chatpiper | ❄ baby, it's cold outside

❄ baby, it's cold outside

[ The Bourgeouis Pre-Christmas Celebration Bash.

With a cool, over the top name like that, there was no way it wouldn't be fun, and Adrien had to go hard convincing both Nathalie and his father to let him go. In the end though, despite him being used to most invasions of his personal space, he is tired.

He has run out of excuses to give, honestly. He has run out of ways to duck the mistletoe, even from the sweetest of girls (Marinette), and the not so sweet (Chloe). And if he eats anymore sweets that were made ~~just for him~~, he's going to burst. Not to mention gain weight, which his father would really, really, really not like.

...He was doing a pretty good job enduring all of this, or so he thought, but every once and a while he catches Piper's eye. No big deal. He recovers from the fatigue quickly and puts on his act. He smiles and waves, as per his usual fare; and as one of the few girls adamantly respecting his space tonight, her company is definitely welcome, which helps.

As soon as he approaches her, though, he finds himself catching her as she faints, and he nearly drops her from the surprise. ]

Wh-Whoa! Piper?

[ It takes him a moment to recover the concentration and strength needed to support her. What the heck?? ]

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[ He puts on one hell of a front, but as someone who's had to dodge the spotlight more than once, and as one of his friends she recognized the signs. She didn't think it was possible for someone to look MORE uncomfortable in a social gathering like this than her, but Adrien was pulling it off.

Chloe and Lila she could understand. The former was reforming, sure, but still pretty territorial when it came to safeguarding her interests. Chloe would always be Chloe. Lila was just a selfish brat, and it always made Piper's stomach churn with disgust to watch the honey dripping from the girl's words, more so to see people buying into it. The one that surprised her was Marinette, but then- maybe she was so busy trying to compete with the other two that she was missing the obvious signs... Marinette is a sweet girl, and Piper really likes her for her hard working attitude and honesty, but she could get a little... one-track-minded when it came to Adrien.

Considering this, Piper was trying her best not to crowd him as well, though it took some doing not to let herself step in when Lila was involved. By now she's pretty sure Adrien can handle just Chloe and Marinette, but that pretty little liar was like a dog with a bone. When he finally found a moment to slip free and join her, Piper couldn't help herself. Her knees buckled, and as Adrien caught her (barely, she felt that dip and for a heart stopping second she worried his cat-like reflexes would fail) she managed a weak groan, bringing a hand to her forehead. ]

Sorry... not sure what just came over me. [ She says, magic unknowingly in her words. ] The room just started spinning out of no where.

[ She makes a small show of taking his support and trying to pull herself up, slowly, mindful not to get closer but bracing instead on the nearest surface for added support. ]

I think it was something I ate, I'm not feeling so hot.

[ There was a brief twinge of guilt as some of the others nearby started to worry, too, but she saw the opportunity and seized it, looking up at Adrien apologetically. ]

You think you could walk me back home...?

What? I... uh...

[ Yikes. Yikes, he's hesitating. That's terrible of him. That's completely insensitive, and yet the heated glares he feels around the room are not directed at him, but at Piper.

Lila's gaze is especially seething and callous. Adrien catches it for only a nanosecond before she doubles over as well, mumbling weak agreement about "something in the food." Adrien winces, watching it all unfold, but within seconds, the classmates she so unwittingly wrapped around her finger crowded around her.

Even if he wanted to, he couldn't touch her, and he certainly wouldn't leave Piper. ]

[ Amidst the distraction, Adrien sighs and glances at Piper, who he was still supporting with his weight. He gives her a firm nod and speaks with more certainty than he probably had all night. ]

Yeah. 'Course I can. Sorry...

[ Though he kind of shakes his head, because the sense of what he's supposed to be apologizing for is kind of unclear. Is he sorry for hesitating? Is he sorry because... Lila? ]

I think they've got this. Let's go.

[ Lila's disgusting and obvious ploy to steal Adrien's attention only helps lend credit to Piper's performance, because it leaves Piper feeling a surge of disgust.

It's a damn struggle NOT to smirk when she sees their classmates come to her rescue instead, but she takes his help (even though she doesn't need it, of course), wondering about his apology. It does make her a little angry that they're so wrapped up in Lila's lies, that Lila probably doesn't even appreciate the fact that they're genuinely concerned about her, but that's something for the others to figure out. Right now her priority is the blond helping her walk. ]

Why are you apologizing, goofball? I'm the one putting you out.

[ She says it with a small voice and smile, just selling it long enough for them to get outside. Once they've made it a bit away from view of the building, that's when she'll relax. ]

[ LISTEN. Listen. He has no idea, he's just a stupid boy!!!

A stupid boy who is still buying what she's selling. The playful sass despite her sickness fits in perfectly with the image of Piper he's come to know, so he cracks a smile himself without suspecting anything.

Even though it's clearly meant as a rhetorical question, he can't resist stating the obvious. ]

I don't really mind.

[ He notices her visibly relax after a while, though it still doesn't register as a ruse. He speaks up, as if only just remembering that he's a rich model with a chauffeur. ]

...Would it be better if I got you a ride?

[ He is very much a dumb boy but he's ~~her~~ a well intended and sweet dumb boy so it's okay.

Once she's certain that no one is going to come chasing after them to offer their help, Piper straightens the rest of the way and takes enough space to stretch her arms up and over her head with a satisfied look on her face. ]

No need for all that, tom cat. I'm fine. You just looked like you could use a breather from the party, and the octopus patrol.

[ She lifts a hand up as if to wave. ]

So, there you go. The rest of the night is yours to do whatever you feel like doing. [ Call Nino and go hang out in secret with just the core-four, hit up the town, go catch a movie, find somewhere quiet to recharge. She loves having friends that she can spend time with but she knows first hand that sometimes the only thing you want is space, just for a little while, especially after you've spent two hours caught in the middle of a three-way-competition for your affections. ]

[ Adrien watches the gradual change in her demeanor with a dumbfounded expression on his face, and as the realization sets in, his smile returns. He should probably be more offended that she lied on his behalf, especially considering how much grief he gives Lila about it, but he finds it difficult to be.

Instead, he speaks in a light laugh. ]

Really? So it wasn't something you ate?

[ Then, as if to be really, REALLY super extra sure: ]

You did that for me?

Edited 2018-12-02 03:39 (UTC)

Maybe more like something in the air. [ She smirks with a playful shrug, referencing all the mixed vibes in the room. ]

Yeah, well... You seemed like you needed a rescue. That's what friends are for, isn't it?

[ Then, as though realizing what she said was straight out of a Hallmark or Disney Channel Original Movie (TM) Piper gave a wince, though it was ruined by the amusement on her face as she laughed after. ]

Is it that weird?

[ He chuckles, noticing the way she winced. Naturally, he's shaking his head, letting out a very long and grateful breath. ]

A little dramatic, but I wouldn't call it weird. [ Not with the likes of Chloe and Lila in the class. He continues, clearly relieved: ] I like the girls, but they're a little intense sometimes.

I... don't really get it.

[ Well okay he kind of gets it in that he knows girls' attraction to him generally makes his dad money.

...But yeah no he doesn't get it at all ]

...Thank you, though.

[ Piper nods her head to one side, conceding the point. ]

I'll definitely give you dramatic. [ Is it just telling of how much she trusts the guy, or incredible that he could be that pure that she actually, 100% believes him?

But then she offers a two finger salute, half-turning to continue in the opposite direction of her home. ]

Anytime, tom cat. I'll catch you later?

[ Adrien's response comes somewhat delayed. He tilts his head slightly at Piper's salute, then returns it in kind when he finally registers it as a goodbye.

She was leaving. And why shouldn't she? ]

Oh! Yeah. 'Course you will.

[ He smiles politely, watching her turn, but doesn't seem too eager to get a move-on himself. ]

I...

[ ......??? He is hesitating. His words feel odd and empty. ]

...See you at school, Pipes.

[ She hesitates, looking back at Adrien again, and she's NOT oblivious to his discomfort. It occurs to her that even if he was uncomfortable between the girls, maybe he was holding on because the party was still better than being alone. For a moment she's a bit torn over her urge to give him space so that her actions aren't duplicitous or selfish, but her conscience and that lost sort of not-look in his response finally gets the better of her.

Turning to him with a rolling shrug of her shoulders, she offers instead. ]

Unless, of course, you'd rather hang out now...?

[ Said in a way that she tries to make sure sounds casual, relaxed, not at all like this was her plan all along because honest to God it really wasn't ADRIEN WHY YOU GOTTA MAKE THINGS SO COMPLICATED ]

Edited 2018-12-02 05:22 (UTC)

H-Huh?

[ Adrien finally gathered himself enough to turn the opposite way by that point, but stopped quickly when he heard her speak up. His eyes widen and self-consciousness seeps in, so much so that he can't really bring himself to turn around. ]

No, it's alright! I-I didn't mean to...

[ ... ]

I mean, I didn't really...

[ ...okay fine. He'll turn around. ]

Yeah, I... don't really want to go home.

[ Whoops. ]

[ She waits, very patiently for Adrien to decide on his next move and then for him to turn around again. She doesn't call him out on his starting and stopping again, or his discomfort. Considering what he must've gone through to get his dad to even agree to let him GO to this party, she can't blame him. But she doesn't say that because that'd be like kicking a puppy- er... kitten.

The look that she rewards him with can really only be described as trouble-personified.

No one would consider him unwise if he considered running. ]

Alright then, tom cat. Let's go howl at the moon.

[ And without further ado Piper turns back around and continues on in the direction she'd been heading, fully expecting Adrien to follow. She knows just the activity for the two of them, and sets about leading them in the direction of their surprise destination.

The streets are quiet, the sort of quiet one only gets in the evening, when the city is blanketed in a nice, thick layer of snow. There may be people out and about but in the dark it doesn't sound like it. Birds and animals are quiet, people bundled up indoors for the most part, no wind, just the soft crunch of their footsteps and the soft sound of their breathing as they walk through a muted Paris at night, the stars, streetlights, and soft warm glow from windows guiding their way.

Piper is content to let Adrien set the pace for the conversation, if he wants to have one. Since that day on the Eiffel Tower the silences between them have become just as comfortable as the banter, which is just as easy as the actual conversation. Amazing, considering he was the first friend she'd actually made. Sometimes she wonders if that hadn't been the case would she still feel the way that she does?

Then she decides it really doesn't matter. All she cares about is that they ARE friends, and that she DOES feel this way. The question is, is it alright to? Like, sure, there's nothing wrong with feeling the way that she does and it isn't like she could help it, but when she thinks about how much pressure he must really get just for being who he is, idolized by girls all over Paris- and the rest of France -it's... hmm. Well, hopefully she's not just another admirer, just another face in the crowd, or another girl on the list of girls who think Adrien is- gag -"dreamy". It's not like that for her, honest! She sees what she really thinks is the real Adrien, sometimes bratty (like when he was teasing her about leaving her to fend for herself during the class' interrogation about her crush, or when he told Kim he couldn't ask her out just to be contrary), definitely corny (All those puns he tells as Cat Noir, and sometimes as himself, he really just can't help himself!), brave, selfless, and forgiving (his career as Cat Noir, his willingness to see PAST Chloe's faults without ignoring them). That means something.

Anyway- comfortable silences. Yes. Will he break it or let it continue for a few blocks? ]

But I’m a cat.

[ Adrien’s lips curl into a smirk. He can’t resist correcting her; and of course he will follow her, as strays tend to do. He could hardly call himself a hero if he backed down, just from a look like that!

He feels a lot better after just admitting it and accepting her offer, so it’s easy for him to follow her lead. He has no idea where they’re going, but that is just the sense of adventure he loves and craves.

He is perfectly content to quietly take in familiar sights, though he’s eventually going to start guessing their destination. Hmmmmmm... ]

Yowl, howl, close enough. They rhyme.

[ She rolls her eyes tolerably back at him, clearly accustomed to this sort of thing with him. It's not the first time he's poked at her by being a smart alec. Piper doesn't mind. In fact it's part of his stupid boyish charm. It's that part of him that's just stubborn and defiant enough to deny another boy permission while simultaneously dodge-denying anything between him and her.

God what does that say about her taste in guys???

After a while the Eiffel Tower is a landmark on the horizon behind them. They've come to the western part of the city, and if he's been here before- and Piper can't imagine he hasn't -he'll probably begin to recognize the signs of the park, the Bois de Boulogne. It looks very different covered in snow this time of year, but as tempting as it is to stop and start a snowball fight, that isn't Piper's goal, at least not just yet. Instead, casting another look over her shoulder at him full of harmless mischief Piper picks up her step, making a beeline for the boating equipment. ]

Help me with one of these, would you?

[ She's approached the cluster of them, and starts untying one from the rest, waiting for Adrien to help her turn it over from the pile so they can slip it into the water. ]

[ He does not yowl either, excuse?!?! But fine. With an amused grin lingering on his face, he relents, and he turns his attention back to the way the wet snow squishes under his feet as they walk.

He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath as they enter the park to drink in the peace and quiet.

Yes, he's definitely been here before; but there's something about appreciating the place after being at a very loud party full of hormonal (pre?)teens that makes it all different. He's quick to match pace when Piper picks up hers, and starts to help her without much question. ]

The Bois de Boulogne, huh...? Interesting choice.

[ He turns over the boat she's untied, all the while looking around to make sure no one's watching, and quietly, he adds: ]

I did a photoshoot in one of these once.

[ ...never had to drag the boat into the water himself, of course, but that's neither here nor there. ]

[ Once they have the boat settled Piper grabs a couple of oars and helps him ease it into the water, not surprised to hear about the photoshoot. Naturally. Naturally! It was one of the most scenic and private places she'd seen so far so she has no trouble picturing it. ]

Well tonight it's our private getaway. [ ~~Because let's face it, in Miraculous the population of Paris is like.... 300 people tops. NO ONE IS GOING TO BE OUT HERE ON A COLD WINTER NIGHT.~~ ]

I just wish I'd thought to grab some food from the party. C'est la vie.

[ She takes a seat in the boat first, getting the oars locked into their holders on either side of the boat, then gives Adrien an amused look, teasing. ] And if you start singing "Kiss the Girl" I WILL push you into the water.

[ Would she have grabbed food before or after the little drama she concocted for his sake? ...Probably before, if they were to have any chance of sneaking it out, but then again, this is Piper they're talking about. She probably could have gotten them to believe anything... even Lila.

He isn't hungry anyway, but takes the passing comment for what it is and finishes the job, bobbing along in the boat with the water as the oars are locked in place.

A part of him kind of can't believe he's doing this, but another can't believe he's never done this before. (Not in the dead of night in the middle of winter, anyway.) He laughs, shaking his head at her threat. ]

First of all, thanks for giving me the idea!

[ Let's face it, if anyone would be singing the song in this situation, it would be Plagg. But Adrien really doesn't want to give him any ideas, so he leaves it at that, continuing lightheartedly and far less sarcastically: ]

Second of all, I would definitely take you down with me.

Edited 2018-12-02 16:42 (UTC)

[ That makes her laugh, because she has no trouble believing it. For now she opts not to push their luck, because knowing it, they'd both get sick as dogs.

Instead Piper moves over, taking one of the oars and patting the seat next to her. ]

Come on. We're making this a team effort.

[ She waits until he's done so to take up the oar on her side, trying to ignore the way her heart jumps and skips when he sits. It's a lot closer than she expected... ]

... You know, sometimes I can't believe it's already been so long since we came here. Time has always felt like it kind of dragged before.

[ Adrien takes the seat, narrowly avoiding falling into her after being distracted both by her laugh and the way the water is rocking the boat. He takes the other oar once he's secure in his seat and starts to do his part, making smooth circular motions in time with her until the boat starts moving.

Being on the water makes it feel even colder. He can see his own breath, but under the light of the stars and the gently falling snow, he can't bring himself to mind.

He smiles fondly. ]

I know what you mean. I'm glad you haven't had to move.

[ Don't jinx it, Agreste. ]

...Maybe your dad can just work on this film project forever.

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