Chapter 21: Competition - Memories Part 2 Chapter by beccalovesyuge
Summary:
Prompt: Competitive
Continued from chapter 20 - part 2 of 3
30 minute speed write
Another two months had passed since that day in the café. Alya had warned Adrien to stay clear of Marinette or the illusion might shatter. He had tried. He really did. But nights outside her balcony as Chat Noir quickly became accidental meetings during the day as Adrien. She had stopped calling him M. Agreste two weeks ago and referred to him as Adrien. He considered that an improvement.
Nino was aware of Adrien's habits but kept quiet. For that, Adrien was forever grateful to his friend and roommate.
Currently, the former model was leaning against a lamppost and watching the young designer sketch in her familiar pink book from the steps of Trocadéro. He wondered if she doodled anything of her stolen memories within those pages. If he peaked over her shoulder, would he see pawprints?
He was afraid to find out either way.
Footsteps approached behind him, but he kept his gaze locked the young lady across the way. His gaze moved to his left when his guest paused beside him. Adrien did not greet the man and he received no greeting either. Adrien had run out of pleasantries towards Luka long ago. They had been friends at one time, but it was hard to get passed the fact the guitarist was stealing Marinette from him.
"I can't compete with you," Luka spoke. He paused, but Adrien gave no response. "I don't know what exactly happened, but I never did this to hurt you. I only wanted to protect Marinette."
Adrien opened his mouth to respond, but quickly snapped it shut. He was supposed to be her protector, he wanted to say. But that wasn't true anymore. He had tried to kill her. And despite the fact he loved her more than anything or anyone, this was what the team believed was best. If it would keep Marinette happy if she didn't remember that night, then he would just have to accept it. If she was safer far away from him, he would pack his bags right now. And yet, no matter how many times he told himself that, he could not keep away from her.
The corruption had been purified, but there was always a tiny chance that Chat Blanc could return. And if Marinette became Ladybug, Blanc would not hesitate to kill her.
There was simply no way they could ever be together.
"You'll keep her happy, right?" Adrien whispered instead.
Luka shrugged. "I thought she was, but her heart is hurting. I love her, Adrien. I've loved her for a really long time, but I'm not the one she's meant to be with."
Adrien turned to fully face his rival. "She'll be in danger," Adrien insisted.
Luka leveled a hard gaze at Adrien. "I don't think any of us should make that decision for her anymore. Marinette should be free to choose. I will beg for her forgiveness every day for the rest of my life for what I did to her, but it will never be enough."
"You're really going to let her go? Just like that?" Adrien asked in disbelief.
Both men turned their sights on the small designer as she snapped her book shut triumphally. She spotted them and offered a happy smile and wave.
Luka returned her wave. "Like I said before, I love her. I love her enough to let her go."
Anger flushed Adrien's face as he shot a glare at him. "Are you implying I don't?"
"No," Luka answered honestly. "You've given your life for her again and again. You've suffered a lot. And I think it's time for you to be happy too."
Emotion clogged Adrien's throat. "Thank you," he mouthed.
"Take care of her for me," he murmured before retreating the way he had come.