Miraculous Games

Chapter Six

Chapter Six:

Marinette stood awkwardly at the front doors of the Capital's council hall. Lights flashed in the windows, color brushing the steps out front every few seconds. Did she have the courage to go inside?

Behind her, Nathanael put a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, we can do this."

She turned to look at him. His fox ears were sitting crookedly on his head, and she couldn't help but giggle. Facing him, she carefully set them back into their previous position. His hair was so soft. When she was done, he slipped his hand into hers.

"Together?" He questioned.

His fingers were so comforting, even with the red gloves he had on, and they sent a spark through her. Marinette set her jaw confidently and squeezed Nathan's hand. If he could do it, so could she.

"Together."

She turned toward the entrance. Nathanael pushed open the door and sound rolled out of the open entryway. Dance music was playing as if to keep everyone from thinking they were about to be doomed. Charms were dancing on the dance floor, chatting at tables, and conversing with future sponsors. Marinette gulped, but Nathanael lead her to one of the decorated tables. He pulled out a seat for her, and once she was comfortable, he sat next to her.

During that time, Marinette was scanning the room. Chloe and her friend were flirting with a group of the male Charms. Just the sight of it made Marinette sick. Chloe was an idiot, a very pompous idiot.

"Water?" One of the servers asked politely. Marinette looked up at them. It was a young man about her age with thick-rimmed glasses and hazel brown eyes. He was wearing a turtle costume to match the theme of the party, a board across his back acting as his shell.

"Oh, yes please," she replied. The servant poured her a glass, and while he did so, Marinette caught his name on his tag: Nino.

"Thank you, Nino," she acknowledged. He gave her a sly smile.

"You're welcome, Ladybug."

Once Nino left, Nathanael nudged Marinette. "Why is everyone calling you Ladybug?"

"They're supposed to call you by your costume animal," she replied, looking around the room. She pointed at Chloe. "See that girl there, dressed as a bee? By the way she's being treated, she's probably being called Queen Bee." Nathanael snickered as she pointed to another person dressed like a peacock.

"And him? Probably-"

The person turned. Marinette stopped abruptly.

It was Adrien Agreste.

Marinette couldn't help but stare. His hair swooped to the left, and the feathered mask he wore framed his green eyes perfectly. His suit was designed to look like a peacock. The underlying color was grey, but they designer must have found a way to ombre the turquoise blue to green on top of it. His suit tail was layered with peacock feathers, and they only hung a foot above the ground. Around the back of his shoulders and connecting at his neck were even more feathers.

"Probably what?" Nathanael asked innocently, not even looking at who she was staring at.

Marinette swallowed hard and attempted to adjust her mask. He wouldn't recognize her with the costume, would he?

"P-probably Adrien Agreste," she finally stated. Nathan, upon realizing why she was so flustered over the boy, sat up a little taller.

Then, their eyes met. Adrien's perfect green met Marinette's soft blue. She squeaked and gripped Nathanael's hand for support as he walked toward her. Nathan gave her hand a comforting squeeze, not unlike the one they had shared when they had first walked in.