbed a table in the center close to the stage.  The smell of cigarette smoke filled the air.  On the table was one of those flip-top lighters, silver no less.  Another thing I left behind in the states.

I held it upside down, pinched it as the body of it flipped open, spun it between my fingers; striking the spark wheel lighting it.  The flame danced low then high as I shut it.

"Got any more tricks up your sleeve?" Alya asked impressed

"Observe." I said

"The drop spark."

I raised the lighter, flipped open the lid, slammed it on the table and lighting it again.  Snapping the lid shut while the flame danced in the wind.

"Know any other tricks with that thing?"

"I can go all night." I said

Alya chuckled.

"Seriously." I smirked

"Hot spin."

Flicked the spark wheel and swung it between my hand once, twice-

I then almost dropped it halfway through the second spin.

And the third, flipping it shut.

"Nice (Reader!) I'm impressed, you gotta show me how to do those." Alya said

"Just look on the internet and practice a bunch.  Without the flame preferably." I chuckled

"There's one more trick I'd show you, but I don't wanna catch my suit on fire."

"Alrighty then, you pyromaniac."

I noticed a pack of cigarettes on the table too, I took one out and light it.  The tobacco seemed to be packed in pretty far.

"What are you doing!?" Alya said

"Lighting a cigarette, what's it look like?"

"You're gonna end up dead if you keep that up!"

"Relaaaaaaax, I just light it." I said resting it in the ashtray admiring the smoke

A waiter came over to us.

"Voulez-vous quelque chose à boire? C'est sur la maison sur les compliments de M. André Bourgeois." The waiter said

Great, another reminder I'm terrible with French.

"He asked what you wanted to drink, and it's on the Mayor's dime."

"On the Mayor's dime, I'll have the most expensive beer they have."

Alya went on to translate.

"Nous aurons deux des bières les plus chères."

I got a lot of French ahead of me.

"I'm having what you're having." She said

"Sweet."

I brought the still-smoking cigarette back between my left pointer and middle fingers.

Moments later, our drinks came just as the show was about to start.

https://youtu.be/n3SemSO0XsM

The lights dimmed, and Marinette was at the mic stand as the band behind her started to play.

She looked stunning in her dress.

"This one goes to a special friend of mine in the audience tonight." She said as people around us cheered

I was completely surprised; I couldn't stop smiling.

I see you lookin' 'round the corner

Come on inside and pull up a chair

No need to feel like a stranger

Cause we're all a little strange in here.

Have you got a history that needs erasing?

Did you come in just for the beer and cigarettes?

"WOOOOOOOO!  I DID!" I cheered as the smoke from my cigarette rose to the sky

A broken down dream you're tired of chasing

Oh, well I'm just the girl to make you forget.

So we're glad you dropped by

Come in and loosen up your tie

Alya did just that with my tie.

Have a drink or maybe just one more

But if you're searchin' for something to bring you comfort

Oh well, I'm the one you're lookin' for.

Now is your motor running close to empty?

Or are you runnin' from yourself?

You're thirsty for a brand new kind of pleasure?

Or are you hungry to be somebody else?

So sit down your pretty face

You came to the right place

Oh, where every night it starts once more

I'm telling you friend, your search is at an end

Cause I'm the one you're lookin' for.

"Hmmm hm hm hm hmmmmmmmm" She hummed

The audience, including me went wild!  A few people behind me whistled loudly.

Me, I can't whistle that loudly.  Unfortunately.

"So, what'd ya think? Was it worth getting away from the mansion for a while?" Alya asked

I unbuttoned the top of my suit coat.

"You have no idea Alya, no idea. I had no clue Marinette could sing that good!"

"She's full of surprises, I can tell you that."

The waiter came back to our table.

"Rien d'autre?" He asked

"Want anything else?"

"A tall glass of Franzia Merlot."

"Un grand verre de Franzia Merlot."

The waitor walked back to the bar.

"So Alya."

"Yes (Reader?)"

I leaned my left arm on the table, resting my head on my knuckles.

"How'd you pull this off?  Amazing lounge, great drinks; the smell of cigarette smoke, and on the Mayor's dime?  There's no way someone like you could've gotten us in here." I said smirking

"Actually, my western friend, yes there is." She said lightly punching my shoulder

She went on explaining.

"My Mom's a chef here and she pulled some strings for us.  It's her you should be thanking." She said smiling

"And, speak of the devil." She continued

"There's my girl." Alya's Mom said happily

Alya got up from her seat and hugged her Mother.  I rose up from my seat the same time as her.

"And who's this handsome man with you?  Is he your date?  You didn't tell me you'd bring this piece of eye candy with you." She said

Woah, even her Mom is making me blush.

My cheeks burned as Alya took her seat.

"This is (Reader,) and he's not my date Mom; he's the new guy at school."

"I-It's very nice to meet you Mrs...." I trailed off extending my hand

"Cesaire" She said firmly shaking my hand

"Cesaire, excuse my extremely bad French pronunciation." I said

"Oh, don't worry about it (Reader.) Are you enjoying your evening so far?" She asked

"So far, it's been great. I had no clue Marinette had a set of amazing pipes." I said

Alya's Mom looked at me with wide eyes.

Oh shit! Oh shit! That came out wrong!

"I-I-I mean! Great voice! She's got a great voice." I said trying to recover

Her Mom laughed.

"Got ya!"

"Now I know where Alya gets the jokester part of her from.  Even more of those beautiful looks of hers." I said

"Quite the charmer you are too young man. You'll make a very special girl happy one day."

"Hmhm, thanks." I said

"You guys order anything yet besides drinks?" She asked

"Actually, I was just gonna ask you that (Reader.) What do you want?" Marinette asked

"W-Where were? H-H-What? How long have you been there?" I asked seeing her take a seat next to Alya

"Oh long enough to see The Charmer blush." She said teasingly

"Cute." I replied

"Just get me whatever they're having." I said to Mrs. Cesaire

She brought all 3 of us close.

"Anything you guys want, my treat." She whispered

"Thanks Mom." Alya said

"Thank you again Mrs. Cesaire for getting us reservations, this night has been excellent."

"You're most certainly welcome (Reader.)  I'm glad you're enjoying yourself." She said

Her Mom walked back and disappeared behind a set of double swinging doors.  I took my seat next to Alya as some of the crowd seemed to thin out.

"So, what did you think?  You like my song?" Marinette asked

"Yeah!  You were great, seems like you've been practicing for a long time."

"Several months actually.  Even though it was lower than my normal pitch, I'd say I did pretty good."

"Marinette, you killed it as far as I'm concerned." I said impressed

"Aww, thanks (Reader.)"

My Franzia Merlot finally came at the same time as our food.

"Thank you." I said

"You're welcome." He replied

As time went on, we ate, drank; and made the last cigarettes burn to the filters with some creativity.

In between our drinks and meals, we, well mostly upon Alya and Marinette's endless requests; I told them how my life was back in the states.

"So I was kinda just going through the motions in school, but music is the main thing I'm good at.  Wrote a couple songs lyrically, fooled around with my guitars and piano, then all of a sudden I got flown in here." I said

"Aside from the....loss of your parents, it seemed like you were living a great life there." Marinette said

"Yeah, I know I'll miss it, one day I'd like to go back."

I sighed.

"Never in a million years would I have known I'd end up in the City of Love." I said bringing the wine glass to the sky watching the stars glisten in the wine's reflection

I took another sip.

"But, that's enough about me. I wanna hear about yinz." I said smiling

A cold breeze blew past me as I shivered.  It's cold even with my suit on.

"You alright?" Marinette asked

"Just a cold wind, I'm fine." I said

"Really?  A cold wind, it's not even that chilly.  You gotta get out in the sun more." Alya joked

"Yeah.  Marinette?  What's your story?"

"Well, not much really.  My dream one day is to become a famous fashion designer.  I entered a derby hat once in this competition being judged by Adrien's Dad." She said

"She won!" Alya butted in

"Must've been a good looking derby hat."

"Y-yeah.  I was just as surprised.  Chloe copied my design, but I proved mine was the original."

"Sweet.  Are hats the main thing you design?"

"No, that was just a thing for school.  I design whatever comes to mind."

"Sounds like you have a ton of fun with it.  I'm no fashion designer, but I love wearing cool stuff." I said

"Alya tells me you've got the look; she's right you know."

"Thanks.  Still waiting on Adrien for getting my headshots taken."

"When you do your first photoshoot, you better let me know."

"Us! Us know." Alya said

"R-right."

"I'd say we had a pretty enjoyable night, wouldn't you?" Alya asked

"Yeah, this was the best!" I said

"Let's take another selfie before we go!"

We all walked to the railing and snapped the last picture of the night, with the Eiffel Tower perfectly in the background.  The stars plastered the sky perfectly.

"The limo should be here by now, let's head home." Marinette said

"Wait, not before I grab my souvenirs from tonight." I said taking my empty wine glass and slipping the flip top lighter in my pocket

"I don't think the Mayor will mind." I said as we got into the elevator

"Nah, I doubt it." Marinette said

"Whatever you pyromaniac." Alya said

The elevator doors revealed the limo waiting patiently for us.  We piled in and the ride back to the mansion started.

"Tonight was really fun, I enjoyed it a ton."

"Good. See you tomorrow?" Marinette said

"For what?  Don't we have the day off tomorrow?"

"N-not that I mind seeing you again that is." I said blushing

"You're getting an early start on your tutoring, that's what." Marinette said poking my arm

"Don't be such a 'buzzkill,' can't we just enjoy the rest of the night?" I said

"Yeah, I just wanted to annoy you a bit.  Can't let Alya have all the fun."

The limo stopped at the mansion gates, I got out as did Alya and Marinette.

"Hey, I'm glad you enjoyed your night." Alya said pulling me into a warm hug

"Thanks."

We separated as Marinette gave me a hug of her own.  It was warm just like Alya's, she tightened it a bit.

"You give the greatest hugs.  See you tomorrow." She said

The limo pulled away as soon as Alya got in.

"Wait! You forgot-"

"You'll thank me later!" Alya hollered from the back with her hair blowing in the wind

Marinette turned to me with an irritated look on her face.

"Don't look at me, I didn't know she'd do that."

"Well, looks like tonight I'm crashing with you and.....Adriennnnnn." She said kind of zoned out

I turned to see him walking to the gates as they unfolded.

"You like him?" I asked

"I-It's embarrassing.....it's more.....m-more like a hopeless crush."

"It doesn't sound hopeless to me.  Seems to me you really like my cousin." I said

"Whenever I try to talk to him, I become a stuttering mess and I always make a fool of myself." She said

"Hm." I said

"Hey (Reader)-....H-Hey Marinette, what're you doing here?"

"You tell me, your limo driver sped away before I could get in with Alya."

Adrien looked at me with an unamused expression.

"I already told her, I had nothing to do with it.  Seems like Alya planned it with her 'you'll thank me later' bit."

From the corner of my eye I saw her send and reply to a few texts.

"My uhhh.....M-My Mom said it was okay for me to stay here tonight."

"Hey, you're always welcome here Mari." Adrien said

Mari? I thought I made that up, guess not.

"There's another guest bedroom next to (Reader's.)  I'll dig through my stuff and hopefully find something you'll like for tonight." Adrien said

"T-T-Thanks A-Adrien." She said as he disappeared into his room

"It seems that you like him a lot." I said

"Yeah, but like I said, I'm a stuttering mess when I talk to him.  Plus, I don't even know if he likes me back."

"Did you guys ever hang out?  Or do something special for him?" I asked as we ascended the steps

"I made him a light blue scarf for his Birthday, but I didn't get the chance to tell him it was from me.  But the happiness I saw on his face was enough, even if I never get to tell him."

"You're really thoughtful and kind, I just wish more people would see that."

"Thanks (Reader.)"

"Be back out in a few." I said closing my door behind me

I placed the wine glass and lighter on the left side end table, and took off my suit, hanging everything up.  My dress shoes rested next to my tennis shoes.  The black pajama shorts and shirt were folded perfectly on my bed, prompting me to answer their call to wear them.

Opening my bedroom door, Marinette discarded her red evening dress for a perfect fitting black shirt similar to mine with gray along the edges, and red and pink lounge pants.

"Y-You look.....you look nice." I said

"Thanks, you too. Can I come in?"

"Sure." I said sitting on the edge of my bed, leaning forward resting my elbows on my thighs

"What's up?"

Marinette mimicked my posture.

"Alya told me what happened to you the day before you lost your parents.  I want to be upfront and speak my mind about it."

"It's fine, go ahead."

".......Whoever that girl was, the way she treated you before going through the worst thing in the world......she never deserved your heart. Never."

"........Thanks, I was thinking the same right after she told me."

"I want you to know, you can come to me if something's troubling you.  Me and Alya. We have your back, unlike her."

"Thanks."

She pulled me into another one of her warm, heartfelt hugs.  It seemed stronger than the one before, way stronger.

Her arms were around my back, I did the same.

"You're a great guy, don't let anyone say otherwise. Please."

"Alright." I said softly

I could feel Marinette tense up as the last word left my lips.  We soon separated and watched her walk out.

"Goodnight, see you in the morning."

"Night, sleep well."

"You too."

Brrrzzzzzzt.

Alya: New Picture Message

Alya: Figured I'd send you the selfie me and Marinette took. I'm glad you had fun tonight, it was a blast. See you soon.