Off Pointe

I'll Never Be You; I Never Want To Be You

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.