**if you don't like break from canon.. please don't bother**

if u want love square check out my other stories! :)

i think nathaniel is sexy and marinette deserves a little sexy art time, hope u enjoy!

xo moonbaby

...

Marinette hoisted the giant portfolio higher on her shoulder. It was totally awkward to carry, especially on a breezy day. For a naturally clumsy person, it was a nightmare.

The advanced drawing class at the university was the only thing she was looking forward to this summer. Otherwise, there were only long, hot days in the bakery. Alya was with family in Lyons, Nino was in a music program, and her long-standing crush, Adrien, was traveling in Monaco or some such place where super rich people went sailing or whatever. Marinette grumbled and hoisted the stupid portfolio up again. Two years is way too long to drool over the same oblivious boy, she thought bitterly. Maybe I should follow Alya's advice and look for a summer fling.

She pushed into the classroom and breathed in, the mix of graphite and fixative that just smelled like art.

Easels and tall metal stools were arranged in a circle around a platform. Tall windows looked out over the city and bathed the room in natural light. Several students were already set up, sharpening pencils and eyeing each other, as art students do.

Marinette sighed with happiness and took a step into the room, only to trip on her damned portfolio and crash forward, taking down the nearest easel with her and sending the stool skittering across the floor. Her face burned and she knew everyone was looking at her.

"Do you need some help?" said a warm, familiar voice.

She was totally tangled in her bags, but managed to awkwardly looked up to see Nathaniel Kurtzberg looking down at her.

She gulped. His tousled red hair caught the light and his V-neck clung to muscles she hadn't noticed at under his blazer at school. Black skinny jeans fit him just so, and she could see the elastic of his underwear just above the waist.

"Marinette?"

"Uhmm, I..uhh…" she stammered and struggled, burning with embarrassment. Now she was going to be that girl, and her work would be under more scrutiny than ever.

Strong, delicate hands tugged the blasted portfolio strap off her shoulder, letting her contend with the satchel. She righted herself and let him help her up, face still red.

"Are you ok?" The corner of his mouth twitched with amusement, but the concern in his voice was real.

"Despite my best efforts, yes!" She laughed a little. "Hi everyone, I'm Marinette, a big klutz!" She waved and the other students laughed with her, and some waved back.

She took extra care setting up her drawing board and materials, but her neck still burned. When did Nathaniel get so..hot? Maybe she would take Alya's summer fling advice after all.

...

let me know what you think!