Miraculous Devilman: Chapter 10
Disclaimer: We Do Not Own Miraculous Ladybug or Devilman. MLB belongs to Thomas Asstruc and Devilman belongs to Go Nagai. Also this fanfic contains some mature themes and mild language.
Chapter 10
(Insert Miraculous Ladybug theme music)
"In the daytime, we're Marinette, Adrien, and Akira,
Just normal teenagers with normal lives.
There is something about us no one knows yet,
Because we have a secret,"
"Miraculous and Devilman,
Fight till the end to stop Hawkmoth!
Miraculous and Devilman,
Together as one they'll save us all!
Miraculous Devilman!"
Miraculous Devilman
Shortly after the Vocaloader fiasco, things calmed down once more.
Well, calmed down akuma-wise.
The school, specifically Marinette's class, was abuzz about her new relationship with Luka.
After Marinette left the boat that day, Juleka, being Luka's sister, told Rose, who told Mylene, who told Ivan, and so on and so forth, leading to most of the students standing outside the classroom, whispering to each other.
"Marinette moved on from Adrien already?"
"Well it's Luka, what do you expect?"
"I'm just glad that she's happy."
"Wonder how long they'll last."
"Dude, they haven't even gone on their first date yet."
(In the girls locker room)
All while the students chatted on this hot gossip, Marinette placed her things in her locker, smiling at herself. She felt around her pants pocket and pulled out a guitar pick.
Luka's guitar pick.
After her confession and their, what you could call "official relationship declaration", Luka insisted she keep his guitar pick as his first "early first date gift" to which the two scheduled to get ice cream today in the afternoon. Marinette put a hand to her heart, breathing a sigh of content. She couldn't believe how lucky she has been lately. Her Ladybug charm seemed to be finally working.
"Let me guess. That's where the akuma got him?"
Marinette didn't even flinch this time, rather turning slowly to face Lila, who stood a couple feet away, her arms crossed in anticipation.
"Wouldn't you like to know." Marinette replied, putting the guitar pick back in her pocket and crossing her arms as well.
Lila made her way to the lockers and leaned against one, her signature smirk in full view. "I see you took my advice, and it looks like you've made quite the catch. Glad you decided to drop Adrien."
"For the record, it was Akira's advice I took." Marinette corrected her. "And Luka has always been another option." A smirk of her own formed on her face. "And where are your options, I wonder."
Lila traced her finger along one of the lockers, "Well, if things are going right for me, then one should be opening for me sometime today. You know me, Marinette. Believe it or not, I actually had nothing to do with it this time." She chuckles to herself.
Marinette scoffed. "Yeah, right."
The bell rang, conveniently interrupting their conversation. With that, Marinette closed her locker, picked up her backpack, and walked past her arch-nemesis. "See you around, Lie-la."
"Goodbye, Marinette. Let's not cross paths again if we can help it." Their business was done, not with a bang but with a whimper.
(After school)
Tension fills the air, one that all the trainees can feel. There had been excitement among the fencing club at Adrien's continued attendance, but that cheer was soon challenged as they saw the dark red of Kagami at the door. She had her mask on, but everyone could feel a piercing cold coming off of her as she walked past some members.
Adrien caught sight of Kagami, but quickly turned his head in another direction. In his mind, he could hear Plagg chuckling at him.
This was not helping at all.
Practice carried on as normal at first, until Monsieur D'Argencourt started calling up individuals to face off for a position in the upcoming tournament. Adrien succeeded in his first rounds with his expected level of high performance to the cheers of most. As he stepped back into the crowd, he saw the way Kagami was performing. Something was definitely different with her today. Her once very reactionary style to combat was replaced with quick charges and precise jabs, which none were able to face against. He gulped hard, knowing in the back of his head what was about to happen. Adrien could simply hope things didn't go too bad.
Oh how misplaced that hope was.
"Adrien! It's your turn to face Kagami!" Monsieur D'Argencourt declared.
Every other fencer fell silent, turning to face him. With some reluctance, Adrien took his place only a few paces in front of Kagami.
"May the best fencer win." Adrien said, getting into a fighting stance, holding out his sword.
The red fencer only assumes her own ready position.
"Allez!" Monsieur D'Argencourt called, commencing the match to begin.
Kagami immediately dashes forward, swiping for Adrien's torso. He blocks the attack, pushing her back and swiping his own saber at her shoulder. Kagami pushes forward, locking blades with him. The two come face to face for only a second, but Adrien catches a glimpse of what is behind the black fabric mask. All he sees is rage, then she pulls their weapons out of lock and barrages Adrien with a flurry of strikes. Adrien keeps up his defense as best he can, and he finds his opening. "Quite "sharp" with your strikes today, eh?" Adrien attempts to lighten the mood. He sidesteps as Kagami makes a lunge towards him, he uses this moment to swipe at her, but Kagami runs through the lunge rather than stopping. He misses, and turns quickly to avoid a jab to the chest. He hears a growl coming from under Kagami's mask, and a quiet panic fills his eyes as the two enter their final blade lock.
In an instant, this delicate dance devolves.
The two are matched for strength, but Kagami forces their blade arms to one side. She rams her shoulder into Adriens, knocking him off his feet. The blade falls away from Adrien as he hits the ground, and he stares up to see Kagami cast hers aside.
"Kagami, what are…!" was all Adrien could get out before the red fencer set upon him. Kagami pinned him to the ground, forcing him into a choke hold. Adrien struggled in fear as he heard Kagami growl, "After everything you've done, you crack a wise-ass joke?!"
"Enough!" Monsieur D'Argencourt steps forward, sword held ready. "Kagami, have you forgotten the rules? release Adrien at once!"
Kagami freezes for a moment, pushing her anger down. She releases Adrien, who makes a small gasp for air, before slowly standing up. Her mask is still on, but now she can be seen shaking ever so slightly.
Kagami storms out of the school, anger radiating from her. The students who were standing on the school stairs, still waiting for their rides, got out of the way of the upset fencer, wanting to avoid her in this state.
"Kagami, wait!" Adrien ran after her not far behind, his fencing gear still on but his mask off as tried to catch up to his fencing partner. "What was that all about?"
"Oh, now you want to talk to me?!" Kagami steps angrily towards him, "Why don't we have a little heart to heart?" She takes Adrien by the arm back into the school building and into an empty locker room.
"I don't understand." Adrien started with a confused look on his face. "Ever since the party performance yesterday, you've been cold and distant again. What gives?"
Kagami pulls off her mask to speak this time, and Adrien sees a stream of angry tears down her face. "Oh, and you haven't been hiding anything from me, Chat Noir?!" She crosses her arms.
Adrien's eyes widened, a stunned expression on his face, before quickly trying to brush it off. "Kagami, I already told you I'm not-"
"Stop lying to me!" She lashes out at him. "I saw you transform with my own eyes at the party! That little black creature was talking to you!"
Adrien was once again quiet, and not by force this time. Panic spread to his face as he realized what this meant. "Kagami, I…I'm sorry. I did this to protect you. I didn't mean for this to-"
"To what!?" Kagami retorts, "To protect me from knowing about you and Ladybug?" Kagami starts laughing to herself in a sort of madness, "It all makes sense now. Those figurines, the way you always talk about Ladybug in such admiration. Tell me, Adrien, are all the stories about you true? Are you in love with Ladybug?"
This question catches Adrien off guard, a look that seemed a mix of surprise and hesitation taking form as he thought of how he should answer this. There was no point of denying it, considering all the evidence Kagami now put together. Adrien struggles for words, before giving a sullen nod.
Kagami stares at him with astoundment, disgust, and sadness. "Why is it so hard for you to answer me? If you love me, then just say so. Deny that you love Ladybug. If you love Ladybug so much, then why did you ask me out in the first place?" Her voice is demanding, yet quivering. A new stream of tears begins to form on her face.
Adrien exhaled before relying, "Because you were the only person who saw me for me. Not a model, not an object, but simply Adrien. You've been the first one to be my friend not just for my name, but for me as a person. Ladybug has rejected me numerous times, and didn't truly understand me." He lifted his eyes to meet Kagami's, "I believed you understood me, and for what it's worth, I'm sorry for misleading you."
Kagami met his gaze, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "So then, are you still in love with Ladybug, or do you love me now after all this time we've shared?"
Adrien looked deep into himself, then answered his girlfriend. With a regretful tone, he replied, "I'm in love with both of you."
Kagami slapped him.
Hard.
Adrien lurched to his side, caught in a rush of emotions and surprise. He felt for his face, but then he saw Kagami. She was silent, crying, trying hard not to sniffle. A despair filled his heart as her eyes cut into his very soul. "To think I thought better of you, Adrien." Kagami begins to cry harder, "I thought you would never stoop so low as to toy with someone's heart. To lead them on with a lie. Lila really must have gotten to you." She met his eyes for a final time, "I can't do this with you anymore. I won't. We're done."
And so Kagami walked away with tears in her eyes, with only the silence of the walls around Adrien now.
(Later)
Marinette pedaled peacefully on her bike, her hair blowing in the breeze as she passed through the city streets, a few boxes of pastries stacked in a basket attached to the front of her bike. She was making her way around the city, delivering the day's pastries. She smiled at herself, thinking of her first date with Luka later on today after her duties.
As she rode by a familiar bridge, she got a glimpse of a figure sitting on the ledge. As she got closer, she noticed it was Kagami, in her fencing attire, sitting with her knees up to her chest.
Marinette skidded to a halt, her curiosity getting the best of her. She parked her bike by a nearby bench and slowly made her way over to her. Kagami heard the sudden stop of Marinette, turning her head for a moment before turning back to the water.
"Hey." Marinette greeted casually. "Long time no see."
"Marinette, we spoke yesterday." She responded in a dull voice.
Marinette frowned. Kagami's eyes were red and wet, and her voice wasn't it's usual serious, yet confident tone.
If anything, this situation felt familiar.
"What happened?" Marinette asked, sitting down beside her once-rival-maybe-acquaintance.
"You won't go if I say it's nothing, will you?" Kagami asked with a grim frown.
Marinette shook her head. "I know it's not nothing." She offers the fencer a small reassuring smile. "It's okay. You can tell me."
Kagami frowned, before relenting. "Adrien and I…are no longer together."
A moment of silence passed between them before a soft "…oh." came Marinette's reply.
Kagami sighed in frustration. "Take whatever you wish away from that. Turns out he's been in love with someone else this whole time, yet he still led me along this journey of secrets and betrayal. And here I am." She grins angrily at Marinette, "It seems I took the bullet you dodged."
Marinette opened her mouth to reply, then remembered something. She reached into her purse, pulled out a macaroon, and held it out to Kagami.
She stared at the dessert offered to her for a long moment, then took it with a sigh. The fencer takes a bite of the macaroon. It's a sweet flavor, enough to distract her even if only for a moment from what she has been through. "Thank you, Marinette."
Marinette nodded. "You're welcome."
(On the streets near the school)
Adrien found himself walking down the street, his mind catching up with his actions.
Kagami and him are over.
He screwed up. Again.
Why? Why was he like this?
Idiot.
He leaned against a nearby streetlamp, trying to keep it together. He wasn't ready for this.
He didn't plan for this.
His hand brushed against the cheek, which felt wet.
No. He can't cry out here.
Not for everyone to see.
But where can he go?
Certainly not back home, where his father will be waiting to tell him how disappointed he is in him, and he didn't want Akira to know, considering how he encouraged him to pursue Kagami in the first place.
Then it hit him.
The one person who's always been there for him.
The one who's known him since they were kids.
Blinking back tears, Adrien made his way back on the street in another direction, towards the location of someone who can help him.
(At the La Grande Paris Hotel)
Chloe and Sabrina sat on some plush cushions, each doing their own portion of the Macbeth project. Believe it or not, Chloe actually took it upon herself to do a part in the project, leaving Sabrina surprised and confused by this sudden change in character. She has grown accustomed to doing everything for Chloe, whether it would be her homework, carrying her belongings , or providing comfort when she had moments of existential crisis. When Chloe started to insist she can do things on her own, and rewarding Sabrina more often, it made Sabrina feel genuinely appreciated, but also curious in what brought this change in her behavior. She looked over at her. Her cheek has almost healed completely now, and she seemed actually focused on the assignment, chewing on the eraser of her pencil and mumbling to herself.
"Hey, Chloe?" Sabrina spoke up.
"Yes?" Chloe replied questioningly, her gaze not leaving the paper in front of her.
"Why are you being so nice to me?"
The blonde girl rolled her eyes. "Because you're my friend. Duh."
Sabrina still wasn't convinced. "Yes, but, you haven't been like this before-"
"Look, Sabs." Chloe interrupted with a huff, turning to look at her friend. "I've just had..a change of heart. I realize that was ridiculous, utterly ridiculous at times, and I'm trying to be better."
"Really?" Sabrina said with a hopeful smile.
Chloe sighed and nodded. "Really."
A knock is heard at the door.
"Who is it?" Chloe demanded, turning sharply towards
the door.
"It's me, mademoiselle," Chloe's butler called out. "You have a visitor."
"Well tell them we're busy." Chloe replied.
"It is Adrien Agreste." The butler protested.
She paused.
"Let him in."
The door slowly swung open, and Adrien stepped inside.
"Adrikins, how nice to see…" she stopped when she saw Adrien, his head hanging low and body shaking.
"Adrien?" Chloe stood up and walked over to him, her face shifting to concern.
"Chloe…" Adrien's voice quivered as he leaned forward, resting his head on Chloe's shoulder. "I..I messed up."
Chloe shot Sabrina a knowing look.
Taking her cue to leave, Sabrina grabbed her things and followed the butler out of the room, the butler closing the door behind them.
As soon as they were alone, Adrien let the tears fall, burying his face in Chloe's shoulder.
"What happened?" Chloe asked, wrapping an arm gently around him.
"Kagami…broke.. up.. with me." Adrien said between sniffles.
Chloe couldn't help it. She grinned. "Well, you're better off without her. She didn't deserve-" she stopped again when she saw Adrien crying harder, the tears streaming faster down his face.
"Er, I mean," Chloe bit her lip.
Shit. What should she do? She's never done this before. She proceeded to gently pat his back. "It…you'll be okay. It hurts now, but… it'll pass."
"No! It's not okay!" Adrien yelled out, abruptly pushing her away. "I should have been honest with her! I lied to her face about everything, and it's all my fault! If I had just trusted her with my secret from the beginning, none of this would have happened!"
"What are you talking about?" Chloe put her hands on her hips. "What secret?"
"Nothing. It's nothing!" Adrien turned his head away.
"It's obviously not nothing!" Chloe grabbed him by the shoulder, and forced him back around to face her. "Look, I can't help if I don't know what's the problem, so spit it out!"
"I can't!" Adrien protested, his voice filled with denial.
"Yes, you can." Chloe crossed her arms, a determined look on her face. "Did you cheat?"
"No, no!" Adrien shook his head.
"Did she cheat?"
No no no!" Adrien was now shaking erratically.
"Then what is it!?" Chloe pushed on. "Why did you break up!?"
"Because I'm Chat Noir!" Adrien shouted, finally breaking away the truth.
A moment of silence passed between them.
Chloe stood there in shock, trying to process what Adrien just said.
"What?"
"I'm Chat Noir, okay!?" Adrien repeated, his shoulders slumped.
"Plagg, claws out."
A swirl of green energy surrounded the blonde boy. In several seconds, the green light disappeared, and Chat Noir now stood in Adrien's place.
Chloe was speechless.
Adrien Agreste, Paris' famous supermodel and her closest childhood friend, was Chat Noir the whole time!?
She wanted to be angry. Hurt by the fact that Adrien kept this from her for so long. But in that moment, seeing how broken and upset he was, she brushed her feelings aside and slowly approached Adrien, wrapping him in a hug.
"I..I'm sorry." Chloe started, still unsure about the whole ordeal, but now getting a better understanding of the situation. "It..this must be hard for you."
"What are you apologizing for?" Chat Noir quietly spoke again, his voice shaky and slightly hoarse. "I'm the one who lied to you. Lied to everybody." He leaned on her shoulder again, a fresh batch of tears pooling in his eyes. "Kagami is right. I've become like Lila. I keep screwing with the people who care about me. First Marinette, then Kagami, now you. It's just…I'm so sick of being judged by everyone. I'm tired of having to play the perfect person all the time. I'm exhausted from everything, even myself."
Chloe just listened to him rant, taking in every word.
It all made sense now.
The disappearances during akuma attacks, the way he talks about Ladybug, how he gets nervous around his friends. It must be hard carrying the weight of such a secret. It's ridiculous how long he's had to endure all this.
Now she can help him carry it.
Chloe slowly pulled back, making Adrien look her in the eye. "Listen, Adrien, eh, Chat Noir.. whatever. You're not Lila. You..are a good person. You help other people and..you still want to be my friend even when everyone else hates me. You screwed up..but look at me. I screw up all the time. No…nobody is perfect." She paused, remembering what Ladybug said to her when she was at rock bottom. "You have people who still care about you more than you think. Your friend with the red cap, Ladybug...and me." she offered him a sort of smile. "I'm not Ladybug, but I hope this helps."
Chat Noir's eyes sparkled in gratitude. He gently squeezed his childhood friend back, hoping this showed his appreciation enough.
"Thank you." He whispered.
Chloe simply nodded as the two stayed in that embrace, the comfort and support of two childhood friends sinking in.
(At a hidden dojo)
Master Fu sorted through a stack of books containing records and secrets of the miraculous. He had gone back and read the original texts explaining the functions of the butterfly and peacock miraculous, in hopes that it would give him some sort of comfort.
He sighed. Until he got them back, he couldn't forgive himself. No matter how others view it, he had failed his duty as a Guardian.
A knock was heard at the door.
("Must be the next appointment") Fu thought.
The Guardian cautiously approached the door and opened it, to find Ryo standing on the other side of the doorway.
"Oh, Mr. Asuka," Master Fu claimed with a smile, "Come on in."
The detective entered, and sat himself down at the table. Beside him he set down a satchel with various books inside. "So, you claim to be good at your other job. How much do you charge?"
"For a friend, I give first time for free." Master Fu replied with a wink. He gestured to a massaging bench in the corner of the room. "Please make yourself comfortable."
Wayzz flew over to a vintage record player and inserted a disc, some calming nature sounds filling the room. Master Fu struck a match, a scent of lavender made present.
Ryo made his way over to the bench, standing there for a moment longer.
"No need to feel awkward," Fu reassured the detective. "I am a professional."
After another minute of hesitation, Ryo slowly removed his coat and laid down on the bench, back facing the ceiling.
Master Fu pulled his sleeves up and gently placed his hands on Ryo's upper spine.
"Take some deep breaths."
Ryo inhaled, and exhaled, his muscles rising and falling with his breaths.
Fu began with small rubs in circles around the detective's scapula, closing his eyes as he released the tightened tension in the joints. He slowly moves down to the center of the back, the rubbing circles getting bigger as the amount of stress in Ryo's back increases.
"Your back is quite tense." Fu remarked. "Stressful week?"
Ryo scoffs at this, "I've been trying to look for an artifact that can stop the demons' plans. And on top of that, I have to look after that boy." Despite his apparent frustration, the detective actually finds himself loosening up. "It's not as though I hate the boy, I just wish he'd be more careful about maintaining his secret identity. What's going to happen if one of the people who finds him out becomes possessed? They'll just give away who the 'heroes of Paris' are, and then all hell will break loose."
"I see." Master Fu answered, listening attentively. "Indeed, Chat Noir is quite reckless. According to Ladybug, he tends to act before he thinks. I was deeply disturbed the first time hearing how he nearly lost his life out of acting irrationally." Fu took a long exhale. "I cannot lose another wielder. Thank miraculous he surrounds himself with reliable friends."
"I remember seeing that first fight. It was a riot. Can't believe I almost lost my job and didn't even know it," Ryo chuckled, to which Fu frowned in dismay.
As the two continued to talk, Wayzz sat on a small tea table, attempting to meditate in this spa-set scenario.
(Meanwhile)
Marinette threw out outfit after outfit from her wardrobe, trying to find the perfect outfit for her date with Luka.
Ticki picked up the clothes off the floor, shaking her head in amusement.
"Don't you think you're overthinking this?" Ticki suggested.
"It's my first date, Ticki." Marinette pointed out, frantically looking back and forth between her clothes. "I need to make it memorable, which means wearing something that makes me look good."
"You look good as it is, Marinette." Ticki said, smiling reassuringly. "I'm sure Luka likes you no matter how you dress."
"Dress…that's it!" Marinette pointed a finger in the air, a lightbulb comically appearing above her head. She proceeded to grab a light pink dress with thin straps and a short skirt and threw it on. She looked at herself in a mirror, confident that this was a good choice.
She undid her pigtails and pulled her hair back in a half ponytail, tying it off with a red ribbon.
"How do I look?" She turned to Ticki with a hopeful smile.
"Like a million euros." The kwami replied with a grin.
"Marinette! You're boyfriend's here!" Marinette's mom called from downstairs.
"Coming!" She called back, her cheeks warming at the mention of Luka as her boyfriend.
Ticki dived into the purse as Marinette made her way downstairs and into the bakery.
She frowned as she saw her parents standing by the bakery door, excited looks on their faces.
"What's going on-" she paused, her eyes widening.
Standing outside the bakery, beside a large motorbike, was Luka.
"Hey there," the blue-haired rider waved with a grin before walking up to the door, "I hope I'm not late." his gaze shifts to Mari's outfit. "You look pretty."
Blush dotted Marinette's cheeks as she tries to blink back to reality. "Oh, thank you. You too." She replied, rubbing the back of her neck. She paused as she realized what she just said "Er, I mean good! real handsome! that's what I meant!"
Luka chuckles at this, as well as her parents.
"Have fun, you two." Marinette's mom told them.
"But not too much fun." Marinette's dad added with a wink.
"Oh, Tom." Sabine jabbed her husband playfully.
"Daaad…" Marinette said with an eye-roll and a smile.
With that, Marinette climbed onto the backseat of the motorbike. Luka gave a somewhat embarrassed wave to her parents before turning to Marinette. "This might be a little much, but I have to ask you to hold on, okay?"
"Oh, uh, sure. Okay." Marinette said, her face pink as her dress.
Luka nodded and pulled out a spare helmet, which he put on her head. Marinette is caught flustered as he takes his time adjusting the strap to her. "There you go, safety first." he grins before putting on his own helmet.
Luka leans forward to grip the handles, and gives a light rev of the engine. Marinette suddenly feels the motorcycle starting to move under her, and quickly grabs hold around Luka's waist as he flips up the kickstand with his foot. With a final rev, the two take off.
The wind blows past as the two whizz by the streets, the city becoming a blur of lights and sounds. Marinette took in a deep breath as her hair caught in the breeze. She never knew riding a motorcycle could make you feel so alive.
"I had no idea you ride a motorcycle," Marinette remarked with a smile.
"Enjoying the ride?" Luka replied, not taking his eyes off the road.
Marinette was suddenly grateful for the helmet, her face flustered. "Y..yeah, it's nice."
After about fifteen minutes of a quiet ride, they arrive at the park, where Andre's cart was parked by some trees, the ice cream man currently serving another couple.
"…pistachio mint chip and sweet vanilla." Andre stated his concoction, handing the double-scooped ice cream cone to the couple. "Enjoy, Madame and Monsieur, and may you be soulmates foreva."
"Merci, André." The couple replied, taking the sweet treat and moving along.
After parking the motorbike and taking off their helmets, Luka took Marinette's hand and they walked over to the cart.
"Good afternoon, come to have…" Andre paused, a sparkle of recognition in his eye as he gazed at Marinette.
"Ah! It is you again." He said with a smile, slowly directing his attention to Luka. "And with a new one."
Luka gave Mari a confused look, to which the raven-haired girl shrugged.
"Hmm, a set of flowers in their blooming stage." Andre remarked. He began to scoop a couple spoonfuls of ice cream onto a cone. "Strawberry sorbet and blueberry blast." He held out the cone to them and a pair of spoons. "Here you go, my dears, hope this helps you two last."
Marinette accepted the treat and the spoons, turning to Luka with a smile. "Shall we?"
"I'd be happy to," replied the blue musician.
The two sit down on a bench, a gentle breeze flying by.
Marinette handed Luka a spoon, and the two began to dig in.
Ticki peeked her head out, to which Luka noticed, the kwami giving him a wink when she caught his gaze.
(At the Devilman's apartment)
Light came through the windows of the room Miki called home. She lay in bed, her body exhausted from yesterday's battle.
"I guess turning into a dozen mes' means you take more when recombining," she mutters to herself. Miki turns her head to see Akira stirring something in a bowl and using his devil beams at low power to heat it. Out of curiosity, she tries to sit up, only for pain to start coursing through her back.
"Ack!" She forces herself up on her arms, but starts wobbling back down. Akira hears her cry and rushes over, holding her steady. "Miki, what…"
"Sit…me…up," she manages.
Akira complies and helps her sit in the bed, grabbing the pillows from Ryo's bed to put behind her. After some adjusting, Miki eases herself back into the "seat" made for her.
"So what are you doing, anyway?" She tilts her head curiously.
Akira sighs with a grin, "Just as well we got you sitting. I was making you some soup."
Miki's eyes lit up as Akira brought the bowl over, sitting on her bedside. She expected him to hand her the soup, but then saw him holding onto the spoon.
Miki tried to reach for the spoon from him, "Akira, I can feed myself." But her elbow grew very sore, and Akira could see pain on her face. He put a gentle hand to Miki's face, "Listen, Miki-mouse. You just fought off an akumatized villain pretty much on your own. You pulled most of our weight today when I should have been there with you," his eyes grew soft, "So let me make it up to you here. Take it easy today."
Miki sighed with a sly grin, "Whatever, Mr. Devilman. I guess you owe me that much." And so little by little Miki ate the soup Akira gave her by spoon.
Mullo, who had been watching all this, couldn't help but giggle quietly to himself. "Boy have I got a story for Ticki and Plagg."
After some time, Miki finished her soup and Akira cleaned up. He then knelt at her beside and looked over her still cheery face, smiling in disbelief . "You really are something. Even after a long day of fighting, you still manage to have a smile on your face." Akira lowers his head, "Ryo and I have almost nothing to show for all our time here, and now I've let you risk your life twice here." Akira grumbles in frustration, but looks up in surprise as Miki puts a hand over his fist. "It can't be too bad. I'm still here, and so are you. There's a lot to be happy for, and you're one of the reasons for me." Miki smiles at him with a twinkle in her green eyes.
Akira can't help but love her. "You always have a way to see the light," with a chuckle, he gives her a kiss on the forehead.
A few minutes later, the two hear a knock on the door, and Mullo hides away. Akira goes to answer the door, and his eyes flare up at who it is.
"What are you doing here?"
Before him stands Lila, with a very nervous smile and a box of candy. "I…hey, Akira. I heard…Miki was…sick. And…Ryo told me where you lived when I asked…so I brought some treats for her."
Akira swiped the box and stared her down, "Ok, now get the hell…"
"Oh, Lila! Is that you? Come on in," They both hear Miki from her bed. Akira takes a deep angry breath before stepping aside.
Lila took a seat at a chair Miki gestured to, and Akira gave her the box Lila had brought. Lila looked around nervously, feeling the Devilman's blood stare. Miki decided to start a conversation, "It's been so long since we've caught up, Lila. How have you been?"
"Well, it's all been okay, I guess. Adrien's father is taking more scrutiny at our ability to watch him, but it's getting…difficult," Lila twiddles her fingers, trying to find some train of thought. Akira scoffs lightly at this remark, ('If only you knew. Ryo better not have said anything, or he's in big trouble.')
Miki takes a long look between the two, before an idea rises. "Hey, Akira. Why don't you stop by Marinette's and grab us something to eat?" Akira starts to protest, "Now hold o…" but Miki protests back. "Lila and I need to have some girl talk. I'll be fine." The Devilman and mouse hero lock eyes, but Akira ultimately relents with a sigh. "Alright then, I'll be back." As he stands up, he steps over to Lila and whispers in her ear with a growl, "If anything happens to her, I'll rip your fucking face open." Lila nods quickly with a gulp, and Akira leaves.
After a minute of silence, Miki starts up again, "Scoot on closer, I won't bite you." Lila complies and finds herself beside Miki's bed. "So how is Adrien doing? I haven't heard from him in a while," Miki asks, to which Lila starts up with more confidence. "Oh he's doing fine. He's been a lot more…himself lately. At least I think so. He's opened up a lot more thanks to being with Kagami." Lila rubs her neck, "It really is a shame."
"What is?" Miki looks concerned, to which Lila continues, "The two broke up. I think it was mostly about their parents not agreeing on some things, and so they had no choice."
"That's horrible, are they alright?" Miki shifted a little in her sheets.
Lila waved it off with a smile. "Everything's alright. Neither of them are happy about it, but I'd say they're moving on well."
But Miki raised an eyebrow, "Well, I'll just have to check on them when I can." Lila shifted in her seat uneasily. She wasn't sure, but it sounded like Miki wasn't buying it.
"Lila," Miki started with a more strict tone, which caught Lila off guard. "Did you really come here just to check on me?" Her question was back in Miki's normal concerned voice, but Lila was still at pause. "Of course, I…I…"
Nothing.
And so it stayed for a long minute.
Lila couldn't keep up a sham at this rate, but refused to tell Miki what was really going on. In truth, Lila was out of people to talk to. The others at school never offered anything interesting to her, and Adrien was refusing to even acknowledge her existence most times. What was she supposed to say? That Miki was the only one who still showed tolerance of her after figuring out what she was? No, Lila refused to open up further than she already had. She simply sat there wordless by Miki's bedside. Miki simply reached out her hand and took Lila's. "It's ok if you don't want to talk about it. If you just want some company, you know where to find me now." Her words gave Lila pause, but eventually a smile. "You know, I still haven't gotten that tour from you. Maybe when I'm feeling better we can do that." With a simple nod, Lila resigned herself to sitting next to perhaps the only friend she hadn't yet pushed away. Miki simply smiled, thinking ("I wonder what Akira's going to bring back.")
(At the Dupain-Cheney Bakery)
Sabine stood behind the counter, counting the sums made from the pastries sold today. It has been around half an hour since Marinette left with Luka on their first date. She smiled to herself. Marinette seems a lot happier now, and her daughter's happiness is what mattered to her most.
Her thoughts were interrupted when the bakery doorbell jingled, and someone stepped inside.
"Good afternoon, how may I…" Sabine paused, then smiled to see a familiar face. "Akira, what a pleasant surprise!"
"Hello there, miss." The devilman strode in, "I was hoping I could buy some treats for Miki. She's a little sick."
"Oh dear." Sabine's face fell in concern. "Wait right here. I'll be right back." She walked into the kitchen in the back, the doors swaying as she made her way in. Not even a minute later, she returned, and with her husband by her side, carrying two boxes with pastry .
"This one's with fresh croissants." She stated, placing it on the counter, before pointing at the second box. "And this one's with our special Ladybug macaroons."
"These have been touched with her luck and good fortune." Tom added with a wink. "May they help your sweet girlfriend get better."
"Well thanks," Akira cheerfully took the box before glancing around. "I don't suppose Marinette is around? She's usually at the front when I've shown up."
"Oh, she has left on a date with Luka." Sabine explained, her smile returning. "But I will tell her that you have stopped by."
Akira started to chuckle. "Luka, huh? Well good for those two. Thanks for the treats." And the devilman left with a grin.
(Back at the park)
For all that was happening today, the weather was quite pleasant. The sun was shining with small clouds to break the heat. A gentle breeze further cooled the warm feeling. It was a great day for the first outing between Luka and Marinette.
After they finished their ice cream, the two of them took a peaceful stroll around the park, talking about their friends, hobbies, and anything pleasant to talk about.
Marinette even told Luka about some of the past akuma fights from her perspective. From laughing at Mr. Pigeon's ridiculous tactics to how worried she was when Dark Owl almost trapped her and Chat Noir into giving up their miraculouses, Marinette left no detail out as she reminisced about those experiences.
Luka listened attentively, intrigued to hear things from Marinette and Ladybug simultaneously. It was still a little crazy to think they're the same person.
Two sides of the same coin.
"…and then Chat Noir caught the baby in his arms, joking about "our future kid being like this." Marinette rolled her eyes with an amused smile. "To think it all started with the baby wanting a lollipop." She paused for a minute. "Sorry, am I talking too much?"
"No no, I like it." Luka said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I love hearing your voice Mari. Don't ever silence yourself."
Marinette smiled, before catching on what he meant and a burst out in a fit of giggles. "Don't joke like that!" She said between laughter.
"I will do it again if it means hearing your laugh." Luka responded with a grin.
Marinette felt her cheeks warm up again, breaking eye contact for a moment.
Why was she so nervous suddenly around him?
Is this what a relationship feels like?
Subconsciously, she reached and grasped Luka's hand, intertwining her fingers between his. A moment passes between the two where their hearts seem to stop. Then comes a feeling of simple warmth. The two take a nervous look at each other, then can't help but grin.
"I don't think I could have ever imagined things turning out this way," Luka remarked, "I mean, and you being…well now I know who you are."
Marinette turned her head, somewhat off-put. "You're not supposed to, though. Not even Chat knows who I am…" she then frowns, "But now things are happening."
She thinks for an annoyed second about Akira and their first confrontation. "And now I have to worry about what people are going to see in me. About how you see me. Now I'm just Ladybug to you, aren't I?"
Her eyes widened a little at finishing.
She hadn't meant to say that last part, but it was just as well they dealt with this, or so she thought.
Luka gave her a reassuring smile and stroked her hair, "Of course not. You're Marinette, the girl that made our band's first performance a success, and the one who I fell in love with. Nothing can change that, and being Ladybug just makes it a little more exciting." He scoots a little closer, "Though I have to admit, I'll definitely be rooting for you a lot more whenever you fight akumas now."
Marinette couldn't help but giggle again at that. How does he always know what to say to make her feel better? Her gratitude for him just keeps increasing.
"Thank you, Luka. I'll certainly appreciate the extra support." She smiled warmly up at him and rested her head on his shoulder, wrapping her arms tenderly around his waist in a soft hug.
Luka did the same, the two of them simply staying in that embrace for a moment, enjoying each other's warmth.
Then a question suddenly burned in Marinette's mind. "Hey Luka?" She started, not moving from his shoulder.
"Yeah?" he replied plainly.
"Did..Akira and Miki didn't say anything about me when you met them, did they?" She asked.
It's not like she regrets Luka knowing who she is now, but she has a nagging feeling those two gave a "helping hand" of some sort.
"Not them." Luka replied. "But rather their friend Ryo."
"What!?" Marinette lifted her head to look him in the eye. She was not expecting that answer at all.
"Let's just say he made me realize my feelings towards you." Luka explained.
"Wait, what?" Marinette's face flushed as she realized he thought she was talking about his feelings towards her, not about him finding out she's Ladybug.
"What did you think I meant?" Luka asked, rubbing his neck.
"Oh, never mind." Marinette waves her hand dismissively.
She looked up at the sky. The sun was starting to set, the clouds turning shades of pink and orange.
"We should start heading back." Marinette suggested.
"Sure thing," Luka stood up, pulling out his helmet. "Why don't I treat you to a little scenic drive home then?"
Marinette smiled. "I would love that."
And so, the two return to the motorbike, with Marinette adjusting Luka's helmet this time despite insisting he can do it himself, climb on, and proceed on their back. The streets again pass by them like a blur, and the distant silhouette of buildings could be seen under the reddening sky. As they drove further along, Marinette could see the street lights blinking in, as well as other couples walking down the streets, arms linked and chatting happily.
"I think I now understand why Paris is called the city of love." Luka commented, shooting Mari a smile.
"Oh, I..didn't think about that before." Marinette blushed at the thought, smiling back at the blue musician.
Several minutes later, they arrive at the bakery, the closed sign on the door but the lights still on inside.
"Well, I hope you had a good time," Luka gently pulls off Marinette's helmet. He takes a moment to look at her, and he gives a happy sigh.
"I did." Marinette replied, clasping her hands together. "Let's do this again sometime." She started to walk towards the bakery door, but Luka grabbed her hand.
"Wait."
Marinette turns around, a curious look in her bluebell eyes.
Luka raises her hand and gives it a small kiss. "Thank you for today, Marinette," he has a faint flush as he releases her hand.
Marinette's face flushed bright pink, and could only stare speechlessly at her boyfriend.
With a final bashful grin between the two, Luka once again put on his helmet and mounted his bike. A rev up, and soon the blue rider sped away, like a knight of the wind.
End of chapter 10
Authors Notes:
dancecat25: "He had it coming, he had it coming, he's only got himself to blame," Oh, Bonjour, beautiful readers. Quite the roller coaster ride of emotions in this chapter. One ship sinks, while another sails. It was weird, going from writing a sob k-drama style breakup to a cute, fluffy date lol. Although Adrien messed up big time, I still wanted someone there for him. I do hope you enjoyed Chloe's character development. I worked real hard to make Chloe be Chloe, but also trying to be a better person.
Aladar Caval: hey there, readers. I hope you're able to find some enjoyable stuff here, whether you like the softer stuff or the harder stuff. Moving forward, we're going to take some time and establish this new "status quo" we've created with a few more focused stories. For those of you DM fans, I'm working on the catacomb quest with Akira and Ryo, so that'll be the first of our new tales. Not sure if you can tell, but a lot of this content requires both of us to be present when writing, so hopefully we can make a few more stories a little more quickly.
dancecat25: I'll admit, a lot of the emotional parts here are my own desire for a dramatic love life, considering how much of a single pringle I am in reality (and no, I'm not ready to mingle lol). Anyways, like Aladar Caval mentioned, we've got more chapters coming up that will be focused on individual things, a "series" of mini chapters if you will. Hope you stick around for that. Till then, Bug Out!
Aladar Caval: hopefully we can provide you with some fun tales in a shorter fashion, cause we could all use some fun. See you later. 'Til all are one!'