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Dangerous Games	By : Cat_Eyes Category: +M through R > Miraculous LadyBug Views: 11603 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Miraculous Ladybug. Miraculous Ladybug is the intellectual property of Thomas Astruc and released by Zag studios. No profit was made writing this story.

Chapter List
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With the Gabriel fashion show beginning that weekend, Marinette was determined to finish her share of the work during the week. She began her days at seven o'clock, and didn't finish until six in the evening. Mathéo was impressed by her dedication, particularly in light of her recent untimely absences, and congratulated her on her work ethic.
While she was focussed on her work, her mind was too distracted to dwell on her snowballing problems.
'I never would've thought I'd be grateful for the stress of work,' she whispered to her purse during her lunch break.
Tikki peeked out through a gap in the purse opening. 'You know, you really ought to talk to Adrien at least. Clear the air a little. That'll reduce your stress even more.'
'I know,' Marinette murmured, as she cradled her coffee cup. She took a sip as a group of people wandered by the break room in a noisy gaggle.
'You should talk to him soon,' Tikki went on. 'You aren't still mad at him, so you may as well.'
Sighing, Marinette nodded. 'When this stupid show is over, I promise. Right now, I only have enough room in my head for one drama at a time, and my priority has to be work. If I screw up even once, Mathéo will fire me.'
Tikki nodded her understanding, then hid back in the bag when another group of chattering colleagues entered for their own lunch break. Marinette tipped her head politely, then excused herself, citing the ever-present deadline. They acknowledged her reasons, and let her go without protest.
By Friday night, she had finished her work to Mathéo's satisfaction and was dismissed. She would not be needed again until Saturday evening, when her clothes would be worn down the runway. Mathéo said she ought to be there in case of a wardrobe emergency, and to greet the people who wished to meet the creator of her designs. She hummed a tired affirmative, and took her leave.
Tikki had fallen asleep again, her tiny snores drifting up from her purse. Marinette shook her head, popped open her umbrella, and braced for an unpleasant walk home.

Saturday morning dawned overcast with intermittent rain, but the temperature was back down to tolerable levels. Marinette allowed herself to sleep in a little, then stretched languidly before getting up to prepare for the day.
The Gabriel fashion show preparations had begun already, but she wasn't required to be there for rehearsals, and they could call her if an emergency arose. So, Marinette decided a little retail therapy would help soothe her overwrought nerves. She needed a new outfit for the evening, anyway, and had not had time to make one herself.
Satisfied with her plans, she got ready and headed out. She cast a thoughtful eye at Adrien's door as she left, but he would already be at the venue for rehearsals. As the face of the Gabriel brand, he had high expectations to live up to.
Marinette liked shopping on her own. Even though she was surrounded by people, she felt peacefully alone. It was like standing in the ocean. The tides came in, swirled around her, but never really interacted with her. It was peaceful, and allowed her mind to wander freely.
She took the metro to one of the more up-market shopping districts, hoping to find a formal dress or suit.
If I'm incredibly lucky, maybe I'll find something on sale, she thought hopefully.
Something warm and solid collided into her back when the train pulled out of the second station from the one she had boarded on. Marinette staggered forward a step before righting herself, turning to frown at whomever had almost knocked her over.
'Sorry, sorry,' said a familiar male voice.
'Nathaniel?' Marinette asked in surprise, as he straightened up.
Nathaniel peered up at her in shock. 'Marinette, I'm so sorry. The train accelerated sooner than I was expecting.'
She waved him off. 'Don't worry, there was no harm done. What are you doing, out and about?'
Nathaniel grasped one of the handles hanging from the ceiling in a white-knuckled grip as the train rocked from side to side. Marinette would've suggested he sit, except the metro was busy, and all the seats were occupied.
'Oh, well, you know,' he began. 'I needed to get out of the house for a bit. I've been working hard on a new project, and I swear I haven't seen natural light in weeks.'
'Really, what are you working on?'
Nathaniel coughed into his fist, his cheeks turning pink. 'Actually, lately I've been experimenting with new mediums. I've found photography to be particularly rewarding.'
Marinette smiled. 'That's amazing. I always thought you would stick to more traditional methods, like painting. It's good to change it up every once in a while, isn't it?'
He nodded. 'I'll go back to painting, but I've gotten pretty invested in photography. I've bought all kinds of lenses, and everything. What about you? It's unusual to see you out so early on a Saturday morning.'
Marinette's shoulders sagged in exaggerated weariness. 'I have to attend the Gabriel fashion show this evening, and I simply do not have a thing to wear. I'm going out to buy a pretty frock, since I never had time to make one,' she explained.
Nathaniel rubbed his arm as he glanced at the floor. 'Would you like some company?'
'Sure,' she exclaimed. 'You can tell me if I look bad. You know the sales assistants won't tell you something like that, if it means they won't make a sale.'
'I'm sure you'd look great in anything,' he replied, his cheeks turning a delicate pink.

Marinette dragged Nathaniel into every boutique she found. She was surprised by his patience as she tried on outfit after outfit, and never complained or showed signs of boredom. He gave her his honest opinions, and helped her figure out which colours suited her, and her choice of accessories.
By mid-afternoon, she had been to seventeen stores, and was now tossing up between two dresses, and a suit.
'What do you think, Nath. The midnight blue off-the-shoulder, the green suit, or the pink fishtail halter neck ?' she held the clothes by their hangers, placing each one under her chin as she spoke.
Nathaniel tapped his chin, thoughtfully, his eyes darting from one to the other. 'The blue complements your colouring, and the design is very elegant. Very appropriate for a formal event. Unfortunately, green does not match your complexion, so I think the suit is out. The pink, however, contrasts you perfectly; the neck and fishtail indicating a cute, and playful personality. Hm, this is a conundrum.'
Marinette giggled. 'You have a keen eye, Sir, and discerning tastes. I think I'll play it safe and take the blue.'
With a happy hum, she carried her dress to the cashier and made her purchase.
Nathaniel was smiling at her when they left the store.
'What's up?' she asked, the garment bag swinging from her fingertips over her shoulder.
He shook his head. 'Nothing. It's just nice seeing you happy. I've heard you've been under some stress lately.'
A shadow passed over her face, and her grin faded. 'Oh well, it's nothing I can't handle. You don't have to concern yourself.'
Nathaniel placed a hand on her shoulder. 'Well, if you ever need anything, I'm only a phone call away.'
'Thank you, Nath. I really appreciate that.'
They made their way back to the metro, and said their goodbyes on the train when Nathaniel alighted on the stop before hers.
'You seemed to enjoy yourself,' Tikki observed once they were back in Marinette's apartment.
'I had a good time,' she agreed. 'It's nice to just go out with a friend, and forget all my problems for a while.'
Tikki nodded. 'It's good to see you smile. You needed this, I think.'
'I really did,' Marinette concurred, emphatically.
The rest of the afternoon was spent primping and preening, as she prepared for the show. When it was time, she called a taxi, and asked to be dropped off at the rear entrance of the venue.
Flashing her employee lanyard, she was allowed entrance by a stony faced security guard. He held the door open for her, his gaze flickering around as he kept an eye out for trouble.
Inside was pandemonium. Models, dressers, hair and makeup artists, and crew members were all running around as the deadline approached. No one spared her a second glance as she scurried inside to find Mathéo and ask what she ought to be doing.
Mathéo was standing near the clothing racks, barking orders with a harried expression. Marinette approached him cautiously.
'Mathéo, is there something you need me to do?' she asked, when he paused to take a breath.
He looked at her for a moment, before saying, 'you can find me some water.'
For the next few hours, Marinette carried out simple tasks like fetching items, sewing up small tears, and reattaching loose buttons. She regretted her choice of footwear, her high heels pinching her toes, and making her feet ache. But the show started on time, to their relief.
Mathéo and Marinette checked each model one last time before they walked, then he sent them out with a final wave. Marinette was pleased to see her evening gown, the first of her pieces to be shown, and modelled by the waspish Claudia, was received with applause and murmurs of appreciation. As was the suit Adrien wore. It made her giddy when all of the pieces she'd created were met with equal admiration. Her cheeks began to ache with the strength of her smile.
Mathéo patted her on the back. 'I suspect there might be a promotion in your future.'
Once the show was over, she followed Mathéo into a waiting car and was driven to the after party. There, she met with other designers, fashion moguls, and reporters for entertainment magazines. She had a grand time connecting with the movers and shakers in the industry she loved so much, some even trying to poach her when she told them she was the one who had created some of the most popular clothes of the evening.
It was close to one in the morning when she finally left. Still high from the pleasure of receiving so much praise, she drifted home in a trance-like state. Only habit saved her from getting on the wrong train or from disembarking at the wrong station.
Unlocking her apartment, she realised she hadn't seen Adrien at the after party. She wasn't surprised, as it was a large venue, and there had been so many people. But, she would have liked to indicate that she was no longer angry at him for his argument with Luka.
She pushed open her door. Standing in the middle of her living room was a dressmaker's mannequin bedecked in a long, white gown. Sitting atop the dress form was a veil, the delicate tulle catching the light from the streetlamps, lending the form an ethereal glow.
Gulping heavily, Marinette turned on the lights. She approached the dress form slowly, and circled it, looking for a card or some clue, but there was nothing.
The bright lights revealed the body of the dress was a heavy satin, while the yoke and sleeves were lace. Stitched loosely to the left cuff was a gold ring featuring an oval cut sapphire. Stooping down to pick up the hem with her forefinger and thumb, Marinette saw the petticoats were of the same fine tulle as the veil.
Standing up, she released a steadying breath, then inhaled slowly. 'Adrien,' she screamed.
Immediately, the sound of heavy footfalls echoed up the stairwell.
'What is it?' Adrien demanded, as he stopped his headlong rush with his hands braced on either side of the doorframe.
Standing to one side, Marinette gestured helplessly at the wedding dress.
Adrien's face paled as he took in the scene. 'I'll call the cops.'
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Dangerous Games