Dance: Foxtrot
Song: Mack the Knife - Robbie Williams version

This week's dance was testing for Adrien, but not because the moves were advanced or difficult, but because of the friction between himself and Marinette.

He'd spent most of the week being extra kind to her only for her to basically ignore him. The only time she made any effort was when the camera's were around. He didn't know if it was him, her or the situation with Lila, but one thing was for sure he needed to get this partnership back on track. It just didn't work with them being head to head. They were unbalanced and with it came a general issue, they just didn't work that way.

Tonight's foxtrot was being performed to 'Mack the Knife' and Adrien was thrilled by the choice. Last week's routine was crazy, but this week felt more traditional, more of a normal smooth dance. Plus he got to act every inch the Casanova he wanted to be. Nobody needed to know he'd only had one girlfriend at the age of thirteen. As far as the press made out, he was an everyday lothario, but that was thanks to his fathers planned social outings.

"Marinette, can you just go through the fallaway sequence again with me? I keep tripping up."

Marinette was currently sitting talking with one of the other female professionals, he couldn't get over how relaxed she was when she was with them. He'd found out that they'd all competed together over the years and each had such outright respect for his partner.

"Of course, shall we take it from the hover?"

As Marinette stood up, the other girl quickly stopped her, placing an arm on her wrist.

"Marinette wait," the blonde dancer, who he believed was called Rose, pulled her back onto the chair and began to mess at the hem line of her dress.

"No!" Marinette screamed, as she bent down to look at where Rose was indicating.

Adrien moved forwards to inspect what the girls were looking at and gasped. The fur had completely pulled away from a section of the skirt, leaving a run hanging down and looped under her heel.

He watched his partner study the disheveled dress with creased eyebrows and a frown on her face.

"I felt it tug when we left the floor after the introductions but I thought it must have been my heel catching it. I didn't know it would tear so easily. Adrien, I'm so sorry, your fathers going to kill me."

Adrien's heart tugged, he knew how demanding his father could be and knowing she'd ripped his outfit ... well ... he couldn't imagine the wrath of Gabriel Agreste.

"Marinette, you know as I do that a heel wouldn't do this. For your heel to get caught it must have already dropped. Did you check it when you put the dress on?" Rose took the dress out of Marinette's hands and examined the tear.

"I was talking to Luka about next week and didn't even think to check it over. There were no issues in fitting, or in rehearsal, so it didn't even cross my mind." Ignoring Adrien, Marinette kept her conversation to Rose.

"Have you annoyed her again? You know what happened last time." Rose's voice was questioning, almost like a mother wondering what her daughter was up to.

"Rose, I swear, I've done nothing. I've kept myself to myself-"

"Need I remind you, M, what happened last time you were at Blackpool?"

Marinette sighed and placed a hand to her forehead.

"I swear Rose, I've kept away from her. There's no reason for her to do anything."

"Who?" Both girls turned to Adrien, as if suddenly remembering he was in the room.

"It's -"

"No one!" Marinette raised her voice over Rose's leaving Adrien with a quizzical look plastered over his face. "It's no one."

"M, he needs to know. If she's sabotaging you already on week two, then God knows what she'll do later on in the show."

"Marinette, if someone is bothering you we need to deal with it." Adrien stepped towards his partner and sat down next to her. She still had the dress in her hands, and even with Adrien's unskilled mind, he could tell the dress had been sliced with something sharp.

"No, Adrien, I swear it'll be ok. I can handle her - I mean it, I can handle it."

He nodded, not believing a word she said before watching her stand up. Her eyes were now full of determination.

"Let's practise," she said, holding a hand out for Adrien.

"We need to fix your dress," Rose stated before Adrien could.

"The dress is nothing without the dance being right." Marinette spoke determinedly and looked between them both.

"I tell you what," Rose spoke up, "tell me what the moves are and I'll practise with Adrien. You go work your magic on the dress. I'm sure you have your sewing kit with you."

"Of course I do."

"Then go. We've got this, haven't we Adrien?" Rose beamed and he really, truly believed that they did.

"Thank you, it's a fallaway reverse and slip pivot, into a bounce fallaway and weave ending." Marinette hugged Rose and ran out the room.

Adrien watched as she ran away, only to be pulled back by Rose's giggling.

"She's a crazy one, that one. Perfect for this show. A fallaway reverse into a bounce fallaway, absolutely crazy."

"You know her well then?" Adrien asked, pulling Rose into the ballroom hold.

"Oh, yeah. We go way back. She was in the age division below me but always someone I admired. She just shines, you know, an absolute natural."

"Um-" Adrien acknowledged Rose's comment as she went through the motions with him.

"Top of the game for years, so of course there were some jealousy from other dancers."

"Really? Anyone here?"

Rose let out a harsh chuckle.

"Only the worst. Let's try this again, remember your heel leads need to be pronounced so it can't be mistaken for a ball lead."

Everyone was going on about these heel leads. He concentrated and tried again. As they walked through the steps Rose started talking again.

"I don't know how much Marinette has told you about her competitive career, or how much she would want you to know, but there was only one competition she lost in the last eight years. It was her's and Luka's last time at World's. They were undefeatable, complete magic on the dance floor. Anyway, it came to the final and they were sure to win, that was until Marinette slipped."

"What happened?" Adrien asked.

"No one knows. It was the jive in the final, and their routine was incredible. They'd pretty much had the same one for about six months and it was a crowd and judge pleaser, top marks all the time and unbeatable. She had actually choreographed it herself, they were at Luka's partners studio by then so had free reign on their routines. I know Russ has been trying to get her to come and choreograph for him, but her sights were set on this show.'"

"I'm sorry, but who is Russ?"

"Luka's partner, silly." Rose patted him on the shoulder as a sign they were done.

"Business partner?"

"Life partner," Rose replied.

Adrien stood shocked. What? But Lila said? His thoughts were interrupted as Rose continued to speak.

"Anyway, they messed up. Marinette won't admit it but we all saw it, another competitor pushed her causing her to lose some of the steps which ultimately meant they lost the final."

"Wasn't she angry or upset?"

Rose scoffed.

"You have spent time with your partner, right? As far as she's concerned she should have paid more attention to her surroundings. She messed up, simple as that. Little Miss honest."

"That's awful." Adrien looked toward the doorway, hoping she'd walk back in so he could give her a hug.

"She was more upset about losing for Luka's sake, being his last World's and all. But they're best friends, he didn't care. He was more worried about her just brushing it under the carpet."

Rose stopped speaking and nodded to a frazzled Marinette running into the room again.

"All done, see -" she spun around in a circle, the skirt flowing out in a perfect circle, fur line reattached where it should be.

"She's a designer," Rose said to Adrien, "won't do ballroom costumes though unfortunately, just everyday clothes. Though she did design myself and my wife's wedding gowns."

"Only because you gave me no choice," Marinette giggled. "How are you doing, Adrien? Feel more confident."

He stood staring at her for a long time. His first impression of her seemed to be right, so why had he let her determination cloud his view.

"Yeah totally," he coughed and pulled himself together, "you ready to go out and win this week?" He held out his arm and she smiled at him. Her eyes sparkled and for the first time in a month he felt relaxed, and safe, in the connection of his partner.

"Let's do it," she suddenly sobered and looked to Rose, scrunching her nose up, "sorry." She said sincerely.

"Oh, don't worry about it. I'm used to you beating me anyway."

The three laughed and Adrien led Marinette to the backstage area.

"Ready to see my smoulder?" He went for the joke, hoping this time she'd take it.

She laughed out loud and his smile increased tenfold, a glimpse of the real her shining through.

"I don't think anyones ready for that, Agreste."

"I'll have you know, people pay a lot of money for this. I'm about to give it to you for free."

"Whatever you say kitty cat."

"Kitty cat? Really?"

Her cheeks turned pink as she turned her head away, the look was endearing and he suddenly wanted to see her blush more often.

"Well, you are purrty,"

Adrien stumbled backwards and placed a hand to his head.

"Did you just pun?"

She shrugged her shoulders at him.

"Maybe."

"I think I've died and gone to heaven."

They both laughed again as a producer with headphones and a frazzled look came up to them.

"Lila's requested to perform again so we're using the delay, you'll be on in about ten minutes."

Adrien nodded as he heard a huff come from Marinette.

"So, what did you want to do for ten minutes?"

"Rob a bank," Marinette deadpanned.

"I was thinking more about saving the world, you know. I think we're more a crime fighting team than actually criminals."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah, Ladybug and Chat Noir, an unstoppable duo."

"You're something else." She laughed. Before Marinette could say anything else the producer was back and ushering them to the side of the stage.

The judges were about to give their scores and the stage was being set for their routine. A bench was positioned on top of the steps leading to the ballroom floor, with a trellis and flower display placed over it, ever the romantic setting.

Marinette stood taking deep breaths as she listened to judges feedback on Lila's routine. It seemed the judges were in a highly critical mood tonight, and, although she had differences with Lila, she couldn't deny the skill set of the routine. It definitely deserved good scores, and if they performed it like they had in rehearsals she would go as far as saying high ones.

She watched as the two made their way to the green room, Lila looking less than impressed, and listened out for their scores.

"Plagg Noir,"

"Four."

"Tikki De Bug,"

"Five."

"Dusuu Feathers,"

"Five."

"Nooroo Papillon,"

"Four."

Everyone watched as Lila tried to hold it together, gripping onto her partner and with a shaking smile explained to the presenter that she did not agree with the scores, however it wasn't it to the judges and that the people at home would make the right choice by voting for her. That's right, vote for her! Not her and her partner - just her.

As she stormed off, Adrien held out his own shaking hand towards Marinette. If Lila had scored that low then what chance did they have? He shook his head and tried to refocus. He thought about Rose's stories and looked at his partner. They could do this. He needed, for once in his life, to stop worrying about others and concentrate on himself.

"Ready M'Lady?"

"Of course, Kitty, and don't forget -"

"I know, I know," he said, butting in, "heel leads."

She giggled and tapped his bicep.

"That was not what I was going to say."

He lifted one eyebrow in questioning.

"I was going to say," she continued, "don't forget to have fun."

Adrien smiled at her and led her out onto the dance floor, seating her on the bench.

"Can Adrien Agreste and partner, Marinette Dupain-Cheng, please take to the floor?"

The audience applauded as they moved into their start positions, giving each other one last smile before looking away.

As the music started Adrien danced his short solo section.

"Oh, that shark, babe, has such teeth, dear,"

Adrien started off by straightening his bow tie and dancing a grapevine towards his partner. Behind, side, front, side. He then slid, arms pushed down next to his hips and ended up behind the bench.

"And he shows them, pearly white."

He placed one hand on Marinette's shoulder to turn her body, then moved his hand to her chin to turn her face. They looked at each other smiling before she turned away again, shyly.

Spinning himself around, Adrien ended up on the bench next to Marinette.

"Just a jackknife has old Macheath, babe. And he keeps it, ah, out of sight."

Grabbing hold of one of her hands he stood her up and pulled her down the stairs before spinning her out and chasing after her to link into ballroom hold.

They were off. Hovering, weaving, and trotting along to the voice of Robbie Williams singing 'Mack the Knife'.

Adrien felt strong. His frame was tight, his smile was fixed and his heel leads were strong.

1 ... 2 ... 3 ... heel turn, hover, lock step, fallaway reverse and slip pivot, into a bounce fallaway and weave ending - Nailed it!

The smile on Adrien's face brightened with the most realistic smile he'd had in months. Only a few more steps to go and he'd done it, and oh boy, did he feel proud of himself.

Only a couple of moves left until they'd reached the climax of the piece. They made their way into the centre of the dance floor and Adrien spun Marinette under one arm before hooking her arm around his shoulders and lifting her up onto his waist, taking her into a spin.

Dropping her feet back down to connect to the floor, he spun her by the hand under his arm and ran back up to the bench, her hand still connected to his. They both collapsed on the bench and Adrien slung his arm to rest along the back, Marinette pushing herself into his side, one hand on his chest.

"Look out, old Macky's back!"

As the crescendo of the song faded out, Adrien wiggled his eyebrows at the audience and moved his face in towards Marinette's. Their lips were mere centimetres away as the lights faded to black. The adrenaline pumping through his veins moved him forward slightly more, only to be hit with the lights returning on and Marinette pulling him into a hug.

"I'm so proud of you," she whispered in his ear. Her voice sounded choked up, and when he looked at her it looked as though she was crying again. For the second time he wondered why?

The cheers from the audience continued as they made their way to the judges. What both seemed to ignore was the standing ovation from the right, along with Tikki.

Wrapping themselves into each other again, Marinette couldn't help but squeeze Adrien's waist. It was the only way she could think of telling him good job.

"Well, well, well," Dusuu was first to speak, "that performance was truly something else. For only week two, Adrien, your frame was strong and your footwork was clean and neat. I loved the performance and the story telling within the dance. Just fantastic, well done."

The crowd cheered and Adrien pulled Marinette in towards him, a half hug in a sign of thanks.

"Nooroo?" The presenter questioned.

"It was neat, tidy and extremely well coordinated. The connection between the two of you is getting stronger, however, Adrien, you still look petrified of her when the dance begins. You really need to work on this connection and feelings for each other, it feels like somethings holding you back."

Adrien nodded in agreement with Nooroo, even though he thought the guy was talking out of his own butt. It just wasn't worth arguing though, he'd learned over time to pick his fights and this wasn't one.

"Plagg?"

"I have to disagree with Nooroo, I thought he danced it like he wanted to devour her." The audience laughed and cheered at Plagg's comment. "Look, kid," he started again, cutting the audience off, "you still have a long way to go, but that wasn't bad. You had clear direction in the story, a strong frame, nice footwork and intense staring at your beautiful partner," Adrien looked down at Marinette with a genuine smile on his lips. She smiled back and the twinkle from her eyes sent a spiral into the pit of his stomach. He was in trouble. "All in all a nice job."

Again the audience roared with appreciation.

"And last but not least, Tikki?"

Tikki stood up from her chair and began to clap. This started a chain reaction around the room and Adrien felt his face turn red. He scooped Marinette into a hug and spun her around, stirring up the audience even more.

"Adrien, Adrien, Adrien, I think I've got a bit of a crush now," Tikki fanned herself as she sat back down, Adrien laughing and pulling Marinette into his side. "That was wonderful! The sauve approach you took on this dance was enchanting and the way you led Marinette round the floor was true of a sophisticated gentleman. I think ballroom is definitely your calling, and I'm hoping you'll be able to take what you did tonight and apply it to your next dances. Well done."

The audience started to cheer once Adrien and Marinette thanked the judges. They made their way to the green room where the second presenter was waiting to interview them before receiving their results.

"So Adrien, how do you feel about the judges comments tonight?" The young male presenter asked. He was around Adrien's age, and attracted a lot of attention from the female dancers and celebrities. Adrien watched as his eyes flickered over to Marinette, running from her head to her legs and back again. It made Adrien feel ridiculously uncomfortable and held Marinette's hip slightly tighter. This guy should not be looking at her like this.

"I'm overwhelmed" he started, "I enjoyed everything about this routine, Marinette did a wonderful job."

"I hear she's a bit of a task master," the presenter winked at Marinette and a giggle left her mouth. Adrien suddenly felt very territorial, and if he could growl he was sure he would be at this very moment.

"Definitely, but she's a true talent. She's wonderful to work with."

He looked down at Marinette, who in return, looked startled. He cringed a little bit, perhaps this was slightly overboard.

"I bet," the presenter said. It seemed to Adrien the guy was implying something more. Something didn't stand well with him, and Adrien decided to watch out for this guy.

"The scores are in," a voice sounded through the sound system in the studio.

"Plagg Noir,"

"Eight."

"Nooroo Papillon,"

"Eight."

"Dusuu Feathers,"

"Eight."

"Tikki De Bug,"

"Nine."

The crowd went wild screaming and Marinette shocked Adrien by flinging her arms around his neck. Pulling her into a tight hug he spun her around and placed her down. In a split moments decision he held out his fist.

"Pound it?" He questioned.

"Pound it," she responded, a smile lightening her blue eyes and making her face shine more than her body in her current ball gown.

They were top of the scoreboard and seemed safe to go through to the following week's show. Marinette packed her dress away ready for Gabriel to take back and either display in a store, or sell for an insane amount of money. She sighed, she'd miss this dress. It was the most beautiful thing she'd ever worn.

"You know, if you like it that much I could ask my father to let you have it."

Marinette turned around sharply and came face to face with a smiling Adrien. He was leaning against the door frame, arms crossed and fully male model poised.

"As much as I would love to wander around my house in it, unfortunately there's no reason for me to keep it."

She pulled up the zipper, before turning back to Adrien.

"Hey Champ."

He laughed at her words and warmth spread through her chest.

"Listen, I was wondering if we could start over again. I don't think we got off on the right foot, and if you'd join me, I was hoping perhaps we could get a drink to celebrate our victory." He was nervously rubbing the back of his neck, his voice nowhere near the confidence she was used to.

She walked up to him and held out a hand.

"Hi, I'm Marinette. I'll be your partner for the next few weeks, I am obsessive and a bit of a control freak but I mean well."

He smiled and placed his own hand in hers.

"Hi Marinette, I'm Adrien Agreste. I'm an entitled supermodel, with bad jokes who can't dance, I'm sure we're going to have a lot of fun."

They shook hands and began to make their way out of the dressing room, only to be stopped by Lila Rossi.

"You ready Adrien?"

She'd obviously come dressed to seduce wearing a short skirt and low cut top.

"Oh sorry, Lila. I'm spending time with Marinette tonight. You know, celebrating our win and all that."

With a wink at Lila, Marinette led Adrien out of the studio and into the night.

Lila 0 - Marinette 1.

•••••
Time to vote

Someone is going to confront Lila.
Will it be ...
❤️ Luka
🖤 Marinette