Adrien trudged through the silent, snow-covered Parisian streets, shrouded in solitude and a desire to remain unnoticed. He'd stayed in the venue for another hour before leaving, his body frozen in turmoil and a heavy feeling in his heart. He thought his father had destroyed him enough, instead he'd destroyed himself a hell of a lot easier.

He knew why he'd done it. It was so much easier for him to send her away before she made the choice to leave him. He was in control of the situation, but that didn't mean it didn't hurt, even more so than any other decision in his life.

A rock became his next victim as he kicked it along the path in front of him, the small object bouncing around as it continued moving forward. Everything and everyone was moving forward — apart from him that was.

Adrien had gone from the possibility of everything he ever desired to nothing, all in one night. Maybe his father was right, maybe he couldn't survive without him.

Stopping beside a building, Adrien rested his back to the cold, hard brick, tilting his head back and exhaling shakingly. The hot steam from his mouth floated above him in a mocking dance of hurt and unease. He hated himself. For the first time ever, he was disgusted. He didn't like Adrien Agreste, he hadn't for a while, but right now he despised him. He hated him with every single bone in his body.

His hand itched to reach for his phone to beg Marinette to come to him, to apologise for the horrendous idea he had about her leaving and begging her to stay, but he couldn't do that. But that kind of emotional manipulation would make him just like his father.

Pushing from the wall, Adrien continued his way along the abandoned streets and towards the studio, digging for the keys in his pocket to let himself in.

He missed Plagg. He wished his mentor had been there with him, to celebrate the success and make sure he made the right decision when it came to Marinette, because the more he thought about it, the more he could see how wrong it was, especially as he had no option of time travel to go back and correct it. He was, once again, well and truly alone.

The door to the studio was slightly ajar, Adrien grabbing hold of his phone from his pocket just in case he needed to call the police. He was sure Plagg and Tikki were at home, so no one should be in there.

Pushing it open, Adrien called out in greeting, his heart thumping in his chest with each pounding step of his boots on the ground.

"Hello?" he asked again, a sound of music hitting his ears as he gained distance on the main studio.

Someone was in there — dancing.

Adrien stood for a moment and watched the fluidity of movements and his heart yearned even more for Marinette. He remembered that first audition, the way she moved along the floor in a unique pattern not seen with ballet dancers, the night she'd stayed late in the studios and he just knew he needed to dance with her, her first night here at the studio — the uncertainty of joining the class, but the way he'd supported and persuaded her.

And how she had looked that evening in her elegant, pink dress with a wonderful glow on her face. The excitement and happiness. Something he'd managed to rip away from her in the matter of minutes.

A choked sob left his mouth, a hand lifting to cover it and not announce his arrival to the dancer, but it was too late. She stopped, turning around to face him, the breath catching in his throat as he studied her features – features he knew.

The woman lifted a hand and waved, Adrien absentmindedly repeating the action and making his way into the studio.

"H-hi," he greeted. "Are you here to see me?"

Rosita's mother stood before him, but where he'd seen a broken woman a week ago, this one was dazzling with youth and hope.

"I am, but not the way you'd think."

She indicated for him to take a seat on the bench in the studio, as she grabbed her hoodie and slipped it on over her leotard.

"May I?" She indicated for the spot beside him, settling on the bench and tucking her legs underneath herself. "I thought you'd come here. We're all creatures of habit, you know."

Adrien was confused and he was quite sure he wasn't doing a good job of hiding it.

"Did you know Master Fu has numerous 'adopted' children? 17 to be exact." Her sudden fact throwing caught him off guard. No he didn't know that, he didn't know much about Fu at all.

"N-no?"

She nodded. "Yep, it was always chaos in the house, especially around this time of year. Tikki and Plagg were the first two he adopted. He took them in when they were 12 and slightly rebellious. He worked hard on providing for them, for helping them out of a sticky situation. I came next, along with Wayzz. Wayzz was 16 at the time, I was 14. Then there was Sass, and Pollen, and then he just continued helping us, bringing others into the family."

"That's a lot of teenagers in one house."

She laughed. "It was entertaining to say the least. But Fu always noticed those who just needed a better hand in life, people who had tried hard and failed. I was a carer for my mother until she passed away, my father was a deadbeat dad, I don't think I spent more than two days with him in my whole life. Fu saw me as a lost soul, he has a thing for helping them out. Kind of like you."

"Me?" Adrien asked, quite taken aback by what she was saying.

"Yes, I've been tracking you for quite a while Adrien."

Something wasn't adding up, this just didn't make sense.

"Rosita?"

"She's my baby, a very good little actress, she goes to her father's stage school."

"Her father?" Adrien was getting more puzzled by the second, who was this woman and why the hell had she tricked him.

"Let me reintroduce myself. I'm Trixx, also known as Rena Rouge. Plagg has been very protective of you over the years, but because of your age, Fu couldn't offer his usual refuge as he would have for younger children. So, myself, Tikki and Plagg have been keeping an eye on you. Though, it seems tonight we didn't quite do our jobs properly, blame Tikki's early labour. But anyway, that's not important, Fu wants to offer you a deal, as do I."

Adrien's mind had spiralled out of control and was currently on a one way ticket down the rabbit hole... to possibly Wonderland? Was this for real?

"What deal?"

"Plagg and Tikki want to take a step back, to spend more time with their child which means the studio is going to need a new face. Yours."

"Mine?" Adrien replied in shock. They wanted him.

"Your selflessness has not gone unnoticed, Adrien. You fit into our family well."

Family? He began to think about Plagg and Tikki, their love and support through everything. The cuddles when needed. The tough love when he was being an asshole. Their understanding of what he wanted and more so what he needed — choosing Marinette.

"I don't know whether to be grateful or angry."

Trixx giggled. "Understandable. It's not the best way Fu could have done this to be honest."

"And what was your request?"

She smiled, leaning over to her bag and pulling out a notepad and pen. "You give me an exclusive interview."

*****

It had been a strange week.

The day after the gala she moved out of the dorms and back to her parents' bakery, her heart torn into shreds, along with her Agreste contract.

The altercation with Adrien had been weird, playing on her mind pretty much 24/7. She couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, couldn't do anything without thinking about him. Even something as simple as going to the toilet made her think of some weird Adrien anecdote.

Had they broken up? Was that the end? It didn't feel like it but then he seemed so sure about her leaving him.

When she'd split with Luka it had been so clear. They were over, let's go and get a bratwurst from the Christmas market. This felt like... she couldn't even explain it. A death? Maybe? Was she grieving?

7 days had filled her with different emotions. Anger, depression, denial. She just really didn't know what to do. She hadn't said anything to anyone, just that she was considering the offer and would let the company know by the deadline date — 1st January.

People could see it was taking a toll on her, Luka constantly checking in and Alya sending her pictures of herself eating. She was doing a lot better, and Marinette was thankful for everything Adrien had done. How could she be so angry at someone who was constantly putting others first?

He'd helped so many people in the past month, his arrogance disappearing to leave the most wholesome, wonderful man in its place. A man who didn't even consider what she wanted to do. Instead he just thought he knew what she wanted. Did he not stop and consider that she'd want to stay with him?

She hadn't decided what she was going to do yet, the whole thing hanging over her day after day. She grabbed her phone from her pocket, typed a message out to Adrien before deleting it and placing the phone away. He obviously didn't want to speak – radio silence continued.

Was he angry at her? No, he couldn't be. Anger like this wasn't his style. When he was angry he was a bonafide asshole and vocal about it. This was different, he was deeply hurt and she didn't know what to do to help him.

"I thought you would have been at Adrien's. Are you okay, honey?" As Sabine came to sit with Marinette in the lounge, she realised she'd once again taken her phone and was currently slamming her thumb down on the delete key.

"Yeah," she sighed, before shaking her head. "No!"

"Talk to me."

Throwing her head back against the sofa, Marinette tried to piece together what she wanted to say before looking back at her mother.

"It's Adrien."

"Obviously," Sabine said with a little laugh.

"What?"

"Well, it's obviously a boy. You've just been offered a life changing contract with one of the biggest dance studios in the world, and you're moping around the house instead of going out celebrating." Her mother let out a small laugh, sitting back in her chair

"We may or may not have broken up."

Her mother nodded, sitting silently and waiting for her to carry on.

"Something happened as I was talking to Michael Moreu, and when I got back to the changing room he was like a whole other person again. He wouldn't even look at me, Maman. He told me to go. That he wasn't what I needed and I should try this out. We didn't even discuss it, he just verbally pushed me out of the door and slammed it shut." Marinette moved forwards and stretched her hands towards her mother. "I told him I love him, Maman, and he said nothing back. Not a single word. It hurts so much, Maman, I feel like my heart has been ripped out."

Marinette watched as her mother sat back, moving herself away from her daughter's grasp. She'd always been close to her maman, Sabine offering up advice quickly and efficiently, but this time was different. There was a lull in the conversation, a clear indication that her mother was thinking just as deeply as she was.

"Did you think he wanted you to go so another person didn't leave him? That he had the control and the choice for once."

Maybe? As Marinette began to consider, Sabine continued talking.

"I only know what you've told me, but it seems he doesn't have the most secure of relationships or upbringing. I've also seen how he looks at you. It's clear to anyone with eyes how much that man adores you, so much so that your father had to have some 'words' with members of the audience around us during the show."

"W-what did they say?"

Sabine waved it off in dismissal. "It doesn't matter. What does matter is the way you are with each other and the way you feel. So tell me, Honey, how do you feel?"

"Betrayed. Hurt. Worried. I thought we had something, Maman. When I told him I loved him, it was like he blocked it out."

"That's because he did." Tom's voice vibrated around the room as suddenly it grew a lot tighter in there.

He held something in his hands, a selection of papers rolled up into a baton.

"Read this, Marinette. I think it'll answer your questions, Sweetheart."

*****

On Point

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ADRIEN AGRESTE!

By Rena Rouge

Hold onto your hats people! Have we got a scoop for you! Fresh from his performance at the Agreste School of Dance Christmas Gala of 'The Nutcracker' Adrien Agreste (22) has traded places with his father to give us a true insight to the prestigious dance company.

Thank you for being here Adrien.

You're welcome, I'm very excited about finally getting the freedom to talk.

Interesting choice of words there. Is there anything you'd like your fans out there to know?

There is actually Rena, and I wanted to wait until I was talking to someone I trusted to unveil this news. I will no longer be dancing for or under Gabriel Agreste. It has come to a point in our lives where we've both agreed to move on. I have been waiting to take a more contemporary/lyrical route and my father has agreed that my time within his company is done and I can now move onto more suitable things for myself.

It's great to know your father was so supportive.

He wasn't at first, but I think he's come around to the fact. He agrees that Agreste wasn't right for me and that my choreography isn't suited to the studio. Lets just say our ideas on how dancers should be treated didn't align, and I was starting to disagree with a few of his methods for getting results.

Talking about the studio, what do you think about the news of your once mentor Robert James?

I'm actually not all surprised! Robert was a manipulator and was very much out for himself. There are things I'm not willing to talk about at the moment, however, I have looked into seeking help for emotional turmoil James caused me, and advise anyone in the same position out there to think about the same help. Asking for help is not a weakness, but a strength of understanding you're worthy of more.

That's good to hear. So, let's talk about the gala? What a way to go out?

It was a nice ending to my time with the company. I've made some great friends during my time with the company, and it was my life for so many years. I have some great memories. But I think this one has been my favourite. It was a style I loved and a dance I loved.

I'm sure that's not all, but we'll get onto that later. Is it true the choreography was all yours?

With a little support and guidance, I feel I was able to give the audience something new and intriguing. Marinette Dupain-Cheng, my pas de deux partner, was a fantastic support through it all, trusting me to try new variations, then of course my mentor Plagg was always on hand to check on the routine and how it was looking.

I must say it's one of the most beautifully choreographed pieces I've seen in years. You must be very proud of yourself.

I am. It motivated me to continue and push on.

Do you know where your future career will be now you've left Agreste?

There are a couple of opinions I am looking into, but I want to keep dance true to the heart and remember what I love about it in the first place. Over the past couple of months I have realised that it's not just dance I want in my future. Seeing Plagg and Tikki together – married, successful and now with the cutest little baby – it has given me a different outlook and aspiration.

And is there a special someone in that future? Maybe your most recent dance partner?

Marinette was a lot more than just a dance partner to me. As amazing as she was on the floor, it was nothing compared to off – and I don't mean that in any behind the scenes moments. When I came back to dancing, my mind was just stuck in the motion of just getting through it. Following my father's orders and making it to the end. When I saw Marinette at the auditions, it was as though a spark for the art reignited in me.

Are the rumours true that you chose her specifically to be your partner?

In a way, yes. Plagg was the one who championed her to join the school, but after dancing with her in a pas de deux class, it just worked. She trusted me and we clicked. It was a special partnership which I will treasure forever. If I had the choice, she would be the first chosen if I owned a company.

Was this just a special partnership on the dancefloor, or off the dancefloor too?

As you know, I spent a lot of time with Marinette. She opened her heart and her home to me and made me realise there was more to dance, that there was something behind the most perfect pas de chat or pirouette. She taught me how to live again.

It sounds like she's a keeper.

She is the most remarkable girl I've ever met, and she means more to me than words could ever describe. We moved in harmony, navigating steps of understanding, trust and vulnerability. She saw me at my best and pulled me out of my worst. She's more to me than just a partner, and I wish I'd told her more often just how much I appreciate her, how much I adore her.

Are the rumours true that she's been accepted into the San Francisco Ballet?

I don't feel it's my place to say. She is a credit wherever she dances. Not just for her skills, but for her heart too. I know she'll succeed with whatever she chooses to do.

Thank you Adrien for taking the time to speak to us. We wish you all the luck in the world for your next endeavour.

*****

It felt like she was reading a heartfelt letter written just for her. Tears welled up in her eyes, and a gentle smile began to play on her lips, revealing the depth of emotions stirring within.

She felt the dip in the sofa beside her, a large hand covering over hers and taking the paper.

"What are you going to do, Cupcake?" Marinette turned her head and looked straight to her father, his own eyes glistening as much as hers probably were. "We will support you with whatever you choose, you know that. But something like this doesn't come often, and as corny as it sounds, some things like this just aren't worth giving up."

The other side of her dipped next, her mother placing a hand on her thigh. "Do you really want to go to San Francisco, or do you want to see what Adrien could offer you?"

Her mother kissed her on the forehead and moved backwards, Tom taking his hand from hers and allowing her to stand up. There was only one option, and she'd be an idiot to turn it down.

Grabbing her coat she slipped it on, along with her boots and grabbed her bag, before going back to her parents and kissing them both on the cheeks.

"Don't turn up for Christmas dinner tomorrow if Adrien isn't with you," Tom called after her as she jumped down the staircase and swung around the corner. It was Christmas Eve, there would only be one place her love would be.

Finally making it to the studio, Marinette let out a sigh of relief to find the door open and the lights on leading to the main studio. He was sitting at the piano, his fingers gliding over the keys as his eyes were closed and head moving with the music. He'd got his phone on again, the duet they danced at the Children's Christmas event being played effortlessly.

She stood watching him from a while, his closed eyes making him completely unaware that she was standing there – mesmerised. He sighed, a slight smile appearing on his face and she knew he was doing exactly what she was. Remembering them dancing. The laughter, the arguments, the failures ... they'd been through it all.

Placing her bag down, she shuffled through for her pointe shoes and a hair bobble. She gathered her hair quickly and placed it in a lazy bun, before lowering down to tie up her pointe shoes.

With a deep breath, she stepped through the door and onto the studio floor. Enveloped by his playing, she surrendered to the music, her body moving in practised precision of fluid grace.

His eyes opened and zoned in on her, his fingers stopping yet the music, once again, continued to play. She didn't stop. Not for a moment as he stood and watched, arms by his sides and feet planted firmly on the ground.

She smiled as she continued, taking a single moment to stare at him, an invitation to join her. He moved forward joining it by holding her hands and supporting her through the dance, his hands firm on her body, her heart full of trust and longing.

Their dance was filled with lingering touches which spoke volumes, weaving promises of a shared future and encapsulating the essence of love in that fleeting, yet profound moment. A quick look over her shoulder to meet his eyes was all the explanation she needed. She had him here, right now, and she would be damned if she was leaving without him.

Moving apart, she instantly felt the loss, wanting nothing more to get back to him as quickly as possible. She launched herself into Adrien's arms as he took her effortlessly into the air, holding her skilfully and naturally, a partnership meant to be.

Dropping her down into a fish, he kept hold of her and rested her on his knee, not allowing her to return to her standing position. The closing bars of the song are accompanied by strong, pounding hearts.

"You never said it back. I told you I loved you, and you didn't say anything. I read the article though, so I'm quite sure the feeling is mutual." Her hand moved to his neck, her fingers tracing his cheek bones as her eyes zoned in his.

"What are you doing here, Marinette?"

"This is where I belong. I'm staying with you." She stated it so matter-of-factly, she could see his eyes flickering trying to find the punchline to the joke.

"That's risky, Shortcake."

"The risk would be leaving you. I love you, Adrien Agreste, and I belong with you."

As desire ignited, their lips met in a heated kiss, a fusion of longing and intensity. The world around them blurred, consumed by the fiery exchange that spoke of a shared hunger for each other, leaving an electric charge lingering in the air.

Standing up, Adrien straightened them both, allowing their lips to part in the need to breathe.

"You can say it back, you know?" Marinette said, with a cheeky smile sweeping across her face.

He smiled back, resting his head against hers. "Marinette Dupain-Cheng, I want you to be mine. Yesterday, today and tomorrow."

"Forever?"

"Forever. I completely adore you. I love you. I love you!"

She giggled, threading her hand through his hair and pulling him down once more. Without words, she expressed everything she wanted to through one more tender kiss, a silent acknowledgement that transcended any verbal response.

After savouring those precious moments reconnecting, they gathered their belongings, stepping out of the warmth of the studio into the chilly embrace of the Parisian night. The city light painted a romantic backdrop as they strolled through cobblestone street, their shared warmth of two hands joined fending off the winter chill.

"So, are we going back to yours or mine?" Adrien asked, Marinette chuckling in response.

"That depends, are you prepared to stay at mine for Christmas dinner?"

Beneath the falling snow, Adrien and Marinette, hearts intertwined, journeyed back to her place. The festive air wrapped around them as they prepared to celebrate Christmas, and in the quiet anticipation, they embraced the promise of the approaching New Year, filled with hopes and dreams poised to unfold together.

*****

So, I was going to add an epilogue, but I love where this one ends.

The end dance scene is inspired by my lovely @verbraun_art... more details to follow.

A huge thank you to Verabraun_art, Art_the_f_up and Dori.Sketches for adding a sprinkling of magic to this fic by commissioning/gifting artwork 🩷

Also to Lorena for being amazing reading through and helping guide the story, I hope this end makes up for the last chapter.

Thank you everyone for supporting this non-magic au, I hope you enjoyed it (comments and kudos are MEGA appreciated!)

I have my BB fic releasing on Friday (5th Jan) and is something once again a little different... yet back to my favourite romcom style.

I hope to see you all then. Happy New Year and stay Miraculous 🩷🩷