Dance with Me, Chaton

Community Service

Chat Noir: Good morning. I'm back in Paris, so, whenever you want to chat, just let me know the time and place, and I'll be there.

Adrien put the cell phone back in his pocket, not expecting a reply. When the device vibrated, his breathing hitched. He snatched the phone back.

Ladybug: Do you really think you have a better chance of getting that meeting by texting me at 5 am?

Chat Noir: I'm sorry. I didn't want to wake you up. You once told me you always put your phone on Do Not Disturb mode for the night, so I assumed you'd be asleep at this hour and get the message only upon waking up. I'm sorry.

Chat Noir: Why are you awake at this hour, if I may ask?

Ladybug: Working on my portfolio. I want to earn that job myself, not get in because of you. Why are you awake so early? Plagg's kicking your butt again?

Chat Noir: You're overestimating my abilities, Marinette. Gabriel's reputation isn't what it used to be. None of those houses would hire anyone based on a recommendation from my Father alone. It was your work that got their attention and it will be your designs that will get you that job.

Chat Noir: And we took an overnight train back to Paris. Just arrived at the station. But yes, he still kicks my butt every day.

It took her a few moments to reply but Adrien was happy she did it at all.

Ladybug: I'll text you the time and place later. Busy right now.

Chat Noir: I'll be eagerly awaiting.

Chat Noir: And just a reminder I'll be coming to the Kwami Kave tonight, in case you'd rather avoid me.

Ladybug: :thumbs-up:

***

"Have you lost your shame?" Gabriel's voice ripped through the comfortable chatter of surrounding them people at a random Parisian cafe. "You're an Agreste, Adrien. You can't be seen in public with unkempt, homeless people."

"I really hope he isn't talking about me." Plagg made a face. "Do I look like homeless to you, Adrien? I knew I should've ironed this shirt. Great! Now, our date is ruined."

"A date?" The strangled noise that escaped his father was as close as the sound of fingernails slowly dragged along the chalkboard as could be.

Adrien snorted.

"So, you are into older men now?" Gabriel spat.

"Mid-thirties aren't that old." Plagg pouted dramatically. "Plus, I dare to say, I look way younger than my age, unlike you... M Agreste, I assume?"

"This has gone far enough, Adrien," Gabriel continued to address Adrien, ignoring Plagg. "I got your message. You've got what you wanted. Now, stop. Don't embarrass me any further."

Adrien was struggling to regain his speech when Plagg leaned in, and taking his hand, purred across the table. "Adrien, dear. We got caught. What shall we do? What'll happen to our happiness?"

Adrien full out laughed.

Gabriel stepped to stand between them at the side of the table. "Let's go," he said. "I don't want you in public with this individual."

"Meouch." Plagg dramatically frowned as he pouted. "What did I do to you, old man? I'm only trying to make your son happy."

Gabriel's face drowned in crimson. "Adrien, if you won't go this instant—"