After all the drama over the weekend Adrien was glad to just go back to school and hang out with his friends.
"Hey guys," he yelled from the inside of his limo. His head was out the window and he was waving happily.
"Wow he looks happy," Marinette said. "I wonder what's up. Last time someone was this happy on their way to school I got two new siblings." She winked at Alya and they burst out laughing. "Hi Adrien," she said as he strolled up to the group. "What's up? How was the rest of your weekend?" She asked.
"Great," he sighed dreamily. All he could think about was the fact that Ladybug had told him she loved him.
"Okay dream boy," Alya joked. "So anyone want to hang out after school? Kim invited me to go swimming and said I could bring anyone I wanted. Max and Ivan are already going."
"Sounds fun," Nino chirped. "I'll be there!"
"Me too," Marinette nodded. "Let me just text my parents quick." She pulled out her phone and punched in the numbers. After a minute she said, "yeah it's okay. I'm going!" Alya hugged her.
"Yay! How bout you Adrien?" She asked. Everyone looked at him with anticipation.
"You know my dad. Last week he only agreed because Sabine and Tom are his old friends. He'll never let me," he said sadly. His happy mood was suddenly gone. "He's been so cold since mother's death. It's been years. He should be over it by now... but you know I can't blame him. I miss her too..." he was so down in the dumps he couldn't even remember what Ladybug had said. Nino put his hand on his shoulder. Marinette remembered that day. She attended the funeral. It was before she had left. Her and Adrien had been so close it felt like she had lost a mother as well. Mrs. Agreste had been such a big part of her life. Her eyes teared up and she was beginning to cry. She didn't want Adrien to feel bad so she turned away.
"I gotta go grab my homework from my locker," she whispered. "I'll meet you guys in class." Adrien glanced up and through his watered eyes he saw her saddened expression as she walked off in the direction of the locker rooms.
"I didn't mean to bum her out," he said quietly. Nobody noticed. "I gotta go too. Meet you in class," he said louder. Nino and Alya nodded and headed off. He followed Marinette into the locker room and caught up right when she made it to her locker. He grabbed her arm and turned her towards him. Tears were slipping down her face and her eyes were puffy. He pulled her close and embraced her softly. "It's okay. Please tell me what's wrong," he said gently. He didn't let go even when she started to cry harder. Tears and snot stained his shirt but he didn't care. He loved her too much. "Is it about my mom?" She nodded embarrassed.
"I know I shouldn't be so upset. It's not even my mother. I should be the one comforting you," She said breaking free from his grasp. "I just... I really loved her. She was like a second mother to me. I'm sorry." He held her hands and stared into her eyes sadly.
"Don't be sorry. I understand. We were like family. I would be just as upset if it happened to someone in your family." He gently brushed her hair from her face and dug into his pocket to give her a tissue. "Here," he smiled. "We better get to class." She agreed and latched onto his arm to give him one last hug.
"Thanks, I'm glad you understand. It's kind of embarrassing to cry over this since you're acting so strong." He patted her back gently.
"It's okay..." He said happily. "Crybaby," He joked. She shoved him over but his foot caught on hers and she ended up falling right on top of him. They broke out in hysterics. "Ow!" He laughed. Adrien stared up at Marinette's beautiful face smiling and had the sudden urge to kiss her.
'No Agreste! Why are you doing this to yourself? You can only like one girl and that girl is Ladybug!' He scolded himself silently. He glanced up at her again and she wasn't laughing anymore. Just staring at him smiling.
"You're really pretty when you smile," he said without thinking. 'Good going man. Now she probably thinks you like her!' He thought to himself. She just smiled and said,
"Thanks bro," and got off of him. She pulled him up and smiled.
"Ya know... I miss her just as much as you," he said shyly. She held his hand.
"I know... but she'd want us to stay happy. Let's conjure school today in honor of Emilie!" She said triumphantly. He nodded and they rushed to class aware that they were very late. They never let go of each other's hands while they ran. The first period bell had rung nearly 10 minutes ago. When they entered, every face in the room looked at them as though they had just killed someone. Walking into class late is super embarrassing to say the least.
"Sorry we're late. Locker issues," Adrien said quietly. They ducked their heads and took their places next to their friends.
"What took you so long?" Alya asked once Marinette had taken her seat. "Are you okay?" She sounded worried but still interested.
"I got kind of upset about Emilie and I didn't want Adrien to see me cry but he followed me and comforted me so I'm fine now. No need to worry," she said quickly. She didn't want the teacher to hear her. She was already getting a tardy she didn't need to get into any more trouble.
"What do you mean comforted you?" Alya asked suspiciously. She raises her eyebrows and gave her a sly smile. Marinette looked flushed so she added," just kidding. I know you don't like him anymore but I need details. Come on spill!" She pleaded.
"Okay I'll give you deets later when we're picking out swimsuits for the pool," she said.
After school:
"Let's stop at my house first," Alya said after school. "See ya there Nino!" She blew a kiss to him.
"Ooh! Do you like Nino?" Marinette asked.
"Of course not! It was just a joke," Alya said defensively.
"I was just kidding," Marinette laughed. "Let's hurry!" They ran all the way to Alya's house and were exhausted by the time they arrived. Sweat dripped down their brows.
"Hurry up and choose one," Marinette said slowly. "I need to get into that cool water as soon as possible." They climbed up the stairs of her apartment building and made it to her room.
"Ok spill," Alya said while digging through her dressers. "What happened with Adrien?"
"He came and hugged me and said he understood. Nothing much. He was just being a good friend," Marinette sighed lazily.
"And? Anything else?" Alya asked skeptically.
"And.. I sort of fell on top of him," she said quietly. She was hoping Alya didn't hear but unfortunately she did.
"OMG GIRL REALLY!?" Alya asked surprised.
"Yeah..." Marinette started. "But it meant nothing. I have a boyfriend and he doesn't even like me. Jackson's the man for me and I can tell Adrien has a crush on a certain someone."
"How do you know?" She asked.
"He has that look in his eye that says he's in love. I just can't pinpoint who it is. Maybe she goes to a different school," she said.
"Or maybe he goes to our school. Ever think about that?" Alya said nonchalantly. Marinette was shocked.
"You think?" She asked startled.
"No I'm just kidding," Alya said laughing. "He would have told us. He's one of our best friends." Marinette took a deep breath in.
"But what if..." she droned off. She knew Alya was right. He told her everything. "Hurry up!" She yelled changing the subject.
"Okay fine. How about this blue one?" She asked.
"Love it. Now let's go to my house. I already know which suit I want and we can pick up a few macaroons for our friends," she said.
"Sounds yum," Alya said as they started the short walk to the bakery. "You know, your parents are becoming pretty popular across Paris?" She mentioned.
"Yeah business is really booming. Everyone loves them," Marinette said continuing the small talk.
"The news said they could become the most popular bakery in all of Paris for their bread alone," a familiar voice spoke behind them. They turned to see Luka, Juleka's older brother.
"Oh hey," Marinette said. "I don't think we've been formally introduced." She offered her hand to him and he kissed it gently. She blushed. "I'm Marinette."
"I know. Your Juleka's friend right? My name's Luka."
"Hi Luka," she answered.
"So what's up Luka?" Alya asked butting in.
"Nino invited me to the pool and I saw you guys and decided to ask to walk with you. You know to get to know you more. You seem like pretty cool girls," he said.
"Well I'm gonna grab some things from my house quick but you can come if you'd like," Marinette said. He agreed and began walking with them. They continued their small talk until they reached the bakery. "Well we're here. Wait downstairs and we'll be right back. I'd invite you to my room but my parents might not approve. Can you maybe grab the bag of macaroons from my dad?" She said while heading upstairs. Alya followed behind her. He nodded and went towards the kitchen to find Mr. Dupain Cheng.
"Hey I'm Mari's friend. Kind of," He said. "She asked me to grab the macaroons while she grabbed her pool stuff." Tom turned around and handed him a plastic container containing the most delicious smells that ever had the pleasure of gracing his nose. "Wow these smell delicious Mr. D!" Luka said ecstatically.
"Why thank you young man," he said sincerely. "Now tell me are you and Marinette actually just friends?" He asked eying him.
"To be honest we kind of just met today so I don't even know if we are friends but I'd love to get to know her. She seems like a nice girl," Luka said honestly.
"Well I did raise an amazing daughter," Tom said modestly. "But right now she's stuck in a relationship with this Jackson guy. I didn't want to tell her but I never liked that guy. He was too cocky. I'm afraid he isn't going to be loyal when they're half way across the world. He isn't the smartest but he is handsome. Girls back in America could hardly resist him. I just hope he isn't going to break my little girl's heart. Tom noticed Luka staring so he said, "I probably shouldn't have told you that much... I was just kind of hoping you would talk her out of it but since you guys aren't really friends that might be difficult."
"I'd hate to intervene in her relationship. If it isn't gonna work out they'll break up and that'll be that but you gotta trust that your daughter can make decisions on her own without any interference. Don't worry. Mari seems smart. She'll figure it out if that guy's a dog."
"Thanks..."
"Luka."
"Well Thanks Luka. You're one smart kid. I'll try to remember what you said. Have fun at the pool and don't forget the macaroons!" He said as Luka exited the kitchen. Marinette and Alya were trotting down the stairs when he got to the front door.
"Ready! Thanks for waiting," Marinette said cheerfully. She had a pink duffel bag slung over her shoulder. "Let's go!" They started the walk towards the pool. Luka made small talk with Mari while Alya posted some fan theories on her blog. When they arrived the girls went to their locker room to change and Luka just pulled off his shirt. He had already been wearing his swimsuit as shorts. Marinette and Alya returned a few minutes later looking stunning. Alya had on a blue one piece with a frilly too and Mari wore a pink bikini with white spots on it. Luka was speechless. She looked like an angel with the natural lighting from the glass roof reflecting off her. She had twin Minnie buns on her head and gracefully dived into the pool next to where he was treading.
"Wow you look amazing," he breathed. She didn't hear him. She was too busy perfecting her underwater flip. The gang splashed around some more until everyone showed up. Then they started a game of Marco Polo. After a few turns Marinette was it.
"Marco," she yelled. Everyone around her yelled back polo but the first one she heard was Luka. She quickly swam next to him and grabbed him. Her arms were around his neck when he pulled the blindfold off her. "Gotcha!" She laughed and let go. Luka couldn't help but feel accomplished even if he had just been tagged. He slipped the blindfold on and continued the game. Around 4:37 Marinette's phone beeped alerting her of a new message. She got out of the pool interrupting the game. She looked at it smiling but after reading it her expression changed dramatically. She ran to the locker room crying and flung her phone in the pool. Luka caught it a millisecond before it touched the water. He quickly followed her along with Alya, Rose, and several other friends. She was in the girl's room so Luka wasn't allowed in and he waited by the door. The girls went in to see what happened. They came out a few minutes later surrounding Marinette who had calmed down significantly. She eyes weren't full of tears anymore but you could tell she was still upset.
"We're leaving early," Alya announced. Luka pushed his way through the group of diverting girls.
"What's wrong Marinette?" He asked. She looked up and he saw real pain in her eyes.
"My first ever boyfriend just dumped me," she said weakly. It sounded pitiful and drained and Luka knew she wouldn't be able to get over it for awhile. Mostly everyone had went back to the pool by now but Alya and Luka remained by her side.
"Let's get you home girl," Alya said. She wrapped a towel around her friend's shoulders.
"Bye Luka. Can you bring the macaroon container to school tomorrow?" Marinette asked. He nodded and let go of the hand he didn't know he was holding. He felt sorry for her. He wanted to pummel the guy who dumped her over text. What did she say his name was again? Her father was right. He was a jerk!
"I hate him whoever he is!" He yelled once the girls had left. He didn't notice but a small purple butterfly had entered the room. It went and touched Marinette's phone. He had still been holding it. A dark voice entered his head.
"Hello rescuer," Hawkmoth said. "I can help you reach your goal."
"What goal?" Luka asked curiously.
"To break the heart of everyone who has hurt someone before," he said simply.
"Even Jackson?" He asked. He somehow knew the exact name of the guy who had just broken his friend's heart.
"Yes, even Jackson." Hawkmoth had no idea how he'd pull that off but he had to try in order to obtain the miracle stones. "Now remember for all this power I will need something in return."
"Anything."
"Chat Noir and Ladybug's miraculous."
"Yes Hawkmoth."
"Go to her rescuer. Fix her broken heart and crush the one who destroyed it." Luka transformed in a swarm of purplish goo and became the Rescuer. He looked just like a hero but he was anything but it. He had only one thing on his mind: revenge.
"Jackson will get all he deserves."
Meanwhile at Marinette's house:
"It's okay dear. There will be other boys," Tom said trying to sooth his crying daughter. He wasn't going to say it but he was actually glad Jackson had broken up with her. Like he said earlier, she deserved better and him breaking up with her was just a doorway for her to step into a better relationship.
"You don't understand dad! He broke my heart and not only that, he betrayed me as well and so did my best friend!"
"What do you mean?" Tom asked.
"He broke up with me for Blythe!" She yelled. Tom was shocked. He knew Jackson was a bad guy but he never thought Blythe would have that in her.
"And she was okay with that?" Screamed Alya. "Some best friend," she sneered.
"She was one of my best friends but now I don't know who to trust!" Marinette cried. She looked up at Alya. "you would never do that to me, right?" She asked.
"Of course not girl," Alya started. "I don't know if you'd noticed yet but I'm a good friend." Marinette laughed slightly before going back to crying. She was quickly interrupted by a knock on the window. Everyone turned but there was nothing there.
"Stay back girls," Tom whispered. "I'm gonna lock it." He inched towards the window anticipating an intruder. "Who's there?" He made it to the window and locked it. Nothing happened. No intruder, no jump scare, no nothing. "It was probably just the win..." before he could finish the glass shattered into millions of pieces as a masked figure leapt through the window. He stood in the middle of the room for a few seconds as everyone was shocked into silence. No one moved for awhile. Then he spoke.
"Marinette," He said. Alya and Tom stared at her.
"M..m..meee?" She asked shakily. He nodded and started walking towards her. Tom quickly intervened.
"You can't take her. I won't let you!" He announced strongly. "I forbid it! She's my daughter and I'm going to protect her." Luka glared at Tom before saying,
"I don't think you have a choice." He suddenly disappeared and then reappeared next to Marinette and grabbed onto her. He flew out of the room with her screaming.
"MARINETTE!" Tom screamed from the window. Alya and him were reaching out the window to grasp onto Marinette but they were too late. Luka has already escaped with her in his arms.
"Help!" Marinette screamed. She yelled and screamed hoping Chat Noir would somehow hear her. They were in broad daylight so she was sure he'd be awake. "Let me go! Who even are you?" She asked.
"I'm rescuer. I've come to save you from your heart break."
"That's not much information," she said suspiciously. "What do you mean? Do I know you?" She reached to pull off his mask but to no avail. It wouldn't come off. It was magic just like her own.
"Stop with the questions. You'll be safe soon and Jackson will pay for what he did." She thought over what he said. Who was with her at the pool when it happened?
"Luka?" She asked surprised. "Is that you?"
"Not anymore. Luka is nothing. I am rescuer now."
"Oh Luka..." she sighed. "I can't believe how much you care for me and I'm sorry for doing this but..." She punched him in the stomach and when he let go she reached for a nearby building and slid through the open window. A family was sitting behind it watching a television show. "Run! Someone's been akumatized!" She warned. They instantly went to their safe room and invited her to join them but she refused saying she had to find Ladybug and Chat Noir to save Paris. Once they had left she transformed and called Chat Noir. He wasn't in costume. "Go figures. I guess I'll have to manage on my own for now." Just as she was about to leave Luka swung in through the window after her.
"Marinette where are you?" He asked.
"Marinette isn't here. I hid her somewhere you'll never find her," Ladybug said confidently.
"It's Ladybug! Get her miraculous at once!" Hawkmoth yelled.
"Yes Hawkmoth," Luka breathed. "Come here Ladybug. I'm not going to hurt you if you hand over your miraculous. I am a hero after all. It's my job to protect Paris and I can't do that without my powers from Hawkmoth." She slowly backed away from him until she hit the way.
"Lucky Charm!" She yelled. A phone appeared in her hand. The news station was dialed. She pressed call. "There's an akumatized villain on the loose. Broadcast this all across Paris. I need Chat Noir to see this." TVs everywhere we're tuned into the news station and one of them was in the Agreste home. Adrien was watching tv with Nathalie when the alert came on.
"Ummm I got to go use the bathroom... I'll be right back!" He said while anxiously exiting the room. "Plagg where are you?" He asked when he got to the safety of his bedroom.
"I don't want to transform!" He whined. "I already had to deal with you be akumatized last week. I deserve a break!" Adrien rolled his eyes.
"Maybe next week. Come on Ladybug needs us. Claws out!" He yelled. Plagg grabbed onto the table he was perched on and held on for dear life but the miraculous pulled him in as he grumpily whined.
"You better buy me Camembert!..." he yelled as he disappeared into the ring. His voice faded with him. Adrien transformed and hopped out the window calling Ladybug. She picked up instantly. "Where you at M'lady?" He asked flirtatiously. He still couldn't get over how she had told him she loved him
"1802 Montaigne Avenue. Be quick. I have a plan."
"Already on my way," he answered. He found her in the top apartment in less than 5 minutes. Luka has somehow managed to pin her down and was about to take out her earrings when Chat Noir burst through the open window screaming, "let my lady go!" Luka jumped back in surprise nearly knocking over a bookshelf and dazing him long enough for Ladybug to jump back onto her feet.
"I knew I could count on you!" He smiled when he saw her. He had just rescued the love of his life but now he had a villain to deal with...
