Chapter 9: Reeling

"That mortal is a fool who, prospering, thinks his life has any strong foundation; since our fortune's course of action is the reeling way a madman takes, and no one person is ever happy all the time."

-Euripides

Struggling III

Adrien knew that life was full of surprises and shocks and that he should always be prepared, but some things just sent him reeling. Ladybug's emotional withdrawal was one.

After delivering Adrien a hat from fans on his fifth name day, Ladybug kept a certain distance away from Chat. They still talked and joked and bantered but it felt... empty or false. Like, she was trying to keep up with a charade but couldn't. He had no idea why and it hurt that she wouldn't at least tell him that she was uncomfortable. Thankfully, things mostly went back to normal after the fiasco with Felix and Senti-bug.

That was another thing: how callously Mayura was able to snap a sentient and feeling being out of existence! Chat had been so enraged and Adrien so appalled. He couldn't grasp how someone could do that just because the person no longer served their purpose. It made his resolve to beat Hawkmoth and Mayura even stronger.

Another was his Father. While grieving his mother on the one year anniversary, Adrien had thought that his Father was going to open up. He had come out and saw with Adrien at the foot of his mother's statue and offered him the first bit of comfort since Adrien had snuck out to see her film months ago. Adrien still- and always- craved his father's comfort so he relished in it. Gabriel was also speaking softly and openly to him and it just felt so nice and warm... until he made the Nathalie comment. Adrien wasn't sure how but it had been a mistake. His father's cold disposition snapped back into place and he left Adrien sitting alone. Adrien was quite used to it after all this time but it had still hurt. The only thing that made it better was knowing that his friends were thinking of him in his time of need, even if he hadn't received their well wishes.

This led him to the main thing that had him reeling: Luka.

Everything had started out normal. Adrien called him that night after the party when he really needed to talk. Called him to run things by him and see what his advice was about dealing with different situations. Called him to talk about his mom. Called him to talk about the band and different rhythms and musical flares that could be added to their songs. Called to ask him about his day when Adrien felt like he was talking about himself and problems too often.

This lead to them texting everyday about little things: their days, funny things, school, music, friends, and their worries about Marinette and her stress load. Adrien wouldn't have brought it up to anyone else other than Alya, but he knew that Luka was close to her and obviously knew she wasn't doing her best.

Soon Adrien was looking forward to the calls and texts and meet ups. Looking forward to his advice and hugs and musical genius. Other than Nino, actually probably including Nino, Luka was starting to feel like his best friend. He knew him in ways that no one else did, listened to him like no one else did or ever had. That wasn't the surprise that shook him though.

It was the day after the fight with Nino's little brother when he went- snuck out- to go hangout with Luka because he always felt better after hanging out with Luka. He also wanted to know if Luka had any advice for dealing with controlling fathers. His father had all but demanded that he attend this anniversary party for the mayor and his wife just to stand there and do... nothing. Nothing! His dad just wanted him to stand around like a walking billboard or arm candy or... a prop! He couldn't even move around the party or chat with any friends who might also be in attendance. Any argument or suggestion made to make sure he wasn't bored out of his mind was shot down and dismissed.

It frustrated him to no end!

Adrien wanted to share his frustrations- through words or music, Luka was cool with both- so he headed over, forgetting to text that he was coming. When he got to the boat, he didn't see anyone on deck so he headed below. Getting to the bottom of the steps, he looked around but was only met with silence which was a little weird. If Luka was there, there'd always be some form of music happening. Shrugging, he moved to Luka's room and stopped short at the door.

It was relatively quiet; a nice peaceful mood. It was no wonder why Luka was asleep. What Adrien hadn't been expecting was to see Marinette curled into his side with her head on his chest and his arms around her, fingers still in her hair, asleep as well.

Adrien's heart clenched and released at the sight. They both looked so happy and relaxed. He stared a second longer before quietly leaving the room and the boat and went home. He didn't think about what he saw until he was back in his bedroom, mostly alone.

Were Luka and Marinette a couple? Neither of them had said anything. Nino, who would've heard from Alya, hadn't said anything which meant Alya, Marinette's best friend, didn't know. Were they a secret couple? It was true that whenever everyone was together, the two of them could be found together so it would make sense. But even when they were together in groups, they never let on they were together. There was no hand holding, kisses, pet names, or any of the other stuff he'd seen other couples do so it was still shocking.

The thought of them together made him happy, really happy, though. Luka was amazing and caring and Marinette could use such a calming force in her seemingly hectic life. How relaxed she seemed with him proved that. And Marinette! She was awesome, smart, generous, and one of the best people ever and Luka deserved the best, nothing less.

Under the happiness, there was also confusion. Why hadn't they told anyone? All of their friends would be excited for them. He surely was! Which had Adrien wondering why Luka hadn't told him. They'd been talking constantly for weeks and he hadn't even alluded to a relationship with anyone, never the less their mutual close friend.

He also felt a bit jealous as with when he saw Alya and Nino but- as he looked deeper into his own feelings- it felt... different. A bit sadder, maybe? Why was that?

Startling him, Plagg flew in front of his face and smiled. "Kid! I need some cheese!" He looked closer at Adrien's face. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just... thinking."

"About?" Adrien hesitated. "C'mon kid. You can spill your guts to me."

Adrien sighed. "Yeah, I know." He looked down at his hands before shaking his head. "It's about Luka and Marinette."

"Oh. Black Nails and Pigtails?"

"Yeah. They're dating, I think, and they haven't told anyone. I'm happy for them and they deserve each other since they're the best people I know, but I'm a little sad they, well, didn't tell me."

"Maybe they wanted to keep it secret?"

"I get that and that most people have secrets and that doesn't upset me. So why would them keeping this a secret make me feel this way?"

Plagg hovered for a moment before shrugging. "Maybe you're jealous?"

Adrien tilted his head in thought. "Jealous? Well, I am usually jealous when I see couples- even with my friends- but it feels different this time and I'm not sure why."

Plagg floated away before returning with cheese. "Maybe you're more jealous than usual."

"Why would I be? They're no different than Alya and Nino."

"Maybe you like Pigtails or Black Nails?"

"Of course I like Marinette and Luka: they're my friends!"

The Kwami rolled his eyes. "You're my favorite holder but you're so oblivious sometimes." Adrien frowned but Plagg continued. "I mean like-like, kid. Kinda like how I like-like any beautiful piece of camembert." Plagg inhaled deeply. "I think I'm in love with this piece."

"Like-like? You mean that I like one of them as more than friends? I don't know about that..."

As Plagg tossed up the cheese and chumped on it, Adrien's mind drifted as he thought about his friends, specifically Luka and how their friendship had evolved over the last couple of months. How every text made him happy. Every hug made him feel warm inside. Every smile made his breath hitch for just a second- which Adrien had just thought was a wave of relief that someone he confided in was near. Adrien thought about these moments and it all clicked into place.

He liked Luka.

That didn't only send him reeling: it knocked him off his feet entirely.