When the question came up what kind of charity project Madame Bustier's class would like to implement at the end of the school year the entire class made up their collective mind almost instantly.

They had a technically gifted genius, an amazing DJ, a talented artist, a girl with a phenomenal organizing ability, an ambitious journalist as well as a brilliant designer and an actual model – perfect preconditions for a fashion show.

While they discussed their first ideas it turned out that Ivan was eager to build the stage setting and Nathaniel joined him to paint the constructions as soon as they were ready.

Inspired by all the ideas Mylène took over as the director while Sabrina gladly offered to manage the administration.

Obviously Nino would take care of the music and Max would handle the lights to create a proper atmosphere.

Alya was responsible for promotion and planned to stream the whole show on the Ladyblog to spread the word as wide as possible.

Nobody was as excited as Rose was, already coming up with ideas about poses and faces, including Juleka into her plans who couldn't get out of the situation even if she'd wanted to.

To everyone's surprise Alix agreed on giving modeling a chance as well as Kim but both of them demanded sporty outfits and Marinette followed their instructions.

Due to the fact that he wouldn't have a task on the show itself even Nathaniel was willing to present at least one outfit too, preferentially a suit.

The best part in Marinette's eyes was that she, as the designer, wouldn't have to present herself on stage, thoroughly examined by a bunch of perfect strangers with no mercy when it came to criticism.

For Chloé, on the contrary, that was the primary reason to even participate.

And then there was Adrien. He said he didn't want to model since he'd done it so many times already so the whole class decided he would take on the hosting along with Mylène.

Everything was set.

The planning and preparation went well, everyone had fun and got excited for the big day.

And after 4 months of hard work, that day had finally come.

It was the same day Mylène got sick to a point where her croaky voice was barely audible.

"Ok guys" Ivan sighed as he put his phone back into his pocket and turned to face his tensed classmates "she can't talk. She may come here to at least see the results of all our effort but she won't do the hosting-thing."

A shocked murmur went through the crowd until Madame Bustier spoke up. "Adrien, are you ok with doing this on your own?"

All heads turned to Adrien.

"Eeeeehh…"

His eyes widened and he kept quiet for a while, imagining the show without Mylène by his side before snapping back to reality.

"I would do it, yes, but the text we've rehearsed won't work if it's performed by just one person."

Another, more panicky, murmur.

"Okay, is anyone willing to step in for Mylène?" Madame Bustier asked stressed, looking around.

The models were out of the picture, obviously, even though Chloè declared she could do both. As well were Nino, Max and Ivan who had to take care of what happened on and around the stage. Sabrina had to coordinate everything backstage like the order of the costumes and helping the others putting them on so she was out too.

"Alya?" Adrien asked his friend hopefully but she just shook her head apologetically.

"Sorry Adrien, I have to film the entire show. I made a promise to everyone who isn't able to come here today that they can watch and donate online instead."

Silence.

Apparently everyone seemed to be ruled out, except…

Oh no.

Suddenly Marinette stared into what felt like thousands of eyes full of expectations.

"No!" she exclaimed, waving her arms vehemently.

"Come on, Marinette!" Alix begged ready to fall to her knees and all their friends joined her. "You're our last hope!"

"But… But I can't do it!" Marinette explained, already feeling the anxiety rising up inside of her. "I will not get a single word out!"

Yes, she was Ladybug and yes, she was used to being in the limelight but this was different. This was about fashion, about her passion. What if it all went wrong? Because of her clumsiness, because of her?

All of a sudden Adrien stood right in front of her, put his hands on her shoulder encouragingly and looked straight into her eyes. She stared back, hypnotized by the familiar soothing green of his eyes.

"Would you at least try, Marinette? I'm sure it'll be fun" he said in a calming tone and smiled at her sincerely, sending pleasant shivers down her spine.

"Yeah man! And you're our class representative after all!" Nino shouted from his platform and Marinette acted like that was the reason why she couldn't say no anymore.

But as she stood in the darkness backstage, hearing all these voices of who knew how many people her heart beat rapidly against her chest.

If she would die out there she would at least do it at his side.

"I'm proud to introduce our hosts for today's evening; Adrien Agreste and Marinette Dupain-Cheng!" Madame Bustier already announced them and left the stage.

Frozen Marinette stood still and clutched at her microphone. She couldn't go out there. Who knew, maybe Gabriel Agreste waited for her in the audience, sitting in the front row to see her failing big-time from up close.

Adrien had already took the first steps to the stage and turned around as soon as he realized she wasn't following him. Her fear was writ large in her face and he knew he had to comfort her immediately.

He walked down the stairs again and reached his hand out to her. As soon as it appeared in her field of vision she slowly looked up at him.

"Come on, we'll do this together. I won't let you down" he promised and gave her the same endearing smile she'd fallen in love with almost one year ago. She could even imagine the umbrella above them.

Hesitantly Marinette placed her hand in his and let him pull her up to the stage.

And he held her hand the entire time, not even once leaving her side or letting go of her.

It wouldn't be the last time he would hold her hand this way.