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

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

[ 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. ]

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[ 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...? ]

[ 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?

[ 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?

[ 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?

[ ????

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.

[ 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-

[ What. ]

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

[ 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? ]

[ She’s asking him out.

Oh fuck.

Oh, no. ]

[ Hold his star, he’s got this. ]

— can I be your date?!

[ WOW WHO SAID THAT

not him, no sir ]

No, wait. I already am.

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

I lost.

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

Cool.

...

[ What. ]

[ 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. ]

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? ]

Am not.

[ His lips curl slightly, betraying his emotions, but he does grab the star again, hugging it to his chest like a teddy bear, to show that he is definitely, absolutely not pouting, what is she talking about.

He isn’t too terribly surprised when they pull up to the McLean house, but only in the sense that nothing should surprise him anymore about this little encounter.

But he does catch the small bomb she dropped, only moments before it would become obvious. He’s still a little slow on the uptake though, not to mention a tad disoriented, so bear with him as the surprise dawns on him. ]

...My...party?

Are too.

[ Smirk.

And now that they're here she's stepping out of the car as the door is opened for them. ]

Yup. Your party.

[ They're walking up to the doors, and she isn't saying more than that, making sure Adrien is the first one at the entrance when they open up. Everyone waiting on the other side greets him with an enthused "SURPRISE!!! Merry Christmas!" ]

I talked it over with the rest of the class, and we all agreed you deserved a do-over after the last one. Lila and Chloe were tied up already, so they couldn't make it. So you should be able to go without getting accosted tonight, mostly.

[ She winks, heading inside and turning so she can see his (hopefully pleased) reaction. ]

[ Gosh!!! Gosh.

Adrien’s face definitely lights up, and he has to make a conscious effort a second time not to drop the star. His grin is wide. Fist bumps and hugs all around, and while a part of him is bothered that Chloe was excluded, not even he can find it himself to be disappointed.

He’s too caught up in the moment... His heart is too full, seeing everyone smiling and dressed up for his sake.

Of course, the first face he looks for is his dad’s... but his gaze falls on the tree at the far end of the room. A hefty-looking box sits at its base, full of decorations and lights, but the tree itself is otherwise bare.

He hasn’t quite made the connection immediately that he holds the final piece that goes on top, but he meets Piper’s eyes anyway, beaming.

His expression is soft, but he is smirking as well. ]

Mostly, huh? I think I can live with that.

[ Piper isn't going to allow herself to feel guilty over Chloe this time, just because Chloe had her turn and had spent the bulk of the party last time around.

She might feel just the SMALLEST bit guilty, but it's kind forgotten completely when he gives her that look.

Totally worth it. ]

Come on, I'll show you around.

[ For most of them- ALL of them -this is their first time INSIDE. Most are pleasantly surprised by how cozy and laid back it feels. She'd already explained to the others that her dad had picked the place for all the wood work. It reminded her of their home in Malibu... which... you know, felt entirely too much like a humble brag, and she'd quickly poked fun at herself for it before moving the topic right along.

Thankfully she thinks she can probably skip that part the second time around.

They make their rounds through the parts of the house they've been given free reign to, which is pretty much most of the first floor save for the wine cooler (naturally). The food had been done potluck style with a little bit of catering thrown in. There was a fire in the fireplace, music playing in one of the rooms with Nino overseeing the selections, and board and video games in the den. People were spread out just kind of taking it all in. The deck lights were even on, both regular and Christmas. In fact, the only thing Piper DIDN'T have a personal hand in was the mistletoe that their classmates had brought along to catch unsuspecting pairs off guard. It hadn't been set up just yet, as they were likely waiting for an opportunity closer to the end of the night. ]

After everyone's had a chance to eat we're all gonna pitch in to decorate the tree. My dad is busy with editing tonight, so he said it's cool if you guys help me set up, instead. Looks like you even brought the perfect topper.

[ She praises him with a crooked smile, completely casual even dressed up like they are. ]

[ Adrien happily follows Piper, taking in the sights and festive atmosphere. The last time he was here, after all, he only hung out in Piper’s room. He lives in a mansion, too, but it’s amazing how much warmer and homely the McLean house feels, compared to his. ]

Oh, yeah. [ At the mention of it, he holds up the star, as if only just remembering that he’d been carrying it around like a plush. ] Nathalie gave it to me before I left. Guess now I know why.

[ He grins. ]

I can put it with the other decorations until it’s time. I mean, if that’s cool with you.

[ It feels good to finally be giving Adrien the official tour, and more than that, Piper's surprised she's enjoyed being able to show the others around, too. For once she has friends to share space at home with and it's such a nice change of pace. If there's hope for her, she wonders if there's also hope for Adrien, and his father. ]

Yeah, of course. Hope you came on an empty stomach, by the way. We're making popcorn garland later.

[ Listen, he is a growing teen boy whose diet is probably at least somewhat regulated to keep his model physique. His stomach is probably always empty—but even if it wasn’t, he wouldn’t be able to resist the amazing selection of food.

He nods excitedly, pumping a fist as he makes his way over to the tree. ]

Awesome!

And... thank you, Piper. You really went through a lot for me.

[ He sets the star down in the box, and his voice softens in a rare display of seriousness. ]

[ You know, for all the teasing Adrien gets about being a "dumb teenage boy", Piper is just as much sometimes still an awkward teenage girl, and a tomboy who doesn't understand how to juggle complicated feelings. Most of it has been intuition and luck, but the point is, between the two of them, somehow against the odds (that they often create themselves) they're at this point.

Kind of... you know, lingering on the edge of an actual development? ]

You're welcome... [ She says with only a slight blush. For once it really doesn't feel right to brush it off with a casual remark, or an elbow. ] You would have done the same.

[ He would... huh.

It’s easy to say that, of course. He definitely has a romantic side, but as most of his friends would probably tell you, he’s also pretty hopeless.

His cheeks feel pretty warm, too, despite this. He can’t tell if he’s blushing, but just in case he is, he pulls out his phone, busying himself with its screen (which still has a picture of him and his mom).

Figures! The one time he doesn’t have any notifs.

...... ]

My dad still hasn’t said anything.

Maybe... I should thank him, too? Is he...

[ —here? ]

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

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

1/7 buckle in bitch you asked 4 this

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7/7

1/3 WOW YOU RUDE

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