Hey Everyone,
I hope you have all had a great week! Sorry for the late post. I had a busy couple of days. Long Story short my best friend (who I conned into working with me several years ago) and his fiance are expecting their first child. And I ended up working his shifts along with mine the last couple of days.
theSadOldOne, Azarelrose, KagamiPINKAgreste: Thank you so much for the reviews
Thank you to everyone who is reading and following I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 14
Marinette woke up in the morning to her head on Luka's chest and hushed giggles outside the door. She reached for her phone to check the time. Seeing she had a few hours until she had to leave she curled back up and just listened to his heart. Luka woke up a little bit later to Marinette smiling happily.
"Hey, have you been awake for long?" he smiled as she looked up at him.
"Not really," she smiled, reaching up to kiss him. He smiled in happiness.
"I like this," he said wrapping his arms around her
"Me too," Marinette smiled happily. They heard Juleka and Rose giggling in the other room.
"Wanna bet they have been up for a few hours and have already snuck in and took a picture"
"No bet necessary" Marinette laughed, "I heard them sneak out half hour ago"
"Really" he smiled, "you should have woke me then"
"I was to comfy to move" Marinette said, "I wasn't ready to get up yet"
"Oh really," he smiled kissing her,
"Yes" Marinette smiled snuggling closer
"Okay we better get up before they decide to come in" he smiled, "Juleka is not nice in the morning"
"Do we have to?" she groaned
"Come on up you go" he smiled forcing her to sit up, "go get dressed and ready to face the girls"
"Fine," Marinette said, getting up and kissing him again. She giggled, grabbing her bag and heading into his bathroom. She ran a brush through her hair and quickly got dressed. When she came out he was digging through his closet. He grabbed a shirt and with a quick kiss went to get dressed. When he came out he kissed her again and grabbed her hand heading out to the living room. Juleka and Rose were waiting and squealed in delight when they saw them. Marinette and Luka shared a bemused look.
Luka kissed her and told her to go sit down and he would bring her coffee. She giggled and did as he told her, flopping down on the couch. Juleka shot her an amused look. Rose giggled.
"Good Morning Marinette" Rose smiled
"Good Morning" Marinette smiled
"Coffee," Luka said, handing her a cup. "Careful it is hot"
"M'mm this is good" Marinette smiled taking a sip she curled up against him sipping her coffee. She could feel his silent chuckle just before she heard the click of Juleka's camera. She looked up with a smile.
"You should send that to me," Marinette smiled, "and the one you took while we were sleeping"
"I didn't…" Juleka started only to pause and shrug, "okay I will send you both"
"Oh that reminds me I have a couple pictures I need to send you too" Marinette smiled handing Luka her coffee cup to go grab her phone.
"You happy Luka?" Juleka asked softly
"Yeah happier than I have been in a long time" he smiled
"Good," Juleka smiled, "just remember she is one of my best friends and if you hurt her they will never find your body"
"Okay" he smiled
"Hey Luka, do you love her?" Rose asked
"Yes" he answered
"Why?" Rose asked
"Her melody resonates within me," Luka smiled, "it's the song that keeps playing in my head. She is creative and funny, she is kind and loving, she has this ability to ease my mind just by walking into a room. She isn't afraid to be silly and have fun but knows when to be serious. She gets my rhythm"
"That's a really good answer," Rose smiled as Marinette walked in. Marinette looked to Luka and he realized that she had heard what he said.
"It's true" Luka smiled
"I love you to Luka," Marinette said sitting next to him and curling into his side. He smiled softly and kissed the top of her head. He watched her pull up her pictures and saw the picture she had snuck in before they went to bed. She sent that one and a few others she had taken to Juleka and Rose. Luka chuckled as he handed her back her coffee and she took a drink. Marinette watched in amusement as they opened the photos and blushed. She waited a few minutes for the girls to send her the ones they had taken. Marinette smiled when she got one of the two of them taken at their spot the day before. She saved them all to her phone, setting the one from the day before as her wallpaper. Luka smiled. Marinette finished her coffee while they all chatted.
An hour later her phone disrupted the conversation. She quickly glanced at the message from Ro.
Ro: Mari I know you are busy but thought you should know Chloe and I dropped off your stuff from the office. Tiny is sitting at a table in the bakery
MDC: Okay thanks for the warning. Make sure Ally and Austin know to plz
Ro: Already done. Maybe you should have Luka bring you home and escort you upstairs so I know you get there safe
Ro: I will be at the meeting but will be a bit late Chloe and I are following a lead on the butterflies after the attack this morning
MDC: There was an akuma attack this morning?
Ro: yeah Adrien and Vixen handled it. He says it was nothing or they would have let you guys know
MDC: Okay be safe and let us know what you find out. Try not to be to late
Ro: Yeah
Ro:Mari please be careful and try to make sure someone is with you if you need to be out and about. I am worried about Tiny being here
MDC: we knew it was a matter of time
MDC: but don't worry I will take precautions
MDC: even though I think it is unnecessary
Ro: I know you can protect yourself in or out of the mask I just worry
Ro: Chloe says listen to your brother and enjoy your boyfriend
MDC: Tell Chloe I never listen to you but I will ask my boyfriend to escort me home safely today to ease her mind. Also tell your girlfriend that I am not ready to be an aunt yet lol jk you'll make pretty babies too
Ro: OMG I HATE YOU
MDC: no you don't lol
MDC: Hey ask your girlfriend if we can all hang out sometime this week
Ro: she says she is free Tuesday or Thursday and she expects details because you didn't deny Luka was your boyfriend
MDC: Tell her either works for me and that she will get the details in time
Ro: Chloe says Tuesday after school and to bring Luka if he is free. She says she will meet us at the Bakery
MDC: okay sounds good talk to you later
Marinette set her phone off to the side, stealing a kiss from Luka who smiled.
"You know I read all of that right and you know that I will be bringing you home right?" he said
"I know" Marinette smiled, "so does Tuesday work for you?"
"Yes dear" he smiled, kissing her. He leaned down and whispered in her ear "What are the chances you can come back and stay tonight?"
"Sure pick me at seven?" she smiled
"Really?" he grinned
"Yes" she smiled,
"Your parents won't mind?" he asked
"Nope," she smiled, "They like you and trust my judgement"
"Well in that case I may never give you back" he grinned, aware of his sister snickering at them.
"Oh really and what would you say if I told you I like the sound of that" she teased, well aware of the other two listening in. Rose squealed and Juleka fell off the couch. Luka and Marinette shared a look before laughing. Marinette glanced at the time before setting a reminder on her phone. She snuggled up with Luka sighing happily.
"Come on darling, it's time to go," Luka said, pulling her from her daydream a while later. She nodded and stood up stretching. He groaned at the action. She smirked and headed down the hall to grab her bag with her sketchbook. She left the duffel with her clothes where it was. She saw Tikki peeking out of it and smiled, "Tikki I am headed home for a bit but if you want to stay with Sass I will be back again tonight"
"Really Marinette" Tikki said excitedly
"Yeah" Marinette smiled "I will make sure Luka is okay with it"
"Make sure Luka is okay with what?" Luka asked, walking in. He smiled when Tikki darted over
"Can I stay and hang out with Sass" Tikki asked, "Marinette said she is coming back tonight and I haven't seen Sass in forever"
"Sure I don't mind" Luka smiled
"Yay" Tikki giggled in happiness
"Okay we are gonna go behave yourselves" Marinette smiled at the kwamis. Luka just laughed as he grabbed her hand. They were speeding across town on his bike a few minutes later. The bakery was unusually busy when they got there. Marinette smiled at Luka as he took her hand and they walked in.
"Marinette, Luka," Sabine called, " come here quick"
"Maman, Papa" Marinette greeted,
"Hello Mr. And Mrs. Dupang-Chang" Luka said
"None of that now it's maman and papa" Sabine smiled. Luka blushed.
"What's up maman" Marinette asked
"Your dad and I need to go visit a friend this week. We are leaving tomorrow morning and will be gone all week. Is there any way one of your friends could stay here or you stay with a friend? That boy has been here all day and I worry about it especially with us being gone." She said just loud enough for them to hear
"It's fine maman," Marinette smiled, "Luka is it okay if I stay the week with you?"
"Of course" he grinned
"Perfect" Sabine grinned before calling out to her husband who had gone back to the kitchen "Honey Marinette is staying with Luka this week. So she won't be able to watch the shop I will call Noel after the lunch rush"
"I take it from the covert wording Tiny is still here?" Marinette asked
"In the corner by the stairs" she answered
"Okay let's stop over and say hi before we go upstairs" Marinette smirked. Luka looked at the devious look and smiled. He knew that look and almost felt bad.
"Sure darling whatever you want" he smiled. She took his hand and headed over to the table. She gave Luka a quick kiss before they got there. She pretended not to notice Tiny watching them. They reached the table.
"Marinette and boy toy" Tiny greeted
"Hello Tiny," Marinette said,
"Maman says you wanted to talk," Luka said
"What?" Tiny said
"Maman, you know my future mom" luka smirked pointing at Sabine who noticed and waved, "she told us you wanted to talk. So talk"
"Actually I have nothing to say to you boy toy," Tiny glared, "I came to speak to Marinette"
"What do you want Tiny" Marinette asked squeezing Luka's hand
"Nothing just wanted to ask why Ladybug hasn't magically appeared yet" he smirked
"Sorry her boyfriend stole her away" Luka said making it clear he knew. Tiny glared at them before putting on a defeated smile.
"You know Marinette?" Tiny said, "I never actually meant to hurt you. But I don't regret that it happened. I would do it again if I thought Roz and Gobi were in danger"
"I know" Marinette said softly, "but it doesn't change the facts"
"Are they safe?"
"Yes"
"I am not leaving until I redeem myself"
"Why?"
"Because you were the first person to accept it and not look down on me"
"Tiny"
"I…" he said pausing, "you have my number" he said fleeing the bakery.
"That was…" Luka trailed off seeing the look on her face. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Marinette said, "that wasn't how I expected that to go"
"Think about it later darling you are going to be late for your meeting" Luka smiled ushering her towards the stairs. She smiled and gave him a quick kiss before she walked through the door.
"I love you" she said
"I love you to darling," he smiled, "I will be here at seven to pick you up"
"Okay I will be ready," she said, forcing herself to walk through the door. She smiled and waved as she walked in. She headed to the den where she knew the meeting was going to be. She popped her head in saying she needed five minutes and she would be back. The others nodded.
Marinette hurried up to her room and grabbed her school bag and a change of clothes for the next day. She carefully put them in her bag and closed it. She then grabbed her laptop bag and the stuff Ro had dropped off before heading back downstairs. She sent Ro a quick message to see how long he was going to be. She walked in apologizing for being late.
"Sorry I had to get my stuff for tomorrow ready quickly" she said, "Ro is going to be a bit late, he is following a lead.
"That's fine," Austin said. "So business first or miraculous stuff first"
"Business first" Marinette said "Is Rae joining?"
"No she says she trusts us" Ally said
"Alright" Marinette smiled " so first off We are the proud owners of a multi-story building on Dupont. The first 5 floors are finished and once we have the staff in place we are ready to get started. Anyone have any questions about the layout?"
"No it all looks good to me" Ally smiled, "however do we have a timeline for the apartments yet?
"We do," Marinette smiled, "construction will resume on Tuesday and the second security team will be working along them."
"Second security team?"
"The store will be with one company and our living space will be with another company. There is some overlap but for safety reasons I decided to use two separate companies. The personal areas are being done by someone I trust personally and professionally"
"Max?"
"Yes" Marinette smiled "he is also going to do some hidden stuff for us"
"Good idea"
"We should be ready to move in by the end of the month," Marinette smiled, "I also have some names to share. Juleka Couffaine and Chloe Bourgeois for models. Liza Milan for makeup artist and Ace George for security"
"Ally I will email you a tentative schedule for the week after I get to Luka's tonight"
"You are staying with Luka?" Austin smirked
"Yes I am staying with him for the week" Marinette smiled
"Really I didn't think you had it in you" Ally teased.
"Just for that you get to deal with Gabriel Agreste" Marinette said, "I want Adrien for the opening and a schedule set up with at least one day a month"
"I would have been dealing with him anyway" Ally smirked
"Sorry I am late" Jordan said walking in with Chloe and Alya on his heels
"Actually that was perfect timing" Austin smiled, " we just finished with JAM business"
"Thank god I missed the boring stuff" Jordan grinned sitting down.
"Alright before Jordan fills us in let me introduce Alya or Rena Rouge. She has been doing some spying for us" Marinette smiled, "you all know Chloe already"
"You were definitely right about the connection between Lila and Hawkmoth but it might be more than we expected" Alya said, "by the way great idea bugging her phone and laptop"
"So what did you find out?" Marinette asked. Alya quickly relayed everything she had found. Marinette nodded thoughtfully.
"Okay so we can confirm her association with hawkmoth" Jordan said, "I have a lead on that by the way,"
"Well tell us"
"We followed the butterflies to a church right next to the Agreste mansion"
"Interesting" Marinette said, "I also have an update on Tiny"
"Marinette" Jordan groaned
"Relax Luka was with me. I recorded the conversation and Sabrina should be able to confirm he was being honest" Marinette said "he isn't here for revenge but redemption. He is sincere about it to"
"Redemption after he almost killed you" Jordan growled,
"I know it sounds crazy but it is true," Marinette said, "I have an idea for that too. We are going to have him protect the guardian"
"WHAT!" everyone exclaimed
"He is no threat he can never use a miraculous again" Marinette said, "what better way to make him prove himself than protect that power"
"That is so crazy" Austin said in shock, "so crazy it might actually be a good plan"
"Ro?" Marinette said
"He tried to kill you and you want him to protect your master and soon you" Jordan growled, "how can any of you be okay with this"
"Jordan" Austin said softly understanding where the anger was coming from
"Let me," Chloe said, dragging Jordan from the room. Marinette watched, keeping a neutral image. Ally sensed something was off and a glance at Alya's guilty expression was all she needed to confirm it.
"Hawkmoth turned them at some point didn't he?" Ally said
"No" Alya said, "most of us fought but Chloe didn't"
"She used her powers against you" Austin gasped, "but why?"
"To save her parents" Marinette answered with a sigh. She glanced at where Chloe and Ro had gone hoping everything would be okay. They sat in silence for an hour waiting for them to return. Jordan looked ashamed and it was obvious Chloe had been crying but they walked hand in hand so Marinette knew whatever happened was okay now.
"I am sorry," Ro said softly, "if you think he deserves a chance then I will support you"
"Do you know he never had any training" Marinette said
"What" Austin flinched
"Tiny was wielding two very powerful miraculous with no training," Marinette said, "he wasn't trying to hurt me. He was just trying to figure out if I was trying to hurt his kwami. He lost control. What happened was caused by the kwamis themselves"
"So what now?" Alya asked
"I will run my idea by Master Fu," Marinette said, "I need you to continue on your current mission for now"
"Of course" Alya said
"We need someone watching the Agreste Mansion and the church but not yet," Marintte said, "we are going to need to be very careful that he doesn't suspect we have new holders,"
"Of course" Chloe smiled, "My penthouse overlooks most of the area. Jordan can stay with me and use it as a base"
"Good idea Chloe" Marinette smiled, "let me know what you guys need for tech stuff or let Max know"
"Right" Chloe smiled
"Okay I need to talk to Jordan, Austin and Ally privately for a minute okay?"
"Sure" Alya said, bidding her farewells and leaving. Chloe kissed Jordan and headed up to Marinette's room to wait
"Ty says there are two people being affected by the broken peacock miraculous" Marinette started, "we can't do anything to help right now though"
"Okay what else" Ro asked seeing her expression
"I spoke to the grand master a few days ago," Marinette started, "they have found another 5 Miraculous whose box has been destroyed or lost. He says once I become guardian I will be able to help create a new box for the lost miraculous. We may be able to help Rae"
"That's..woah..you" Austin stuttered in shock
"You can do that?"
"No but the guardians together can" Marinette said, "it is a complicated process but he thinks once Val takes over for Master Green and I take over for Master Fu we should have the power to create the boxes' magic. There is one more thing before we activate it we have to anoint a guardian for it. The council has spoken long and hard about this decision and they have chosen Jordan to be your boxes guardian"
"what but" Jordan gasped
"Ro you got this," Marinette smiled, "you don't have to accept but you are the best choice. Take some time to think about it. Talk to Chloe."
"Yeah okay," Ro said in shock, "why me?"
"The great guardian choose you" Marinette smiled, "it's why you allowed to come to some of the trainings mom wasn't"
"Okay. I need time to think about it" Jordan smiled, "I am gonna grab Chloe and take off okay?"
"Sure go abandon us for your girlfriend" Marinette teased
"Look who's talking, miss staying with her boyfriend for an entire week" Ally teased. Jordan's eyes went wide.
"Holy shit when you go for it you take the damn express train" Ro laughed
"Damn straight" Marinette blushed, "now if you'll excuse me I…"
"Marinette!" A panicked shout came from downstairs.
"Get Chloe and be ready" Marinette said dashing down the stairs. She dashed down the stairs to see utter chaos. Tables were flipped over and standing over her parents was a large man. He waved his hand and her parents turned to stone. She screamed, getting his attention. He turned to her with a smirk and she froze at the expression.
"Marinette" the guy sneered, " the ever perfect Marinette"
"Who are you"
"You'll know soon enough" he sneered, "but for now you are coming with me"
Marinette didn't even have time to register his words before he grabbed her and threw her over his shoulder. He was out the door with her in an instant. She screamed in frustration. She took a steady breath and looked around. She saw Chloe and Ally following them from above and relaxed. The guy dragged her across town to an old factory. Before she knew it she was tied to a beam and gagged. She struggled to get loose.
Luka was just getting ready to head to Marinette's when he saw Chat Noir racing towards him.
"Marinette was attacked by an Akuma. I need you to keep calm and follow me" Chat said. Luka transformed and followed silently. They were racing across town towards the older section of town. Chat motioned and up they went. They kept looking out over the area. They watched the man carry Marinette into the building. Moments later Queen Bee and Chance landed silently beside them.
"Any idea what we are facing?" Chat asked
"He turns people to stone" Ally said, "that's all we know so far"
"Why Marinette?" Viperion asked
"Ro thinks she was targeted specifically"
"Why?"
"Good question" Chat said softly, "Hawkmoth is really testing us this time" Rena said coming up to them silently, "I can't see anything that would be the possible akuma"
"I have a plan," Dash said, sneaking up on them. He told them the plan and they immediately got to work. Within minutes Viperion was carrying Marinette out and Vixen was purifying the Akuma. In seconds the town was returned to normal. Marinette stood hugging Viperion as they brought the Akuma victim out.
"Wait Daniel?" Marinette said in shock
"Yeah," Ro said, walking up.
"Why?"
"Not sure" he answered
"Can I?"
"Go"
Marinette quickly crossed to where Austin was sitting with the man. Luka watched in confusion as his girlfriend tackled the man. He took a second to study him. He was only a bit taller than Marinette. He was muscular and seemed athletic. His blue eyes and brown hair stood out with his pale complexion.
"Go transform back and give her a chance to explain before you get upset," Chat said, placing a hand on his arm. Luka nodded and found an alley before rushing back as himself. He ran up to Marinette and the guy.
"Are you okay?" He asked looking her over for any injuries
"I am fine Luka" she smiled jumping up to wrap her arms around him
"This is the guy?" Daniel glared
"Yes this is my boyfriend Luka" Marinette said
"Boyfriend that's new" he said
"Daniel, what are you doing here?" Ro asked interrupting
"Shut up Jordan," Daniel glared, "Marinette we need to talk"
"No you don't" Ally said
"Yes we do," Daniel glared, "Marinette you and all your little friends and I need to talk"
Marinette looked at him in confusion until she saw the confusion and fear in his expression. She nodded.
"Paramedics are on their way. Can it wait until tomorrow?"
"Yeah it ain't going anywhere" he shrugged all the hostility leaving.
"Darling I love you" Luka smiled pulling Marinette closer, "however is it possible for us to go one day without any craziness"
"Oh sweetie this is just the tip of the iceberg" she giggled reaching up to kiss him
"Guess it's a good thing l like your brand of crazy" he smiled before kissing her again.
Chat smiled as Chance, Swift, and Rhare laughed. She blushed as she pulled away.
"Daniel," Ro said, "you have our numbers. Call after 3 and we'll meet up to talk"
"Okay," Daniel said as Chat told them to go ahead and go. That he would wait with him. The rest nodded and went their separate ways.