Adrien stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the lapels of his sleek black suit jacket. The suit was tailored, sharp, clean—a little too crisp for his taste—but without the tie, it felt more like him. Still formal, still polished, but with just enough breath to move. To be Adrien, not just Agreste.

He smoothed down the fabric once more, then ran his fingers through his hair. No stylist. No gel. He'd done it himself. It wasn't messy, just slightly tousled, like he might've laughed recently.

Behind him, Plagg floated near the bed, lazily nibbling a piece of camembert. "You're really committed to this party thing, huh?"

Adrien half-smiled at his reflection. "It's not just a party. It's... being with people who actually see me."

"Yeah, yeah. People, cake, dancing. Don't blame you." Plagg hovered closer, blinking. "You know he's not gonna like this."

"I'm not asking him to."

Adrien turned from the mirror and grabbed his phone, slipping it into his pocket. His heart beat faster as he approached the door. He was dressed. Ready. For once, he wasn't doing something because it was expected—he was doing it because he wanted to.

He descended the staircase lightly, the cool click of his dress shoes on the marble steps echoing through the grand foyer.

But he should've known.

At the bottom of the stairs stood Gabriel Agreste. Immaculate as ever. Dressed in slate gray. Cold. Stern. Waiting.

Adrien's stomach dropped, but he didn't stop walking. "I'm heading out. The party's—"

"You are not going."

Adrien froze halfway down the staircase. "What?"

Gabriel's voice didn't raise, but the tone tightened like a vice. "I said, you are not going."

Adrien continued down the stairs, slowly, deliberately. "It's just a party. With my friends. We already RSVP'd—"

"You'll cancel."

"Why?" Adrien's voice cracked, more from disbelief than defiance. "Because it's Chloé's party? She's not who she used to be. You don't even know the people I'll be with—"

"And I don't need to," Gabriel cut in. "Because I know you—or at least the version I raised. And that version would understand that frivolity is not a priority."

Adrien stepped off the final stair, jaw tightening. "I'm not a 'version' of anything."

Gabriel's gaze darkened. "You're not thinking clearly. This obsession with normalcy, with friendships—it's emotional noise. You have a legacy to uphold."

Adrien's hands curled into fists at his sides. "What legacy? One where I'm shut in every weekend? Where I smile for cameras and keep quiet while you decide who I am?"

"That's enough."

"I haven't even asked for much," Adrien snapped, unable to stop now. "I've given up enough already. My mother—"

The slap came without warning.

A crack across his left cheek. Sharp. Quick. Stunning.

The world seemed to still. Adrien's face turned slightly with the impact, the sting blooming beneath his eye and burning into his skin.

Silence fell.

Gabriel's hand dropped, his expression unshaken. "You will not speak to me like that."

Adrien didn't move for a moment. The shock of it silenced him more than the pain. He blinked slowly, heart pounding in his ears.

"I'm going to that party," he said quietly, the words trembling just beneath his breath.

Gabriel's eyes narrowed. "Go to your room."

Adrien stared at him. The same man who had raised him, dressed him, shaped him. The man who never asked—only commanded.

"No."

The single word was quiet, but it hung heavy in the air.

Gabriel's posture stiffened. "You defy me again, and there will be consequences."

Adrien drew a slow breath, pulse thudding in his neck. "Then let there be."

Without waiting for a reply, he turned on his heel and walked back up the stairs, refusing to let his father see the faint redness on his cheek—or the heat behind his eyes.

Back in his room, he shut the door behind him and leaned against it for a moment. Plagg hovered nearby, eyes wide and unusually somber.

"Kid..."

"I'm fine," Adrien muttered.

Plagg drifted forward, more gently now. "You're not."

Adrien crossed to his dresser and opened the top drawer, pulling out the small ring box tucked in the corner. "He'll never understand. Maybe he never did."

He opened the box and slipped the ring onto his finger. The moment it clicked into place, a bit of the fire returned to his eyes.

"Claws out."

In a flash of light, Adrien disappeared—and Chat Noir stood in his place.

He didn't need his father's permission.

Not tonight.

He stepped toward the open window, the cool air rushing into his face. Then, with a quiet breath and a heavy heart, he vaulted into the Parisian sky.

***********

Adrien slipped away from the noisy buzz of the city, ducking into the shadowed alley beside the bakery. The warm light spilling from the windows was a stark contrast to the cool evening air brushing against his skin. He leaned against the brick wall, heart pounding for reasons far removed from his usual Chat Noir patrols.

With a subtle shimmer, the black leather and mask disappeared, leaving Adrien standing in a sharp black suit — no tie, just the crisp collar of his white shirt open enough to feel relaxed but still formal. He entered the front door of the bakery and pulled out his phone, typing quickly.

I'm here. Come down when you're ready?

He hit send and tucked the phone away, nerves twisting in his stomach. Just a few blocks away was the place that held the lively party. And yet, all Adrien could focus on was the thought of seeing her.

The soft click of footsteps on the stairs echoed down the front hall. His breath caught.

Marinette appeared at the top of the stairs and slowly made her way down. The dress she wore took his breath away — a delicate, gold fabric with a black base that flowed gracefully around her knees. The bodice was fitted but modest, with lace detailing at the edges that caught the light with every step. Her dark hair was swept up in a bun with pearl beads in her hair, a few wisps framing her glowing face.

She paused at the bottom of the stairs and caught sight of him. Her expression flickered between surprise and warmth.

"Adrien," she said softly.

He swallowed hard, trying to calm the sudden rush of emotions.

"You look... beautiful," he managed, feeling his cheeks warm. "Really."

Marinette gave a small smile, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Thank you. I wasn't sure if the dress was too much," she admitted, glancing down at the hem nervously.

"No," he said quickly, "you look perfect. You always do." The words felt strange coming from him but genuine all the same.

She looked up, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

Adrien stepped closer and offered his arm. "Are you ready to go? I was hoping we could walk since it's such a nice night." And you know, he wasn't supposed to be here and didn't have a car.

Marinette hesitated, then nodded. "Okay."

She slid her hand through his arm, and together they stepped out into the cool Paris night.

The city was alive with a quiet charm — the streets lined with old lampposts casting golden pools of light over the cobblestones. The distant hum of laughter and music drifted from the party house, but here, away from it all, the world felt gentler.

As they walked side by side, Adrien found himself stealing glances at Marinette. The way the dress moved with her, the soft light highlighting the sparkle in her eyes — she was breathtaking.

They fell into easy conversation, talking about the party, school, and little hopes tucked away in quiet moments.

Adrien laughed softly at one of Marinette's jokes, feeling a lightness he hadn't known he'd missed. She had that effect on him — making the world seem less heavy.

"So," Adrien said after a comfortable pause, "do you like this kind of party?"

Marinette shrugged. "I'm a little nervous. Parties like this aren't really my scene. But... I'm glad I'm here now."

Adrien squeezed her arm gently. "I'm glad you're here too."

They continued their slow stroll, passing quaint cafes and storefronts closed for the night. The gentle rhythm of their footsteps seemed to match the beat of their quiet conversation.

Adrien glanced down at her once more, unable to hold back the smile that spread across his face.

"You really are stunning tonight, Marinette."

She looked up, cheeks rosy, eyes bright. "Thank you, Adrien."

He swallowed, feeling a little breathless. The distance between them was just small enough for him to imagine what it might be like to close it entirely.

After a few more blocks, they approached where the party was being held. The lively sounds spilled out into the street again, reminding them both that the night was far from over.

Adrien hesitated for a moment, reluctant to end the peaceful walk.

Marinette smiled gently. "Thank you for walking with me. It was nice... just us."

He nodded, heart full. "Yeah. Just us."

Together, the two stepped into the building, ready to party hard.