On Point

'Break a Leg'

By Rena Rogue

Recent reports have placed Lê Chiến Kim Ature (22) at the scene of a rather tragic accident. A group of skaters at the rink within The Magic of Christmas collided on Wednesday night, Ature taking the brunt of the fall and breaking his leg. He will be out for the remaining of the year, and into next year which means a new Cavalier will be needed, and luckily for Lila Rossi (20), she has once again fallen firmly on her feet.

Sources have told us that Adrien Agreste (22) will be taking over as the famed part, dancing once again with Rossi. Whilst this is fantastic news for the audience, it does question what will happen with Adrien's duet with Marinette Dupain-Cheng (19). No information has been given about whether this anticipated duet will still be performed, or whether Dupain-Cheng will become a redundant part of the school.

Not long now until all is revealed.

*****

In the City of Love, beneath the soft glow of street lamps, two new lovers strolled hand in hand. Their laughter mingled with the evening air as they navigated the charming streets, weaving their own romantic tale amidst the timeless beauty of Paris.

Gentle flakes of snow began to descend upon the cobblestone streets, transforming the city into a winter wonderland. Softly blanketing iconic landmarks, the delicate dance of snowflakes added a serene touch to the bustling urban landscape.

Despite the enchanting backdrop, a subtle nervous energy lingered between them, expressed in fleeting glances and the occasional squeeze of intertwined fingers.

The memory of her kiss lingered freshly on Adrien's lips, a gentle and electrifying sensation that resonated within him. They seemed to find a time and opportunity to make the action happen again and again, only adding to the increasing need to never let her go. Each step he took was accompanied by the sweet echo of that moment, leaving an indelible mark on his senses.

"I love the snow," Marinette said, closing her eyes and lifting her head up to the clouded ceiling of Paris. He marvelled at her. Marinette in her purest form. She looked nothing less than an angel fallen from above just for him. She came to him at a time in his life when he needed someone, anyone, to support him, and she had in more ways than he ever could imagine.

He smiled watching her twirl around under the soft downpour of ice.

"I prefer being in the warm," Adrien said, catching her arm and pulling her into his body. "But I think watching you out here, twirling beneath the snow, is my new favourite thing, so much so, I want to make it a new tradition."

His hands supported her back, pulling her in close, pressing his body against hers and kissing her frost kissed cheek. A blush of pink appeared on her porcelain skin, once again transforming her into a precious doll. God, she was beautiful.

"You do realise that for it to be a tradition, you have to do it every year?" She giggled, her eyes lighting up to a brightness that rivalled Paris' most famous attractions.

"Exactly." He wiggled his eyebrows at her, watching the dancing in her eyes increase tempo.

"Look at you. I kiss you and you turn into Mr Supersmooth."

He barked out a laugh as her hands slid up to wrap around his neck. Who needed a scarf when the most beautiful, kind woman you knew was wrapped around you more perfectly than the finest cashmere?

"If we don't keep moving, you're going to freeze." He pulled her even closer, her nose brushing his from where she'd lifted up onto her toes – a cold feeling left in its wake.

"Not yet. There's something I've always wanted to do." The chilly wind bestowed a sweet blush upon Marinette's cheeks, like nature's own adorable handiwork. The glow from the winter's embrace captivated him with an allure he had never witnessed before, one which had him eagerly anticipating her next move.

Amidst the falling snowflakes, she stretched up to kiss him tenderly, the cold air enhancing the warmth of their connection. A connection he was going to absorb himself in. A kiss in the snow.

"Your nose is cold," she whispered moving backwards, Adrien once again unable to hold back the laugh bubbling up from his chest. He was so unbelievably happy, he wasn't entirely convinced that this was real. Any moment now he was sure he'd wake up alone in his cold bed. A cruel dream on his own behalf.

"But I don't care." And with that, she stretched towards him again, kissing him whilst the cold flakes melted between them.

"Come on," he said, slipping his fingers into hers, all over again, and continuing on their way down the streets, every now and then giving them a little squeeze of reassurance.

The crowds were increasing rapidly with the countdown to Christmas swiftly heading for single figures. The two ducked and dodged the thick throngs of people, as they continued on their way to Marinette's apartment block.

A couple more streets and they were standing outside the main lobby. Turning to face her, Adrien gently brushed a snowflake from her eyebrow, his gaze lingering as they exchanged a silent promise. The soft glow from the lobby illuminated their shared vulnerability, and as he leaned in for another kiss, the world seemed to fade, leaving only the warmth of their embrace in the quiet winter night.

"Have you got any plans tomorrow?" she asked.

His heart began to race. Was she going to suggest they go out?

"I - um - no... no I don't."

She anxiously played with her fingers, as he rubbed a cold hand to the warmth of the back of his neck.

"Would you like to come up? We could watch a movie or something? I'm not trying to get you into bed, but you could sleep over if you want."

He spluttered a little, what was she —

His eyes had obviously given him away, a sheer panic crossing over hers in response.

"Not like that," she suddenly back peddled. "I didn't mean we should — after all we haven't even been on a date yet, we're not together."

Adrien reached out and placed a hand on her arm before sliding it down and connecting their fingers. He lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a delicate kiss to her ice cold knuckles.

"I'd love to come and watch a movie."

... and have you as my girlfriend.

It was too soon. He knew that, but that didn't stop him from wanting to ask her. Maybe he could get her on a date soon and see if they worked outside of the dance world and the studio. A question he was certain he knew the answer to.

She smiled, though it didn't quite make her eyes sparkle the way he knew they could. "Great," she said.

The nervous excitement lingered between them once again as they navigated their way through the Christmas-filled lobby, adorned with decorations, and up the elevator and towards her apartment. He couldn't believe it had only been a few hours since he'd been here previously. As they entered the main room, Adrien noticed the Christmas tree he was quite sure wasn't there earlier, the scent of pine and the twinkle of holiday lights heightening the anticipation.

Leading him down the hallway, Marinette opened her bedroom door and allowed Adrien to enter first, trailing behind him and closing the door.

"Alya's staying with Nino tonight, so we have the room to ourselves."

Hesitantly, Adrien took off his jacket and put it on the peg near the doorway, slightly apprehensive about what he should do next. It had been a while since he'd been alone with a girl, and Marinette wasn't just a girl. She was more than that. More than anyone.

Slipping his shoes off next, Adrien watched as Marinette grabbed her laptop and brought it back to the bed, climbing on and patting the space next to her.

Calming his nerves with a rather deep breath, Adrien climbed on beside her and sat like a lemon. What was he meant to do now?

He sat awkwardly as Marinette messed around with a few buttons, pulling up a random Christmas movie. From the green and red jumpers he guessed it was a Hallmark one.

She snuggled next to him, wrapping her arms around his and cuddling into his side. His heart was racing to a point of explosion. Never had anyone ever had this effect on him before.

Adrien turned his head to look at her, her eyes lifting to meet his own and then the emotions exploded between them.

Her lips were on his in an instant and he wasn't entirely sure who started it, but the kiss had transformed into an inferno of passion, an unbridled exchange where desire blazed. Her hands, like flames, traced the contours of his face, leaving an indelible imprint of ardour. It wasn't just a kiss; it was a confluence of fiery emotions that left them both breathless and consumed by the intensity of the moment – an intensity which lasted until the early hours of the morning.

*****

Marinette woke up gradually, being pulled from the best dream of her life. She'd been wrapped up in bliss as she slept side by side with Adrien after a heated night of making out. Oh yes! Now that was a good dream.

She rolled over and let out a deep sigh, grabbing her pillow and cuddling it as though it was his body. An overwhelming scent hit her nose as she realised the smell on the pillow was the same cologne Adrien used. Was she becoming obsessed?

She took another deep breath in, the smell was divine.

Then her eyes shot open. It wasn't a dream was it? She had kissed Adrien last night, and by the tingling and sore sensation appearing as she licked her lips, she really had kissed Adrien last night. Time and time again. Her lips were tender and slightly chapped, and the memories began to flood back to her in Technicoloured pleasure; she giggled. Really, really giggled.

Every kiss they had shared had had a meaning. A kiss of a promise. A kiss of passion. A kiss of — she was getting way ahead of herself here, but she couldn't help her thoughts as they drifted to tiny Adrien's running around a studio as the two of them danced to the song he played on the piano the previous night.

Damn it!

This was Adrien Agreste! He could literally have anyone. It was just a kiss. Just a wonderful, sultry, sexy kiss that blew her socks off and made her foot pop. No platonic feelings. No kissing her brother. Pure lust and animalistic need.

Taking the pillow from behind her head, she placed it over her face and screamed. It has literally been days since herself and Luka had parted ways and she was already making out with her dance partner.

She twisted, lowering her legs onto the ground and catching a chill from the frosty morning air. It had snowed last night, so why the hell was she not wearing more than a pair of shorts and a shirt that she was certain wasn't hers. Once again, the memories came flooding back of Adrien stripping down to his boxers. His body was hot, not just in the muscular dancer way, but in a way where sleeping next to him was like sleeping on the surface of the sun.

Stretching up, she felt the happiest she had in a long time. Everything seemed to finally be falling into place and she felt confident. Even in such miniscule clothing. Walking towards the door, she popped out her shoulders and opened it. Making her way out into the main area of the apartment, she was hit with the off key singing of her bed guest.

"You were handsome

You were pretty

Queen of New York City

When the band finished playing

They howled out for more."

She giggled, she didn't realise someone so pretty could sound so bad. Making her way into the kitchen she noticed Adrien messing around with something on the counter. His jeans on and the waistband of his boxers raised above them. She watched the muscles ripple in his back and she couldn't believe how lucky she was. He wanted to be with her. Adrien Agreste wanted to be with her. This wasn't a dream, this was real life, he was hers – and she was his... well, hopefully.

Marinette moved up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist, nuzzling her head against his back.

"You're so warm," she mused, her face being shaken as Adrien started to laugh. He'd been doing that so much recently, and every time he did a new spark of life lit up his face.

"For bringing me back to life."

The words from the previous night echoed around in her head, bouncing off the walls as it repeated themselves over and over again. Such words couldn't be taken lightly. He turned her in his arms and slotted his own around her waist, her body gravitating towards his and slotting in perfectly.

"Wiseacre, play Last Christmas."

The smart speaker began to talk back, informing them the song was about to play and Adrien took it as an opportunity to move his hands slightly lower and pull her unbelievably closer into his body. He pressed a gentle kiss to her neck before whispering softly into her ear.

"Dance with me, Shortcake."

Giggling, Marinette wrapped her arms up around his neck, pulling herself up onto her toes and kissing him tenderly on the cheek.

"Always, Minou."

He pushed back, a twinkle in his eyes as he smiled brightly at her. "Minou? I like it!"

The rhythmic melody filled the kitchen and they shared a tender smile. Adrien began to sway, taking her with him as they both sang and laughed to the humble tones of George Michael.

"You're so short," Adrien laughed, lifting her feet off the floor and continuing the sway.

"You're just a giant," she retorted, squealing as Adrien placed her on the counter and the cold marble hit her bare thighs. "And where is your top? I'm an impressionable girl, Mr Agreste." She pushed her hands up and over his shoulders as he moved in closer, her hands revelling in the hard planes of his muscles. "You should be covered up really."

"I think you know exactly where my top is, Shortcake. You're wearing it." He bopped her on the nose before moving in closer, his lips brushing her lips.

Marinette dragged her lips down his neck. "Do you want me to take it off?"

"I'd prefer it if you didn't."

Marinette froze, Adrien's eyes widening, they were no longer alone. Moving her lips from his neck, Adrien nervously stepped back, his hand reaching for the back of his neck. Even though he was reacting in embarrassment and she probably should too, seeing his muscles tense and tighten made her feel a whole new array of things.

With a quick shuffle, she hopped down from the counter and stood face to face with a rather unimpressed Rose.

"Wiseacre, turn off." Marinette's command stopped the music and an eerie area of silence surrounded them.

Marinette couldn't help but feel like she was about to be scalded by her parents for bringing a boy home without warning... However, she was almost certain they'd have no problem waking up to Adrien Agreste in their kitchen.

Rose looked positively fuming. Her usual cool and calm demeanour was replaced by someone who was going to rip her hair out one painful strand at a time.

"I was right, wasn't I? You've been seeing Adrien behind Luka's back. I knew he shouldn't have trusted you."

"What?" Marinette retorted. "I would never do such a thing!"

"You've only been split up a couple of days and you're already with Adrien." Rose placed her hands on her hips, her temper flaring to a point her perfectly pale face was turning red. For someone so tiny, the rage was a furnace of anger.

"It's not like that, I wasn't doing anything behind Luka's back." Marinette tried to defend herself, lifting her hands to help show her innocence.

"He's been miserable all week, Marinette. Do you not care? We haven't seen him. He's been at the studio all the time! He's been —"

Before Rose could finish her roasting of Marinette, giggling was heard from down the hallway. Not one, but two voices.

Everyone turned to look at where the laughter was originating from, only to see Luka attempting to walk forwards with Zoé tightly wound in his arms, and if Marinette wasn't mistaken, Zoé was wearing even less than her... quite the shock really.

They both stopped as they noticed Marinette, Adrien and Rose standing in the kitchen, Luka stepping away from Zoé and trying to hide obvious marks from what had been happening the night before.

"Oh, um, hi everyone. This is Zoé," Luka said, a slight cringe on his face. "M-my girlfriend."

Marinette looked between Zoé and Luka, then to Rose who looked mortified and Adrien who just looked amused. And in the next episode of 'you can't make this shit up', the door opened and Alya and Nino entered. Both froze on the spot. Nino looked between the two shirtless guys and pulled his shoulders back. Marinette was quite sure he was trying to buff himself out and grow about 4 inches.

"What the hell is going on here?" Alya asked. Nino placed his hands on his stomach and studied his not-quite-so-perfectly-flat stomach.

"If this is the body you get from dancing, I apologise for never coming with you," Nino said to Alya, poking himself for good measure. Alya smacked him in the stomach with the back of her hand before turning to address both Marinette and Luka – Marinette suddenly feeling guilty for not filling her friend in about this latest development with Adrien.

"I've heard about moving on quickly, but damn! Both of you didn't even wait a week." Shaking her head, Alya led Nino into the main area of the apartment, Rose following embarrassingly behind and the couples left looking at each other.

"I'm sorry," Luka said. His eyes looking down at the floor, Zoé trying to look everywhere else.

He had nothing to feel sorry for. His heart was like hers, playing the tune of someone else. Someone who he was made for. Someone who made them the best they could be. Stepping forward, Marinette walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist.

"I'm happy for you," she whispered.

After a brief moment, his arms wrapped around her waist, squeezing her tightly as his head buried into her hair. "I'm happy for you too."