"I feel ridiculous," I whispered, walking behind Mr. Agreste and Nathalie.

"Don't worry, Marinette. You look pretty," Adrien whispered back, grinning.

I smiled, "Ya, pretty ridiculous. I'm gonna fall over in these things!" I exclaimed, nodding down at my 7 inch heels.

"Those things should be illegal," Adrien nodded.

I laughed, "You think they should be illegal? Imagine how I feel! I'm the one wearing them. They're hard to walk in."

Adrien nodded, "Oh trust me, I know."

I raised my eyebrows, amused, "You've worn heels before?"

Adrien suddenly blushed.

...

I blushed. Shoot. Adrien had never worn heels before, but Chat Noir had. My mind drifted back to the day we fought a supervillain named Reflecta... I swear, my feet still had bruises from those awful shoes.

...

"Er, it was for a dare," Adrien explained.

I laughed, "What I would have paid to see that dare!"

We suddenly reached our destination. We were in the middle of a large garden where tables were set up, and food was being served. A woman ran up, and gave Mr. Agreste a kiss on either cheek, "Gabriel, darling! So glad you could make it! Oh, and I see you brought your son! Adrien, what a strapping young man you're becoming," The woman said to Adrien, patting him on the head.

"Thank you, Mrs. Darla," Adrien said politely, "You look beautiful, as always."

The woman, Darla Adrien called her, gave a flattered giggle, "Oh Adrien! What the charmer. You're going to make some lucky woman very happy one day... or maybe you already are. Who is this darling? You're girlfriend?" Darla asked, referring to me... at least, I hope she was referring to me, because if she was referring to Natalie... well, that would've been kinda weird.

"No. Adrien does not have a girlfriend. This is my intern, Marinette Dupain-Cheng, a very talented young designer. My upcoming fashion show will be primarily featuring her work," Mr. Agreste explained.

Darla looked me over. "Hmm... Marinette Dupain-Cheng. I'll remember the name," She winked.

I gave an awkward smile.

"Darla, honey! Are you talking Gabriel's ear off? Let the poor man sit for Pete's sake!" A loud, deep voice called.

"Oh, of course dear! You're right! How silly of me. Please, do come sit down," Darla led us to a table where two large men sat, talking. We sat down, and food was quickly served to us. I ate slowly, enjoying the garden party, and watching those around me. There were so many styles of clothing here. Some bold choices too. Some that worked, some that... well, at least the person tried.

"Oh, and of course I just LOVE that new dress, Marinette. I've never seen one like it. So cute and chic! And with those heels! Love it! Did Gabriel design it for you?" Darla asked, the attention suddenly on me.

I blushed, "Umm, well, M-Mr. Agreste had it made for me..." I stammered, suddenly shy.

"Marinette's too modest. She designed the dress herself," Adrien, coming to my rescue, explained.

"Ms. Dupain-Cheng also designed the shoes, and jacket that accompany the dress," Natalie cut in.

I blushed at all the attention... and compliments.

Darla seemed to look me over in a new light suddenly. She was silent for a minute, then nodded, "I really will be remembering your name, Marinette. Something tells me you'll be going places in the world of fashion. And I'd like it on it."

"Er, umm, okay? Sounds fun?" I answered, unsure.

"Yes...fun..." Darla then drifted off into thought again. For some reason, I felt like she was planning something. Maybe a way to take advantage of my talent? I shook my head. I was good, but not that good.

...

We were all sitting in the living room where my father and Marinette were talking about the clothing at the party. What seemed popular, what didn't. It started out strictly business, but somehow it was escalating into something more... entertaining.

"And those shoes! I still can't believe she'd even think to wear cowboy boots to a garden party!" Marinette exclaimed, shaking her head.

"Ugh, and the color of her dress? She really should have taken a better look at it. I've never seen such a revolting shade of green in my life!" My Father (My FATHER) said.

"You know who did have a nice shade of green though? Ms. Katlynn. I thought the dress was very modern, and a bold move! Not many would dare to wear kelly green to a garden party. But it looked wonderful with her complexion and natural highlights," Marinette explained.

My father nodded, "Yes, though I could've done without those nails. They must have been as long as her heels were tall. And that orange..." My father curled a lip in disgust.

But Marinette to my surprise shook her head, "I actually liked the color. I thought the orange on the green went together well enough, and with the black wedges and belt it all paired together nicely."

My father was silent for a moment, then nodded, "I can respect that... though in my opinion, the outfit belonged more in a club than a garden party. It's a classy event, not a neon party."

Marinette nodded, taking a sip of her tea.

Deciding I should try and join the conversation, I said, "So... umm... that Mr. O'Neill's hat, am I right?"

Marinette and my father looked at me for a moment, confused. Then, "Adrien... Mr. O'Neill wasn't wearing a hat."

I frowned, "But that thing on his head..."

Realization suddenly sparked in Marinette's eyes, "Ohhhh. He means the turban," She explained to my father.

Clarity filled his eyes, and he nodded, "Oh yes. I thought the turban had a sense of class to it. Very traditional to Mr. O'Neill's family."

"Umm, the jewel was really pretty on it."

Marinette nodded, smiling at me, "Yes it was. Mr. O'Neill said it was an emerald passed down from generation to generation. It's very old and very valuable. If he were to ever lose it, I know he and his family would be devastated."

"Devastated... a powerful emotion," My father drew out, as if turning the idea over in his head. Weird.

He suddenly stood, "I'm afraid I have some work I must attend to. Thank you for the lovely evening, Ms. Dupain-Cheng. Adrien will see you home."

Marinette smiled, "Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Agreste. It was a pleasure as always. I will see you next Thursday," She said, standing. The two nodded at each other, then my father walked out of the room, probably heading for his office.

I grinned, "Well, just us two now."

Marinette nodded, "Yup."

Ever since Marigold and I started dating, being around Marinette was so much easier. She was actually really cool to hang out with, and things never seemed awkward anymore. I guess it was just another way my lady was making my life more wonderful.

We headed outside towards the car.

"Oh, Marinette?" I asked before we got in.

She stopped and looked at me, "Ya?"

"Thank you. Ever since my mom died... my dad's kinda been shut up. He didn't use to be so... closed off, stern. My mom was just his other half, you know? Without her, he's kinda lost. But you've really been helping him. Hearing him talk to you about fashion tonight... It made me think of how he used to talk with my mom. You've done us a lot of good, Marinette. I don't know how I could ever thank you."

Marinette smiled, "I'm your friend Adrien. And in a way, I think I might be becoming your dad's friend too. It's my job to look out for you guys. Besides, being your friend comes with perks, right? I mean, were those scones at lunch today amazing, or were they amazing?"

I laughed and opened the car door for her. We jumped in, and pretty soon we were on our way to her house. I leaned back in my seat. Days like today gave me hope for a great future. One with my friends, my love, and my father.

I didn't know what my future was going to hold, but I was excited nonetheless. And I was especially excited for the very near future.

Because tonight I had patrol with my lady.