More than a Marichat tale

!THE DANCE!

Marinette and Adrien stepped into the hall.
It was beautifully decorated. Balloons floated against the ceiling. Multiple tables were lined up against the other wall. Snacks and drinks had
been placed all across the tables.
Disco lights were flashing colours and projectors lit of the ceiling with patterns.
In the furthest corner to their right, a DJ was standing, playing hip-hop tracks.

It was pretty full, but enough space to move around without bumping into people.
There was girls and boys dancing and drinking and talking.

'Let's look for Alya and Nino,' Marinette suggested.
Adrien took her hand, 'is this okay?'
Marinette suddenly felt very hot, 'Yes,' she responds, but she's not looking at him. Her eyes scan the hall for her friends... and also somebody else she hopes is making an appearance.

It's one night.
It's not real
This means nothing to him.
She kept telling herself.

Adrien was lost in his own thoughts too.
Is this really happening? I'm holding hands with Marinette, with Ladybug!

'Omg there you are!' Alya said as she hugged Marinette. 'You look like such a queen!'
'So do youu' Marinette hugged her back tightly.

Nino and Adrien did their long handshake.

'So are you guys official yet?' Marinette asked softly as she leaned her head against Alya's and they looked at the floor.
'Yes yes, but we haven't told anyone about it so..'
'Oh yeh yeh of course', she lifted her head and gestured zipping her lips.

'We're going to get drinks' Nino told the girls and then him and Adrien walked over to the drinks table.

'Does that mean they're going to bring us drinks too?' Marinette frowned, 'I don't really know how this all works.'
'Oh I have no idea either, girl', Alya shrugged. 'So feelings coming back? Do you love Adrien once again? You seemed recently to have drifted away from him. I didn't want to say anything before.'

Oh lord.. Is it that obvious
'It's complicated... there might be someone else.'
'What! Now suddenly?? After all this time and finally some progress is made and NOW you're moving on?!'
'Shh keep your voice down!' Marinette said in a whisper-shout, 'Listen I—

They were interrupted.
'Two drinks for the ladies' Nino bowed his head and gave them each a filled paper cup.
Adrien passed a cup to Nino, and they all held them up and bumped them gently in the middle.

'Cheers to another school year that is almost over' Adrien took a sip.
'Half a term left!' Alya added and drank.
'Cheers to my friends and family' Marinette sipped.
'Cheers to moving out soon!' Nino chugged his whole drink.

'You still have another full year Nino' Adrien told him.
'ok ok I don't care. I'm trying to be positive here.'

'Let's dance' Alya grabbed Marinette's and Nino's hand. With her free hand, Mari pulled Adrien along.

An upbeat song played as they danced.

'Hey Mari-trash'
Chloe has sashayed over to them. 'I've just come to check your dress hasn't outshone mine' she smirked.

Marinette rolled her eyes and reluctantly looked at Chloe's dress.

'You dirty rotten-' Marinette made a sudden jolt forward as if to grab Chloe but before she could reach her, she felt a warm pair of hands wrap firmly around her torso.

'Let me!' She fought to get free.
Adrien tucked Mari's hair behind her right ear 'no it's okay' he whispered, chin leaning lightly on her right shoulder.

'She stole the dress I hand stitched and designed!'
'WHAT' Alya shouted, 'THAT BI-'
Nino stood in front of her, 'sh sh shh.. we don't want to attract attention'

The music was loud enough for unwanted ears to not overhear

'Let's get them outside' Nino said to Adrien.

They pulled the girls away and outside.
There was a gravel path outside.
They all started walking down the gravel path.

Alya and Nino went onto the field and Marinette and Adrien kept walking.

'What's the time?' she asked.
'Um' Adrien glanced at his watch, 'just gone 10'.
They went over to a tree and lay on their backs, on the grass, side by side.

'Look at how beautiful the stars are' Adrien said.
'I know right. I could lie under them all night'

Was she hinting something?

'Me too'
'Why'd you come here with me though.. like actually? Because you felt sorry for me? That guy asked me'
'No!' Adrien blurted, 'it's not like that, I swear!'

It went really quiet.

'Why did you agree to come with me?'
'I didn't want to let you down'
'Is that it?'

No..
'Yes'
'Ok' she muttered.

Marinette sat up.
Adrien noticed and sat up too.
They looked at each other.

'I-' Mari sighed. She started leaning in.
Adrien just froze. Marinette noticed and stopped just before his lips. Hesitating. Was this what she wanted? She didn't know anymore. She didn't want to do something she couldn't take back.
'I can't. I'm so sorry' Marinette spoke and got up and ran.

'No wait, Mari!' Adrien ran after her.

Marinette had stopped and Adrien stood next to her.
Lila stood in front on them.
Drink in hand. smirking.

Adrien rolled his eyes, 'Where did you come from'.
'Your dad's bed' she replied.

But before Adrien had time respond, Lila had stepped forward and threw her drink up ALL OVER Marinette's dress.

Lila threw her cup on the ground dramatically. She reached out her palm to touch Adrien's chest.
'Remember what I said about revenge. ITS. NOT. OVER.'