Dance with Me, Chaton

Akuma

Adrien skipped however many working days were left in the week. His fear of the itch coming back at the most inconvenient moment aside, he wasn't sure he'd be able to face Marinette after the stunt he'd pulled. As far as his father was concerned, Adrien's cold was still in full swing. Gabriel would know better if he cared to call to check on his son, but alas, that was a dream not of this reality.

His mind, however, was preoccupied with another miracle: Ladybug was willing to reveal herself to Chat Noir. Not just willing; she'd insisted they meet and continue their friendship as their civilian selves. She wouldn't make it easy for him, though. No. His Lady wanted to have fun with their reveal, and so, Adrien would have to find her. Her cell phone would be turned off, so he couldn't text her and see who replied. Her clothes wouldn't be giving her away, and her hair wouldn't be tied in her signature pigtails. Ladybug wouldn't be looking for him, and she certainly wouldn't dance the way she could.

A tough call, Adrien knew that. But he could do it. He believed he could. Not for his father. No. Gabriel had proven to have less than decent intentions. Adrien, on the other hand, couldn't deny anymore: he was smitten. Possibly in love. Slowly, over the last few weeks, he'd gotten to know this incredible woman over their texts. The images of her dancing hadn't left his mind ever since she'd honoured him to witness her, and when he'd entered the Club Akuma on that Saturday night, Adrien had wished for nothing more than to have finally met her and see if they could build something more than a friendship.

One part of his strategy was to not give himself away and make Ladybug avoid him. As far as she knew, Chat Noir was going to come alone since Ladybug was his date if he could find her. Adrien Agreste brought Nino as his plus one, and Nino came in a package with Alya, so with two people in tow, Adrien Agreste couldn't be Chat Noir. He also dressed in a white shirt and light blue jeans, a drastic contrast to Chat Noir's black assemble. His hair was impeccably styled, and if Adrien would be forced to dance, it'd be either a moonwalk or a robot. No Chat Noir is his sane mind would embarrass himself with those moves, knowing that his Lady might be watching.

"So," Nino said as they settled near the bar. "We're gonna go dance if you don't mind. Don't drink too much, dude."

Adrien groaned. "When will you let this go, Nino? I've learned my lesson."

"I know you did." Nino winked and took Alya's hand. "Just a little reminder. See you later, bro."

In a moment, the duo dashed off to a dance floor. Adrien looked around. Most of the space was dedicated to the dance floor, but all around the perimeter, there were niches and lounges with seating and tables. People were already occupying most of those, and if Ladybug wouldn't be dancing, could she possibly be there? Adrien hummed. She could still dance, just not up to her full potential. However, he should check out those niches despite. Just in case.

"Want a drink?" the barman asked.

"No, thanks," Adrien replied. "I don't do well with alcohol."

"We have a bunch of non-alcoholic cocktails."

"Maybe later," Adrien said and stood up. He'd better start his search, mingling. Ladybug was petite and slim. Her dark hair with red streaks could be a wig, so that detail was useless. But he knew her eyes were blue. She let it slip a few days ago, and of course, her bubbly, smart, bold, and fun character, he'd recognize anywhere.

"Hey, Adrien?"

He turned to a lounge from which his name sounded. Marinette smiled and waved.

"Want to help me destroy them?"

The people on the couches chuckled as a pair that stood behind Marinette arrogantly smirked at him. It looked like a challenge, and if Marinette looked so smug, Adrien bet it was a fun one at that. Plus, if he'd appeared busy with whatever Marinette was offering to him, Ladybug wouldn't suspect him to be Chat Noir, all while he would subtly monitor the area. Adrien grinned, walking closer.