Hey Everyone,
I hope you have all had a great week! Next weeks chapter might be a bit late I am taking a family vacation to go camping and reception is spotty sometimes but hopefully I can still get the chapter posted before we leave.
theSadOldOne, Azarelrose, KagamiPINKAgreste, OnyxTears : Thank you so much for the reviews
Thank you to everyone who is reading and following I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 16
Marinette tucked her phone back into her purse with a smile. She grabbed a notebook from Luka's bag and a pen and waited for class to start.
"Must have been the boyfriend" a voice called from behind her. Marinette glanced up with a smile in his direction.
"Hey Adam I didn't know you were in this class to" Marinette smiled
"Well that's what happens when you miss a week of school" he teased. The bell rang interrupting her response. With a wave she turned back towards the front.
"Okay class today we are going to begin with our latest trends project. I will be pairing you all up randomly for this project. It will be due Monday" the teacher said, "ok remember no trading partners and you both must work on it. Alaynah and David, Gene and Roy, Marinette and Adam, Javier and Iris, Sara and Alex, Shane and Gwen, Lexi and Aaron, and last but not least Kendra and Carter. You will need to design two trendy outfits. Have them made so they can be modeled in class monday. And write a two page report on past trends. Any questions? No? good please move next to your partner and take the class period to begin."
"Shall we," Adam smiled sitting next to her.
"Any ideas" Marinette asked
"Plenty,"
"Well let's hear them," Marinette smiled. They spent 20 minutes going over their ideas before agreeing on one.
"Do you want to meet up after school today to work on it more?" Adam asked
"I can't tonight Luka and I made plans with my brother. He is only here until tomorrow. And I have plans tomorrow, would Wednesday work?"
"Wednesday is fine" he smiled, "so you have a brother? Older or younger?"
"He's five years older," Marinette smiled
"Really that's cool" Adam said surprised, "he must be really protective with your boyfriend"
"Daniel's more the, teach me to fight my own fights, type" Marinette laughed, "he's the one who taught me most of the styles of martial arts I know. And doesn't believe is holding back"
"Really that's pretty cool" Adam said, "you guys must have been close growing up"
"Actually we didn't know each other growing up we met a year ago"
"What"
"He's technically my half brother," Marinette explained, "his mom left Paris just after she found out she was pregnant. My dad never knew"
"That's harsh"
"It been interesting" Marinette smiled
"I bet," Adam smiled, "so do he and the boyfriend get along?"
"We'll find out tonight" Marinette smiled
"Really" he laughed, "well I wish you all luck"
The bell rang signaling the end of class. Marinette quickly jotted down her number for Adam. He took the paper with a happy salute and left. Marinette gathered the notes she'd taken intending to put them in her bag. She stepped out of class looking for Luka.
"Marinette thank god" Jordan said running over "you have to hurry"
"What's going on?" Marinette asked as Jordan dragged her down the hall. He didn't answer and just kept going. Marinette nearly stumbled but managed to keep upright as Jordan ran towards the office
"Jordan!" Marinette yelled, getting his attention. He glanced back and slowed.
"Sorry forgot you can't go that fast" he muttered moving slightly slower
"What's going on?" Marinette said, gasping for air as they reached the office.
"It's Luka," Jordan said. "Alaynah accused him of threatening her. The school searched his bag and found a weapon. Or rather searched your bag and found what they think is a weapon"
"What?"
"Your work keys"
"Yeah okay" Marinette said storming past him and into the office. She walked past the secretary and straight to the principal's office door.
"You can't go in" the secretary said trying to stop her
"Like hell I can't," Marinette said, slamming the door open and bursting in. The principal, Luka, and Anarka all looked up in shock. Marinette was still breathing heavily from the run across the campus.
"Miss Dupang-Chang what in the world" the principal stuttered in shock, "you can't just barge in here"
"Marinette, what are you..."
"Jordan came flying into my class as soon as he heard and we ran here" Marinette said as she slowly caught her breath, "besides you have my bag" she smiled holding his bag up
"This bag belongs to you?" The principal asked
"You mean my name on the bag wasn't obvious," Marinette glared,
"Right I apologize for all the commotion you are all free to go. Luka I am sorry you are free to return to class" the principal said, ushering them all from his office.
"Okay dear I am going to need to know your secret," Anarka laughed, "we were in there thirty minutes arguing with that man and you walk in and he can't dismiss it all fast enough"
"That's easy, Gina threatened the entire school district when Lila got me expelled. They searched my personal possessions without a warrant that's illegal. She came along when Jordan and I met with the school over the summer. Made it very clear if they messed with us that she would bring the full weight of the law down on them," Marinette said
"I might need to get me a good one to" Anarka laughed before looking at Luka, "you okay kid"
"Yeah Ma," he smiled. She looked him over and nodded. She bid them a farewell and left.
"I love you," Marinette said, wrapping her arms around him. He resisted for a moment before he sighed and wrapped his arms around her. Hugging her closer.
"I love you darling" he smiled, "any chance you want to get the hell out of here early?"
"Let's go," she said, dragging him towards the bike. She watched as he dropped the bags in the holder. She could see him shaking.
"Hey, do you trust me?" She ask grabbing his face
"Always" he said
"Ok good" she said climbing on the bike in the front "get on"
"You know how?" He asked in surprise as he got on behind her. She smiled and nodded. Within seconds they were on the road away from the school. Luka kept a steady grip on her hips as she drove. He let the feeling of her closeness ease his worry. He slowly relaxed as they drove. Marinette glanced at the fuel gauge. She smiled when she realized he had a full tank. She kept driving. Winding their way around Paris. She slowly felt him relax. She pulled over to send a few messages to Jordan and Anarka. The captain told her to take their time. Jordan teased her a bit but understood. She looked at Luka and sped off again. He smiled as they rode. She didn't say anything, just drove.
After a couple hours of driving he asked her to pull over. She did. He wrapped his arms around her pulling her against him.
"Thank you Darling for knowing what I needed" he smiled
"I am always here for you" Marinette smiled
"I have to ask you though. Where did you learn to drive a bike" he smiled
"Rae taught me," Marinette smiled, "she liked the freedom a motorcycle presented her and she wanted to share it with me"
He chuckled, kissing the top of her head.
"Have you heard from Daniel yet?"
"Nope but It's not quite three yet" Marinette smiled as her phone went off. She pulled it out showing Luka the message.
RO: Tell your boyfriend I stopped at his last class and got his work. The teacher says no worries about missing today
MDC: boyfriend says thanks
MDC: Did you call mom yet?
RO: yeah and she called the principal. It shouldn't happen again. Tell him I am sorry
MDC INVITED LC TO GROUP MESSAGE
MDC: there tell him yourself
LC: Hey Ro
RO: Sorry about that bullshit. My mom got it dealt with if they say anything about it just let me or nette know we can get mom on it again
LC: okay. Thanks for grabbing my work.
RO: no problem
RO: Daniel just text to meet up. Where do we want to do it?
MDC: Let's meet at the store so we can use the lounge on the second floor. Luka and I are about an hour out though
RO:okay head straight there then
LC: ok
MDC: ok
Marinette leaned against Luka.
"So how far are we actually" he smiled wrapping his arms around her
"30 minutes tops" Marinette laughed
"You just wanted to cuddle" he laughed
"Damn right I did" Marinette said
"Okay" he smiled sitting there holding her. They sat there another twenty minutes before he reluctantly let go and told her they had better get going. She sighed and slid forward starting the bike. He put his hands on her hips as she steered them back towards the store. They made it in fifteen minutes. He climbed off offering her a hand. With a smile she took his hand and climbed off the bike. He pulled her closer, kissing her. She smiled and kissed him again. Then she stepped away. She stretched a bit before grabbing her bag and fishing her keys out. He smiled as she unlocked the door and walked in. She held the door waiting for him to walk through. Then she shut the door and locked it. He watched her take a look around.
"It looks great" he smiled
"Yeah it does," Marinette said softly in wonder at the progress. Luke smiled, taking her hand in his and pulling her through the store to where he recalled the stairs being located. She giggled happily taking the lead. They reached the stairs and started heading up. They reached the second floor and heard the voices. She plastered on a smile and with his hand in her walked into the room. She led the way to the lounge. They were greeted by the sight of Daniel sitting quietly while the others were absent.
"Where is everyone else?" she asked, sitting next to him on the sofa with Luka on the other side.
"Arguing" he said simply as he studied her, "did you inform your partner of the meeting?"
"No she didn't but I did" Jordan walking in
"Very well" Daniel said
Luka squeezed Marinette's hand. She looked at him with a smile on her face. She instantly relaxed and leaned against him. He wrapped his arm around her.
"Who is all coming Ro?"
"Adrien, Chloe, Austin, Ally, and us"
"Good, then we can relax while we speak," Marinette said. Jordan nodded in surprise.
"Thank god" Daniel said with a small smile as he instantly relaxed. Luka couldn't help but laugh at the similarities. Marinette glanced up at him. He quickly leaned down to kiss her. She kissed him back. When they pulled away he grabbed her around the waist and plopped her on his lap. She giggled.
"The two of you are disgustingly sweet, you know that right?" Ro teased
"Nope" Luka grinned
"So how long have you two been dating?" Daniel asked, "when she left Tibet Marinette was determined to find you"
"Tibet, hell she has talked about him non stop since she arrived in New York two years ago" Jordan groaned, "I was tempted to abduct him at one point and drop him on her lap so she would stop talking about him"
"Marinette is there something I should know" Luka teased,
"Yes I am absolutely completely, totally, head over heels in love with you" She said laying her head on his chest.
"Good because I am absolutely, completely, totally head over heels in love with you to" he said
"Disgustingly sweet" Ro said, throwing a throw pillow at them. The couple laughed. They heard the door open and Marinette smiled when she heard Chloe's voice.
"To answer the question of how long only a few days" Marinette smiled
"Huh" Daniel smiled, "a few days and you are already staying with him for a week"
"Who is doing what now?" Adrien asked as he and Chloe walked in
"Marinette is staying with Luka for the week" Jordan said
"Really Marinette I didn't know you had it in you" Chloe teased
"Okay first of all you are all mean," Marinette said, "second of all how did you know I was staying with him?"
"Jordan told me earlier" Daniel smirked, "He was trying to get a rise out of me. According to him I am to laid back for an older brother"
"Brother?" Adrien and Chloe said
"Huh I forgot you guys didn't know that," Marinette blushed, "guys meet my long lost older brother Daniel"
"Woah" Adrien said in shock, "yep we are so going to have to talk about that information later"
"Wait, is this your partner?" Daniel asked pointing to Adrien
"Yeah" Marinette said, "Daniel this is Adrien, Adrien meet Daniel"
"Excuse me" Chloe said
"And this is Ro's girlfriend, Chloe. Chloe, meet Daniel" Marinette smiled, "I think you know everyone else. Adrien, will you fill Kagami in later?"
"Of course," he smiled, "but expect her to call for more details"
"Kagami?" Daniel said, "you mentioned her before right?"
"Yeah she is a good friend, and Adrien's girlfriend"
"You lead a crazy life little sister" He smiled
"Oh you don't know the half of it" Marinette grinned
"We can catch up later first though we should discuss the reason we are all here" Jordan interrupted
"Right," Daniel sighed, "so first of all sorry about the whole being akumatized thing...I don't know what happened. Second of all we may have a bigger problem...because I wasn't in Paris to begin with"
"Where were you?" Jordan asked
"The temple we were showing around a former holder and the next thing I know I am waking up in Paris with all of you here"
"Marinette" Ally said
"Already ahead of you," Marinette said, dialing a number on her phone, "Damn it no answer. Ro, try Master Ren, Austin Master George, Ally Master Green and Val, Daniel call your mother, Adrien call Master Fu and get him here now"
"What can we do to help?" Luka asked
"Chloe get Max and Kaalki here, Luka I just text you Tiny's number get him here" Marinette said quickly texting Luka Tiny's number, "If you get anyone on the phone tell them to lock down now and that the temple is compromised"
"I got Ren" Jordan said, "she is away from the temple right now but can be there in an hour"
"Tell her to go" Marinette said dialing another number
"I got my mom, she says everything is okay," Daniel said, "everyone can relax. They know what happened and everything is okay"
"Thank god" Marinette said hanging up
"Tiny and Master Fu are on their way" Adrien said
"That's good" Marinette said, "they will need to know what happened"
"Daniel, let me talk to her," Marinette said, hanging up her phone and reaching for his. She talked to Meredy for nearly twenty minutes and hung up. "She says they are taking precautions and are handling the threat from their end. She thinks it was Hawkmoth"
"Why would he be at the temple?" Adrien asked
"Searching for the healer" Marinette said, "hawkmoth finally realized that he can't repair the damage himself"
"Which means he read the grimoire" Daniel said
"I think we may be closer than we realize" Jordan said
"You still think it is my dad?" Adrien asked
"Maybe" Marinette sighed, "I don't want to jump to conclusions. Let's wait and see what happens. Daniel, do you need to be back at the temple soon or will you be able to stay for a bit?"
"I shouldn't stay to much longer" Daniel said, "but how about I come next month for a few weeks"
"Okay did you want to fly there or have max bring you?"
"Have Max bring me it will be quicker and then there will be no need for explanations" Daniel said. Marinette nodded as Adrien called out that Max had just arrived. An hour later they were all going their separate ways with plans to meet the following month. Daniel was going to be coming for the opening the following month.
Marinette clung to Luka as they headed back to the Liberty. She giggled as they pulled up and headed on board. Anarka smiled as they approached.
"Hey ma," they smiled, greeting her.
"Hey kids" She greeted, "Luka Miss Daphne called and wants to know if you are available tomorrow after school to help her"
"I can't tomorrow we have plans with Jordan and Chloe. But I can help Wednesday"
"Okay I will let her know" Anarka smiled, "Marinette how are you doing dear. It must be odd to be in one place after traveling so much the last couple years"
"I am doing great. It is really nice being home" Marinette answered, "as much as I enjoyed my travels it is nice to be settled in one place for now"
"For now?" Anarka asks
"At some point I will have to do some traveling for work. And I am sure as Kitty Section continues to gain popularity Luka will be touring and I have every intention of being by his side"
"And when you have children" Anarka asked making Marinette blush
"Ma" Luka said blushing
"What it is an innocent question" Anarka smiled, "I do want grandbabies someday"
"I guess when that time comes we will just have to figure it out" Marinette said
"You know you could probably travel quite a bit with the children until they reach school age" Anarka said, "or you could leave them with your parents and I"
"Mom" Luka groaned as Marinette giggled
"I will remember that offer when we have kids" Marinette smiled
"Good" Anarka grinned
"Actually I have favor to ask before we go work on our schoolwork" Marinette smiled
"What do you need" Anarka asked
"Is it okay if I steal the kitchen at some point?"
"No need to ask," Anarka laughed, "consider the Liberty your home and make yourself comfortable. The kitchen is yours whenever you want"
"Thank you so much," Marinette smiled, giving her a hug. She and Luka headed to his room to tackle their schoolwork. Luka was just finishing up when Juleka burst in. Luka and Marinette both looked up in surprise.
"Sorry to just burst in but I need you right now" Juleka said, grabbing Marinette's arm and dragging her out of the room. Luka jumped up to follow. He hadn't made it three steps before his sister told him to sit back down. Marinette shot him a smile before letting Juleka pull her out of the room. Juleka dragged her into her room.
"Marinette this is to much" Juleka yelled
"Okay I am going to need more words," Marinette said. Juleka groaned and thrust a stack of papers at her. Marinette took them and started them in confusion.
"Okay I still need more words" Marinette said
"Are you kidding me!" Juleka glared, ripping the papers from Marinette's hand and flipping to the last page, "what the hell is this?"
"The amount you will get paid," Marinette said, "is there something wrong with the amount? I am sure if it isn't enough we can negotiate the amount"
"Marinette!" Juleka screeched, "that's not the problem, this is way too much!"
"Okay breathe," Marinette smiled, taking the papers to look at the amount, "this is actually pretty standard pay. It might be a little less than we normally pay for models"
"Marinette, that's way too much!" Juleka said
"Again I am pretty sure this is actually less than we normally pay for our models," Marinette said, "I can double check with Ally though if you want? She is the one that handles contracts"
"You're serious," Juleka said in shock, "Marinette, that's a lot of money. And I keep the clothes I model. That's way to much"
"Clothes for the shows are tailored for each model specifically so they keep them when we are done" Marinette said, "as for the amount you get paid trust me that's a fairly low number compared to other models"
"Marinette" Juleka groaned, "that's a lot of money"
"Listen Juleka, trust me that is nothing compared to what we pay some models. Talk it over with Ma" Marinette smiled, "set up an account and enjoy it"
"Ma huh?" Juleka teased finally relaxing
"Yes" Marinette smiled, "if it helps any Liza is the one doing your makeup for the first show"
"Really?" Juleka smiled excitedly, "she is really talented"
"Yeah she is, that's why I offered her a full gig" Marinette smiled, "and I offered Ace one of two jobs. He will have the choice between sales manager or security manager"
"Holy shit" Juleka said in awe, "but why?"
"Why what?" Marinette asked
"Why offer us jobs that pay so well there must be thousands of other people better qualified"
"If it helps I have two partners and an assistant that could totally out vote me if they didn't agree" Marinette shrugged, "they just happen to agree on you guys"
"Marinette, are you sure about trusting me with this?" Juleka asked
"Absolutely" Marinette smiled, "just wait until you see what you're modeling. Anyway was that all you needed because I have a page of physics work to finish"
"For now," Juleka laughed, "we should all get together for a girls day soon"
"Yes we should," Marinette grinned, "but not this week my schedule is full. Maybe in a couple weeks after I move."
"Move?" Juleka asked in surprise,
"Yeah, into one of the apartments above the store. They aren't done yet. But they should be ready by the end of the month." Marinette explained
"that's like two weeks away" Juleka said
"I know" Marinette smiled, "they were supposed to be done by Friday but we hit some electrical issues. Max and the electrician are working on a solution"
"Max is working on your apartment?" Juleka said in surprise
"Actually he is installing a special security system for all the apartments, the rec room and gym and the roof deck"
"Holy crap that's a lot of space" Juleka said in shock
"I mean you saw the building. We own the entire building" Marinette said, "we wanted ownership. Makes it easier for security reasons"
"Security reasons?"
"Max has special cameras to hide miraculous related stuff"
"Oh" Juleka said in surprise, " I guess that would be important"
"It does give us a bit more freedom but it is mostly Jordan and I being overly cautious," Marinette shrugged, "but it is nice to know that we are completely safe within our own homes. My parents understand. It's why they chose to turn in their miraculouses when they got married"
"I guess I never thought about any of that" Juleka said softly
"It isn't something that you have to worry about," Marinette smiled, "but I am going to be a guardian and have to consider the long term future. There may come a time when the current holders decide to return their miraculouses and as guardian I have to be prepared for anything. Jordan has been through that same training and faces the same choices"
"So what happens when you get married or have kids?" Juleka asked in concern
"Funny your mom asked me the same thing earlier," Marinette smiled, " the truth is I don't know. It is something that Luka...or whoever I marry and I will have to take into consideration"
"Is it horrible how excited I am that you said Luka before correcting yourself" Juleka teased
"I love him," Marinette said softly, "and I have thought of what our future could look like. But I don't want to get my hopes up just yet"
"You should" Juleka smiled, "you and Luka will be perfect together"
"I guess time will tell" Marinette smiled
"Well for the record you are now in my phone as sis" Juleka smirked, "because I know the two of you are going to last the long run"
"Thanks sis" Marinette giggled tackling her
"Sis I like that" Juleka laughed
They sat teasing each other and laughing for another half hour before Marinette remembered she had schoolwork to finish.
"Okay I really need to go finish my physics work. We should hang out the two of us soon though" Marinette smiled
"Yes we should" Juleka said as Marinette waved and headed back to finish her work. Luka looked up and smiled. He set down his guitar.
"Everything okay?"
"Yeah everything is fine" Marinette smiled, grabbing her physics work and sitting down next to him.
"Okay Darling" he smiled, picking his guitar back up. He began playing again while Marinette worked. She smiled and tried to focus. She was glaring at the paper. Luka glanced over and laughed. "Darling I don't think glaring at inanimate objects is going to get you anywhere"
"I hate physics" Marinette groaned
"Then why did you take it" Luka asked
"Required for the degree" Marinette said, "are you any good with physics?"
"Sorry darling not my strong suit" Luka said
"Okay" Marinette said grabbing her phone
MDC: hey kitty you busy
Kitty: nope what's up
MDC: My physics is killing me any chance you can help
Kitty: Sure video chat?
MDC: yes thank you thank you thank you
Kitty: okay give me ten minutes and I will call
MDC: thank you
"Adrien?" Luka asked
"Yeah he is gonna video call in a bit he is crazy enough to actually like physics"
"He has time to help?" Luka asked surprised
"He says he does," Marinette shrugged, "why?"
"Sorry it's nothing" Luka said shaking his head
"Luka, does it bother you that I asked for his help?" Marinette asked
"No," he said quickly, "but I read the messages and the pet name does sort of bother me. Sorry its stupid"
"It isn't stupid if it bothers you," Marinette said, "is there anything specific about it that bothers you?"
"The two of you are so close. Your miraculous are tied together. You call each other pet names. You both drop everything when the other calls" Luka said, standing up and pacing. Marinette watched him for a moment thinking about what he had said
"Come sit," Marinette said softly, setting her books and phone off to the side, "thank you for telling me your concerns"
"Before you say anything I don't need explanations"
"I know," Marinette said "and I am not going to give you any you haven't heard already. I can however assure you that there is absolutely nothing romantic between us. He is a really close friend. It's true and we rely on each other more than most friends do. But there is only one man Love and that is you"
"I know" he smiled wrapping his arms around her, "it's just something I will have to get use to"
"I wish I could lie and say you won't have to but I can't do that," Marinette sighed, "I can however assure you that nothing will ever happen with him because he is like a brother and you are who my heart chose. Although there is one thing that I do need to do"
"Oh yeah and what is that darling" he smiled
"You my love need a pet name" Marinette giggled as her phone rang she looked at it with a groan, "but first physics"
"but first physics" Luka laughed
Marinette answered the video chat glaring at him.
"So what has you stumped" Adrien asked when she picked up, "umm you did want help with physics because if you need a body hidden that's an Alya call"
"I will remember that" Marinette laughed, "however I really need help with this physics work"
"Alright show me where you are stuck"
Half an hour later Marinette was hanging up with Adrien. She put the finished work in her bag. Luka was fiddling with his guitar. Marinette smiled and leaned over kissing his cheek. He glanced over and smiled.
"I am going to run to the store down the street. Want to tag along?" Marinette asked. Luka looked at her in surprise.
"What did you need from the store" he asked
"I want to pick up a few ingredients to make some croissants and bread" Marinette said
"Okay crazy lady let's go shopping" he smiled
"Let's go," Marinette giggled, pulling him up. He chuckled and grabbed her around the waist kissing her. She smiled, pulling him out the door. He followed behind letting her lead. They called out as they left. An hour later they were carrying the groceries into the kitchen laughing about something. Marinette shooed him out of the kitchen to go play his guitar. He gave her a kiss and walked out. A while later he heard her singing and smiled. He knew if he walked into the kitchen she would be dancing. He chuckled to himself getting up and walking into the kitchen. He leaned in the doorway watching her dance with a smile on his face. She was so engrossed in what she was doing that she didn't notice him. He heard footsteps behind him and glanced over to see Juleka. She smiled as she stood next to him watching Marinette. She turned to say something but the look in his eyes as he watched Marinette made her pause. He watched her with such intensity, such love, such amazement. Juleka smiled, patted his arm and walked away. He never once took his eyes off of Marinette.