On Point

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE!

By Rena Rouge

I am speechless! Completely and utterly speechless!

As soon as I gather my thoughts I'll let you all know... but, as for now, I can say the dance world has been ultimately changed, and I feel for the better.

*****

There are moments in life where you need to just stop and live. To forget about the past and stop worrying about the future, taking in the present like the gift that it is.

She could feel the bubbling of emotion threatening to spill as Adrien took her hand in his and presented her to the audience. She watched as row after row after row pushed from their sitting position onto their feet, cheers sounding out loudly as hands slammed together aggressively causing the stage to shake beneath her feet.

Marinette looked over at Adrien, a proud, perfect smile placed on his face as he bowed to the audience. A move so professional he looked like he'd done it a thousand times before. It wasn't far from it. He swept an arm to her, dropping her a quick wink as she curtsied to the grateful audience — unlike the one currently standing side of stage.

They'd managed to evade Gabriel as their duet was the last but one performance — and they'd found a nice dark cupboard to hide in as they waited for the final curtain call. And yes, unfortunately they did only hide, not having much time to do anything but hug, though the adrenaline kick she was feeling at the moment she was willing to do anything. This was a drug she didn't know she needed.

She wanted to do it again and again, but she wanted to do it with Adrien. He stepped towards her, wrapping an arm around her waist and placing a kiss to her head without a care for who saw it. She'd never felt like such a prized possession, that she mattered that she was adored.

Luka and Zoé closed off the bows, everyone remaining on their feet as the entire cast took their final collective thank you. This had been truly magical, her heart exploding from the love and adoration which increased as Adrien suddenly appeared with a wide arrangement of red roses and presented them to her, just as Luka did Zoé.

They took one last bow, waving to the audience as the curtains slowly closed, only for the cast to explode with excitement, hugging each other and giving hearty slaps on the back.

Marinette turned to Alya first, wrapping her arms around her friend. Although Alya was only part of the 'guests' in the corps de ballet, it seemed it was enough for her friend and Alya's relaxed face told Marinette everything she needed to know. She was happy and she was healing.

"You did it, M! Everything you worked hard for paid off! You were amazing!"

They remained in a hug until Marinette saw Nino walking over, a sheepish look on his face.

"I suppose I need to thank you too," she laughed, stepping forward and hugging Nino tightly.

"It's not us you need to thank, it's your boyfriend."

Turning from Nino, Marinette caught Adrien hugging Chloé and spinning her around. Chloé had come in as their most valuable player right at the end of the battle. And from the way Adrien and Chloé were currently talking, it was a friendship renewed. Chloé caught her eye and gave her a small smile, before elbowing Adrien and turning his attention to her.

The silent exchange that passed between them, a language of glances, spoke volumes that words couldn't capture.

She was thankful, she was committed and she was his by any costs.

His green eyes, like a forest awakening to the morning sun, transitioned from the depths of shadows to the radiant hues of a sunlit meadow, revealing the kaleidoscope of emotions within.

Marinette's shy smile lingered in the air like the soft glow of a fleeting sunset, as she bid farewell to Nino and gracefully made her way towards Adrien, a subtle dance of anticipation and connection unfolded, the roses in her arms clenched tighter to her chest.

She made her way towards him, Chloé leaving his side to swap places. As they met at the halfway point Chloé stopped and glared at her.

"He likes you, Dupain-Cheng, so don't you dare mess this up."

And with that Chloé was gone.

Continuing her way to Adrien, Marinette couldn't help the emotion obviously displaying on her face, and when he lifted her into his arms she felt as though she was in heaven. This is where she belonged. She wanted this to stay exactly how it was, but the story was about to change — starting with the green haired girl walking in with a face the colour of a fire engine.

"You!" Lila screamed, pointing a finger towards Adrien and Marinette. "You did this to me!"

Adrien lowered Marinette back onto her feet, relief flowing through her that he didn't let go, standing together strong.

"Marinette was watching the show, Lila. We had to make a quick decision as you decided not to show up!" Zoé stepped forward blocking any opportunity of Lila advancing on them.

"Get out my way!"

Luka stepped in front of Zoé, protecting her from the burning inferno that was Lila Rossi.

"Get out of my way!" she repeated, Luka stepping forward in his usual calm and caring way.

"Think about what you're doing, Lila."

"I know what I'm doing! That girl stole my solo!" Lila moved forward, Luka blocking the direction she was aiming to walk in. Suddenly, the dancers on the stage began to move, surrounding the scene and keeping Lila separated from Adrien and Marinette.

"Move!" she screamed again, suddenly being joined by the owner of the company.

"Adrien! What was the meaning of this? Were you trying to ruin the show?" Gabriel moved around the defence wall of people and towards Marinette and Adrien.

Everyone stood in silence as Gabriel headed over to his son, Adrien pushing Marinette slightly behind him to defend her; but that wouldn't work, not anymore. She moved from around his back, standing tall and strong beside him. They were in this together.

Adrien took her hand in his, his eyes still firmly placed on his father — tracking his every move like a prey preparing to fight its predator.

"Adrien, I think we need to talk," Gabriel hissed through gritted teeth. He looked frazzled and more angry than she had ever seen. A slight thrill cruising down her spine as she realised she'd pushed him to this point of insanity.

"Bravo! Bravo!"

Before Gabriel could reach Adrien and Marinette, a new voice appeared in the backstage area. Turning on his heel, Marinette sighed a breath of relief as Gabriel turned away from them, his attention now on the man who'd just entered the stage area.

To say he was exactly what you'd think a ballet director would look like, you would completely be selling him short. He was tall and lean with stylish thin framed glasses. He was wearing jeans and a grey sports jacket, plus a light blue scarf around his neck. Yes, this guy oozed 'Director' and also caused Gabriel to act in a way she'd never seen before.

"Michael, lovely to see you." Gabriel offered a hand out to the guy and shook it a little too enthusiastically, he looked as though he was trying to shake the poor guy's arm off.

"You too, Gabriel." Monsieur Moreu took Gabriel into a hug, slapping him on the back similar to the way you would if someone was choking, what the hell was going on?

"Is that Michael Moreu?" Marinette asked, easing herself up to whisper in Adrien's ear. His hand and arm tightened around her waist.

"Yes," he whispered back, his eyes firmly placed on the Director of the San Francisco ballet.

"Awww, and there's the stars of the gala." His gaze was firmly placed on Adrien and Marinette, only quickly turning to Luka and Zoe and sending them a friendly nod.

"You two were fantastic too, but Adrien, Marinette, I've never seen anything like it."

Marinette couldn't help but smile up at Adrien, yet his face remained stern, his hand tightening a little more around her waist.

"Thank you, Monsieur Moreu," Adrien said in almost perfect English.

"Great choreography, I'm sure your father can't wait to capture it in his next performance." Monsieur Moreu positioned his arms behind his back in a not too dissimilar way she'd seen Gabriel do numerous times in the past.

She watched as Adrien smiled, mouth only, and held out a hand for Monsieur Moreu.

"I'm really glad you enjoyed it."

"As for you," Monsieur Moreu turned his attention down to Marinette and she felt herself straighten a couple of inches, Adrien's fingers digging into her a little too much. "How about we take a little walk?" He held out an arm for Marinette and she couldn't help but look to Adrien for a hint of what to do.

She watched his chest lift before deflating, his hands grudgingly leaving her side and allowing her to step away. His forced smile masked the turmoil within, as she contemplated forgoing the offer and instead moving back to Adrien's comforting embrace.

She wavered on the spot, Adrien noticing and transforming his bland smile into his dimpled one, the one she adored. "Go! I'll wait for you in the changing room."

Nodding, she slipped her arm into Monsieur Moreu's and headed away with one quick look back. The image of Adrien's dejected posture followed her off the stage and out towards the meeting rooms, leaving her silently questioning the choices made in that fleeting moment.

*****

The room echoed Adrien's restless anxiety, nerves taut with the impending news that he feared ever since Michael Moreu had entered onto the stage. He wanted to pace the room, to stalk up and down or do anything to pass the time.

He felt confined, trapped, almost suffocating, yet he couldn't leave. He needed to see her and have the news delivered straight from her mouth. Another person leaving him, but who was he to stop her? He'd showcased her without even the consideration some other companies might want to take her. He was really stupid for not considering this option.

San Francisco needed a new dancer and Marinette was by far the best there. It was an obvious option, and who was he to stand in her way. Her face had lit up, igniting a new fire in his heart, as he watched her bask in the glory of their performance. She'd danced her heart out, just as he had asked her to.

If anyone deserved this, it was Marinette, just for putting up with him.

But how could he live without her?

He began to pace the dressing room, finally succumbing to the anxiety bubbling in his chest. He needed to calm himself down. He needed to settle because if he didn't he would say something he would most certainly regret. The last thing he wanted was to become his father and restrict Marinette from doing what she wanted.

In a week's time he would be unemployed. He had enough money saved that he could fly out and visit her. That was it! He would let her settle before flying out in a month's time and taking it from there. So what if he wanted to see her everyday? It wouldn't be forever. He could look for choreography jobs out there, figure something out... anything. He just wanted to remain with her! He wanted to be hers... but was it fair to restrict her to him? She was young, and they had been dating barely a week. It wouldn't be fair for him to demand she kept in contact, not when the distance made it a near impossibility.

Hopping back onto the dressing room table, he pulled his phone from his pocket and dropped a message to the group, thanking them for helping him out – for helping Marinette out.

Puffing the air out of his cheeks, his head shot up as he heard a creak outside the door.

She was back.

Adrien hopped down, preparing himself for the hardest blow of his life, when instead of a small girl entering, it was a tall man with silver hair. One he would be happy to never see again in his life.

"Father," he welcomed through clenched teeth, backing away from the door and leaning against the dressing table.

Gabriel made his way into the room, almost gliding on thin air. He wasn't big and full of self importance like normally, this time he seemed a little... timid.

"I suppose I should start by admitting I was wrong."

The words almost had Adrien toppling off the table and onto the floor. "W-what?"

"I think you'll find it's pardon, and I know you heard me."

Gabriel continued walking around the room, picking up and replacing different items before heading to the costume rail.

"Quite the costume you had made for Mademoiselle Dupain-Cheng, that must have set you back a bit. The material in itself seemed very expensive."

Adrien's heart dropped, there was no way he knew they'd taken the material, was there?

"She made it herself." Adrien spoke with a lot more bravado than he felt, and he hated himself for allowing his father to still make him feel like this.

"Interesting. I'm guessing she will be leaving for San Francisco?"

Adrien hated how smug his father sounded, and Adrien then knew exactly why he was here.

"I hope she does, she deserves the opportunity. We both know you wouldn't have had the balls to accept her here."

Gabriel turned around, eyes blazing. "How dare you, boy?"

"Just go away, father, unless you have anything nice to say I don't want to hear it."

Adrien watched his father inhale and exhale, before Gabriel scoffed and turned his head away.

"If you've finished with your little strop, maybe you'll let me continue saying what I wanted to."

Hopping up onto the dressing table once again, Adrien indicated the floor was available for his father to speak. Though personally, he would have preferred it if the floor was lava.

"What I wanted to say was that the choreography was impressive and it would be ideal for you to work alongside me in the company. I'll retract your notice and we can look at ways to incorporate you into the school."

Adrien could have laughed, but he was too gobsmacked. What?

"I'm thinking we start auditioning in January and set the school to start in February. Plagg should be back by then and we can ..."

Adrien held up a hand silencing his father.

"What now, son?"

"Firstly, let's not use the word son. That implies you care about me and we both know you don't. Secondly, if you think for one moment I would within draw my notice, you're more delusional than I thought you were. I'm done with Agreste, I'm done with ballet ... and I'm done with you."

"This is suicide, Adrien! Going out on your own! You'll never make it without a big name backing you. You'll never be anything without me! I own you! I made you!"

He shook his head. "I don't care! I can't do this with you anymore, father. Mother was the one who was holding us together, and without her..."

The words trailed off but the meaning was crystal clear. Without her, they weren't anything.

"I see. I wonder what your girl thinks. There'll be no reason for her to stay, after all, why would she?" Gabriel made his way to the door, reaching out slowly and grabbing hold of the handle, waiting a moment before pulling it open and walking back. He hadn't even had the decency to look back.

Scoffing, Adrien once again began to pace, the anger simmering from the boiling point it had just hit. He had to calm down or he was going to mess it up with Marinette again; but he was angry! So, so, angry!

He came to a halt in front of a mirror and placed his hands down on the desk in front of him.

Come on, Adrien, pull yourself together!

Quickly closing his eyes, he thought of anything to calm him down. Of cats, and dancing. Baby cheesecake. Marinette ... nothing was working. His heart was breaking. He could now remember why he was the way he was, why he built this protective layer

"Are you okay?"

A hand gently touched his back, making him flinch and knock it away.

"Adrien?"

He couldn't open his eyes. His brain was malfunctioning and he couldn't control himself. Useless. Pointless. Unlovable.

People always leave.

"Just say it Marinette, please. I can't have you going around the subject when the answers already there."

"Answer? I - I haven't dec–"

"Of course you have," Adrien interrupted. "It would be the best option for you. An opportunity you can't miss out on."

He could hear the tremor in her breathing, the shuffle of her feet as she moved forwards and backwards away from him.

"Adrien, please. I want to talk to you about this. I don't want to go if you're not there. I want to be with you."

His heart began to tear, his eyes stinging and nose prickling. "What if I don't want to be with you anymore? What if I can't do this? Being with you."

"I don't understand. I don't I can't..." She placed a hand on his back again, only for him to knock it off.

"Marinette, please, I'm begging you. Just go!"

"You're doing it again, Adrien!" she said sternly. "I won't leave you! I promised I wouldn't leave you."

He stood straight, refusing to look at her. "People always leave, Marinette. I'm happy for you, I really am, but this won't work."

"We can make it work!" She was screaming at him now, her voice breaking as she spoke. He had no doubt she was crying. Crying over him. But she would get over it, eventually, everyone did. He was no one to hold on to, he just carried around destruction, pain and uncontrollable rage. She deserved more.

"I refuse to stand in your way. I won't be my father."

Silence encompassed them. An uncomfortable feeling of lies and regrets.

"Is this what it's about? Your father?"

His hand came up to his face, wiping over his eyes and trying his hardest not to react to the dampness hitting his finger tips.

"Adrien?" she questioned again.

"Please, Marinette, I can't do this. I can't say goodbye to you."

"Then don't!" Her hands came up and grabbed his wrists, pulling his hands down and uncovering his eyes. "Don't Adrien!"

"I don't want to hold you back, Marinette. Please, go. I won't stand in your way. You deserve this, please, for me! At least try."

He could tell she was unsure what to do, so instead she wrapped her arms around his neck and held him close. Her comfort was everything, but he couldn't be selfish.

She stepped away from him, her eyes gradually leaving his as she silently turned and walked towards the door, similar to what his father had moments earlier. However, this time, there was no silent exit.

"You're too good for this world, Adrien."

He lifted his head, just in time to see her tear streaked face looking back at him, her eyes glistening for a different reason than what they had a few hours ago.

"I won't give up," she whispered. "I love you. I will always love you."

As she stepped out of the room, and out of his life, his heart tore apart, leaving him as nothing more than a shell of a man on the dressing room floor.