Disclaimer: I own nothing but my ideas and characters
A.N. Hey everyone Sorry I am posting late this week life got crazy. I am going to post two chapters today as an apology... Enjoy and have a great week.
KagamiPINKAgreste: Thanks so much for your reviews they always make me smile
theSadOldOne: I am glad you stumbled onto my story. I hope you continue to enjoy it
Chapter 10
A week had passed since Luka had last seen Marinette. He sat at lunch watching Ace and Liza. They were whispering back and forth and gathering from the random fingers pointed his way they were talking about him.
"Luka where is Marinette" Liza demanded
"Like I have said a hundred times this week. I don't know. I haven't talked to her since Saturday" he answered. The two shared a look before Liza picked up a pencil and threw it at him.
"Hey," Luka said, " what was that for"
"For being stupid" she glared, "Friday you two were all over each other and now it is has been a week and you haven't even talked to her. What the hell happened"
"She has been busy" Luka said, "there have been some issues with JAM that requires her attention"
"And how do you know this If you haven't talked" Ace asked
"Jordan told me" he shrugged
"Bullshit," Liza glared, "what happened Luka"
"I don't want to talk about it anymore," Luka said, storming off. Liza watched him go with a sigh.
"Maybe you should try talking to Marinette instead" Ace suggested
"Yeah maybe but how the hell do I do that"
"Show up at the bakery she won't be able to avoid you"
"Good idea," Liza smiled, " I'll do it today"
The school day ended and Liza left before the boys saw her. She immediately headed to the bakery. She walked and was greeted with the site of Jordan yelling at a computer. She walked over.
"If you are looking for either of the idiots they aren't here" he said glancing up
"Where is Marinette?" she asked. Jordan's eyes widened in shock, " thank god someone else is willing to talk sense into them. Hold on"
He quickly grabbed a pen and wrote something on it before handing it to her "She is at the new location. Hold on"
"Damnit Rae I don't care she needs you here" he said yelling at the computer again. "Rae I don't care if the entire states empire crashes she needs the three of you here"
"Jordan" Liza interrupted, "leave it. She is using work as an excuse"
"I know that" he glared, "but if she doesn't have that excuse.."
"Then she'll find another reason" Liza said, "just give it some time"
He glared when whoever was on his screen agreed. "You know what? fine!" He shouted at both of them,"but I swear to god if the freaking stupid idiots take another five years to get together it's all your fault"
Liza smiled as she walked down the street to the future JAM store. She noticed the cafe across the street and decided to make a pit stop first. She ordered herself a large caramel latte and then paused when she realized she didn't know what Marinette liked.
"Problem" the cashier asked
"No sorry I just realized I don't know what Marinette usually orders"
"Marinette Dupain-cheng?" He asked
"Yeah"
"I got you," he grinned, "That boyfriend of hers always orders her the same thing. We are so excited to see her back with him. One mocha raspberry latte and one caramel latte"
"Thanks so much" Liza grinned as she went to grab her wallet
"it's on the house" he said, "good luck"
"Thank you so much," Liza said, walking out. She arrived at the place and stopped outside the door. It was dead quiet. She hesitated before knocking. A minute later the door opened.
"Liza what are you doing here" Marinette asked
"I brought you something," she said handing her the drink, "and I wanted to talk"
"Sure come in," Marinette grinned, "ignore the mess I had three deliveries earlier"
Liza followed her into the store. She watched as Marinette locked the door and motioned her forward. She followed her to the back and up the stairs. They walked into a huge almost office-like area.
"This will be the design and production area when its done" Marinette smiled
"Wow" Liza said in awe
"Over there will be the lounge" Marinette said, "it's got a ways to go but we have a good start. Hopefully by Monday we'll be far enough along I won't need to be here to oversee things"
"Is this why you have been gone all week" Liza said, "I thought maybe you and Luka fought"
"Oh we did, well sort of" Marinette shrugged, "that's why I took Monday off"
"Its Friday" Liza said, "what happened"
"I told him the one thing I couldn't tell him before I left. He didn't react well. We talked the next day and he asked for space"
"What is so bad about you being Ladybug that he would react badly?"
"Did he tell you that?"
"That you're Ladybug? No Jordan did that" Liza said, "I thought he'd be happy since he has a miraculous too"
"How?"
"Sorry," Liza said, "my grandfather Merle was a guardian of a box in Australia. I recognized what it was the first time Luka wore it. He doesn't know that I know"
"Come let's sit," Marinette said, leading her around a wall to a beautiful sitting area.
"So what happened?" Liza asked "it isn't because you're Ladybug?"
"Yes and no" Marinette said, "I think Luka is afraid"
"Afraid?"
"Of what me being Ladybug means," Marinette said, "especially given who Chat Noir is"
"What"
"Chat noir is Adrien" Marinette said, "or rather Adrien is Chat Noir"
"What does that matter"
"There are a few things you should know. I used to like Adrien, as more than a friend. But he was in love with Ladybug. And our miraculous are bound together in fate"
"What does that mean"
"It means our miraculouses are always given at the same time. Creation and Destruction. Yin and Yang. The holders are bound together outside the mask in some way. Sometimes as lovers, soulmates, sometimes as friends, sometimes even as enemies. Luka knew this before I told him who I was. Then finding out Adrien is Chat. It made him question my feelings. Which led to a fight. I had a panic attack and had to be hospitalized and then had to explain why"
"If you don't mind…" Liza trailed off
"I do but I will give you the basics" Marinette said "After I left I was attacked by another miraculous user. It was very bad and I almost died. I am fine now. Luka needs some time to think."
"Is that why you are avoiding him and school for that matter"
"No," Marinette said, "I wasn't going to be in classes starting Tuesday. I did take Monday off though"
"So you are going to what? avoid him?"
"No I actually planned to stop over tomorrow and see if he is ready to talk"
"Marinette, he loves you" Liza pauses, "whatever else he says believe that."
"I know," Marinette nodded, "I'll walk you out. I have another delivery coming soon"
"Yeah sure," Liza said, "hey uh promise you'll be at school come Monday regardless of your talk with Luka"
"I will hopefully be at school Monday," Marinette grinned, "hopefully Ally makes it tonight"
"Ally?"
"She is my assistant" Marinette smiled, "she was supposed to be here last weekend but there has been an issue at another store and she is helping handle it so I don't need to be there"
"Oh" Liza smiled as a knock interrupted. Marinette headed to open the door surprised to see Juleka and Rose.
"Hey girls come on in" Marinette smiled ushering them in. She noticed the delivery guy pull up and waited for him. He waved and quickly jumped out.
"Any luck?" Marinette asked
"Apparently you are a very lucky woman" he teased, " we had a few extra in the warehouse. Third floor right?"
"You are the best Josh" she beamed, "and a life saver"
"It's not a big deal Marinette I just checked the warehouse logs" he blushed "okay I will just get these unloaded and upstairs"
"Thank you so much I don't know what I would have done without your help this week"
"It's no problem Marinette" he smiled, "although you can totally pay me back with caramel macarons"
"Absolutely" Marinette smiled, "I will have them for you in the morning"
"Thanks Marinette" he smiled as he carried 3 boxes upstairs. He waved before he left.
"That was awfully friendly," Juleka said. Marinette looked at Juleka in surprise. Liza quickly made her excuses and left.
"Juleka" Rose warned
"Nope she is all sunshine and rainbows flirting and Luka refuses to pick up his damn guitar" Juleka glared
"What?" Marinette said astounded, "I was not flirting...what do you mean he is not picking up his guitar?"
"That was flirting" Juleka glared, "caramel macarons ready in the morning"
"Ok first of all ewww. He is my cousin. Second of all, yes in the morning. I have a 4am delivery tomorrow and he is the person who is delivering it"
"What?" Juleka said
"Jesus Christ Juleka" Marinette said, "he is my cousin and is delivering the stage walk thing in the morning"
"You mean a cat walk?"
"Yes" Marinette said, "for the record Juleka I am very much in love with Luka and not giving up on him,"
"Right," she said, "sorry"
"So does that mean you're not coming over tomorrow?" Rose asked
"I will be there" Marinette said, "okay I need to lock up upstairs quickly then we can go if that's still the plan"
"Yes," Juleka smiled. Marinette smiled and quickly walked upstairs to lock everything up. She headed back down the steps and they left after Marinette locked up downstairs. They headed across town to Master Fu's. Marinette ducked into an alley to change into Ladybug before catching up. Almost everyone was there already when they arrived.
"Hey everyone, thank you for delaying this meeting," Ladybug said a few minutes after everyone arrived. "I got caught with some other stuff. Anyway it is good to see you all again"
"Ladybug," Chat smirked, "how is that boy of yours?"
Three hands smacked the back of his at the same time. "Hey"
"Welcome everyone" Master Fu smiled, "and welcome back Ladybug…"
"Sorry we're late" three figures shouted darting in. Marinette had to smother her giggles at the three of them. She caught Jordan's eye and couldn't hold it in. "Swift, how did you manage to make Rhare and Chance late?"
"It's not my fault...the map was upside down," he said blushing. Ladybug laughed before looking at Master Fu
"I apologize for their tardiness Master please allow me to introduce my friends"
"Of course in just a moment" he smiled, "as I was saying welcome back Ladybug and welcome new friends. The last two years have been a challenge in many ways. Friendships were tested. Love blossomed, some loves forgotten, new friendships forged, and new experiences. You have trained hard the last two years and have grown stronger. We will soon begin the next phase but first Ladybug and Chat noir have something to say"
"Tikki spots off" "plagg claws in"
All but a few stared in shock. As Marinette and Adrien stood where Ladybug and Cat Noir had been.
"No way is cinnamon roll chat" Alya suddenly said. Marinette glanced at Adrien before she burst out laughing. Adrien and Kagami joined in. The white dog laughed while the black rabbit and white fox smirked.
"Cinnamon roll? Really Alya?" Kagami smirked
"Wait that means" Alya said, "oh that is to funny"
"I am lost" Nino said
"Marinette was crazy for Adrien, Adrien is Chat, Chat was crazy for Ladybug who is Marinette"
"Geez that was years ago Alya," Marinette said,
"Okay now who are newbies?" Alix asked.
"Allow me to introduce Swift or Jordan with his kwami Vikki '' Marinette said as Jordan let the transformation fall.
"Very delicious" Alya said
"He's mine" Chloe glared. Alya laughed and raised her hands in surrender as Nino nudged her.
"This is Rhare or Austin with his kwami Roger" Austin waved as his transformation fell leaving behind a young good looking guy
"And my favorite his fiance Chance or Ally and her kwami Willow" Ally blushed as her transformation fell leaving behind a beautiful brunette
"Rae and her Kwami Zang will be here at the end of the month" Marinette smiled
"Ooh what's their transformation name?" Nino asked
"She can't transform," Jordan glared before walking outside. Marinette quickly turned to the others. They nodded and followed Jordan.
"Rae's miraculous is broken. She can no longer safely use it" Marinette explained, "and because it has been passed down for so many generations we can't locate the correct box. Without it the miraculous can't be fully healed and it becomes dangerous to use. She and Ro are a bit sensitive about it so don't bring it up"
"Right," everyone said. A few minutes later Jordan and the others walked in. He apologized for his actions. Luka watched as Austin moved close and whispered something in Marinette's ear. She blushed but nodded. He grinned.
"Hey, no secrets," Alya said when she noticed them.
"Sorry" Austin smirked,
"I swear to god Austin if you say it I will lock you in the sewer with Fang and Delly" Marinette said. He looked at her for a moment trying to decide if it was worth it. He looked to Ally who shrugged and to Jordan who was smirking.
"I just asked Marinette if the gentleman she has talked our ears off this year was in the room" Austin said watching Marinette blush.
"Wait, she nodded so that means he is here" Mylene giggled. Marinette blushed trying to hide behind Adrien and Kagami.
"I know who it is," Jordan, Adrien and Kagami smirked.
"Cairo, Ro remember Cairo" Marinette glared, "and you two say a word I tell Alya about Milan"
All three raised their hands in surrender with a smirk. She glared before Juleka walked up smiling, "Rose and I know who it is too"
"Fuck" Marinette said, "okay you win I give"
"Don't worry we won't tell it's between you and stupid" Juleka smirked, "I kind of owe you after earlier"
"Kind of" Marinette laughed
"Only kind of," Juleka smirked, "anyone who saw that would have thought you were flirting"
"I hate you," Marinette mutters, turning red. Luka's eyes shot up at his sister's comment. He stood in shock for a moment.
"Oh please Marinette doesn't flirt" Jordan teased, "she either trips over her words or her own feet"
"That's not true," Ally said, "she also does stupid things like dyeing her hair to match his or steals his shirt and wears it constantly. Or secretly pines knowing one call would get her his number"
"On that note I am going home" Marinette grumbled glaring at them. She was almost to the door when Master Fu's voice stopped her
"Remember Marinette Ladybug mustn't be seen yet"
"I know," Marinette assured as she reached the door. It was dark out and she had just opened the door when Jordan's voice rang out, " you shouldn't walk by yourself Marinette Tiny is still around"
"Luka, will you walk her home?" Juleka said. He stared at his sister in shock before glaring and walking out the door. He grabbed Marinette's arm as he walked out. She quickly waved to the others. He kept her arm in a deathgrip as he dragged her away.
"Luka, slow down," Marinette gasped, trying to keep up. He kept going. "Luka stop," she said, raising her voice. He froze at the tone and spun around to look at her. He saw her trying to catch her breath and suddenly let go. He practically flung her away and it caused her to lose her balance. She felt herself falling but he managed to catch her before she hit the ground.
"Sorry" he said
"It is okay"
"Who were you flirting with" he suddenly demanded before realizing what he said, "you don't have to answer that. That was stupid"
"Luka I didn't flirt with anyone," Marinette said, "your sister saw me talking to my cousin Josh and took something I said wrong"
"What"
"Josh is bringing me a delivery at 4 tomorrow morning and Juleka heard me tell him I would make him his favorite macarons" Marinette explained, "she spent twenty minutes yelling at me for flirting with my cousin"
"So there is no one else?"
"Only you," she said thoughtfully.
"Juleka says you're coming over tomorrow. Can we talk beforehand?"
"We can talk whenever you want," Marinette smiled, "unless you're going to tell me to go to hell. In that case I'd rather hear it now"
He cracked a smile, before gently grabbing her hand. They went back to walking towards her place. Neither said a word.
"Marinette" he said as they reached the bakery, "I really want to kiss you"
"Then do it"
"If I kiss you it means something and…"
"Luka shut up and kiss me I have been waiting for 4 years" Marinette interrupted
"Okay" he smiled cupping her cheek and leaning down to press his lips to hers. It was brief and made her crave more. He pressed his forehead to hers a smile on his face. "Come on let's get you inside so I can go home"
Marinette didn't say anything, just nodded and let him lead her to the door. She paused in the doorway to look at him. "Good night Luka"
"Good night ma ma Marinette" he said, turning and walking away. She watched until she could no longer see him. She sighed and walked into the house. She immediately went to her room and flopped onto her bed. "Tikki" Marinette said, "he kissed me"
"I know" Tikki said softly
"I wanted more" Marinette admitted
"Soon enough, Marinette, you will have everything you want," Tikki said as Marinette fell asleep. She waited until Marinette was sound asleep to speak to sass.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Sass asked
"Them dating or our interfering?" Tikki asked
"Our interfering" sass said, "them together is written in the tides"
"It can't hurt" Tikki smiled