"Alya, no!" Marinette hissed as Alya took her hand, leading her over to the bulletin board at school. "I'm already on the costume committee, I want to stay in the background!"
Auditions would be held for the Nutcracker, and though Marinette was excited about the play, she wanted to stay in the shadows! Besides, she knew she had two left feet.
The girls turned when they heard someone whistling. "Adrien!" Marinette squeaked. "Hey, girls. Boy, Mr. D has us working hard to be soldiers for the play. But I told him I'm going for the Nutcracker role instead!" Adrien scribbled his name on the sign-up sheet. "Anyway, my ride is here. See you later, girls!"
"So, does Mr. Nutcracker change your mind?" Alya asked slyly. "Sign me up," Marinette looked on after Adrien dreamily. "Just remember, try-outs are Monday. Better pull out your dancing shoes, Marinette!"
Monday? Marinette thought. That doesn't give me a lot of time, but dancing with Adrien! Besides, he'd never let me fall.
Tikki watched Marinette pull out an old pink leotard from her closet. "Where you in ballet when you were younger, Marinette?" she asked. "Yeah, it was when Grandma was traveling the world, and the sewing bug hadn't bitten me yet. Well, let's give this a try!"
"Ooof!" Marinette thudded to the floor, late Sunday afternoon. "Ouch. I'm almost starting to think akuma are easier to defeat," Marinette joked, picking herself off the floor. What am I missing? She thought to herself.
Rap, rap, rap. Marinette knew who that was. "Come in, Cat!" "What are you doing all dressed up and fancy?" he grinned at her as he hopped her bed. Marinette flushed, looking away. "Its silly. Your going to laugh."
She could hear Cat's feet moving towards her, and he gently lifted her chin. "Nothing you do is silly, love." "I'm auditioning for the Nutcracker. But they'll never pick me, I'm so clumsy!" Marinette stalked over to her chaise and flopped down.
"I knew a beautiful girl who said the same thing once upon a time," Cat said. "Who was it? Some famous ballerina?" "No, Ladybug." Marinette's head shot up. "Ladybug?" "She doubted herself at first, but with some help and confidence, she's the best partner ever. Now, would you let me help you?"
Marinette blushed, looking shyly up at him. "Are you expecting a treat after?" "No, but treats are always welcome."
Monday rolled around quickly, and even if Marinette was still nervous, she knew she had Cat's support. She tuned everything out, expect for the music and Adrien.
Gone was her clumsiness, at least for the moment, and Adrien held her firm.
Marinette aced her audition, and Adrien did as well. That night, when Cat came for supper, Marinette told him to eat quickly, for they had a lot of practicing to do before opening night, not knowing that their leading person was already by their side.