Learning

"It is not knowledge, but the act of learning, not possession but the act of getting there, which grants the greatest enjoyment."

-Carl Friedrich Gauss

Luka believed that all beings were lifelong learners. Every day of their lives, everyone was learning something whether they were in school, on the banks of a river, at home, or somewhere roaming the streets learning about life, love, books, survival, or any of the facts of life. It happened when you were listening to the music of nature alone or when you were locked away trading secrets, learning facts, and life stories with friends.

The latter was happening now.

After their initial make out session, the three of them settled on the couch to talk things out.

"Are we sure this is a good idea? I mean, we like each other but wouldn't there be problems with jealousy or feeling left out?"

Luka hummed. "I've never been a jealous person. Seeing the two of you kiss earlier didn't make me mad or jealous. It made me happy."

Marinette nodded. "Same. I used to be jealous seeing other girls around either of you but seeing you two together actually makes me feel..." She trailed off and both boys smirked as she blushed.

"Hot?" Adrien supplied.

"Horny?" Luka chipped in. Marinette's face got even hotter and she buried it in her hands. He was happy to learn that that was a turn on for her.

Adrien moved to sit closer to her so he could grab her hands. When she finally looked at him, he smiled. "It's okay, Marinette. I feel the same."

And for him.

Her eyes widened- Luka assumed it was at the thought of her being able to turn Adrien on- and she bit her lip. "Oh. Okay."

"So jealousy won't be a problem. What about telling other people like our families and friends?"

Marinette and Luka shared a look before Marinette spoke. "It's probably best if we don't tell anyone else for a while. We should see how we work together first so it won't be a whole kerfuffle."

Some of the light drained from Adrien's face and Luka was confused. Had Marinette said something wrong? He waited for him to say something but all he said was. "Oh, okay." And withdrew a bit.

Luka shook his head. "Adrien." He said softly as he moved closer to the other boy. "A big part of this working is communicating." Adrien's eyes widened and locked on his. "This won't work if we don't talk to each other or if we're not honest about our feelings, boundaries, and worries."

Absorbing and acknowledging his words, Adrien took a breath. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay. This is all a learning process."

Nodding, he asked, "Do you not want to tell anyone about us because you're ashamed to be with me? Or afraid of my father?"

Luka's heart broke at the sadness and dejection in his voice while Marinette was already hugging Adrien's head to her chest.

"Of course not! Did you not hear how long I've wanted you? How could I be ashamed of you when I finally got you?"

"And screw your dad. Nothing he does will stop us from wanting to be with you. Nothing."

Adrien's body sagged in relief against Marinette's before he wrapped his arms around her and sat up. Surprising Luka, Adrien reclined against him with Marinette in his arms so that he was, again, sandwiched between them with Luka at his back and Marinette lying against his chest. Luka filed away that this was probably his favorite relaxing position: being cuddled from both sides.

After a quiet moment where they adjusted to their new seating position, Adrien spoke.

"So why do you want to keep it a secret?" Marinette rested her head against his chest as Luka wrapped his arms around Adrien so he could cuddle both of them.

"For the same reasons we didn't tell anyone Luka and I were together: privacy. We wanted to get to know each other quietly, but the moment I say something to Alya everyone would know." Adrien snorted. Thinking of how quickly news traveled from Alya to Nino to him, he agreed. "And I want a little bit of time where I get to have my boys all to myself."

Adrien felt a feeling bloom in his chest from how she called them ' my boys' and the way she looked at him with her cheek pressed against his chest.

"Okay. It's probably for the best anyways. Even though you guys aren't worried, I still don't want my father to interfere."

There was a short silence before anyone spoke.

"So your dad..." Marinette started. "is he really horrible to you?"

Adrien sighed. "He's not... exactly horrible, I guess. He just hasn't cared about anything outside the brand ever since my mom disappeared. Sure, he cares about my hobbies and safety but I'm not sure he cares about me deep down. Since my mom left, he's only comforted me maybe three times? A quick hug the day the official news broke, letting me watch her film, and a quiet moment the day of the anniversary. That's it. No hugs, head pats, words, or anything and that's all I really want from him, all I've ever wanted. But it always feels so lonely in that house even when he's there." Both pairs of arms hugged him tighter.

"I'm sorry."

"Thanks."

"And we'll comfort you!" Marinette sniffled. "All the hugs, head rubs, words, cuddles, kisses, everything! Whatever you need, whenever you need it!"

Adrien's eyes grew misty so he leaned forward and kissed her. "Thank you."

He then felt Luka's lips against his neck. "We're here for you. No matter what."