️PLEASE READ BEFORE CONTINUING ️

Before continuing, Adrien implies a pretty dark event which happened when his mother was first diagnosed with cancer. I have updated my tags after a conversation with my alpha/beta reader about the conversation. Though Adrien was lucky enough to have Plagg around looking out for him, this part of the story is something I've seen happen time and time again.

The dance world is not all pretty with sparkles and tutus, there are a lot issues which take place within the studio.

The next part includes implied grooming, if it is something you are uncomfortable reading about please stop at the end of Marinette's POV and then tomorrow restart at Adrien's POV (Marinette's starts tomorrows chapter). If anyone feels the need to talk/discuss any issues arising from this chapter, or that it has hit close to home, please contact a trusted adult/helpline. Adrien was in a vulnerable position and taken advantage of.

*****

On Point

Year End

By Rena Rouge

Events all around Paris are in full swing now that we're into the second week of December.

Last week saw the end to the festival season with dance schools all around Paris beginning their seasonal shut down and Christmas parties. As always, we expect the elite dancers to be continuing in vacant studios throughout the holiday, whilst all amateur's have a well deserved break.

In a couple of days the local society for underprivileged children will be holding their Annual Christmas extravaganza, however, there is no word on entertainment yet. It has been hinted there will be a Santa Claus and some of his elves making a grand appearance.

We're now, also, only two weeks away from the Grand Performance of 'The Nutcracker'. Sources say the casting for Clara and The Nutcracker are the best we've ever seen with chemistry to die for. There is also speculation about the added variation to the Sugar Plum Fairy Suite, and its exciting new take.

*****

The Magic of Christmas was set in the Tuileries Gardens and was every child (and grown ups) dream. Part traditional Christmas Market and part holiday carnival, the Tuileries Christmas Market stretched for almost half a mile along the north side of the garden. Going from Place des Pyramides all the way to Place de la Concorde.

With over 400 huts, the market held an immense range. From tiny holiday trinkets to traditional mulled wines and food stalls, it was heaven on earth and somewhere which, in Marinette's eyes, made Christmas what it was.

Adrien hadn't spoken since she'd hauled him off the Metro, the silence comfortable and alluring as he absorbed everything in. Every now and then she'd hear a small, child-like gasp leave his mouth and his eyes were sparkling in festive glee whilst his teeth were showing for all to see. Had they always been that straight?

"So," he finally said, stopping in front of one of the (many) mulled wine stands. "What do we do first? Like is there a specific order you look at the huts? I've tried to look for numbers or directions but I can't see any and I don't want to break the rules."

Marinette had to clamp her mouth shut to stop herself from bursting out laughing.

"Oh, you sheltered, little boy," she finally said, keeping her thoughts straight so as to not laugh in his face.

"Hey, no need for the cheek, Shortcake. We're missing rehearsals for this."

She smiled and grabbed his hand, leading him over to a hut she felt would be a lot more his speed.

"Holy moly, guacamole."

Her head almost snapped off with the speed she just turned it. "Excuse me?"

She couldn't help the chuckle leaving her lips. She'd never met anyone who could surprise her as much as Adrien. Studying his face, she noticed a tiny shimmer on his lips.

"Are you drooling?"

He reached the back of his hand to the corner of his mouth and wiped, bringing it infront of his face. "Well, would you look at that?"

They both began to laugh as they joined the back of the queue. Coming at this time of the day meant the crowds were half of what they would be in the evening. Most festive goers were tourists and retired people, each making the most of the calmer, more tranquil experience. Every now and then, a Christmas shopper would hurry by or new parents with their pushchairs, each and every person in a world of their own.

They stepped forward again, Adrien buzzing with excitement.

"Anyone would think you haven't had a hot chocolate before," she said, instantly regretting it as sadness clouded his eyes, dimming the emeralds and making them look more mossy than springtime leaves.

"I've had it a couple of times." He shrugged. "My father didn't think it would be good for me to drink."

"In that case, you're having all the trimmings – Marshmallows and cream! You can also have it in one of the little Santa mugs if you want?"

His eyes transformed right in front of her, her heart fluttering from the sudden joy which sparkled back.

"Really? How about that cute Gingerbread man." His eyes begged.

She laughed. "Of course! I'm in charge today, and you have to do what I say, and I say drink hot chocolate in a cute little mug."

The group in front of them moved out the way allowing Marinette to step up and place their order at the counter, Marinette insisting she paid for their first. As they waited, she studied Adrien. He really was like a kid at Christmas. His eyes were wide and full of hope, and in that moment she was glad he'd never experienced anything like this before because it meant he was there for the first time. She saw the joy radiate off him, warmth blossoming in his chest like Jack Frost in The Santa Clause. She was almost sure he would melt if she gave him a hug.

A little red Santa shaped mug and an adorable Gingerbread man one were placed in front of them, whipped cream making Santa look like he'd decided on a new twisty hairstyle, the little marshmallows added in for texture. They both thanked the barista, Marinette grabbing some napkins before carefully carrying them away and into the main area of the market.

"What do we do now?" Adrien asked. She couldn't help but think his pink cheeks held some kind of embarrassment and she was glad he felt open enough to be so vulnerable with her.

"Here." Quickly darting to the right, she moved them both into a small hut and placed her mug down on the ledge.

"We stand here and enjoy the drink, then we move on and find something else to eat and drink."

He shook his head and turned to lean his back against the ledge. "You're a bad example, Ms. Dupain-Cheng. My father would kill me if he found out about all these high sugar treats."

"It's a good job then that it's our little secret." She beamed at him, glad to see he was finally loosening up a little bit. The Christmas spirit really could work wonders.

Adrien grabbed his mug from the ledge and placed it to his lips, tipping it slightly to get past the mountain of cream to the liquid underneath. He pulled back and winced which only made her laugh more. Reaching for her phone in her pocket, she pulled it out and quickly took a photo of him.

The cream had smashed onto his upper lip and his nose. His face turned into a wannabe snowman. She rotated her phone around to show him the picture, before placing it away and grabbing hold of the napkin, wiping away the cream and laughing. She focused on the job, concentrating on getting everything off, when she looked up and into his eyes.

They were opening up to her, finally letting her in and allowing her to read what he tried so hard to hide. The fear. The pain. The young man. The...

She stopped, moving away to take the napkin to the bin. What the hell was she doing?

She attempted to calm herself before she went back to him. She looked over her shoulder, and noticed how he was now picking off the marshmallows and popping them in his mouth, his eyes closing every time to savour the flavour.

He was adorable.

Again, her thoughts were running away from her. Thoughts which shouldn't be affecting her the way they were. She headed back towards him and grabbed her own mug, moving next to him and grasping the warm mug between two cool hands.

She looked out to the crowds. "When I come here with my papa, we usually watch the people scurrying around and try to give everyone little stories. Like that woman there." Marinette pointed to a woman who looked incredibly stressed and ladened with bags. "She had completed her Christmas shopping over a month ago, beating the crowds and grabbing the offers as they appeared. She was sure she knew what her son had written in his letter to Santa, he constantly talked about all the Toy Story characters. However, yesterday her son finally showed her the completed list, but instead of Toy Story, he'd written Spider-Man. So, now she's panic shopping to find the ones on his letter."

Adrien laughed, taking another sip of his hot chocolate. The cream low enough to over give him a slight moustache, he slowly licked off.

They both continued to watch as the woman placed her bags down and yanked her phone from her pocket. She jabbed around on it before placing it to her ear.

"Can I have a try?" he asked.

"Of course."

She watched Adrien look around, his eyes suddenly falling on a couple around their age at the bar, one with a reindeer decorated mug and the other with a stein.

"Those two," Adrien said. He pointed in their direction, before moving closer to Marinette, lowering down so they were face to face and he was whispering in her ear.

"It's their first date and he wants to impress her. However, he hates beer and has only had the stein to impress her. She thought they were going to a bar or restaurant and her feet are killing her from the stiletto boots and her coat is too thin, so she's freezing. They'll either part ways amicably at the end of the date, or have a great first date story to be shared at their wedding."

Marinette giggled, taking a swig of her hot chocolate and smiling up at Adrien. He covered his mouth as he started to laugh, a hard joyful. It was a sound she'd never heard come from him before and one she was desperate to hear again.

She smiled at him, his thumb moving to her cheekbone. Suddenly, his fingers lingered, a subtle yet noticeable electricity passed between them. Time paused between them. A tapestry of emotion began to weave through her heart as his gaze softened in a mixture of affection and vulnerability, communicating a silent understanding that surpasses any words. She gasped as his warm thumb began to caress across her cool cheek, his eyes never leaving hers as he placed the cream covered thumb in his mouth. His tongue darted out to remove the remainder from the side of his thumb.

Artwork by the amazing Verabraun_art on Instagram

"And what would they be saying about us?" He asked, his eyes remaining unchanged.

They were face to face, their eyes burning into each other as clouds of steam collided in between them. Hot breath to hot breath. And she had no desire to turn away.

"You go first..."

His eyes twinkled. "Well, I think they'd see us talking like this, so close and intimately they'd automatically think..."

"Marinette?"

They jumped apart, Marinette looking in the direction of the voice, only to come face-to-face with her mother. Not an ideal time nor place.

"Maman, hello!" She moved herself away from Adrien and stepped in the direction of her mother, engulfing the smaller Cheng lady in a rather tight hug and hiding the red tinge spreading across her face.

"Out and about with Adrien Agreste, darling?" she whispered in Marinette's ear. "He's more handsome in real life than on those posters in your room."

A small squeak escaped her mouth as she unravelled herself from her mother. She prayed the cool air could do something with the burning sensation in her cheeks, it was unfair how they were being attacked.

"Adrien Agreste," Sabine said, moving forwards and towards her partner. "It's lovely to finally meet you. We've heard a lot about you."

Marinette noticed how mentioning his name had caused a couple of passers-by to look in their direction. The red of her cheeks intensified and she was almost certain she was forever going to be stuck looking like a tomato.

After the 'On Point' article and the fact they were here together, she was quite sure people would start putting 2 and 2 together to make 20, and thinking they were on a date. But Adrien wouldn't do something like that, he was too professional.

"It's lovely to meet you, Madame Cheng." Adrien offered her mother one of his bright smiles and stepped forward to take her into a hug, the action unexpected by her mother, making the older woman giggle.

"Oh, well, aren't you just the charmer?"

Marinette watched the pink tinge caress over her mother's cheeks and couldn't help rolling her eyes. Her mother was as much as a fangirl than anyone else, and, the way she was positioning her bags down on the ground, it seemed like she would be staying a while.

*****

"Your Maman is wonderful, Marinette."

After half an hour spent with Marinette's mother, or Sabine as he was told to call her, they were now in line for the Ferris wheel, and he couldn't wait. Not only was he having the time of his life, but Sabine had invited him around the next day for dinner with herself and Marinette's father. He couldn't help but feel excited to be sharing dinner with other people and not just an empty dining room.

"You don't need to just say that to be nice, Adrien. I know she can be quite full on. At one point I thought she was going to ask for your shoe size so she could buy you some socks for Christmas."

He couldn't help the sad smile take over his face, and he knew by her reaction she'd picked up on his sudden change of mood.

Sabine had invited him over for a meal with herself and Marinette's father, and he jumped at the offer; it had been more than a year since he'd dined with additional company. He was terrified he'd forgotten how to make polite dinner conversation.

They stepped up to the line. Eventually the attendant guided them into the next slow moving capsule, Adrien holding back to allow Marinette to enter first. He followed her in, thanking the attendant before settling opposite her and looking out the window. He hadn't been on one of these for years, not since a long time before his mother's diagnosis.

"My mother used to love Ferris wheels." He spoke low and softly, allowing her the chance to end the conversation if she didn't find it interesting.

He remembered the first time he'd attempted to speak to Lila about it, to bring his mother up in conversation after her death. But she wanted nothing to do with him. It seemed without a relationship there, there was no reason for talking to happen. If they met up she always thought it was for something else, something he wasn't willing to give. Not when his life was falling apart around him.

"What was she like?" I mean, I know what she was like as a dancer, but what was she really like?" Marinette asked, a question so little asked.

The question was like a warm blanket, a hug in verbal form, someone looking past the name and wanting to know the person. It was thought his mother was nothing more than what was seen on stage or in the tabloids. But that wasn't her at all. It was just a persona she showed to the world.

"She was my everything," Adrien said through a whisper. He could feel the intrusion of emotions prickling behind his eyes as he gathered the vocabulary to speak, the right words to describe the most important person in his life. "She loved kittens, she always wanted one but my father forbade it. She told me they were my spirit animal, that I was like one when I was a toddler and she always praised my pas de chat."

"Is that why you go by Chat Noir?"

He nodded. "It seemed like the perfect alias."

"It is." Marinette smiled at him as the warmth continued to take hold of his body, finally opening him up and allowing him to speak. To break free of each and every painful wall. "Tell me more."

"She loved to watch me dance contemporary, that's why Plagg was brought into the studio. He'd been invited to do a workshop, and you can probably guess, he was an instant hit with us all. But he was more than that to me. I'd had..."

He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. His head turning to look out the window, the shame he felt settled over him and removed some of the warmth that was growing. Was he really going to do this? To tell someone he'd only known a matter of months his most deep, dark secret?

"You don't have to tell me, if you don't want to. Don't think you have to tell me things you would prefer to keep to yourself."

She was too good for this world. Too understanding of people's feelings and knowing where to draw the line. But maybe it was time? Maybe, just maybe, she was the girl he could talk to.

He kept his eyes staring out the window as he lifted the lid off something his mother, Plagg and Tikki understood, and where his father had turned a blind eye.

"My previous trainer, he ... well... he doesn't work in France anymore. My father pretty much paid him to leave and never return, because in Gabriel Agreste's eyes, money solves everything. That and he didn't want to tarnish the reputation of the studio. Not many people know, but my mother was diagnosed with cancer, for the first time, when I was 14. She was so sick, she could barely do anything. My father took her to Switzerland to have some treatment which left me alone in France, it was only for a couple of weeks. Nathalie was here with me, of course, but in the studio it was just me and my dance master. He had been with the company for years, first as a principal then as a teacher. He was about 6 years older than me. He'd try and cheer me up — taking me places and giving me extra training. For the first time since my mother had been diagnosed, I really felt like someone cared for me." Adrien trailed off, puffing the air out of his cheeks.

He couldn't go on. The scabs unmasking the raw wounds which were reopened after years of forming. His stomach threatened to spill its own story too.

And as the sobs escaped his mouth, he felt a hand reach out and take his own. A touch which made him flinch, until it grasped him strong and tight. Unity in its hold.

For the first time since his mother left him, he felt there was a chance to heal properly — to be comforted and cared for. That, maybe, he'd found his partner and, selfishly, he didn't want to let her go.