Marinette was excited to say the least. The day that had been intended for a girls day had been pushed back and turned into a shopping for a date kind of trip. She had insisted to Alya that she had enough clothes that she had made herself that were perfect for the occasion but Alya kept insisting. Perhaps a new pair of shoes would be best to match a bit better with what she had in mind. At least she still had the solace of going to the movies later on, but first came the long hours that awaited her.
Going down from her room, she found Alya making herself cozy in her living room, talking with the Dupain-Cheng couple. "Hey, girl, thought you'd take forever."
"Real funny, you just got here too early." Alya lifted an eyebrow as she fished out her phone from the back pocket of her jeans. "Actually, we agreed that I'd come for you around 11am."
Confused about what the brunette was talking about she searched for her own phone in her purse, fishing it out quickly before looking through the messages that they had exchanged the previous night.
"I'm sure we had agreed on 12 midday, aaand nope, you're right. We did settle on 11am." Glancing up to her quite smug friend, who stood with an arm to her hip, full of confident authority.
"It's okay, Mari. Let's just go, and please next time remember the time." Her laugh carried out as she let herself out of the Dupain-Cheng household. Marinette said her goodbyes with a hug and a kiss before sprinting after her long gone friend.
"What do you have planned for today?" The brunette looked down at the bluenette. "Well, shopping obviously, although I'm sure you already have some amazing dress ready for tomorrow." A sly smile graced her lips, as she nudged lightly at the bluenette with her elbow.
"I do, but I could use some new shoes for tomorrow."
"Then shoe stores it is." The girls walked along the street finding their way to the train station swiftly. Not too long after the two stood in front of Carrousel du Louvre. With a mission on their minds the girls entered the subterranean mall.
It didn't take long for them to find the first store that caught their eye. And so started the mission.
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After 2 hours of going through as many stores as possible the couple of friends were exhausted, but most of all hungry. "I think this is the last store we'll see before eating, because I'm starving." Marinette looked at her friend that was now holding her stomach in a sign of hunger. With a laugh, she stood in front of Alya. "You're such a drama queen. You usually spend hours running after akumas and Ladybug."
"That's totally different, at least when I do that I get news for the Ladyblog." A smirk graced her lips before the two busted in a string of small laughs.
"Gosh, Mari. Look at these flats. They're so cute!" In her hands laid a pair of bone white and black flats. They had a tiny bow on the top, the black cap toe accent nicely accentuating the white. "It's cute and simple. I think it'll work well with my outfit."
"What? So, it's not perfect?" Marinette glanced down at the flats again, and imagined it with the dress she had separated days ago. "It'll look good, it doesn't need to be perfect." Alya's shoulders slumped as she looked down at the bluenette. "You don't want everything to be perfect for your first date?"
"It doesn't have to be. It's Luka, I'm sure he'll be fine if I look okay." With an apprehensive nod, the brunette gave her the flats. "I think these are it. I think we've finished shopping for today."
Once she had paid for the pair of flats, they made their way to the food court. "Are you nervous for tomorrow?" Alya looked down at her as she glanced around at all the options that laid in front of them.
"Of course, it's my first date ever." With a shrug, she finally looked up at her friend. "So, you're nervous because it's your first date and not because it's with Luka?" A frown settled in-between
her brows.
"What are you trying to get at Alya?" the brunette bit her lip as she wondered whether she should say what's on her mind. "Mari, I was just thinking that maybe your heart is not really in this whole date thing."
"What do you mean?" Alya faltered as her eyes shifted. "If your date were with Adrien you'd be jumping in your place. You're so calm about this that I,"
"Alya, you know that I'm trying to get over Adrien, let's not insert him where he has nothing to do with it, please?" The brunette nodded as she left the topic, but not before making one last comment, "I just don't want you, nor Luka to get hurt." With a small smile Marinette grabbed at Alya's arm and pulled her closer. "I know, and I love you for caring about me. Now, let's go eat that I'm starving."
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Adrien felt anxious. Today he had a date with Kagami and he had yet to come up with any ideas for it, like she had asked from him. "What's got you frowning so much?" Plagg floated next to him as he downed a slice of camembert in one go. The action made Adrien gag, the stench enough to make his stomach slightly turn.
"I just don't know where I should take Kagami."
"Ah, your little date is today, huh? Why not just take her to the movies?" He stopped to think about it, would she be okay with going to the movies? Sometimes she did enjoy doing normal stuff, but last time she hadn't mention the movies in her date plan.
"Do you think that'll be okay? Just going to the movies?" Plagg looked at him with a look that was a mix between bored and annoyed. "Look, I really don't know about human issues, but if you want my opinion so badly, which I totally get it cause I'm pretty great and amazi-"
"Plagg." With a roll of his eyes the tiny god floated in front of his face. "Yes, I think a movie date would be fine."
"Okay, good. I'll let Kagami know." Once he had let her know, they settled for watching a comedy, which honestly surprised Adrien that that was her movie choice, but it was nice to learn more about her, no matter how small it might have been.
It wasn't until two hours later that they met in front of the movie theater. He had been unsure of what outfit to wear, so he had settled for his usual outfit, sunglasses perched unto his face to conceal his identity, but now that he was seeing Kagami with an ivory white casual dress, now he was wondering if he should have put more effort.
"Hey, you look different, it looks good." With a small smile, she glanced at his outfit, before a smirk graced her lips. "Wish I could say the same, but oh well, you always look great."
"Well, what can I say? It's the model looks." He slightly wiggled his brows, but it was only received with a confused look from her. Right, he was Adrien right now, and Adrien didn't do those mannerisms. "Shall we?" With a motion of his hand, he enveloped hers as they entered into the theater.
It was jam packed to say the least. Lines upon lines inside the theater; ones for the food, ones for waiting, others for god knows what. It was surprising to see how rush hour could be. "Should we go elsewhere? It's jam packed in here." Kagami shot him an annoyed look before pulling his hand until they reached the counter for the movie tickets. Around 10 minutes later they stood to the side with two tickets in their possession.
"You have to be forward, Adrien. Else you won't get what you want." As she looked up at him her eyes softened, handing him the tickets for safekeeping. The stood on the line for their chosen movie, quickly falling into a small conversation. She latched onto his arm as she stepped a bit closer to him. She smiled up at him when her gaze shifted to the side, causing her smile to fall just the tiniest bit, it would have gone unnoticed had it not been that her smile was so noticeable.
"Anything wrong?" He started to turn around when she pulled at his shoulder, making him turn completely facing her. "What? Did you see someone you know?"
"No, I thought I did but it's nothing, let's go." The walked up the line that had moved as an usher allowed the waiting moviegoers inside the theater.
Once settled inside the theater and into their chosen seats he felt the sudden pressure of being in such a banal date with Kagami. Was it a custom to hold hands during the movie? Looking down at her, he felt himself relax a bit as he tried to enjoy both the movie and date.
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Marinette had had a perfect day in most standards. A day with her friend walking wherever they wanted, and when they reached the movie theater she had all the excitement of the day built up, nothing could bring it down at this point. The two girls made their way to the ticket line, still undecided on which movie they should see.
"How about that romance one that came out last week? Heard it's pretty good."
"I don't know, Alya. I don't really like watching romance movies at the cinema. How about an action movie?"
"Oh! A superhero movie would be great, wouldn't it?"
"Yeah, that does sound like a good option. Hey, do you want me to buy the popcorn while you buy the tickets?"
"Yeah, that'd be perfect." Something caught Marinette's eye as she stared to one of the lines. "Marinette?" It was a seemingly perfect scene. The way he smiled down at her as she held unto his arm, eyes all bright and smiles fully wide. She could almost imagine a pink background full of roses. It all made the air leave her lungs in a single blow.
Was it wrong to stare at such a perfect picture? She felt like she was infringing on their privacy, but even then, she couldn't tear her eyes away from the sight. It made it all the more real to see them so close, had she been hoping, even deep down, that it was all a ruse and that it wasn't happening? They were just so perf-
Marinette felt herself jolted from her thoughts by a shake of her shoulders, a worried Alya came into view. "Marinette, are you okay?" the brunette looked at the couple before looking back at her shaken friend. "I understand if you want to leave."
Did she want to leave? Wouldn't it just be extending the pain even longer? No, she didn't want to leave, maybe it was irresponsible, but she wouldn't let it push back her life.
"No, I'm not okay," She looked up at Alya with determination in her eyes, "but I will be."
Alya couldn't help but sigh and follow her friends lead. Marinette looked once again at the couple, but this time it didn't feel as heavy on her heart, turning into a dull pain that was bearable.
"Let me go get that popcorn."
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No matter how much Marinette tried to tell herself that her perfect day yesterday hadn't been ruined, she would be lying to herself if she didn't admit at least to herself that her mood had been dampened at least a bit. It had been so that she had been expecting Chat to show up at her balcony like he usually does when she's feeling less than as though she had a beacon where he could figure out just how she was feeling. It was both funny and endearing.
But no, he hadn't come around and she couldn't be surprised because she knew he didn't have some sort of radar, no matter how the idea made her laugh. It was already later in the day, and she felt the looming pressure of the date with Luka coming closer. She had told Alya that she didn't feel particularly nervous about going on a date with Luka, but she'd be lying if she said she didn't feel nervous right about now.
She thought it was silly, really. How different would it really be? It wasn't as though they hadn't gone out before. But it was the first time they had agreed on a date. And somehow that made all the difference in her head, as though a switch had been flipped.
She had called Alya to help her with her outfit, but apparently the traitor, as she had called her after she announced such treachery, had a planned lunch with Nino's parents and thus wouldn't be able to help her. All she had for help was the ability to text, although it was better than nothing.
She stared at her dark midnight hair, examining the best way to pair it with her outfit. A side braid would be cute but she didn't think she'd have the ability. Oh, how badly did she wish she had a Chat beacon right about now. Her best bet would be to let her hair loose, and then accessorize with a bow or something.
As she walked up to her desk, where she had laid her chosen accessories she heard a thump on her roof. She turned around when she heard the familiar knock on the trapdoor. She rushed to open it, moving aside as he let his body drop down unto her bed.
"Oh, kitty, I didn't expect you today." She turned around in her ballerina clad feet, the skirt of her baby blue dress swinging elegantly around with her movement.
"Why wouldn't you? I come here unannounced all the time" She giggled lightly, because he was saying the truth, his visits were always unannounced and barely ever could she hide the surprise whenever he visited.
"Also, you look really good today" His gaze slowly took her in. She had to admit, she did look good, but it was nice to hear it from someone else besides her mother and Alya. "Got all pretty for me today?"
"Well, I did get all pretty to see someone today, but obviously it isn't you" She pointed her finger to his chest, letting it linger just a bit, before looking up at his eyes, which held a playful glint in them. Backing away from her partner she stood in front of her mirror.
"What do you think? Good enough for a first official date?" Ugh, why was she having doubts of her styling choice now?
She grabbed the necklace that laid on her desk, and extended her arm that held it towards Chat. "Could you put it on for me? I always get clumsy with them." The thought of having to open the clasp was already giving her shivers, it's just the perfect way to get one's manicured nails chipped.
Chat walked up to stand behind her, grabbing the necklace from her hand, bringing his arms in front of her, slowly clasping the necklace into place. Once finished he left his warm hands on her shoulders, as he lowered himself so that their faces were next to each other in the mirror, almost laying it on top of her shoulder. He smiled lightly, and lightly squeezed her shoulder, before going over her outfit once more. "Aww, my princess is having her first date, look at you all grown up." He smirked devishly before bringing up his hands to grab at her cheeks, pinching them slightly. "Hey! Shtop that" He kept her cheeks between his fingers for a few more seconds before letting go of her now reddened cheeks. "I don't why I put up with you." She glared at him through the mirror. Her cheeks ached and she wasn't sure how she'd explain the abnormally red cheeks to both her mom and date.
He grinned cheekily. "Because you looove me." She scoffed at him, turning her face to the side, avoiding his gaze. She was not about to feed his ego.
"You look perfect, you know? Any guy that thinks otherwise is an idiot." She turned to look at him through the mirror, he was smiling fondly causing her to smile widely, her partner always knew how to bring her spirits up. Turning around so they stood face to face, she grabbed his hands. "Thanks, now I hate to say this, but I'm going to have to kick you out of my room, Luka should be coming around any minute." His pout was evident and all she wanted to do was laugh at how ridiculous he looked in that moment.
"Marinette, someone's here for you." Her mother's voice coming from downstairs was the only indication she needed to start pushing the leather clad hero out of her room.
"You can come back after 9pm if you want to, my date should be finished by then." She didn't expect him to wait for her, but she certainly hoped he would. "But Mari, wai-" She didn't let him finish his sentence before she was closing on his face the trapdoor that lead to her balcony. She just hoped that whatever he had wanted to say wasn't too important.
She walked down and as she looked up at herself in the mirror once more making sure everything was perfect when she noticed her loose hair. Dang it, Chat had come around and she hadn't made him braid her hair!
Grabbing her purse, she walked down the steps that lead to the living area in her house, there just a step away from the stairs that lead to her room stood Luka. She was glad that she had chosen an outfit slightly cuter, as the guitarist himself was dressed up with a button up shirt with his sleeves rolled a quarter of the way. His usually ripped jeans were changed for non-ripped ones that hug his body nicely.
"Ready?" He offered her his hand as she took that last step, finally standing before him.
"Ready as I'll ever be." His smile was so warm that she felt as though it radiated from him. After saying their goodbyes to the Dupain-Cheng couple they made their way out of the house. "Luka, sorry for the question, but what are we going to do?"
"I hope you don't mind, but I actually planned for a picnic," She looked up at him as he looked down at her with a sheepish smile. "Sorry if I can't afford a restaurant."
"A picnic's more than perfect. Thank you, Luka. I'm sure it'll be lovely."
It didn't take long for them to reach a small park that had a small patch of green grass, a small picnic basket laid on top of a blue blanket. On top of it waited a very happy Juleka as she spotted them reaching her. "Thanks for waiting here, Jule."
"Anything for my big bro and his beautiful date who just so happens to be my friend." Marinette felt a blush spread across her cheeks at her words. She had forgotten to tell her friends about her date with Luka, even worse she had forgotten to check how Juleka felt about Marinette dating her brother!
"Hey, Juleka." With a soft smile Juleka got closer to the two before laying a hand on her shoulder. "I'm kidding, enjoy your date, okay?" She could only nod as she watched the raven-haired girl walk away.
Luka walked up to the picnic setup and laid down, motioning her to join him on top of the blanket. "Fancy any sparkling water?" At her nod, he brought out two wine glasses from inside the basket and one big bottle of Perrier. It was almost comically huge, and she had to bite her lip to stop herself from laughing.
He handed her one of the glasses, before pouring a decent amount in her glass. "So, what did you bring me today?"
"Well, it was definitely hard figuring out what to bring considering your family owns the best bakery in all of Paris." She laughed as she imagined him trying to come up with something for the picnic, it was endearing to say the least. "What? It's hard competition, just so you know."
"I bet it is." He digged around the basket before taking out some Tupperware. "So, I made some lasagna, hope that's okay." He glanced down at her dress with a light grimace. "It's perfect, don't worry about it."
"Then, let's dig in."
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Adrien hadn't expected to be thrown out from Marinette's room in such a manner, but honestly he couldn't blame her. He had dropped in quite unannounced at a not so convenient time. He had just wanted to congratulate her on her date with the love of her life, but he guessed he could do that later considering she had invited him to come back later that night.
He had been head deep in homework when he heard a knock on his door, followed by Nathalie calling his name, "Adrien, your father wants to meet with you, go to his office at once." Adrien felt panic at the words. What could his father possibly need him for?
He exchanged a glance with Plagg who only shrugged before hiding in his shirt. Taking a deep breath, he stepped out of his room and headed towards his father's office. The tall doors looming menacingly in front of him. As his hand inched closer to the doors, he felt the slight push from Plagg, as he tried to encourage him. It gave Adrien the courage he needed to enter the lion's den that was his father's office. He pushed open the doors and quickly came into view the back of the older Agreste who stood staring at his wife's painting.
"Father, I've been notified you have asked for my presence." His father nodded without even turning around to acknowledge his presence. It made Adrien want to bite his lip in nervousness but he knew his father would notice the hesitance even if he wasn't looking at him.
"Adrien, I've noticed you're being going out with that girl, Kagami quite a bit recently." Adrien gulped as he felt his hands starting to get clammy. Would his father ask him to stop seeing his girlfriend? It wouldn't seem too farfetched considering his tried to stop him from seeing his friends on other occasions. "Yes, father."
"Is she your girlfriend?" His back was still turned towards Adrien, and in that moment he wished he'd look at him at least once. Only then could he at least have a more even playing field. What was his father thinking? Should he answer honestly or lie? No, lying would only be detrimental for whatever case he might try to make. "Adrien, it is impolite to not answer to my question." The edge in his father's voice chilled his blood. He knew, didn't he? If he was asking it's because he already knew.
Resigning himself to whatever fate his father had envisioned for him he lowered his face before answering. "Yes, she is my girlfriend."
The older Agreste finally turned around to face his son. "You do know what that can do for your image, right? You're the image of the brand and your actions directly affect the label." Was everything about the brand's image to his father? If he was so worried about his precious label's image then maybe he should have made his teenage son the face of said brand.
"Father, I've tried my best to conceal myself whenever we go out, I swe-"
"And yet you've been spotted. You are an Agreste, do you really think some meager sunglasses will hide your identity?"
"Sorry, father. I thought no one would notice us." His father shot him a disapproving glare, before walking closer to where he stood. "And that's your first mistake. You caught a reporter's eye and he followed the two of you."
"What? Will there be an article about it?" The older Agreste turned and headed to his computer, without sparing a glance at the young blond. "Thankfully it was a sensible reporter that contacted me first for compensation for retaining the information. Your relationship will stay a secret as long as you don't act stupid again."
"Does this mean you approve of my relationship with Kagami?" The only answer was a hum before his father was ushering him out with a motion of his hands. Adrien couldn't believe it, had his father really done what he thought he did?
He hadn't even noticed he had already entered his room when he finally broke out of his train of thoughts. "How do you feel, kid? Your dad has approved of Kagami."
"Yeah, it feels surreal. I can't believe he's really given me the green light, but I suppose it comes with its own conditions." A groan escaped him as he imagined all the restrictions his father would most likely put on the pair. Forget about having normal dates ever again.
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It had been two hours later when Luka and Marinette decided to call it a night. After eating the two had delved into conversation quite quickly and easily, but now the sun had set and it was starting to get dark out. She hadn't asked her parents how long she could stay out, and although she doubted her parents would mind she really didn't want to worry them.
"Luka, thanks for everything, it was amazing."
"It was nothing. You're an amazing girl, Marinette, you deserve it." Warmth invaded her cheeks as she stared up at him, his sincere smile causing her heart to skip a beat. Was this the moment she had been waiting for?
"Marinette, would you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?" The words were all that she had been wanting to hear, yet at the same time it felt dull. It was her, wasn't it? But she would give all of herself to this, she was sure that she could love him the way he loved her. But she also couldn't be selfish.
"Luka, I'd love to be your girlfriend, but you most know that I'm still not over Adrien. I don't want to hurt you, and I think it's not fair if I don't give you the chance of choosing whether you still want to be with me while knowing the truth." Would he be willing to still be with her after she told him the truth? Was it selfish to want with all her heart that he'd accept her regardless of her divided heart? Perhaps it was, but it was his choice to make whether he'd accept.
"I've always known you're in love with Adrien. All this time I could only hope that I could so much as be given a chance, and I do want to give this a chance. I'll take all that you're willing to give, and I'll give you all that I am."
"Luka…" he lifted a warm hand up to her face, before leaning until their foreheads were touching. "I know what I might be getting into, but is it so bad to hope?" She shook her head. She knew all about hoping, knew it all too well. But sometimes hope is what keeps you going, and hope is sometimes all that you need.
"Let's go, let me you take you to your home." They walked in silence, hands clasped with the other.
The sight of the bakery came far too soon for her taste, but she knew this meant goodbye. She turned to look at him, and finding all the courage she held inside herself she took a step closer and kissed him on the cheek. This felt so different to the other times, now it held meaning. Now she wasn't kissing a friend, she was kissing her boyfriend. Boyfriend. The word felt foreign still and she didn't dare utter it aloud.
"Goodnight." She turned and entered her house, with a glance back, far too red in embarrassment and glee. She ran up to her room as she heard her mom call for her. "How was your date, honey?"
"It was great, maman. Umm, we're officially dating now." Sabine's smile widened as she nodded, "Want some dessert?" She had eaten dessert an hour into the date, but then stopped to think whether Chat would like some dessert when he came back, if he came back that is. "I'll get some later, I'm a bit full."
"Okay, honey. Your dad and I will go to sleep soon, okay?"
"Okay!" Shutting the door that lead up to her room, she let Tikki out of her purse. "Whew! What a date, Marinette. I can't believe now you have a boyfriend, you're growing up so fast."
"I can't believe it either, Tikki. It feels so different to.." An image of her imagination similar to what she had encountered yesterday invaded her mind. It made the butterflies in her stomach die down, and the red on her cheeks to pale. "Do you think I'll really be able to fully forget Adrien and love Luka like he deserves to?"
The tiny god flew up to her cheek, hugging it with her tiny hands. "Marinette, you can do anything you put your mind into."
"Thanks, Tikki."
Marinette had already changed and showered by the time Chat had come around, it made her happy that he'd come back regardless how she had kicked him out. She could blame it on the nerves, honestly.
Chat had gingerly sat down on her chaise as she excused herself to go fetch some snacks. Once she had retrieved them she in front of him, laying a pillow on the floor for comfort. "Chat, you wanted to tell me something when you came by earlier. Sorry for kicking you out like that, I probably could've done that with a little more tact."
"It's okay, I get that you were probably nervous." She laughed before biting into a cookie. "I was pretty nervous, but it's all good."
"So things are going good with lover boy?" she quirked an eyebrow at his question, lover boy? Where was he getting at?
"What do you mean, Chat?" he cleared his throat as he gulped down the remains of an éclair.
"I mean, like he's the one you've always loved and you're went on a date with him, which means things worked out for you. I'm happy at least things worked out for one of us, you know?"
"Wait. You think the one I'm in love with is Luka?" How had he come up with such a conclusion? What could have possibly made him think that?
"Isn't he?" his brows knit together in confusion, a frown settling into his features.
"No, Chat. He wasn't, what made you think he was? I don't think I ever mentioned him before well, the other day."
"No particular reason, none at all." Suspicion coursed her brain, but she couldn't exactly nail down the reason. She looked at his looking for any weakness that would let her know what he was thinking. When she found none she let out a sigh.
"Chat, he certainly wasn't, but now we're both giving us a chance. Kind of like you with your girlfriend."
"Except none of you are superheroes." A sly smirk graced her lips at the irony of his words. Oh, because both of them were superheroes. Although the fact that Luka's identity was now compromised meant she'd have to find a new snake miraculous holder.
"Then who was it? The one you're in love with?" There was no way she was ever going to let him know. "You know I can't tell you. It's a secret."
"Even from me?" Specially from you.
"Yes, even from you. Besides I need to keep some mystery around myself as well." At least as Marinette she had to keep a secret, right?
He laughed loudly. "What? Considering that there are many things that I can't tell you about myself?"
"Yeah, you got that right."
"Well you know everything that's important to know." His sincere smile let her know that it was the truth, because her partner was honest, so unlike herself.
"I know, Chat. I know."
Although it is perceived as romantic how Luka invests himself in Marinette, my view on it is that it's not healthy for him. In the long run, if a relationship is unbalanced like in this case, it causes a lot of strain emotionally.
Also, does Tikki have paws, hands or what? Like I don't know what to call it at this point.
Yeah, Chat knows Luka is Viperion but he can't really out his friend like that, now can he? xD
Thank you for all of you that have left reviews and have follow/favorited this story! I'm so glad you're enjoying this story! Anyways, till next time. Tschüss!