•|| Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock

[sweettalker]

[ The fact that Adrien hadn't really been able to properly enjoy his first Christmas party was bad enough on its own, but then knowing she was the reason he'd gotten sick after, that sucked, too. Like a smashed up cherry on top of a really bad sundae, made with sugar free, vegan ice cream.

Piper's a vegetarian by choice and respects vegan's for taking it a step further but seriously, she knows you don't mess with ice cream.

First, she'd asked Mr. Agreste for Adrien to have permission to attend. With the way that he carried himself she wasn't surprised at all that Adrien had such a strict and rigid schedule, that he really didn't challenge his father's choices very often, or that he'd had to sneak out and run off to get to attend school- OR that he'd run out of the house in jeans and a t-shirt on Christmas night- okay yeah she promised to let that go. Hot chocolate.

God bless hot chocolate.

Still, she'd been a bit surprised when Gabriel actually relented to allowing his son to have the night in question off- considering it was technically her fault Adrien had gotten sick. Perhaps... Adrien left that part out? Seeing her good fortune she'd chosen NOT to question it, simply giving gabriel the place and time Adrien needed to be and then taking her leave very quickly.

Then she had to book the venue. Not a problem, the venue would be perfectly safe, with security all its own, courtesy of the McLean's. The look of shock on her father's face when she told him she wanted to host a party at their place, it would've been priceless if she hadn't felt so bemused about it. He'd given her this... look like she'd kidnapped and replaced his daughter with an alien clone.

He'd then promptly apologized when she threatened to cancel the plans- he was just so happy to see her being actively social! After a bit of back and forth banter (something she could appreciate, and something she had missed) he'd started helping her with making plans. She wanted a casual event, but she also wanted it to be comfortable, so just this once she was glad to go all out a bit. They had decorations ordered, but Piper insisted on putting them up herself with help from the staff and her friends from school. Once she told them about it they were eager to help and contribute. She'd even managed to skillfully plan the date around a time when Lila and Chloe would be tied up with prior engagements of their own. Even if Lila's lie was exactly that, she couldn't come up with a plausible excuse fast enough that would let her save face... considering Piper made sure she was the last to find out.

"Oh, she has plans already with Prince Ali, and the children's hospital in Italy, remember? She'd just feel guilty if she had to choose. Let's just save her some cake and take lots of pictures. She'll appreciate that."

Yes. Piper is a right bitch when she wants to be. Thank you, next?

Now, with everything set up and ready to go, all that was left was to get the guest of honor.

The meeting spot was the park, as it was public, close to her home, and the least suspect. Piper was waiting in the car by the gate, their driver standing next to the door. She was expecting Adrien to show up expecting a... what, an interview and photoshoot or some such. She's actually not sure how much his father told him since she HAD mentioned it was a surprise party. What excuse had he made up? She's curious and she knows she'll find out once Adrien arrives. She also knows he'll be nice and punctual, against all odds. ]

Comments

[catpunned]

[ When his father books these photoshoots, especially with big name magazines, Adrien usually hears about it well in advance. It can’t be helped this time, though, he supposes; Jagged Stone had apparently cancelled on them last minute due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict, and it isn’t as though Adrien has any other plans or a reason to say no.

Even his friends, who all normally jump at the opportunity to hang out with him, deny him. Family this, holidays that... He finds himself alone, feeling distinctly empty and Grinch-like, though he concedes that some of that negativity may be residual from his cold that he’s only just now recovering from.

It’s Nathalie who ultimately picks the outfit to best represent the Agreste brand. Simple stuff, really: it’s a black dress shirt and matching formal pants, accented by a red and green corsage to highlight the Christmas holiday. The buttons on the shirt are shaped like snowflakes, matching the ones stitched onto his collar. There is also snowflake hanging just above his chest level in the form of a shiny stainless steel necklace.

Thankfully, he is used to sticking out like a sore thumb. He doesn’t even bat an eyelash anymore at the stares he gets on the streets, that look of recognition that lights up their faces. He simply makes a beeline for the park where they agreed to meet, figuring it would be best if he got this over with. In his hands is a large ornament in the shape of a golden star, which he was also instructed to bring along by Nathalie, in case they were in need of a festive prop.

He isn’t expecting the place to be so empty, though. At least the camera crew and photographer should have been on site already, setting up equipment and testing the lighting; but he doesn’t question it just yet, thinking maybe they’re just running late.

He walks towards the park’s entrance, glancing openly at the car that’s just sort of parked there, waiting.

...who...? ]

[sweettalker]

[ When her driver finally points Adrien out walking up to the park gates (and after she's taken a moment to properly appreciate the theme and attention to detail in his outfit... wow he looks good in damn near anything, doesn't he?) notes that he looks about as pleased as could be expected. She might have felt guilty about the deceit but that's just the nature of surprise parties. Piper is confident that the actual surprise will more than make up for it.

Piper takes her cue, and rolls down the window.

She'd relented and finally contacted her mother, asking for a favor, but making her swear NOT to go overboard. She could pick her own clothes on any other occasion, but this was special and she couldn't think of anyone else to go to about it. Either they were too close to the situation (Gabriel and Marinette) or too out of touch with it (her dad who she is NOT telling she's dressing up for a boy she likes). Her mother seemed the next best choice... somehow...

As a result, Piper has ended up in a simple, sea green dress with a black waistband dotted very spareingly with clear and white rhinestones, giving it the appearance of snowfall against a dark sky. The dress itself was strapless, but her shoulders and arms were covered by a sheer black jacket that stopped just at the top of the waist. She'd met her mother halfway with the hair, letting her style it so that she wore it down one side, curled rather than braided, but she'd refused to budge on the feathers. Today they were dyed to match the dress, and adorned a simple, thin golden bracelet on her wrist.

She might be dressed up, but if Adrien looks she's still grinning like the little shit she is as she leans on her arms against the window sill of the door. ]

You look like the cat that just LOST the canary and the cream, blondie. Need a ride?

[catpunned]

[ Since Adrien is kind of an oblivious (yet lovable) dumbass, he doesn’t notice what Piper is wearing right away. His lips do twitch into a smile though, appreciating the humor and familiar company. ]

Sorry. I would, but I’m waiting on a photoshoot...

[ He tilts his head. Only then does he notice her hair, and the fact that she’s wearing a dress. ]

Where are you going?

[sweettalker]

[ Yes, an oblivious and loveable dumbass. Except she doesn't actually think he's a dumbass. Adrien is smart as a whip, he's just not so great at connecting the dots sometimes, which Piper attributes to his innocent nature.

She'd anticipated this exact response, though, and when she laughs it's kind of a fond amusement, not belittling. ]

The same place as you, doofus. This swanky little place not too far from here. We're your ride.

[ The driver opens the door then, and Piper steps out, leaning on the top of it like she ISN'T wearing a killer dress. ]

Ready?

[catpunned]

[ ????

Adrien doesn’t even react to being called a doofus. He simply opens his mouth to be like, “You are??”

Only before he can even say that much, Piper opens the door and steps out, allowing him a full view of the aforementioned dress for the first time. His mouth hangs open for a moment as his gaze falls from her face all the way down to her heels.

It is a miracle he manages to keep hold of the star ornament. He is legitimately stunned, briefly contemplating calling his dad to ask what the heck is going on, because HE NEEDS AN ADULT.

Luckily though, he comes to his senses, cracking a more genuine smile. ]

Uh, okay.

[ ......After a notable pause during which Piper is probably like, “Oops, I think I broke him,” he finally takes the hint and slips past her into the car.

He then sets down the star in favor of his phone, just to check and—nope, nothing from his dad or Nathalie. ]

...I’m confused.

I figure that's as good an opening as I can give you for him to cut her off. (CRYING)

[sweettalker]

[ It's probably one of his most endearing qualities. At the very least it's incredibly sweet, and despite what she knows about his ability to troll people she knows too that this is largely who Adrien is, a thoughtful, corny, sometimes dorky, but always well meaning, and unassuming guy who just wants someone to appreciate him for who he is.

It somehow makes his reaction to her dress all the more satisfying. If she had it her way he's the ONLY one who'd see her like this tonight. She doesn't mind the idea of dressing up for the person she likes, it's letting everyone else see that makes her uneasy. Tonight, though, she can handle it, because tonight they'll be among friends, and tonight is about him, not her.

Once he recovers Piper slides in after him again (somewhere in the back of her mind she can hear Julie Andrews voice. "A princess does not slide.", thank you Princess Diaries shut up reader.) and makes sure the skirt of her dress is out of the way when the driver closes the door. NOW her heart sets to pounding, because this really feels like a for real date they're headed to, even though she knows it's actually a party with friends, not a one-on-one.

Tell that to the butterflies taking up residence in her stomach.

Piper turns her attention to the star, smiling, because it seems like Mr. Agreste really took her seriously, and isn't that just perfect? Adrien can top the tree, and she's sure he'll love it. ]

Well, see, there's this party tonight and I needed a plus one. So I talked to your dad, and he agreed to let me kidnap you for the night.

[ WAY TO MAKE IT SOUND LESS LIKE A DATE, PIPER. ]

So, if you don't mind-

1/7 buckle in bitch you asked 4 this

[catpunned]

[ What. ]

2/7

[catpunned]

[ She talked to his dad? His dad cancelled legitimate plans for this??? Cancelled work? ]

[catpunned]

[ No, wait.

This was the plan all along. His dad was in on this?????????!!!? WHAT........

WHAT DEVIL DID SHE MAKE A DEAL WITH?? And now she’s asking him out? ]

[catpunned]

[ She’s asking him out.

Oh fuck.

Oh, no. ]

[catpunned]

[ Hold his star, he’s got this. ]

— can I be your date?!

[catpunned]

[ WOW WHO SAID THAT

not him, no sir ]

No, wait. I already am.

7/7

[catpunned]

[ ..............WELP. ]

I lost.

[ After a few moments of trying really hard to be disappointed about this, he gives up. ]

Cool.

1/3 WOW YOU RUDE

[sweettalker]

...

[ What. ]

2/3

[sweettalker]

[ Adrien you are making it very hard for her to keep a straight face. ]

Well don't sound so happy about it! [ She teases, punching his arm lightly. ]

3/3

[sweettalker]

Relax, tom cat. It's not that kind of date. Besides, how's it going to look if you turn up to your own party being pouty?

[ Because it's an incredibly short drive, as it turns out, just a few blocks, but she wanted to really sell it. They arrive at the McLean house pretty quickly. No point in trying to keep it a secret from here, right? ]

✿ .||. Mistletoe Shenanigans

[sweettalker]

[ For being her first party it's ACTUALLY gone pretty well! At some point Piper had unglued herself from Adrien's side to let the others have a turn, and to play hostess for a while. They were all having an excellent time, she liked to think, enjoying party games, video games, food, and even throwing together some last minute plans- like the secret Santa they'd put together while they were playing Jenga. Piper had passed around a couple of Polaroid cameras throughout the night so people could snap photos to add to the garland decorating the tree, and the big shocker of the night was Mr. Agreste actually putting in an appearance if just for a little while.

THAT, to Piper, was the high point of the night, and she'd snapped a picture while the two were busy talking to one another. The look of joy on Adrien's face had just been impossible to pass up, and his father- even if he'd seemed unsure at first, clearly cared about his son's happiness if he'd been willing to not only let him come tonight, but actually took the time to come by despite his schedule.

Gabriel had left a little while ago, and Piper was seeking Adrien out now, as the party was beginning to wind down and people were making plans to head home, bundling up to go. She had no idea that some of the others- Kim and Max -had been around the house sneaking up bits of Mistletoe. She just wanted to catch Adrien before he had to go, and she did find him eventually, keeping her surprise hidden behind her back for the moment. ]

There you are, blondie. I was starting to think you'd managed to get lost in the house.

[ She smirks, because of course she does. For the first time that night they're actually a decent ways from the others. It's as close to private as any moment they'd have tonight would get. ]

[catpunned]

[ Adrien was far too preoccupied with the presence of his father to worry about mistletoe. Awkward as it was to see him there amongst all his friends, Adrien was still beyond happy about it; and finally getting to decorate a Christmas tree with his father was something he would hold close to him for a really long time.

He promised him though, that he would come home, that tomorrow he would go back to the grind: work, school, fencing, etc. He certainly isn’t planning to leave without saying goodbye to his host, but she does catch him off-guard then, gathering a few of his things—miscellaneous Christmas presents from his friends and such.

He laughs. ]

Not yet. But if I do, that’d give me a great excuse to stay here.

[ If only. ]

1/2

[sweettalker]

[ She has good timing, it looks like. Adrien, in the midst of packing up, is grabbing gifts he'd received throughout the night. It's the perfect setup to give him one more for the night, something she's confident he'll appreciate.

Like always his laughter warms her up from the inside out, but she's gotten better about keeping her focus in these situations, and rolls with it as easily as always with a literal and playful roll of her shoulders. ]

And ammunition for me to tease you until the end of time. [ Smirk. ]

2/2

[sweettalker]

I have one more surprise for you, actually. [ She admits, drawing the photo from behind her back to hold out to him, still unaware of the plant hanging just overhead.

No envelope, no gift box, just the photo, simple and straight forward, not unlike the moment she'd managed to capture. It's a candid one, father and son both standing at the tree together. Adrien was saying something to Gabriel, who was listening attentively and had even gone so far as to allow a small and private smile for his son as the two strung up some of the lights on the tree together. ]

[catpunned]

[ By now, he feels like she has plenty of ammunition against him already! Adrien chuckles anyway, though, taking the jab for what it is before his expression fades into something more serious.

One more? After everything she’s done already?

His mouth hangs open, and when she reveals the picture from behind her back, it opens into an even wider O.

He starts to laugh, accepting the photo into his hands delicately, as if he’s afraid he might break it. ]

I can’t believe it. [ which is ridiculous, considering— ] I mean, I know I was there, I know it really happened, but...

For a while, I think I forgot he actually could smile.

[ Naturally, the dense boy is still oblivious to the mistletoe overhead. He’s too preoccupied, staring at the photo, tracing his dad’s smile with his finger.

Even his own smile seemed more genuine here. It’s so, so different from the pictures he takes for magazines. ]

...Thank you. For the reminder. This is...

[ Shut up, he is bad at this. ]

Wow.

[sweettalker]

[ Looking back someone would have an easy time saying that Piper had gone overboard, doing all of this for him while swearing to just be "friends", but since they had- A: established that there was a bit more interest between them than "just friends", and B: after he'd helped her with feeling welcomed and opening up to make so many friends it felt like the least that she could do.

Still, proooobably going to slow down a lot after this. Maybe, a part of her admits, it's also been nice to not feel so lonely all the time, to have someone else to focus on other than her father and the distance between then twenty-four-seven. Not that she's using him! Just- ]

You're welcome. I was in the right place at the right time.

1/2

[catpunned]

[ It was more than that. She created the right place and time. Adrien isn’t going to argue, though; he’s perfectly content to stare at the picture for a little while longer, as if trying to decide what to do with it.

A thoughtful smile lines his face as he taps his chin.

Finally, after a moment, he pulls out his phone. ]

Hmm.

[catpunned]

[ Maybe it’s time, yeah? He loves his mother, and he loves that picture of her. He originally made it his phone’s wallpaper because he was afraid he would forget just how beautiful she was, but... it kind of hurt a little, too.

While one hand holds the photo Piper took, he uses the other to take a picture of it with his phone, careful to zoom in to make it look as authentic as possible (and to keep his grubby fingers out of the picture). It turns out about as Quality as you would expect, being a picture of a picture, but...

He smiles anyway. Now, even if he decides to keep his mother’s picture as his wallpaper, he still has one of him and his dad, too.

If only he could decide. ]

[sweettalker]

[ Before Piper can ask to see what he's done with the photo he took, she feels something land on her head, and on instinct she directs her eyes upwards and inwards, as if she'd be able to see it as she reached up to pluck at whatever it was she felt land there. She's stopped, though, when she notices a suspiciously familiar green sprig, infamous in Norse mythology as being deadly to gods.

It's also been known to either ruin or bolster social lives for teenagers world over. ]

... Huh.