Accident of the Evening

Royal Disaster

Adrien adjusted his tie in the mirror and let out a sigh as Plagg meowed on the bench beside him.

"I know, but an Agreste has to be there," Adrien muttered. "I'm only staying for a little while, then I have to leave so Chat Noir can arrive." He felt his stomach knot as he thought about Ladybug.

They had been so close earlier, they had danced moved so nicely and he had felt... something. And then they had gone for coffee as if nothing had happened before she left to help Marinette. She seemed close to the designer, considering Marinette wouldn't have let Chat Noir see his designs, let alone help with the process.

Plagg meowed and Adrien looked down at him, scratching behind his ear. The black creature purred before pressing his head against Adrien's shirt, nuzzling him and also enabling loose black fur to attach to Adrien's white shirt. The cat the pulled away and leapt off the counter before slinking off and Adrien rolled his eyes, taking the lint roller from a drawer and running it over shirt.

He then moved to the front door, slipping his tuxedo jacket over his shoulders and grabbing his keys and wallet as he did. He called goodbye to Plagg and locked his home, heading down the elevator to Gideon who was waiting with the car, also dress in a tux.

"When you need to switch identities, please let me know so I can appear to escort you home," Gideon explained as he drove to Le Grand Paris.

There were a swarm of people out the front, photographers, press and fangirls and boys alike. The Mayor had ensured there be a red carpet at such events and with a sigh, Adrien pulled on his simple black mask his father had commissioned and put on a smile as Gideon opened the door to the walkway.

Adrien smiled like he was at a regular shoot, though it was difficult with all the fans screaming his name. He was stopped by Nadja Chamack who asked him a few questions and he gave the normal spiel about how great it was to be there and how humbled he was to be such an honoured guest.

"And so, Adrien, what do you know of these mysterious Ladybug and Chat Noir dancers who hail from your university?" she asked, her amber eyes careful not to miss a detail.

"I think they are incredibly talented and I can't wait to see them. It takes a lot to be recognised as a talented dancer and thanks to local journalists like Lady Wifi, they have been able to gain a fan-base before hitting it big," Adrien smiled, pleased with himself for mentioning Alya. He was sure she would appreciate it, Marinette too probably.

"That is very kind of you. Oh, Mister Agreste, what can you say to shed any light on these rumours of your family hailing from royalty?" She asked, pushing the microphone a little closer to him. Adrien swallowed the lump in his throat but gave a small smile.

"I don't know much about it, I'm afraid. Sounds like another rumour to me; now if you'll excuse me, I have to move inside," he added smoothly. He thanked her and shook her hand before continuing down the walkway.

He stopped to pose for photos and signed things for fans who were practically throwing things towards him. Adrien tried to give each fan as much time as he could without increasing his exposure in the cameras. He didn't want to think about the royal side of his family, he just wanted to go inside and look for Ladybug to dance with her before he could slip away and return anonymous.

"Adrikins!" He looked up to see a girl in glittering gold wave at him from the entry. He handed back the autograph book before making his way to Chloé, who smelled strongly of perfume and hairspray. She clutched him close in a hug and air-kissed his cheek, determined not to smudge her lip gloss. He took a step back and took in her dress.