chatpiper | ♣ I don't know what to do I think I'm FALLing for you

♣ I don't know what to do I think I'm FALLing for you

[Piper has never been one to care for the perks that come with being associated with famous people, honestly, but she's able to appreciate and make some exceptions. Given Adrien's busy schedule (both as a civilian and as Cat Noir) she considers this almost more like a compromise. They haven't told his father about them dating yet, which makes things harder, but it's worth it to let Adrien approach the subject at his own pace, even if it makes Piper a little bit uneasy to think about. It's not that she's clingy or insecure, but misunderstandings are more likely to happen when everyone isn't on the same page.

But still! Trust.

And in the meantime, for whatever reason Gabriel seemed to decide she was an acceptable friend for his son, so here she is in a very prestigious position: Front row at one of Adrien's photoshoots. The weather is perfect, if a little bit chilly. Somewhere in the distance there's the soft crunch of dead leaves being raked by a park attendant into neat piles all around. Adrien looks very handsome in his fall attire, and the colors of the changing leaves sets a cozy tone for the day overall.

He does so many of them that sometimes it seems like it should be a simple thing, but watching him follow direction after direction, striking pose after pose, it becomes clear that it's tiring work in its own right. He's a good sport about it, the most patient and cooperative, honestly, but it looks like it's wearing him down a little holding poses and being tasked with producing emotion on demand. That's why, while the photographer is busy changing out his camera card (trying to locate the new one he'd purchased for today) Piper seizes on an opportunity.

A few moments ago she was sitting to one side on a park bench with a cup of hot chocolate cupped in her hands, and when he'd looked her way she'd been giving him reassuring smiles, but now he'll find the seat empty. Off in the distance the park attendant is still busy raking leaves into piles, but Piper is conspicuously missing...

Until suddenly she isn't anymore, and she drops an armful of leaves over Adrien's head from behind.]

Aw, why do you look so down? Were you worried I'd leave you all alone?

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[ While Piper’s company certainly helps make work feel less like work, Adrien is still thankful for the break. He tries not to look too relieved when the cameraman’s rummaging gets more frantic, and after a while, pretends he doesn’t see him. Instead, Adrien nonchalantly reaches for a bottle of water from their company cooler, pointedly glancing at his girlfriend with satisfaction before realizing—

She’s not there.

His eyebrows raise as he approaches the bench. There isn’t exactly anywhere to hide, so he sits with confidence, but at the same time, can’t help but look around. He searches while trying not to look like he is searching. Did she need to use the bathroom? Did she go for a refill on the hot chocolate...?

It isn’t until he’s given up—until he’s relaxed, bottle of water lifted to his mouth, just about to drink when he feels the torrent of leaves being dumped from on high.

He coughs up some of the debris that gets caught in his mouth before her pun earns her a smile. ]

I figured you got bored, or lost.

[ As Adrien recaps the bottle, he glances over to his dad, Nathalie and the cameraman to make sure they’re still preoccupied.

They are, but he still lowers his voice. ]

Last I checked, not even snakes can turn invisible.

[Alright, so maybe there's SOME perks to keeping a low dating profile. There's a little element of excitement in flirting right under everyone's noses, and Adrien is apparently feeling bold enough to try it.

Leaning in over the back of the bench, Piper lowers her voice to match, a grin on her lips next to his ear.]

No, but didn't you know? Some of them are masters of camouflage.

[As she says it she picks a leaf from his head as if for emphasis.]

[ The tingling sensation in his ear and her pleasant voice do distract. For a moment Adrien is stunned, but as she plucks the leaf from his hair, he starts to shake off the rest.

He starts brushing the leaves and debris off his arms, and when he notices some of them landing on Piper, he starts sending most of it her way.

On purpose. ]

Yeah? This should help.

[ It’s not quite the armful like Piper’s “attack” was, but it’s good enough!! ]

[She had a good few seconds to enjoy his stunned silence before the leaves started landing in her face, and she began sputtering, laughing and leaning back.

Then she thinks better of it and cups her arms to catch a bunch of them back, and then she's grabbing the back of his jacket--]

That's generous of you, but I be-leave right now they suit your colors much better!

[--and stuffs them down the back of said jacket, as careful as she can be in her hurry- not to shove any down his shirt. She's already laughing and jumping back in case he decides to retaliate.

She just couldn't leave well enough alone.]

[ Adrien bolts up immediately in surprise, though he really should have expected the retaliation. He squirms, trying to shake off the leaves she’s stuffed down his jacket, but when he sees her stepping back, he takes it as a challenge.

He reaches down for a handful of leaves from the small pile that formed on the ground, and flings them in her direction. ]

No, no! They fall much better on you—

[ But before things can really escalate, there is a flash that catches his eye.

Adrien freezes, having forgotten where they were. He turns to see his father, Nathalie... and a very excited-looking cameraman in front of them, who looks suspiciously like he’s just won the lottery.

Seems that his SD card turned up... ]

[There was a short peel of laughter at his reaction, and a quiet not-quite-a-squeal sort of yelp when he retaliated, Piper turning her face away, arms coming up, and closing her eyes to try to avoid getting leaf bits in her mouth like HE had earlier, but it's hard when she's laughing so much.

As such she misses the flash, but when she opens her eyes again she realizes that they've... uh, caught some attention with their antics.

Oops?

....... That's not gonna stop her from grabbing more leaves and ruffling them into his hair, laughing and dancing back again out of range, grinning like a maniac. So the cameraman wants a show?]

Sorry, Mr. Agreste, I couldn't resist! I'm just a little naughty by nature! I love the new fall couture, though!

[To Adrien, she smirks, raises an eyebrow in challenge, backing towards one of the leaf piles slowly. She's planning something.]

Your move, blondie.

[ Some months ago, Adrien would have been terrified. Now though, he just meets Piper’s smirk with an amused look of disbelief. He doesn’t even flinch when the cameraman snaps more pictures, when Piper continues ruffling his hair. He glances at his father, who’s started to scold the cameraman (luckily for them), then he looks back at Piper. ]

You are either really brave, or really— [ His voice is low, but fond. In the end, he shakes his head. ] Never mind.

I’m sorry, dad. We were just playing around.

[ He’s about to excuse himself to go check a mirror, maybe straighten up a bit, but the cameraman doesn’t seem content to take things lying down, even from Gabriel.

He interjects, claiming that “This is the spark I was searching for!!” (Whatever that means.) ]

[Honestly if it had been a while back Piper might not have dared, either. She wasn't so sure of anything that she'd assume that just because he allowed Adrien to go to and later himself came to the Christmas party that it meant he'd actually lightened up at all.

It's still a damn shame, because the temptation to kiss her boyfriend when he used that tone was always pretty high, but Piper has to settle for biting her tongue and making a note to maybe mention it again later.

Piper instead turns her attention to the exchange too, like Adrien, listening to the impassioned argument from the photographer.

"They are the very embodiment of autumn magic right now! Something like this you just can't fake! People will take one look at these photos and fall in love, that's how powerful the emotion is. Can't you feel it?!"

It looks like Mr. Agreste isn't pleased with the sudden stubborn streak, but he bears the brunt of the man's passions with a stern sort of patience, right up until Piper sees his assistant speak up from where she's playing with the tablet in her hands.

"The photos would be quite charming, sir. They do seem to have a natural chemistry with one another."

Piper glances over to Adrien again with a helpless and discreet little shrug, as if to say "Adults are weird." while they wait for the official response. And all the while she's still planning her next move.]

[ Et tu, Nathalie?

Adrien has learned to read his father’s expressions like his favorite books. The way his mouth hung open, the way his gaze went from the expectant, overeager cameraman to his collected, professional assistant.

He rubbed the bridge of his nose, taking a step forward, and Adrien knew the decision was made.

“...let me see the photos,” Gabriel said.

And as Gabriel browsed through the camera, Adrien saw Nathalie bite back a fond smirk. He turns to Piper and returns the shrug, expression hopefully, full of amusement, but also confusion.

What is even happening right now? ]

I think he likes them.

[ Adrien leans in and whispers, but straightens uncomfortably when he catches his father’s eye. Gabriel seems to be peering from the photos, to the real deal and back again.

Is he convinced? ]

[What can she say, she calls it like she sees it.

When Adrien leans in and makes his observation Piper answers with a tiny little fond smirk of her own. Normally she hates being filmed or photographed, but if the trade off is making this shoot more bearable for her boyfriend, and getting to spend time with him, it seems pretty fair.

Finally, they get the green light, it seems. A silent, stoic nod from Gabriel, and the photographer comes back with renewed enthusiasm.

This time the instructions are a little bit different. He wants them to just do what comes naturally, though he does take a moment to have a closer look at Piper, and Piper gets the feeling that he isn't done with her yet. Before the shoot is over she has the sinking suspicion that she'll be subjected to a similar treatment of hair and make up.

Honestly she expected it right then and there, but to her surprise the photographer doesn't seem to think she needs anything.

"Go, go, play! Just pretend that we aren't here!"

Easier said than done, because of course NOW all eyes are on them.

Piper nudges Adrien's arm and starts walking towards one of the leaf piles again, playfully murmuring.]

I have a new found level of respect for you, Blondie. I don't know how you make "natural" look so easy with this many eyes on you all the time.

[.... Not that she's checking for his magazine articles. They just happen to show up at the McLean house from time to time because her dad gets fashion subscriptions for research for premiers! And events??? AND THINGS SHUT UP!!!]

[ Adrien laughs, giving them one last look before taking their advice: pretending they aren’t there. He trails behind Piper and approaches the leaf piles after her. A satisfying crunch sounds as he scoops up a handful like a snowball. ]

I’ve had a lifetime of practice.

[ ...then he throws them into the air, letting the leaves fall between them like confetti. It’s hard to ignore the aggressive camera snaps. ]

This... is kind of a first, though.

[ Silently he wonders if Piper had ever attended her dad’s photoshoots the same way. Even he can’t completely forget their audience, however. It may be a topic to bring up later, when they’re alone. ]

[A lifetime of practice...

Yeah, there's no way he's doing that knowingly, is there? Saying something so casually and sounding so much older than his years. ~~Never mind that she does the same thing.~~ He's so gods damned cool and he probably doesn't even know it, the thought of which makes her grin.

Laughing and covering her eyes then at the shower of leaves, Piper joins in, turning to the pile and sweeping her leg up to kick another flurry of them into the air. She's aware of the aggressive clicking, but she ignores it. It's surprisingly easy enough for her because Adrien is there.]

Guess I must be your good luck charm.

[Wink.]

[ He snorts, shielding his face for a moment as he takes in the pure cheese that was her response. He doesn’t want to ruin any of the pictures, so he can’t retaliate too aggressively, but he does his best.

At least they haven’t made her change into any of his dad’s high-end clothes.

Yet. ]

Nice. [ And totally something I would have said, once upon a time. ] You should try that one on Ladybug next time we—

[ call on you.

MENTAL BACKSPACE MENTAL BACKSPACE. How he does it with a straight face, even he doesn’t know. ]

—you know, next time we see her.

[ADRIEN AGRESTE WATER YOU DOING]

So in like, three days when someone else at school gets Akumatized because someone didn't ask them to the Fall Dance?

[She plays it off sarcastically, like it's so common to see Ladybug around that of COURSE they see her on a regular basis!

And as punishment for that near slip- and he only gets a warning smirk right before Piper makes her move -she throws herself into the leaf pile and pulls him with her before he can say anything else OR anyone can pay too much attention to the conversation.

Another hailstorm of clicks and flashes go off.]

[ Wow!!! WOW!!! BETRAYAL—

It’s going to take ages to get the taste of dead leaves out of his mouth, especially since he’s laughing like he’s being tickled, but he eventually composes himself as he crawls out. ]

You know? I was actually about to say that was a pretty good joke! And probably accurate.

But that? That was dirty.

[ Literally!! He is brushing at his sleeves to make the point.

And still grinning. ]

Life's no fun if we play fair all the time, blondie.

[She winks, sitting up and shaking the leaves from her hair, and then standing up to brush some off of her hood.

As a gesture of apology, though, she steps closer and reaches up to brush some leaves from his hair, laughing as she leans close enough to his ear to whisper.]

Looks like I had you falling for me all over again.

[A call back to that night almost a year ago in the boat on the lake.]

[ He can see his dad's expression subtly change when she leans in. He's been conditioned since he was little to fear that; more so now since his mom has been missing, but he catches onto the call-back and softens regardless.

He brushes the last of the leaves off. ]

I should probably take it easier on these clothes.

...Since you did bring up the Fall Dance, though, maybe you could help me convince a certain someone to let me go.

[ Yeah, that's right, Gabriel, your son is calling you out. Are you hearing this? ]

[ Piper winks playfully back at him. She probably should be more careful with Gabriel, but Piper is feeling too fearless. It's something that happens whenever she's with the people she loves, especially Adrien, and now is no exception.

When Adrien addresses her about the fall dance, something that she actually, surprisingly, wants to attend (Going to more than one social event in a school year? Who IS she?), she gets the message.

Gabriel, for his part, is surprised by his son's... borderline cheeky behavior. Perhaps he should reevaluate what sort of influence this girl is over Adrien... just that, before he can give the idea any further thought she's smiling so sweetly. It's difficult, even for him then to maintain his stern stance. There's the barest tickle of an urge to answer whatever she asks of him by giving it willingly. Brief enough to dismiss again quickly as a momentary weakness, not enough to consider concerning.

His brow furrows then as though trying to redouble his efforts to look imposing and strict. ]

Adrien works really hard every day, Mr. Agreste. Could you let him have one night off for the dance? It would mean a lot to both of us, all of us if he could come.

[ It would be so easy to slip in a name drop, to mention how much her father would appreciate him allowing Adrien to be her date for the night so that she didn't need to go alone, but not only would that be wrong, it would be easy to shoot down such a request. No, she sticks to being sincere, putting as much of an imploring lilt into her voice as possible.

Both Gabriel and Nathalie had killer poker faces, Piper noted, because even as she glanced at her boss the assistant's expression gave away none of her thoughts. As for the older Agreste... His brow sunk lower on his forehead, deeper towards his eyes, possibly in displeasure, but also maybe pensive thought? What was going through his mind, she wondered?

The answer to that was somewhat innocuous... The first time he'd met the young Miss McLean she'd charmed him with how well spoken and well mannered she was. As he understood it she and her father had only just moved here a few months prior, at that time. She'd grown up in the States... had never taken classes. Self-taught, he recalled her explaining in passing? It was impressive... and in part some of what moved him to agree to allow Adrien to attend the surprise party she'd planned.

Also impressive, that she'd put together such a well thought out event on relatively short notice. Any potential that she had was secondary- no, tertiary to his concerns for Adrien's future. They did give him pause, though, at least he'd thought so at the time.

Faced with her again, three times in a row now... surely no one is THAT persuasive?

Closing his eyes for a moment, he nodded. ]

Very well. As he has no other obligations that evening, I'll allow it this once.

Edited 2019-11-11 02:46 (UTC)

[ Even Nathalie raises an eyebrow at this, but only for a very missable, blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment. As quickly her surprise comes, it is gone. She writes something on a clipboard she's been observing with and speaks not a word against her boss's orders.

Adrien's jaw drops. He can't help it! What does he have to do to get a yes so easily? But he won't push it by asking, as rhetorical as the question would have been. He'll take what he can get, smiling excitedly as he bounces once, pulling Piper into it, too. ]

Sweet!

[ The photographer takes his last pictures, and Adrien regains his composure just in time for the guy to dismissively start going over the material on his camera, slowly walking away as he does so.

Adrien coughs. When he sees a dismissive wave, he shrugs, looking at Piper and then at his dad. ]

I mean... I guess we're done.

Dad... I really appreciate you letting me go! I didn't really know what to expect there, I hope...

[ Adrien really doesn't want him to feel like they ganged up on him or something. ]

[Piper is less surprised this time when Gabriel says yes, only because she was confident that he would. It wasn't an unreasonable request, but more than that, somehow she just knew he'd agree to it.

BUT STILL ALSO STILL SURPRISED.

She goes along with Adrien's pull and bounce with a short laugh, but then composes herself long enough to give his father a polite smile and her thanks.

It all happens rather fast after that. She's not sure what the procedure here is and was ready to just... follow directions until it seemed obvious they were done, but then they're dismissed rather unceremoniously and Piper is left unsure if it's a formal dismissal or not.

When Adrien looks at her she shoots a somewhat helpless shrug back. Don't ask her! She's not sure either. She assumes so by the photographer's response, but who knows. Adrien strikes up a conversation with his father then, and Piper is debating offering her thanks as well, but...

She should've really known better than to get too comfortable.

Gabriel holds up a hand, silencing whatever else Adrien might have intended to say when he trails off uncertainly. With his eyes closed at the moment the calculating look in them is hidden behind hooded lids. He's still the picture of calm when he speaks up again.]

Just a moment, Adrien. I'll allow you to attend this dance on your friend's request, but I'd like for her to do something in return.

[Without looking he gestures for Nathalie then.]

Nathalie, an invitation, please.

[Piper, for her part, looks a bit stunned, but as the invite changes hands from assistant to teen, she immediately gets the feeling that she knows what it's for- even if not specifically...]

Next week there's a gala being hosted by the publishing house that commissioned today's shoot. The event mandates a plus one. Miss McLean here shall act as yours for the evening.

[It was only right, after all, that they be allowed to meet the young woman who would feature on their pages as well. More than that, however, Gabriel was curious to see how she'd act under pressure and the last minute invitation.]

[ He knows better than to keep talking. All he can do is watch, mouth hung open, as the events unfold. He'd almost forgotten about that gala, so he certainly hasn't given any thought as to who his plus one was going to be... but it was never going to be anyone else, anyway.

He grins encouragingly as Piper takes the invite. ]

It'd be an honor. If... you're not busy.

[ He's not going to assume she wouldn't be!! ]

[It makes her feel just a tiny bit nervous, because a gala? A formal event, a dress, big names, salad forks... dancing.

She wouldn't be going alone though, since of course she'd be accompanying Adrien. It'd be a date more or less, even if not one of their specific choosing.

Hopefully Adrien doesn't pick up on her apprehension! They can talk about it afterwards, but for now she doesn't want him to think she doesn't want to do it just because it makes her nervous.

With a smile, she nods.]

Yeah... I'm not doing anything. I'd be happy to go.

[Gabriel, for his part, seems ready to move on. There are other engagements to see to, and time stops for no man. Maybe an akuma... but no man.]

... Did that really just happen?

[Buy one date get one free?]

Dude.

[ It's a quiet, excited utterance, only after Gabriel and the others are sufficiently distracted. You can definitely tell Adrien is Nino's best friend. ]

That was amazing. Sorry he put you on the spot like that, though.

[ If Adrien had known the ultimatum was coming, he might have found a different way of getting his permission... but he is, of course, not complaining. ]

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♣ I don't know what to do I think I'm FALLing for you

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