Revealed at last

Part 4

Marinette's POV:

I step out of the shower, my feet almost sliding on the wet floor.

Me and Alya had gone shopping last night at the mall. We had gone to multiple dress stores before finding the perfect dresses. Alya had purchased a deep emerald green dress, it covered her shoulders entirely and flowed down into an elegant round neckline. The dress passed just past her knees showing off her black heels and matched it with a black mask.

My dress had been found after hers, at the last shop. A nice little boutique, almost hidden by a large grocery store. The dress had been perfect.

The dress was a deep red and covered my shoulders with 2 spaghetti straps and flowed down into a stylish sweetheart neckline. It's a relaxed fit which made the dress most enjoyable to wear and look at. My arms were completely uncovered, showing off my fine porcelain skin. The dresses waist was broad but a tight fit. A small, elegant black belt helped accentuate my waist. Below the waist, the dress widens and has multiple layers towards the bottom. The dress reaches to just below my knees and is the same length all around. The black mask adjourned with sparkling jewelry that I had chosen, perfectly matches the set.

The dance starts in two hours and Alya is on her way.

I am going with Adrien. Adrien Agreste, my crush since forever. Even if he only started talking to me again because we know each others alter egos. I know Cat Noir likes me, but does he love Ladybug so much that he would fall in love with Marinette so quickly? Does he like Marinette or just Ladybug?

I put on a bathrobe and think back to the events of this week.

Me and Adrien had barely spoken. He hadn't sat down at my table during lunch again. We talked when I told him that me and Alya were going to go together instead of him picking me up and when he came to my locker two days ago.

After second period I was putting my books away when he came over and leaned against the locker next to mine; "How are you doing bugaboo?"

I couldn't help but blush at that familiar nickname.

A knock came from downstairs. Alya has arrived. I rush down to welcome her.

"Are you ready girl!" Alya said enthusiastically, stepping up to the ladder leading to my bedroom.

"Yess!" I pump an arm into the air.

We both get dressed and put on a faint layer of makeup. Alya applies a light coat of rouge on my eye lids and thick mascara on my long curled lashes.

I left my hair down and curled it, Alya had a similar hairstyle.

Our dresses flow around our knees as we grab our shoes, the black heels at the back of my closet were perfect, and our masks. I grab my red purse with black dots and Tikki flies in. When Alya turns, I assure her that I will leave at the first sign of an Akuma.

My mother calls us from downstairs, claiming she is ready to go. She has assigned herself as our personal chauffer for the masquerade.

We climb inside the car as the sun begins to set, giving way to a cloudless night. The early spring breeze almost made me shiver.

Me, Alya and my mom discuss school and the weather as we head towards school.

Upon arrival, we look out the side windows. The school is filled with students and chaperones entering and leaving the school.

I look over at the clock on the dashboard. We are five minutes late.

Alya notices my gaze and winks, "fashionably late."

I can't help but notice my nerves as we hop out the car and my mother kisses me on the cheek.

"Have fun sweetheart"

Me and Alya walk up the busy staircase, looking left and right for Adrien or Nino, and enter the area where the dance is taking place. Still looking, we head towards our group of friends in the far courner.

Rose and Juleka, having came together, stand close to each other with matching masks. Sabrina and Max stand together, chatting. The four of them are the only ones who have arrived.

Me and Alya approach and the four turn. We all exchange compliments and thoughts on the decorations.

"I love your guys' masks!" Alya exclaims.

Rose turns to me, "I thought you weren't coming?"

Alya nudges me, "Adrien invited her."

I blush as Rose and Juleka gasp.

They are about to respond when the music suddenly gets louder. The steady rhythm taking over the now crowded room.

"Come on," Alya tugs at my arm, but I hesitate and she rolls her eyes, "they will find us."

I laugh and we join the tide of students. The swaying bodies take me over and soon I forget of my problems. I am not Ladybug here, just Marinette.

At the end of the song Alya tugs me towards the drinks.

"Already," I yell over the blaring music.

She puts her finger to her mouth as she takes two cups of juice. Taking out her purse she slips her hairbrush casually out and unscrews the top.

"Alya!" I exclaim in surprise as she cackles and pours the clear alcohol inside the drinks.

"I am not drinking this," I say as I cross my arms, facing away from her.

"Come on Marinette, lets live a little," she sputters as she drinks from her cup.

I want to resist but I can't. Just for tonight. There's to much temptation as I tip the cup back and drink it's contents.

Alya grabs my arm and drags me back into the tide of students as I gasp. My head gets cloudier but I dance and laugh with my friends. I can't help but smile and be happy. I tip my head back, savoring the moment, a smile on my face.

I look back up and spot someone looking back at me from across the room. Those unmistakable green eyes peering out from under a black mask with dark green dots. The alcohol seemed to have left my system because I am well aware of everything.

He's wearing a casual shirt and buttoned it up fully to support the elegant green tie he's wearing. On top of the shirt he's wearing a sleek vest with 6 buttons, it has a fairly deep v-line, which causes the vest to line up perfectly with the jacket's v-line when it's button up.

The jacket is slightly longer at the back, there's a pocket on either side and there's a breast pocket which has been filled with a matching dark green square.

He's wearing black pants that match his black converse.

I stop dancing and we stare at each other. He takes a step towards me, taking in what I'm wearing and a grin slides onto his face.

He closes the space between us.

"M'lady," he takes my hands, "you looking absolutely stunning."

"You are late," I respond hitting him lightly in the shoulder.

He leans into my ear, enough to smell the expensive cologne clinging to him, "We had patrol M'lady." Crap. I forgot about our daily patrols. " And since a certain someone didn't show up, it took a little longer." Adrien's grin widens and is eyes sparkle.

I gave an apologetic smile, "let's dance."

We join back to our group. Nino has arrived and is dancing with Alya.

And we dance.