The Ladybug Dilemma

One thought crossed the other out. Dancing madly in her mind - up, down and across. Hiding, coming back again and kept her up for many hours at night.

Staring at the ceiling, laying there on her back. The last time she checked it had been 2 in the morning on this particular Monday and Tikki had been asleep for some time now. First time she checked again it was almost 6 – waking up before her alarm and beforethe red Kwami as well.

From a nightmare, of course – some dark and muddled thing, where she was left behind by everybody she loved - her family, her friends, the Kwamis. Alone. Broken.Crying...

Sure – the conversations with her friends had been a reason for her twisted visions – and her current situation wasn't helping, either.

But there was nothing she could do about it. Not now – just wait until the next Akuma attack and hope, that nobody gets harmed. At least physically, for the trauma would always run deep.She knew it - knew of her friends, who went to therapy session. Knew of Alya's nightmares. And she was aware of the fears and worries in her parents eyes. Plus so much more...

Gosh… she should have known, that Alya – her very best friend, sister in mind and the enthusiastic reporter wasn't as laid back on the Akuma attacks, as it has always felt to her. Even she was haunted by her numerous fights as the villain against Ladybug. Against her…

Still… to this day.

And what about Nino? Had he nightmares as well? He didn't talk about it, but Marinette saw the truth in his eyes - she wouldn't need to ask...

It shouldn't be a surprise for Marinette, that Nino wanted them to move. Leave Paris and wait until all of it was over.

He wanted to protect those he loved so much – his future wife and his unborn children. Maybe he did ask his family as well... Sure – it wasn't a final decision, but one they would eventually need to make. For it was for the best and soon needed to be decided...for the pregnancy wouldn't go on forever and October – when the twins were supposed to be due – was just around the corner.

And all Marinette did have by this point was hope, that it all would be over by then. She didn't have any glues on the villainess's identity left. Nobody she could ask about it. Gabriel? Nathalie? Sure... she could ask them once more. Would need to face them yet again...

...but surely they would come up with the same answers as before...

She should ask Chat Noir - perhaps he was thinking of a hint she wasn't aware of, yet. Maybe he had another suspect in mind. To investigate on, to eventually fight Lady Titalee and to keep these streets clean, again. Hopefully soon - to not give her two best friends a reason to move away from Paris... away from her.

She wouldn't even be mad at them, actually thought, that it was a wise decision and somehow she wished, that her parents would do the same. Or Adrien. Emma… Just leave Paris, until she was done with Lady Titalee and her reign of terror.

It would be saver for them that way. For all of them – but not everybody was able to abandon this City and leave everything behind, that was loved and dear to them.

… so… she and Chat Noir were their only hope.

Marinette gulped heavily, clutching the table she was currently standing by in the small boutique she was working in. Feeling dizzy, her heart beating furiously, afraid of all the things to come…

… afraid to lose so much in that war, that the evil villainess has declared on them…

And Chat... what was there to lose for him?

There was a chime above their heads, as somebody entered the shop, the door closing behind them. She was the one to turn around in hurry, starting to fold some of the shirts on the surface in front of her anew – hoping that one of her colleagues would help the new customer out.

She wasn't able to face just anybody right now – would rather go to the back of the store to get a broom to clean the floor, once more. Or a damp cloth to clean the windows or… just anything, that would keep her distracted and away from anybody she would need to talk to.

"I am sorry…", the sweet voice of her colleague echoed over her head, feeling so far away and distant, that she barely noticed it. "… but we don't have any clothes for men. Or would you rather look for something, that your girlfriend could wear?"

A soft chuckle followed as an answer and it sounded so utterly familiar.

"Thank you – but I am actually not here for any of your cloths-", Marinette eyes widened in surprise and a soft smile spread on her lips, turning around slowly to come face to face with somebody very familiar. "- I am actually here to visit a friend!"

His blue eyes still had this very precious gleam in them, when the young man with blue dyed hair smiled down at her. True – Luka's personality had barely changed – unlike his hair color, coming back some time ago to that beautiful blue hue she was used to. He was older now, sure. But he still loved the music to this very day, earning good money with it.Traveling with his band just everywhere.

She squealed, couldn't hold it back, when she saw him and immediately flung her arms around his neck and just like with Adrien she had to stand on her tiptoes.

...she surely had a thing for tall men...

"Luka!"

She knew, that her colleagues were rolling their eyes behind them, but she didn't mind. And why would she? She hadn't seen him in about half a year, so her behavior was absolutely natural.

And... sure..., she scolded herself, as she remembered, that he of course would be around, since his band was playing in France - starting with Paris.

"Oh, hey there, Marinette…", was all he could say, smiling gently and his arms came around her, while about a billion questions came to her mind, which she immediately started to voice out loud – letting them rain down on him without a warning and without a chance to answer.

"Wouldn't it be better, if you did that during your break?", somebody asked behind them, mostly a little annoyed.

She frowned and looked up and over to the counter, seeing the big clock there – hoping, that it was okay, if she started her break a little earlier.

… to spend some quality with the young man - a good friend, for so many years.

And of course her boss didn't mind – as long as she was back on time again. Marinette merely walked back in the staff room to get her purse with Tikki inside, before she grabbed the patiently waiting man by the wrist to drag him outside.

"You have to tell me everything!", she chatted on, walking down the streets with the blue haired man following closely behind. "Your travels! And how were the concerts? And how long will you be staying? And why didn't you tell me anyway? Also - by the way - how is your boyfriend? I hope he is fine!"

They were writing – sure. Questions about their well-being, about small and simple topics, that kept their friendship alive and blooming. Sending each other photos of their food, of something, that made them laugh or pretty embarrassing shots of themselves, when they made some with their phones.And she usually kept him up to date everything regarding Paris...

But Marinette didn't want to bother him with her current situation – the young men knew pretty well, that her life was stressful, though he would never know, how stressful it actually was – with her being Ladybug and all.

Did he even know, that there was a new villain around? What would she say, if he heard about Lady Titalee and… would he need her protection as well?

"How about I get us a coffee and we will talk about everything?", he casually asked, laying an arm around her shoulder in a friendly manner. And she let him – his contact was okay for her. He was like a brother to her, still, after all these years…

… even after their breakup – a decision, that was for the best. For both of them.

Sure – the love was still there, but it wasn't the same passionate spark as before. It was a different kind of love anyway and both have happily embraced the good friendship after that.

She certainly wouldn't change it for a thing in the world.

"A coffee sounds good to me!", she said, yearning for the warmth of the caffeine already, feeling the tiredness in her bones once more. "Has been a pretty tiring week for me – so I probably need a huge one!" And her night wasn't any better...

"And a huge one it is! The usual?"

She giggled.

"Of course!"

Down the street was a small shop. The coffee was good and they sold it as a takeaway along with a few other, delicious items - some sandwiches and other baked goods.

But not now – she wasn't feeling hungry at all and the coffee would be enough.

With the cups in their hands they walked a little more. A park was nearby and the summery weather was just too perfect to spend her break not outside. Enjoying the sun – something she rarely did these days.

They weren't walking for long, until they found a cute little bench nearby, hidden away under the branches of the trees. Children and their parents, couples and groups of friends were relaxing and playing on a small batch of grass before them. Some were sunbathing. Picnicking. Listening to music. Having fun and just enjoyed their time outside.

Marinette loved that view, despite its simplicity. For nobody was afraid. Nobody cared for the dangers. For Akumas and Lady Titalee. Blissfully unaware, that at any time there could be an attack. One, that would traumatized them and scare them for life…

Why couldn't she just enjoy the bright sides of life? It surely would be easier for her. All of it. And there really was something enticing and lovely about that thought. Imaging for a very brief moment, how life could be – with waking up in Adrien's arms and to make another time love to him. To brunch with Alya and Nino and to talk about pregnancies and babies and cute little toys and all of that. To help her parents in her bakery out. Creating some new clothes for her online shop. And to just patrol with Chat Noir around midnight to start all over, again.Emma coming by every now and then to play...

If this would be her personal limbo – caught in it each day for all eternity – then she would take it with opened hands and a huge smile. Grateful and utterly happy.

…but now…

"You look absent…", Luka whispered. Leaning back and he faced her, a worried look in his eyes, paired with a small frown. "… you haven't even listened to a word I have said, have you?"

Marinette gasped and blushed in embarrassment – for, indeed, she hadn't heard a word of all the things Luka had said and she tried to come with an excuse – with something plausible to say – but she came up empty handed.

"Sorry…", she therefore whispered apologetically, eyes downcast, while grasped her paper cup a little more tightly, the heat barely notice anymore by now. Gosh… how long where they sitting there, with her being mentally gone? He surely had answered all of her questions by now and she had plenty more to come. Until now. "I am just really… really tired. That's all…"

All that and so much more…

A tiny crease emerged between his eyebrows and Luka laid a caring hand and her arm, caressing her skin for a short moment. Sighing.His deep blue eyes landing wordlessly on her bruised bump she tried to hide under her fringe and with about any makeup product her bathroom shelves had to offer - of course the sign of her accident from the day before was still very visible...

"I hoped, that everything was going well for you, Marinette…", he mumbled quietly. "You seemed so carefree, whenever you wrote me. Whenever we called. I… I should have known better…"

"Oh – it's nothing you should worry about!", she hurriedly answered, trying to defeat her actions, brushing through her hair again, straightened it on her forehead to hide it the bruise a little more. "Just work, you know. And then my dad and… And-"

"And new Akumas everywhere… Marinette, I have heard about them. Where you harmed by them in any way?"

She shook her head, knowing, that it was a lie. And perhaps Luka did as well, but he would not say a word about it.

He had never done that – pressing to hear her secrets. For her to reveal her deepest feelings, doubts and worries. He wouldn't try to dig – always patiently waited, until she was the one to talk.

Though she never did…

… not about her secret identity at least.

But he basically knew everything else.

Gulping she looked back up again and into his eyes.

"And Adrien is back…", she breathed, almost fearing the impact this piece of information could have on him. "… we kept… meeting…"

A smile spread across his face – a pure and honest one, followed by a tiny nod.

"Oh – I know that, Alya had been kind enough to send me the link to thi-"

"Urgh! Of course she did that! Seriously – who didn't she mail this piece of garbage to?"

He chuckled at her outrage, patting her shoulder to calm her down. Taking a sip from his coffee, before he continued:

"He is still very handsome, isn't he?"

"Lukaaa~", she said warningly, already sensing an incoming tease. "Don't you dare to say anything about that!"

"Oh he is! And he looked really good by your side and-" "Luka!", she punched him playfully, making him laugh even harder. "And you two are serious now?"

She frowned. Shook her head.

"No…"

"Did look quiet serious to me, though".

"Urgh…", she let her head fall in her back, covering her eyes with one hand. "… it's complicated. Complicated and difficult and a convoluted mess!"

"Oh? Then it's only for sex?"

She lifted her hand of her eyes to glare at him.

"I wouldn't do that…"

"That is true. So tell me – why is it this convoluted mess?"

There was it again – the Ladybug Dilemma. The very reason on why it wasn't the wisest idea to give in. Because of the dangers and because of all her duties and all that came in between. But her every rising desire to just be with him – each passing day, hour, minute and even second. To be happy.

And loved…

Yeah... her secret identity and all, that came with it... That very one thing, that needed to remain a secret.

But at least – she could honestly – it wasn't that one thing, that made Luka and her split up in the first place, for it had been the emotions and feelings that had changed for the other.

Marinette sighed, unable to tell Luka the truth – once more and tried to put on a smile and at least a tired one made it to her lips.

"I wouldn't have the time to make him happy… Not the way he deserves it…"

Hey – it wasn't a lie entirely, which was in all honesty a nice change.

"Mhm… I have told you more than once, that you should quit one of your jobs. Those people at the boutique weren't very friendly anyway. And if you need any help with rising money, for your father, then-"

"No!", she said sternly. "I am not taking any money of you. You know that. We have talked about it before! And that's why I am not quitting any job, either!"

The shine in his eyes dulled, but his smile remained on his lips. Marinette knew, that it bothered him. Made him sad, but he would never say such a thing out loud – not unless she was in severe emotional or physical danger.

For he had always waited for her to speak her mind, and didn't mind if she didn't.

"Okay…", he therefore merely said and both took a sip from their coffee, as uncomfortable silence started to surround them. One, that was known to both.

"… okay…", she mumbled once more, repeating his words most quietly, playing them in her mind over and over again.

For she knew, that – in fact – nothing was okay at all.

"Are you free tonight?", he said, changing the topic almost abruptly and as if he hoped he could ease her mind with that. "Juleka wants to invite everybody over. Nothing too complicated. Just food and some music and lots of conversations. Like in old times. I know, that you would love to see everybody and don't you dare to come up with some silly excuse... I told her, that I was planning to see you to ask you personally."

"Luka..."

"You deserve to breath some times. And you can leave whenever you want to. Alya and Nino will be there as well! And do you think, that Adrien wouldn't be happy, if he was invited as well? He surely has some rough time now with everything going on…"

He does know something… Of course – the Akuma attacks were surely in the news around the world once more. And surely even more reports and some annoying gossip, she was not aware of, that associated Adrien with these attacks.

His name was indeed branded and it will still take some time until he would be freed of that burden as well.

… as was eventually Emma, once people would find out about her.

Pushing these dark thoughts into the back of her mind she sighed, wishing that her decision for now was a simpler thing to do. For indeed she yearned to meet her friends and this invitation surely sounded like fun.

… on the other hand Lady Titalee would surely use this opportunity to make her feel sorry later on.And tired, even more now, than before.

But… maybe… an hour or two were doable for her, right? Maybe until 10? And maybe the villainess wouldn't attack at all – she hadn't moved one finger throughout all of Sunday – which was honestly a very nice change!

Her stream of thoughts was cut short, when she heard a soft melody playing from her purse.

Her phone was ringing and blinking she looked up and over to Luka in confusion – for she surely didn't want to disturb that short moment of quality time she had with him.

But he smiled and nodded, allowing her with that to accept the incoming call.

Hurriedly she reached for the clasp and opened the purse, Tikki hiding a wide grin behind her tiny paws as she pointed at the phone and the young woman didn't even need to read the name on it to know, who in fact was calling her.

Instead she immediately pushed the green symbol to allow the call to come in and raised her phone up to her ear.

"Oh… hey! I hope I am not disturbing anything!", came Adrien's hushed voice from the other side and Marinette couldn't help the smile that immediately formed on her lips. "I am on my very first break here and I just… don't know… I hoped, that you had your break as well and that we just could talk for a little while… if you want to – of course! By the way – your parents are so much fun! Sabine has like the softest heart imaginable and your dad's jokes… well – they are Dad Jokes, but they are fun! And I believe, that I am doing not so badly on my first day!"

She giggled and blushed upon hearing his words – imagining him in the bakery with a cute little apron and flour all over his cheeks, his strong hands kneading the dough. Enjoying his time. Inhaling all the love, that her parents were willing to share – which was a lot! And the young woman really had the urge to talk to him – ask him about his work and his own well-being. Heck! She would even laugh about the absurd dad jokes, that her father loves so much!

Yeah… she wanted to, but with a glance to her side he remembered herself, that she was currently spending time with Luka and she didn't want to-

"Go on! Say 'Hi!' from me! And tell him about the invitation", Luka assured her kindly, grinning underneath the lid, when he raised the cup to his lips, watching Marinette closely and with a little happy gleam in his eyes. "He surely would love to come!"

"There is somebody with you?", Adrien asked with surprise in his voice, making her blush a little more. "I don't want to disturb your meeting!"

Luka shook his head, when she gazed upon him with apologetic look and hemoved his hand as if he wanted to remind her, that she should start to talk into the phone, before the blond man on the other side wanted to hang up.

"O-oh… it's okay…", she said with a stutter, but witha slight. "Luka came by and decided to give me a little visit. But he is okay with me talking to you for a minute or two…"

Luka gave her a thumbs up and a satisfied nod.

"Luka?", came it in surprise and when Adrien started to talk once more she could basically feel the huge smile on his lips and the excited gleam in his eyes. "Can you tell him, that his music is absolutely awesome? I mean – I don't want to sound like a total fan boy but – you know – I wouldn't mind, if he gave me an autograph, or two! I have the latest album of his band by the way~ They are really awesome!"

Marinette blinked, before she looked over to her blue-haired friend.

"I guess I am talking with your biggest fan here…", she mumbled, making both boys laugh about her words – one excusing about his behavior, the other immensely happy about this genuine compliment. "Seriously guys – aren't you sure, that you two should be talking with the other?"

Luka smirked and before she could have stopped him he took the phone from her hand and lifted it up to his own pierced ear instead.

Marinette could only watch in horror – unsure if she liked the thought, that her ex-boyfriend was talking this casually with her… what ever Adrien currently was for her. But Luka's soft voice washed over her with ease:

"Oh, I am good, thank you! Mhm? Oh – I landed last evening and I am staying with my sister. Yeah – I know – things are currently crazy here in Paris… But it won't stop me and my band to play a few gigs around the city. I can surely get a ticket or two for you if you actually-" He barked a laughter. "Of course I can do that!"

His eyebrow lifted, smirking and his blue eyes watched Marinette carefully. She drummed her fingers nervously on the lid of her coffee, heart beating madly in her chest. Biting her lip, feeling utterly nervous.

Waited, as Adrien said something on the other side – unable to make out any words.

"Oh – of course I could make it two. And you are actually seeing Marinette, or-" He nodded. "Complicated? Yep – she said something similar..."

Her hand landed on her eyes, knowing, that she was screwed. The young woman didn't even know, if she was allowed to speak about the current progression in their relationship – let alone let anybody know, that there were genuine feeling between the two of them.

What would Adrien think of her. That she was flaunting around in all of Paris – spreading gossip about them, like the brunette mother of his daughter would do it?

No – she wouldn't do that. Knew, that she didn't want any unwanted attention – he had already enough of that. He was still suffering. And Adrien was surely aware, that she merely spoke about their shared feeling to Luka, because he was one of her closest friends and that she didn't want to harm him in any way with that.

… right?

"Mhm…I understand…", the young man by her side eventually said calmly. Nodding about the words, a thoughtful look on his handsome features. "I know what you mean, Adrien. I really do…"

She peeked between her fingers and Luka noticed it – eyes widening, trying to spread a smile once more on his own lips, opening his mouth one more time:

"I totally cross my fingers for you! But I'll let you go now – your girl is waiting for her phone…"

Another chuckle. A soft one and he bit the other man goodbye – handing Marinette the phone back. Who glared at him for another moment, covering the speaker in hope Adrien wouldn't hear the words, that were directed at her friend:

"I am not his girl!", she huffed, earning a little shrug from the young man, before she turned her eyes away from him and focused once more to speak with Adrien, instead.

"Did you guys resolve all your problems?", she mumbled.

"Yep! Was good speaking to Luka, again!", she heard the prompt and gleeful answer.

Opened her own lips, but stopped, when she felt him tap on her shoulder.

"The invitation? For tonight?", she heard Luka say once more. "Didn't tell Adrien about that!"

She was too irritated by these boys behavior and before she was able to stop herself she said:

"Oh and everybody is meeting at the boat! Like in good old times and Luka said, that you could come as well! I'll be going, too and-"

No! She hadn't entirely decided on it, yet! Sure – it had sounded nice and she would have loved to but-

She narrowed her eyes at the grinning Luka, who had played her pretty well, succeeding in his plan to invite her and Adrien over.

And she couldn't even back out of it anymore – Adrien was already babbling about it happily on the other side of the phone, stating, that he could take the car and drive them. Asking, if Nino and Alya were coming as well and – uh! – how about they had dinner beforehand?

Marinette couldn't say no anymore. Not to Luka. And certainly not the Adrian, who must victorious planned their evening together, giving him another great opportunity to see her and-

Who was she kidding? She was happy as well! Excited even! She could see her friends and spend all evening with Adrien! Immediately she planned to go to bed right after it - she would be exhausted by then and sleep would surely come naturally!

So…basically it was a win-win-situation for everybody involved.

Oh Lady Titalee be damned, if she decided to attack!

"I'll write you, when you can get me… ", she gently said into the phone, her eyes lowering to her shoes, feeling warm once more. "Okay?"

Feeling some happiness returning to her…

"Okay…", he whispered back and she wished, that she was there to take her hand – like he would usually do it in these moments. To brush his thumb over her knuckles and to press her fingers lightly. Perhaps… lace them with his…

… she would love that.

"See you later, Marinette…"

"See you later, Adrien…"

She was the one to hang up – wondering a little what just has happened. Putting her phone back to Tikki in her purse and shyly brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear. Looking back up to Luka and-

He watched her closely. Leaned forward, one elbow laid on his knee to support his head with his hand. Smiling softly at her.

She felt caught, her cheeks immediately turning crimson and she sat up straight.

"What?"

"I am just really happy for you, Marinette…"

"Huh?", not the most intelligent thing to say anything, but the only thing, that came to her mind. "Why?"

"He is good for you. I can tell. He makes you smile. You giggled, even. And look at your blush!"

She desperately fanned herself some air.

"It's just fucking hot! That's all!"

"Uh-hu…" He stood up and held a hand out for her. "And yet both of you told me about the complicity of your relationship. How about you tell me a little more about it? Remember – we both used to date as well. I know you and I know, when you suppress your feelings and hide them. Though… there is nothing there to hide anymore, correct? So instead I suggest to be honest – to me. But more importantly to yourself and Adrien".

Marinette sighed, took his hand and he pulled her back to his feet.

"Honest?"

If it was that easy…

"You want a relationship with him, yes?"

"Yes, but-"

"See. It's very easy!"

… but for her things were never easy…

"And what is that story behind that bruise there?", said, brushing her fringe to the side and pointed straight at said dark spot and bump on her skin.

She looked at him in horror.

"Oh... you really don't want to know!"

A/N: Oh Luka...I so like him - he certainly has a good soul and I can totally see, why people ship him with Marinette. Before you lovely guys ask - no, he will not be added to the love square. He is by now just a good friend to Marinette and that will not be changed:D There is already enough Drama in their lives...Also - yep, Adrien is his biggest fan out there, I thought it suited his character.Next chapter: Pretty floral skirts, plans for Saturday and (finally) the class is re-united...